Architectural Product and Material AdvancesHot off our contentious presidential election, there’s a brouhaha brewing over the changes to the International Energy Conservation Code (IECC), and controversy about the member voting process, which led to results not envisioned by the organization when it sought to reduce the voice of state and city officials in the energy code-making process. It seems we can’t escape politics—or COVID for that matter. On the subject of energy efficiency and infection control, in context of the virus impacting our lives for more than a year now, I can’t help but think back a year ago to the last major trade show I attended—AHR in Atlanta. Somewhat prophetically, many of my conversations centered on IAQ, monitoring, and balancing a degree of inefficiency in exchange for better health conditions. Equally discussed were changes to refrigerants to help in the climate change battle. Look to our March issue for an update on the “Red List,” as far as other building materials and systems being affected for health purposes. Also look for further codes and standards updates relating to hygiene efforts in restrooms, especially in context of a post-COVID world. In the interim are some IAQ and HVAC highlights from the show and recent magazine coverage.
New & Noteworthy
Electronic Air Measuring Station
At AHR, Ruskin introduced a truly novel product, the AIRFLOW-IQ, which combines the features of the company’s TDP05K air flow and temperature measuring probes, with its CD50 control damper and the VAFB24-BAC RAMS Air Measurement BACnet actuator. The factory-assembled and calibrated unit provide effective setpoint airflow control from 0 to 5,000 FPM (0 to 25 m/s) using analog or BACnet interface.
LA Performing Arts Complex Brings Added Culture and Comfort
With the need to replace old, inefficient cooling towers and a chiller system that only cooled the theater space, The Ebell of Los Angeles’ management team sought to address the full needs of the theater and the occupants throughout the larger complex.
Heat Exchange Ventilation System
The Lossnay RVX Energy Recovery Ventilator improves comfort, while supporting wellness by supplying outside air to a space that’s been tempered with heat from the exhaust air stream that would otherwise be wasted.
Elegant Thermal Performance
With a frame profile intersection of just 99 mm (3.875 in.), the SL84 folding frame system reaches a new level of aesthetics with a super-slimmest aluminum profile and minimal exposed hardware. On the performance side, the system utilizes continuous seals along the face of each panel, and two levels of insulating thermal breaks aid against heat or cold.
Sponsored
Ceilings That Say You’re Really Going Places
Performance and sustainability now go hand in hand with great design, raising the bar to convey a sense of well-being and energy. Ceilings like this are part of the Sustain portfolio, meeting the most stringent industry sustainability standards. They’re also part of the CleanAssure product portfolio, meeting the latest CDC cleaning and disinfecting recommendations. And now, our 24/7 Defend portfolio includes AirAssure ceilings and VidaShield Air Purification Systems that help contain and clean the air. Today’s ceilings can make a difference.
Touchless Handwashing Solutions
Touchless fixtures are a must for post-pandemic restroom design. Bradley answers the call with an array of attractive, touch-free handwashing solutions. These models not only support a cleaner environment, they create a beautiful aesthetic and upgrade the look of commercial washrooms. Bradley’s all-in-one WashBar series—including the new ultra-modern Next Generation WashBar—removes all touchpoints from handwashing and drying. Another option is matching Verge soap dispenser and faucet sets, which offer a stunning selection of styles and finishes to complement your washroom design vision.
Color That’s Over the Top
Durapon 70 is a unique resin blend that incorporates our proprietary acrylic and 70% polyvinylidine fluoride (PVDF). It was designed as a premium finish to provide outstanding color stability and gloss retention, exceptional abrasion and chemical resistance, and great film flexibility. Durapon 70 High Performance Spray PVDF extrusion coating utilizes the same proprietary acrylic and PVDF resins that our coil coating. This unique resin blend is optimized for use in spray factory applied applications to meet AAMA 2605 specifications. With its proven performance record, Durapon 70 High Performance Spray is the ideal choice for monumental projects large or small.Both Durapon 70 for coil and extrusion coating can be formulated using “cool” pigments to comply with industry energy conservation initiatives such as LEED, Title 24, Energy Star, and ASHARE.