Nearly 18,000 architecture, engineering, and construction professionals from around the world attended this year's Greenbuild International Conference and Expo, held Nov. 14–16 in Chicago. Participants attended educational sessions, tours, workshops, and summits, and checked out the latest sustainable products and materials on the tradeshow floor, which hosted more than 550 manufacturers and exhibitors.
Here are seven highlights from the Greenbuild Expo:
Duet Living Partition by Sagegreenlife
Designed in a collaboration with Gensler, the Duet Living Partition is an eye-catching, modular living wall system that uses a patented hydroponic (soil-free), non-decaying technology. Chicago-based Sagegreenlife alleges that specifying this product, for use indoors, helps "people feel better, experience the advantages of cleaner air, and be more productive at work." Measuring 69" tall and 52" wide, this double-sided divider can fit 240 tropical foliage plants and comes with a self-contained, re-circulating irrigation system.
These plants are grown off site in tiles made from rockwool—layered basalt rock fiber that Sagegreenlife's horticulturist and lead plant designer Nathan Beckner says is inherently anti-microbial and mold-resistant. Available in three finishes (white shown), the divider comes with a 1.5W LED lighting system and low-friction casters. A related product called Productivity fits 120 plants on one side, and a dry-erase board on the other side. sagegreenlife.com
Pivot Point by Mohawk Group
At Mohawk's booth, ARCHITECT spotted three sustainable flooring products: the carbon-neutral Nutopia collection of carpet tiles; the Air.O collection of recyclable carpet with an integrated PET felt backing; and the International Living Future Institute's Red List–compliant Pivot Point collection of enhanced resilient tiles. Measuring 0.11" thick, the Pivot Point collection offers two sizes: The 7"-by-48" planks are offered in four wood-grain and four textile-inspired patterns, and the 36"-square tiles come in four different natural stone looks. The Pivot Point's carbon-neutral tiles come with a 0.78"-thick commercial wear layer and are finished with Mohawk's M-force 1 enhanced urethane coating. Holds the Living Product Challenge Petal certification. mohawkgroup.com
GreenScreen Nature by Mermet USA
In a new collaboration with Mermet USA, a Cowpens, S.C.–based manufacturer of solar screen fabrics, Draper, a manufacturer of window shades and coverings based in Spiceland, Ind., debuted a new sustainable shade fabric at this year's Greenbuild Expo. Titled GreenScreen Nature, this product is the latest addition to Mermet's collection of recycled fabric offerings and is made entirely of fiberglass, which is inherently nonflammable and does not require any additional flame-retardants or additives, Draper marketing manager Penn Sitler says. GreenScreen Nature is Greenguard– and Greenguard Gold–certified for indoor air quality, contains no heavy metals or halogens, and is 100% recyclable. The new collection features a mock-leno weave and reflects up to 61% of solar energy, with a 5% openness. Additionally, it can block ultraviolet radiation, heat, and visible light. Offered in a neutral, mineral-tinted palette of seven colors. draperinc.com
Easy Connect Joining System by Andersen Windows & Doors
One standout from Andersen's Greenbuild display was the Easy Connect Joining System, a patented interlocking technology designed for the company's A-Series windows. Made of fiberglass, these joining plates are pre-applied to the window frames off-site. According to Andersen, the technology helps reduce labor costs and installation time, and eases the installation of large windows. Impact-certified for Florida’s high velocity hurricane zone, tested to the American Architectural Manufacturers Association 450 requirements, and certified under the Window and Door Manufacturers Association Hallmark program for air, water, and structural performance. andersencorporation.com
Outdoor Power Charging Station with Accent Light by Legrand
As part of Legrand's family of permanent outdoor power solutions, this charging station and bollard can be used in outdoor public spaces to charge mobile devices. Measuring 46.5" tall, each bollard includes standard electrical outlets, USB outlets, and an LED accent light. This UL-listed charging station is offered with up to three gang configurations and three outdoor-rated finishes. Owners can add up to two pairs of trays for holding mobile devices, and select a transparent or lockable access panel. legrand.us
Outdoor Power Ground Box by Legrand
Designed to provide facility managers with a safe, permanent electrical solution outdoors, Legrand's modular power ground box was inspired by the design of traditional diving bells—a chamber used to transport divers into deep open water. The box sits flush with the ground surface and can take an occasional 5,000-pound load. According to Legrand, the box creates and maintains an open-air pocket that protects electrical connections in adverse weather conditions. A series of embedded holes at the bottom of each box allows for proper water drainage, and anti-float clips help prevent the cover from lifting up. Comes with a locking mechanism to prevent unauthorized access. UL-listed, NEMA 6P–rated, and IP68–rated. legrand.us
Modular Structures by Röder Group
German manufacturer Röder Group's modular, temporary structures for commercial events, conferences, and tradeshows, have popped up in many countries, including Russia for the 2018 FIFA World Cup and the 2014 Sochi Winter Olympics, and Germany for the 2006 FIFA World Cup. Using PVC-coated polyester fabric and aluminum framing, Röder's customizable structures are prefabricated off-site and waste-free at Röder's factory. Manuel Angulo Lei, senior director of building and construction at Röder Asia, told ARCHITECT that 95% of each modular structure is reusable. Designed to last 20 years or more, each structure can support a distributed load of 30.7 pounds per square foot and withstand 124 miles per hour wind. The modular units can be manufactured up to 197' wide—with no limitation on the structure's length—with a 33'-tall eave and a 82'-tall ridge. Average installation time is two weeks. roder-architecture.com
To see more sustainable products, check out the 30 products featured in our November 2018 issue "Products: Greenbuild 2018 Preview and More," all of which were part of ARCHITECT's Fall 2018 Product Call.
