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.