Architectural Products Update

 
Steel Studs That Reduce Thermal Bridging

ThermaChannel™ steel framing members address the problem of thermal bridging in exterior walls framed with steel studs. The patented design reduces metal-to-wall contact to improve the R-value of the wall assembly without added insulating material. Testing by Oak Ridge National Laboratory confirms a 16 percent improvement in the R-value of a wall framed with ThermaChannel compared to one framed with standard steel studs. The product also reduces or eliminates "ghost marking," the collection of dust at the cold wall surface over a steel stud. No change in framing methods is required. Candidate for LEED innovation credit.

thermachannel.com

 
Daylighting System

The LightLouver™ Daylighting System is a window treatment that helps bounce daylight deep inside a building. Panels resembling mini-blinds, mounted on high windows, reflect sunlight onto the ceiling, creating an ambient source of natural light. The system can save energy by reducing the need for artificial lighting in a new or existing building. The heat associated with the redirected light becomes stratified against the ceiling, above the occupied space, reducing the need for artificial cooling. The panels hang from brackets mounted to the head or top mullion of the window.

lightlouver.com

 
Water Purification System

The HydroSecure II® water purification system is designed to cleanse water supplies of almost all known contaminants. Homes, communities, and businesses can treat approximately 2,000 gallons (7,600 liters) of water per day with a purification unit that is approximately the size of a large refrigerator. It is paired with a storage tank to provide water in an emergency. A password-protected touchscreen offers information about system operations, water usage and quality, and treatment performance. Larger models are available for businesses, institutions, and communities with higher flow demands. Easy installation in existing or new structures. From Worrell Water Technologies. The original HydroSecure® system was developed in collaboration with the U.S. government.

hydrosecure.com

 
Curved Solar Roofing Tile

SRS Energy offers the Solé Power Tile™, a curved solar roofing tile. The barrel-style tile integrates seamlessly with US Tile's "S" clay roofing systems to provide a photovoltaic option that maintains the aesthetics of the roofline. The tiles have been rigorously tested for durability, including UV stability, colorfastness, wind resistance, electrical output, safety, and extreme mechanical stresses. About 20 to 25 percent of an average roof would be replaced with the solar tile in a typical upgrade. The lightweight polymer tiles ship, stock, and install like traditional roofing. Cadmium-free and nontoxic. Sold and installed by US Tile-certified contractors.

srsenergy.com

 
Light-Transmitting Concrete

Invented by Hungarian architect Áron Losonczi, Litracon™ combines concrete with optical fibers to produce a versatile building material that transmits light. The prefabricated building blocks and panels consist of 96% concrete and 4% optical glass fibers. In each block, thousands of optical fibers run parallel to each other between the two main surfaces, transmitting light information unchanged through the block. The composite material maintains the high compressive strength of concrete and can be used to build load-bearing structures. Available in various colors and in thicknesses of 25 to 500 millimeters.

litracon.hu