Building Design+Construction editors bring you the top building products for the month of December. Collected across a variety of building sectors, these products make roofing easy, advance sustainable building, and provide sleek looks.
From universal shower pans to ventilated doors, here are 15 products being used in the industry today.
December 2023 Top 15 Building Products
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RS Storm-Resistant Combination Louvers
by Construction Specialties
![RS Storm-Resistant Combination Louvers](/sites/default/files/inline-images/CS%20Standard%20Louvers_%20Uber_Offices.jpg)
The RS Storm-Resistant Combination Louvers are engineered to meet architects’ preference for horizontal louver blades while delivering the necessary storm resistance found in vertical louver blades. As a result of the pairing, the combination louvers can resist wind-driven rain and winds as high as 50 mph that can drive as much as eight inches of water per hour. Suitable for a lower-level application, the RS-5215 Storm-Resistant Louver has horizontal blades facing in a downward direction, obscuring vertical blades behind a horizontal front. Horizontal blades face upward on the RS-5225 Storm-Resistant Louver, and it is ideal for higher-level applications so viewers at street level won’t be able to see the vertical blades installed behind.
Universal Shower Pan
by Hydro Systems
![Universal Shower Pan](/sites/default/files/inline-images/Hydro%20Systems-Shower%20Pans-2.jpg)
The Universal Shower Pan by Hydro Systems is a 100% solid, non-porous surface that deters bacteria, mold, and mildew while resisting scratches and stains. Made from a proprietary solid surface material the company calls Hydroluxe SS—a blend of natural minerals and high-quality, man-made composites—a shower pan can be molded into any shape and size. Because it acts as a waterproof barrier, there is no need to waterproof the subfloor before installation, saving time and money.
MAPEI’s carbon-neutral product family
by MAPEI
![Collection of carbon-neutral products](/sites/default/files/inline-images/MAPEI%20Carbon%20Neutral%20family.jpg)
Specifiers, contractors, and homeowners can choose products that are fully offset through their entire lifecycle with the launch of the MAPEI family of carbon-neutral products. This carbon-neutral status is achieved by calculating a product’s carbon footprint and reducing it to zero through in-house efficiency measures paired with the acquisition of certified carbon credits in support of renewable energy and forestry protection projects. The family includes: Keraflex Super, Large Tile & Stone Mortar (white and gray), Light Mortar for Tile & Stone, Mapecem Quickpatch, Mapefer 1K, MAPEI Ultralite Mortar Zero, Planitop XS, Ultracolor Plus FA, and Ultraflex LFT.
Dekton Ukiyo fluted tiles
by Cosentino
![Ukiyo Umber Kitchen](/sites/default/files/inline-images/Ukiyo%20Umber_Kitchen_V1_C1_5120%D1%852880_300dpi_JPEG.jpg)
Created in collaboration with high-end interior and product designer Claudia Afshar, Dekton Ukiyo is inspired by Japanese and contemporary design and celebrates the art of minimalism. The textured collection comes in two fluting options: GV2 with groves set 25mm apart and measure 5mm wide and 3mm deep; and GV3 with groves set 11mm apart and are 4mm wide and deep. Both options come in tiles sized 17.7 inches by 118 inches. Especially designed for vertical cladding application, the ready-to-install fluted tiles are available in a matte finish and five existing Dekton colorways.
Trap-Tee symmetrical metal roofing system
by McElroy Metal
![Trap-Tee metal seam](/sites/default/files/inline-images/McElroyMetal_Trap-Tee_Seam2.jpg)
Best suited for rectangular metal buildings and tilt-up warehousing, the Trap-Tee symmetrical metal roofing system is a site-formed, mechanically seamed system that measures 2 3⁄4-inches tall. This system has been designed to resolve the three major shortcomings of trapezoidal standing seam roof systems. Site forming eliminates end laps vulnerable to leaking over time, while the oversized seam and special clips dramatically increase wind uplift capacity and the symmetrical design allows for easy repair or alteration after the roof is installed. It is available with a Sherwin-Williams PVDF Fluropon coating.
Qwel Designer Acoustic Wall Tiles
by Genesis Products
![Qwel Wall Tiles](/sites/default/files/inline-images/Qwel%20Wall%20Tiles%202.jpg)
With the introduction of Qwel Designer Acoustic Wall Tiles, designers now have a complete, complementary acoustic solution for walls and ceilings. The wall tiles can be mixed and matched to achieve unique designs using the offered rectangle, square, and hexagon shapes in sizes ranging from 4–24 inches. Made from 100% non-woven PET fibers and up to 50% recycled materials, the wall tiles naturally manage sound without chemical after-treatments and are 100% recyclable. The washable tiles are stain-, mold-, and mildew-resistant and feature a Class A rating for fire and smoke.
Combined lead and PFOA/PFOS filter
by Zurn Elkay Water Solutions
![Combined lead and PFOA PFOS filter](/sites/default/files/inline-images/item_00094902156439.jpg)
The 2,250-gallon WaterSentry 71300C filter reduces lead, PFOA, and PFOS within drinking water and can be integrated into Elkay bottle filling stations and faucets for schools, hospitals, airports, and other commercial and residential applications. Utilizing highly engineered activated carbon to absorb contaminants, the filter can reduce cysts, Class I particulates, and chlorine taste and odor from drinking water as well under NSF/ANSI 42 and 53. For ease of maintenance, the 71300C filter is equipped with a quick-disconnect, ¼-turn installation and an automatic inlet shut-off valve that closes when the filter is removed.
Caesarstone Time Collection
by Caesarstone
![Caesarstone Time Collection](/sites/default/files/inline-images/unnamed_2.jpg)
Caesarstone Mineral represents a new generation of surfaces created with advanced sustainable manufacturing and materials, and the Time Collection is the first to launch under the portfolio with three contemporary designs that draw inspiration from quartzite and marble. Providing versatile colors and patterns, 5113 Solenna, 5140 Dreamy Carrara, and 5310 Brillianza each bring together multiple design elements while making a statement. These premium low silica sustainable surfaces deliver the same durability, performance, and aesthetic as quartz while reducing the crystalline silica content of the surfacing material to less than 40 percent.
PAC-CLAD Board and Batten wall panel system
by Petersen, a Carlisle Company
![Board and Batten system](/sites/default/files/inline-images/e0c77a9a-a59c-6730-60ba-03c89993848e.jpg)
Expanding the creative options for designers and specifiers of exterior cladding systems, the PAC-CLAD Board and Batten wall panel system provides a classic design aesthetic for residential and commercial wall applications. The ¾-inch depth and 2-inch width of the batten create dimensional interest while keeping trim offsets to a minimum, and concealed fasteners maintain clean lines and a rhythmic pattern of alternating wide vertical boards and narrower elevated battens. Offered in 24-gauge steel and .032 aluminum, panel widths available include 12 and 16 inches, and maximum lengths are 30 feet for steel and 22 feet for aluminum. The system can only be installed vertically.
MetalWorks Immix Blades and Linear panels
by Armstrong Ceiling & Wall Solutions
![metalworks-immix-linear-sequels-student-center-rend-a](/sites/default/files/inline-images/metalworks-immix-linear-sequels-student-center-rend-a.jpg)
Part of the Armstrong Sustain portfolio, the MetalWorks Immix Linear panels and MetalWorks Immix Blades panels meet stringent industry sustainability compliance standards. The panelized torsion spring ceiling systems are also part of the Armstrong CleanAssure family of disinfectable products, and black acoustical infill panels hide the plenum in both lines for a noise reduction coefficient up to 0.95 as well as a clean, finished installation appearance. While both lines have a consistent ⅛-inch reveal end-to-end, the Immix Linear Blades panels feature a monolithic or open reveal linear look, and the Immix Blades panels achieve an open reveal linear look.
Green-Lock Plus Membrane Adhesive
by The Garland Company
![Green-Lock Plus Membrane Adhesive](/sites/default/files/inline-images/GreenLock%20Plus_Features%20and%20Benefits%20Slick-1.jpg)
The Green-Lock Plus Membrane Adhesive can now display a unique U.S. Department of Agriculture Certified Biobased Product Label that highlights its percentage of biobased content, which is the portion of a product that comes from a renewable source, such as plant, animal, marine or forestry feedstocks. Administered through the USDA BioPreferred Program, the label aims to draw attention to biobased products and their ability to help address climate change through various means. The membrane adhesive contains zero VOCs, low odor, fast curing and can help projects meet sustainability goals or local requirements.
VanAir ventilated door
by VanAir Design
![VanAir ventilated door](/sites/default/files/inline-images/74.%20VanAir%20Door_0.jpg)
When laundry closets in multifamily units are in less-than-ideal areas, like next to a kitchen or a living space, the door in front of it becomes an unsightly and noisy problem for occupants. This patented VanAir ventilated door features an integrated air channel that prevents air and sound from taking a straight path through the door. Instead, air and sound are channeled through a series of bends and absorptive material.
SAFTI Fence
by SAFTI FIRST
![SAFTI Fence by SAFTI First](/sites/default/files/inline-images/61.%20SAFTI%20FIRST%20SAFTI%20Fence%20B.jpg)
Designed for building applications in high-fire-risk areas—especially those with grand views like coastal and mountainous regions—this clear, fire-rated glass fence system offers a one-hour fire rating and is tested to a 400-pound impact. Compared with traditional metal, PVC, or wood fencing, SAFTI Fence offers added security, fire protection, sound control, and even animal control. The U.S.-made system is available with glass options: laminated, decorative, colored, satin etched, and bird/animal friendly patterns.
VertiStack Clear Door
by Clopay
![Clopay VertiStack Clear Door](/sites/default/files/inline-images/20.%20Clopay%20VertiStack%20Clear%20Door%20A_0.jpg)
The VertiStack Clear Door delivers a compact door with vertically stacking sections that take up minimal ceiling space or can be recessed and hidden from view entirely. Its streamlined aesthetic also extends to its engineering, with no hinges or exposed tracks and a smooth, quiet operation. While the door can help commercial environments embrace the natural environment when open, sunlight also filters in via the door’s panels, which are available in a range of options.
Inpro Bond Roll-On Adhesive
by Inpro
![Inpro Bond Roll-On Adhesive](/sites/default/files/inline-images/42.%20Inpro%20Inpro%20Bond%20Roll-On%20Adhesive_0.jpg)
Inpro Bond Roll-On Adhesive is the first ever roller-applied adhesive in the building materials industry for rigid sheet wall protection, says the maker. The adhesive has an increased coverage rate over mastic adhesives by nearly 50%, allows for repositioning, and is compatible with all industry standard primers. It features a light-blue drying color, so contractors can see where they are applying adhesive during installation for an even application.
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| Feb 10, 2011
Moen M•Power electronic faucets
At 0.5 gpm, Moen’s M•Power electronic faucets meet the current standards, and offer features that eliminate waste. Improved electronic sensors reduce reflectivity to stop false sensing, and turn off automatically after 30 seconds. Electronics can be installed above or below deck to accommodate different sink styles.
| Feb 3, 2011
Duro-Last Roofing, Inc. Adds Standing Seam Metal Product Line
Duro-Last Roofing, Inc. is adding a standing seam metal product line to its roofing system offerings. With five profiles and more than thirty colors to choose from, the new line will enable authorized Duro-Last contractors to provide a standing seam roofing installation to meet virtually any aesthetic requirements.
| Jan 25, 2011
Sherwin-Williams Zero-VOC Claim Misleading, Says BBB
In a move that could prompt industry-wide changes to claims about volatile organic compounds (VOCs), the Better Business Bureau’s National Advertising Division (NAD) has told Sherwin-Williams it should stop marketing its Harmony line of paints as “zero-VOC.” Sherwin-Williams said it will accept NAD’s decision and will take the findings into consideration in its future advertising.
| Jan 7, 2011
How Building Teams Choose Roofing Systems
A roofing survey emailed to a representative sample of BD+C’s subscriber list revealed such key findings as: Respondents named metal (56%) and EPDM (50%) as the roofing systems they (or their firms) employed most in projects. Also, new construction and retrofits were fairly evenly split among respondents’ roofing-related projects over the last couple of years.
| Jan 4, 2011
Product of the Week: Zinc cladding helps border crossing blend in with surroundings
Zinc panels provide natural-looking, durable cladding for an administrative building and toll canopies at the newly expanded Queenstown Plaza U.S.-Canada border crossing at the Niagara Gorge. Toronto’s Moriyama & Teshima Architects chose the zinc alloy panels for their ability to blend with the structures’ scenic surroundings, as well as for their low maintenance and sustainable qualities. The structures incorporate 14,000 sf of Rheinzink’s branded Angled Standing Seam and Reveal Panels in graphite gray.
| Jan 4, 2011
Furniture Sustainability Standard - Approved by ANSI and Released for Distribution
BIFMA International recently announced formal American National Standards Institute (ANSI) approval and release of the ANSI/BIFMA e3-2010 Furniture Sustainability Standard. The e3 standard represents a structured methodology to evaluate the "sustainable" attributes of furniture products and constitutes the technical criteria of the level product certification program.
| Dec 7, 2010
Product of the Week: Petersen Aluminum’s column covers used in IBM’S new offices
IBM’s new offices at Dulles Station West in Herndon, Va., utilized Petersen’s PAC-1000 F Flush Series column covers. The columns are within the office’s Mobility Area, which is designed for a mobile workforce looking for quick in-and-out work space. The majority of workspaces in the office are unassigned and intended to be used on a temporary basis.
| Nov 2, 2010
A Look Back at the Navy’s First LEED Gold
Building Design+Construction takes a retrospective tour of a pace-setting LEED project.
| Nov 2, 2010
Wind Power, Windy City-style
Building-integrated wind turbines lend a futuristic look to a parking structure in Chicago’s trendy River North neighborhood. Only time will tell how much power the wind devices will generate.