Beyond Samples: The Digital Revolution Reshaping Material Specification in Architecture
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Architecture is often framed as a balance between creative inspiration and technical execution — sketching ideas, refining concepts and ultimately turning vision into built reality. The persistent presence of the quote famously attributed to Mies van der Rohe, “Architecture starts when you put two bricks together. There it begins,” encapsulates this conception. Meanwhile, though architects are unlikely to dabble in actual construction (few architects can claim expertise in bricklaying), the design process stretches far beyond the drafting table, shaped not just by musings on form and function but by material choices, construction methods and budgetary realities.
Indeed, while clients and the general public often admire the final product, the behind-the-scenes process of material specification remains largely invisible. It’s an essential, yet understated, part of architectural practice. And as the profession embraces 21st-century advancements — digital platforms replacing print journals, parametric modeling refining design and globalized workflows transforming collaboration — one quiet revolution has been reshaping how architects specify materials and products. It’s a shift that doesn’t just influence design decisions but fundamentally changes how projects come to life.
From Showroom to Screen: How Material Specification Is Changing
Visualization of an Office Building | Courtesy of Material Bank
Traditionally, material selection has been rooted in tactile experience. Architects would visit showrooms, touch samples and scrutinize finishes under natural light. After all, photographs can be misleading — what appears as a warm oak veneer on screen might read cold and flat in person. Many architects still insist that physical samples are indispensable for final decisions, with case studies and site visits providing critical context for how materials perform in the real world. Relationships with product representatives further streamline the process, offering tailored recommendations, project-specific customization and quick access to samples.
Even still, digital platforms have profoundly reshaped the early stages of discovery. Architects now turn first to online resources to explore products, compare options and gather documentation. This shift is particularly pronounced among younger professionals, for whom digital search is second nature. Manufacturers that fail to embrace this evolution risk fading into the background, while those who invest in digital visibility — paired with responsive, real-world engagement — are emerging as leaders. In particular, Material Bank has revolutionized sampling by centralizing this process so that architects no longer need to bounce from site to site. On top of this, they offer overnight delivery of curated swatches from a range of manufacturers, reducing the need for showroom visits.
Introducing Digital Catalog: A Central Hub for Material Data Beyond Samples
Mock-up of Material Bank’s Digital Catalog
The latest leap in this ongoing transformation comes from Material Bank’s Digital Catalog, an offer designed to expand product categories and address inefficiencies in material search and specification. Built with the goal of eventually housing data from over 50,000 building product brands in the industry, Digital Catalog aspires to be the most comprehensive resource for material information, technical documentation and product availability — all within a single, user-friendly interface.
This industry-first solution offers a suite of powerful features tailored to the needs of AEC professionals:
- Centralized Data Repository: Access spec sheets, BIM files, visual assets, sustainability certifications, and more without juggling multiple platforms.
- Effortless Navigation: An intuitive search interface simplifies browsing, filtering, and data management.
- Project Central Integration:Provides workflow tools for organizing inspiration, enabling design collaboration, facilitating material research, sampling, and selection.
- Side-by-Side Comparisons: Easily compare product attributes and generate custom reports.
- Easy Quoting: One-click quote requests streamline cost estimation.
- Direct Communication: A dedicated inbox fosters real-time collaboration between architects and manufacturers.
The need for such a platform is clear. According to the AIA’s annual Journey to Specification report, more than half of architects seek technical descriptions, product specs, CAD/BIM files and pricing as the most important information when evaluating materials. Yet many report dissatisfaction with manufacturers’ websites, citing poor information availability and difficult navigation. Recent research conducted through Qualtrics underscores this frustration: 9 out of 10 licensed architects expressed a desire for a centralized product data hub.
Empowering Architects with Real-Time Insights
Mock-up of Material Bank’s Digital Catalog
For thousands of architects and designers, Digital Catalog is already integrating into their workflows and enhancing project outcomes. “We established the vision to help AEC professionals by enhancing information efficiency and transparency,” explains Manwen Li, Senior Director of Product at Material Bank. “Our mission is to provide an effective platform that seamlessly connects them with building product brands. Every hour spent searching for product documents is an hour lost in transforming space for humanity.”
By leveraging real-time access to reliable, standardized data, Digital Catalog not only accelerates decision-making but also supports sustainable design practices. From material selection to final specification, the platform fosters collaboration across project teams, ensuring that architects, designers, and contractors operate from the same playbook.
“In the era of AI, our goal is to lead and define expertise in the development of product data,” Li states. “By harnessing this data, we empower the AEC industry to transform spaces with greater intelligence and efficiency, from concept to completion.” Since the launch, Digital Catalog is already partnering with leading brands like CertainTeed, Cemex, Trex, and 3M to move the program forward.
Redefining the Future of Material Specification
Modern School Building | Courtesy of Material Bank
Material Bank’s Digital Catalog represents more than just a searchable database — it’s aiming to become a transformative tool that bridges the gap between inspiration and execution. By consolidating product data, facilitating direct communication and enabling smarter decision-making, it redefines how architects engage with the materials that shape their designs.
As architecture increasingly embraces digital workflows, platforms like Material Bank are setting new standards for efficiency, collaboration and innovation. For architects navigating the complexities of modern practice, the future of material specification is here — streamlined, connected and more intuitive than ever.
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Featured image: Visualization of a Museum | Featured courtesy of Material Bank
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Some interiors don’t have the luxury of a true skylight, so Sky Factory’s IRIS Luminous SkyCeiling fakes it with an algorithmic light show calibrated to the sun’s daily arc. This system modulates color and intensity so convincingly that drifting clouds appear like real overhead, tricking the brain into syncing with natural daylight. Even NASA asked Foster + Partners and Branch Technology to test IRIS for off-world living concepts — showing how well it simulates Earth’s familiar sky.
In a restful environment, materials shape perception, which is why Loqa’s Unfired Circular Tile, with its artisanal texture and a guilt-free footprint, is the perfect choice. Formed from 85% industrial waste — ceramics, glass and fly ash — and no high-temperature firing, each tile cuts carbon emissions while boasting 106% more strength than conventional choices. The result is a textured finish that evokes calm and supports a truly sustainable retreat.
Nodding to Morris Lapidus’s mid-century flair, Hydro Systems’ Lido Freestanding Bathtub goes beyond the average oval tub to become a sculptural focal point in any spa-inspired interior. The gently dipping 1.5-inch deck allows effortless entry, while a 31-degree back slope and HydroLuxeSS™ material deliver the kind of indulgent soak that can confidently be specified for daily restoration. Optional hydro therapies — Cold Plunge, Hydro Indulge or Thermal Air — push the experience further.
BuzziCee is an acoustic seating concept that hushes the open-plan clamor with upcycled materials and soft geometry. Paired with BuzziPlanter — a lush, sustainable vessel for greenery — this duo turns shared spaces into zones for calm, connectivity and collaboration. BuzziSpace proves that well-being can be built right into the furniture with nature and noise control.
Stone Forest’s Facet Bathtub is made of natural stone to offer a soul-healing centerpiece. Hand-carved over three weeks from single blocks of Antique Gray Limestone or Noce Basalt each ovoid tub absorbs the ambient room temperature to turn a simple soak into an immersive, spa-like experience. Subtle planes and squared ends also provide both architectural flair and functional rest.
Architects looking to dissolve the line between indoors and out will find VetraSpan-L’s uninterrupted 50-foot expanse irresistible. Free of vertical joints or bulky frames, Sentech’s structural glass system amplifies openness to provide uninterrupted vistas. The result is an uncluttered façade that concentrates the focus on the view, not the hardware.
Ceilings can be an underutilized surface, but Pure + FreeForm’s ceiling products make them work harder with seamless, noncombustible panels. Made from at least 20% post-consumer content and free of off-gassing, these refined ceiling baffles help create a calm and health-conscious environment. By finishing to exacting tolerances, the system ensures architects can shape sanctuaries without sacrificing performance or sustainability.
Cosentino’s Dekton® Pietra Kode is the epitome of timeless Italian stone, yet, it is ideal for modern wellness-focused interiors, without the upkeep or carbon footprint of its quarried cousins. Reinterpreted by Daniel Germani, each color retains the grounded serenity of Vicenza, Travertine or Ceppo di Gré yet stands up to everyday demands indoors or out. It is a product that is carbon-neutral, ultra-compact surface that provides quiet luxury with lasting peace of mind.
Turf’s new Wall Scapes turn noise control into an artful statement, layering a double panel system in carved motifs that evoke farmland, forest peaks and waves. Each pattern is cut and configured so the gaps become part of the design. With up to 0.4 NRC for acoustic relief, these large-scale panels bring a calming presence with a dash of visual intrigue. A simple yet effective solution.
Luxxbox’s Cono pendant hushes background clamor while delivering warm, targeted illumination — exactly what’s needed in a lounge or private nook designed for peaceful conversation. Crafted from renewable wool on a PET shell, it is a multifunctional solution that merges acoustic performance with excellent lighting. Whether hung alone or in clusters, Cono is a brilliant all-rounder product.
Rustic terracotta rarely feels this contemporary. Italica takes an age-old aesthetic and elevates it for modern projects that demand both comfort and practicality. Five earthy tones — from volcanic reds to salty neutrals — let architects shift between large-format expanses or smaller, modular tiles. By harnessing the strength of porcelain stoneware, Italica enables a stress-free design that respects tradition while encouraging everyday calm.
Because nothing kills a quiet space faster than a door that scrapes or squeaks open, CRL’s 690/695 Sliding Door System glides with near-silent grace. A single advanced soft-brake mechanism hushes movement across broad glass spans while the minimal 2.5-inch header all but disappears, letting the architecture speak for itself. In any space aimed at genuine repose, this door helps keep the outside world firmly at bay.
Carving serenity from natural timber, the Seyun Collection by Zaha Hadid Design brings calm curves into any environment. Commissioned by Karimoku, the sculptural chairs, stools and tables pair digital precision with hand-finished warmth that’s both visually fluid and physically ergonomically supportive. Sustainably sourced and assembled with minimal waste, each piece aligns with an architect’s pursuit of tranquil, earth-friendly design.
As much as they might try plants, on their own, can’t do everything, but that’s where CSI Creative’s Bio-Acoustic Claypot Wall Panel comes in to help. Combining serious sound-dampening with botanic design, the recycled felt and terracotta wall planters referenced from African craft, integrate greenery in a modular recoverable system that architects and designers can install without the need for a horticulture degree. The result is a visually tactile surface that balances cultural authenticity and acoustic performance.
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Inspired by Japanese tradition, Obi’s elastic band detail brings a bold, graphic edge to its elegant design. This seemingly simple feature adds a layer of sophistication, echoing the “obi” sash that adorns traditional kimonos. With an aluminum frame and indoor-level comfort, Obi is a modern outdoor seating collection that perfectly balances simplicity with style, making it ideal for terraces or garden spaces.
Marking 20 years of design excellence, Outdoor Coral combines geometric beauty with eco-conscious materials. Inspired by nature’s intricate forms, its Panelex construction ensures both visual and environmental longevity. Whether installed as a statement piece or in clusters, Outdoor Coral is perfect for outdoor spaces, casting intricate shadows that add texture and mood to any setting.
This cable railing system is engineered specifically for unobstructed views and contemporary appeal, with hidden fasteners and a minimalist aesthetic. Its modular design allows for long spans, reducing the need for additional posts and, in turn, opening up vistas. Optional features like LED-ready rails and DrinkRail enhance both practicality and evening ambiance, making it an exceptional choice for patios, balconies and other outdoor living areas.
Combining Art Deco aesthetics with cutting-edge craftsmanship, Coastal Metal Sculpture uses stainless steel and dynamic LED lighting to animate facades and railings. Each piece is meticulously designed using both traditional and innovative techniques. Its bold lines and striking mirror finish bring a sculptural element to exterior spaces, elevating them into visual landmarks.
Northport reinvents traditional acorn street lamps with a refined, minimalist approach. Its subtle negative-space design evokes nostalgia while remaining contemporary, offering versatility for parks, promenades, and historic streetscapes. Combined with adjustable LED technology, Northport Lighting balances heritage and innovation, creating exteriors that feel timeless yet firmly rooted in the present.
CUPACLAD’s natural slate façade offers a durability that will last for over a century, with no maintenance required. The carbon-neutral production process reflects CUPA’s commitment to sustainability, while its versatility allows architects to experiment with both traditional and modern compositions. Whether used for residential or commercial projects, CUPACLAD exemplifies the strength and beauty of natural materials.
Harvested sustainably in FSC-certified forests, Humboldt’s redwood timbers bring natural strength and warmth to outdoor structures. Ideal for everything from exposed beams to elegant cladding, its rich tones and inherent durability make it a highly versatile choice for all exteriors. Redwood’s natural resistance to decay and pests further underscores its enduring appeal for both architects and homeowners.
Outdoor kitchens seldom reach the craftsmanship of a product like Vitae, where natural stone and timber meet modular precision. Designed to adapt seamlessly to indoor or outdoor spaces, the kitchen embodies versatility with striking materials that turn a functional cooking area into a truly unique design statement.
Combining expansive glazing with top-tier thermal performance, the Universal Series™ Window Wall creates striking façades that improve energy efficiency. Its fiberglass frame, customizable to project specifications, offers a perfect balance of form and function.
Evo-Flex transforms exterior spaces with its gas strut window system, which is ideal for pass-through bar tops and outdoor kitchens. Its sleek, self-lifting aluminum frame is designed for immense durability and ease of use, creating seamless transitions between indoor and outdoor living areas.
This 3D mesh offers an innovative approach to shading and façades, crafted from bio-based polymers that reduce carbon footprints by 80%. With its ability to provide solar reduction and airflow, RE/8 combines functionality with sustainability, making it an essential choice for environmentally conscious design.
VetraSpan-L delivers 50-foot spans of uninterrupted glass, creating exteriors with unparalleled transparency. Its advanced structural system eliminates vertical joints, providing a seamless connection to the surrounding landscape and elevating modern façade design to new heights.
What sets the MSI Titan 18 apart in the premium laptop category is its exceptional upgradability. Designed with future-proofing in mind, it supports up to 192GB of DDR5 RAM and additional PCIe Gen 5 storage, giving architects the flexibility to scale their hardware as project demands grow. This makes the Titan 18 not just a high-end laptop, but an investment in long-term performance.
The Lenovo Legion Pro 7i is a premium choice for architects needing professional-grade performance with a focus on raw power. Equipped with an Intel i9-14900HX processor and NVIDIA RTX 4080 GPU, it excels in demanding workflows, such as rendering, 3D modeling and BIM applications, making it a reliable powerhouse for intensive architectural tasks.
For architects who prioritize a vast, detailed display, the Alienware M18 R2 sets a new standard. Its 18-inch QHD+ screen offers 2560 x 1600 resolution and a 165Hz refresh rate, making it ideal for reviewing detailed drawings, refining renderings or multi-tasking across software windows without any issue.
The Razer Blade 16 stands out among high-end gaming laptops for its balance of power and efficiency, delivering top-tier performance in a more streamlined form. Powered by a 14th Gen Intel Core i9-14900HX processor and NVIDIA RTX 4080 GPU, it’s built to handle demanding tasks like 3D modeling, rendering and complex simulations with precision and speed.
The ASUS Zephyrus G14 is a great choice for architects seeking both high-end performance and a portable, lightweight design. Powered by the AMD Ryzen 9 8945HS processor and NVIDIA RTX 4070 GPU, it delivers exceptional speed and graphical capability, perfect for 3D modeling, rendering and multitasking in software like Revit, SketchUp or Rhino.
The Lenovo Legion Pro 5i is a Lenovo Legion model likely to appeal to a broader range of architects, both price-wise and performance-wise. Powered by a 14th Gen Intel Core i9-14900HX processor and NVIDIA GeForce RTX 4070 GPU, it delivers reliable capabilities for 3D modeling, rendering and BIM workflows.
For architects who value reliability and professional-grade performance over gaming features, the Lenovo ThinkPad P1 Gen 6 is a standout choice. Designed with professionals in mind, this workstation is equipped to handle intensive tasks like CAD modeling, rendering and large-scale BIM workflows efficiently.
From the same series as the Zephyrus G14, the ASUS Zephyrus G16 offers a larger 16-inch OLED display, providing more screen real estate for architects who need precision and clarity for their designs. Its WQXGA 240Hz display is perfect for reviewing detailed drawings, rendering complex 3D models and managing large-scale projects with sharp visuals and excellent color fidelity.
The Dell Precision 7680 stands apart as a workstation rather than a gaming laptop, catering specifically to architects who rely on professional-grade hardware for demanding workflows. Designed with stability and precision in mind, it’s a reliable choice for running applications like AutoCAD, Revit and Rhino that benefit from certified hardware and consistent performance.
The Dell G16 strikes a balance between affordability and performance, making it an excellent choice for architects who need a capable workstation without the premium price tag. Powered by the 13th Gen Intel Core i9-13900HX processor and NVIDIA GeForce RTX 4070 GPU, it delivers solid performance for 3D modeling, rendering and architectural simulations in tools like Revit and Rhino.
The HP ZBook Fury 16 G10 Mobile Workstation stands out as HP’s most powerful mobile workstation, designed for architects who require maximum performance. Its Intel Core i9 processor and NVIDIA RTX graphics deliver the computational and graphical power needed for demanding workflows, such as complex 3D modeling, rendering and large-scale BIM projects.
The ASUS TUF A16 delivers exceptional value for its price, offering an AMD Ryzen 7 7735HS processor and Radeon RX 7700S GPU, making it a reliable option for architects working with 3D modeling and rendering. The 16-inch WUXGA display (1920 x 1200, 165Hz, 100% sRGB) provides sharp, accurate visuals, ideal for design work.
The Lenovo LOQ 15.6″ is a practical pick for architecture students or professionals seeking dependable performance without overspending. Its AMD Ryzen 7 7435HS processor and NVIDIA GeForce RTX 4050 GPU handle essential tasks like CAD, 3D modeling and rendering.
The Acer Nitro V stands out as the most budget-friendly choice, offering respectable performance for lighter architectural tasks. With an AMD Ryzen 5 7535HS processor and NVIDIA GeForce RTX 4050 GPU, it’s capable of running tools like AutoCAD and SketchUp.
The HP Victus 15.6″ (2024) is a solid budget option, powered by a 13th Gen Intel Core i5-13420H processor and NVIDIA GeForce RTX 4050 GPU (6GB GDDR6). It handles essential architectural tasks, such as drafting in AutoCAD or working in SketchUp, with ease. Its 15.6-inch FHD display (144Hz) ensures smooth visuals, making it a good choice for design reviews or light rendering.
The Garden on the Wall® Storytelling Gardens turns plants into stories and living artworks. At 105 feet long, Garden on the Wall’s most ambitious installation at Nashville International Airport connects travelers to the local landscape with layers of preserved greenery depicting rivers and bridges. Its maintenance-free design offers architects a no-compromise solution for bringing nature and culture into any urban environment, utilizing unused surfaces in a way that benefits in more than one way.
The BuzziCee acoustic seating system curves into playful forms that help to quiet communal spaces, while the BuzziPlanter integrates greenery without demanding additional floor area. Together, they solve two urban challenges: too much noise and too little nature. Made from recycled materials, the modular seating solution proves sustainability doesn’t have to come at the expense of comfort or personality.
The Universal Series™ Window Wall has a thermally superior fiberglass frame that supports expansive glazing without sacrificing energy efficiency. Its double and triple-glazing options, plus Passive House certification, make it ideal for architects seeking to balance light, insulation and serenity in the heart of the city.
Using advanced algorithms to mimic natural light and drifting clouds, the IRIS Luminous SkyCeiling can be used to turn even the darkest interiors into serene escapes. By aligning its daylight cycles with the body’s circadian rhythms, it offers a creative solution for spaces like hospitals, offices or retail environments where access to natural light is limited, but calm is critical.
The design of the Arborisa™ acoustic ceiling is inspired by nature and, more specifically, tree canopies. Its intersecting baffles soften sound while introducing organic forms into shared spaces. With a range of modular designs and customizable finishes, the sculptural product is a versatile tool for creating unique interiors where noise is an issue.
The VanAir Door solves a modern urban dilemma: air circulation without compromise. Its staggered slots improve ventilation and balance humidity while maintaining acoustic privacy with an impressive STC rating of 26. For apartments, offices or multi-use spaces, it’s a quiet innovation that makes urban living healthier.
The Northport Lighting collection is a reinterpretation of historical acorn street lamps, layering nostalgia with modern functionality. An optional LED flame creates a gentle flicker, softening streetscapes, parks, or promenades into places that invite pause and reintroduce some historical beauty to our urban environments.
The Lido Freestanding Bathtub channels Miami modernism into a piece designed to be admired. Its ergonomic curves, crafted from HydroLuxeSS™, combine with hydrotherapy options like Cold Plunge to transform private bathrooms into personal retreats. Available in 15 colors, it is brimming with sculptural elegance while providing therapeutic calm.
Balancing precision and materiality, the Facet bathtub stone exterior plays with the surrounding light to become a visual delight while its smooth, ergonomic interior is perfectly designed. Carved from Antique Gray Limestone or Noce Basalt, the bath is a grounding focal point for bathrooms where form and function meet in equal measure.
The Theory collection reshapes transitional zones into places of interaction and connection. Its modular system of beams, shelters and seating can be adapted to evolve with the surrounding cityscape by turning functional spaces into intentional environments that support well-being throughout everyday city life.
Moving Islands is a perfectly practical and adaptable solution. Designed to create indoor gardens or flexible seating zones, its modular forms are crafted from repurposed materials. In nursing homes, atriums, or event venues, it introduces nature where it’s most needed.
Originally designed for Hermes, the Archi Folds 3D Textile Façade is an elegant solution for softening interiors. Its origami-inspired folds balance daylight, privacy, and acoustics. Crafted from recycled yarns, it offers architects a way to create textured, layered environments while controlling privacy and light saturation.
Spanning up to 26 feet, the VetraSky skylight system floods dense spaces with natural light while meeting the rigorous structural demands of curved glass. A transformative tool for architects seeking to bring openness and airiness to the urban core.
If the future of cladding means elegance, endurance and zero maintenance, CUPACLAD is on it. Crafted from 100% natural slate, CUPACLAD delivers a façade system that’s not only non-combustible and waterproof but actually gets better with age. This cladding is the real deal for sustainable design, requiring no upkeep or repainting while reducing water, energy and carbon impact during the construction phase. It’s easy to install, and in addition, CUPA PIZARRAS has its own internal design teams, ensuring the vision of every client is not only realized but elevated with unique design flair.
The Airiva Wind Energy System is reshaping renewable energy in urban design. With its sleek, modular array of vertical turbines, Airiva is ideal for housing developments and urban landscapes, turning partition walls into on-site power generators. Scalable to meet the energy needs of anything from a single building to a sprawling development, it’s an adaptable solution for architects and developers. Made from 90% recycled materials and designed for ease of transport and installation, Airiva’s intelligent system offers not only efficiency but a striking visual statement — proof that renewable energy can be both functional and quite beautiful.
PureBond® is an eco-friendly answer to high-quality cabinetry and built furniture. The North American-made hardwood plywood uses a soy-based, formaldehyde-free adhesive inspired by the way mussels naturally grip. It is an excellent material choice in the home for anyone wanting beautiful, durable interiors without risking air quality. Designed to be cost-competitive with traditional materials yet boasting superior water resistance, PureBond® panels support LEED and FSC certifications and ensure no off-gassing, adding peace of mind alongside stylish surfaces.
The Bio-Acoustic Claypot Wall Panel is nature, culture, and acoustic control all together in one striking design. Inspired by traditional handmade clay pots, the panels combine fire-safe replica greenery with high-performance acoustic PET felt backers for a tranquil, biophilic feature that also has great sound-absorbing qualities. It’s ideal for softening spaces both visually and acoustically. The Claypot Panel offers customizable foliage and colors, letting designers tailor each installation for maximum impact. With ThermaLeaf® fire-safe greenery and PoshFelt® wool felt finishes, this panel is a smart, nature-inspired solution for modern interiors.
The IRIS Luminous SkyCeiling is what future homes will use to bring the outdoors, indoors—even when “outdoors” isn’t an option. Not simply a light fixture, SkyCeiling is a dynamic portal to a virtual sky that mirrors daylight’s natural rhythm, complete with shifting clouds and soft gradients from sunrise to sunset. Built with algorithms that adapt lighting intensity and hue to match the time of day, IRIS provides a stunningly realistic ambiance while supporting well-being by syncing with your circadian rhythm. It allows adopters to feel closer to the natural world.
At Pure + FreeForm, they believe metals can have a visceral and emotive influence on projects, often being as impactful as the form itself. Using Ultra High-Performance Aluminum (UHPA), their ceilings are crafted for both indoor and outdoor use so designers can seamlessly connect indoor and outdoor spaces. Their finishes are VOC-free, fully recyclable and fire-rated, ensuring safety and eco-friendliness alongside striking aesthetics. With industry-leading precision and stock readily available, Pure + FreeForm makes it easy to add a bold statement to any room in future-focused homes that don’t shy away from a touch of modern drama.
LHOV is a very impressive kitchen appliance that combines hob, hood, and oven into one streamlined unit, designed for the burgeoning adaptable home market. LHOV is great for maximizing space and bringing an immediate dose of style. The 3-in-1 system saves space and looks great. It has no protruding corners and no interruptions. The extraction system is cleverly hidden within the appliance, while the extra-wide oven, found under the hob, is at an ergonomic height while also leaving free space below for further storage. In the modern home, every inch counts, and LHOV is acutely aware of that, providing great design and clever functionality.
For a future where hygiene is paramount, the D|13 Sink System is a game-changer in touchless handwashing. With its XLERATORsync hand dryer, complete with electrostatic HEPA filtration that removes 99.999% of viruses and 99.97% of bacteria, the system prioritizes cleanliness in every detail. Designed to keep water droplets contained, its slope and depth work with the dryer’s high-speed airflow to keep hands — and surroundings — dry. The D|13 also offers a customizable look, letting designers and specifiers choose from a range of finishes to create their ideal system.
The Hidden Screen by Pella is the future of hassle-free, unobstructed views. Designed to disappear when not in use, it is an innovative screen that delivers 44% more natural light than traditional screens. It also allows seamless airflow and excellent bug protection when in use. The integrated screens are great for noise reduction and provide homeowners with exceptional energy efficiency when included. Tested for 25 years of daily use, the Hidden Screen is functional and elegant in a way that seems so simple yet so effective.
Dacor’s 48-Inch French Door Refrigerator is kitchen convenience at its best. Beyond its flush-fit design, this refrigerator offers cutting-edge features like a sensor-activated auto-fill water pitcher (infusion-ready) and a Dual Icemaker producing both standard cubes and Whisky Ball Ice™. With customizable storage options, including the adaptable FreshZone™ and FreshZone Plus drawers, and WiFi-enabled SmartThings™ for remote control and energy management, this fridge is smart and stylish. Its stainless SteelCool™ interior maintains consistent cooling, ensuring groceries stay fresh longer, while integrated LEDs make every inch brilliantly visible.
The iQ® Granit™ collection by Tarkett is simply put, flooring for the future, blending durability, Scandinavian-inspired design and health-forward features. Designed to withstand high-traffic areas with zero refinishing required, this vinyl flooring is engineered for spaces that need to look good and perform flawlessly. Ideal for creating hygienic, low-maintenance environments, iQ® Granit™ is certified asthma & allergy friendly®, slip-resistant, and easily cleaned with just a neutral cleaner. With organic patterns and soft tonal colors inspired by natural stone, it’s a flooring solution that feels and looks incredible — making it a smart choice for homes that are built to last.
Loqa’s Unfired Circular Tile is quite literally paving the way for sustainable design. Made from over 85% up-cycled industrial waste — including ceramics, glass and fly ash — these tiles not only prevent waste but also cut down on carbon emissions by eliminating traditional firing. Despite being unfired, they’re 106% stronger than standard tiles and available in a variety of colors and textures to suit any design vision. With the option for custom pictogram embossing, these tiles offer a truly sustainable and creative choice, perfect for the eco-conscious homeowner looking to make an impact without compromising on style.
Kohler’s Purist Suspend redefines the kitchen faucet with a ceiling-mounted design that’s unique and exciting. The faucet’s sleek hose descends from above with a pivoting arm that can be set to any preferred height and rotates 180 degrees, offering flexibility without cluttering the counter. Controlled by a wireless, water-resistant remote puck, Purist Suspend offers multiple spray modes, from Sweep Spray for prep to Boost Technology for extra flow. With its intuitive controls and minimalist design, this faucet is perfect for the kitchen of tomorrow, where form and function come together in one striking fixture.
Perched on a steep lot surrounded by multiple 14,000-foot peaks, Cortina 10 leverages its unique position by embracing the topography and orienting the residence to highlight panoramic views. Entering the home is itself an experience in spatial design. Guests are invited through a glass aperture that frames the surrounding forest, immediately guiding their gaze upwards via a floating staircase with white oak treads and metal railings.
In such a setting, the transition from indoor to outdoor living becomes essential to the design. LaCantina bifold doors, measuring 14 feet wide and floor-to-ceiling in height, open the great room entirely onto an expansive deck, seamlessly merging the two spaces. This wraparound deck, equipped with comfortable seating, a fire pit, an outdoor kitchen, and a hot tub, acts as an elevated viewing platform, inviting residents and guests to savor the mountain air in all seasons.
KA Designworks’ design approach was about more than creating an appealing aesthetic; it was about elevating the experiential qualities of the space as well. In mountain environments where the terrain drops away from the site, creating an environment that feels connected to its surroundings can be challenging. “Cortina 10 is perched on a steep lot, where the landscape feels distant and the connection to nature is limited,” says the architectural team. “In such a setting, transforming decks into vibrant outdoor living spaces becomes essential to the design ethos.”
KA Designworks’ selection of LaCantina doors went beyond functionality; it was also a choice driven by craftsmanship. The doors’ minimal threshold profile creates a seamless transition that enhances the feeling of connection to the outdoors.
LaCantina’s doors are also engineered to support the home’s energy efficiency. “These doors excel in thermal performance too,” the architects emphasize. “We were able to bask in those breathtaking views without compromising on energy efficiency or overall building performance.”
On the lower level, the integration of LaCantina doors continues to support the home’s connection to the landscape. A large family and game room opens onto a second deck that is directly adjacent to the ski trails, providing easy access to the slopes while offering an informal gathering space.
Ultimately, Cortina 10 stands as a testament to the power of thoughtful design and high-quality materials. “It’s not just about creating a space; it’s about crafting an experience that celebrates the interplay between architecture and nature,” says the design team.