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comment Division 10: Specialties
Dyson
www.dysonairblade.com
September 2007
The Dyson Airblade, the latest invention by James Dyson, produces a 400 mph stream of clean air, blown through a gap no thicker than an eyelash. This sheet of air acts like an invisible windshield wiper, wiping moisture from hands, leaving them dry in 12 seconds. The Airblade uses a HEPA filter to remove more than 99.9 percent of bacteria from the air used to dry hands. It also features touchless infra-red sensor technology and an anti-microbial additive coating to reduce bacteria and fungal growth. The dryer saves energy as well, using up to 80 percent less energy than traditional hand dryers.
Evergreen Solar
www.evergreensolar.com
November 2003
Evergreen Solar, founded in 1994, develops, manufactures,
and sells solar power products, primarily solar panels, that
provide reliable and environmentally clean electric power
throughout the world. Based in Marlborough, Mass., the company
serves three main markets: wireless power, rural electrification,
and the rapidly growing, grid-connected market for residential
and commercial electricity. Using its proprietary and patented
technology, Evergreen Solar produces high quality, distinctive
solar power products, with reduced manufacturing costs through
lower materials use and streamlined processes, and will potentially
manufacture internationally.
Excel Dryer Inc.
www.exceldryer.com
March 2002
The new XLerator hand dryer for public lavatories gets hands
dry in one-third the time, and uses about one-third the energy
of conventional dryers. In addition, the XLerator draws only
1,500 watts instead of the usual 2,200.
Homasote Company
www.homasote.com
August 2003
Homasote’s PINnacle 440 and PINnacle FR Class A fire-rated
tackboards are ideal for display applications in schools,
offices, and hospitals, with no additional finishing necessary.
PINnacle FR boards achieve their fire-rating using a manufacturing
process that mixes fire-retardant chemicals evenly throughout
the board. The tackboards are made from 100 percent recycled
post-consumer waste paper, are formaldehyde-free, and can
contribute to overall LEED credits in up to five or more categories.
Hunter Douglas Contract
www.hunterdouglascontract.com
February 2008
Hunter Douglas Architectural Products has added several new solar control products to their line, including sun louvers and exterior screens made from aluminum with a minimum of 70 percent recycled content (left). When used as architectural elements the screens help reduce overall HVAC load, reduce sun glare, and block unwanted views. GlacierScreen solar shading fabrics (below) avoid the use of VOC-emitting substances while maintaining the performance and durability of standard PVC-coated fabrics.
Innovations m2
www.ecosmartfire.com
September 2005
The EcoSmart Fire is a flueless fireplace from Australia that
requires no installation or utility connection for fuel, thereby
making it ideal for apartment or city living. Units can be
freestanding, wall fitted, or inserted into a closed-off fireplace.
The burner, which heats on average over 115 square feet, can
also be inserted into joinery to create a streamlined benchtop
feature. Fuelled by a renewable resource (denatured alcohol),
the EcoSmart Fire burns clean and is virtually maintenance
free. A Designer range of freestanding models (shown) can
be delivered ready to operate, while the Renovator range can
be fitted by a builder into any combustible or non combustible
wall or closed fireplace.
InPro Corporation
www.inprocorp.com
April 2003
EnviroGT wall protection products are manufactured from 100
percent recycled high density polyethylene and certified wood.
The line includes impact-resistant handrails, wall guards,
and corner guards.
The Iris Group
www.iriswalls.com
August 2001
The Iris Group manufactures and installs IrisWall, a moveable
wall system for offices, conference rooms, and class rooms.
They claim IrisWall is the most environmentally wall system
on the market. IrisWall is made up of 90% recyclable materials
including aluminum, gypsum, and water-based paints. They have
also created their own insulation product, IrisFiber. IrisFiber,
unlike fiberglass, does not carry a hazardous warning label.
However, IrisFiber insulates just as well as fiberglass and
carries the same fire, heat, and sound ratings.
Based on what you have seen and read about this project, how would you grade it? Use the stars below to indicate your assessment, five stars being the highest rating.
Johnsonite
www.johnsonite.com
November 2003
A new line of replaceable wall base from Johnsonite installs
without adhesives, eliminating extra costs to repair damaged
drywall, a common problem when changing out traditional wall
base. The new system hangs on a track, so it can be easily
removed, reused, and fully recycled. Low voltage cables for
voice, data, and security systems can be concealed in the
toe space (subject to job site conditions). The system is
ideal for tenant improvement projects where budgets and timetables
are critical.
Levolux
www.levolux.com
October 2001
With more than 160 years experience in the design, project
management, installation, and maintenance of solar shading
systems, Levolux has completed major projects in Europe, Canada,
Hong Kong, and the U.S. With the increasing significance of
energy issues in the U.S., Levolux encourages American architects
to look to its products as a way of controlling heat gain
within buildings while moving away from the traditional route
of air conditioning. Three key product groupings include the
Skyvane rack arm system, external shading systems, and specialty
venetian blinds.
New Frontier Industries
www.newfrontierindustries.com
September 2005
EverQuiet sound barrier wallboards from New Frontier Industries
(NFI) typically reduce noise pollution by 50 percent. Manufactured
from 95 percent postconsumer recycled plastic, the panels
use a proprietary process that recycles a range of plastics
beyond milk and soda bottles. The walls can be engineered
up to 30' high and are capable of withstanding 150-mph winds.
PolyVision
www.polyvision.com
December 2007
The e3 ceramicsteel surface for whiteboards and chalkboards has achieved international Cradle to Cradle Silver certification, and Greenguard Indoor Air quality and Greenguard for Children and Schools certification for all marker and tack boards. The surface consists of a steel core with a minumum of 30 percent pre and post consumer recycled content of .013'' and .019''
thickness covered on both sides with thin enamel coatings.
Providence Artworks
www.providenceartworks.com
July 2004
Providence Artworks new Ivory of Tagua Collection features
an ivory look alike harvested from the Tagua Palm Nut. The
cabinet knobs—hand-carved by Ecuadorian artisans—look,
feel, age, and have the strength of elephant ivory. Used as
an ivory substitute since the Victorian era (mostly for buttons),
the demand for the Tagua nut declined after the discovery
of less expensive synthetics.
Sharp Electronics Corporation
www.sharp-usa.com
November 2003
Sharp’s 3500W Sunvista inverter is engineered to blend
solar energy from up to three input strings, each varying
by number, model, and angle of modules. The inverter’s
neutral-toned housing integrates well with exteriors, while
the interior LCD monitor displays instantaneous and cumulative
electricity generation and CO2 reduction levels. Matched to
Sharp solar modules and mounting hardware, the system is also
compatible with other manufacturer’s systems, and is
ideal for both residential and commercial applications.
Tulikivi
www.tulikivi.com
October
A Tulikivi soapstone fireplace is an ecological heating source
because it uses wood, a renewable resource. It is also recognized
for its non-polluting properties, releasing far fewer particulates
into both the home and the environment than traditional wood-burning
stoves. Compared with other combustibles such as oil, gas,
and fossil fuel, proper wood burning does not affect the earth's
atmosphere and does not promote the greenhouse effect. Tulikivi
soapstone fireplaces are extraordinary efficient thermal mass
heaters, meaning that the fire's heat, captured in the mass
of soapstone, is released slowly and evenly over time, long
after the fire has gone out. One quick firing of wood for
two to four hours produces up to 24 hours of radiant heat.
Often recommended by doctors, radiant heat is less drying
for the sinus and less irritating for asthma sufferers.
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