July/August 2009

Volume 23, Issue 4 - July/August 2009

New Product Focus

resources
The requirements for LEED certification are continuing to evolve so to help architects have the most up-to-date information on tools and performance criteria during the development stage Kawneer Company Inc. has introduced a new version of its LEED planning tool. The tool was developed using the U.S. Green Building Council’s (USGBC) LEED 2009 Reference Guide for Green Building Design and Construction, a component of LEED Version 3 and a reorganization of the existing commercial and institutional LEED rating systems, with major enhancements made in harmonization, credit weightings, and regionalization.
www.kawneer.com

security glass
Toughen Up
Break-ins can often result in tens of thousands of dollars of damage to buildings, equipment and furnishings inside. To help mitigate those losses Sheffield Plastics, a Bayer MaterialScience LLC business, created Makrolon® 15 polycarbonate sheet for architectural glazing. According to company information, this polycarbonate sheet is virtually unbreakable and can be used as a direct replacement to monolithic glass in storefront and commercial glazing.

In addition, the polycarbonate sheet can be used to protect existing windows as an alternative to metal screens; it can also be installed as over-head glazing and used to protect school windows from breakage. www.sheffieldplastics.com

curtainwall
Something for Everyone
Designed for a wide spectrum of job requirements, EFCO®, a Pella company, recently added the Series 8700 (7-inch depth) and 8800 (8-inch depth) unitized product line to its curtainwall offerings.

Featuring 3-inch sightlines, performance capabilities and a 4-sided structural glazing option, the company says the systems provide an aesthetically pleasing, well-rounded design. www.efcocorp.com

Hybrid Design
Hybrids aren’t just for vehicles these days. The REHAU-Polytec™ 50 hybrid curtainwall system can be used for single- or multi-story window configuration capabilities. Featuring 2-inch sightlines, the polymer-based system promotes energy efficiency through thermal insulation and can accommodate up to 1 9/16-inch thick glass. It has a U-factor as low as 0.28 and is water tight up to 25 psf according to ASTM E331; a patented drainage system protects against inside water leakage. It also has encapsulated steel reinforcements that can provide optimum strength for designs that incorporate large spans.
www.rehau.com

glass
A Little of This, a Little of That
A new glass sample kit that includes a complete product line, performance data and an insulating glass viewer for numerous different glass combinations is now available from Pilkington.

The new kits are produced with environmentally friendly materials, with supporting performance numbers. In February 2009 Pilkington and Interrupt Marketing were awarded a Gold Addy Award from the Advertising Club of Toledo for the overall design, packaging and usability of the kit. www.pilkington.com

entrances
The New Model T
Architects seeking LEED certification for projects are continually challenged to design with the most energy-efficient products. To help meet that need, YKK AP has a new thermally broken entrance system. The Model 35T door incorporates the company’s MegaTherm® process to separate the exterior and interior extrusions by more than 0.270 inches, allowing the entrance door to have U-values as low as 0.50.

In addition, door corners are joined and welded to withstand demanding conditions. Each door includes a limited lifetime warranty. www.ykkap.com

glass wall systems
For Indoors and Out
While the new standard stacking glass wall system and the stacking clear glass walls from Solar Innovations Inc. may look similar, they each serve a unique purpose. The standard system is designed for relatively heavy residential and commercial projects and may be used for exterior applications; the clear glass system can also be used in both residential and commercial applications, but is designed for interior or light exterior applications.

The systems utilize the company’s stainless steel trolley bearings developed to withstand a high-load capacity and the longevity required for large architectural applications. www.solarinnovations.com