Innovative Materials Delivered To Your Mailbox

A few years ago, I unearthed a treasure trove of innovative materials while writing a research paper about Litracon. 

Transmaterial is the companion site for Blaine Brownell's book Transmaterial: : A Catalog of Materials That Redefine Our Physical Environment (buy it here). Judge this book by its cover (and title), it delivers exactly what it promises.  And the website is even better.

Transmaterial's writer Blaine Brownell curates a collection of cutting edge products. According to the website, "Transmaterial online is intended to be a clear, concise, accessible, and carefully edited resource that provides information about the latest and most intriguing materials commercially available." Their mission is to bridge the gap between the fast paced progression of technology and architect's & designers knowledge of materials.

Add Graphic Style To Precast Concrete Panels

Graphic Concrete is cast in a special membrane to create patterned, smooth, or exposed concrete slabs. Choose from Graphic Concrete's existing patterns or design a unique pattern for your project.  Check out the installation photos below.  Looks sharp, eh?

Left to Right: Nokia Parking House Säterinportti, Espoo, Architecture by Larkas & Laine, 2007. 

As Oy Sinikallio, Rörstrandinkatu, Helsinki, Architecture by MSVOY Architects, 

Artwork by Päivi Kiuru & Saamuli Naamanka, 2003.

Products line includes:

• GC Collection- Patterned and textured surfaces.
• GC Pro - Repetitive patterns and textured surfaces.
• GC Art & Design- Images created by designers and then applied to concrete surfaces.
• GC Smooth- A matte-like and nearly pore-free surface.
• GC Expose -  Smooth and shallow exposed fine aggregate finish.

 Here's the link for requirements, instructions and brochures.

Free CAD Blocks

The CAD Block Exchange Network was a big time saver while I was in school.  It is proclaimed to be " the largest, most comprehensive 100% community built .dwg CAD block library on the Web."  The creators request you upload a block if you download one - but it's not required.  You will find hundreds (maybe even thousands) of FREE 2D & 3D CAD BLOCKS here.

CBEN's blocks come from the users, so you may find a block you already have as part of your standard block library, a 3d model of a Barcelona chair and occasionally a line drawing of a Pam Anderson (why??).  When I first discovered this resource, the search tool was not working and you had to search page by page.  But I checked before I posted and the search tool is up and running.  

There are 2 main drawbacks: 1) Some drawings do not have a thumbnail, so you have to download and open the file to see what it looks like and 2) Remember this is a user contributed site and some users may unknowingly (or knowingly) upload a file with a virus - so scan before you download!!!

Temperature Sensitive Color Changing Tiles

If you enjoyed last week's post "Liquid Floor Tiles by B.Lab", here's another fun (but not new) interactive tile for you to check out.  Moving Color has produced temperature sensitive glass tiles that change color. Moving Color's handmade glass tiles have been rated for floors, walls and countertop applications. Tiles are handmade. Standard size is 4"x4", custom sizes and trim pieces are also available. Decorative tiles and liners are available, to add a fun punch to your project (or if your project is a victim of value engineering).