The March 2012 Issue of Architectural Products features a roundtable discussion entitled "Green Up or Get Lost: A Roundtable on the State of Flooring".  Some highlights:

On top trends in flooring today:
"Wood continues to be the number one requested flooring in both the residential and commercial market; its warmth and natural beauty are unequaled ..." - Eva Weinschneider, Cambridge Interiors

On what's next for flooring, including trends and technological improvement:
"Engineered Wood Flooring - one of the latest and greatest advances in wood floors.  Constructed of sandwiched finished wood and plywood, it looks identical to solid wood flooring and can be sanded and refinished, ..., it stands up well in high traffic commercial flooring applications." - Barbara Currie, Karn Charuhas Chapman & Twohey

On old flooring materials coming back into style:
"Hardwood Flooring is coming back due to its natural beauty, warmth and the variety of colors and textures available.  Modern protective finishes prolong the life of the wood flooring and minimize maintenance costs." - Barbara Currie, Karn Charuhas Chapman & Twohey

One of the things we live best about Richlite, is the incredible versatility of their materials ... learn more about their products with this short video:

And be sure to check out our recently updated Project Gallery for Richlite

_EMD Chemicals' new corporate office in Philadelphia, PA, designed by L2Partridge architecture and interiors, is seeking LEED Gold certification. The space features a number of sustainable finishes represented by Ethos, including Durat solid surface, Meld Micro concrete, and TorZo Tiikeri panels. Durat color 540, a warm gray, was used in a café and was fabricated by Giffin Interior & Fixture. Meld Micro Natural #70 was used for tops in the main lobby and was fabricated by BC Stone. And, Torzo Tiikeri Onyx was used for both pocket doors to the main conference rooms off the lobby and prominent cabinetry and was also fabricated by Giffin. These progressive materials were selected for their strong sustainability profiles, contribution to LEED, durability, and modern aesthetic. Ethos worked closely with the architect and contractors on the space.

_Ethos is pleased to have been a part of helping achieve LEED for Homes Platinum status for the Loveladies Residence in Long Beach Island, NJ.  IEI Group chose Antique Reclaimed American Oak from Allegheny WoodWorks for approx 3,000 sf of flooring for the second floor of the residence.  This project was recently featured in the February/March issue of Design New Jersey. 

To read the full 10-page article, click on the picture below or pick up a copy of the Feb/March issue of Design New Jersey.

__Ethos is pleased to announce their new offering of an AIA CES approved course entitled "Understanding Manufacturing, Applications and Benefits of Paper Composite Surfaces" - Course # AIACES1943 / 2011.  This course will walk you through the manufacturing process of paper composite surfaces and identify differences in different types of manufacturing systems. Additionally, the course will outline the benefits of using paper composite surfaces and explain suitable applications.  The course is sponsored by Richlite Company and attendees will earn 1 LU (learning unit) towards AIA's Continuing Education.  At the end of the course, attendees will be able to:

• Discuss the key elements in the manufacturing process of high-quality paper composite panels.
• Identify the appropriate applications of paper composite panels and explain their benefits over alternative materials.
• Display an understanding of how paper composite panels can contribute to LEED objectives.
• Write CSI standard specifications that ensure the quality and sustainability of paper composite panels in their projects.

Please contact Bill Stevens to schedule a presentation for your firm.