The best new cladding, glazing, moisture barriers, and roofing products.
Record Products 2016: Facades
Best in Category: Fabrik
This dry-joint architectural mesh system comprises a flexible steel framework into which component materials—such as terra cotta, glass, or wood—can be woven horizontally, vertically, or in a pattern. The large-scale sheets may be shipped folded or rolled in coils and erected via crane to accelerate construction. The mortarless Fabrik may also be easily repaired and recycled.
“The diversity of applications, range of infill materials, and quality of aesthetics make Fabrik a very exciting product.” —Juror Taylor Aikin
Houdini Channel Glass
Featuring 40% recycled content, Bendheim’s micro-fluted low-iron glass provides privacy, reduces glare, and allows for up to 85% light transmission. The channels can be installed horizontally or vertically; face widths range from 9" to 19" and lengths span to 23'. A tempered form of the ¼"-thick glass is available for higher wind loads.
Poplar Wall Covering
These handcrafted coverings are made from repurposed poplar bark, a waste by-product in furniture and plywood manufacturing. Interior and exterior options include panels up to 12' long x 8' wide and shingles in three standard lengths. All the pieces can be treated with finishes, sanded to reveal their grain pattern, and laminated to numerous substrates.
HIT MVX Thermal Connection
An insulated connection for cantilevered balconies, the HIT MVX utilizes a double-symmetrical compression shear-bearing pad made of mortar—rather than the typical steel—to eliminate cold bridges and lower overall thermal conductivity. Element heights range from 6¼" to 12", while widths run from 10" to 39". All pieces have a two-hour fire rating.
Series 4500 SSG Unit-Glaze Window Wall
This aluminum-frame system has a split-mullion design and gravity-loaded sill flashing that allows its preglazed sections to snap together on the jobsite, saving construction time. Its double thermal system with 1" insulating glass also offers superior protection against air and water infiltration. The extruded frames come in two sizes and in an array of coatings and finishes.
Aerolon Series 971
Tnemec’s new formulation of its water-based acrylic coating uses aerogel to create a non-structural thermal break in building envelopes. The spray-on formula—which offers a K-Value of 35mW/mK—makes shims and break pads on exterior-to-interior incursions unnecessary. A Class A fire retardant, the low-VOC coating is compatible with a variety of primers and topcoats.
Engineered Cedar Shake
Made with recycled resins, these roofing tiles mimic the look of weathered wood but are more durable, resisting fire, moisture, insects, and impact. The tiles, which can be cut and scored with a utility knife, attach with nails and do not require additional framing. They are available in multiple width sizes, staggered or straight exposure, and in a gray or brown color family.
InsulTech
A combination of three products, InsulTech comprises a preassembled structural masonry unit, a molded high-performance Neopor EPS insulation insert, and a thin veneer face. The 12" x 8" x 16" blocks are water-repellent and offer an effective R-value of 16.2 at 75°; they also come in over a dozen veneer colors.
Timber End Connectors
Balancing engineering with aesthetics, these cast-steel fittings for architecturally exposed areas connect the ends of heavy timber or glue laminated structural elements. The units are suited for a building’s primary or secondary structural framing and come in both a standard clevis-type fitting and custom designs.
Editor's Choice: FibreC Formed Parts
Formerly produced only in flat sheets, this glass-fiber-reinforced concrete cladding now comes in U- and L- shapes as well as curved parts. These ½"-thick pieces—available in sizes up to 4' x 15'—may be mounted directly onto a curtain wall, saving construction time. Noncombustible and 100% recyclable, the parts may be specified in 12 colors and three textures.
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