Materials Resource

"We have our antennae up for new products and manufacturers all the time. If we see something we like, we track it down, online and through other research. New products with blast coverage in magazine ads get our attention," says Margaret Helfand, FAIA, principal of Helfand Architecture PC, in New York City. Her 10-person design-oriented practice relies on remaining aware of and finding fresh concepts and materials. Helfand's office belongs to a subscription-only New York City-based materials resource library and website that enables designers to review unusual new products at their convenience. The showroom serves as an industry connection among designers and manufacturers who want to reach small and medium sized firms. Members make an appointment, and can review samples, technical information, and product profiles. Large firms with high volume work generally maintain an extensive in-house materials library and don't have a need for an outside service.

Helfand has found several sustainable products at the showroom, such as a "bio-based" composite material created from sunflower seed hulls, an abundant agricultural fiber. The material exhibits the natural qualities of traditional burled woods, making it an environmental and economical alternative to hardwood. She used this material as a bumper guard in a college project. "One of our evaluation criteria was the ability to withstand high impact. The material is homogeneous, like birds-eye maple on steroids. When it chips, more of the same material is exposed, and it is able to sustain impact," says Helfand.

"The product library is our ‘high altar,' a focal point for the office. We approach each project as an art form, inventing new design elements and features, by customizing standard systems and products. Samples are sorted in bins by Construction Specifications Institute (CSI) category. We have samples in active use, those from past projects, and those we love and want to use. When researching materials, we might find something we like and will find a way to use in future projects. When new samples arrive, we look at them, and add them to our computer database, to track contact information and manufacturers. During early project phases, from concept design, feasibility studies and schematics, we consider major materials. Budgets, materials and outline specifications begin immediately. Early on, we identify appropriate materials that are visually exciting and durable. If we need resilient flooring or special glass, for example, we go through the samples and see the manufacturer names," she adds.

For an urban school expansion project, where blending a historic building with the street was important, Helfand wanted a lead coated copper wall material with a granite base. A sheet metal book, calls to vendors, finding details online, and intensive investigation by various search methods enabled the project team to locate the needed information. During the construction documents phase, the team continues to work with manufacturers and vendors for obtaining technical data.

Building product sales representatives are an important link between manufacturers and design professionals. The firm librarian charged with maintaining catalogues and sample libraries can research with manufacturers, saving time for designers. This process can greatly influence determining whether products meet project criteria, leading to specification.

An eclectic approach to finding products on the Internet invariably leads to various sources, says project manager John Tinmouth, of Helfand Architecture. He often begins with a general or building industry search engine to find more established products, and supplements his search with architectural trade magazines and design-oriented websites. Tinmouth, like others in his office, enjoys showroom visits to see products that are not generally commercially available. At least one consultant he knows in New York works with sales representatives from different manufacturers to collect new products and share them with design firms seeking fresh, unique approaches.