Specialties Conveying Systems
Specialties Conveying Systems
FloraDrain FD40-E
This green-roof system from ZinCo USA was designed to work with ZinCo’s 8”-deep substrate that is suitable for urban rooftop farming of vegetables and fruits such as lettuce, onions, melons, and strawberries. Made of recycled polyethylene, FloraDrain can be easily used in combination with roof gardens, patios, walkways, and other spaces. full caption
Photo courtesy ZinCo USA
OpenSpace
Duravit collaborated with Vienna-based design group EOOS to create OpenSpace, an original shower concept that folds against the wall after use, creating more usable space. The system, designed for small bathrooms, has doors made of 0.31”-thick safety glass that can be lifted and folded into a neat chrome frame, exposing a full-length mirror, then lowered back into the shower position when desired. full caption
Photo courtesy Duravit
Beyond Architectural Walls
Entering into more structural designs, Allsteel has introduced a movable, frameless glass-wall system featuring a unique built-in scissor-lift mechanism, which functions like a pneumatic jack, to level the glass within the floor channel and allow faster installations. Created in partnership with inventor Eberhard von Huene, the system features ½”-thick soundproof glass strong enough to accommodate an optional privacypanel system that hangs directly on the glass (shown on right wall). full caption
Photo courtesy Allsteel
Cleo Mobile Magnetic Markerglass
Designed by the Providence-based Kaiju Studios, Cleo is a two-sided magnetic marker glass that comes in two versions: the Divider, which reconfigures or stows away by nesting together, and the Easel, which provides storage and display features for presentations. Framed within mobile steel units, the tempered safety-glass systems easily glide from one space to another. full caption
Photo courtesy Sky Design
Geared-to-Gearless Modernization Solution
The top pick in the Conveying Systems category, ThyssenKrupp Elevator Americas’ geared-to-gearless modernization solution allows existing geared elevators to be upgraded with cutting-edge gearless elevator technology. ThyssenKrupp’s modernization experts customize plans that include removal of existing geared machines, controllers, and motor generators. Facilities are then modernized with the latest technology in micro-processor controls with advanced dispatching, an efficient AC drive system, and compact gearless machines. full caption
Photo courtesy ThyssenKrupp Elevator Americas
PowerMax Photovoltaic Modules
CertainTeed’s PowerMax photovoltaic modules feature rack-mounted, copper-indium-selenide (CIS) thin-film technology with one of the best cost-to-power ratios in the industry. The panels are manufactured by CertainTeed’s sister company Avancis, a pioneer in CIS technology since 1998. The black panels are durable, simple to install, and suitable for use on all types of roofing, curtain walls, and canopies. They offer the highest electricity-conversion efficiency for thin-film solar modules in the world, says the manufacturer. full caption
Photo courtesy CertainTeed
KONE ReVolution
KONE’s geared-to-gearless elevator-modernization system also scored high with the jury. The company’s gearless machine technology and innovative 2:1 roping configuration provide the benefits of gearless technology with minimal or no disruption to the existing building structure. This is done by placing the slim-line deflector sheaves within the car-top cross-head and counterweight to divide the hoist cable deflection into four separate hitch points in the overhead.
“KONE’s ReVolution sounds like a great idea for a facility that must retrofit existing elevators without significant disruption.” Andreas Hausler
full captionPhoto courtesy KONE
Glass Stair Treads
Cast in one solid piece in thicknesses ranging from 1.5” to 6”, the steps from ThinkGlass do not have the visible lines common in laminated glass stair treads. An antiskid laminate film gives the stair a safe, slip-resistant surface. A variety of organic textures, colors, and edge treatments is available, and stairs may be curved, straight, or spiral. LED lighting can also be embedded within the steps (shown). full caption
Photo courtesy ThinkGlass