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New Earth Solutions' biofilter living wall. GinkoWalls living wall installation. Turnkey Fusion Light Wall system. D E C E M B E R 2 0 2 3 | 33 Walls & Ceilings P H OTO G R A P H Y CO U RT E S Y S O U N D S O LU T I O N S; N E W E A RT H S O LU T I O N S; G I N KGOWA L L S the need for co-ordination among multiple subtrades on the job site. This efficient method not only simplifies the process but also reduces stress for clients. Steve Nasholm, national director of sales, architectural walls and deal- ers, explains: "Because our systems are customized and prefabricated, they are delivered to the site and installed as one clean package." PSL offers a diverse range of products and among them are three demount- able wall selections that can work in any office environment: the Executive Demountable Wall, the Corporate Demountable Wall, and the Corporate Low Glazing. The design options for these panel systems are vast, with finishes in laminate, wall fabric, glass, back-painted glass, or even T V screens mounted in the wall sections. According to Nasholm, the choice of demountable walls sig- nificantly influences the acoustical performance of the system. "Our Executive Demountable Wall, with four-and-a-quarter-inch wall thickness, provides the highest level of acoustics [up to STC51], while the Corporate Demountable Wall has a two-and-a-quarter-inch wall thickness. The Corporate Low Glazing also hits that low profile look that clients and architects really strive for. All of our products are made from 100 percent reusable materials, which can ultimately contribute to LEED credits." Each of the demountable walls can be integrated seamlessly with other selections for a true mix-and-match design option. Nasholm adds that all solid wall sections can be pre-wired in a more modular configuration to meet clients' electrical and data requirements. The CSA- certified wiring systems, coupled with removable panelling, result in lower costs compared to traditional electrical installations, and save time during office setup. "The key here is the ability to install construction with Partition Systems and have the ability to reconfigure and reuse these wall systems on future design." Sound Solutions – Architectural Products, distributors of innovative interior and exterior architectural products, now offers the Bendheim interior glass cladding system. "These are fully engineered products, including the Turnkey Fusion Light Wall system, and the Turnkey system for Back-Lit Glass Walls and Ceilings," says Ed Makarchuk, principal. Building on the success of Bendheim's Turnkey Glass Wall system, the Fusion system offers a completely integrated solution for backlighting. Turnkey Fusion now provides a completely integrated solution for backlighting, with Bendheim's new Fusion LED panels built right into the system. The Fusion LEDs, along with Bendheim's innovative LE'Diffusion Safety Glass, are specifically engi- neered for even dispersion of LED light. The Turnkey System for Back-Lit Glass Walls and Ceilings boasts an ultra slim design, measuring approximately 1.65 inches deep. "This fast, user-friendly illu- minated interior glass cladding is easy to install and maintain," says Makarchuk. The system features fully reversible mechanical connections, eliminating the need for adhesives or glass drilling. "These panels can be replaced without dam- aging the walls, offering easy access to systems behind the glass." Installed in notable locations such as the Kostali Chicago/The Gwen Hotel and the Extra Butter store in Queens, N.Y., the system for Back-Lit Glass walls can be seen in a variety of industries. LIVING WALLS In the quest for a greener and more sustainable future, companies like New Earth Solutions are at the forefront of pioneering environmental technologies. This forward-thinking company has been making waves in the living wall industry by advancing biofilter technology and making it accessible for all types of buildings and businesses. With a mission to transform urban landscapes and indoor environments, New Earth Solutions is redefining the way people interact with nature in their daily lives. "At the heart of this innovation is our advanced biofilter technology," says Sean Ludchen, president of sales. "These living walls are not just visually stun- ning; they are also efficient air purifiers. The design of New Earth Solutions' system is unique in that it optimizes a plants natural air-purifying capabilities, allowing them to remove harmful pollutants and toxins from the environment." He explains that the key is the system is hydroponic and thereby exposes the root zone of the plant – where the air purifying processes actually take place – to the contaminated air flow. "This design significantly enhances the natural air purifying ability of a plant and greatly improves the indoor air quality, promot- ing healthier spaces," he says. Ludchen notes that what sets New Earth Solutions apart is its commitment to accessibility. "We've developed scalable solutions that can be tailored to fit any space, from sprawling corporate offices to small local shops. Our modular system integrates the most advanced living wall technology available, making it easy to install and maintain." New Earth Solutions is fervently dedicated to sustainability. Their biofilter technology not only benefits the health of the indoor environment but also contributes to increasing energy efficiency within the building. Additionally, New Earth Solutions can assist businesses in achieving LEED and WELL certifi- cations. By incorporating New Earth Solutions' biofilter living walls, projects can earn valuable points toward certification while reaping the benefits of improved air quality and reduced energy expenses. Drawing on years of experience, the GinkgoWalls team designs and installs living walls and facades tailored to each client's aesthetic and functional requirements. Ginkgo Sustainability offers living walls that are completely mobile, ones affixed to walls that are hand-watered, plus others that are fully automated built-in systems. GinkgoWalls provides a comprehensive range of services, including assistance with feasibility studies, vertical garden assessments and recommen- dations, plant information, and LEED credit guidance. Ensuring the longevity and vitality of a living wall necessitates ongoing care. "Regular plant maintenance, such as pruning, fertilizing, or plant replacement, is imperative to sustain the wall's health and prevent issues like plant deterioration or overgrowth. Maintenance visits are crucial for monitoring the wall system, assessing water, light, and tem- perature levels. GinkgoWalls offers maintenance services that not only preserve the living wall's health but also contribute to the overall success of the wall project, aligning with its aesthetic and functional objectives," emphasizes Sandy Dos Santos, Living Walls Maintenance Supervisor. The team not only tends to the plants but also conducts systematic checks to ensure the seamless functioning of the entire system. Dos Santos explains: "Without regular maintenance visits, unnoticed issues could lead to system failure, posing risks not only to the plants but also to potential property damage. Addressing these concerns proactively during routine maintenance proves more cost-effective in the long run." A

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