https://www.architecturalrecord.com/rss/2024 en-us http://www.architecturalrecord.com/articles/16647 Mon, 01 Jan 2024 00:00:00 -0500 https://www.architecturalrecord.com/articles/16647-case-study-shading-strategies http://www.architecturalrecord.com/articles/15787 Thu, 11 Aug 2022 00:00:00 -0400 https://www.architecturalrecord.com/articles/15787-new-outdoor-products-for-summer-2022 Architectural Record presents the top site furnishings of the year.

]]> http://www.architecturalrecord.com/articles/15421 Wed, 01 Dec 2021 00:03:00 -0500 https://www.architecturalrecord.com/articles/15421-best-outdoor-landscaping-products-of-2021 Architectural Record presents the best shading, seating, and cooking products of the year.

]]> http://www.architecturalrecord.com/articles/14893 Tue, 01 Dec 2020 00:15:00 -0500 https://www.architecturalrecord.com/articles/14893-best-outdoor-furnishings-of-2020 New architectural lighting products. 

]]> http://www.architecturalrecord.com/articles/12880 Tue, 01 Aug 2017 08:00:00 -0400 https://www.architecturalrecord.com/articles/12880-august-2017-product-briefs-high-tech-lighting Satellight Suspension Whimsy meets high function in this 36" x 41" blown-glass fixture. Spanish designer Eugeni Quitllet imagined harnessing the moon to create Satellight’s delicate profile. Introducing a UL-listed suspension version made it sturdy enough for contract use. Designers can now specify the fixture as a conventional 220V or 240V lamp or retrofit with a 2700K LED for hospitality and retail settings. foscarini.com Thin Primaries Pendants Made in Brooklyn, NY, these slender lights by Juniper Design Studio combine LED capability with an adaptable design. Specify the linear segments in configurations that work with any design scheme. Thin Primaries fixtures come in 24" and 36" lengths that can be extended using a magnetic connector system. Finishes include aged brass, black oxide, and satin nickel. juniper-design.com CATA Track Light Based on research for museum applications, this small-scale, indoor track light offers a defined and concentrated beam. Transparent polycarbonate casings by designer Paola di Arianello further enhance its strength. The 3000K fixture has a rotation of 360º and tilts at a 90º angle. The optical unit shown here (a wall washer) is easily swapped out for others in the line, thanks to twist-and-lock assembly. artemide.net AJ 50 Wall Lamp Modern features such as a 3000K LED, bold colors, and a sturdy outdoor application define this lamp’s familiar Arne Jacobsen design nearly 60 years after its debut. In 1960, Jacobsen designed the profile for the SAS Royal Hotel in Copenhagen. The latest version belongs to a family of lighting that includes table, floor, and indoor wall lights. louispoulsen.com Adorne Furniture Power Centers Designers can use this wall plate to build individual lighting control into a variety of furniture. Any surface that can accommodate an opening for mounting hardware placed 4" from its edges with 2½" of open depth on the back side can be retrofitted. Power Center wall plates, which are available in 10 finishes and three sizes—compact, standard, and extra capacity—can support switching, dimming, and charging for both residential and commercial settings. legrand.us Pétale Pendant A choice of lighting colors is now a feature of Luceplan’s Pétale pendant. Hotel, bar, and restaurant clients can change the hue of lighting with one touch of a low-profile wall panel that controls a color-changing, white-tunable LED around the perimeter of the fixture. The new Pétale also offers a dimmable 3000K LED at its center, and sound absorption, thanks to the elastic, white textile diffuser covering its 475⁄16" diameter frame. luceplan.com Pétale Pendant A choice of lighting colors is now a feature of Luceplan’s Pétale pendant. Hotel, bar, and restaurant clients can change the hue of lighting with one touch of a low-profile wall panel that controls a color-changing, white-tunable LED around the perimeter of the fixture. The new Pétale also offers a dimmable 3000K LED at its center, and sound absorption, thanks to the elastic, white textile diffuser covering its 475⁄16" diameter frame. luceplan.com C by GE Sol Besides lighting a room, this luminaire from GE serves as a user interface for Amazon’s Alexa. That means clients can command it to order dinner, play music, and follow a host of other voice commands. Programmable features include a sleep-enabling light and tunable color temperatures, all activated by voice command or the C by GE app. ge.com Kumiko Illuminated Tiles These thin, backlit tiles make inspired use of surface-mounted OLEDs. Informed by the look of Japanese shoji screens, the magnetic tiles attach to wired 2113⁄16" x 113⁄16" panels. Simply lift and replace the tiles to mix up the pattern. Lighting designer Michiru Tanaka created the combination to cast a dimmable 3000K glow when panels are lit and to revert to a mirror when they’re switched off. kaneko.com Kumiko Illuminated Tiles These thin, backlit tiles make inspired use of surface-mounted OLEDs. Informed by the look of Japanese shoji screens, the magnetic tiles attach to wired 2113⁄16" x 113⁄16" panels. Simply lift and replace the tiles to mix up the pattern. Lighting designer Michiru Tanaka created the combination to cast a dimmable 3000K glow when panels are lit and to revert to a mirror when they’re switched off. kaneko.com N4 Hub The streamlined N4 Hub lets designers configure and control Ketra’s high-tech LED lighting systems. In addition to communicating with the LEDs, the N4 relays designers’ configurations to devices across the system, including light fixtures and other controllers such as keypads and the company’s own mobile app. Since the Hub keeps tabs on the system via close-range radio communication, whole-building applications use multiple N4s for best quality control. Plug it directly into a modem or router. ketra.com N4 Hub The streamlined N4 Hub lets designers configure and control Ketra’s high-tech LED lighting systems. In addition to communicating with the LEDs, the N4 relays designers’ configurations to devices across the system, including light fixtures and other controllers such as keypads and the company’s own mobile app. Since the Hub keeps tabs on the system via close-range radio communication, whole-building applications use multiple N4s for best quality control. Plug it directly into a modem or router. ketra.com New architectural solar control products from Tesla, Lutron, Draper, Vitro Architectural Glass, Brooklyn SolarWorks, and Situ Studio.

]]> http://www.architecturalrecord.com/articles/12832 Tue, 04 Jul 2017 08:00:00 -0400 https://www.architecturalrecord.com/articles/12832-july-2017-product-briefs-solar-control Solar Roof Made with tempered glass, Tesla’s Solar Roof tiles are more than three times stronger than standard roofing tile versions, yet half the weight. In conjunction with the company’s Powerwall system, energy from the tiles can be stored and used any time of day or night. Installations will begin this summer in the U.S., and outside the country in 2018. tesla.com Solar Roof Made with tempered glass, Tesla’s Solar Roof tiles are more than three times stronger than standard roofing tile versions, yet half the weight. In conjunction with the company’s Powerwall system, energy from the tiles can be stored and used any time of day or night. Installations will begin this summer in the U.S., and outside the country in 2018. tesla.com Contract Roller Shades Lutron’s new Contract Roller Shade products include a high-quality, commercial-grade manual option that protects building occupants from the sun’s glare and heat. In addition, a new coordinating motorized roller shade helps to meet performance requirements. With the right textile, the new shade can effectively control daylight and preserve views for employees. lutron.com Topspin Shades Draper’s Topspin is retractable fabric shading for interior or exterior use. The system can be manufactured in widths of almost 10´ 6˝ and can be installed on horizontal, vertical, or sloped glazing and to shade barrel-vaulted skylights. Topspin is available in a range of fabrics that provide effective light and glare control. draperinc.com Solarban 90 Tint Options Solarban 90 solar control low-E glass is now available for all performance-tinted glass products from VitroArchitectural Glass (formerly PPG). These include Atlantica, Azuria, Graylite II, Pacifica, Solarblue, Solarbronze, Solargray, and Solexia. (Solarban 90 was previously offered as an option for clear, Starphire Ultra-Clear, Optiblue, and Optigray products only.) vitroglazings.com Solar Canopy Created through a collaboration between Brooklyn SolarWorks and Situ Studio, the Solar Canopy is a modular rooftop structure with PV solar panels affixed to a lightweight, adjustable aluminum frame. Designed for the requirements of residential buildings in New York, the canopy can expand a rooftop solar system by up to 200%, dramatically reducing utility costs. brooklynsolarworks.com The best new play structures, railings, shelters, and site furnishings.

]]> http://www.architecturalrecord.com/articles/12062 Thu, 01 Dec 2016 08:00:00 -0500 https://www.architecturalrecord.com/articles/12062-record-products-2016-outdoor-recreational Best in Category: 9BL Glass Railing System CRL-U.S. Aluminum adds Safety Seal technology to its popular railing system, eliminating the need for a glazer to roll in the drop-side rubber seal during installation. A universal setting block and hollow base shoe secure the laminated tempered-glass panels instead, offering increased safety and a lower cost. The railing comes in six architectural finishes with three cladding options for the base shoe. crl-arch.com Shift Designed to be mixed and matched, the six patterns in this Sunbrella outdoor fabric collection play with opposing forces: light to dark colors, shiny to matte finishes, and natural to constructed motifs. The 100% acrylic textile comes in 54" widths and is highly fade-resistant. sunbrella.com Knight Bench with Aluminum Slats Previously available only with hardwood slats, the Knight bench now comes in an all-aluminum option on its backed and backless 6' and 8' offerings. The solid aluminum slats, which are made of recycled material, may be specified in 20 standard powder-coat colors. forms-surfaces.com Traverse This outdoor gateleg table can accommodate two people when half-folded and six when fully open. The powder-coated aluminum frame is rigid but lightweight, while the slats made of fully grown teak wood have a high level of natural oils that prevent moisture absorption, warping, and rot. royalbotania.com Editor's Choice: PlayCubes Created in the 1960s by architect Richard Dattner, these colorful geometric playground elements have been updated for the times, now featuring varying planes, handholds, and recesses that encourage climbing and exploration. The roto-molded plastic cubes come in single models suited to kids ages 2 and up and four preset configurations for ages 5 and older. “Sculptural in form, PlayCubes encourage free play and spatial experimentation.” —Juror Carrie Bobo playworld.com taraskaj@bnpmedia.com (Julie Taraska) http://www.architecturalrecord.com/articles/11769 Fri, 01 Jul 2016 09:00:00 -0400 https://www.architecturalrecord.com/articles/11769-july-2016-product-briefs-sun-control Tensilation Designed with Grimshaw Architects, this modular shading system for events comprises individual 13'-tall diamond or square-shaped units fastened to one another with clips. The umbrella features UV-rated polyester fabric draped over aluminum spokes, with the mast anchored by tensile stainless-steel cables, and it comes in a choice of 11 colors (shown: white). mdt-tex.com Reflectacoustic This 100% Trevira CS polyester window covering reduces heat, glare, and sound via an effective combination of yarn, weave, and metalized backing. The textile offers a light transmission degree of 27% to 45% and a light-reflection degree of 24% to 43%; it also provides an NRC of 0.4 when flat and 0.55 when draped. carnegiefabrics.com Hudson A stainless-steel mesh facade system for parking garages, Hudson features an open area of 82%, enough to provide a high level of ventilation yet still screen indirect sunlight. The flexible pattern can span vertical surfaces with minimal intermediate structure; it also may be attached with the company’s pre-engineered Eclipse, Scroll, or Eye-Bolt hardware. cambridgearchitectural.com Thinsulate Climate Control 75 3M’s low-E window film reduces glare by up to 17% and heat gain by up to 37%. It also blocks nearly 99.9% of the sun’s ultraviolet light, protecting furniture, upholstery, and artwork. The LEED-compliant product is suited for single- and double-paned windows as well as numerous types of clear and tinted glass. 3M.com Solarban 90 IGU Tints When paired with Solarban 90 in an insulated glass unit (IGU), these three options (Optiblue, shown) expand the solar-control glass’s color palette. They also introduce choice, creating IGUs with visible-light transmittance rates of 32% to 54% (versus Solarban’s 51%) and solar-heat-gain coefficients of 0.19 to 0.23 (versus Solarban’s 0.23). ppgideascapes.com 1508-products-focus.asp Sun, 16 Aug 2015 12:00:00 -0400 https://www.architecturalrecord.com/articles/7133-products-focus-sun-control Soleris Sunshade   An update of the classic deck umbrella, Soleris comprises a fixed stainless-steel pole and base plate and the triangular powder-coated aluminum shade panels that form the modern, hexagonal canopy. It comes in a standalone or table-mountable version (compatible with specific F+S tables), measures 96' in diameter, and can be specified with or without round or slot perforation patterns.   Forms-Surfaces.com     Forms-Surfaces.com Wanderlust   From agate slices to watercolor compositions, the patterns of this printed roller-shade collection channel nature and painterly motifs. Each of the eight patterns in the series comes in two colorways and is produced on a choice of seven different fabrics'including vinyl/fiberglass or acrylic/polyester'that offer varied degrees of openness.   hunterdouglashospitality.com Shildan/Moeding Baguette Sunscreen   Terra-cotta baguettes not only provide solar control for a music-center building at the University of California Los Angeles, but create a striking facade for the building's west elevation. Kevin Daly Architects specified the custom louver-like units in a 60' x 12' size in Saffron Yellow. The baguettes are installed horizontally at a 30' angle and spaced from 1' 10' to 2' 6' apart.   Shildan.com ThermaShade   The industrial look remains a popular aesthetic in architecture today, so YKK AP has tweaked its award-winning ThermaShade exterior sun-control system to offer two different styles. Originally the design enclosed the anchors to present a clean, bolt-free appearance; the new option leaves them exposed. Both versions can be specified with 24', 30', or 36' outrigger projections and a choice of eight louver and five fascia designs.   ykkap.com Chroma   Constructed of durable fiberglass yarn, this basketweave-texture shade fabric boasts an aluminum nano-layer backing that reflects up to 78% of solar radiation for thermal comfort, and also blocks up to 98% of visible light for superior glare control. The fireproof and dimensionally stable textile comes in five colors and has been tested to meet efficiency standards, including ASTM and NFPA.   mermetusa.com Performance Shading Program   After five years of research conducted with Purdue University, Lutron has developed a comprehensive program that recommends shade fabrics for meeting the daylight autonomy, glare reduction, and view requirements of a project. It begins with a free Web-based Fabric Wizard, where specifiers can plug in project info and priorities. After calculating the input, the tool suggests textiles, including the newly developed THEIA-compliant fabrics.   lutron.com Exterior and interior solar shading and diffusing solutions range from resin panels and textiles to responsive systems.

]]> 1411-products-focus.asp Sat, 15 Nov 2014 23:30:00 -0500 https://www.architecturalrecord.com/articles/7123-products-focus-sun-control Custom Bus Shelters   The San Bernardino Express (sbX) rapid transit system recently gained a series of bus stops designed by Gruen Associates to help shelter passengers from the California sun. The firm specified 3form’s Transwhite Koda XT resin material, which was heat-formed in sizes ranging from 20” x 81” to 34” x 81” and then mounted onto a steel frame, resulting in subtly undulating canopies.   3-form.com Mid Shade   One of five stainless-steel-mesh patterns recently introduced, Mid Shade features an open area of 54%, making it ideal for exterior solar shading on building facades. The 16-gauge, 1.4-pound-per-square-foot mesh can be tension mounted using the company's patented attachment systems. Mid Shade is also 100% recyclable after use.   cambridgearchitectural.com Bi-Color UniQuad   UniQuad consists of two independent translucent, insulated polycarbonate pieces, joined by interlocking aluminum connectors. In addition to diffusing daylight for a comfortable environment, the system makes a design statement when specified in the Bi-Color option, as demonstrated in the Eagle Center charter school in Washington, D.C., by Shinberg.Levinas Architectural Design.   cpidaylighting.com SheerWeave Style 4903/4901   The shade and screen manufacturer has added two new styles to its SheerWeave interior solar control series. Both 4903 and 4901 are woven polyester-twill shade fabrics with coordinating reversible faces. Style 4903 has an openness factor of 3%, while 4901 features an openness of 1%. The two are available in 63” or 98” widths, and in 12 neutral colors that are well suited to a variety of settings, from health-care to residential and office.   phifer.com     phifer.com Radio Window Sensor   The company's Hyperion Solar-Adaptive Shading software can now work in conjunction with a new Radio Window Sensor. The 1⅔” diameter, battery-powered units mount directly onto opposing mullions to detect the amount and intensity of natural daylight penetrating the windows. The Hyperion technology, in turn, uses those readings to automatically adjust Sivoia QS shades.   lutron.com ShadeLoc   ShadeLoc eliminates the light gaps between shade bands by incorporating zippered edges that securely lock within 2”-wide side and 2½”-wide center channels. This motorized system enables the textile to glide smoothly and without the use of exposed hardware, such as guide cables, and stabilizes the cloth even as air pressure and flow within the room change. It is available with MechoSystems' 0700, 1300, and 6000 series shadecloths.   mechosystems.com Colorado state University built the Morgan Library Pavilion, an addition to an existing 270,000-square-foot library on its Fort Collins campus, to create a transparent, inviting space for students.

]]> 1305-sun-control.asp Thu, 16 May 2013 12:00:00 -0400 https://www.architecturalrecord.com/articles/7100-product-focus-sun-control Cortina and Siena are the latest roller-shade fabrics from Hunter Douglas to be Cradle to Cradle—certified at the Silver level for their PVC-free construction and 100% recyclability. Cortina and Siena Roller-Shade FabricsHunter Douglas Contracthunterdouglascontract.comCortina and Siena are the latest roller-shade fabrics from Hunter Douglas to be Cradle to Cradle—certified at the Silver level for their PVC-free construction and 100% recyclability. Cortina and Siena come in eight colors in a 118” fabric width and are offered in a 5% and 7% openness factor, respectively.Photo © Jeremy Bittermann Solar-shading fins from Cambridge reduce glare on the western elevation of the University of Oregon's Ford Alumni Center, limiting solar heat gain while providing natural daylighting and views Woven-Metal Fabric FinsCambridge Architecturalcambridgearchitectural.comSolar-shading fins from Cambridge reduce glare on the western elevation of the University of Oregon's Ford Alumni Center, limiting solar heat gain while providing natural daylighting and views. The new alumni center, designed by Portland, Oregon-based TVA Architects, earned LEED Gold certification. The shading system is made of cable-supported fins in a Mid-Balance pattern.Photo © Jeremy Bittermann Sefar has introduced the EL-30-T1-UV, a light-transmitting fluoropolymer PTFE fabric ideal for use in exterior shading applications, including retractable canopies, umbrellas, sun awni EL-30-T1-UV Sunscreen FabricSefar Architecturesefar.us/exteriorSefar has introduced the EL-30-T1-UV, a light-transmitting fluoropolymer PTFE fabric ideal for use in exterior shading applications, including retractable canopies, umbrellas, sun awnings, and screens (shown above in a courtyard at the HVB Forum in Munich). A UV-absorbing additive in the coating reduces the amount of UVA and UVB rays transmitted through the fabric. Photo © Jeremy Bittermann Phifer's Style 2500, the latest in its Performance+ collection, is a 1% open basketweave fabric that combines the performance of a traditional SheerWeave material plus the highly reflectiv Interior Sun-Control FabricsPhiferphifer.comPhifer's Style 2500, the latest in its Performance+ collection, is a 1% open basketweave fabric that combines the performance of a traditional SheerWeave material plus the highly reflective properties of a metallized coating. The entire Performance+ series is available in 63” and 96” widths in 10 neutral colors for commercial interiors. The fabrics are also infused with Microban antimicrobial product protection.Photo © Jeremy Bittermann SuperWall curtain wall and ClearStory sunshades helped contribute to the LEED Gold certification of Penn State University's 275,600-square-foot Millennium Science Complex (shown), designed Sunshades and SuperWall Curtain WallWausauwausauwindow.comSuperWall curtain wall and ClearStory sunshades helped contribute to the LEED Gold certification of Penn State University's 275,600-square-foot Millennium Science Complex (shown), designed by Rafael Viñoly Architects. Each section of curtain wall on the second and third floors is accented by exterior sunshades that help control solar heat gain and glare.Photo © Jeremy Bittermann The latest automated shading innovation from Lutron offers an installed cost savings of 30% per shade panel when compared with existing market solutions. Ideal for large commercial applications, t LIFTLutron Electronicslutron.com The latest automated shading innovation from Lutron offers an installed cost savings of 30% per shade panel when compared with existing market solutions. Ideal for large commercial applications, the new Roller 300 drive with Lutron Intelligent Facade Technology (LIFT) is capable of controlling 300 square feet of fabric from one low-voltage shade drive via in-room keypads or Lutron's Hyperion solar-adaptive technology.Photo © Jeremy Bittermann