To shrink the building sector’s carbon footprint and in response to client and designer demand, manufacturers are offering more innovative, environmentally friendly options. Selected from 75 entries to ARCHITECT’s first-ever Sustainable Product Call, these 15 products show how design excellence can permeate every aspect of a building.
Sunlit Days, Silestone by Cosentino
This carbon-neutral quartz surfacing collection is made with 99% reclaimed water, 100% renewable energy, and a minimum of 20% recycled raw materials in its composition, while reducing the presence of crystalline silica. Available in five hues, the collection suits high-traffic applications, such as countertops and wall cladding. cosentino.com
Grain + Bias, Milliken
Based on the imperfections visible on the reverse side of embroidery, this collection of modular, nylon carpet tiles has a 20% to 30% reduction in face weight compared with other Milliken carpets. These durable 19.7”-square tiles are available in three visually textured patterns—handspun, needlework, and burnout—and in 16 colorways. floors.milliken.com
Coil Collection Naturals, LightArt
Inspired by the look of ceramic pottery, the shades in this 11-piece collection of pendant lights are 3D printed with 65% recycled resin from the waste of LightArt’s parent company, 3form. Each fixture is assembled with a single LED module, a PVC-free cord, and powder-coated hardware. Available in a range of sizes, five colors, 2700K to 4000K color temperatures, and a color rendering index exceeding 80 or 90. lightart.com
Brittanicca Block, Cambria
Composed of 99% recycled content, Brittanicca is laid in parallel lines, similar to butcher block, but with unique veining, patterns, and tonality set against a milky white background. Available in matte and high-gloss finishes, with different edge profiles, and in 1cm and 3cm thicknesses. Greenguard and Greenguard Gold certified. cambriausa.com
Wave Collection, Polywood
Each of the four Adirondack chair designs in this collection repurposes more than 1,000 single-use plastic containers into outdoor seating. When arranged together, their contoured headrests form a cresting wave. The approximately 30"-by-35"-by-33" chairs feature continuous color and an ultraviolet-protectant. A new vintage finish evokes the character of matte-painted wood. polywood.com
Data Tide Carpet Collection, Mohawk Group
The patterns of this carbon-neutral collection explore the relationship between nature and data. Available in eight colorways inspired by estuaries, the 12"-by-36" planks feature light-to-dark gradations to mimic transitioning waters. mohawkgroup.com
Guardian Bird1st Etch Glass, Guardian Glass
To reduce the approximately 1 billion fatal collisions of birds with buildings each year, this translucent product offers four acid-etched patterns that adhere to the 2×4 rule alerting birds to the imminent obstacle. Available with a low-E coating option on surface 2 for insulated glass units. guardianglass.com
Lamboo Rainscreen System, Lamboo Technologies
Made entirely of engineered bamboo, this exterior and interior rainscreen system is approved for hurricane-rated zones. The system comes with a nominal 3", 5", or 7" facing, up to 16' in length, and in six colors, including butternut and pewter. Offered with curtain wall and storefront options. lamboo.us
Rampart Resolve, Wolf Gordon
Made of 30% recycled content and an olefin composite material, this wallcovering collection has been engineered to meet the demands of high-traffic areas. The PVC-free collection comes in two patterns: Inyo, a woodgrain available in a range of neutrals; and Luxor (shown), a raw linen pattern. wolfgordon.com
GreenGirt Delta Adjustable System, Advanced Architectural Products
This adjustable wall system enables the installation of continuous insulation on building envelopes and plane deviations and eliminates thermal bridging from metal framing and through-wall fasteners. greengirt.com
Freeform, Turf Design
The sculptural curves of this acoustical ceiling baffle can be customized, absorbing sound as needed in a space. Made from 60% pre-consumer PET felt, the 2"-thick baffles can achieve noise reduction coefficients from 0.55 to 0.95, depending on spacing. turf.design
The Universe System, Juniper
The low-voltage power distribution system can form a continuous 150-linear-foot run, hosting up to 16 LEDs on a single power supply. The 0.25" rail profile can be configured with connector nodes and pivot components to illuminate a space using miniature LED spots that click into place via magnets. juniper-design.com
Wildwood Cladding, Fiberon
Composed of 94% pre- and post-consumer recycled wood and plastic, Wildwood offers a low-maintenance alternative to wood, according to Fiberon. Available in a variety of board sizes for horizontal and vertical orientations. fiberoncladding.com
FK10/FK11 Plico Chair, Carl Hansen & Søn
Designed in 1964 by Danish furniture makers Preben Fabricius and Jørgen Kastholm, the heirloom piece has an adjustable backrest that can be folded, per its name, which means “to fold” in Latin. High- and low-back versions are available. Made with an FSC-certified oak frame, saddle-leather armrests, a canvas back and seat, and brass finishes. carlhansen.com
SquareDrain, QuickDrain USA
For new and retrofit applications, this elevated stainless-steel point drain system is available in a range of styles and finishes. Each site-sizable SquareDrain point pan repurposes up to 600 post-consumer recycled plastic bottles. quickdrain.com
