Three manufacturers are leading the way with groundbreaking products that redefine durability in their respective fields. From North on Sixty’s Kebony, a dually-modified wood that’s FSC-certified, to Ballistic Glass & Armor Solutions’ Defendoor, a revolutionary glass door, and Timber Pro Coatings’ eco-friendly finishes for mass timber projects, these brands are setting new standards. By prioritizing innovation, they are meeting the industry’s call for materials built to last, enabling designs that are as robust as they are timeless.
Kebony Wood: All Upside, No Downside
North on Sixty has become a leader in solid wood expertise and durability, and so it is fitting that they are Canada’s official supplier of Kebony wood.
Kebony is FSC-certified softwood enhanced through a patented process that gives it characteristics comparable to tropical hardwoods. Kebony's dual modification technology imbues a bio-based liquid that reduces hygroscopicity, while also forming a polymer that reinforces the wood, bolstering its strength and hardness and giving it a rich brown color. The result is a versatile material ideal for outdoor solid wood applications including cladding, decking, and furniture.
“Kebony installs twice as fast as traditional hardwoods like ipé, requires no maintenance beyond regular cleaning, and comes with a warranty of 25 years for decking and 30 years for siding,” Yuill McGregor explains. For over twenty years, this exceptional durability has made Kebony a go-to solution for architects seeking true sustainability for residential, commercial and infrastructure projects. It’s also led to widespread recognition — for instance as a repeated Global Cleantech 100 company and a World Economic Forum Technology Pioneer.
Defendoor: Safety Meets Aesthetics
Security glazing isn’t generally known for its aesthetic appeal. Most solutions rely on heavy steel framing to meet specified safety and durability requirements—and that’s exactly what Ballistic Glass & Armor Solutions (BGAS) set out to change with Defendoor.
The first purpose-built, all-glass, Class A ballistic and forced entry door, Defendoor challenges the notion that safety features must compromise aesthetics. Defendoor was specifically designed to provide the same appearance as clear glass, while ensuring comprehensive protection.
“People shouldn’t have to work in spaces that look like prisons,” says Ron Parker, BGAS CEO. “Architects helped us identify this gap in the market, and we developed a product that not only meets rigorous security standards, but also the most demanding aesthetic requirements. After our first install in a corporate headquarters, employees said they weren’t even aware that the existing glass doors had been replaced with a ballistic product.”
Defendoor is tested to UL 752 level 3 ballistic penetration equivalent (it’s a low-spall product, not a no-spall product) and ASTM 3561 Level 8 forced entry standards. However, durability is more than just material strength—it’s also about how a product withstands the rigors of daily use. BGAS tested Defendoor for longevity, and set a new industry milestone of flawless performance for over one million continuous cycles. The company credits Defendoor’s proprietary pivot design, which also enables the door to be manually installed and adjusted in just a few minutes, and effortlessly operated with just two fingers.
Defendoor demonstrates BGAS’ commitment to innovation and customer-centric design, a hallmark of the Texas-based manufacturer. By tailoring to the unique needs of each client and security challenge, BGAS is rethinking the possibilities of security glazing.
Timber Pro Coatings: Protecting the Future of Mass Timber
Mass timber is on the rise, and with it comes a need for coatings that protect large-scale wood structures without harming the environment. Enter Timber Pro Coatings, a leader in sustainable wood finishes.
Their products, including the low-VOC Mass Timber Coatings line, are designed to protect wood while maintaining eco-friendliness. A recent standout project is their work on the nine-acre mass timber ceiling at Portland International Airport in Oregon. Prestained with Timber Pro’s low-VOC coatings, the beams showcase the company’s dedication to durability and environmental responsibility.
“Our products aren’t just ‘low VOC’—they’re exceptionally low at 34 grams per liter, compared to the industry standard of 250 grams,” notes Timber Pro. “We’re not just protecting wood—we’re protecting the planet and the people who build it.”
For nearly three decades, Timber Pro Coatings has been a trusted name in sustainable wood protection. The company’s finishes are tailored to meet the needs of environmentally conscious builders and homeowners, offering durability without compromising air quality. With products suitable for both interior and exterior applications, Timber Pro has established itself as a leader in eco-friendly solutions that enhance and protect wood surfaces.
What sets Timber Pro apart is its commitment to innovation and environmental stewardship. Their finishes are plant oil based yet water-borne, not water-based, a distinction that reflects the precision and care behind their formulations. These products deliver superior performance, outlasting traditional stains while ensuring safe application and long-term environmental benefits.
As the use of mass timber grows in the construction industry, Timber Pro Coatings is paving the way with solutions that balance sustainability and durability, meeting the demands of modern architecture.
Built to Last: Timeless Design
Durability is more than just a product feature; it’s a commitment to creating solutions that stand the test of time, both structurally and aesthetically. North on Sixty’s Kebony wood exemplifies how innovative processes can transform sustainable materials into robust, long-lasting options for diverse applications. Similarly, Ballistic Glass & Armor Solutions has redefined the balance between safety and design with Defendoor, a bulletproof glass door that prioritizes both protection and beauty. Timber Pro Coatings rounds out the trio with its environmentally friendly wood finishes that protect large-scale timber projects while keeping eco-conscious values at the forefront.
Together, these manufacturers embody a forward-thinking approach to architectural materials, offering products that are as strong as they are innovative. Joining a list of other innovative companies in design manufacturing and construction, they are all featured on the Acelab design platform. By focusing on longevity, performance, and versatility, they provide architects and designers with the tools to create spaces that endure—both in their physical presence and their environmental impact. As the industry continues to evolve, these brands remind us that durability is the foundation of truly timeless design.
