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Nedlaw Living Walls biofiltration system. D E C E M B E R 2 0 2 2 | 43 P H OTO G R A P H Y CO U RT E S Y N ED L AW L I V I N G WA L L S Technology in the walls and ceilings realm focusses on air quality and design flexibility by LAURIE JONES W hen designs headed toward a more open concept, the standard rooms and dividers took a back seat to tradi- tional workspaces, but the return to more privacy has spawned unique designs that can be custom-made for any situation. And with healthy, clean environments still top of mind, air quality is a priority. In the post-pandemic world, companies are finding growth opportunities that require expansion and redesign of their facilities, and in many cases, adding sound and noise control solutions. Lyle Fuller, general manager at Wallworks Acoustic Architectural Products Inc. says they are using combinations of their Fabri-Lok acoustic wall finishes and the eKōR series of polycore acoustic absorber material: "eKōR has been available for over five years, but it has come into its own in the last couple of years due to cost, good availability, and the design flexibility that can be provided with it," Fuller explains. "We've completed a number of interesting installations with eKōR, including wall clouds and ceiling formations for a school in Calgary, while another design provided several unique graphic installations including the cross for a new Catholic school. These are both examples of how our products can create great looking architectural elements, while providing the desired acoustic performance for facilities such as this." For office installations, the eKōR line is available in several options, includ- ing solid and V-sculpted "Cubics" 3D panels, sTyles, Spektrum screens, and an impressive variety of ceiling applications. Fuller says intricate cut-out designs for the screens are made with the approach "custom is standard" for room divid- ers. The new eKōR 4D Seamless Panels provide full wall coverage. "We have standard and custom colours to choose from that can suit any corporate brand. Our stylish panels, in both 12-millimetre [mm] and 24-mm solid and various sculpted options, are also available in a wide colour choice. With the auxiliary 3-mm-thick fabric cover the panels add design excellence and sound control to any area." He adds the printed panel options offer even more customization, with high-resolution images or patterns to create an impressive wow factor. Several unique acoustic moulded tile options and decorative designs are available in six sizes, while the moulded desk screens are free standing and con- nectable to adjust to the changing needs of working environments. In addition to its wide-ranging design options, eKōR is simply very eco- friendly (made primarily from recycled pop bottles and containers), without toxins, irritants, binding agents, or formaldehyde, and is free of allergens. LIVING WALLS Nedlaw Roofing has developed a patented technology that can help reduce building operating costs associated with HVAC, improve indoor air quality, and enhance building occupant wellness. "We create better indoor spaces by clean- ing air with the same processes that nature uses outdoors," says Austin Smith, living walls and living roof consultant, Nedlaw Group of Companies. "Our active living wall systems use lush green plants and beneficial microbes to produce high quality indoor air, with minimal energy use." Smith notes that many people spend up to 90 percent of their time indoors and breathe indoor air in buildings that are sealed like airtight jars. "Scientists have identified up to 200 different indoor air contaminants emitted from furniture, carpets, walls, paint, machines, and human occupants," he explains. "In 2000, the U.S. EPA ranked indoor air pollution in the top five threats to public health. Providing indoor air quality to satisfy the well-being of occupants can consume over 30 percent of a building's energy consumption. Our biofilters provide clean air at a fraction of the cost of traditional systems." Smith says because a Nedlaw biofilter provides clean air already at the right temperature and humidity, the air doesn't need to be heated or cooled. Nedlaw Living Walls biofiltration system solves indoor air quality problems while minimizing heating, cooling, and humidifying costs, significantly improv- ing the environmental performance of buildings. "This biological filter actively draws room air through the hydroponic plant wall," he says. "In this way, pol- lutants are removed through normal, biological processes and metabolized into their harmless components. This technology can be incorporated into a build- ings HVAC system, tied into rainwater harvest systems for a closed loop solution that will reduce a buildings heating, cooling, and water consumption costs." Smith says years of research prove Nedlaw Living Walls provide better indoor environments. "They remove 90 percent of harmful volatile organic compounds [VOCs] like formaldehyde and benzene that a conventional air filter simply The Perfect Surroundings Walls & Ceilings

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