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Sustainability
StrataClean IQ Air Filtration System is quiet, energy-efficient and meets new EPA Clean Air in Buildings challenge recommendations
August 3, 2022
Introducing StrataClean IQ, an in-ceiling MERV 13 filtration system that is quiet, energy-efficient and meets new EPA Clean Air in Buildings challenge recommendations for increased ventilation. It's the easy way to specify for clean air!
How to Showcase Your Business During the Winter with Planters
January 26, 2022
The holiday season arrives and leaves rather quickly. However, winter décor does not always need to be put away immediately. As many travelers continue to enjoy vacations beyond the new year, winter décor can be nice to see around. Winter is the perfect time to freshen up looks around a business or try new arrangements. Whether it is hanging special snowflakes, lights, or putting out new planters, there are a lot of routes to consider.
Recycled Planters, Light Poles, and Bases
November 29, 2021
TerraCast® planters, PolySteel™ light poles, and light pole base covers are all manufactured using #4 linear-low density polyethylene (LLDPE) with up to 100% post-consumer recycled content. As we like to say, "our black is green," the standard black color we use contains a minimum of 90% post-consumer recycled content. In addition, the manufacturing process we use for these products, rotational molding (rotomolding), has an environmental advantage because it produces no scrap as all the materials can be 100% recycled.
Special shapes have an impact on architectural design
November 12, 2021
Designing the new senior living community required Antunovich Associates to navigate multiple national, state, and local building and health codes, as well as U.S. Green Building Council’s LEED program. The exterior of the new architecture was designed to resemble the historic Nellie Black building that previously resided on the site, but trying to match the original building’s Flemish bond created challenges. The traditional way to construct this pattern of bricks would be to layer red stretchers and black headers alternately in each course.
New SimpleSoffit™ Drywall Framing System from Armstrong Offers a Faster, Easier, Better Way to Build Soffits
May 19, 2021
Prefabricated drywall grid solution saves time, material, and labor on the jobsite by clicking into shape to quickly build soffits in a wide range of design configurations.
LYRA PB Direct-Apply Acoustical Ceiling and Wall Panels provide sustainable and acoustical options
March 17, 2021
LYRA PB Direct-Apply Acoustical Ceiling and Wall Panels provide sustainable and acoustical options for a wide variety of applications and install direct-to-structure using adhesive.
How façade elements are increasing health, safety, and sustainability in school design
August 14, 2020
Recognizing the occupant benefits of natural light, flexibility, and fresh air, architects are increasingly designing schools with ample amounts of glass and open, versatile layouts. Here’s a look at what’s driving trends in school design—and how the façade plays a crucial role.
The Daylighting Difference: Sustainability
April 13, 2020
Given that a large fraction of greenhouse gas emissions are the result of burning fossil fuels to produce electricity, one of the most significant steps a company can take towards a sustainable future is curbing its electricity use. Fortunately, one of the largest consumers of electricity is also one of the most easily replaced.
Trends in façade design: Office and Multifamily
January 15, 2020
People of all ages continue to move into multifamily communities, requiring developers to meet a range of needs. Kawneer delivers systems and solutions that offer the performance, aesthetics and sustainability required by today’s multifamily applications.
Nirmal Restaurant - Case Study: Feltworks Acoustical Panels are the perfect retrofit solution to control noise
December 13, 2019
Nirmal’s, rated one of the hottest restaurants in the country, brought in the accolades, but needed to bring down the noise, too. Hear how the owner quieted the space while preserving the ambiance.
Sustainable architecture: how to help prevent bird strikes
October 7, 2019
The statistics sound like something from an Alfred Hitchcock movie. Every year in the United States, more than one billion birds die flying into buildings. Yes, one billion. In fact, one of every ten adult breeding birds succumb in this manner, and because 100 eggs are usually needed to produce one adult breeding bird, that’s like losing 100 birds each time one adult breeding strikes a building.
Terracotta Rainscreen Facades give Durham County Human Services Complex an urban presence
September 25, 2019
The Durham County Human Services Complex in Durham, NC is designed as a courtyard building using Terracotta Rainscreen Facades to give the building an urban presence while the internalized courtyard is a hidden gem within the urban setting.
Achieve Sustainability Goals with Hollowcore Roof and Floor Systems
July 5, 2019
For architects and engineers, sustainable construction is no longer a buzz word – it makes sense. According to the National Precast Concrete Association, sustainable construction refers to meeting present day needs without sacrificing the needs of future generations. Following sustainable construction practices reduces our environmental impact, improves air quality for communities, and can lower operating costs for buildings. In addition, sustainability focuses on building long lasting infrastructure. The American Society of Civil Engineers’ most recent report card gives America’s infrastructure a D+ grade.
Giving new life to historic buildings leads to happier, healthier cities
June 17, 2019
Almost every city in America has a historic building awaiting a rebirth. Whether it’s a 300-year-old church, a 19th century warehouse, or even a 1950’s gas station, there is potential for great new spaces in your community. Every year AIA’s Committee on the Environment recognizes ten innovative projects that integrate design excellence with environmental performance. Beyond rigorous sustainability and ecological criteria, special attention to community and wellness factors is critical for selected projects. This year’s COTE Top Ten featured more adaptive reuse projects than ever before, signifying that the social and health value of these properties is on the rise.
Hotel X Toronto
May 27, 2019
High style and eco-conscious design are often perceived as mutually exclusive. Hotel X Toronto—the latest addition to the Library Hotel Collection’s portfolio of international boutique hotel properties—boldly challenges this assumption.
What’s the best strategy for solar-hungry homeowners?
May 24, 2019
Once overshadowed by high costs and low aesthetics, residential solar energy applications are now brightening the landscape, thanks to technological advances and financial incentives. From IKEA to Tesla, it seems like everyone is getting into the solar game. But is it better to invest in a solar roof, add panels to your existing roof, or replace your roof in tandem with a solar installation? Do you want to make the solar system a seamless addition to your home or bring it front and center to showcase your commitment to a sustainable future? Successfully integrating solar into a house calls for considerable knowledge and design skills. Consulting with an architect will make your decisions much easier.
Visual Blog: Kalwall in the Retail/Commercial Market
February 8, 2019
Introducing diffuse natural daylighting into a retail space has proven to increase sales and productivity. Full spectrum, glare-free daylight encourages consumers to spend more time shopping by creating a better mood and allowing products to be seen in sharper detail. The bottom line benefit extends to any commercial building: From reducing energy costs to increasing employee production, a space enhanced by diffuse natural daylighting increases in value per square foot. Here are five retail/commercial projects across the globe where Kalwall translucent sandwich panels have been used to provide a diffuse natural daylighting solution.
Meeting modern trends in multifamily construction
October 17, 2018
As demographics and preferences across multifamily shift, AIA partner Kawneer explores how architects are adjusting their exterior designs.
Facades+ features UW NanoES building with finishing by Linetec
October 15, 2018
The University of Washington’s recently opened Nano Engineering and Sciences Building (UW NanoES) provides modern performance and visual continuity with the adjacent Molecular Engineering and Sciences Building (MolES). Demonstrating its energy-efficiency and daylight-focused design, the project is pursuing LEED® Silver certification through the U.S. Green Building Council.
Thermal performance and energy savings with polycarbonate glazing systems
July 16, 2018
Q: Do Cellular Polycarbonate Glazing Systems Offer Thermal Performance and Energy Savings? One of the most prevalent complaints building owners and facility managers receive is that the occupants are too hot or too cold. This is especially true of tenants seated directly next to a window or other daylight opening. They want the daylight, but they also expect an ideal interior temperature. The high insulating and thermal performance of CPG (Cellular Polycarbonate Glazing) systems can accentuate the benefits of daylighting, improve occupants’ comfort, and contribute to owner’s energy savings and overall building value.