7 new products from Episode 4

Accessible doors, rendering technology, wall systems, and more close out this year’s all-digital conference


Throughout A’21, we’ve shared the newest products and innovations that are building our future. Here’s our latest collection from Episode 4.

Accessible terrace/balcony door

Ideal for providing easy access to outdoor spaces, the new Terra Swing Access door from Oldcastle BuildingEnvelope is designed to ADA standards and features an integral 10” kick rail, 5 pounds or less operating force per AAMA 513, and a small ½” threshold. The door sits directly on the floor, eliminating the need for concrete notching to accommodate the threshold during installation. The threshold features field-installed exterior trim, allowing for a continuous perimeter seal without relying on a blind seal, the company says.

Wood-grain top rail

Feeney now offers wood-grain finishes for its DesignRail Top Rail. The top rail can be used with the company’s railing systems in interior and exterior applications. The wood-grain finishes adhere to AAMA 2604 coating specifications for impact and weather resistance, and color retention. Three wood-grain options are available: Cherry, Walnut, and Weathered Gray.

Rendering & visualization technology

Enscape has released the latest version of its 3D real-time rendering and visualization technology, Enscape 3.1. The tool now includes a high-quality Material Library, a Panorama Gallery, and NVIDIA Deep Learning Super Sampling (DLSS) support to make it easier to provide fully immersive experiences. The features reduce the time required to create the ideal material look and improved visual outputs. Other new elements include an improved Material Editor, simplified assets, and ray-traced sun shadows.

Wall system

The Hunter Xci Aegis Wall System—featuring a rigid insulation panel and self-adhering weather-resistive barrier—acts as an air, vapor, and thermal control layer in one. The system provides for thinner, energy-efficient, code-compliant walls from a single source for greater peace of mind; the systemization also ensures material compatibility. The system can be used with steel studs, wood studs, concrete, and CMUs.

ADA-compliant window handle

Kawneer now offers its Glassvent UT project-out windows with a handle that meets ADA requirements recommending operable windows require no more than a 5-pound operating force. The handle features the Omni Drive operator, which provides for smooth, single-handed operation along with a sleek look from the exterior. The easy-to-operate horizontal handle is 12” in size; an 8” handle size is available for non-ADA applications.

BIM software solution

Vectorworks Architect, BIM software from Vectorworks, allows you to sketch, model, and document any size project from concept to construction, bringing workflow efficiencies and data-rich insights to the design process. An all-in-one software for 2D and 3D design work, Architect is the only modeling, drafting, and documentation solution built with the entire architectural design process in mind, the company says. Users can collaborate and share files, with a range of import/export capabilities; produce line drawings and 3D presentations; optimize workflows with product integrations; automate data extraction to create multiple iterations of custom design; and much more.

Mass timber journal

Just released from Think Wood, the first volume of Mass Timber Digest curates the latest innovations in mass timber research and design from industry vanguards like Perkins&Will, DLR Group, Sidewalk Labs, Gray Organschi, and more. See mass timber’s role in improving sustainability and livability in the built environment.