Connected Water Systems are the Next Big Thing for Home Safety

Story at a glance:

  • Moen’s Smart Water Network offers homeowners control of their water with total connectivity and confidence.
  • Flo Smart Water Monitor and Shutoff regulates the entire home plumbing system to reduce waste and prevent catastrophe.

In many American homes, a silent leak drip, drip, drips with no one the wiser. Household leaks account for nearly 1 trillion gallons of water wasted each year in the US, according to the EPA, right under our noses. These insidious leaks are problematic because of the loss of water as well as the potential damage to our structures over time.

But in some houses an unobtrusive device in the plumbing closet monitors the water in the pipes, checking for leaks and unexpected water usage. Voice- and motion-activated kitchen faucets dispense exactly the right amount of water at exactly the preferred temperature for recipes. Soil sensors in the lawn communicate with irrigation controls to send water to the landscape precisely when it needs it.

Moen’s Smart Water Network and its array of products—Flo Smart Water Monitor and Shutoff, Smart Leak Detector, Smart Sump Pump Monitor, Smart Faucet (with optional Motion Control), Smart Shower, and Smart Sprinkler Controller—is designed to offer homeowners control of their usage and water security in every part of the home, with total connectivity and confidence.

Detecting Leaks

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Photo courtesy of Moen

The flagship product in Moen’s network is the Flo Smart Water Monitor and Shutoff. The device monitors a home’s plumbing network, detecting leaks as small as a single drop per minute, and alerts homeowners to abnormalities in their water usage.

“You’re hoping not to have a leak in your house, so you’re hoping not to have to interact too much with the product,” says Pete Rippee, senior category manager for Moen’s Smart Water Network. “But if you do, hopefully it will save you a lot of money and a lot of heartache.” And in fact, within the first 30 days of adopting the device, 60% of users discovered a leak.

Since its introduction the Flo Smart Water Monitor and Shutoff has detected more than two million potential home water leaks using its AI algorithm FloSense™ technology. It sends alerts to users in the Moen Smart Water Network App to determine whether the abnormality is a leak or a false alarm—an unusual amount of water lost to a driveway car wash or filling the backyard pool. Users can tell the system if the alert is an emergency—and it will shut off the water for them—or, if it was an intentional abnormal usage of water, which helps train the AI’s understanding of their water usage over time.

Sustainability, Safety, and Convenience

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To date, Moen can trace 290 million gallons of saved water back to its products and has repurposed more than 750 tons of ocean plastic. Some of that impact is down to user behavior and willingness to adapt their water usage, and plenty of it is innate in the Moen Smart Network products, including the Flo Smart Water Monitor and Shutoff. Image courtesy of Moen

When fully utilized the Flo Smart Water Monitor and Shutoff alone can help reduce more than 90% of household water waste. It’s simply up to the user to change their behavior with the knowledge the device provides.

“I personally treat it as a gamification of sorts. I get a weekly view of how much water I consumed within that week; Say it’s 500 gallons—I’m now conscious of that in the weeks to come. I want to try to beat that, to preserve some of the water I used last week,” Rippee says. He might tweak his irrigation settings, reducing watering time from 15 to 12 minutes, or speed up his own showers.

To aid the Flo Smart Water Monitor and Shutoff’s mission, Smart Leak Detectors under dishwashers, hot water heaters, or any appliance suspected of a leak can identify moisture in unwanted places, though they can’t turn off the water in isolation. Similarly, the Smart Sump Pump Monitor, one addition to the Moen Smart Water Network, offers reassurance that your home’s defense against groundwater flooding is working, and not working against you. The device alerts users to warn of leaks, high water levels, and the sump pump’s battery level and effectiveness.

The Smart Sprinkler Controller and Smart Wireless Soil Sensors control the home landscape with independent zone control, custom scheduling, and automatic watering to ensure the lawn and garden are watered when and where they need it, and without excess. The controller even connects to local weather reports and is controlled remotely through the Moen Smart Water Network app.

Other products contribute to water conservation in quieter ways, their convenience as notable as their sustainability. Smart faucets measure the water they disperse. Smart showers remember your preferences to ensure the water is just right the moment you step in, without running incessantly to find the perfect temperature.

To make things easier for homeowners, each device can be retrofitted to a home without requiring a utility upgrade. All in, the Moen Smart Water Network makes the experience of water in the home smart, safe, sustainable, and convenient.

“It’s the first whole home water ecosystem. And for us that means intelligence at its core and crossing both product and application from how a user can experience water,” Mason Hall, Moen’s vice president of connected products, said in a 2022 CES Tech Talk.

Making Water Smarter

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Photo courtesy of Moen

At one point Moen teamed up with a builder to install the Flo Smart Water Monitor and Shutoff in new builds. However, because the devices were installed long ahead of move-in, the homeowners didn’t always understand the smart system or utilize it fully. To the unknowing user, it’s a copper pipe with a retrofitted doodad in the basement utility closet.

“It’s a critical piece for us as we continue on in years to come, to engage with builders and find the right ways to partner with them and give them enough product knowledge to show homeowners how to provision the device and get in control of their water usage,” Rippee says.

Plumbers found an opportunity here to save people trouble within their water usage.

Knowledge will also come with large-scale product adoption. “It’s what we consider a nascent category. Circa 2019 this [leak detection] was very new. Plumbers found an opportunity here to save people trouble within their water usage,” Rippee says. He compares the Flo Smart Water Monitor and Shutoff and Moen’s Smart Water Network to Ring, Nest, and other home safety products that are perennially appealing but only recently became mainstream.

Ensuring (and Insuring) Leak Protection

Demand will likely grow organically from conscientious homeowners as well as from the urging of insurance providers. Many providers recommend, incentivize, or even mandate leak detectors and automatic shutoff systems, particularly on homes with old or complex plumbing systems.

For example, Farmers Insurance explains that many homeowners’ insurance policies cover sudden emergencies, like a burst pipe, but not necessarily damage due to a leaky faucet, which is considered a maintenance issue. The company recommends the Flo Smart Water Monitor and Shutoff as the device for the job and may offer a significant discount on home insurance premiums for adoptees.

“Being able to control water usage and avoid catastrophes is a win for everybody. The more and more you waste or lose through a cracked pipe or an issue with one of your appliances the more you’re going to pay out of pocket for deductibles and the more issues you’re going to have down the road,” Rippee says.

The Future of Smart Water

Today Moen has the leading market share within the connected water space. Over time, Rippee predicts a vastly increasing number of people will adopt Moen’s network (and competing offerings) to protect their homes.

The team continues to search for ways to expand within home water and may expand to commercial applications, too. First they plan on re-engineering, remapping, and perfecting the Smart Water Network app experience as users provide feedback.

“We have the right connected portfolio. How do we optimize what we have?” Rippee says. “We want to provide whole home protection, to be connected wherever water may be. Making convenience within water is the next level.”

 

Modular Mirage Acoustic Tiles Bring Warmth with Natural Texture

Story at a glance:

  • The new Mirage acoustic tiles are a modular addition to the sensory-rich Mirage portfolio.
  • Mirage etched tiles come with pre-applied adhesive backing and are a first-of-its-kind for Autex Acoustics.
  • The new tiles open the door for future acoustic innovations from the 58-year-old design company.

The deep, lush green of the forest in summer, gulls calling near the sea, the smell after a much-needed rain—to be in nature is to ignite your senses, to explore all that’s around you.

And for the New Zealand-born Autex Acoustics, this idea—nature as a sensory experience—is the driving ethos behind everything the design company does. Its latest product, Mirage acoustic tiles, explores what Mother Nature has in spades: texture.

“Mirage was one of those briefs where something really simple becomes really complex when you start to pick it apart,” says Sam Wells, product development lead at Autex. “We spent a lot longer than I expected exploring what texture was. As you go smaller and smaller down into texture, we spent a lot of time distinguishing it from form and pattern. Texture is more about how that thing might be felt, and, in design, how that thing can be more subtle to spaces.”

The team’s thoughtful inquiry led to a line of modular etched tiles that emphasize depth and a sense of movement across its six natural-textured designs. The tiles also come with pre-applied adhesive backing—a first-of-its-kind for Autex.

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Mirage acoustic tiles seen in Cavalier. Photo by Geoff Hedley, courtesy of Autex Acoustics

The design company has been at the helm of non-architectural textiles and modern acoustic products since its start in 1967. The new Mirage tiles build on that legacy, setting the foundation for new modular acoustic products and designs.

“The tiles are much more plug-and-play rather than using a qualified installer to get it done,” Wells says. Their modularity inherently lends itself to greater design freedom, creativity, and flexibility—expanding the quality of both how a space sounds and how it looks.

“Whether we’re still in minimalism or coming out of it now, we’re definitely noticing that the general response to minimalism seems to be a warming up in spaces,” Wells says. “You see a lot more beiges and the warm and neutral tones that come through, and with that a lot more exploration of natural textures again. Timber grains are really coming back.”

The micro-patterns of each etched Mirage tile stir a feeling when you walk into a room, similar to walking outdoors. It’s a subtle nuance, but one that is intentional.

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Mirage is seen here in Canyon. Photo by Geoff Hedley, courtesy of Autex Acoustics

“The subtly plays into Autex’s broader ethos with product development and design. Caring for people is at our core. It’s embedded in a lot of our manufacturing and material development practices just as much as the product outputs we make. Quite often that means things have a much more subtle application when they come out,” Wells says.

What they’re looking for is that smart, sophisticated, subtle application that they can apply how they want to into their spaces.

“It’s quite easy to be loud and get attention, but to get the attention of architects and designers—what they’re looking for is that smart, sophisticated, subtle application that they can apply how they want to into their spaces,” he adds. “Mirage helps us do that. When light is casting through a room, that’s when it really comes to life, because those differences in texture then really start to pop.”

The modularity of the tiles was also a direct request from the field—particularly designers and Autex’s team in America. Wells and the product team in New Zealand went straight to work, starting from scratch through a quick iterative process of gathering feedback, validation, and testing. Repeating over and over again.

“It was a really awesome team process,” he says. “The best thing I find about design is that it’s a process; it’s zero to one. You make something out of nothing each time, and you’re always surprised with what comes out because it wasn’t there before. Even though we knew we wanted a well-curated, sophisticated range, it’s awesome to see what it has turned out to be. The tiles look even better in-person than I thought.”

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Photo by Rich Clarke, courtesy of Autex Acoustics

Mirage Acoustic Tiles design development

Mirage wall tiles exemplify nature as a sensory experience. Photo by Rich Clarke, courtesy of Autex Acoustics

DLR Group’s T3 Projects Celebrate a New Era for Biophilic Design

Story at a glance:

  • DLR Group designed T3 ATX Eastside in Austin, Texas, to be a beacon of biophilic design while reflecting the area’s evolution.
  • Mass timber is a strong material choice for its many benefits, from aesthetics to acoustics to well-being.
  • Modular, prefabricated panels assembled onsite enable mass timber design to achieve construction timelines up to 25% faster than concrete structures.

Biophilic design has evolved beyond visual aesthetics and subtle nods to nature; it’s a curated experience intentionally crafted to evoke emotion. Unexpected elements orchestrate a sensory journey that enhances well-being while infusing spaces with quiet calm.

Through daylighting, materiality, or spatial flow, biophilic design breathes the richness of nature into interior spaces. At a time when most people are estimated to spend around 90% of their time indoors, reconnecting with the rhythms of the outdoors is more than a luxury; it’s a necessity that provides benefits for both people and the planet.

Bringing the Outdoors In

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T3 ATX Eastside is a new office and residential development rooted in the local history of the industrial site through a focus on materiality and refinement of metal and wood. Photo by Connor Steinkamp, courtesy of DLR Group

Biophilic design transforms buildings into living landscapes, centering well-being by weaving nature’s patterns, textures, and colors into every corner. While biophilic principles date back centuries, today’s applications are evidence-driven, informed by research into the mental and emotional health benefits.

Design choices go beyond greenery. Materiality like dynamic lighting to support circadian rhythms, natural textures, biomorphic patterns, palettes inspired by local landscapes, and low-toxin materials elevate indoor air quality and overall health. Each of these design decisions create a multi-sensory experience:

Visual: Living walls filled with greenery serve as visual anchors. Lighting fixtures produce dappled light patterns, emulating sunlight peering through tree canopies and reinforcing our connection to the natural world. Earthy browns, calming greens, and soft neutrals define interiors, creating a sense of warmth and renewal.

Sound: Soothing soundscapes, like the gentle flow of water or the soft hush of wood underfoot, mirror nature’s rhythms. These natural soundscapes echo the cadence of the wild, settling nerves and regulating attention.

Scent: Natural scents like pine, mint, eucalyptus, citrus, and sea salt can evoke calming energy and elevate mood while enhancing indoor air quality and turning each breath into a gentle reminder of the outdoors.

Touch: Natural textures invite people to reach out and connect with their environment. From solid wood to ultra-soft wool, these tactile experiences help ground the mind and body in the present moment.

Intentionally placed biophilic materials soften the divide between shelter and landscape. Of these elements, wood, especially mass timber, embodies the principles of biophilic design and is increasingly used in today’s built environment.

Mass Timber in Biophilic Design

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Sustainably sourced wood gives T3 ATX Eastside, designed by DLR Group, a lighter carbon footprint and embodied carbon advantages over traditional concrete or steel construction. Photo by Connor Steinkamp, courtesy of DLR Group

Mass timber provides an elemental sensory experience through its acoustic absorption, natural scent, and grain texture that invites you to reach out and connect with layers of stories kept by the tree.

In addition to being a durable, climate-conscious, and renewable alternative to steel and concrete, the benefits of mass timber are also deeply personal. There’s an unmistakable sense of belonging when surrounded by the raw familiarity of wood’s touch.

Timber anchors a variety of spaces in warmth and intention. Through its natural patterns and colors, wood connects people to nature, helping to reduce stress and promote creativity, focus, and clarity.

Research by the Forestry Innovation Investment finds that wood delivers on four essential goals for the built environment: lowering carbon emissions, increasing life cycle sustainability, boosting occupant well-being, and fueling organizational vitality. DLR Group’s T3 (Timber, Transit, Technology) projects, in partnership with real estate developer Hines, demonstrate these outcomes while reflecting local authenticity and urban connectivity.

Mass timber developments appeal to tenants seeking an authentic, sustainable, yet modern office space while dispelling common misconceptions about mass timber.

When viewed as both a regenerative and renewable resource, mass timber offers more than environmental benefits—it also supports faster construction timelines. For DLR Group’s first six built T3 buildings, it took just 13 minutes to grow all the mass timber used. Through this and other sustainability strategies, the firm has avoided 9,969 metric tons of CO2 emissions through these six projects, equivalent to taking 7,283 cars off the road for a year.

It also pays dividends over time. Modular, prefabricated panels assembled onsite enable mass timber design to achieve construction timelines up to 25% faster than concrete structures, according to Think Wood. Timber offices often lease faster and at a premium, as tenants are willing to invest in spaces aligned with their values.

With just 2% of the available forestry used for construction, mass timber is a renewable, sustainable choice for the future.

A Closer Look at T3 ATX Eastside

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Completed in late 2023, T3 ATX Eastside in Austin, Texas, reflects the character of East Austin while shaping its evolving identity. Photo by Connor Steinkamp, courtesy of DLR Group

Completed in late 2023, T3 ATX Eastside in Austin, Texas, reveals biophilic design as both a mirror and canvas, reflecting the character of East Austin while shaping its evolving identity. The new office and residential development is rooted in the local history of the industrial site through a focus on materiality and refinement of metal and wood.

Here the facade acts as a storyteller, grounding the property in the energy of this emerging Austin neighborhood. Designed at a human scale, the project invites people in, surrounding them with the rare, tactile warmth of wood. Timber, terra-cotta brick, and cold-rolled steel serve as a material time capsule. These choices honor the region’s history and anchor the project in sustainable wellness.

True to its roots, all interior finishes were vetted through the Living Building Challenge Red List, and the majority of those selected are Red List–free, which identifies product solutions and materials free of harmful chemicals posing risks to human and environmental health.

Sustainably sourced wood gives T3 ATX Eastside a lighter carbon footprint and embodied carbon advantages over traditional concrete or steel construction. Just steps from Austin’s downtown core and public transit, the development invites a more walkable, sustainable way of living.

Looking Ahead

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Just steps from Austin’s downtown core and public transit, T3 ATX Eastside invites a more walkable, sustainable way of living. Photo by Connor Steinkamp, courtesy of DLR Group

Mass timber in the built environment is only just getting started. As building codes continue to catch up to market demand, the possibilities for timber are endless. Our work with T3 buildings has led to greater interest in market sectors outside workplace, including multifamily housing and hospitality, where we recently released an assessment of the Mass Timber Hospitality Prototype. This effort, in collaboration with the US Forest Service, was driven by our desire to advance low-carbon building design and demonstrate mass timber’s potential in hotel development.

Biophilic and mass timber design are forging a new path for the built environment. As regulations evolve, mass timber and other natural materials provide developers and designers with a competitive advantage by delivering distinctive aesthetics and warm spaces that elevate the human experience and support a more sustainable future.

Connected Water Systems are the Next Big Thing for Home Safety
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DLR Group’s T3 Projects Celebrate a New Era for Biophilic Design
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Beyond Net Zero, Toward a Regenerative Design Framework

Story at a glance:

  • A leading architect at Krueck Sexton Partners shares why net zero is no longer enough.
  • Incorporating a regenerative design framework allows the design team to explore the best solutions for humans and the natural world across multiple decision points.
  • Outdated building codes and zoning laws established in an era of fragmented thinking need to be rebuilt on the grounds of a regenerative design framework.

By 2080 the United Nations estimates that the world population will grow to 10.4 billion people. Correspondingly, we will see a significant increase in buildings to house those people or provide them with a place of employment and services. The scale of this estimated 2.6 trillion square feet in new buildings to accommodate the world’s growing population is comparable to adding another New York City every month for the next 40 years. Even if every one of these buildings was designed to be net zero energy, they would still draw from the electric grid during peak nighttime demand.

We have the opportunity to rethink our design process and ask the necessary questions: Can these buildings generate more energy than they consume? Can the land where we site these buildings be repaired back to the natural ecosystem? What is best for human health and the local communities that occupy these buildings?

A Regenerative Design Framework Approach

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A common misconception of sustainability is the idea that nature comes first—and at the expense of human needs or comfort. This mindset of isolating ourselves from nature and doing less needs restructuring so we act as stewards who equally contribute. Historically our best-in-class sustainable design has been focused on doing less harm to the environment, or, at best, reaching zero. Nature is abundant and regenerative; it sustains life. If nature functioned at a net zero model it would not continue to exist. We need to better understand nature’s systems that operate in a net positive way and use that as a guide in our own design process to sustain ourselves, the people who rely on healthy air, water, and nutrients.

This practice of emulating nature’s genius in design or whole systems thinking is known as regenerative design. The graphic above represents a regenerative design scale similar to the range of sustainability approaches developed by Bill Reed, founding principal at Regenesis Group. The middle of this scale is net zero energy and net zero carbon. As we move past zero or causing no harm to nature, the design solutions become more integrated, emulating what nature is already doing in abundance. Most buildings—even LEED Gold and Platinum—still operate on the left side of this scale, focused on doing less harm.

Setting the Scale Past Zero

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Chart courtesy of Krueck Sexton Partners

How do we work with building owners to set a more ambitious project goal? Many large companies and leading institutions have allowed their sustainability targets to remain stagnant. A common goal witnessed across universities, for example, is LEED Silver certification. Today this level of certification is nearly the equivalent to a code minimum building due to updated energy requirements.

This slow pace of code advancements—and continued acceptance of minimum compliance—is not going to position us for a sustainable future. Positively, there are cities, municipalities, and states leading by adopting stretch codes to raise design standards within a “better” category of performance. Convincing building owners to do more than the minimum is not a simple task, but a regenerative design framework opens the conversation to illustrate what design goals beyond net zero can look like.

Incorporating a regenerative design framework into the design process allows the holistic design team to explore the best solutions for humans and the natural world across multiple decision points. I find value in representing design approaches with owners in a simplified “good, better, best” method and giving relationship to known things. For example, take a simple project decision like: How much thermal insulation is right for the building’s climate zone? The graph above outlines a decision process with an owner where the “best” category illustrates the required insulation for the building to be a net positive energy producer, or on the regenerative side of the graph. Extend this thinking further by discussing material ingredients of the insulation. A bio-based material that decomposes or recycles easily represents a regenerative material compared to an artificial chemical-based insulation. This process allows us to re-ask those big idea questions from the beginning of the article habitually throughout the decision points of a project.

Regenerative Design in Practice

To understand the best solution or approach to a project with a regenerative framework we typically need a wider perspective. What does nature need to thrive in order to support a healthy ecosystem for us? This was the approach for a 20-acre site in south Florida. Krueck Sexton Partners, the owner, and design team for the Grogan | Dove Federal Building started by asking the right question: What does the site want to be? A clear idea emerged by zooming out to understand how the site fits within a whole system; “Restore the Everglades.” The original site was a paved over vacant lot. Greyfield sites like these often disrupt microclimates with heat islands, requiring costly remediation of contaminated soils, and obstruct hydrology.

After completion of the project, 59% of the site was restored back to its original ecological wetland condition. Wildlife returned with abundant nesting, foraging, and perching available for native species to make home. The project achieved LEED Platinum Core + Shell, Sites certification and is designed to be net zero by 2030.

Yet, when analyzing this project on a regenerative design framework, the building lands in the center of the scale. It is the site restoration story of the project that surpasses net zero into a regenerative level of design by repairing what was previously done. The owner and design team coalesced around an essential element in regenerative design—the importance of connection to place.

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After completion of the Grogan | Dove FBI Federal Building, 59% of the site was restored back to its original ecological wetland condition. Photo by Nick Merrick, Hedrich Blessing; courtesy of Krueck Sexton Partners

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Image courtesy of Krueck Sexton Partners

Looking Forward

Fortunately, for those of us who will take part in the largest growth of buildings in our world’s history over the next 40 years, we already have every technology and known design strategy available today. We know how to build beyond net zero to repair paved-over sites and restore dilapidated buildings, better connecting us with the natural world.

I often look to resources and leaders like the International Living Future Institute, which has more than 30 certified living buildings as case studies of leading examples in regenerative design. Yet, even these paradigms of regenerative building fall short due to exemptions and regulatory agencies requiring the status quo for construction. In Illinois, for instance, a rainwater cistern to collect water for reuse is not permitted in the plumbing code, requiring special approval. Similarly, a constructed wetland to absorb nutrients and purify our wastewater is not allowed in Chicago.

These building codes and zoning laws that govern our practice were established in an era of fragmented thinking and need to be rebuilt on the grounds of a regenerative design framework. For the building owners, who will step up and ask that we do more than less harm? For the designers, think of each project as an opportunity to challenge code officials and civic leaders, proving we can design as abundantly as nature does. The persistence of integrated teams pushing forward-thinking design solutions will eventually unify enough fragmented parts to comprise a whole.

Connected Water Systems are the Next Big Thing for Home Safety
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DLR Group’s T3 Projects Celebrate a New Era for Biophilic Design
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How Plumbing Supply Boxes Simplify Projects & Reduce Environmental Impact

Story at a glance:

  • The recent construction of the Grand Hyatt Nashville included MODA supply boxes.
  • MODA supply boxes installed throughout the 591-room luxury hotel helped to ensure uniform installations and support a tight construction schedule.

In today’s construction landscape, time and resources are stretched thin. Compressed schedules, labor shortages, and the rising cost of materials are driving demand for smarter systems that help streamline workflows without compromising performance. Nowhere is this more evident than in plumbing, where even minor inefficiencies during rough-in and finish phases can compound across large-scale projects.

One increasingly adopted solution is the modular supply box, a compact assembly combining water supply valves, drains, and mounting systems into a single unit. These components allow plumbing systems to be roughed in faster and more consistently while reducing job site waste and eliminating several finish-phase steps.

As the industry shifts toward more industrialized construction methods, supply box systems are proving to be a practical tool for improving efficiency across residential, commercial, and hospitality environments.

Rethinking the Rough-In

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Photo courtesy of Oatey Co.

Traditional plumbing installations rely heavily on stub-outs, where copper or PEX piping extends from walls and is capped until fixtures can be installed. This approach introduces multiple inefficiencies. Installers often have to wait for the wall to be finished before returning to cut off the stub-out, drain the water, install valves, and complete the finish work. Each of these steps adds minutes per fixture. In projects with hundreds of units, these minutes can add hours of extra labor.

The Oatey MODA supply box system eliminates this process. Valves for toilets, sinks, and other fixtures are installed during the second rough-in stage, before drywall goes up. This allows plumbers to finish supply-side work with confidence that the system has already been tested.
When it comes time for fixture installation, the installer simply connects the supply lines to the valve already in place. The result is a streamlined workflow with fewer delays, fewer trips back to the unit, and less exposure to post-drywall plumbing complications.

This approach proved effective in the recent construction of the Grand Hyatt Nashville, where MODA supply boxes were installed throughout the 591-room luxury hotel to ensure uniform installations and support a tight construction schedule. The system’s flexibility helped reduce labor, simplify coordination among trades, and accelerate project delivery without sacrificing quality.

Installation Efficiency by Design

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Photo courtesy of Oatey Co.

These supply box systems are built for quick installation. They offer multiple mounting configurations, including snap-together boxes that can be secured with just two screws. Integrated flanges and angled nail slots support installation in both wood and metal framing.

Because the boxes are compact and flexible, installers don’t need to cut additional blocking or create custom supports to mount them securely. Each component, from bracket design to valve accessibility, is engineered to reduce friction during installation.

A fully modular design allows multiple boxes to be snapped together on a single bracket, enabling flexible water supply, drain, and auxiliary combinations in one organized location. The unified platform accommodates a range of applications, including lavatory, kitchen, washing machine, gas, and ice maker setups. Despite these varying purposes, all configurations use the same mounting bracket and snap-fit system, simplifying product specification and reducing SKUs onsite.

Compatibility with various valve types and inlet connections further enhances efficiency. Supply boxes are available with quarter-turn valves in multiple inlet types such as CPVC, copper, PEX-a and PEX-b. This allows the system to match various plumbing designs without requiring field modifications.

Oatey’s MODA system features LocPin technology, which allows valve replacement without damaging finished walls. Thanks to the plumbing valve’s two-piece design, no drywall needs to be cut during servicing. The technician simply removes the faceplate and disengages the copper LocPin clip holding the valve top and tail pieces together, removing the former in need of replacement.

One universal faceplate is compatible with all MODA boxes. These customizable options allow the system to integrate neatly into the design of residential and commercial spaces, supporting both function and visual appeal.

Reducing Material Waste and Jobsite Footprint

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Photo courtesy of Oatey Co.

Plumbing systems that reduce excess materials and streamline installation can contribute meaningfully to overall project efficiency. Supply boxes help limit unnecessary waste by simplifying the connection process and reducing the number of components required onsite.

Traditional stub-out methods often involve cutting and discarding extra pipe lengths to accommodate wall finishes. With integrated supply boxes, those cuts are no longer needed. The valve is already set during rough-in, minimizing pipe waste and reducing the time spent adjusting connections later in the project.

Additional design advantages like shared drainage features for multiple fixtures can help reduce the total length of piping and the need for additional floor drains. Some box configurations include secondary funnels that allow for multiple discharges, like from a water softener or HVAC condensate line. This minimizes connections into the DWV system and reduces drain layout complexity.

In many installations fewer mounting materials are required as well. Because the boxes are self-contained and designed to fasten directly to framing, the need for extra blocking or custom supports is reduced. These efficiencies, while simple in execution, can scale significantly across large developments and contribute to a more thoughtful use of resources.

Improving Layout Flexibility and Space Efficiency

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Photo courtesy of Oatey Co.

Beyond time and material savings, the compact footprint of supply boxes enables more efficient use of space. Traditional stub-outs protrude several inches from the wall, potentially interfering with fixture installations or creating visible clutter beneath sinks.

A recessed box allows fixtures like pedestal sinks or compact vanities to sit flush against the wall. This is particularly useful in urban multifamily housing or hospitality settings where aesthetics and space optimization are priorities. For kitchen appliances like ranges or dishwashers gaining even one inch of space by eliminating a protruding valve can allow tighter installs and more flexibility in layout.

The consolidated location of valves and drains within a supply box also supports better usability over the life of the building. Should a leak occur, occupants or maintenance personnel can quickly shut off the nearby valve without searching for a remote shutoff. This can prevent water damage and reduce emergency intervention time.

A Smarter Way Forward

As the construction industry evolves, there is a growing emphasis on solutions that deliver on multiple priorities at once. Systems that simplify installation, reduce labor demands, and support cleaner, more organized builds are becoming essential across project types.

When a single component can help streamline timelines, minimize on-site complexity, and reduce unnecessary material use, it brings added value to the entire process. These integrated solutions represent a practical step forward for professionals committed to building smarter and more efficiently.

Oatey’s Innovative Fix-It Flange Repair Ring Now Available in Stainless Steel

Oatey Co., a leading manufacturer in the plumbing industry since 1916, has expanded its trusted line of Fix-It Repair Rings with a new stainless steel version that joins its painted steel predecessor. Both options are now available to customers, giving them greater flexibility to meet their installation preferences.

Designed to securely repair broken, cracked, or worn-out toilet mounting flanges without replacing the entire flange, Oatey Fix-It Repair Rings provide a quick, durable fix for one of the most common problems in toilet installations and repairs. The stainless steel option offers exceptional durability and corrosion resistance.

Like its predecessor, the Stainless Steel Fix-It Repair Ring features a robust design for installation strength, while maintaining a sleek, unobtrusive profile. It is conveniently compatible with all flange and toilet installations, as well as all types of flooring (including concrete). Plus, 10 mounting holes and four slotted mounting tabs further enable a wide range of installation options.

Built for installer ease and reliability, the repair flange includes a perfect-length bolt slot that prevents bending during installation and provides secure, level, and leak-free repairs. It can accommodate 1/4-inch or 5/16-inch closet bolts. The thicker wall span between the bolt slot and the ring perimeter minimizes weak points.

For a demonstration of how to install the Stainless Steel Fix-It Repair Ring, watch this video.

How Smart Access Technology is Elevating the Eco-Luxury Spa Experience

Story at a glance:

  • Salto and Gantner, both part of the SALTO WECOSYSTEM, offer integrated access solutions that deliver a seamless guest journey from entry to checkout in luxury wellness environments.
  • Brands like Bota Bota and Trybe are embracing frictionless, tech-enabled experiences tailored to holistic spa design.
  • Sustainable manufacturing, supply chain efficiency, battery life optimization, and modular design reinforce Salto’s commitment to eco-conscious innovation.

For high-end spas and wellness retreats, luxury is no longer just a matter of aesthetics—it’s an orchestrated, tech-enabled experience that begins before a guest even sets foot inside. Increasingly that experience is powered by integrated access systems that anticipate, simplify, and elevate every interaction. Salto, a global leader in access control and identity management, is helping design-forward spas turn operational touchpoints into meaningful extensions of brand and service.

Bota Bota, the floating spa anchored on the Saint Lawrence River in Montreal, is one such example. Already a Gantner client for its RFID-powered locker locks, the spa engaged Gantner’s sister company, access control leader Salto, when it began a renovation and expansion of its facilities. Working closely with the Bota Bota team, Salto helped implement an ecosystem that streamlines every phase of the guest journey.

“We collaborated with Bota Bota to enhance the experience from check-in to point-of-sale to checkout—all through a single credential,” says Brandon Perkins, vertical business development leader for fitness, spa, and leisure at Salto.

“That wristband becomes the guest’s key to everything: entry, lockers, services, and even purchases at the café or retail area.”

Design for Wellness & Security

access technology spa unlock

Photo courtesy of Salto

Unlike traditional hospitality environments where access control often begins and ends with a hotel room key card, spas demand a more nuanced approach. The wellness journey is less about transactional moments and more about immersive, uninterrupted flow. That distinction reshapes how access is conceptualized.

In Bota Bota’s case, when guests check in they are issued a wristband that integrates with the spa’s member management software. The system syncs guest profiles, manages locker access, and facilitates purchases without requiring phones or wallets—a crucial feature in water-heavy, phone-free environments.

The same principles are applied at Bathhouse, a modern rest and relaxation destination in New York with thermal pools, saunas, steam rooms, and hammams, where Salto helped develop a guest flow strategy that supports occupancy tracking and staffing needs. The hardware was carefully selected to match Bathhouse’s sleek interior design, and the system provides real-time data to optimize service delivery.

“It’s about helping operators execute their vision while giving guests an experience that feels entirely intuitive,” Perkins says.

Seamless & Sustainable

access technology spa gantner salto

Photo courtesy of Salto

Beyond user experience, Salto’s value proposition extends to sustainability—a priority for many spa operators focused on eco-luxury. The company manufactures a majority of its access control hardware in a zero-carbon facility in Spain, sourcing most materials locally and minimizing its logistics footprint. The XS4 line of locks also has an Environmental Product Declaration, offering transparency about its life cycle impact.

Battery longevity is another differentiator. A single lithium battery in Salto’s locker locks can last up to 10 years, compared to competitors’ that require replacements every few months. “That’s a big competitive advantage,” Perkins says. “We talk about how often you’re changing batteries, and when they hear 10 years, they’re all in. That level of efficiency doesn’t just improve operations; it supports a lower environmental footprint.”

Shaping the Experience from the Start

access technology spa wood lockers

Photo courtesy of Salto

Salto and Gantner’s engagements with spa clients typically begin long before hardware is installed. Perkins and his team often consult directly with architects, designers, and spa consultants to understand the unique flow of each project. Whether it’s a retrofit or new construction, the process is guided by one central question: What is the guest journey you’re trying to create?

“Every conversation starts there,” Perkins says. “Once we understand the experience we can design a system that enhances it—from entry gates to locker rooms to POS to exit.”

While the core technology may be modular and scalable, the application is always bespoke. Spa operators choose from a wide variety of lock styles and colors, integration options, and credential formats—from RFID wristbands to app-based mobile access—each tailored to the spa’s physical and brand environment. Sustainable credential materials like bamboo-based cards are also an option, underscoring the company’s commitment to low-impact design.

Looking Ahead

access technology spa checkin

Photo courtesy of Salto

As spas continue to evolve Salto is keeping an eye on what’s next. The company has already introduced facial recognition solutions that prioritize privacy and GDPR compliance, eliminating the need for physical credentials altogether. Salto is exploring ways to reduce reliance on physical credentials, including emerging options for mobile and biometric access.

Ultimately the company sees access not just as a system but as a service. “Access is a foundational building system, like HVAC or electricity,” Perkins says. “In spa environments it’s also a core part of the guest experience. And when done right it disappears into the background, allowing the space and the service to shine.”

Krueck Sexton Partners Transformed International Square into a Vibrant Gathering Place

Story at a glance:

  • The atrium inside Washington, D.C.’s International Square office complex needed an overhaul to turn it from a dark lobby into a place people enjoy visiting.
  • Krueck Sexton Partners used natural ventilation strategies to keep the new ground-floor food market and event space comfortable year-round.
  • The project softened the building’s Brutalist interior with natural finishes and used automated systems to keep the costs of heating and cooling in check.

Tasked with reimagining the moribund atrium of a 1980s office complex, Krueck Sexton Partners (KSP) wanted to bring the area’s vibrant streetscape in by building an open and inviting food market where people could meet, socialize, and get drinks or a bite to eat.

The client was pleased with the concept—that is, until lead architect Juan Villafañe mentioned natural ventilation. “The biggest challenge was convincing people that natural ventilation made sense,” he says. “Mention natural ventilation, and it sounds scary.”

He wasn’t suggesting that the International Square office complex—actually three buildings joined by a 12-story atrium in 1980 to occupy a full city block—should go without HVAC. But it could benefit from a strategy that takes advantage of D.C.’s climate to maintain comfort.

“Americans aren’t comfortable with being uncomfortable,” Villafañe says. “We wanted to make an open space but didn’t want to waste energy. That was one of the big goals: to create a highly connected space without throwing away energy.”

Brutal Realities

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The project juxtaposes mesquite flooring and live plants with the complex’ Brutalist infrastructure (the original atrium seen at right) to make the atrium more inviting. Photos, from left: Photo by Anton Grassl, courtesy of Krueck Sexton Partners; courtesy of Krueck Sexton Partners

Building operators Tishman Speyer knew if they wanted to occupy space the building would have to offer more of the amenities today’s workers want—not the commuter staples of yesteryear like cobblers and newsstands.

Previously, a fountain that “looked like a giant pineapple” sat at the center of the atrium, but the space offered little reason to linger. “You have this great big atrium, and you can’t actually occupy it,” Villafañe says. “There was nowhere to hang out.”

Worse, the Brutalist atrium had been reclad in slick marble finishes in the ’90s, making it glitzy but austere. With the fountain, marble, and wallboard removed, it was a blank slate. “You have to undo before you can do,” Villafañe says.

“What we tried to do is selectively remove materials and reveal the existing structure so we could let the building be what it wants to be,” he says. “In a number of locations we pulled back layers of drywall, and there was a beautiful architectural concrete wall.”

Connecting the Senses

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A living wall and plentiful plant life were among the biophilic design strategies at International Square. Photo by Anton Grassl, courtesy of Krueck Sexton Partners

The emerging design took inspiration from food markets in Europe and Asia that open to the outdoors and connect the senses, Villafañe says. Anchored by a D.C. Metro stop, the ground-level square at International Square would extend the streetscape into the building.

On the building’s 19th Street side, the firm installed large overhead doors, opening a restaurant space and the atrium to the street. To make the atrium warmer, KSP brought in durable Texas mesquite flooring, pendant lighting, and ample amounts of overhanging greenery.

Mechanical ventilation would still be needed, of course, but Villafañe wanted to find a better solution than simply installing massive HVAC units. “You want people to be comfortable. You want people to hang out longer,” he says. “Let’s not just crank up the AC and hope that it’s OK.”

KSP turned to Transsolar NYC to analyze how humidity, temperature, and air currents could work together to technically integrate a comfortable environment at any time of year. “What they did is effectively map out how and when you could open the space,” Villafañe says.

Automating Airflow

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Vibrant colors and modern, durable furniture selections were part of the improvements made at the Square at International Square. Photo by Anton Grassl, courtesy of Krueck Sexton Partners

Inspired by the wind scoops of arid Hyderabad, Pakistan, the team created a “wind chimney” that pulls temperate air into the building at ground level and upward through the atrium. A smoke exhaust system—already in place to satisfy fire-safety regulations—assists.

“We were careful about not undoing a lot of the existing mechanical systems,” Villafañe says. “If we used [the exhaust fans], we could augment the natural ‘stack’ effect of the building and create airflow by drawing wind from the bottom floor through to the top of the atrium.”

In addition to the four garage doors, the square’s facades feature louvered windows that open and close automatically based on readings from rooftop and ground-floor sensors. Variable-speed ceiling and wall fans throughout the space contribute to the stack effect.

“We’re basically making sure that hot air that was once trapped and just sitting there is drawn out by the exhaust fans,” he says. “It’s helping the entire building—a nice side effect, if you will. It’s letting the building kind of breathe naturally.”

Together the system cuts the energy demand associated with keeping the atrium at optimal temperatures approximately in half. “By creating a naturally ventilated space, we connect people to the outdoors and save energy,” Villafañe says.

Food with Flexibility

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People gather indoors and out at the renovated square at International Square in Washington, D.C. Photo by Anton Grassl, courtesy of Krueck Sexton Partners

The renovated atrium features a bar and multiple vendor stalls, which use a blond-wood pegboard system to permit easy customizations. Below grade, a central commissary kitchen with ovens, a bakery, a butcher shop, and storage minimizes the need for complex setups.

Conducting an exploratory food market tour of Chicago and New York City, KSP found that the locations that allowed the most differentiation among vendors also had the longest outfitting times—meaning every time a seller left, the space sat empty for several months.

“We give you a system that lets people modify it but at the same time doesn’t require a six- or eight-month delay,” Villafañe says. “That was a selling point. If somebody drops out you can get a new vendor in the building in two or three months.”

A New Lease

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Diagram courtesy of Krueck Sexton Partners

Krueck Sexton Partners international square

Context plan and ground floor plan for the Square at International Square. Image courtesy of Krueck Sexton Partners

The project achieved its goal: to draw the streetscape—and more people—into the building. “Turning what was just a lobby for office workers into a vibrant space that helps with leasing is a no-brainer,” Villafañe says.

While central to the project’s execution, natural ventilation and the energy savings it brought were perks. “The real transformation is the feeling that it’s connected,” he says. “Local brokers have pointed out that it’s helped them with adjacent buildings. It has created this whole city effect that I don’t think the operators were expecting.

It has created this whole city effect that I don’t think the operators were expecting.

“Folks who have been there in the past are shocked because the place was so dismal,” he adds. “I think the surprise is that the engagement level is different because you go from a place that was closed and foreboding to something that’s open.

“I’m not surprised because we’ve created a streetscape where there wasn’t one. This is a truly public space. It’s intentionally saying, ‘Come in here.’”

Project Details

Project: The Square at International Square
Location: Washington, D.C.
Architect: Krueck Sexton Partners
Completion: 2023
Size: 90,000 square feet
Awards: Associated Builders and Contractors Excellence in Construction
Connected Water Systems are the Next Big Thing for Home Safety
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DLR Group’s T3 Projects Celebrate a New Era for Biophilic Design
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How UHPC Enabled Rapid, Durable Bridge Deck Rehab on a Critical US Corridor

Story at a glance:

  • The Delaware Memorial Bridge deck project uses ultra-high-performance concrete (UHPC).
  • Resilience-centered design and materials like UHPC can minimize disruption, maximize durability, and support sustainability and hazard adaptation.
  • The Delaware project builds resilience into infrastructure.

In the evolving dialogue around sustainable construction, the industry is shifting from a carbon-only lens to a broader understanding that resilience is not optional; it is essential. The Delaware Memorial Bridge deck rehabilitation project is a clear demonstration of this shift. By prioritizing long-term performance, reduced disruption, and adaptive material technologies, the project exemplifies how resilience is not just a goal, but a deliverable. Resilience should become the new standard for sustainable building.

A Bridge Under Pressure

The Delaware Memorial Bridge, a critical pair of twin suspension spans connecting Delaware and New Jersey, supports more than 80,000 vehicles daily. Originally opened in 1951 and 1968, the structures had withstood decades of service. In 2022 it was clear that the northbound deck needed rehabilitation to prevent structural degradation and extend service life.

This posed a resilience challenge: how to execute long-lasting major repairs without compromising the bridge’s structural integrity or significantly disrupting traffic and toll revenue while incorporating climate mitigation and adaptation measures.

Constraints Meet Innovation

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Photo courtesy of Chryso

Traditional repair methods often demand extended construction timelines, heavier materials, and repeated maintenance, without accounting for the global warming potential of repair materials or the increasing risks posed by climate-related hazards. The Delaware River & Bay Authority instead selected Ultra-High Performance Concrete (UHPC) for its durability, lower required thickness, and long life cycle performance.

UHPC provided a structural overlay, just three inches thick, that would both protect and strengthen the aging deck. This fiber-reinforced concrete delivers compressive strengths exceeding 18,000 psi, more than three times stronger than standard bridge deck concrete, and offers a longer service life than conventional overlays.

Material Solutions for Resilient Outcomes

To further tailor the UHPC for the project’s extreme requirements, Chryso North America supplied advanced admixture technologies that optimized workability, rheology, placement, and curing time. The admixtures allowed contractors to comply with the project requirements, resulting in denser, more durable concrete.

Notably, the admixtures enabled the UHPC to be paved in a downhill direction, a rare capability in bridgework, which allowed the contractor to accelerate the construction schedule significantly.

Execution: Speed Without Sacrifice

The third and final phase, completed in 2023, involved milling off two to three inches of deteriorated deck and installing an equivalent UHPC overlay. The team installed more than 5,000 cubic yards of UHPC using a custom-designed paver and later diamond-ground the surface for smoothness.

This resilience-centered method shaved two weeks off the anticipated 11-week construction window in Phase 3, demonstrating that resilient design can go hand-in-hand with efficiency.

Environmental and Economic Resilience

uhpc delaware chart

Chart by the National Institute of Building Sciences, courtesy of Chryso

The resilience benefits extended beyond structural strength and durability. Because UHPC requires thinner application, total material volumes were reduced, lowering the project’s embodied carbon. Fewer replacements over the bridge’s lifetime mean fewer emissions from repair cycles, a crucial consideration in the broader context of life cycle carbon accounting.

These long-term savings align with the insights of the National Institute of Building Sciences. According to their “Mitigation Saves” 2024 study, lifeline infrastructure retrofits like upgrades to power, water, telecommunications, and transportation systems yield a $4 return for every $1 spent on resilient infrastructure. The cost to benefit ratio can be much higher depending specifically on what type of natural disaster the project is mitigating for, as seen in the chart above. Strengthening these lifeline infrastructures against hurricanes, floods, fires, and other hazards significantly reduces future disaster recovery costs.

Recognition and Blueprint for the Future

In October 2024 Engineering News-Record honored the Delaware Memorial Bridge project with its 2024 Mid-Atlantic Regional Best Project Award in the highway/bridge category. More than a recognition of innovation, the award validates resilience as a practical and high-performance benchmark.

“The future of UHPC in construction is bright,” says Steven Williams, president of construction chemicals, infrastructure, and commercial for Saint-Gobain North America. “The greater strength with less material needed and longer service life of more than 50 years makes UHPC a key component in the sustainability goals of the construction industry. The use of UHPC on the Delaware Memorial Bridge deck rehabilitation project was the perfect fit, offering speed and lightweight durability. We were pleased to apply our admixture technologies to customize the UHPC so that it met all performance needs and ensure that it will stand the test of time.”

Resilience in Action

As I have previously written, resilience must be the next benchmark in sustainable building, infrastructure, and superstructure construction—a necessary counterbalance to carbon-focused strategies. The Delaware Memorial Bridge is proof that this shift is already underway. Resilience is no longer a theoretical ideal. With the right materials, partnerships, and planning, it’s being built into our infrastructure now.

Chryso North America is proud to help lead this transformation. By aligning with evolving stakeholder priorities, especially those of architects and engineers seeking actionable resilience strategies, we are committed to delivering high-performance solutions that meet technical demands and address broader societal and environmental concerns. Insights from today’s resilience measurement tools reveal clear gaps in education, resources, and implementation, gaps that Chryso is actively working to close through collaboration, innovation, and knowledge sharing.

As resilience continues to move from concept to construction site, Chryso remains at the forefront, partnering across disciplines to build infrastructure that’s ready for the future.

Chryso North America Introduces New Brand Name for Trusted Concrete Fiber Reinforcement

Chryso, a global leader in sustainable construction solutions and part of Saint-Gobain Construction Chemicals, is proud to announce the rebranding of its proven synthetic fibers product lines. Formerly known as STRUX® and SINTA®, the fiber product portfolios will now carry the new names Adfil®Strux Macro Synthetic Fibers and Adfil Sinta Micro Synthetic Fibers.

This rebranding marks more than just a name change, it underscores Adfil’s supportive role as a leading synthetic fiber manufacturer within the Chryso family, introducing expanded manufacturing and innovation. Now part of Saint-Gobain Construction Chemicals, the Adfil brand brings global technical expertise and a broader portfolio of fiber reinforcement solutions to the North American market.

A Unified Brand, A Stronger Future

The launch of Adfil Strux and Adfil Sinta under the Adfil brand umbrella reflects Chryso’s commitment to offering a complete, high-performance fiber reinforcement solution. These fibers deliver the same reliable results that contractors have trusted for years, now backed by enhanced global R&D and production resources.

“Adfil Strux and Adfil Sinta represent the evolution of our synthetic fiber product lines and our commitment to supporting contractors and producers with better performance and sustainability,” says Chryso North America Market Development Manager Christopher Roumie. “This rebranding aligns our fiber offering with the world-class capabilities of the global Adfil brand, while maintaining the same product quality our customers expect.”

Adfil Strux Macro Synthetic Fibers

Adfil Strux Macro Fibers are a high-performance alternative to welded wire mesh and light rebar for concrete reinforcement. They provide enhanced durability, impact resistance, and long-term crack control by uniformly distributing structural fibers throughout the concrete matrix. Applications include slab-on-ground, precast, elevated decks, underground components, and tunnel liners.

Key benefits include:

● Replacement of welded wire reinforcement to reduce labor costs and improve jobsite safety

● Corrosion resistance and reduced material handling complexity

● Compressed construction timelines due to faster mixing and placement

● Significant CO₂ reduction versus steel reinforcement, supporting sustainability goals

Adfil Sinta Micro Synthetic Fibers

Adfil Sinta fibers are engineered to control early-age plastic shrinkage cracking and increase concrete durability. Available in both monofilament (Adfil®Sinta M) and fibrillated (Adfil®Sinta F) formats, these microfibers are ideal for enhancing surface durability and reducing permeability.

Key benefits include:

● Effective crack control in the first 24 hours after placement

● Improved dispersion for consistent performance across the mix

Expanded Support & Services

With Adfil now fully supporting the Chryso brand, customers can expect expanded access to technical expertise, enhanced innovation, and a comprehensive range of solutions for concrete reinforcement.

Saint-Gobain Announces Acquisition of Interstar Materials

Saint-Gobain Group has acquired the business assets of Interstar Materials (Interstar), further strengthening its expansion in North America’s construction chemicals sector.

The recent acquisition of Interstar’s business assets and team into the organization will further strengthen Saint-Gobain’s position in the construction chemicals market and will mark the company’s entrance into granular pigments for concrete. This acquisition follows recent action by the company in the construction chemicals sector in the United States and Canada, including the acquisitions of Chryso in 2021 and GCP Applied Technologies in 2022.

With more than 30 years of manufacturing experience, Interstar has been a leading North American manufacturer of products for the growing decorative concrete industry, allowing for the creation of concrete that is both functional and aesthetically pleasing. Interstar offers a full portfolio of solutions for all segments of the concrete market including ready mix, stamped concrete, block, pavers, and precast.

With this latest acquisition Saint-Gobain will add over C$20 million to its revenue and establish a strong presence in the granular pigments industry in North America. The business will continue to operate from its headquarters in Sherbrooke, Quebec, as well as at additional facilities in Calgary, Alberta, and Junction City, Illinois. Saint-Gobain will also welcome 55 new employees, whose expertise will enhance the capabilities of its construction chemicals business.

“With this acquisition, we are continuing to strengthen our leadership in the Construction Chemicals segment,” says Mark Rayfield, president and CEO of Saint-Gobain North America. “Interstar Materials is an ideal partner for Saint-Gobain, sharing our commitment to innovation and sustainable construction. I am excited to collaborate with the Interstar team and welcome their employees into our business. Together we will continue to drive progress toward our mission of ‘making the world a better home.’”

“This acquisition is a testament to our unwavering commitment to continually enhance our best in-class product and service offerings, ensuring we meet and exceed our customers’ expectations,” says Steven Williams, president of construction chemicals, infrastructure, and commercial for North America.

“The Interstar team and I are thrilled to join Saint-Gobain’s Construction Chemical’s business and work with the Chryso team,” says Zachary Gillman, president of Interstar Materials. “From the outset of the acquisition process it was clear that our companies share common values—a commitment to quality, integrity, innovation, and growth. I am especially excited about the opportunities this partnership will create for Interstar employees as part of the Saint-Gobain Group.”

Saint-Gobain will continue to operate the granular pigment and dispenser business under the Interstar brand within the US and Canada.

Today’s announcement follows several other recent growth investments announced by Saint Gobain:

• In February Saint-Gobain announced the expansion of its NorPro Ceramics business with a new facility in Niagara County, New York.

• First announced in 2023, Saint-Gobain will complete several expansions at plant facilities later this year to increase production capacity and further meet demand in the United States, including in roofing at its facility in Peachtree City, Georgia, gypsum wallboard in Palatka, Florida, and glass mat in Oxford, North Carolina.

• Later in 2025 Saint-Gobain and CertainTeed Canada will complete an announced investment to upgrade equipment at its gypsum facility outside Montreal, which will increase the plant’s production capacity by up to 40%. The plant will also be powered solely by renewable electricity from Hydro-Quebec, making it the first zero carbon wallboard plant in North America for scope 1 and 2 emissions.

With more than 160 manufacturing locations in Canada and the United States, every current and future member of the company’s team plays a vital role in achieving its sustainability goals. A current list of job openings at all Saint-Gobain locations can be found on the company’s careers website.

About Saint-Gobain

Worldwide leader in light and sustainable construction, Saint-Gobain designs, manufactures and distributes materials and services for the construction and industrial markets. Its integrated solutions for the renovation of public and private buildings, light construction and the decarbonization of construction and industry are developed through a continuous innovation process and provide sustainability and performance. The Group, celebrating its 360th anniversary in 2025, remains more committed than ever to its purpose: “making the world a better home.” The company saw €46.6 billion in sales in 2024 and has 166,000 employees across 80 countries. Saint-Gobain is committed to achieving net zero carbon emissions by 2050.

About Interstar Materials

For more than 30 years Interstar has been a leader in the pigment industry—renowned for its innovation, quality, and responsive, flexible customer service in all sectors of the concrete industry. Interstar’s proprietary Granastar granular pigment has revolutionized the ready mix industry, making it easier and more efficient to color ready mix concrete with their pigment and automated dispensing systems.

 

Jeanne Gang on Design for Connection, Plus Architecture’s Most Pressing Challenges

Story at a glance:

  • One of architecture’s most renowned architects shares her hopes for the future of design and architecture.
  • Projects like Tom Lee Park in Memphis showcase creative strategies for bringing people together.

The phrase “designing for connection” is something I’ve heard tossed around more recently. When I stop to think about it, I have to ask: How do you design for connection? And is that more difficult today than 20 years ago? It seems to me like a big ask, especially in recent years, when so many of us feel disconnected, some of us even afraid of each other.

When I got the opportunity to sit down with Studio Gang Founding Partner Jeanne Gang, whose projects take great pride in bringing people together, I had to ask: What does it mean to you to design for connection? I wanted to know: What did she think was architecture’s role in bringing people together?

Connection Points

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Completed in 2023, Studio Gang designed Tom Lee Park in Memphis to tie into a city-wide network of riverfront walking and biking trails. Photo by Tom Harris, courtesy of Studio Gang

From the iconic Aqua Tower in Chicago to Spelman College’s new Center for Innovation & the Arts, the adaptive reuse of the Gray Design Building at the University of Kentucky, and Populus in Denver, Studio Gang’s projects inspire awe while themselves being inspired by human connection and nature.

“I think one of the problems is that people have so much entertainment and control over different things with their phones, so a lot of times, when you see a picture of public space, you see a lot of people sitting around looking at their phones,” Gang says. “It’s like they’re almost isolated within a public space. I don’t think that’s a good thing.”

People need to be able to empathize with people who are different from themselves, she says. “That’s what we need right now in our society. Architecture can begin to set the stage for these interactions—interactions that can provide more comfortable ways to understand human behavior. We don’t want to put people in a situation where they feel uncomfortable but provide a place where they feel relaxed enough to be able to have a conversation with someone they maybe don’t know.”

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Studio Gang designed Tom Lee Park to include many different types of seating, including a large swing people can sit on together. Photo by Tom Harris, courtesy of Studio Gang

Tom Lee Park is one Studio Gang–designed example of this in action, completed in 2023 in Memphis. “This is a park for everyone,” she says. “From visitors outside Memphis to people living within Memphis, from all different parts of the city.”

The firm set out to design the park’s shade pavilion to, number one, draw people in to a safe, beautifully designed place where they can get out of the hot sun. A nice breeze offers comfort, inviting people to stick around on warm days.

The design team also considered the different types of personalities who might be at the park—people who like to take center stage versus people who prefer to sit on the sidelines or even people-watch. On any given day the focus of the pavilion could change—it could be sports, it could be music. All around the perimeter are varied types of seating, including a large swing multiple people can sit on. “It’s a fun thing to do, and it’s big enough that it doesn’t feel awkward to be on there with someone you don’t know,” Gang says. “Then you’re kind of engaged in something; you’re doing something. We found that that worked really well in terms of bringing people together.”

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The elevation perspective of Tom Lee Park in Memphis is shown here from the south. Drawing courtesy of Studio Gang

Developed in collaboration with SCAPE, the park’s design is informed by the flow of the Mississippi River. Multiple entrances tie into a city-wide network of riverfront walking and biking trails, creating direct connections to key civic assets and institutions like the National Civil Rights Museum and the future home of the Brooks Museum of Art. Between watching the river traffic, taking in the scenery, and enjoying varied experiences offered at the park, the design gives visitors a chance to interact at multiple levels.

Architects can really engage with the community and give the people a feeling of ownership of a place that has a positive rippling effect. Gang shared a bit about why that’s important during a conversation in July at Aspen Ideas: Climate Chicago. “When there’s investment in a new building or something beautiful in the neighborhood, that really makes people excited. We can couple those investments with things that are important to our environment, like rivers or city centers. These are the kinds of things communities can get behind,” she says.

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The Studio Gang–designed WMS Boathouse at Clark Park in Chicago is a launching point for kayakers and crew teams, but it’s also become an important meeting spot for the community. Photo by Steve Hall, courtesy of Studio Gang

She points to the Chicago River and its evolution over the years, from the Riverwalk to the Studio Gang–designed WMS Boathouse at Clark Park. The latter is a launching point for kayakers and crew teams, but it’s also become an important meeting place for neighbors who like to bike or walk in the area or sit by the water and the building’s inviting sculptural design.

“How do you inspire people to access it, to use it and feel like it’s their own? It’s almost like giving them permission to go there,” she says. “Then they slowly start to take on the behaviors of protecting that thing that they feel is their own. It’s really important to let people be part of the process, but also let them feel that it is their river, their resource. That really starts to shift things.”

Industry Challenges

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Studio Gang designed the WMS Boathouse at Clark Park in Chicago using a sculptural roof form, providing visual interest while offering spatial and environmental advantages that allow the boathouse to adapt to the city’s seasonal changes. Photo by Steve Hall, courtesy of Studio Gang

While some struggle to connect, Gang says the biggest challenges facing the industry right now are around new sources of clean energy and planning for zero carbon with sustainable materials. “All of those goals are being challenged and dismantled,” she says. “This is very disturbing, but you can’t give up. You have to keep moving.”

You have to meet the clients where they are, she says, and help them to understand that making a design more sustainable, resilient, and low-carbon makes for a better place to be in general. “I still think part of our role is to help to articulate that to our clients and to help move them forward,” she says.

AI is rapidly changing the industry, too, she says, acknowledging the pros and cons. While it can be a useful tool in the office, Gang says the energy it uses is a definite downside.

“The scary part is that I don’t think a lot of people are realizing or quantifying how much more infrastructure we have to build just to support this technology,” she says. “In a way you can’t avoid using it, right? It’s already in a lot of the tools we use, so it’s not like you can even choose in certain cases. I think it’s really important to start having these conversations about the powering of AI and how we get a handle on it. How do we control it? How do we make a transition so that clean energy is powering it?”

Inspired by the Past

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Studio Gang Founder and Architect Jeanne Gang works toward a more sustainable future. Photo by John David Pittman, courtesy of Studio Gang

When Gang thinks back to her time in undergrad, she’s grateful for the hippie generation of professors she had in school. “They were really into solar energy and passive design and even plants on buildings and all those things. By the time I finished grad school, no one was talking about any of that stuff, but it was inspiring to me when I was first starting out.”

When she started her own office, she knew she would bring some of those strategies into her own work. “Those were good lessons early in my career. I’m glad I didn’t study under some certain other architects,” she says.

Gang also remembers a particular Paul Rudolph–designed building that was demolished with a wrecking ball while she was in school. “I went with some other architecture students to try to protest and save it, but to no avail.” It was a Brutalist building at the University of Illinois.

Today, in working with students at Harvard, she continues to talk about the merits of saving old buildings—even Brutalist ones. “Right now we’re looking at a lot of Brutalist architecture or concrete architecture because it’s at that moment when you could either tear it down or add another 50 years to this building’s lifespan. I’ve been trying to inspire them with those types of buildings.”

She likes to use the metaphor of grafting, a term that comes from horticulture and looks at taking existing rootstock and adding onto it with a scion, allowing them to grow and thrive as one. She applies this concept to her design philosophy in her book, The Art of Architectural Grafting, published in 2024. It’s not just preserving something from the past, but adding to it to open up new worlds of possibilities both aesthetically and programmatically, Gang says.

She looks at an existing Brutalist building as a project that certainly has its own character. “So how do you work with that to create something that maybe undoes some of the negative parts of how people perceive it, or creates a new part that then highlights the contrast between the two? How do you make them work internally together to bring new function, because reusing an existing building is going to save much more carbon than building a brand-new building. It’s probably 50 to 70% better on saving carbon if you reuse something, so it’s a good approach,” she says. “There needs to be a mindset shift in order to convince clients on things like that. That’s what I’ve been working on with the students at the moment because they’re going to have to go out in the world and make the case for these buildings and others.”

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