Leena

Syndecrete is a solid surfacing material (pre-cast lightweight concrete material) developed by Architect David Hertz at Syndesis, Inc. as an alternative to limited or nonrenewable natural materials such as wood and stone, and synthetic petroleum based solid and laminating materials.

Syndecrete is a restorative product, reconstituting materials extracted from society’s waste stream to create a new, highly valued product. The advanced cement based composite contains natural minerals and recycled materials from industry and post consumer goods which contain up to 41% recycled content. Such materials include metal shavings, plastic regrinds, recycled glass chips and scrap wood chips to name a few. These materials are used as decorative aggregates, creating a contemporary reinterpretation of the Italian tradition of terrazzo.Syndecrete’s broad range of applications and its unique aesthetic qualities differentiates the product from other environmentally friendly building materials. The provision of custom Syndecrete products often initiates the use of recycled and environmentally friendly products to a high-end, design oriented market segment which might not otherwise be predisposed to seek out recycled products. It is the hope of the company that its own emphasis on the outstanding environmental qualities of Syndecrete will stimulate the growth of “environmental quality” as an important product selection criteria in the building and design industry.

Syndecrete is an advanced cement based composite using natural minerals and recycled materials as its primary ingredients. There are no resins or polymers. Syndecrete is a solid surfacing material which provides consistency of color, texture, and aggregate throughout. It is less than half the weight with twice the compressive strength of normal concrete and is available in a variety of densities ranging from 35 — 100 lbs/c.f

http://www.syndesisinc.com/index-syndecrete.html

Kirei is a Japanese word signifying many meanings, including Clean, Pure, Truthful and Beautiful. These combined meanings are the starting point for our company philosophy, which is to bring beautiful, natural materials to market. Kirei Board is made from rapidly renewable, reclaimed agricultural fiber, with a low-VOC emission adhesive. Kirei Board is manufactured from reclaimed agricultural fiber from the Sorghum plant grown around the world for food. The stalks of this plant are usually burned or thrown into landfills after harvest. By using them in the production of Kirei Board this material is removed from the waste stream, reducing landfill need and air pollution, while giving rural farmers a new source of revenue from a previously unused waste material. Each of products uses reclaimed, non-toxic materials to lessen our impact on natural resources and contribute to a clean, healthy indoor environment.Kirei Board is used for all interior architectural millwork applications, including: Wall Covering ,Ceilings ,Cabinetry ,Cabinet doors ,Furniture ,Retail Displays,Flooring ,Hotel/Restaurant/Casino . 

Kirei Board is manufactured from Sorghum grown in

Northern China. The factory is placed in the center of the agricultural area where the sorghum used in its construction is grown. This reduced shipping time and energy, and brings a new source of revenue for the farmers of the region.Cutting:
Prefinishing material with a sealer coat can help avoid chipping along saw cuts. For best results use a high-quality saw blade, feeding the material at a uniform speed through the saw. Solidly back panels to prevent chipping along kerf on the saw tooth exit side.Drilling:
A high-speed drill is recommended. To avoid chipout or breakage on the exit side, back the panel with scrap material.Routing:
A speed of 20,000 RPM is recommended using double-fluted router bits.Filling:
Standard wood putty can be used to fill any chips or holes caused by cutting and sanding. Select a color that best matches the color of Kirei Board or your finish color.Fastening:
All fastening methods may be used, including nail, staples, rivets, screws, bolts, glue or combination. Type A or AB, sheet metal, twin fast types and fully threaded screws designed for use in particle board offer better withdrawal resistance than wood screws. Pre-drilled pilot holes are recommended for the size screw used. If nailing, use spiral or ring shank nails for extra holding power.(Note: Nailing or screwing into edge grain may result in lower screw holding power due to fewer cross-layers being engaged.)Finishing:
Kirei Board panels can be filled, sealed, painted, stained or varnished with most commercial finishing materials including short and medium oil length primers, fillers, lacquers, and synthetic base coats and topcoats and high temperature bake and acrylic and epoxy systems. The panels should be at stable room temperature (70 degrees F and higher) when coated. Kirei recommends Low-VOC emission finishes.Edge Treatment:
The exposed edges of Kirei Board are intended to be finished, unless the type of application does not require a more finished appearance than sanding affords. If shaped exposed edges are required, filling, sanding and painting of the edge will provide a satisfactory finish. Kirei Board can be edge banded with most commercial edge treatments using standard adhesives Ordering information

Transmaterial for Office Spaces by Leena Deshpande-Part 1 

Traditionally fabric was used only for upholstery, but now we are experiencing the innovation and exploration of fabrics in interiors as well as exteriors. Textile architecture is the perfect balance between functionality and aesthetics.Textile architecture is considerate of the environment and allows a non-negligible economy of raw material. Translucent fabrics create also a bright and convivial environment, the daylight bringing a smooth and natural interior lighting. At night, translucent fabrics and interior light emphasize building design. Functionally……Compared to classic architecture, textile architecture involves the use of a smaller amount of material, an undisputable advantage for large projects. Textile architecture means a huge scope of creative and attractive designs. Tensile architecture is based on a tensioned membrane system, often using cables and wires, offering unlimited design possibilities. There are 4 main types of shape that can be combined together. There is a very wide use of these fabrics in interiors, public spaces, educational spaces, Landscape area’sThe fabric structures can be also used in permanent areas like Canopies, tensioned membrane systems, awnings which are aesthetically pleasing as well as functional. Providing shades for parking area, walk way, covered play grounds, cruise ships and yachts.These fabric structures are best suited for temporary and removable covered places, banners, signs etc. PVC polyester is the most common fabric in textile architecture and has been used worldwide for over 50 years. It is a cost effective material with a lifetime of 10 to 20 years. PVC polyester fabric is safe material and a fire resistant product. It has a light transmission factor between 0% and 25%, and a UV transmission of 0%. A special additional coating creates an effective protective layer against dust, pollution, mildew and discoloration. The fabric is available in many colors.Celanese Acetate, a business of Celanese Corporation, manufactures cellulose acetate products used in filtering and other industrial applications.Derived from highly purified wood pulp from re-forested trees, cellulose products are “natural” and “environmentally friendly. Cellulose acetate flake can be converted into a wide range of products from tough, clear, impact-resistant plastics to soft, drape able, absorbent fabrics.Acetate is made from a renewable resource - reforested trees.

Celanese Acetete Three park Avenue New York,NY 10016,Phone: 212-251-8050

www.celaneseacetate.com