Architectural Record's annual contest spotlights the top new cladding, moisture barriers, roofing, and glazing products. [Back to Record Products 2017]
Words from our Judges:
Jamison Guest
Record Products 2017: Best Facade Products
StonePly Waterjet Finish
A finish that enhances the stone facing without diminishing its strength is the latest offering from StonePly. The waterjet technology provides a versatile design alternative to flamed and bush-hammer treatments that can degrade the material’s appearance and structure. An aluminum-backed panel further preserves the natural substance’s strength.
Thermafiber SAFB FF
This new formaldehyde-free mineral wool insulation is the first available in North America and the first in a series of greener Thermafiber solutions being rolled out by Owens Corning. The new products are tailor-made for architects building to green standards. Made of 70% recycled content, the noncombustible batts can be used in wood- and steel-frame structures and are available in 2.5- and 4.0-pcf densities as well as a full range of sizes. Thermafiber SAFB FF is Living Building Challenge–compliant and Greenguard Gold–certified.
Precision Series Highline
This update of the original Precision Series HWP wall panels adds heft: new Precision Series Highline panels are 1⅜" thick, which facilitates dramatic shadow lines on a building’s facade. The small manufacturing change can offer architects a big visual effect. Available in 45 colors, two widths, and seven rib patterns, the aluminum or steel panels can be attached in a conventional manner or with a clip system.
Trespa Meteon Focus
In four sizes and three thicknesses, the new Meteon Focus collection of Trespa panels features wood-based fibers, resins, and surface layers, laminated under high pressure and heat, that are easily cut and machined. Suitable for horizontal and vertical exterior applications, the Focus collection is fire-retardant and impact- and weather-resistant.
VRE-43
Suitable for use on laminated, insulated, and screen-printed glass, and a variety of tinted substrates, VRE-43 is a colorless solar-control coating that helps achieve lower heat-gain goals while providing ample transmission of daylight. Its low interior and exterior reflectivity preserves design aesthetics, and its VLT and SHG ratings improve occupant comfort and reduce energy costs.
Fusion
Pairing an aluminum structural frame with durable polycarbonate panels creates a turnkey design solution for canopies, transit shelters, and other exterior constructions and assemblies. The translucent polycarbonate panels, produced by 3form, are offered in 92 colors, three finishes, and three thicknesses. The framing can be custom finished.
Sustainability Calculator
This manufacturer-specific calculator simplifies the process of evaluating Guardian glazing makeups for sustainability program credit (LEED, WELL Building, Living Building Challenge, etc.). Users enter basic project details, add the products or product combinations desired, select the green program of interest, and click for an eligibility analysis.
NewBrick
Lightweight, thermally efficient extruded polystyrene forms the basis of this engineered-brick veneer from Dryvit Systems. It’s reinforced with a fire-resistant fiberglass embedded in a modified cement coating designed for additional fire resistance, and finished with a textured, colorfast acrylic. Can be installed over a variety of substrates, including concrete, masonry, and Portland cement plaster.
Jamison Guest
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