Architecture Au Products November 2024

Architectural products are the building blocks of any construction project, and selecting the right ones can make or break a design. For over two decades, Architecture Media has kept specifiers informed about new products via the online product directory Selector and quarterly Architectural Product News magazine. In July this year, we combined the best aspects of these muchloved titles with our flagship website, ArchitectureAu, under the new banner of ArchitectureAu Products. Our launch issue includes a feature story that explores the benchtop materials designers are turning to following the ban on engineered stone (p.10), with insights from 11 architects and interior designers. There’s also an exclusive interview with David King who discusses King Living’s commitment to supporting a circular economy (p.16), along with a product recommendation from architect Sally Timmins…

Since its introduction in the 1980s, engineered stone has become one of Australia’s topselling benchtop materials, with over half a million installed in homes in the past three years1. However, its high crystalline silica content – up to 97 percent2 – poses serious health risks for workers involved in its production and installation. Foreshadowed by the asbestos ban in 2003, rising cases of lung disease and silicosis prompted all state and territory Work, Health and Safety Ministers to support a ban of engineered stone, effective 1 July 2024. Why engineered stone? Engineered stone’s silica concentration significantly exceeds the amount found in the likes of marble, which contains about 2 percent silica3. Its higher density of nanoscale particles can also penetrate deeper into the lungs when dust is produced. Additional concerns…

As a business spanning nearly 50 years, King Living was built on the ideology of sustainability, well before it became a mainstream discussion. ArchitectureAu Products editor Olivia Round sat down with the company’s founder, David King, to discuss the importance of saving furniture from landfill, designing for future generations, and striving for a circular economy. OLIVIA ROUND: King Living was an early adopter of sustainability back when you started the business with your mother in 1977. The fact that people are still using the same sofas they bought from you 40 years ago is a testament to this. Tell us about your dedication to sustainability and how you’ve built effective environmental initiatives into your business. DAVID KING: Sustainability was part of our vision from day one. I remember driving through…

Carbon neutral certified bricks from Island Block and Paving To address their client’s desire for sustainable materials, Island Block and Paving launched Australia’s first carbon-neutral certified range of masonry products. This collection includes bricks, building blocks, pavers, and retaining walls, offering innovative solutions that meet modern construction needs while prioritising environmental responsibility. The Sustainable Products for the Future collection is designed with careful attention to material transport – minimising unnecessary carbon emissions during manufacturing. All products are made from highquality engineered sand, with 37.6 percent recycled content. They also incorporate water harvested on-site and use cement replacements. Additionally, a natural curing method powered by solar energy is employed. Each product comes with a current Environmental Product Declaration (EPD) and has achieved both Level A Global GreenTag certification and a platinum…

Equitone’s latest high-density fibre cement range, Inspira, emphasises recyclability, modularity, and durability. Developed with architects, it offers significant design flexibility. Each digitally printed panel features a smooth, matte finish and is resistant to UV radiation, water, graffiti, dirt, and abrasion. Comprising natural resources – water, cellulose fibre, and Portland cement – the product is recyclable at the end of its approximately 50-year lifespan, supporting a circular construction industry. The range comprises five finishes – wood, rust, stone, concrete, and nature-inspired graphics – along with neutral, warm, or cool-hued colour tones. All panels can withstand temperatures from 50 to 85 degrees Celsius. In addition to their aesthetic qualities, the panels are non-combustible, preventing fire ignition and spread. Their natural composition ensures low VOC emissions, eliminating offgassing once installed. Designed for optimal…

Zip Water’s new HydroTap Celsius Plus All-In-One Pull-Out is a sculptural addition to the kitchen, seamlessly blending aesthetics with functionality through its elegant gooseneck spout design. Available in seven contemporary finishes, it features an intuitive touchpad that allows users to instantly dispense purified boiling, chilled, or sparkling water, along with a mixer handle for unfiltered hot and cold water. An optimised aerator in the outlet spout ensures an enhanced delivery of sparkling water, while the snag-proof pull-out sprayer adds convenience for dishwashing. The touchpad includes a continuous flow option for easy bottle filling, embedded antimicrobial protection for enhanced hygiene, and a safety lock for boiling water. The system is equipped with a single under-bench command centre with a fullcolour interactive touchscreen display, PIN code protection, and customisable settings. Prioritising superior…