Editors' Picks
2007 Product Reports Editors' Picks
Editors' Picks 2007
The first recycling program for vinyl wall coverings, Second-Look reclaims vinyl wall covering made by any manufacturer and recycles it into new wall-covering designs. LSI works with architects, designers, facility managers, and contractors to reclaim used vinyl wall covering from renovation projects; the reclaimed material is then recycled in three collections, offering 160 selections with 20 percent recycled content, including 10 percent postconsumer. LSI Wallcovering, Louisville. www.secondlookwc.com
Editors' Picks 2007
The zero-post, 90-degree Exterior Folding Door System allows designers to open up two wall spans in a room with a single product. Beveled door edges and double weatherstrips seal the unit against the elements, even without a structural corner post. Applications range from high-end single-family homes and condos to commercial projects, such as hotels and restaurants. Jeld-Wen Windows & Doors, Klamath Falls, Ore. www.jeld-wen.com
Editors' Picks 2007
DuPont Corian’s Illumination Series allows up to three times as much light to pass through than other Corian colors. Consisting of Arctic Ice and Glacier Ice, the Series’ translucency makes it an ideal choice for backlit designs, multisensory environments, and lighting fixtures. DuPont Corian recently became Greenguard Indoor Air Quality certified and received the Greenguard for Children & Schools Certification. DuPont Surfaces, Wilmington, Del. www.countertops.dupont.com
Editors' Picks 2007
The limited edition Reveal lamp creates the impression of sunlight shining through a window and onto an interior wall. The U.L.-listed fixture can be placed on a shelf or mounted directly on a wall or ceiling. Multiplane analog images create a sense of depth in the cast image, and air currents through the projector simulate organic, nonrepeating movement in the trees. Adam Frank Inc., Brooklyn, N.Y. www.adamfrank.com
Editors' Picks 2007
SmartScan, the industry’s first residential biometrically accessible dead-bolt door-lock system, was introduced at this year’s Builders’ Show. Programmable with up to 50 user fingerprints, the lock can be controlled by swiping a valid, live fingerprint across the sensor, eliminating the need for a key or key code. Kwikset, Lake Forest, Calif. www.kwikset.com
Editors' Picks 2007
First introduced in 2003, ThyssenKrupp’s Twin elevator system offers two independent cabs running in one shaft. Twin has proven to be adaptable: The first two panoramic Twin systems in the world were recently installed in the Main Triangel building in Frankfurt, Germany, allowing the architects to maintain the light, open concept of the largely glass facade. ThyssenKrupp Elevator, Dallas. www.thyssenkruppelevator.com
Editors' Picks 2007
Dyson’s touchless Airblade produces a 400-mph stream of clean air that acts like an invisible windshield wiper, wiping moisture from hands and leaving them dry in about 12 seconds. Airblade’s HEPA filter removes more than 99.9 percent of bacteria from the air used to dry hands, and uses up to 80 percent less energy than traditional hand dryers. Dyson, Chicago. www.dysonairblade.com
Editors' Picks 2007
Grimshaw Architects developed the design for the new New York City street furnishings currently being installed by Cemusa throughout the city. Three-hundred-thirty newsstands, 3,300 glass-and-steel bus stops, and 20 automatic public toilets are planned. The structures are made from recyclable components, including high-resistance tempered-and-laminated glass and stainless steel. Cemusa, New York City. www.cemusany.com
Editors' Picks 2007
StumbleLight is a motion-activated, LED night-guiding light designed to turn on when a hotel guest steps out of bed, preventing the need to turn on bright room lighting that could disrupt a full night’s sleep. Upon detecting motion at night, StumbleLight instantly provides light at full intensity for 12 seconds and, if no motion is detected, will slowly fade from full intensity to off. Philips Lighting, Somerset, N.J. www.us.philips.com
Editors' Picks 2007
Designed by the young Dutch firm Demakersvan and produced by IDFence in Bangalore, India, the patterns for Lace Fence are produced by hand for indoor or outdoor use with the same wire as machine-made industrial chain-link mesh. Designs can be created to help discourage climbers, hide or enhance surroundings, deal with harsh weather, or create a custom look. Demakersvan, Rotterdam. www.demakersvan.com