Imagine Graphics

Imagine Graphics

I'm not sure if this company would be considered a material, but they are a graphics company that takes your drawings and manufactures them into physical signage for use. They also create graphics for you, should you require that service.



Since their portfolio is entirely custom, there are few specs to report on. They have over 50 materials available for use to create signage - which are chosen based on your budget. They color a wide variety of color-matching services, so if there is an existing logo, they can make signage to complement.

Lead times vary - some signs can be made in a week, others require longer - dependent on the design. The outdoor graphics have a lifetime of 5 years on average, some last longer dependent on the percentage of direct sunlight and weather conditions. Indoor signage and graphics usually last long term, but they are also dependent on their location and direct use.

Some green materials are used in signage, which offer recyclable or biodegradable options including a paper stock used for posters, cardboard, and foamboard. There is eco-friendly printable wallpaper, available with UV-cured inks. They also reuse many materials, so less waste returns to the landfill.

B+N Industries

I new that I would love to have a B+N Industries wall panel in my convenience store. As much as I love the fixtures and signage - they're a bit too contemporary for my space, so I'm having to narrow down all my likes and put in what's crucial to the space and the design concept as a whole.

This wall panel really fits into the idea that I'm going for, movement of numbers and type to complement the movement of man and his speech in his environment.

Helvetica Font created by Swiss designer in 1955, this shows the versatility of this manufacturer. Unfortunately, not much immediate information can be found about this product in regards to specification or pricing. The size shown on the website is a 96" x 48" panel (thickness of the panel is not specified), whether this is the only size available or not is not known at this point. It is available in a wide variety of paintable laminates. It also comes with all necessary hardware for installation, additional hardware priced $3-$25, dependent on installation procedures.

The panels are carved from FSC-certified mdf panels with FSC certified reclaimed wood
veneer. The finish is a low VOC, with a satin sheen.

Finishes/Prices for the Helvetica panel include Matte White ($962.00), Gloss White ($1,026.00), Paintable Lam ($962.00), Silver ($1,026.00), Matte Black ($962.00), Gloss Black ($1,026.00), Gloss Brown ($1,026.00), Gloss Red ($1,026.00), Maple ($995.00), Walnut ($995.00), Chocolate Pear ($995.00), and Unfinished mdf ($923.00). It is also available in three wood finishes: Douglas Fir ($1,263.00), Redwood ($1,474.00), and Asian Teak ($1,362.00). Although it is quite expensive, these panels add a great personal touch to any space.

These iconic panels have been tested and fire-rated, they comply with NFPA Class A / UBC Class Im and the stock mdf complies with NFPA Class C / UBC Class III. These panels are not recommended for areas with high moisture.

Any orders below 10 panels are subject to an upcharge.

Len Tex Wallcovering

I have been searching for Wallcovering options for my convenience store, and I have yet to find the perfect one to fit my design concept - and I may just end up creating my own design or just stick with paint.

During my search, I found a really neat pattern from Len Tex. Pictured below is the pattern: Devon, from the Kensington Collection (Colorway: 8253 Divine Lime).



The face weight is available in either 21oz or 14 oz. From my understanding of the specifications, I am to speculate that this is a wallcovering composed of both fabric and vinyl. Its fabric weight is 3.0 oz, and its vinyl weight is 18 oz. The fabric type composing this wallcovering is a Poly Cotton Osnaburg. The width of whole bolt is 53/54."

Its fire rating is Class A in the ASTM E-84. It comes with a 5 year limited warranty, and it also has very extensive installation and maintenance instructions.

Len Tex is taking strides to reduce VOC emissions during the manufacturing process. The PVC scrap is cleaned, baled and re-sold to be fabricated into pipe for building construction; scrap woven fabric is baled, cleaned and re-sold for furniture finishing; all cardboard and office paper is donated to the local town recycling center. The also offer a durable top coat that offers a low VOC water-based urethane chemistry, called the Aqua-Clear. It not only assists with the ease of maintenance but also with enhancing/protecting the wallcovering itself.

Maharam

I love Maharam - and I found one of the coolest patterns of upholstery that I'm so jazzed about using in my studio project! I have a few areas requiring upholstery (a few stools by a cafe), so for such a vibrant pattern, it will not be overkill.



Above shows an application of the Horto 465958 pattern on a bench. This particular colorway is Acerola 002, the one I want to apply to barstools in the dining area of my convenience store.

Unfortunately, since this is a specially made pattern designed by Beatriz Milhazes, the cost of this is $150/yd list.

This fabric includes 87% Cotton, 13% Polyester at 57" wide. Each bolt is approximately 66 yards. It has 20,000+ double rubs durability with a Reduced Environmental Impact, with no chemicals or metal dyes. This pattern comes in 3 colorways, but they are very vibrant color options. The repeat is measured at 56 1/2" x 29". This pattern meets all appropriate flammability requirements, including California Bulletin #117 and NFPA 260, and is compatible with California Bulletin #133. Its lightfastness is 40+ hours, which means that the fabric can withstand 40+ hours of constant light exposure without the color fading.

The maintenance requires cleaning with a mild, water-free dry cleaning solvent. This fabric also has low VOC emissions, and it is Greenguard and Greenguard for Children & Schools certified for indoor air quality.

3 Form

Hey all - these next few entries will be dedicated to finishes that I am considering using for my Studio project.

I am so excited about the Convenience Store, and my design concept is based on movement and the busy life of people. Convenience stores have been created for the purpose of filling up gasoline but also to pick up the usual sundries and avoiding lines at the grocery or pharmacy for a few items. Because we are slaves to the grind of busy lives - and my store complements that.

I decided to use 3-Form again (since it is so darn cool). Earlier I discussed one of the Varia Ecoresin patterns, but this entry shows the true versatility of the collection in a wood print.



I didn't know if it was possible to have a translucent piece of resin with a wood print on it, but it was! This option is the Zebrano Slip Match, which mirrors the pattern and grain of bamboo. There is also a glass pattern to match, should you want to keep the pattern in a different area.

One of the amazing things about this material is that it can be configured to take any shape based on your desired specifications. I plan on representing this in a curved shape to conform to the shape of my walls.

As mentioned before - 3-form is a member of the USGBC - not only do their products include recycled content, but they also offer options to recycle your product when it has reached the end of its life. It also allows you to apply for LEED points in your project.

Notes from 3-Form:
Available thicknesses: 1/8", 3/16", 1/4", 3/8", 1/2", 3/4", 1"
Price Group: custom
Pattern: linear / can vary on installation (vertical/horizontal)
Panel is priced as: 48 x 96 sheet
Notes: The varia system panels utilizing wood veneers as a decorative interlayer provide a one-sided aesthetic and may also vary in appearance from this sample in color and in grain width, and may also have knots and other minor imperfections inherent in authentic wood veneers.

Dorn Bracht

Dorn Bracht has such cool stuff. I am a geek for really geometric and modern items, and this plumbing company does not disappoint!



Dorn Bracht's Supernova collection is an inventive yet sculptural line. Each piece is almost like a geometric work of art, possessing so many facets. Created by Dieter Sieger, a German architect and plumbing designer for Dorn Bracht, this line is perfect for the modern bathroom.



The finishes are limited to polished chrome, platinum, and champagne. But the product has a high gloss to the finish that it is able to reflect so many colors and make it appear versatile.



There are a multitude of product available in this line: basins, bidets, showers, towel racks, soap dispensers, and many more options all with options for manipulated distance projection for basin flow, determining pop-up waste, flow rates, diversions, pressure control, volume control, directional control, and many more further specifications.



Unfortunately, this line is not cheap by any means. However, the closest retailer is in Metairie, LA, so one does not need to venture far to find the Dorn Bracht product line. There was no sustainability mentioned on the website, so I was unable to post any information regarding any.

Staron Surfaces

Staron Surfaces is a solid surfaces company offered through Samsung Electronics Company. I find it quite ironic that an electronics company is manufacturing counter tops, but I suppose they know a thing or two about durability and lifetime warranties.

The Tempest and Tempest Stylist collections offer an interesting take on decorative Quartz countertops. While aesthetically similar to Quartz in its semi-translucency, these two collections are high-quality acryclic solid surfaces.

They are able to the custom fabricated and installed in many free-form restaurant transaction counters and table tops, reception desks, boardroom tables, and many other solid surfaces.

The Tempest series are Class I fire-rated and are durable enough to be specified for public interiors as well as residential interiors. It is a high-performance material with 12 colorways in both collections.

They're durable, stain-resistant, with low maintenance, and very easy to repair. It is nonporous also - which prevents mold, moisture, and bacteria from seeping into any cracks, making it a great choice for specifying commercial interiors - even in healthcare facilities.

It is fabricated in 145" x 30" with a 1/2" thickness. And all Staron surfaces are GreenGuard Indoor Air Quality certified.

Ann Sacks

Ann Sacks is a really neat ceramic tile company! I saw an ad for this manufacturer in Interiors & Sources, and upon going to the website, I was greeted with a thought-provoking line on the main page...

"Shouldn't all rooms welcome you? Speak to you? Know you? Shouldn't all rooms be living?"

And it's true... should all rooms send you with a message through finish specification. Whether it be, "holy crap, that is hideous" or "hey baby, let's get it on" or "yeah, I could hang out here for a while". Every room should leave you with a feeling or message, if not, than it lacks the very essence that makes us all unique individuals. We fill in the blanks for rooms and objects that can't necessarily speak for themselves. Our personalities help bring rooms and items to life, and as designers, we need to make sure that the message is received - whether it be through residential or commercial buildings.

Ann Sacks allows for personalization of a room through ceramic tile, stone, glass tile, terra cotta, porcelain, metal, and interestingly enough leather and concrete tile.

The last offering really peaked by interest, and upon further research, I found that this floor is composed of concrete mainly with leather pieces on the finished top.


The pattern above was created by designer Andy Fleishman, Variations 1, offered in a 12" x 12" x 3/4" format. When installed, this pattern can be manipulated with tile placement and various colored grouts. Other patterns are available in a hexagon shape. This designer also uses grout lines to assist in the making of a ornate pattern. This tile comes in 4 finishes - chocolate, creme, grey, and camel. It is quite pricey at $35/sf, which does not include grout or material to install.

It is recommended for indoor applications. Outdoor applications are subject to climate and the method of installation. This is also an Ann Sacks company exclusive. No information was found regarding sustainability or whether recyclable materials are used.

SA Baxter Hardware

SA Baxter, what a creative and imaginative hardware manufacturer.

I found an advertisement for this architectural hardware company in Interiors and Sources. The ad had gorgeous antique door hinges, door knobs, and finials. However, I was not expecting to stumble upon some items that possessed somewhat of a... phallic appearance.

Yet, I digress. There were some tasteful items on the website - see:

Hinge #: BHC-4043A

The highly playful and imaginative organic mosaic of this door hinge reveals the versatility of designs available. Decorative patterns are available for two side and one-sided application, dependent on one's preference. The butt hinges are available in sizes 4.5" x 4.5" and 5" x 5". Multiple brushings are also available to be specified with ordered, and the hinges can also be ordered with matching or complementing finials. Finishes are chosen through the SA Baxter Finish Palette. Custom door hardware is available based on customer's image. Since these items are so uniquely made, color, tone, surface, and dimensional characteristics will vary.

SA Baxter is also revolutionizing hardware sustainability. At the factory in Chester, NY, no lead is used, no wastewater is produced, and there are little to no emissions released into the environment during its fabrication. Many of the materials used to compose the hardware are recycled as well.

Janus et Cie :o)

Janus et Cie is a furniture manufacturer that offers beautiful and uniquely designed pieces, available for application outdoors and indoors. The company offers chairs, chaises, café pieces, and bar furniture. They even have furniture available for applications in day care. Their mature designs are inventive but still very sophisticated and refined. Above is the Forest Armchair, part of the Janus Café Collection.

This chair is so ornately design to mimic the branches of a tree all the while cradling your butt. The shape of the chair has a simple yet ergonomic frame, but the true beauty comes within the elaborate branching of the metal pieces in the frame. This chair is available for indoor and outdoor use.

The measurements of this chair is 21.75" W, 21.25" D, and 32" H. The seat height is 17.25" H with an arm height of 26.5". The frame is composed of a die cast electrostatic powder coated aluminum, and the legs are also made of an electrostatic powder coated tubular aluminum. The frame comes in eight powder coat colors: silver, white, metallic grey, olive green, sandblasted beige, red, acid green, and lilac.

After 32 years of design history, Janus et Cie offers products to appeal to a myriad of private and public settings: residential, hospitality, retail, educational, and other commercial applications.

Material 10

Hey all- we've reached the final material for the week! I love very rich colors, and Pantone has some of the best!


Imported from Holland, Pantone has been around for almost 50 years, and it has gained so much acclaim that they are known internationally as dictating the standard language for color communication from designer to manufacturer to retailer to customer.

Pantone created a unique system of identifying, matching, and communicating colors and their complements, which led to the creation of the PANTONE MATCHING SYSTEM®, a book of standardized colors, available to professionals of the graphic arts, interior design (furniture, fabric, flooring,etc), digital/software applications, fashion, paint, retail, light, and many more. They also allow for custom color creation possibilities.

Pantone offers the standard paint finishes of gloss, matte, satin, brilliant, and satin - in interior and exterior applications. Many of their paints are quick drying, odorless, easy to apply, and easy to clean - appealing to residential and commercial clients alike. The manufacturer allows for SO many different color options that it is hard to pinpoint just one to pick. Their Eurolux Paint collection alone has a spectrum of over 3,000 hues!

This paint company is so unique because it allows for one to draw inspiration from colors in nature and many man-made items and utilize them for design concepts.

Material 9

Jennifer Robbins Textiles has a slowly growing collection of gorgeous textiles. The Los Angeles studio provides specialty fabric design in embroidery and print. Designs are inspired from culture and innovative patterns with very rich color schemes. They even offer custom work, allowing designers to submit their own designs or modifications of existing patterns for fabrication.

As shown above, the beautiful Berry (E-1227) embroidered pattern in the Copen Blue Beetle color made of silk and rayon.

These textiles are available for application in drapery, upholstery, bedding and wall covering in both high end residential and contract interiors.

The company works in heavy-weight silks, linens, wools, and many fabrics of natural and synthetic blends.

Unfortunately, information on the website is limited, so I have reported as much as I could find from the manufacturer's site.

Material 8

Metal Mesh Fabrics are so cool! While quite pricey, they offer clients to have a unique architectural room divider or wall decor. Cascade Coil has drapery options as well as firescreens, phantom mesh (for wildlife enclosures), and industrial products (for safety and blast screen protection). I love that the company offers so many different options for different applications!

The coil drapery is even used on the set of The Tonight Show with Conan O'Brien.

The drapery itself can be used as window treatments, room dividers, wall and ceiling treatments, visual merchandising, exterior cladding, security, and many more creative applications.


Seen above is the product installed at Nama Sushi in Knoxville, TN. It separates the bar/lounge area, and the rest of the restaurant. It allows for a more intimate and private space in the bar area.

One of the things that makes this company so awesome is its customizable options. The product has gauges of multiple thicknesses and metal finishes of many kinds (metaltones, natural wire, and painted collections).

This product is SO cool and allows for so many different applications, it is even being used as a metallic curtain in the Theater at the Rio Hotel and Casino in Vegas to introduce the Chippendales. Hey, if hot shirtless men can appreciate cool architectural finishes, can't we all?

Material 7

Oxygen Lighting is a really cool and contemporary lighting company. Specified for mainly commercial use, this manufacturer has ADA accessible lighting, pendants, as well as emergency, vanity, and outdoor lights. They also offer customers to modify existing lamps to their own desired specifications.

The Pyrus Pendant (shown above) can attach to ceiling panel systems as well as standard ceiling applications. It has a polished chrome finish with a clear hand blown glass diffuser (1/8" thick). The halogen lamp is 120V, mounting to a standard 4" octagonal junction box, and the fixture's dimensions are 16.5" h x 5.95" diameter (with an 8' cord). All these options are standard, but many modifications are available through the company.

Material 6

Harter
I have such mixed feelings about this company. They have the most incredible marketing team in the world. Not only do they have the cutest logo, but their literature features task chairs having conversations.

However, when you ditch the cutesy heart logo and the fun colors of their brochures, are they just a bunch of similar-looking overpriced crappy chairs with steel framing? I have yet had the pleasure of seeing them in person to vouch for their quality, but their marketing department is fantastic because all of the brochures make these chairs look pretty darn hip.
Relax... the Forum: One Seater chair's fun, and it's even got a nifty orange pattern on it - so you know it's gotta be good.

Furniture Designer Timothy deFiebre thought this was a new modern and unique option for reception seating. This chair comes available as a One Seater: Mid/High Back (shown above), Two Seater Mid/High Back, and Three Seater Mid/High Back.

It meets the CAL 133 standard with approved fabrics. It's simple construction consists of a fully upholstered outer back shell and a fabric or leather seat upholstered on top of a CAL 117 approved foam. The frame is a steel rod with a 9/16" diameter and glides.

It also has 7 available options for the frame finish (brushed, warm gray, black, bronze, brown, green, and mirror). The fabric selections are vast as well, allowing you to specify from Harter's Textile Collection, Knoll Textiles, Spinneybeck Leather, Textus, Momentum, KB Network, and KB Mesh Solids.

Material 5 - Knoll!

Yay! I love Knoll, and who doesn't?

They have been around since 1938, and they have revolutionized modern furniture. They also do office systems, but this blog entry will showcase their special collection KnollStudio, which features a range of many famous designers' work. This collection includes Florence Knoll, Ludwig Mies van der Rohe, Marcel Breuer, Eero Saarinen, Frank Gehry, Robert Venturi, among many others.

One very unique piece is Eero Saarinen's Womb chair.

This chair has such a unique design, and since it's creation in 1948, it has been around - even gracing the home of Playboy's Hugh Hefner.

Available in three sizes (standard, small, and medium as well as a children's version), this lounge chair also has a matching ottoman.

This chair's construction features a molded, reinforced fiberglass shell with stainless steel and nylon articulating glides. The seat, back, and ottoman are constructed of polyester fiber and a foam core. The base has a steel rod that is available in a polished chrome finish or matte black powder coat. Fabric options are available through Knoll Textiles or the graded-in program provided by Spinneybeck Leather. All other options must be submitted as a COM/COL.

This chair is just one of the many incredible design pieces available through this remarkable furniture company.

Material 4 - Karastan Carpet

Mohawk Commercial Carpet is a great company with affordable carpet patterns for commercial clients. One of their lines is Karastan Contract. I love geometric patterns and very unique patterns inspired by culture. The pattern below is called Fascinated, which reminds me of Eastern art.

This particular pattern is available in 8 colorways. This is manufactured as tufted broadloom carpet with a textured patterned cut and loop construction. It is also available as a modular tile. The face weight of this carpet is 32 oz with a .154" thickness, and it is sold in a 12' roll. The pattern is solution dyed/space dyed and has a SentryPlus Protective Treatment.

Rated for moderate traffic, Fascinated has both Lifetime Ultra Performance System RE and Lifetime Static Warranties.

Mohawk extensively tests their carpets, and this was no exception. This particular carpet went through flammability test ASTM E-648 - rated Class 1 with a Glue Down installation, smoke density test ASTM E-662 - scoring less than 450, and static propensity test AATCC-134 - receiving a score under 3.5 KV. It also scored a 4952 on the IAQ Green Label Plus scale for rating products for indoor air quality. All Mohawk products also pass the CRI Green Label Plus certification for VOC emissions.

This carpet also has received a LEED Plus certification. All carpets contain 15% pre-consumer and 15% post-consumer recycled content, and once carpets reach the end of their life cycle, they are all able to be 100% recycled.

Material 3 - Bisazza

Today in class, we discussed glass tiles. I love Bisazza, which offers options in glass and mosaic tiles used for wall and floor application.

This particular glass mosaic tile pattern is called Damasco (06001281VH), designed by Carlo Dal Bianco. It is available in the following colors: Opale (shown), Bianco, Nero, Oro Giallo, Oro Bianco, Rosso Oro, and Cream.

The individual tiles are available as 1/16" thick and 3/4" x 3/4." When sold as a sheet, the dimensions are 12.655" x 12.655" with a weight of 1.8lb. The cost per square foot is $39.26, and they are shipped by the carton, each containing 18 sheets or approximately 20 square feet (at a weight of almost 45 lbs). The tile has beveled edges and has a mesh back for optimum support during installation.

Maintenance and adhesive are included in the cost of the purchased product. The company ships an epoxy grout specifically used for the installation of the glass tiles for indoor and outdoor use, even safe in pools or hot tub application (both salt and fresh water). This comes with a special cleanser approved for cleaning the glass tile itself and the epoxy grout.

Unfortunately, some of the specification data was in Italian so I could not report all of the installation information nor test results.