Professional Documents
Culture Documents
Blaine Brownell
A c ata l o g
o f m at e r i a l s
t h at
redefine
our
physical
environment
N e w Yo r k
T o m y pa r e n t s
I ntr o d u cti o n 6
P r o d u ct P a g e K ey 12
01: Concrete 15
02: mineral 31
0 3 : m e ta l 39
04: wood 61
06: Glass 13 3
0 7 : pa i n t + P ap e r 151
0 8 : fa b r i c 165
1 0 : d i g i ta l 215
P r o d u ct I nde x 24 6
A B
Rubber
D
F R E E - S TA N D I N G M O D U L A R WA L L S YS T E M
C
M U LT I D I M E N S I O N A L P R O D U C T
G
E
The result of a collaboration between designer Greg Lynn and the principals at Panelite, Blob Wall
is an attempt to redefine architecture’s most basic building unit—the brick. Blob Wall is a free-
standing wall system comprised by a low-density, recyclable, impact-resistant polymer molded into
colorful modular units using computer numerical control (CNC) technology.
F
Each brick, or “blob unit,” is a trilobed hollow shape that is mass produced through rotational
molding. Using sophisticated software, individual blob units are intersected to form a freestanding
wall, allowing for an endless number of prefabricated configurations and custom applications.The
Blob Wall debuted at Skin + Bones: Parallel Practices in Architecture and Fashion at the Los Angeles
Museum of Contemporary Art in November 2006 and was also shown at Art Basel, Switzerland, in
June 2007.
H CONTENTS E N V I R O N M E N TA L C O N TAC T
T R A N S M AT E R I A L 2 91
12
A. name E. summary
The trademarked name of the particular A basic text description of each entry
entry being featured F. t r e n d
B. number (nº) This field assigns one of the seven trends
This nine-digit identification number is mentioned in the introduction to each
unique to each entry. The first six digits are entry: ultraperforming, multidimensional,
based on the new MasterFormat material repurposed, recombinant, intelligent,
classification system, published June 8, transformational, or interfacial.
2004, by the Construction Specifications G . t yp e
Institute. The last three digits are used to Defines each entry as a material, product,
identify each product within a serial list. or process
This numbering system is congruent with H . a d d i t i o n a l d ata
the Materials Monthly program, also The following information is also used to
published by Princeton Architectural Press. describe product entries: contents,
C. description applications, types or sizes, environmental
A brief, generic explanation of each entry benefits, industry tests or examinations,
D . c at e g o r y limitations, and manufacturer contact
Refers to the basic materiality of the information.
product, such as concrete, metal, or plastic;
it is the primary means of organization in
this book.
13
CarbonCast n ° 0 3 410 0 - 0 01
Concrete
P r e c a s t c o n c r e t e w i t h c a r b o n - f i b e r - g r i d r e i n fo r c e m e n t
U lt r a p e r f o r m i n g M at e r i a l
CarbonCast is a precast-concrete technology that uses a carbon-fiber grid for secondary reinforc-
ing or shear transfer, depending on the application. Because carbon-fiber reinforcing resists corro-
sion, CarbonCast precast products require less concrete cover, resulting in added durability, lighter
weight, and improved sustainability over traditional precast concrete. In addition, the reduction of
concrete enables the integration of insulation, which can increase R-values of wall panels.
CarbonCast architectural cladding panels can weigh up to 66 percent less than conventional
precast panels. This weight reduction permits engineers to reduce substructure or specify smaller
cranes for lifting the panels into place. When used in the flanges of CarbonCast pretopped double
tees, the carbon-fiber grid can reduce weight by 12 percent and eliminate the need for sealers and
sacrificial barrier coatings. When used as a shear connector in CarbonCast high-performance insu-
lated wall panels, the carbon-fiber grid improves thermal performance, given its relatively low ther-
mal conductivity.
Contents E n v i r o n m e n ta l C o n tac t
T R A N S M AT E R I A L 2 16
Chronos Chromos Concrete n ° 0 3 3 0 5 3 - 0 01
Concrete
Dy n a m i c i n fo r m at i o n d i s p l ay w i t h i n c o n c r e t e s u r fac e s
T r a n s f o r m a t i o n a l P r o d uc t
Chris Glaister, Afshin Mehin, and Tomas Rosen developed Chronos Chromos Concrete in order to
animate a ubiquitous material. Intrigued by the fact that concrete structures tend to age, discolor,
and degrade over a period of decades, the designers came up with the idea of integrating thermo-
chromatic pigment and timekeeping devices within a concrete matrix in order to make the material
more dynamic and engaging.
In their first prototype clock, a band of white travels smoothly across an undulating dark gray
surface once per minute. A digital display of minutes and hours is represented by a series of con-
stant white lines.
Since winning first prize in the BCA concrete creativity awards, Chronos Chromos Concrete
has been crafted into clocks for the home and office and is currently being developed as a 40 x 78
inch (100 x 200 centimeter) dot-matrix information display for the entrance hall of a new building in
London.
T R A N S M AT E R I A L 2 17
Concrete Canvas Shelter n ° 13 3 42 3 - 0 0 3
Concrete
R a p i d ly d e p l oya b l e b u i l d i n g m a d e f r o m c o n c r e t e c l o t h
U l t r a p e r f o r m i n g P r o d uc t
The Concrete Canvas Shelter is a rapidly deployable hardened shelter that requires only water
and air for erection. It can be deployed by two people without any training in approximately thirty
minutes and is ready to use in twelve hours. The shelter consists of a cement-impregnated fabric
(Concrete Cloth) bonded to the outer surface of an inflatable plastic inner structure.
Prior to construction, the shelter is delivered folded in a sealed plastic sack. Once the sack is
positioned and filled with water, the fiber matrix wicks water into the cement, naturally controlling
the water-to-cement ratio. The sack is cut open after hydration, and a battery-driven fan inflates the
inner plastic lining, causing the structure to lift. After a duration of twelve hours, the concrete will
have set sufficiently for use.
The fibers of the Concrete Canvas fabric form a coherent matrix within the concrete, providing
tensile reinforcement and helping prevent crack propagation. If desired, the shelter can be buried
with over 20 inches (50 centimeters) of sand on the roof in order to provide increased insulation and
protection.
T R A N S M AT E R I A L 2 18
EcoX n ° 0 3 4 9 0 0 - 0 01
Concrete
F i b e r - r e i n fo r c e d 1 0 0 % - r e cyc l e d - g l a s s p r e c a s t c o n c r e t e
R e p u r p o s e d M at e r i a l
According to Meld, over seven million tons of glass are sent to landfills each year in the United
States alone. EcoX is precast concrete made of about 75 percent postconsumer and postindustrial
glass. It may be used for countertops, furniture, fixtures, sculptural objects, and nonstructural appli-
cations. With its high volume of recycled glass content, EcoX appears markedly different from con-
ventional precast concrete and diverts useful material from the waste stream.
T R A N S M AT E R I A L 2 19
Eterno Luminoso and Lumineo n ° 0 9 6 613 - 0 01
Concrete
P h o to lu m i n e s c e n t a n d f lu o r e s c e n t t e r r a z z o
T r a n s fo r m at i o n a l M at e r i a l
Eterno Luminoso and Eterno Lumineo add luminescence to terrazzo flooring. Specially treated,
masked aggregates can be evenly distributed over the surface or grouped in patterns, like circles,
lines, or arrows, and can provide safety features in the dark or striking effects under black light.
Under normal light conditions, Eterno Luminoso and Eterno Lumineo are similar in appear-
ance to traditional terrazzo floors. Eterno Luminoso combines the durability of terrazzo with func-
tional and decorative photoluminescent after-glow effects. While traditional floor safety markings
are obtrusive, this material’s luminance complies with the concept of “hidden safety,” referring
to an autonomously operating, reliable evacuation-guidance system that is noticeable only during
light failure. Eterno Luminoso may enhance evacuations and mitigate panic, particularly in build-
ings where emergency exits may not be obvious.
Eterno Lumineo utilizes fluorescence, revealing bright light effects when illuminated by back-
light. It is available in multiple colors and is also appropriate for decorative purposes in theaters,
discotheques, or cinemas.
Application depends on
subsurface structure
T R A N S M AT E R I A L 2 20
Extremeconcrete n° 034500 - 006
Concrete
F i b e r - r e i n fo r c e d p r e c a s t c o n c r e t e
U lt r a p e r f o r m i n g M at e r i a l
Extremeconcrete is a hyper-reinforced concrete that has the density of stone without the heavy
weight. Meld’s proprietary reinforcement process distributes two types of fiber throughout the
product for added strength and durability, creating a three-dimensional backbone to help maintain
surface integrity. This blend of fibers creates a distinctive texture that reveals visual depth in the
finished material.
Because of its superior density, Extremeconcrete can be poured into a broad array of custom
forms for interior or exterior use. In modular or monolithic pours, the product is designed to be hand
cast and finished. Meld has also developed a special sealing and polishing process to help protect
the material.
T R A N S M AT E R I A L 2 21
Graphic Concrete n ° 0 31116 - 0 01
Concrete
Pat t e r n e d p r e c a s t c o n c r e t e
I n t e r fa c i a l M at e r i a l
Graphic Concrete offers a new way to produce a patterned concrete surface. Graphic Concrete’s
patented technology involves the application of a surface retarder to the exterior of a concrete form-
liner. This method allows precast-concrete manufacturers to produce high-quality concrete ele-
ments, panels, and slabs. The end result is a patterned, smooth, or completely exposed surface. The
pattern on the surface comes from from the contrast between the smooth face and the exposed fine
aggregate finish in the concrete.
Designers may select patterns from the GCCollection or develop their own designs using
GCPro custom design software. The concrete surface can also be even, in which case the options
are smooth and velvety (GCSmooth) or a completely exposed fine aggregate finish (GCExpose).
Graphic Concrete is suitable for facades, panels, partition walls, and garden slabs.
L i m i tat i o n s
T R A N S M AT E R I A L 2 22
Litracon n ° 0 3 4 9 0 0 - 0 02
Concrete
L i g h t-t r a n s m i t t i n g c o n c r e t e
R e c o m b i n a n t M at e r i a l
Litracon, a light-transmitting concrete developed by Hungarian architect Áron Losonczi, evoked
a tremendous response within the international design community at the time of its unveiling. A
combination of optical fibers and fine concrete, Litracon may be produced in panel form as well as
prefabricated building blocks. The large number and small diameter of the light-transmitting
fibers result in a homogeneous mixture that assumes a new identity. Part structural concrete, part
light-transmissive surface, Litracon immediately calls into question known conventions of both
materials.
Load-bearing walls may be constructed using Litracon, as the glass fibers act as an aggre-
gate and have no adverse effect on the strength of the concrete. Despite their relatively small pro-
portion—only 4 percent of the total volume of the blocks—the parallel optical fibers transmit light
effectively through walls up to several meters thick. Shadows conveyed through the material are
rendered crisply, and the light color is unchanged.
Contents Types / Sizes C o n tac t
T R A N S M AT E R I A L 2 23
Reckli Formliners n ° 0 31116 - 0 02
Concrete
T e x t u r i n g sys t e m fo r e x p o s e d - c o n c r e t e s u r fac e s
Mu l t i d i m e n s i o n a l P r o d uc t
While fabrication of textured exposed-concrete surfaces using elastic formliners has been practiced
worldwide for more than thirty-five years, Reckli Formliners offer a significant improvement. Made
from an elastic polyurethane, the formliners allow the release of the formliner from the concrete
without damage to the concrete or the formliner itself. Reckli Formliners can be used for precast as
well as cast-in-place concrete.
There are five different possibilities for the application: standard formliners with about two
hundred standard patterns, one-off formliners for custom designs, photo-engraving formliners that
allow for the transfer of photographic images, one-time formliners for single-use applications, and
liquid compounds for make-your-own formliners.
Contents L i m i tat i o n s
A p p l i cat i o n s C o n tac t
T e s t s / e x a m i n at i o n s
T R A N S M AT E R I A L 2 24
Superabsorber n ° 3 47113 - 0 01
Concrete
S o u n d -, l i g h t-, a n d a i r - p o l lu t i o n - a b s o r b i n g h i g h way
b a r r i e r sys t e m
I n t e l l i g e n t P r o d uc t
In the United States there are over 46,800 miles (75,317 kilometers) of highways with sound-barrier
walls being erected daily to mitigate the negative impacts of highway systems on adjacent neigh-
borhoods. The increasing prominence of this addition to the highway infrastructure necessitates a
more appealing design solution to highway-generated air, sound, and light pollution.
In addition to mitigating sound and light pollution, the Superabsorber system also absorbs air-
borne pollutants. (Transportation systems alone produce 1.4 billion tons of airborne pollution annu-
ally.) Designed by Douglas Hecker and Martha Skinner of Clemson-based fieldoffice, this innovative
system has the potential to significantly reduce airborne pollution with the application of photocata-
lytic cement products that have been demonstrated to reduce air pollution in urban areas by 50 per-
cent when covering just 15 percent of urban surfaces. The inclusion of this surface application on
future concrete-barrier systems will produce a significant increase in absorption of air pollution in
urban areas.
T R A N S M AT E R I A L 2 25
TX Active n° 033053 - 003
Concrete
P o l lu t i o n - r e d u c i n g c e m e n t
I n t e l l i g e n t M at e r i a l
Contents T e s t s / e x a m i n at i o n s
T R A N S M AT E R I A L 2 26
Underlit Flooring n ° 0 3 3 0 0 0 - 0 01
Concrete
I l lu m i n at e d c o n c r e t e - a n d - g l a s s f l o o r
R e c o m b i n a n t P r o d uc t
Underlit Flooring is a polished concrete-and-glass flooring system suitable for interior applications,
such as kitchens and bathrooms, and various external applications, including gardens and ter-
races. Available by the square meter and in custom sizes and colors, the concrete tiles can be laid
directly onto an existing floor. The glass lenses are lit by fiber optics laid directly under the tiles and
powered by a single bulb that will effectively illuminate areas up to 1,076 square feet (100 square
meters). The color of the light can be altered at the touch of a button or left to change automatically
over a period of time, creating a subtly shifting ambiance. Underlit Flooring may also be installed as
a wall cladding system.
Contents C o n tac t
E n v i r o n m e n ta l
T R A N S M AT E R I A L 2 27
Walled Paper n ° 0 3 4 513 - 0 01
Concrete
C o n c r e t e c l a d d i n g w i t h d e c o r at i v e r e l i e f
Mu l t i d i m e n s i o n a l M a t e r i a l
From a distance Walled Paper appears to be typical applied patterned paper, but it is a concrete
panel with a pattern cast into its surface with a textural depth of 1/64 to 3/16 inches (.03 to .5 cen-
timeters). Combining the raw effect of concrete with the decorative effect of wallpaper and other
fine patterning, Walled Paper is appropriate for use in applications ranging from internal and exter-
nal cladding systems to floors and surfaces. At its finest casting depth the effect is barely distin-
guishable from wallpaper, imparting a subtle satinlike pattern to this most industrial of materials.
Available in Brutalist gray concrete, in Victoriana black, or Portland white, the lightweight panels
can be adapted to most architectural attachment and cladding mechanisms or employed as stand-
alone panels.
Contents C o n tac t
E n v i r o n m e n ta l
T R A N S M AT E R I A L 2 28