ARCHITECT's Fall 2019 Product Call received 218 submissions from manufacturers worldwide that represent a range of product categories and showcased a mix of innovation, performance, and design. From lighting to digital technology and from interior finishes to exterior cladding, these 30 products stood out among the submissions. Several of these products will be exhibited at the Greenbuild International Conference and Expo, in Atlanta, Nov. 19-22.
Digital Tools
Sapient Plug Load Management System, Sapient Industries
This collection of smart outlets and power strips can collect live power–consumption data, reduce plug load consumption by up to 30%, and even identify which devices aren’t being used. Operated through a centralized web application, this system can assist with preventative maintenance, anomaly detection, machine diagnostic sub-metering, occupancy shaving, and space optimization. sapient.industries
BLK2GO, Leica Geosystems
Leica's new wireless handheld imaging laser scanner features dual-axis LiDAR (light detection and ranging), SLAM (simultaneous localization and mapping), and edge-computing technologies, eliminating the need for tripods and static scanning locations. BLK2GO captures 3D environments, even while the user is moving, for up to 45 minutes of continuous scanning, and aggregates data in 3D point clouds. Made of aluminum, this scanner weighs 1.7 pounds. blk2go.com
Building Systems
Blitz, Fondital
Made of recycled aluminum, this die-cast radiator system by Italian manufacturer Fondital is now available in the U.S. Lightweight for easy installation, Blitz comes in ardesia, black coffee, and pearl colorways. The 3 4/5"-deep system is available in heights from 16" to 34". fondital.com
Delta-Dry and Lath, Dörken Systems
This combination rainscreen and fiberglass high-density polyethylene lath system helps prevent stone and stucco installers from sharp metal ends and lightens the weight of the cladding systems. It blocks moisture from moving through the wall and allows for any vapor that has infiltrated the wall to dry from inside, making for long-term structural integrity. Viable at temperatures ranging from -22 F to 176 F. dorken.com
Bathroom Fixtures
WashBar Duo, Bradley Corp.
This smart faucet combines sensor-activated soap and water dispensers in a single, chrome-plated fixture for commercial bathrooms. The fixture conducts a daily 5-second purge to minimize germ buildup. LED-illuminated icons change color to signify function and use. Fitted with a low-level soap LED indicator. Available as a standalone unit or for specification with Bradley’s Verge LVA basin, WashBar measures 8" wide and 4.5" deep. bradleycorp.com
Bel Canto, California Faucets
This streamlined single-aperture bathroom faucet replaces a traditional lever handle with a cylindrical cap that users press and twist to operate and adjust water temperature. Available in 8 1/2" and 14 7/8" heights, Bel Canto can be specified in 28 finishes including matte black, French gold, and satin nickel, and with matching or contrasting cap finishes. calfaucets.com
Specialties
Autem Sound Control, FabriTRAK Systems
Available in black, white, and gray, FabriTRAK’s acoustic solution is made of more than 80% post-consumer recycled polyester. It can be applied to any ceiling substrate or corrugated metal ceiling. Shape, size, and thickness are customizable; standard thicknesses are 1" and 2", at noise reduction coefficients of 0.8 and 0.9, respectively. fabritrak.com
Ecophon Solo Baffles, CertainTeed
New to CertainTeed’s line of acoustic baffles, Zig Zag and Wave are intended to give designers the flexibility to customize a space. With two-sided sound absorption capabilities, this line can be wall mounted or suspended, and arranged vertically or horizontally for improved acoustic control. Made of 71% recycled material, Zig Zag and Wave are available in 16 colors and two sizes: 12" by 71" by 1 1/2", or 24" by 71" by 1 1/5". certainteed.com
ACOUSTIBuilt Seamless Ceiling, Armstrong World Industries
Achieving a maximum noise reduction coefficient of 0.7 and maximum ceiling attenuation class of 48, this ceiling finish looks like seamless drywall. ACOUSTIBuilt meets many requirements for green certification programs, including LEED, the WELL Building Standard, and the Living Building Challenge. armstrongceilings.com
Lighting
Semih, Modular Lighting Instruments
Inspired by the Taoist yin yang symbol, the Semih cylindrical downlight fixture can split and tilt its head 75 degrees in left and right. The fixture also rotates 180 degrees from the top. The LED fixture can be specified with color temperatures of 2700K, 3000K, or 3500K at a 90+ color rendering index (CRI) with various beam spreads. Available in a white or black finish. supermodular.com
Ac-lipse Acoustic Lighting, Luxxbox
Inspired by a lunar eclipse, the 25 1/2"-diameter Ac-lipse acoustic pendant pivots 360 degrees from a disc to a sliver and back to a disc, with an optional LED light source. Comes standard with a 100% recyclable panel in 20 colors, and with black, brass, silver, or copper hardware. luxxbox.com
Cadiant Dynamic Skylight, Cree Lighting
Lighting-control and color-changing technology simulates the dawn-to-dusk, east-to-west movement of the sun in this faux skylight. Offering up to 3,500 lumens ranging from 3000K to 6500K throughout the day, this fixture features an 8" recessed housing to create shadows similar to a real skylight in a 2' square that installs in any standard T-grid ceiling. Available with a touchscreen control box and wireless gateway. creelighting.com
SpectraClean, Hubbell Lighting
Harnessing advances in lighting science and microbiology, Hubbell's SpectraClean disinfects educational, office, and manufacturing environments with narrow-band, 405-nanometer visible light. Available in troffer, vapor-tight, and striplight luminaires, the technology can remove harmful microorganisms suspended in air, trapped in objects, or residing on surfaces. Available in four disinfection modes, the fixtures are fitted with occupancy sensors and can be controlled manually or preprogrammed. hubbell.com
Sun—Light of Love, Foscarini
The newest pendant by London-based designer Tord Boontje, Sun—Light of Love features 390 steel and aluminum rays that diffuse light from a central 23-watt, 2700K LED source with a CRI above 90. Boontje opted for white-and-gold finish to pay homage to Scandinavia, flowers, and the sun. The 25 5/8"-wide fixture measures 24 5/8" tall. foscarini.com
Mosaic, HessAmerica
Mosaic is a fully customizable fixture made of aluminum, which can be laser-cut into patterns depicting palm fronds, reeds, ice blooms, and more. Mosaic can be fitted with white or tunable white LEDs, or RGB and RGBW LEDs for additional color and effects. Available in 10', 12', and 14' heights. hessamerica.com
Interior Finishes
Kaleidoscope, Walker Zanger
Memphis style, Pop Art, and Art Deco all inspired this collection of matte and gloss porcelain tiles. Available in square (7"-square sheet) and triangular (7"-by-6 3/10" sheet) shapes in white, pink, greens, and blues, the tiles can be arranged in numerous configurations. walkerzanger.com
Essentialist Collection, Tarkett North America
Savant, Saveur, and Substance are three modular carpet patterns in this new collection for healthcare and workplace environments. The floor coverings use Eco-Ensure soil protection technology and is recyclable through Tarkett’s ReStart reclamation program. The collection also features three coordinating luxury vinyl tile (LVT) designs. commercial.tarkett.com
Metroforms with Attraxion Magnetic Attachment Technology Flooring, Metroflor Corp.
This laminated veneer lumber flooring collection has a magnetic underlayment system that eliminates the need for a locking system or adhesives. The underlayment does triple-duty as a moisture barrier and crack-suppressant membrane, while a surface protectant on the tiles prevents abrasions, stains, and mold. Tiles are available in multiple fractal shapes, including hexagon, cube, and chevron. metroflorusa.com
Flek, 3Form
This terrazzo-like eco-resin panel is made of 70% recycled material collected during the manufacture of 3Form’s Varia Ecoresin panel. A new material option for any of 3Form's office hardware systems, Flek is available in six standard colorways. Standard panels are offered in 48" by 96" and 48" by 120" sheets at 1/4", 3/8", and 1/2" thicknesses. Custom sizing available. 3-form.com
Clario Cloud, 3Form
Made of sola felt, this wafflelike acoustic solution becomes its own fixture, suspended by cables and anchors that are compatible with wood or concrete substrates. Available as a 48" square and 48" or 72" diameter disk, the suspended baffle comes in 15 colorways and has a noise reduction coefficient of 0.7 or more. 3-form.com
Jumper, VS America
Designed by Pritzker Prize winner Jean Nouvel, Hon. FAIA, this versatile chair is the first school and office chair to receive Cradle to Cradle Silver Certification. The polypropylene or plywood seat comes in six sizes for schools and two sizes for offices. Its cantilevered frame can be forward- or backward-flexing on four legs, a swivel base, or standing/sitting swivel base. Color options include a new “traffic red” chosen by Nouvel. vsamerica.com
Column Oval Boardroom Table, Union Wood Co.
Designed by the Vancouver, British Columbia–based furniture maker, the built-to-order Column conference table features a hardwood top in five shapes—rectangle, racetrack (oval), square, circle, and barrel—with finish options that include nine wood stains, eight wood-alternative looks, and five metallike surfaces. The tabletop is supported by stainless steel columns, which can be finished in matte black, white charcoal gray, darkened steel, or custom painted. The table comes in several standard lengths, widths, and heights; square or circle shapes; and custom sizes. unionwoodco.com
Heartbeat, Nienkämper
Designer Karim Rashid wants to counteract social alienation in public space seating with three distinct sculptural, lounge seating elements: straight, concave, and convex. Measuring 17" tall, the seating set can be arranged and scaled, but never allows occupants to sit back-to-back. Made with rigid foam, Heartbeat is upholstered in four-way stretch fabric, but can be specified in leather and vinyl in myriad colors. nienkamper.com
Lyda, Rottet Studio and Haworth
Inspired by the aesthetics of residential furniture, designer Lauren Rottet, FAIA, created this lounge piece to add comfort to corporate and hospitality settings. Supported by minimalist steel legs, Lyda can be configured as a one-, two-, or three-seater, and with or without a corner. Steel arms complement mohair and gray Poltrona Frau leather, while an optional marble table surface can be positioned where needed. Lyda can also be specified with a peninsula (shown) and a hidden pocket drawer with USB connections . haworth.com
Tete-a-Tete by Samuelson Furniture
Designed for hospitality environments, this S-shaped seat offers space for privacy and conversation. Designed by Paterson, N.J.–based Samuelson Furniture, the 42 1/2”-tall and 68”-long Tete-a-Tete is equipped with USB ports and a built-in center walnut table as standard; or with veneered wood, solid wood, quartz, or metal tables with various upholstery options. samuelsonfurniture.com
Outdoors
Rio Collection, Janus et Cie
Named for its river-like curves, the expanded Rio collection features six new pieces designed by Los Angeles–based firm Rios Clementi Hale Studios, including a cocktail table, side table, and connection module. The mix-and-match powder-coated aluminum collection is offered in bronze, metallic gray, and white. janusetcie.com
Walter Lamb Aluminum Rocking Chair, Brown Jordan
To mark its 75th anniversary, Brown Jordan is revamping a 1940s collection of furniture by Walter Lamb. Lamb originally used salvaged bronze and brass piping from sunken naval ships at Pearl Harbor to design his postwar collection. The updated collection, which includes a rocking chair, features the use of aluminum (in black, chestnut, and espresso) and rope (in Neptune, pebble, and coal) offered in 21 finish options, a variety of table sizes, and tabletops in glass or wide plank teak. brownjordan.com
Mistella, Selux Corporation
This geometric outdoor fixture can be specified with a single or double arm or as a wall mount. The die-cast, low-copper, marine-grade aluminum luminaire houses a LED light source available in 3000K or 4000K with a minimum CRI of 80. Standard poles measure 12' tall and can be specified in white, black, silver, bronze, and semi-matte black, among other colors. selux.us
Gunnison Country Ledgestone, Cultured Stone
This new hue from Cultured Stone features shades of charcoal, gunmetal, and powdery gray. Made of 54% percent pre-consumer recycled content, Country Ledgestone is available in slabs between 1 1/2" and 6 1/2" tall and 4 1/4" and 22" long. culturedstone.com
Guardian Bird1st, Guardian Glass
Guardian Bird1st helps prevent birds from colliding into its curtain wall glazing with an ultraviolet layer visible almost exclusively to them. The glazing appears transparent to humans in most cases, but is sometimes noticeable in wet conditions. Available in sheets up to 102" by 144" with a standard thickness of 6 mm. Additional thicknesses are available upon request. guardianglass.com
