New Building Envelope Products for Fall 2019
3-D-Printed Precast
Gate Precast, a concrete manufacturer, is among the first large-scale producers to use 3-D printing to build stronger high-performing molds for some of its architectural elements. This is because the printed molds (made of a carbon-fiber-reinforced ABS) produce significantly more castings at a faster pace for large-scale projects than conventional wood molds. The result: unprecedented cost savings and quality control on jobs, such as an order for hundreds of punched windows COOKFOX Architects designed for a mixed-use project in New York. Using the new molds, created in half the time of wood ones, also allowed workers to pre-install windows in the precast units while they were still on the ground.
3-D-Printed Precast
Gate Precast, a concrete manufacturer, is among the first large-scale producers to use 3-D printing to build stronger high-performing molds for some of its architectural elements. This is because the printed molds (made of a carbon-fiber-reinforced ABS) produce significantly more castings at a faster pace for large-scale projects than conventional wood molds. The result: unprecedented cost savings and quality control on jobs, such as an order for hundreds of punched windows COOKFOX Architects designed for a mixed-use project in New York. Using the new molds, created in half the time of wood ones, also allowed workers to pre-install windows in the precast units while they were still on the ground.
Insulating Solar Tiles
A solar roof system by 3IN1ROOF embeds photovoltaic panels within a hurricane-wind-resistant tile. Each unit features a 2"-thick gypsum core with recesses that hold the glass solar panels and wiring. Those are covered by two coats of a special biopolymer infused with Portland cement. Once installed, the combination acts as both a thermal barrier with R16 insulation value and a power generator with a 50-year warranty.
ProtectoR HD
Building and roof-insulation manufacturer Johns Manville has developed a new high-density cover board for steel-and-concrete deck applications. Measuring a ½" thick, ProtectoR HD adds a moisture-, hail-, wind-, and puncture-resistant layer to roofs, which also features an R value of 2.5 and gets installed with 50% fewer fasteners.
3D Printing Mortar
Laticrete is developing a special mortar formulated for 3-D printing, which it plans to launch in 2020. A prototype was used to build a shelter called DE|stress for Exhibit Columbus in Indiana. That installation, by Ball State University architecture assistant teaching professor and Design Innovation Fellow Christopher Battaglia, will be on view through December 1, 2019. The mortar is designed to be applied using 3-D technology, which streamlines the building process, reducing labor and construction waste. Visit the manufacturer’s website for availability.
Tension Fabric Buildings
Legacy Building Solutions provides durable textile-covered structures, which can be built three times as fast as conventional buildings, for stationary or portable applications. Ideal for clients whose programming requires flexibility—such as the military, aviation industry, and sports organizations—these steel-frame volumes can be specified with side walls of steel, concrete, or stone, in addition to an array of polyethylene and PVC fabrics that filter daylight, while also supporting additional insulation and liners, which can reduce energy costs.
Advanced manufacturing technology is enhancing the function and installation of these offerings. Click through the slideshow above to read more.
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