The products selected for Building Design+Construction’s annual 101 Top Products report are determined by you, our readers. From security doors to metal ceilings, fabric ducts to rainscreen wall systems, linear drains to bacteria-killing LED lighting, these are the products that appeared in the pages of the magazine over the past 12 months that readers wanted to learn more about. The products were selected based on the number of reader service inquiries. BD+C editors selected a few of our favorites as well (marked “Editors' Picks”).
The products are organized across eight categories: Building Envelope | Building Systems | Flooring | Glass and Glazing | Interior | Plumbing | Structural | Windows and Doors.
Enjoy!
LIVING WALL AT CONSERVATORY
Project: The Alice and Herbert Sachs Therapeutic Conservatory, Elkins Park, Pa. Problem: A section of the project’s 1,500-sf conservatory, The Show Room, is a relaxing green space for patients to escape from the hospital environment. A green wall was stipulated in the design as a complement to the water wall. Solution: The design team selected a 12x7-foot green wall that was installed with the LiveWall Indoor Living Wall System. The green wall screens a large masonry wall while allowing for more plants to be brought into the space without taking up floor space. LiveWall can be installed with full grown plants and is engineered to help plants thrive in a greenhouse structure.
LIVEWALL
Rockfon Island Wall System
The Rockfon Island Wall System is a new application option for open-plan offices, lobbies, atriums, reception areas, banquet halls, and other open, spacious areas. The panels are tested to achieve a noise reduction coefficient as high as 1.15. The stone wool panels can be installed at various angles and distances from the wall to create custom patterns for each room. The panels are offered in square and rectangular sizes: 4x4 feet, 4x6 feet, and 4x8 feet. The Island Wall System resists water, moisture, humidity, fire, and mold. The panels contain up to 41% recycled content.
ROCKFON
TRANSCEND
This contemporary textile collection is designed for indoor and outdoor applications in the harshest commercial environments, including hospitality, corporate, and education. Sixty-two styles in a range of color-saturated patterns and textures. Constructed from 100% solution-dyed fibers, so the color and texture will remain vibrant for years, says the maker. Patterns include asymmetrical plaid, graffiti-inspired scribbles, and velvet.
SUNBRELLA
ACOUSTIC MESH PANELS
Acoustic Mesh Panels are interior aluminum-based panels designed to improve poor workplace and commercial acoustic environments. The panels incorporate a sag-free, one-inch-thick honeycomb support plate, layered with an intermediate blanket of fiber-free acoustic fleece to dampen noise. Lights, downlights, and sprinklers can be easily integrated. The panels can also be removed and refitted quickly for maintenance purposes.
GKD METAL FABRICS
RONDOLO CEILINGS
The Decoustics Rondolo line of micro-perforated acoustic wood panels and planks are comprised of a medium-density fiberboard wrapped in a natural wood veneer. The perforations virtually disappear at a distance, giving the appearance of a monolithic wood panel, while provided quality sound absorption.
CERTAINTEED CEILINGS
Truss Fastening Kits
To meet growing demand for enhanced sound control in spaces with exposed wood or concrete decks, Armstrong Ceiling Solutions offers Armstrong Truss Fastening Kits. These kits allow the company’s InvisAcoustics Basics panels and Tectum Direct-Attach panels to be integrated vertically onto trusses and I-beams. They are designed to virtually disappear into the structural elements, providing added sound control measures while maintaining the exposed ceiling aesthetic.
ARMSTRONG CEILING SOLUTIONS
HIGH-PERFORMANCE SUNSHADES at k12 school
Project: Drayton Mills Elementary School, Spartanburg, S.C. Problem: Natural light and views improve student performance, but there are times in a school setting when light is not desired. Solution: The school features Mermet’s E Screen in 3% openness and Avila Twilight 100% blackout fabrics in charcoal. The dark fabrics were chosen to blend with the inherent color of the SunGuard coated glass that was used to minimize the appearance of the shades from the exterior. The sunshades, combined with the glass, maximize thermal control. On the team: McMillan Pazdan Smith (architect), Draper Inc. (fabricator).
MERMET
ILLUMINATED CEILING AT MOYNIHAN TRAIN STATION
Project: Moynihan Train Station, New York. Problem: The architects wanted a ceiling system to illuminate an underground walkway. Solution: The SEFAR Architecture Lightframe ceiling system, a modular system. Two layers of IA-85-OP fabric were used with the system to allow for even light distribution. The modules have an NRC value of 0.90 to reduce noise in the terminal hallways.
SEFAR ARCHITECTURE
NATURE-INSPIRED SCULPTURAL CEILING
Project: Children’s Discovery Museum of San Jose, Calif. Problem: For the museum’s newly renovated circulation area, the design team wanted to create a dramatic, nature-inspired sculpture to signify the transition from the main museum to the outdoor nature exploration area, Bill’s Backyard. Solution: Pinta Acoustics’ Willtec foam material was used to create custom abstract butterfly shapes that provide acoustical control and create movement in the circulation area. The flat sheets are available in various shapes and sizes up to 48x96 inches, and thicknesses up to four inches.
PINTA ACOUSTICS
ANTWERP AND SPECTRA TILE
Ege Seramik introduced Antwerp and Spectra, two new tile collections digitally printed via Ege Seramik’s inkjet technology. Antwerp is a glazed porcelain collection with a matte finish. It is available in beige, brown, gray, and anthracite. Spectra is available in the same colors, but with a fully polished finish. Both options are available in two sizes: 12x24 and 24x24 inches. They are low maintenance and can be used in medium-traffic commercial applications.
EGE SERAMIK
ENVISTA TIMBERLOK
EDITORS' PICK: The rise of mass timber construction and increased demand for natural, organic colors have design teams searching for materials to complement traditional wood building components—or to contrast modern materials like glass curtain wall. Envista is designed to do just that. This steel roof and floor deck ceiling system adds a wood-grain aesthetic to interior and exterior ceiling systems, while providing the structural system to support the roof or concrete floor. Five panel types each have four different appearances for design flexibility. Depths span 12 to 36 feet. Contours improve the absorption of sound waves.
EPIC Metals
ROPEWALKER
This system combines a projection screen and lift into a single ceiling-recessed box, eliminating the need for extra black drop between the screen and tall ceilings. Suspended by stainless steel aircraft cables, the screen unrolls from an inner case with a vertical drop of up to 34 feet. Ideal for ballrooms, gymnasiums, houses of worship, and other large venues.
DRAPER
DELTA DROP
EDITORS' PICK: Modular ceiling system uses preconfigured faceted geometry to achieve a rich, modern aesthetic and a custom appearance through variations in pattern, faceting, and panel size. Lighting and backlighting can be incorporated for functionality and visual interest. Standard attachment grid system allows for easy installation.
ARKTURA
See the 101 Top Products for 2019: Building Envelope winners
See the 101 Top Products for 2019: Building Systems winners
See the 101 Top Products for 2019: Flooring winners
See the 101 Top Products for 2019: Glass and Glazing winners
See the 101 Top Products for 2019: Interior Building Product winners
See the 101 Top Products for 2019: Plumbing Product winners
See the 101 Top Products for 2019: Structural Product winners
See the 101 Top Products for 2019: Window and Door Product winners
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