Hardware & Hooks

I am always looking for quirky and clever hardware.  So naturally, when I stumbled across these clever designs, I thought it would be great to share the product love:

Ah wall plate covers- ugly little plastic rectangles (or stainless steel if you want to spend a little more) that mar the face of walls everywhere.  Until Bocci introduced the 22 series, these minimal outlets had me saying "Why didn't I think of that??"

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Bocci 22 Series Outlets |  Installs in mill work or drywall. Available for Telephone, Data, Electrical, Light Switches, Dimmers, Speaker cables, etc @ Bocci or Karkula NY.   I have heard these are about $10 a piece- but for best seamless installation, hire a professional to drywall/mud/tape/finish.

 

Bivi Bike Hook |  $129.00 @ Steelcase

Why does a wall hook have to be utilitarian? Can a wall hook be a conversation starter?




 
Hang Wall Hooks |  $68.00 @ UnCrate

 

Axe Wall Hook |  $49.50 @ Meninos

Elixir Product Fix: Alkemi Recycled Metal Surfaces

 Alkemi-Acrylic 

Alkemi-acrylic is a gorgeous surfacing material with SCS certfied 96% recycled content & VOC free.  Alkemi-acrylic can be recycled endlessly after its life cycle, making it the ultimate sustainable surfacing product in the marketplace.

Alkemi Installed @ 2 Lads Winery in Traverse City
Architect of Record: David Spala
Fabricator: : Grand Valley Wood Products
Photographers: Pat Garrett, Paul Osborne

via Alkemi

Alkemi-acrylic is made using pre-consumer waste aluminum flake, solid surface scrap, and recycled acrylic.  Alkemi can be installed by a mill worker or caseworker with using with conventional tools and fabrication methods.   

Alkemi-acrylic is offered in sheet sizes of 36"x72” and 48"x96”, sheets are 5/8" thick.  Available in matte (a high gloss finish can be achieved by your fabricator) and 20 different colors. My favorite colors from their offerings are Lazuli (left) & Aquarius (right):

Things to keep in mind if you plan to specify Alkemi-Acrylic:

1. Limited heat tolerance, Protective trivets should be used to protect the surface from hot pots.
2. A stainless steel insert or transition should be used for installation of burners and cooktops.
3. Stain resistant against most common liquids. Acidic liquids, including red wine, if left to remain on the surface for extended period of time can stain.
4. Stains and scuffs can be sanded and polished off to restore the surface by qualified fabricators.
5. Can be used horizontally or vertically in interior applications, but  will require full substrate support. 

Check out other products @ Renewed Materials:   Alkemi Polyester and Alkemi Tabletops.

Top 8 Modern Plumbing Fixtures

There is no shortage of modern looking plumbing fixtures on the market today.  Here are a few that I have been patiently waiting to use in the right client/project. They are cataloged in my massive collection of bookmarks and I thought I would share a few of my favorites with you.

ConoFlat Shower Tray by Kaldewei, a German pluming manufacturer.  The CONOFLAT is, well, flat.  Installed flush to the floor, eliminating trip hazards (and toe stubbing!!).  The outflow fits seamlessly into the center of the shower tray.

Rettango Chromatherapy Dream Light Rain Canopy by Jaclo,  Multifunction LED lighting design can be set to either continually changing color mode or single color mod, Intended for use as a water feature & uses a recirculation system. 

 

Code X by Balance-NL

 Ebb Basin by Neo Metro.  Resin Deck Lavatory, there is an optional lighting package available to create an glow.   ADA compliant when installed properly.

Spoon Urinal by Phliip Watts Design,The water enters the urinal from the back and cascades down to flush. To be used with a timed flush control. UK company but products are available for export, there is also a sink to match!

Tri Mount Sink by Mila, Great looking stainless steel sink with a unique linear drain.

Walnut Pale Ale Urinal by Philip Watts Design, Yeah, it's cheeky, but what a statement this could be in the right space, Fabricated from pressed galvanized steel and set on its own plinth, Flush pipes can be integrally piped to the plinth or piped into the back of the wall.

Have a great plumbing fixture you've been dying to use?  Share the link in the comments below!