Finishes
Finishes Gypsum Board | Tiling | Ceilings | Countertops | Flooring “I’ve seen and specified the Barz Ceiling System. It can provide integration with HVAC systems and access to the ceiling. It’s a nice product, if used well.” — Stephan Jaklitsch
Barz Linear Ceiling System
With the Barz system, one of two products tied for Top Pick, any size and spacing of slats, struts, strips, boards, beams, and other linear components can be preassembled into panels weighing as little as 1.5 pounds per square foot. Providing integration with the HVAC systems and access to the ceiling, the system is made of aluminum with steel support members in finishes including real wood veneers and simulated wood. full caption
Volvic Lava Stone Countertop
While the jury had concerns over affordability, the Pyrolave volvic lava stone was a winner for its practicality, beauty, and uniqueness among other countertop options. Volvic lava stone is extracted from the heart of volcanic craters in France. Skilled engineers then coat the stone with richly hued enamels and fire them at high temperatures, giving the surface a distinct crackle finish. The resulting surface can withstand high temperatures, acids, and corrosive cleaning products. There are 16 matte and 16 glossy colors in the line. full caption
Phenomenon
Mutina Ceramiches Phenomenon ceramic tile, by Tokujin Yoshioka, creates the visual effect of patterns found in nature, such as honeycombs, snow flakes, icicle formations, and plant cells. Intended for floor and wall covering, it is suitable for high-traffic areas and comes in three colors and two textures. So many submittals are using technology to mimic nature, said one juror. This product takes a different approach based on design. full caption
The Java Collection
Kireis Java Collection is a set of new designs that feature rigid tiles fabricated from reclaimed coconut shells and low- or zero-VOC adhesives and finishes. According to the jury, this gorgeous, natural tactile product is a great innovation, although one juror noted a concern about durability. The tiles are Class C fire-rated, with a Class A treatment available. They are intended for wall covering, furniture, and interior design feature elements.
AirRenew
One of the two products tied for Top Pick, the AirRenew indoor air-quality gypsum board is the industrys first and only wallboard to permanently reduce VOCs circulating indoors. An interesting innovation that is needed not just in special environments, said one juror, but to clean the air we all breathe. AirRenew actively helps clean the air by capturing VOCs and converting them into inert compounds that safely remain within the board for 75 years.
Ultima with AirGuard Coating
Ultima with AirGuard Coating is the first ceiling tile that actively removes formaldehyde in indoor air. The AirGuard coating technology converts naturally occurring and man-made formaldehyde in interiors into an inert substance permanently captured by the ceiling. Tests show it eliminates 90% of formaldehyde during the first year of use. Made of a mineral fiber substrate, the tile is UL-Certified, is listed on CHPS High Performance Products Database for low-emitting materials, and has a high recycled content of 71%. full caption
Rinascita
Millikens Rinasinta is a group of recycled leather tiles with reclaimed and recycled carpet backing. Noted as a warm and beautiful flooring option, the collection was developed in collaboration with leather supplier Spinneybeck and is composed of 95% recycled content (85% recycled-leather composite and 10% natural rubber). The finished face substrate is made of postindustrial content from the leather manufacturing process while the cushioned felt backing is made of postconsumer carpet that has been reclaimed and recycled. full caption