Architecture & Web Art

Archive for the ‘Building materials’ Category

Actually this is rather disturbing than interesting or beautiful to me, but of course, tastes can’t be discussed, because after all is about feeling and atmosphere. And this new tiles have it all … I guess (it seems to me that they are unfinished, but probably that was the intention of the designer … what do I know, I’m just an architect )

If you thought installing tiles was a huge job, think again! Refin has come up with a new concept, appearing at Cersaie 2009 – an innovative thin porcelain tile designed by Michele De Lucchi that makes updating your kitchen and bathroom a breeze. Measuring just 4.5mm thick, the new Skin tiles are so thin they can be installed directly over your existing tile without affecting the floor height, cutting a complicated three-day job into an easy afternoon project. These ultra-thin stoneware tiles have the same durability and quality of standard-thickness porcelain stoneware tiles, and they don’t fall short on style either. Available in large and modern sizes like 30 by 60 cm, 60 by 60 cm and 60 by 120 cm in five different color choices, this floor and wall tile will revolutionize the renovation process. Check out the new Skin tile collection at Refin.

Who says walls have to be boring? Put some flair into your home with this designer wall paneling by Lamellux. An elegant composition of wood and resin blend organic style with ultra-contemporary elements for a look that’s unique and appeals to the lover of all things modern. This designer wall paneling encompasses a variety of colors, shapes and lighting effects, all incorporated into the German ecoresin called “Design Panel Acrysign.” Customize the style of your home with unlimited combinations of colors and finishes, resulting in a look that’s as individual as you are. Call it “interactive art” – this designer wall paneling is something to be admired every day, in every room. Check out this cool collection at Lamellux.

via Trendir

The Nysan aerofoil (fin) louvers deflect thermal gain from incident sun, integrating light control into the building envelope. Not only they deliver outstanding functionality, but will also help architects create a distinctive look for the building surface. Well-designed louver configurations can be as striking as they are effective, shading the facade against low or high sun angles while making an aesthetic statement. As with any system, design considerations such as louver size and composition can affect performance.

Well designed louver configurations can be as striking as they are effective, shading the facade against low or high sun angles while making an aesthetic statement. As with any system, design considerations such as louver size and composition can affect performance.

Key Features

With normal solar cells, you need direct sunlight for them to generate power, and if the panels are at all shaded the efficiency drops significantly. A new type of solar cell, being developed in Jerusalem, is making huge waves because it can generate power from diffuse light using a specialized colored panel. They look a bit like colored plexi-glass but are actually panes made with fluorescent dyes and nanoparticle metals, and could possibly eclipse traditional solar panels in terms of price.

The smarter panel is being developed by GreenSun Energy, a Tel Aviv-based energy start-up. The new solar panels also use 80% less silicon than traditional solar cells. As the direct or indirect sunlight hits the panels, it diffuses across and the nanoparticles of metal direct and concentrate the sunlight to the edges where the silicon is.

Designed especially for architects and interior designers, these unusual glass tiles by Levitiles are made to inspire! The 3 new printed tile collections are made using a high-resolution (1200×1200 dpi) jet ink printing process to add patterns to clear glass tiles. The “Metals” collection brings luxury to your modern bathroom with its reflective surfaces reminiscent of gold, silver and copper. These unusual tiles are especially suited to large, modern spaces. The “Precious Stones” collection dazzles with rich, monochrome jewel tones and textured surfaces. A range on colors and sizes make this a versatile collection to work within virtually any space. The “Reliefs” collection is the ultimate in touchable tile. Glass reflects light in its textured surfaces. In addition to being gorgeous, these Italian printed tiles are tough, made to be UV-resistant, bend- and warp-resistant, and moisture-resistant. Visit Levitiles for more info.