August 11, 2025
5 Solutions for Smarter Building
When most people hear “building products,” they likely think of materials like concrete blocks, roofing, and lumber. But many building products also enhance interior spaces, introduce natural light, and fulfill essential functional roles within a building. This category of smart building solutions is continually evolving, with the latest product introductions offering increased durability, reduced maintenance needs, and greater energy efficiency than ever before.
Sequels Wood-Look Finish
Armstrong World Industries
For those times when a project calls for warmth as well as durability, Armstrong World Industries has added four new wood-look finishes to its MetalWorks ceiling and wall panels. Available in La Jolla Oak, New Haven Walnut, Cape May Cherry, and Montauk Driftwood, the panels feature FASTPeel protective film that is easy to remove for increased productivity on-site. Bonus: The collection is available to ship in four weeks or less.
Eldorado Stone
Westlake Royal Building Products
Westlake Royal Building Products has added two new colorways, Ranchers Ridge and Nordic Peak, to the Eldorado Stone manufactured veneer collection. Designed to capture the spirit of the American West, Ranchers Ridge is a blend of cream, sand, rust, and gray, while the chalky whites and subtle light grays of Nordic Peak draw inspiration from Scandinavia. Ranchers Ridge is available in two profiles, and Nordic is an option for the Cliffstone profile.
Ensemble RAP Acoustical Drywall System
USG
USG says the Ensemble drywall system delivers design as well as functional performance. Engineered to install like drywall panels with the performance of an acoustical ceiling, the system produces a smooth, monolithic appearance but offers reduced reverberation while maintaining speech privacy. A new Return Air Plenum resists the passage of air, eliminates soiling, and restricts airflow to intended openings. It’s ideal for airports, educational facilities, and health-care environments.
KlearSky Skylights
Kingspan Light + Air
KlearSky is a metal-framed skylight that is available in standard configurations like pyramids, polygons, segmented barrel vaults, single slopes (spanning up to 22 feet), and ridges (spanning up to 40 feet). It also comes in fully customizable shapes. Architects may also choose UV-stable glazing, high-performance insulating glass, or laminated glass. Available in standard and custom colors, the frames may be powder-coated, anodized, or finished in fluoropolymer paint.
Phenolic Maximum Privacy Partitions
ASI Group
Commercial toilet partitions and washroom accessories manufacturer ASI Group has introduced Phenolic Partitions in two sizes. Available in 20 colors, the 120-inch-tall, floor-to-ceiling mounted partitions feature a 36-inch valance, while the 96-inch-tall, floor-mounted, overhead-braced partitions feature a 12-inch valance. Black anodized hardware and self-closing silent doors come standard.
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