Square commercial carpet tiles are so square. Designers now have a new way to think about the design and installation of commercial carpet tiles thanks to Shaw Contract’s new On the Edge collection. Edge features 18-inch by 36-inch patterned, rectangular tiles in three patterns and vibrant, modern colors that can be combined for a graphic-design inspired or traditional look. 
Composite materials are a logical way to create sustainable building components. A percentage of recycled waste material is diverted from its landfill trajectory, and with the help of a binding agent or manufacturing process, a “new” material is created. We have seen various types of composite materials here on 3rings, some examples are Icestone, Paperstone, and Nylodeck. Each of these materials takes advantage of a different waste type (carpet, paper, and glass) while managing to create durable, functional products.
Toilets are becoming more and more water efficient to the point of being waterless. (see Flowise Flush-Free Urinal by ZeroFlush) From 3.4 gpf usage down to 0.8 gpf with the Niagara Stealth Toilet, the industry is making leaps and bounds to conserve water. This is all fine and dandy, but what to do with all the reject toilets that are clogging our landfills? Fireclay Tile has an unconventional solution to recycle old toilets into ceramic tile.
The Girado Chair by Martin Ballendat brings together sensual natural wood and the unique craftsmanship of TEAM 7. As is classic to TEAM 7 products, the backrest is available in 7 different wood types or with leather upholstery. The Girado Chair is available with a star base, as a cantilever or as a swivel chair, allowing for a variety of uses from dining chair, to task chair.
How about a little luxury tile with a green thumb to kick off the New Year? This year I want to pay special attention to eco-friendly companies that create beautiful green products that are more than just sustainable at face value. Recycled content and low VOC’s are shallow stabs at creating sustainable products, so in 2011 I’m going to search deeper for products that have many green facets.
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