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D E C E M B E R 2 0 2 4 | 33 Architectural Woodwork P H OTO G R A P H Y CO U RT E S Y FO R M I C A C A N A DA Also, for the Stampede, Executive Millwork was involved in the construction of the Sam Centre, which Diamond Schmitt and FA AS modelled after the wooden barns dotting Alberta's landscape, as well as the historic Post Office building on Stampede Park. This year-round immersive experience fea- tures 30,000 square feet of space on one level with access from the historic Rundle Ruins as well as Enbridge Plaza. "This was a fun and interesting project. We were involved with the base contract, as well as the design build of a restaurant with a west- ern design," Roll says. Another major source of opportunity is conver- sions. Roll explains, "With office buildings only 20 to 30 percent occupied, developers are converting these facilities into mixed-use residential." As Executive Millwork prepares for a busy 2025, a variety of big budget projects are on Roll's radar. "Calgary's Scotia Place is breaking ground as we speak, and the new SAIT Taylor Family Campus Centre, which is being constructed by Bird, is one of several such facilities that may require extensive architectural millwork," he says. In the realm of hardware, 2024 has seen the usual catalogue expansions from familiar suppliers. Richelieu Hardware, a leader in specialty hardware, unveiled Triade Pro, which sets a new standard in the stability of floating shelf support, crafted with precision engineering and durable materials so that the system supports even the heaviest items. It was an especially busy year for Formica Canada. In August it announced InDepth Surfacing, a premium product category that revolutionizes the naturalism available through laminate sur- faces. With a new precision inline print technology, the line delivers new levels of texture and visual dynamics to laminate surfaces. The technology cre- ates a synchronized embossed matte texture with light-reflecting details, and the result is a visually dynamic, high-performance textured surface suit- able for vertical, horizontal, post-formed, and flat applications in high-end residential and commer- cial environments, including hospitality, higher education, and luxury office spaces. Formica Canada also released its 2024 Living Impressions Collection featuring a harmonious blend of luxe pattern and colour. This array of sophisticated surfaces draws inspiration from three emerging design trends, resulting in seven elevated, large-scale 180fx stone patterns, and six Formica Laminate patterns. For the record, the trends are: Modern Minimalism (warm whites and minimal patterns that are understated and soft without losing their edge); Casually Biophilic (nature-inspired elements that emulate the healing of the outdoors for indoor spaces); and Contemporary Classic (classic stone patterns reimagined with a modern twist). The stone patterns include Prosecco Quartzite; Fractured Marble; and Hazelnut Travertine, while the lami- nate patterns include Taj Mahal; Patine Chalk; and Patine Stone. "With the 2024 Living Impressions Collection, residential property owners can create ambiences that reflect their image, using durable, low-maintenance surfaces that meet their budgets," says Christelle Locat-Rainville, marketing director at Formica Canada. Yet another Formica Canada 2024 offering was five new designs added to its DecoMetal Laminates line, giving architects and interior designers more options than ever to incorporate creative metal fin- ishes into their plans. The designs are: Metallic Gray; Metallic Gilt; and Metallic Black (for the Metallic Series), and Wax Rubbed Brass and Oil Rubbed Brass (under the Rubbed Series). Locat-Rainville says the DecoMetal collection "Continues to be a favourite of designers and archi- tects for its ability to enhance any space, no matter the desired style." A InDepth Surfacing from Formica. LEADERS IN COMMERICAL MILLWORK & CONTINUOUS IMPROVEMENT MANUFACTURING www.ExecutiveMillwork.com 403-291-0400

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