Highlights From the 2019 Buildings Show in Toronto
See some of the materials and ideas showcased at this year's Toronto trade show for building professionals
Nearly 25,000 architects, designers, contractors and other professionals attended The Buildings Show, held Dec. 4-6 in Toronto. For the past 30 years, the event has been bringing the building community together to share innovative products, services and ideas. Manufacturers promoted an increasingly connected and smart home, and products with a sustainability component or an overt connection to nature stood out as well. Read about some of the show highlights here.
Natural Power Sericite Paint is made from the natural mineral sericite.
2. Paint That Is Truly Low-VOC
Another product that drew a lot of attention was Natural Power Sericite paint, made from the mineral sericite and water. This paint has a zero-VOC rating of only 0.03 grams per liter — less than one-hundredth of the typical limit for paints bearing this health-friendly label.
While many manufacturers offer low- or no-VOC (volatile organic compounds) paints aimed at the health-conscious consumer, these paints may contain other solvents or additives. And paints labeled zero-VOC or no-VOC can contain very low levels of VOCs, typically under 5 grams per liter.
Natural Power Sericite Paint comes in a range of pastels and is flame-retardant (though it has no chemical flame-retardant agents).
2. Paint That Is Truly Low-VOC
Another product that drew a lot of attention was Natural Power Sericite paint, made from the mineral sericite and water. This paint has a zero-VOC rating of only 0.03 grams per liter — less than one-hundredth of the typical limit for paints bearing this health-friendly label.
While many manufacturers offer low- or no-VOC (volatile organic compounds) paints aimed at the health-conscious consumer, these paints may contain other solvents or additives. And paints labeled zero-VOC or no-VOC can contain very low levels of VOCs, typically under 5 grams per liter.
Natural Power Sericite Paint comes in a range of pastels and is flame-retardant (though it has no chemical flame-retardant agents).
Classic Kiln Cast Glass from Forms + Surfaces’ BermanGlass line has a wood-plank texture.
3. Man-Made Products That Mimic Natural Textures
A wide range of exhibitors at The Buildings Show showcased materials that have a connection to nature. For example, Forms + Surfaces’ BermanGlass line enhances the look and feel of a space with organic textures. The Classic Kiln Cast Glass, pictured, has a plank texture. This product was inspired by the need to provide products with a tactile quality in today’s tech-centric spaces. The cast glass can be used for a number of applications, from wall partitions to railings and decorative surfaces.
3. Man-Made Products That Mimic Natural Textures
A wide range of exhibitors at The Buildings Show showcased materials that have a connection to nature. For example, Forms + Surfaces’ BermanGlass line enhances the look and feel of a space with organic textures. The Classic Kiln Cast Glass, pictured, has a plank texture. This product was inspired by the need to provide products with a tactile quality in today’s tech-centric spaces. The cast glass can be used for a number of applications, from wall partitions to railings and decorative surfaces.
Photo from Reckli, showing the RECKLI SELECT 2 / 163 concrete product with a wood texture used in a staircase.
Another interesting product at the show was concrete cladding that mimics the look of natural materials. Cast concrete forms from U.S. Formliner, sister company to the German firm Reckli, can be used as exterior cladding or interior designs and can feature the texture of wood (as shown in this photo; click on photo to enlarge), plants and other shapes.
Another interesting product at the show was concrete cladding that mimics the look of natural materials. Cast concrete forms from U.S. Formliner, sister company to the German firm Reckli, can be used as exterior cladding or interior designs and can feature the texture of wood (as shown in this photo; click on photo to enlarge), plants and other shapes.
At a seminar on the home of the future, panelists talked about how homes might employ smart home technology and become more energy-efficient.
4. The Need for Nature in a Digital World
At the show’s seminar titled House of the Future: Energy Efficient Building Systems for Single-Family Homes, five panelists — a builder, a renovation business consultant, representatives from a smart home product firm and an insulation company, and a home-energy rater — talked about the future of the single-family home. These days many manufacturers are focused on creating smart home technology products, which when used well can help make for more energy-efficient homes.
One speaker floated the theory that products that connect to the natural world — whether through sustainability or simply an organic look — are necessary reactions to an increasingly digital world. As technology becomes an even greater presence in both our work and home lives, people will need to have more organic, natural textures and elements in the home to feel balanced, the panelists said.
The theme of craving nature in a digital world was also present at PPG’s seminar on color trends. The company described its pick for color of the year for 2020, Chinese Porcelain, in part as a reaction to a digital world. “The need for simplicity and escapism from technology is in part the reason that consumers are craving blues like Chinese Porcelain that bring us closer to natural elements such as the sea and sky … creating serenity in any space,” says Dee Schlotter, senior color manager of PPG paint brand.
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4. The Need for Nature in a Digital World
At the show’s seminar titled House of the Future: Energy Efficient Building Systems for Single-Family Homes, five panelists — a builder, a renovation business consultant, representatives from a smart home product firm and an insulation company, and a home-energy rater — talked about the future of the single-family home. These days many manufacturers are focused on creating smart home technology products, which when used well can help make for more energy-efficient homes.
One speaker floated the theory that products that connect to the natural world — whether through sustainability or simply an organic look — are necessary reactions to an increasingly digital world. As technology becomes an even greater presence in both our work and home lives, people will need to have more organic, natural textures and elements in the home to feel balanced, the panelists said.
The theme of craving nature in a digital world was also present at PPG’s seminar on color trends. The company described its pick for color of the year for 2020, Chinese Porcelain, in part as a reaction to a digital world. “The need for simplicity and escapism from technology is in part the reason that consumers are craving blues like Chinese Porcelain that bring us closer to natural elements such as the sea and sky … creating serenity in any space,” says Dee Schlotter, senior color manager of PPG paint brand.
Why People Are Loving Soft, Soothing Colors at Home
More on Houzz
Highlights From the 2019 Greenbuild Expo
Read more stories for pros
Talk with your peers in the Pro-to-Pro discussions
Join the Houzz Trade Program
1. Building Blocks Made of Hemp
One of the most innovative building products at the show was an interlocking hemp building system that can replace concrete blocks. This product from Just BioFiber has a negative carbon footprint, which starts on the hemp farm.
More specifically, 1 acre of hemp crop absorbs four times more carbon dioxide than 1 acre of trees — and it takes only four months to grow 1 acre of hemp. Plus, hemp plants require little water and no fertilizer or pesticides.
The benefits of these products continue even past the farming stage. Each hemp block absorbs more carbon dioxide than it takes to make it. The blocks also have a high insulating value, which can help homeowners save on energy costs. They are resistant to fire, mold, insects and pests; they offer sound-reduction qualities; and they have high load-bearing capabilities.