Sustainable products don’t have to look good to do their job—but it certainly helps specifiers persuade clients to give an energy-efficient product the go-ahead. This week’s picks include a new smart thermostat, sound-abating panels that double as décor, and a series of ceramic tiles whose intricate hand-painted patterns top a recycled base.
LyricTM, Honeywell
Honeywell adds to its lineup of smart thermostats with LyricTM, a wireless unit that syncs with homeowners’ smartphones and uses geofencing technology to turn HVAC systems to an energy-saving mode when occupants leave and to the preferred settings before they return. The system can detect indoor and outdoor temperatures and humidity levels. It can be managed from a related Android and iOS app.
Contemporary, Fireclay Tile
San Jose, Calif.–based Fireclay Tile recently acquired Kibak Tile in Sisters, Ore., adding a trio of collections, including Contemporary, to its stock of hand-crafted ceramic tiles. Each of the collection’s eight patterns (Palmera, shown) are screened and glazed on the company’s 70% recycled clay tile bodies in neutral colorways. Offered in 8”-square and 6”-by-12” dimensions. For indoor use.
PlybooSound, Smith & Fong
Smith & Fong fitted architectural bamboo panels with its proprietary QuietWall sound-dampening technology that offers an average noise-reduction coefficient of 0.50. PlybooSound is made from FSC-certified bamboo and is urea formaldehyde–free. Eight perforated panel facings are offered in amber and natural finishes.
Open, Peerless Lighting
Named Most Innovative Product of the Year at the 2014 Lightfair International Innovation Awards earlier this month, Peerless’ Open features an arched inner diffuser that provides general illumination in a linear form factor without a lens. The luminaire can be specified with integrated sensors and controls for functions including occupancy, daylight dimming, and system networking. Available in recessed and suspended models.
BuzziVille, BuzziSpace
BuzziSpace is branching out into office furniture systems with BuzziVille, a network of nooks that are designed to offer privacy for individual work and small meetings in open-plan spaces. The modular system comprises moveable wall panels in 47.2” and 53.1” heights, tables and worktops, and benches. The wall panels are available in the company’s sound-abating BuzziFabric, which includes 70% recycled wool and 25% recycled plastic.
