Articles By: Blaine Brownell

Flight Assembled Architecture

Flight Assembled Architecture is a demonstration project that exhibits research conducted on flying machine enabled construction by ETH Zürich professor Raffaello D’Andrea and architects Gramazio & Kohler. The first installation to be built by flying machines, Flight Assembled Architecture...

January 20th, 2012 | feature, interactive | Read More

Textures

R-Cast Textures acrylic material weighs half as much as glass but is 17 times stronger. It is also four times stronger than concrete. Textures are acrylic panels that feature customized patterns sculpted deep into the surface. Without any special illumination, the panels reflect available ambient lighting...

December 29th, 2011 | feature, plastic | Read More

Lunalite

Lunalite decorative surfaces exhibit a range of effects, from rustic textures to metallic shimmer. This collection of sophisticated interlayers features materials like mica, gold flake and sisal fibers, giving surfaces depth and complexity. Custom fabrication ensures that each organic Lunalite surface...

December 9th, 2011 | feature, plastic | Read More

SorbtiveMEDIA

Many lakes, ponds and rivers suffer from algae blooms and depleted dissolved oxygen as a direct result of excessive nutrients entering waterways after rainstorms. Phosphorus is the accelerant that causes algae blooms to grow rapidly. SorbtiveMEDIA is an oxide-coated water filtration system engineered...

December 2nd, 2011 | feature, mineral | Read More

Expancel

Unexpanded Expancel thermoplastic microspheres are small plastic particles that contain a droplet of liquid hydrocarbon. When heated, the plastic shells soften and the liquid builds pressure causing the particles to expand. The result is gas filled, thin walled particles of extremely low density. The...

November 11th, 2011 | feature, plastic | Read More

Fusion

Fusion incorporates the iridescent color features of dichroic glass with clear or low iron options. Fissures and air bubbles also become integral components of the finished glass pieces, making the final appearance even more visually captivating. Comprised by up to 30% recycled content and offered in...

November 4th, 2011 | feature, glass | Read More

Ambient Glow Technology

Ambient Glow Technology (AGT) is a proprietary blend of non-shrinking, extremely hard polyester resin and photoluminescent pigment. Exhibiting extremely high luminosity, AGT was specifically formulated for use in decorative concrete, concrete, stucco, plasters, cementitious overlays, terrazzo, and epoxy...

October 28th, 2011 | feature, plastic | Read More

BBS Panels

BBS are structural solid wood panels made of sustainably harvested, fast-growth soft wood. By laminating longitudinal and cross layers (X-LAM), the natural forces of the wood (e.g. expanding, contracting, bending) are minimized to achieve great strength and stability. The panels are used primarily for...

October 21st, 2011 | feature, wood | Read More

SITumbra

SITumbra is a passive solar facade system that mediates between the seasons to reduce solar heat gain in summer and allow useful solar transmission in the winter. The shading configuration can be customized to suit regional locations and seasons. Not only does the system reduce solar heat gain, but it...

October 14th, 2011 | feature, plastic | Read More

Terrewalks

Terrewalks is an alternative to concrete sidewalks, made of recycled tire rubber and reused PET plastic. Terrewalks is pervious and unbreakable, and suitable for all climates. The interlocking paving tiles assist groundwater recharge and heat island reduction, and provide a safe and comfortable walking...

October 7th, 2011 | feature, rubber | Read More