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Glenn Murcutt Gold Medal | |
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Pictou Landing Health Center | |
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Architectural Products Update |
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Big Ass Fans® has introduced the Element™, an industrial-grade ceiling fan designed to increase air movement and reduce energy usage in large air-conditioned spaces, such as shopping malls, office buildings, and recreational facilities. The 12-foot- (4-meter-) diameter fan uses only one-half horsepower (373 watts) at maximum speed. When integrated into HVAC systems, it allows delay in the activation of air conditioning, and may reduce energy costs by 10 to 15 percent over standalone AC. Used year round, it can reduce the amount of ductwork required in buildings. |
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SystemX fluorescent lighting is a modular system designed by Ross Lovegrove for Yamagiwa. The basic X module is made of plastic and aluminum, with two 21-watt fluorescent lamps linked by rubber connectors. A single unit can be used alone or large areas can be covered with interconnected modules in a variety of configurations. Horizontal and vertical arrays are possible. The programmable system can control color temperatures for zones of illumination, including lightness and brightness with dimming options. An energy-efficient and unusual sculptural design solution for the office environment. |
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Tumbleweed Tiny House Company sells very compact ready-made houses and house plans. Design priority is given to light, warmth, energy efficiency, and proportion, while minimizing transitional areas and maximizing storage space. The "Tiny" homes range from 65 to 140 square feet (6 to 13 square meters), and are built as towable travel trailers on wheels. Pictured is the Weebee model, at 102 square feet (9 square meters). Plans are also available for the line of "Small" houses, which measure 251 to 837 square feet (23 to 78 square meters) and are designed to meet International Building Code. Workshops and free telephone support are available to support use of plans. |
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International plumbing product manufacturer Hansgrohe offers the Axor Citterio M collection of high-end kitchen and bathroom fixtures. Designed by Italian architect Antonio Citterio (with Toan Nguyen), the collection is characterized by slim, modern lines inspired by the city of Milan. Two products from the collection won International Forum (IF) Gold Awards in 2008: the showerpipe and the single-lever washbasin faucet. The tall model of the single-hole faucet (pictured), created for vessel-type sinks, won a "red dot: best of the best" award for outstanding design. |
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The Rainwater Hog is a modular rainwater storage tank. Designed by an architect as a durable, space-saving alternative to traditional rain barrels and cisterns, each module has a capacity of 51 gallons (195 liters). With dimensions of 71 by 20 by 9.5 inches (180 by 50 by 25 centimeters), these compact tanks can be installed in tight spaces, such as horizontally under decks or vertically against walls and fencing. Modules can be linked to store larger volumes of water. The high-density polyethylene is UV-stabilized and can withstand temperatures from 22 to 140 degrees Fahrenheit ( |
