Yesterday was the first official day of the 2017 AIA Conference on Architecture at the Orange County Convention Center in sunny Orlando, Fla. The annual event, held at a different city each year, brings together industry professionals from around the United States for seminars, workshops, tours, and manufacturer exhibits. While the first day's keynotes featured the likes of Elizabeth Diller, founding partner of Diller Scofidio + Renfro; Berlin-based architect Francis Kéré, Hon. FAIA; and former first lady Michelle Obama, the showroom floor was packed with manufacturers displaying a wide range of architectural products.
Below, we've rounded up some of our favorite finds from Day One.
Tork Image Design Matic Hand Towel Roll Dispenser with Intuition Sensor, SCA
This towel roll dispenser is the newest addition to the company's Image Design Line. The product is in line with SCA's E-Finity initiative—which aims to create a circular system for sustainability with their products—and has a regulated amount of hand towels that are automatically distributed through the touch-free sensor once the previous towel has been used. Available as wall mounted and recessed, the 14.69"-tall by 13.58"-wide fixture can be retrofit into existing slots or specified in new projects. Offered in black, white, and stainless steel options. torkusa.com
Modular Skylights, Velux
Created in collaboration with Foster + Partners, these skylights use a proprietary bracket system with installation-friendly clamps on the edge of each window to provide versatility for a number of applications. The units can be installed in five combinations: longlight (5 to 25 degrees), northlight (40 to 90 degrees), ridgelight (25 to 40 degrees), atrium longlight (5 to 25 degrees), and atrium ridge (25 to 40 degrees). Optional features include triple-glazing units, a Bluetooth-enabled or switch-operated control system, and internal roller blinds. veluxusa.com
Touchpad Keyless Entry, Linnea
This smartphone-like touchpad entry-system prototype by Georgia-based hardware company Linnea is set to be released within the next few months. Homeowners or guests can unlock a door by entering in a passcode or by using Bluetooth to simply hold their phone within close proximity of the module. Geared towards home-sharing services, the high-tech hardware allows owners to create temporary passes for guests through a smartphone application, so that visitors can't outstay their welcome. Finishes include polished stainless steel, satin, and oil-rubbed bronze. linnea-home.com
Molten Stone Collection, BestBath
Caldwell, Idaho–based bath product manufacturer BestBath has released a new collection of finishes for their tub and shower inserts, which are an alternative to granite and quartz surfaces for commercial, healthcare, multifamily, and hospitality applications. Available in 11 colorways including blue pearl and Aspen white. bestbath.com
Meteon Focus, Trespa
This new line of neutral exterior cladding panels is made of high-pressure compact laminate and contains up to 70 percent natural fibers as well as thermosetting resins. The panels are offered in thicknesses of 0.3", 0.4", and 0.5", and are available in nine finishes including Brooklyn luna and Santiago noche. trespa.com
