What else makes sliding doors new and innovative? It's the continual development of the different hardware systems that can address a multitude of functions. Different types of operating tracks, closing mechanisms, and locking devices are all available to suit different design conditions and user needs. Overall, sliding door systems provide the opportunity for true flexibility in terms of the way the spaces are used while offering numerous product and finish options to blend with or enhance the overall building design.

Photo courtesy of NTMA

Terrazzo floors can be used to create very durable, easily maintained enticing designs that can help with wayfinding or otherwise help identify locations.

Exterior Operable Wall Applications

With numerous unique systems to choose from, opening glass walls offer a solution for many commercial environments, including retail storefronts, restaurants, and hotels. In restaurant applications, owners can boost business with increased seating capacity and enhance diners' experiences by installing opening glass walls to open a restaurant's interior to surrounding outdoor spaces. Similarly, four-season enjoyment can be created by enclosing a roofed patio to offer outdoor seating in fall and winter. By replacing the physical barrier to the street with an operable wall, a restaurant entrance can open up to make the entire street front a welcoming door, thus facilitating free-flowing customer traffic. According to Jeffrey Beers, designer of the Melt Restaurant in Center Valley, Pennsylvania, “Operable glass walls gave us the opportunity to create a unique and stunning rooftop lounge that can morph from indoor to outdoor instantly and effortlessly. Because of the glass, guests experience the outdoors whether the weather is cooperative or not.”

In hotel applications, an opening glass wall enables the hotelier to create large inviting entrances in the lobby area and throughout the hotel. Depending on the design and layout, it is possible to incorporate views, hotel landscaping, natural daylight, and fresh air into the registration, dining, and guest room areas. In guest suites, an operable glass wall opening to a patio or balcony overlooking a spectacular view produces the “WOW factor” that many facilities seek. Opening glass walls used as interior divisions in hotels and restaurants allow staff to quickly and easily incorporate or close retail space, dining areas, bars, and meeting rooms while still maintaining the feeling of wide-open space that a glass wall can provide. Privacy can be ensured for discrete dining and meeting areas with obscure glass which allows light to pass through and minimizes the impression of a smaller space in the divided area.

In a retail space, the storefront is usually the first line of branding that reflects a company's unique image. A wide-open entrance eliminates barriers by creating a seamless transition between street and store and attracts customers inside, which can lead to an increase in sales. With expanded display areas, shoppers are enticed and are readily drawn deep into the store. When time to close, the operable wall glass storefront continues to showcase the interior and provides a secure, energy-efficient, transparent façade that seals tight after-hours.

Manufactured Stone Veneer Applications

Manufactured stone veneer can be applied to interior or exterior locations in retail or hospitality buildings. Selecting the right stone and color can make the difference between an ordinary project and a true showcase. Stone textures, styles, and color palettes range from contemporary clean lines with monochromatic colors to rustic irregular shapes with rich, bold color variation. Manufacturers stay innovative by working closely with designers and architects to develop new stone profiles and colors which drive the trends in the industry. Ramsay Hawfield, the director of marketing for Eldorado Stone, points out, “Stone creates a focal point in a retail or hospitality design by drawing attention and attracting people to its warmth, character, and textures.” He goes on to observe, “Designers and architects select stone to make a statement and lure people into the spaces they create. From grand entrances to intimate restaurants, from reception areas to rustic outdoor spaces, manufactured stone veneer can be the foundation for memorable spaces.”

Terrazzo Applications

The use of terrazzo in places like restaurants, hotels, and other commercial buildings is not new—it's been proven for over 500 years in Europe. In this country, terrazzo was the material of choice during the Art Deco era during the 1920s to 1940s. In fact, most of the surviving Art Deco hotels in South Beach, Florida have their original terrazzo floors with their colorful logos still intact. For the same reason, many retail stores and movie theaters were built utilizing rustic terrazzo outside and polished terrazzo inside. In all of these cases, a wide range of corporate or artistic colors and branding were easily incorporated into the final design.

During the life of the building, maintenance is simple making it easy and cost effective for those responsible for operations and maintenance. Because of its inherent durability from the stone chips and bonding agents used, terrazzo can readily hold up to high foot traffic in retail and hospitality settings. There are countless examples of decades-old buildings that still have their terrazzo floors fully intact and serviceable, which is a strong testament to the durability of this material which has the reputation of being able to last the full life of the building.

Image courtesy of TOTO USA

Automatic sensing flush valves that use internal mini turbines to generate electricity from the flow of water eliminate the need for wired electrical connections and can have rechargeable capacitors that last up to 19 years.

Plumbing Fixture Applications

Self-powered automatic faucets are ideal for public retail and hospitality restrooms that want to provide sustainability-conscious water savings and full washing capabilities. Not only do these faucets boast striking designs, they perform exceptionally well in high-traffic areas. In water-powered faucets, the turbines replenish the electrical charge with as few as five uses a day and is optimized at only 10 uses per day. Since this innovative type of faucet demands no electricity wiring or routine battery replacement, installation is easy and maintenance needs are greatly reduced. This translates into reduced electricity use, lower maintenance costs, and better ecology with hands-free, automatic-shut-off functionality. The same is true in flushometer valves that use similar water powered technology. The flow of water spins a high-efficiency turbine in the valve to create and store power. Each turn of the turbine powers and recharges capacitors, powering a sensor and solenoid valve, which may be backed up by a battery. With as few as 10 uses a day, the automatic flush valve will function quite well and can last up to 19 years.

Air induced showers are perfect for the eco-conscious luxury hospitality space. They provide hotel or spa guests with maximum comfort, while still remaining responsible in the use of water. They can be designed and specified as a fixed overhead showerhead or a hand-held flexible shower. Either way, the injection of air increases water volume by adding air to each water droplet. The result is the feeling of a full, rich shower while using less water than a standard showerhead or hand-shower.

Jason Fitzsimmons, vice president, U.S. Sales Division, TOTO USA, comments on these recent innovations in the market, noting that manufacturers' “commitment to sustainability and focus on user-experience is evident with these innovative products. Self-powered sensor faucets are 'off-the-grid' with a self-sustaining energy source and air induced showers elevate the luxury showering experience by controlling the size and pattern of water droplets.” In all, these design enhancements have shown that positive experiences and water conservation can indeed work together.

Conclusion

Hospitality and retail facilities continuously renew and refresh their design and operations to remain appealing to customers. Motivated by better performance, enhanced image, and operational cost savings, many owners look for green features to be incorporated into their facilities. Architects and designers who take advantage of the variety of building products and systems on the market can help meet owners' business needs, incorporate innovation into their designs, and create buildings that are green and sustainable in the long run.

Endnote

1. See: http://analyticsstore.construction.com/index.php/retailsmr13.html?sourcekey=SMRPRES

Peter J. Arsenault, FAIA, NCARB, LEED AP, is an architect and green building consultant who has authored over 100 continuing education and technical publications as part of a nationwide practice. www.linkedin.com/in/pjaarch