Archives for 2014

ECPR’s Top-Pick Building Products of the Year…and New Year!

Riverlite Expanded Clay Lightweight Aggregate

Weight should not compromise design or efficiency, which is a concept Big River Industries, an Old Castle Architectural Products Group company, took to heart when it first produced Riverlite, the lightest expanded clay aggregate (LWA) in North America. Companies and organizations in the construction, concrete, structural concrete, geotechnical, engineering, green roof, and filtration industries benefit from this structural aggregate’s low unit weight, high angle of internal friction, low-thermal conductivity, and high fire resistance.

The key to the LWA’s success resides in its base material: Clay that is mined, fired, calcinated, crushed, and graded.

What we admire most about Riverlite expanded clay lightweight aggregate is that its uses are innumerable; the aggregate is used in a variety of concrete products including structural lightweight concrete for buildings and highway bridges or decks; concrete masonry block; bio-swales, landscapes and green roofs; just to name a few.

Saving 50% in time and labor costs, Riverlite was used to manufacture lightweight masonry (E-lite) blocks for the development of the Maryland Science Center.

For this project and many others like it, the lightweight factor helps contractors and builders complete projects sooner rather than later, so they can generate revenue from the projects earlier, which is better for the property owners as well. In construction, we all known time is money, and if property owners can reduce the number of days it takes to construct a building, it helps them easily project when it can be rented or sold and begin earning revenue.

Superior DRT2000 Merit Series Direct-Vent Fireplace

Fireplaces add visual and aesthetic appeal to any home and many commercial and hospitality spaces. With that said, we are heated up for Innovative Hearth Products’ Superior DRT2000 Merit Series direct-vent fireplace.

Builders, designers, remodelers, and contractors can take pleasure in knowing their clients will bask in the warmth and comfort of this fireplace’s traditional style without compromising quality or design. This highly efficient fireplace is perfectly sized to suit most any space or room, while offering a host of standard features, heightened performance and state-of-the-art technology to ensure its elegance and warmth last for years. Notably, Superior DRT2000’s specifications include a direct vent, optional remote, and a front view style.

Also offered in a contemporary style, the DRT2000 is an ideal solution for builders or architects looking to provide clients a high-end and modern design approach at an affordable price.

DESSO Transitions Fuse Carpet Tiles

Embrace movement and creative expression in the office with DESSO® Transitions Fuse carpet tiles. This striking carpet tile fluently meshes two contrasting yet complementary colors to separate large open spaces like those in offices. The carpet tiles allow an interior layout to transition from a large space into a smaller or more private area and are available in seven different color combinations.

DESSO specializes in producing high-quality, durable carpets and carpet tiles that are long lasting and easy to install in commercial settings ranging from offices, banks and retail stores to public buildings, schools and healthcare centers.

At first look, we were floored by the product’s high-tech traits and attractive design, and have known more than one of our design-build clients to specify these types of carpets when designing flexible and open spaces. Rather than adding walls and doors to close off a space, the sense of transition yielded by the placement of these tiles supplies an open office environment that is more collaborative and productive.

Phantom Screens

We know just how disappointing it can be to have outdoor relaxation stymied by insects and blazing sun, among other things. With Phantom Screens, making the most of outdoor living spaces is a breeze. Beneficial for both residential and commercial screening projects, Executive screens provide extreme comfort by delivering shade, insect protection, natural ventilation, and privacy at the touch of a button.

Executive motorized retractable screens by Phantom are ideal for screening patios, decks, lanais, and other large outdoor areas. Executive screens can be incorporated into various architectural styles and offer homeowners or business owners the enjoyment of using every inch of their exterior areas.

One of the best things about these screen systems is that wall mounted switches or hand-held remotes can be programmed to lower or retract them whenever the owner needs some time in the shade. Executive screens can be recessed from view, or mounted on existing structures. Even better, the screens can be integrated into most any type of structure, including wood, brick, stucco, natural stone, and concrete.

National Gypsum Company’s ProForm XP® Ready Mix Joint Compound with Dust-Tech

Another product that has certainly caught our eye, but won’t send sawdust into it, is National Gypsum ProForm XP® Ready Mix Joint Compound with Dust-Tech.

This product is an all-purpose, vinyl-based joint compound specifically formulated to reduce airborne dust while sanding. With less mess, builders can minimize the time spent cleaning up following these kinds of jobs. The XP Joint Compound with Dust-Tech can be used for all phases of drywall finishing, texturing, patching, and renovations. Among its various uses, the product is designed for tape application; faster spotting; complete joint finishing of gypsum board; to repair cracks in plastered walls; add texture to surfaces; and laminate gypsum board to other surfaces.

Two noteworthy features of the XP Joint Compound with Dust-Tech include the fact it reduces airborne dust by 60 percent and offers first-rate mold resistance per ASTM G 21 with a score of 0, the best possible score- which both contribute to minimizing impact on indoor air quality. This product also sands without clogging sandpaper; has a low VOC content; and is GREENGUARD Children and Schools Certified- making it perfect for commercial and residential use in spaces frequented by little ones and those who are environmentally conscience.

Builders and building product manufacturers, send us your feedback and information about must-have building product resources, and we just might feature them in a future blog post or include one or more of them in an upcoming media tour for our editor and reporter contacts in the field.

Learn about our integrated marketing services on our builders and building product manufacturers on our website.

Interior designers, we are sure there have been times when you struggled to find that one amazing focal piece for a space. If you are in this state now, then allow us to help! Let your clients and their guests explore the depths of the deep blue from the comfort of their living rooms.

London-based designer Christopher Duffy is known for creating cutting-edge, statement home décor with functional purposes. One of his latest projects merges the beauty and mystery of the world’s oceans with a common household staple, the coffee table.

The Abyss Table is a mesmerizing mix of glass, color and woodwork, complete with convincing topographical features. Reminiscent of an underwater cave, this conversation piece is a sight to behold. As a limited edition item, the Duffy London team took more than a year to develop the Abyss Table. By layering sculpted glass with Perspex and forest wood, they recreated the concept imagined by Duffy.

For your affluent clientele, The Abyss Table could stand alone or be a purposeful, yet exclusive, addition to most living spaces. Click here for more information and photos of The Abyss Table and Duffy London.

The Abyss Table by Duffy London, shown here in a loft space,  is made of glass and wood, creating an interesting contrast in the textured materials of the photo.

The Business of Luxury Design (BOLD) Summit, formerly known as the Business of Design (BOD) Conference, has announced high-level additions to the event’s line-up of presentations. The two-day event, set to take place Aug. 28-29, 2014, at the Wynn Hotel, Las Vegas, will feature celebrated architect Richard Landry and esteemed editors from national consumer home and industry-related trade publications.

Richard Landry, owner and founder of the award-winning, custom residential architecture firm Landry Design Group, Inc., based in Los Angeles, Calif., will be a keynote speaker at the 2014 BOLD Summit. His presentation will focus on nurturing designers’ passions while building thriving businesses. Landry will share educational insights for personal business growth and development from start-up to present-day.

Richard Landry of Landry Design Group

Named as one of Architectural Digest’s “AD100: Top 100 Designers” five-times since 2000, Landry has designed luxurious statement homes for celebrities such as Eddie Murphy, Mark Wahlberg and Wayne Gretzky. His BOLD Summit keynote presentation will take place Thursday, Aug. 28 at 10 a.m. PDT.

This year’s BOLD Summit will also feature a media / editor panel dedicated to sharing vital insight for designers and architects regarding the evolving design preferences of today’s consumer as well as trending themes for design-based editorial and photo content. Panelists to date include Amy Elbert, senior architecture editor for Traditional Home; Michela O’Connor Abrams, president at Dwell magazine; Lori Bryan, editor for Robb Report Home & Style; and Katie Kervin, managing editor of Hospitality Design. Others will be announced prior to the August event.

The panel will be moderated by our own Don Eberly and Jeff Collard, co-partners for the BOLD Summit and co-owners of Eberly & Collard Public Relations. The session “How to Serve as a Strategic Editorial Resource – Building Relationships with the Media,” will take place Friday, Aug. 29 at 3 p.m. PDT.

 

The BOLD Summit is designed to provide interior designers, architects, design-build professionals, landscape designers and architects, and other luxury design service-providers with resourceful information and networking opportunities, to powerfully align their strategic development and company positioning in the luxury marketplace. The event’s new host, Julia Molloy, founder of Molloy Management Group, brings over 20 years of business operations management experience to BOLD’s rebranded conference. Serving as BOLD Summit’s educational program director, a full spectrum of sessions and topics Molloy will be leading at BOLD Summit will be released in July.

For more information about the BOLD Summit and to request an invitation to attend, visit www.businessofluxurydesign.com.

The season to celebrate the great outdoors is upon us and moving quickly. We know as landscapers and outdoor room designers, you want to find the best tools and products that will get the job done quickly, and help your clients enjoy their outdoor living spaces to the max.

From saying goodbye to slithering things to paving the way to a more usable patio, we have highlighted five must-have products that will make the most out of the 2014 summer season.

Deer, Wildlife & Insect control:

Keep your clients’ homes and gardens free from unwanted snakes with Dr. T’s Snake-A-Way®. This fast-acting repellent starts working immediately after application. It temporarily disrupts the snake’s sensory receptors, called Jacobson’s Organ, which causes the snake to slither away disoriented and unharmed in search of fresh air. Snake-A-Way comes in granular form, making it easy to apply only to certain areas, and with its time release formula, it gives long-lasting protection.

To learn more click here.

Patio / Deck Furniture:

Summer is the perfect time to relax outdoors. With an outdoor bed designed by Floating Bed, create an outdoor living space that may just become your clients’ favorite place for down time. The versatility of the Floating Bed gives room to hang it anywhere in a backyard. It comes in a variety of colors and styles that will fit any family’s needs. The Floating Bed even comes with a canopy option that will protect homeowners from the elements, making it available to use nearly every season.

To learn more click here

Hardscapes:

With pavers from Nantucket Pavers, creating a unique walkway, patio, pool area, or backyard retreat has never been easier. Hardscapes are becoming more popular because of their low upkeep and easy maintenance. Nantucket Pavers carry a variety of sizes and colors of its blocks and stones to accent the whole garden design. They can be used to build a free-standing wall, a decorative wall around a fire pit or Jacuzzi tub as well as a uniquely designed patio.

To learn more click here.

Shade Systems:

Bring family and friends together with the Sonoma 12 Douglas Fir shade system. With expert design, the pergola is precision-cut and requires moderate assembly upon delivery. The optional lattice roof and wall kit can provide privacy as well as protection from the elements. The 12 feet x 12 feet size can accommodate large parties. The Sonoma 12 Pergola offers outdoor living spaces that are both functional and beautiful.

To learn more click here.

Landscaping Tools:

Black & Decker’s 22-inch cordless hedge trimmers keep lawns and gardens looking clean and polished. The long blade makes cutting in hard to reach places quicker and easier. The hardened, machined-steel blade stays sharp and provides the durability to maintain a perfectly manicured yard year after year. The powerful rechargeable 18V battery provides landscapers with the long runtime needed to go anywhere without being limited to the length of a cord.

To learn more click here.

What’s “Hot” this Summer? Landscapers, tell us about your top tool and outdoor space products and why you like them. Also, Retailers, chime in with your best-selling landscape / exterior product options that you see as hot-selling trend-setters this summer. 

The February / March 2014 issue of Concrete Contractor features a byline article written by our team at ECPR, which is story that sheds light on our client, Big River Industries, and the company’s high-tech architectural product, expanded clay lightweight aggregate.

The story involves Colorado engineers saving project time and money while installing a second water tank for Denver Water, a public utility company that serves high-quality water and promotes its efficient use to 1.3 million people in the city of Denver and many surrounding suburbs. The installation was made possible by using the internal curing of concrete. Internal curing (IC) of concrete using lightweight aggregate increases hydration, which prevents shrinkage and cracking, improves durability, and ensures better quality, while ultimately reducing costs, according to the ASTM Standard Specification for Lightweight Aggregate (LWA) for Internal Curing of Concrete.

“Internal curing results in only slightly higher initial costs; however, when considering the extended service life, these costs are far outmatched by the value IC concrete provides,” says Jeff Speck, vice president of sales and marketing for Alpharetta, Ga.-based Big River Industries, the nation’s largest producer of high-quality expanded clay lightweight aggregate (LWA), called Riverlite. Speck chaired the ASTM Subcommittee C09.21 on Lightweight Aggregates and Lightweight Concrete.

The benefits are evidenced by Colorado engineers’ successful water tank installation for Denver Water in 2012 as well as three additional tank installation projects using IC concrete on the schedule for 2014. The project entailed challenges and well-thought solutions on the part of the project team, leading to an interesting outcome. Click here to view the full online version of the Concrete Contractor article here.