Layers by Hella Jongerius July 18, 2008

Now available: Layers by Hella Jongerius for Maharam consists of three embroidered patterns: Layers Garden, Layers Park and Layers Vineyard, available in a combination of single and double layer variations. Wool felt, being a rapidly renewable material, provides you a nice sustainable textile option.

From Maharam: “Jongerius often explores the theme of pairing both new and old techniques of production in her designs. In the case of Layers, the use of sophisticated full-width embroidery machinery is juxtaposed with the artisanal hand-cutting of felt in the double layer variations, resulting in an industrial craft hybrid.”

Single layered options are $125 per yard. Double-layered options, $250.

Some of you may remember this gorgeous textile from NeoCons of years’ past.  Until now, it wasn’t available.  We’re happy to see that Maharam found the right blend of technology and handwork to get this product produced!  Samples are available in the Library.

Great Scuffmaster Technique July 18, 2008

From our friends at Singer Contract Group, some images of a nice Scuffmaster installation at a casino on the East Coast.  They used a brown Scrubtough as the base coat and then randomly painted a gold toned Envirometal over top…..

Advantages to this process - you still achieve the faux finish as well as the metallic quality, cleanability, durability and environmentally friendly paint!

Click on the images for larger pictures.

So Smooth July 17, 2008

The Lab had a lovely visit with Bernhardt Design and our representatives for them, The Dorsey Group. They stopped by to show us some of their newest offerings that debuted at NeoCon this year (more of those items later).  The general favorite was the Loft Lounge piece designed by Shelly Shelly from the Pasadena Art Center College of Design.

Listing at $1900, this chair is made from solid walnut.  Each chair is manufactured from one walnut log cut into many parts then assembled into this piece.  The chair is suitable for low-traffic areas but should not be used outdoors or in a space with tons of direct sun exposure.

Grainy Black July 16, 2008

The Lab just had a luncheon presentation from Emser Tile.  They are the largest importer of natural stone in the US.  We wanted to point out one of our favorite (and most requested) granites, Marrone Nero.  This granite is gorgeous honed or polished and is available in 12″x12″ tiles from Emser.

Samples are on their way!  Check out Emser’s website for a comprehensive online catalogue of their offerings on natural stone and porcelain tiles.

Modern Dining July 16, 2008

New from Prince Seating, The Queen chair.  From website: “Queen is fully made of polycarbonate, a strong material suitable for any habitat, even for outdoor use. The chair is inspired to traditional models but introduces a touch of contemporary design, its shape is conceived as a reminder of neo-classic design to fits in stylish and formal spaces. Distinctly inspired to the idea of the glossy lacquered finish.

Queen chair is available in white or black full colour version or in clear, amber or smoke grey transparent version.”

The chair is also stackable and can be used outdoors.

Grenite (Not a Misspelling) July 11, 2008

Grenite is a patented solid surfacing material developed by Greneker Solutions and RMD, Inc. Grenite is a ceramic/resin matrix that yields extraordinary resistance to surface wear and tear.  Can be fabricated of up to 85% post-industrial waste.
• Manufactured via a cold-pour molded method or production. No VOC’s are released into atmosphere. No by-products, precipitates or reside wastes which need to be disposed of are created. The process occurs at room temperature; no additional energy is required to drive the manufacturing process.
• 100% of Grenite is recyclable, becoming the basis to build new Grenite.  By design, these materials can exist in a perpetual closed loop, continually serving as both finished product and new raw material.
• Starting at $25 sq. ft..  Pieces shipped with pre-drilled holes, pre-fabricated at no additional cost.
• Material has been used for cashwraps at REI, Nike Outlets, benches on Manhattan Beach.

Samples of Grenite are available in the Library.  You have to see them in person to apprecitae this material coolness factor!

Majestic July 11, 2008

The Lab was swooning after a visit from Ann Sacks this week.  Lots of incredibly great stuff but our favorite was a hand-carved marble designed by Robert Kuo.  (Click on images below for larger images.)

From Ann Sacks website: ‘Han Bai Yu (Chinese White Marble) & Qing Shi (Chinese Black Marble) are fine marbles found in the Hebei Province of China. Stone carvers use a chisel and hammer to carve the intricate designs, then finish by using grinding tools, in the traditional jade-carving technique. Craftsmen once used this method to carve pieces for Buddhist temples. Patterns incorporate traditional Chinese motifs alongside design elements of Western European Art Deco.’

The finish of the pieces are absolutely amazing.  They are costly, starting at $216.56 sf, but the craftsmanship is worth the price for the right installtion.  Samples are not available in the Library however, you can contact Ann Sacks for more information.

New Source - Soli Architectural Surfaces July 8, 2008

The Lab just received some great samples from Soli Architectural Surfaces.  The samples include a yummy Haisa Marble (available in both tiles and mosaics), a Portico Slate, and Seychelles (pictured), and more.

Seychelles are shells which are hand sorted into matching colors and sizes and individually glued onto backing. The sheets of tile can be trimmed to any shape and are flexible to allow contouring when necessary.

Come check out the samples in the Library or contact Soli for more information.

NeoCon Review - Architex Textiles July 8, 2008

Check out this 2 minute video from Architex reviewing their new selections from NeoCon this year.

Chain Store Age Article July 2, 2008

Click here for a short article on sustainable flooring options that go Beyond Bamboo from Chain Store Age Magazine.

Yippee!  Some of the contributers to The Lab at FRCH were quoted in it.

And…  a little linkage love from Green Talk.