Openings
Openings
Guardian SunGuard PVGU
With the appearance of between-the-glass vertical blinds, Guardian SunGuard PVGU combines photovoltaic-glass units with advanced architectural glass to create the worlds first window unit that simultaneously offers energy efficiency, power generation, and transparency. SunGuard converts up to 12% of direct sunlight into energy and offers a solar heat-gain coefficient of 0.14, a U-value of 0.3, and a light-to-solar heat-gain coefficient of 3.5.
“Most of these winners mark the latest in a decade-long continuum of advances in both materials and assembled products related to building openings. The best combine excellent thermal performance with aesthetic appeal.” James Gainfort
full captionPhoto courtesy Guardian SunGuard PVGU
CyberShield
CyberShield is a glass coating for interior and exterior walls specifically engineered for RF shielding, the reduction of the transmission of radio-frequency electromagnetic radiation. Available in laminated, insulating laminated, and double-laminated insulating glass, it offers electrical attenuation with an average of 45 decibels across a frequency range from 35 megahertz to 18 gigahertz, while optimizing visible-light transmission with a neutral glass color. The Pilkington DATASTOP coating is conductively connected to the window frame around the perimeter of the window to ensure maximum effectiveness. full caption
Photo courtesy CyberShield
Flood Vents
Flood Solutions manufactures a full line of heavy-duty, aluminum, FEMA-compliant, engineered flood vents that will not rust or rot. Offering significant savings on flood-insurance premiums, the vents are available in four colors, six sizes, and three models, and cover between 124 and 362 square feet per vent, depending on the model. They feature a 0.125 extruded-aluminum frame, 0.063 blades, ¼ perforated aluminum rodent screen, and No. 8 aluminum-mesh insect panel. full caption
Photo courtesy Flood Solutions
Pearl Onyx and Opal Onyx Vivistone
The Vivistone line of glass slabs consists of a graphic interlayer laminated between two lites of glass—either two transparent ones or one transparent lite and a reflective glass backer. Interlayers feature ultra-sharp, full-scale, repeatable, and highly configurable representations of stone, including the newest Pearl Onyx and Opal Onyx options. All slabs are available in ¼, ½, and other standard glass thicknesses. full caption
Photo courtesy Vivistone
OptiQ Ultra Thermal Windows
Developed in partnership with the U.S. Department of Energy, OptiQ windows feature a polyamide thermal break that allows the extruded-aluminum windows to achieve a high thermal performance that is further enhanced by accommodating 1 and 1¾ triple insulating glass. OptiQ is ideal for new or retrofit commercial construction and is available in multiple configurations with options for customization. full caption
Photo courtesy OptiQ Ultra Thermal Windows
Zola Lift-Slide Doors and Tilt & Turn Windows
Zola Windows 20-wide-by-8-high lift-slide door (shown in background)consists of two 10-wide moving glass panels and premium German hardware. The doors come in a range of woods, including 100% FSC-certified pine, oak, and meranti wood, and feature exterior remote-controlled shading or bug screens that can roll out of sight when not in use. Zolas Tilt & Turn windows can both swing and tilt inward with a turn of the ergonomically shaped handle; a multipoint locking mechanism provides safety and a tight air seal. A Passive House version of the window is available for highly energy-efficient buildings. full caption
Photo courtesy Zola Windows
INvent Retro XLT Windows
Wausaus INvent Retro XLT windows feature a narrow, beveled exterior face and replace classic steel and wood windows while offering high performance. The series low U-factors help meet Model Energy Codes, are tested to meet AAMA AW-100 Architectural Performance Class ratings, and are backed with a warranty of up to 10 years. Configurations include fixed, in-swing and out-swing casement, top-hinged, awning, and hopper vents. full caption
Photo courtesy Wausau
SteelBuilt SG Curtain Wall System
SteelBuilt SG is a structural silicone glazed curtain-wall system from Technical Glass Products that enables architects to create smooth, monolithic glazed facades with all the advantages of steel framing: larger free spans and glass sizes, and improved thermal performance. Modular steel back mullions can accommodate free spans up to 40 (nominal) in single members (splices required for longer spans) and support glazed infills up to 2.5 thick. full caption
Photo courtesy SteelBuilt SG
D Min Door Pull
This elegant door pull was designed by West Chin, principal of New York Citybased West Chin Architect, for FTF Design Studio. The pull is 100% flush, flangeless, and available in dark statuary bronze (shown), powder-coated white, or satin nickel finishes. The pull measures 3¼ wide by 1¾ thick by 6 high. full caption
Photo courtesy West Chin
YES SSG TU Vent Window
The thermally broken YES SSG TU vent window for storefront, window, or curtain-wall applications meets the requirements of the 2012 IECC. It offers an overall system U-factor of 0.41 with standard low-E insulating glass for zones 46; an overall system U-factor of 0.37 with a high-performance insulating glass for zones 78; and an Ultimate Performance version with a U-factor of 0.34, which far exceeds the 2012 IECC. full caption
Photo courtesy YES SSG TU
The KnollTextiles Glass Collection
Made of clear or low-iron tempered safety glass, this collection from Skyline Design includes seven patterns (four shown) that translate the linear, undulating, and organic designs of KnollTextiles fabricsincluding two archival patternsinto glass. Suited for corporate and health-care environments, the glass is 100% recyclable and made to order to minimize waste. Skyline Design employs clean manufacturing processes, including low-VOC paints and finishes and eco-friendly etching techniques. full caption
Photo courtesy KnollTextiles