2014 AIA Convention: Chicago, IL
For the first stop on the agency’s summer road tour, Kleber & Associates was back in Chicago for the 2014 American Institute of Architects (AIA) National Convention and Expo. This year’s theme was “purpose” — a challenge to industry professionals in attendance to exercise leadership and engage the public to design a more sustainable world. With over 450 convention programs and nearly 800 exhibitors, the AIA Convention and Expo featured various specialty pavilions with a focus on concrete, stone and tile, composites, lighting, metals, software and technology, wood and sustainable energy. At the center of the Convention and Expo was continuing education- a chance for architects to earn as many CEU credits as possible throughout the three day event.
Companies such as Feeney, Inc., Residential Elevators, ClimateMaster, Cardinal Shower Enclosures, Dri-Design, Old Castle Architecture and Earthcore were among the exhibitors displaying stand-out products for unique design and sustainable living.
Feeney, Inc.
Feeney, Inc., a leading manufacturer of high quality stainless steel and aluminum architectural products and railing systems, featured LED Rail Light Kits for it’s DesignRail® line of aluminum railing. Functional as both an outdoor lighting accent and a visual aid for low-light areas, the new LED Rail Light Kits are the latest addition to Feeney’s popular DesignRail®. The warm white LED light is designed to recess into the underside of the top and bottom rails of DesignRail® railing systems, while the snap-on frosted lens evenly diffuses light over outdoor porch and deck areas. The new LED Rail Light Kits are available in two sizes, a 21 inch length and a 32 inch length, providing fuller light distribution than systems using smaller lighting components. Power Kits (required for installation) include either 35 , 60, or 96 watt 24 volt drivers. The new LED Rail Light Kits blend high-style design with the latest technology.
Residential Elevators
Elevating the standard of living, Residential Elevators, Inc. (REI) highlighted various options for in-home elevator systems, including the Luxury Lift LLT 950- Variable speed traction residential elevator. Quiet, smooth and reliable, the advanced system provides dependable vertical transportation in the home. The benefit of the Luxury Lift Traction Elevation is that REI has developed a technology without the need for a dedicated machine room, saving square footage in the home.
ClimateMaster
For more than 50 years, ClimateMaster has serviced the needs of the commercial and residential construction industry worldwide with a comprehensive line of water source and geothermal heat pumps. A geothermal heat pump is an electrically powered device that uses the natural heat storage ability of the earth and/or the earth’s groundwater to raise or lower the temperature of a heating/cooling medium.
Cardinal Shower Enclosures
Cardinal Shower Enclosures featured a wide-array of both sliding door and swing door enclosures, for both residential and commercial applications. The Skyline Series sliding door enclosure made a bold impression, with large exposed wheels holding the sliding door. Available in both 3/8-inch and ½-inch glass, and with three or four wheels. Much like the increasing trend of interior “barn-style” doors, the Skyline Series is sure to fit the bill for design elegance in the home, as well as luxury commercial spaces, such as hotels and resorts.
Dri-Design
Dri-Design’s meticulous engineering has developed a 100 percent recyclable, pressure equalized rain-screen and architectural metal wall panel system that attaches to nearly any substrate without the use of clips or extrusions. A one-of-a-kind standout at the show was Dri-Design’s architectural panels with imaging technology. Using a variety of custom perforations to create images, Dri-Design imaging makes a strong architectural statement.
Oldcastle Architect
Brand new from Oldcastle® is InsulTech™, an insulated concrete masonry system. InsulTech ICMS is a complete thermally broken insulated masonry process which includes a full complement of masonry units. The new product offers high thermal efficiency in an innovative design, combining a pre-assembled structural masonry unit, molded EPS insulation insert and thin veneer face.
Isokern
Isokern is always an eye-catcher in the industry. Developing products that promote a clean environment, the Isokern GreenTech Solution from Earthcore reduces particulate emissions by up to 80 percent and is the first modular masonry fireplace to qualify under the EPA Voluntary Wood-Burning Fireplace Program. The GreenTech Solution can be easily installed in a matter of minutes by adding their exclusive Catalytic Combustor to any Isokern Magnum or Standard Series fireplace.
Kleber & Associates is an Atlanta-based integrated marketing communications agency serving the home and building products industry for 25 years. Visit the Kleber & Associates website for the latest news and information about marketing for home and building products for consumers, architects, builders, remodelers, designers and manufacturers. Through our marketing, advertising, public relations and digital marketing expertise — we build better brands that build a better home.
