Architectural Products Update

 
Cool Coatings for Aluminum Cladding

3A Composites (formerly Alcan Composites) introduces a "cool" coating system for its Alucobond® aluminum cladding. The high solar reflectivity of the coatings limits building heat gain, thus helping to lower cooling costs and save energy. Made with PVDF (polyvinylidene fluoride), the new finishes offer chalk resistance and long-lasting color, along with resistance to corrosion and to damage from chemicals, humidity, and salt spray. The paints require little maintenance and are easy to clean with conventional detergents or solvents. Available in a variety of colors.

alucobondusa.com

 
Architectural Glass Block

Seves glassblock has launched three new products. The Energy Saving block (pictured) combines transparency and thermal protection by sandwiching a low-e glass plate between two shells of clear glass block, with argon gas inserted at controlled pressure. The UV Reflector glass block has mirrored surfaces that reduce the transmission of UV light, thanks to the zirconium oxide film applied to the glass surface. The Q30 Diamante block has an asymmetrical pyramid form, developed in collaboration with 5+1AA as part of the tailor-made service for architects and designers. Based in Italy.

sevesglassblock.com

 
Glass-Tile Solar Roofing System

The SolTech System is a multilayer roofing system that harvests solar energy. It consists of undulating glass roof tiles, an underlayment of nylon fabric coated with a light-absorbing layer, and an air gap created by beams mounted in a patented way to enable even circulation of air across the roof surface. The system is designed to be easily integrated with existing heating systems, such as heat pumps and boilers. It is most often connected to a water-borne central heating system via an accumulation tank. Minimum roof slope of 15 degrees. From SolTech Energy of Sweden.

soltechenergy.com

 
Cost-Effective Prefab Homes

ASUL, the Adaptable System for Universal Living, is a proprietary modular home design and construction system developed by a team of architects, engineers, contractors, and investors. Each home is customized based on a collaborative design process between the client and ASUL architects, aided by paper models of the thirty pre-engineered rooms available. Construction materials are sourced, prefabricated, packaged, and shipped for assembly. Pricing is based on the materials used and onsite construction options, with one option that includes materials and labor to complete the entire home, including mechanical, electrical, and plumbing systems.

asul.us

 
Dual-Function Solar Panels

The new Volther™ hybrid solar collectors produce electricity and hot water simultaneously. While conventional photovoltaic (PV) modules experience a decrease in efficiency as the module heats up, the Volther system uses excess heat to heat water while also increasing the efficiency and lifespan of the PV component. The dual-function collector offers an alternative to separate PV and solar thermal units. Two models are available: the Powervolt, designed to maximize the electrical generation (peak output 190 Watts electrical/ 460 Watts thermal), and the Powertherm, which maximizes water heating (peak output 170 Watts electrical/ 680 Watts thermal). From Solimpeks Solar Energy Corp., based in Turkey.

solimpeks.com