Editors' Choice
Editors' Choice
Lasvit LiquidKristal
LiquidKristal is a new line of architectural glass designed by Ross Lovegrove for the Czech-based Lasvit Group. The transparent glass, which is curved in form and wavy in texture, is the result of a unique thermal-transfer technique. The finished product can be easily customized, allowing large-scale pattern aggregations over multiple sheets that can be used as clear partitions or insulated glass units for exterior facades and storefronts. full caption
Photo courtesy Lasvit Group
Energy Smart LED Bulbs
Similar to incandescent light sources, GE Lightings LED Energy Smart bulbs provide all-around omnidirectional light, rather than just pushing light out the top of a lampshade. The bulbs have a soft-white appearance when turned off, a consumer preference GE discovered through research. The bulbs will last for over 20 years based on three hours of use per day. full caption
Photo courtesy GE Lighting
Reclaimed Hardwood Flooring
Portland, Oregonbased Viridian Wood Products has introduced two new 100% reclaimed and FSC-certified, commercial-grade, exotic hardwood-flooring products. Both the Jakarta Market Blend and Fishtail Oak flooring are milled from reclaimed shipping pallets and crates sourced from docks and harbors. full caption
Photo courtesy Viridian Wood
Progetto Triennale Tile
In 1960, Gio Ponti and Alberto Rosselli designed the 4 times curved ceramic wall tile, a Moorish shape with four curves made in various colors for the Italy-based Marazzi Group. Due to technical difficulties in producing the complex, puzzle-like form at the time, it never entered the companys line. Now, with the help of state-of-the-art water-jet cutting technology, Marazzi has developed a new collection of stoneware based on Ponti and Rossellis original design. full caption
Photo courtesy Marazzi
BASYS Sensor Faucets
Sloan Valves BASYS sensor-activated commercial faucet line includes deck- and wall-mount models, spray-module options, two sensing-technology options, and four power choices: battery, hard-wire, solar, and turbine. An interchangeable crown offers solar panels or an LCD display that provides wash times and water temperatures. full caption
Photo courtesy Sloan Valve
Cradle-to-Cradle Bioplastic
Made from plants, not oil, InPros NatureWorks Ingeo biopolymer is the first of its kind to become Cradle to Cradle Silver Certified. Combining Ingeo, PETG, and recycled content, the company has arrived at a more durable formula than was possible with plain PETG. full caption
Photo courtesy InPro
Ultra Series 90° Wall Unit
Composed of Beveled Direct Set windows, each side of Kolbes Ultra Series 90° wall unit spans more than 6 square feet. The interior is framed in maple, and the exterior is clad with aluminum with a clear anodized finish. The wall units low-E insulating glass coatings block 95% of UV light, reject unwanted solar heat, allow natural daylight, and maintain outside views. full caption
Photo courtesy Kolbe
ArcForm
Adding a seamless, luminous curve to the ceiling plane, ArcForm features advanced LED engineering and state-of-the-art MesoOptics technology to deliver precise, 3-D, symmetrical batwing light distribution. Manufactured by Philips Ledalite, it controls high-angle glare and conceals the light source. full caption
Photo courtesy Philips Ledalite
Sliding Glass Door Systems
Offering a balance of privacy and openness, the frameless interior sliding doors from Klein can be specified with self-closing, telescoping, or bi-parting features. The panels have a track at the top to provide a minimalist detail at the jambs and floors. full caption
Photo courtesy Klein
Reclaimed-Wood Windows and Doors
Jeld-Wen claims to be the first major manufacturer of reclaimed-wood window and door products. Part of the companys Custom Wood line, the openings are made from rustic Douglas fir originally used for snow fencing, barns, houses, and factories. full caption
Photo courtesy Jeld-Wen
Pegasus 3D Collection
Seves Glassblock is transforming the traditional glass block into a more sculptural material that plays off light and space. The new Pegasus 3D collection includes three glass designs engraved on the outer surface: a mosaic motif, a wave effect, and Diamante (shown). full caption
Photo courtesy Pegasus
Dri-Design/DuPont Corian Cladding
Dri-Design and DuPont Corian collaborated on the first exterior-wall system that will include Corian surfacing as a standard offering. In the new system, Corian EC panels are fastened to Dri-Designs pressure-equalized, rainscreen metal wall-panel system for building cladding. full caption
Nest Learning Thermostat
The Nest Learning Thermostat learns heating and cooling habits in a week; it then automatically adjusts to save energy while a building is empty. An energy-history option allows users to see how much theyve saved over time. Nest is also wireless and can be controlled from a laptop, smartphone, or tablet. The second generation of the product is compatible with 95% of low-voltage heating and cooling systems. full caption
Photo courtesy Nest
Ultima Create!
Armstrongs Ultima Create! custom ceiling panels allow designers to incorporate original artwork or digital images into full-color ceiling art. Available for both the Ultima and Health Zone Ultima products, the high-performance acoustical ceiling panels are ideal for retail, hospitality, health-care, education, corporate, and other commercial spaces. full caption
Photo courtesy Armstrong
Hurricane-Tough Folding Door System
San Diegobased manufacturer LaCantina Doors received an impressive hurricane-impact rating of DP70 on its thermally controlled line of aluminum folding doors. Designed for coastal or other storm-prone regions, the doors were tested in winds up to 165 mph and come in various configurations. full caption
Photo courtesy LaCantina Doors
Switch Light Bulb
Inside the new Switch Lighting LED replacement bulb, a special liquid creates a self-cooling environment that allows for maximum brightness with fewer LEDs. According to the manufacturer, it offers the first 100-watt-equivalent (We) A19 incandescent replacement bulb, as well as other standard A19 LED lamps in 40We, 60We, and 75We versions (shown). full caption
Photo courtesy Switch Lightbulbs
NanaGlass SL25
NanaGlass SL25, a frameless opening glass-wall system, can be installed on the perimeter of balconies and patios to protect them from the elements. Manufactured by NanaWall Systems, the panels easily slide open and stack to one or both sides; top-supported in a single track, they can ride a fixed balcony railing or extend to the floor. full caption
Photo courtesy NanaWall Systems
Aeroblades
This new LED-based street luminaire from Cree Lighting was designed and engineered with the British lighting-design firm Speirs + Major. The Aeroblades series features an innovative thermal-management system that allows for higher lumen output and significantly boosts lifetime, efficacy, and color consistency. full caption
Photo courtesy Cree Lighting