Architectural Products Update

 
Manage AC Energy Demand

The Ice Bear® hybrid air conditioning system from Ice Energy® is designed to shift AC electrical demand from peak daytime hours to off-peak periods, when energy is less expensive and its use is less polluting. The Ice Bear shifts up to 95 percent of AC load and still provides full cooling performance. Such "permanent load-shifting" technologies provide benefits to both utilities and consumers, including added protection against power shortages during heat waves and reduced reliance on the construction of new power-generation plants. California's PG&E "Shift and Save" program offers rebates and annual incentives for adding the Ice Bear system to existing and new air conditioning equipment.

ice-energy.com

 
Antimicrobial Upholstery

The AgION® Upholstery Collection from C.F. Stinson offers a new PVC-free, antimicrobial upholstery material especially well-suited to hospitality and healthcare applications. AgION's patented silver-ion technology continuously resists bacteria and other microbes for the life of the furniture. The technology is both EPA-registered and FDA-listed. The treated fabric has a soft surface, yet is impervious to fluids and easy to clean. Available in an array of colors and in four patterns: iridescent Optic (pictured) and Wink give a contemporary look, while Silverado and Sterling have a more traditional leatherlike grain.

cfstinson.com

 
Geometric 3D Glass Panels

Nathan Allan Glass Studios, Inc. introduces Convex Glass, a line of glass panels with three-dimensional geometric patterns. Current options include rectangular, square, and circular shapes; Clear and Low Iron glass types; and cast textures, privacy coatings, and safety tempering. Another new coating option, "Fire-Frost," gives a similar look to sandblasting and adds a permanent finish that repels grease, dirt, and fingerprints for easy care in both indoor and outdoor applications. A new casting method improves panel fit. Convex Glass can be produced in single-layered panels, in several thicknesses ranging from 0.25 to 0.75 inches, and in sizes up to 8 feet by 12.5 feet.

nathanallan.com

 
Tulikivi Soapstone Fireplaces

Tukikivi's newest collection of wood-burning soapstone fireplaces feature both increased efficiency and an improved viewing experience. These masonry fireplaces are already efficient: a four-hour fire can warm up to 1,000 square feet (93 square meters) of space for as long as twenty-four hours after the fire is out. A new combustion system, the Whirlbox, raises the burning efficiency to 88 percent and also increases the heating efficiency. These new fireplaces can help projects earn points toward LEED certification. The improved arrangement of firebox and larger doors also brings the flame-viewing up close, ending a long-standing critique of masonry heaters. The new models reflect the Finnish love of clean geometric lines; a range of surface treatments and accessories are available.

tulikivi.com