Architectural Products Update

 
Mineral Wool Insulation

Thermafiber® mineral wool insulation products offer high R-values per inch of thickness, along with sound attenuation, fire resistance, mold resistance, and low off-gassing. These inorganic insulation products include at least 70 percent post-industrial recycled content, and some feature up to 90 percent recycled content. The mineral wool is made from rock and blast furnace slag, a byproduct of the steel industry. The insulation has been installed at the Burj Dubai, and is available for commercial, residential, industrial, and marine applications. Can contribute to LEED credits. Also an eligible building envelope component that qualifies for the federal tax credit.

thermafiber.com

 
Flywheel Energy Storage

Pentadyne Power Corporation has introduced the GTX flywheel energy storage system, which provides 25 percent more energy storage than previous models. This allows customers with uninterruptible power supply (UPS) systems to reduce the number of flywheels needed to bridge the gap between utility power losses and the transition to a backup generator. Designed to provide high power output and energy storage in a compact, self-contained package, Pentadyne flywheel systems are long-lasting, low-maintenance, lightweight alternatives to other energy storage products. They avoid the environmental damage from lead-acid batteries. Suited for applications such as hospitals, data centers, and casinos.

pentadyne.com

 
Green Modular Classrooms

Modular classrooms and commercial buildings by Project FROG provide a "green" alternative to conventional trailers. The structures feature high-performance envelopes, natural daylighting, high-efficiency mechanical systems, and sustainable materials options. Available at a variety of price points, the specification packages range from the standard, which meets LEED Silver requirements, to customized models that meet LEED Platinum criteria. Built using central "spines," different-shaped wings, porches, and mechanical rooms, the buildings can range from 1,200 square feet (110 square meters) to over 5,000 square feet (460 square meters) in size. Sturdy enough for zone 4 seismic areas and able to withstand winds of 110 miles per hour (177 kilometers per hour). Quick assembly with little waste.

projectfrog.com

 
Subsurface Framework for Tree Roots and Stormwater

The Silva Cell from DeepRoot is a modular subsurface framework system that holds soil while supporting traffic loads beneath paving and hardscapes. Topped by a rigid deck, the units can be stacked up to three frames high and as wide as necessary to create a maximum amount of soil volume for tree root growth and onsite stormwater filtration. Made of a high-strength compound of glass and polypropylene, and with about 92 percent void space, the system meets H-20 loading standards while accommodating surrounding utilities. Can help earn LEED points.

deeproot.com

 
Integrated Barrier Wall System

Centria's invelope™ is a single-component, insulated, metal-composite back-up wall panel system. It combines a foam-filled super-insulating core with a durable metal rainscreen and integrated masonry anchors. The integrated panel design eliminates the need for conventional batt or board insulation, exterior gypsum board, air and vapor barriers, and building wraps. Designed primarily for commercial and industrial applications, the system contains a high volume of recycled content, is Cradle to Cradle℠ silver-certified, and can help buildings earn LEED points.

buildbetterwalls.com