Architectural Products Blog

We've Moved!

2014-08-20T10:52:00.001-04:00

Dear Architectural Products Blog Reader,

Our posts have found a new home on our brand new Kane Innovations website. All future posts can be found on our blog via this link: http://www.kaneinnovations.com/blog.

Thanks for sticking with us!

-Kane Innovations Bloggers

Wrought Iron or Aluminum: Can You Tell the Difference?

2013-12-06T16:22:00.003-05:00

Pop Quiz: Is the railing below wrought iron, or aluminum railing?

If you guessed aluminum, you guessed right!

As Sterling Dula, the railing manufacturer responsible for the railing in the photo above, we are so proud to have been a part of the recently completed Salamander Resort & Spa in Middleburg, Virginia. This new, luxury resort situated on 340 acres in the Washington, DC area has received accolades from several blogs, magazines and online publications such as Forbes, and the Washingtonian.

One common theme we've been noticing is that many of these publications have listed these balcony railings as "wrought iron" - and we can't say that we blame them! Although the railing was designed to look as such, upon closer inspection, a more trained eye will notice that it's actually aluminum picket rail, powder coated black to provide the appearance of an iron balcony railing. The payoff? A intricate design without any rust issues for the life of the railing.

Another thing to mention - the horse and rider accent on the panel itself was cut on our in-house waterjet machine.

If you're interested in seeing what else we can do with our waterjet, click on over to this article on our website, or learn more about the Salamander project here.

Flashback Friday: Kane Manufacturing in 1961

2013-09-27T15:24:00.000-04:00

We dusted off our 1960s-era photo album to share this great vintage snapshot of Kane Manufacturing's trade show display with our readers.

Marvin Goldman, former Owner of Kane Manufacturing and Vice President of Sales, is pictured on the left. Goldman and close friend, the late Richard Singer, purchased Kane Manufacturing Corporation in 1959 and operated the metal fabrication company until it was purchased by current ownership in 1988.

Kane Manufacturing was founded in 1890.

To learn more about Kane Manufacturing, CLICK HERE.

INFOGRAPHIC: Infamous Architectural Failures

2013-08-21T15:51:00.002-04:00

"BIM"- FOGRAPHIC: Improving Healthcare Buildings with BIM

2013-07-25T11:14:00.002-04:00

Building Information Modeling (BIM) is changing the way architects conceptualize, plan and design. BIM extends beyond typical 3-D modeling to prevent potential design problems and improve safety, all while saving the building owner/customer both money and time.

A number of Kane Screens and Kane Detention products can be found in BIM format, which are available here and here. But before you go, be sure check out Autodesk's infographic, "Improving Healthcare Buildings with BIM" to learn more about what this technology is doing for hospital construction.

VIDEO: Chicago - 5 Great Buildings

2013-07-16T08:39:00.003-04:00

From Lincoln Park 2550 to 235 Van Buren and the Contemporaine, Sterling Dula Architectural Railings has done quite a bit of work on Chicago highrises over the years.

Below, we pay homage the windy city's more well-known architecture with this repost created by Al Boardman.

Chicago - 5 Great Buildings infographic by alboardman.

To learn more about architectural railings for condominiums, high rise hotels, resorts, apartment buildings and more, CLICK HERE.

6 Things To Expect (& Require) from Your Railing Installer

2013-07-15T13:30:00.004-04:00

The architectural railing has been designed, professional engineering calculations have been performed, and the system has been fabricated.

Now comes the next, final and most crucial step of the process - the installation.

Below are 6 things every general contractor should expect from their railing installer:

1. Skills & Experience - From education and training, to impeccable problem solving skills and the ability to effectively interpret specifications, an experienced railing installer is always a necessity, especially when dealing with tight deadlines and the expectation of flawless, finished work.

2. Safety - It's imperative that a railing installer be familiar with both building codes and Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) requirements. For example, OSHA requires the use of a "tie-off" anytime an installer is working 6 feet or more above the ground. Workers should always secure themselves to either an interior steel column or via other approved means of fall prevention.

3. Cleanliness - Since there will be other subcontractors on the job site, it's important that railing installers respect the space and keep their areas tidy to make it easy for others to work around them.

4. Great Communication Skills - An installer must be able to communicate effectively and respectfully with other sub-contractors as well as the customer. Anything less than a professional attitude on the jobsite should be deemed unacceptable.

5. Correct Tools & Equipment - Installers may encounter some minor problems while out in the field. The right installer for the job will be armed with the correct tools and equipment in order to make any necessary, on-the-spot adjustments.

6. Attention to Detail - Whether it's a little ding or a big dent, the railing installer should be expected to document any damaged items and alert the customer and the manufacturer immediately. This will ensure the timely replacement of any posts, panels or components.

To learn more about architectural railings, CLICK HERE.

INFOGRAPHIC: How a Living Building Comes to Life

2013-06-27T16:47:00.001-04:00

How a Living Building Comes to Life infographic

INFOGRAPHIC: LEED in Motion

2013-06-18T13:08:00.002-04:00

This new infographic from USGBC illustrates the many facets of LEED and how the program encourages and implements green building initiatives.

ECO-MONDAY ROUND-UP #5: Best Green Building Posts

2013-06-10T09:29:00.004-04:00

Get ready for another round of recently-published, "Eco-centric" articles and posts in celebration of this week's #EcoMonday:

Minneapolis to build 100 green homes on city's North Side

What’s Good for the Environment Can Be Good for Business

GREEN: The new gold in real estate

O’Hare Airport's Vertical Aeroponic Garden Takes Flight

Demand Rises For Sustainable And Safe Structures

Green building methods for hospitals in the UAE

Franklin Institute Undergoes Addition, Retrofit Project

To learn more about living wall systems, CLICK HERE.

INFOGRAPHIC: It Pays to Go Green!

2013-06-05T16:49:00.000-04:00

Why does sustainable architecture matter in small business?
Learn the answer(s) with this infographic from Autodesk's "Line//Shape//Space".

5 Tips from NOAA on How to Prepare for the 2013 Hurricane Season

2013-05-31T09:21:00.002-04:00

Hurricane season officially kicks off tomorrow. To help raise awareness, NOAA's National Hurricane Center has put together a short list of tips on how to prepare for - and survive - the 2013 hurricane season.

1. Know the difference between hurricane and tropical storm “watches” and “warnings.” Areas reported to be on hurricane watch is a warning for residents to be on alert of a potential storm. Areas that are reported to have a storm warning, are required to take immediate actions against safeguarding life.

2. Keep emergency contact information handy. Phone numbers for local emergency management officers, local law enforcement, hospitals, utility service providers and insurance information is recommended to be kept nearby during storms.

3. Pack emergency kits ahead of time. Packing essential items such as bottled water, snacks and canned foods are useful and at times, life-saving after storms frequently cause homes to lose gas and electricity. Items such as batteries for hand radios and flashlights are also helpful and difficult to find following hurricanes and tropical storms.

4. Prepare an emergency evacuation plan. Create a plan regarding where you can stay and temporary housing locations for your animals prior to a storm warning. In the event of an evacuation, follow FEMA’s Evacuation guidelines.

5. Stay alert in case of other natural disasters. While many believe the passing of the hurricane eye is the end of a storm, NOAA warns that tornadoes, high winds, and the possibility of a hurricane changing its course makes it important to remain alert following a storm.

For window protection during high winds with flying debris, tropical storms or hurricanes, consider hurricane storm barriers for your facility. CLICK HERE to learn more about these Miami-Dade-tested and approved products.

Related Articles:

If You Live In Any of These Places, You Might Need Hurricane Window Screens

Window Protection & Hurricanes: Popular Myths Debunked

Hurricane Storm Barrier FAQ's

To Repair or Replace: 4 Detention Equipment Maintenance Tips

2013-05-28T09:01:00.002-04:00

Old or faulty equipment can be an inmate
escape problem waiting to happen.

Inmate escape prevention is the number one concern of detention facility personnel. No matter how vigilant a guard might be, the chances of a prisoner fleeing increase exponentially if faulty equipment is being used.

This is why careful inspection of existing equipment is so important. Below are some detention equipment maintenance tips to help you determine if your facility's equipment is failing or about to fail.

Repairing or replacing components of a system when you notice a problem can mean the difference between peace of mind for the community, and a dangerous criminal at large.

1. PREVENTION - The best way to avoid solving a problem is to prevent one from occurring in the first place. Putting a scheduled preventative maintenance program in place - especially on high cycle doors - is imperative.

2. TRAINING - Contact the locking system's manufacturer and ask for training. Most, if not all locking system manufacturers offer training classes.

3. LOCK TEST - Is the lock problem really in the lock, or does the problem lie within in the security electronics that control the lock? A "lock tester" device can answer this question quickly. With a lock tester, maintenance professionals can operate an electric lock independent of the control system to isolate and easily identify where the problem originates.

4. VISUAL INSPECTION - It might seem obvious, but it's absolutely necessary. Leaking oil or grease on the outside of housing, metal shavings on the floor, latches binding and keys that are difficult to turn in an operating lock are all signals there is a serious problem. Instruct your line staff to advise the maintenance staff when these and other physical signs are present.

To learn more about detention equipment for criminal justice facilities, CLICK HERE.

Best Recent Posts About Architecture

2013-05-16T15:09:00.000-04:00

We've compiled links from a variety of sources around the web to connect you with some of the best architectural articles that were recently published. Enjoy!

What does an Architect do?

Bob Borson at - 3 weeks ago

Ask different architects the details of his or her daily job duties; you'll get a different answer every time. What an architect does on a daily basis depends on where they live, what kind of firm they work for, and a myriad of other factors. That's right, there are options ... more »

Commercial Property Management: Why Commercial Facility Maintenance Is Your Best Insurance Policy

Bill Di Santo at Hard Hat Chat - 2 months ago

Being a national commercial construction general contractor can be an immensely rewarding profession. There is always a sense of pride and accomplishment after completing a retail construction, restaurant construction and commercial construction project for a client. Yet sometimes completing a successful commercial construction project and then detaching yourself from the client can be hard.

What is BIM?

brylee.flutey at Specified ™ - 1 month ago

Let’s be honest, anything that demands an acronym is often hard to understand, annoying and exclusive in nature. BIM (Building Information Modeling) is no different. I’m not going to lie to you in the very first paragraph- BIM, if you’re not using or trained in it, is initially a hard concept to grasp.

200 West Randolph is Content to be a Darned Good Office Building

Editor at The Chicago Architecture Blog - 1 week ago

The pulses of skyscraper nerds across the Midwest quickened a couple of weeks ago when we published news that the Chicago Loop would get its first new office building in seven years.

Restaurant Commercial Construction Trends: Why Restaurant Construction is Booming

Chuck Taylor at Hard Hat Chat - 4 weeks ago

As noted early this year, 2012 was a great year for Englewood Construction as we saw our commercial general contracting activity increase immensely. Going into 2013, we thought momentum in the commercial construction industry would carry through. We weren’t wrong.

BIG Unveils Design for Miami Beach Convention Center

Karissa Rosenfield at ArchDaily - 2 days ago

BIG has collaborated with West 8, Fentress, JPA and developers Portman CMC to challenge an OMA- and South Beach ACE-lead team in the 52-acre Miami Beach Convention Center overhaul.

INFOGRAPHIC: A Look at Vertical Transportation Inside 1 World Trade Center

2013-05-13T13:07:00.001-04:00

Last Friday, May 10, 2013, crews completed the installation of 1 World Trade Center's (1WTC) 408-foot spire. The spire brings the building to 1,776 ft, making it the tallest structure in the western hemisphere and third-tallest in the world. Construction on 1WTC began in 2006.

Check out the infographic below by ThyssenKrupp outlining the details of the vertical transportation system inside 1 World Trade Center. You may also refer to our previous infographic about 1WTC, which is located here.

Having trouble viewing the infographic below? Click here.

INFOGRAPHIC: Most Amazing Construction Projects

2013-05-08T15:37:00.002-04:00

What are some of the most amazing construction projects still around today? Rock and Dirt, a heavy equipment marketplace, answers this question with an eye-catching outline of notable masterpieces worth knowing more about.

Having trouble viewing the infographic? CLICK HERE.

Make your construction project amazing with these architectural metal products.

Happy Building Safety Month!

2013-05-06T08:45:00.000-04:00

It's no secret that the most important part of the construction process is code compliance and safety.

All this month, the International Code Council is celebrating Building Safety Month - and they're inviting everyone to join in and get educated about the important role code officials play in our everyday lives.

Building Safety Month's theme for 2013 is Code Officials Keep You Safe. Each week will focus on a different area of building safety:

Week 1 | May 6 - May 12: Fire Safety & Awareness

Week 2 | May 13 - May 19: Disaster Safety & Mitigation

Week 3 | May 20 - May 26: Backyard & Pool Safety

Week 4 | May 27 - May 31: Energy & Green Building

The International Code Council urges you to promote Building Safety Month in your community by doing the following:

Promote BSM through your Chapter activities.
Set up an information booth at city hall or a local hardware store.
Visit a school and give a presentation about building safety.
Post local information on your website.
Send a news release to newspapers, and radio and television stations.
Encourage local media to cover Building Safety Month activities and send public service announcements to local radio and television stations.
Public information officers, city managers, or mayors could also arrange to appear on a talk/community information show through your local television or radio stations.
Include a call-in, question-and-answer session as part of the program to generate even more interest.
Be sure to also invite your local media to any scheduled events you plan during the month and post on your social media websites.

To learn more about Building Safety Month - now in its 33rd year - visit

the International Code Council HERE.

For more information about building products that always meet code, CLICK HERE.

Building Leaders: About the AIA National Convention 2013

2013-05-02T16:35:00.001-04:00

The AIA National Convention, June 20th through the 22nd, is the largest annual event in the architectural industry. Held in Denver, Colorado for 2013, the AIA Convention's host city is home to many well-known contemporary structures including The Wells Fargo Center and The Denver Art Museum.

During the convention, registrants can attend educational seminars and network with peers - plus experience what's "new and next" with over 700 new products to test.

In addition to numerous workshops and tours, registrants can also appreciate a few words of wisdom from the following keynote speakers:

-Blake Mycoskie, Founder of TOMS [shoes].
-Cameron Sinclair, Co-Founder of Architecture for Humanity
-General Colin L. Powell, USA (Ret.), Secretary of State (2001-2005)

For more info on the AIA National Convention, CLICK HERE.

CLICK HERE to learn more about the AIA National Convention exhibitor and

architectural metal products manufacturer, KaneSterling.

3 Ways Minor Changes to Standard Architectural Railing Designs Can Impact Your Total Cost

2013-04-26T14:18:00.002-04:00

In many cases, a manufacturer's standard railing design has the ability to look almost identical to the system a particular project requires. However, despite the similarity in appearance, making even minor tweaks to the standard system's components or structural members, can increase or decrease the price significantly.

Here are some points to keep in mind when opting for modified versions of a manufacturer's standard railing system design:

1. RADIUSING/SEGMENTING - Radiusing and segmenting (fusing "straight" railing sections to simulate a curve) may increase the shop labor and finishing prices. The same is true for tight bends, as they require special tooling.

2. MATERIAL WEIGHT - If a building owner or architect requires a standard system, but with a heavier look/feel, the profile might look the same, but the amount of material will increase (i.e. hollow pickets vs. solid pickets). This increase in material will likely cause an increase in price.

3. INFILL SELECTION - The most obvious way changes can affect your total cost is to switch to a different infill style. For instance, if at first you choose a system with custom, waterjet-cut infill panels, then decide to opt for a more simple, streamlined picket railing, your cost will noticeably decrease.

For more information on architectural railing systems, CLICK HERE.

Happy Earth Day! (LINKS)

2013-04-22T10:14:00.000-04:00

Happy Earth Day, readers! Here's what's going on in the world of architecture in celebration of the most environmentally-friendly holiday of the year:

Earth Day Founder's "Living" Building Signals New Era of Sleek Sustainability

Earth Day Pictures: Extreme Green Buildings

How Earth Day Got its Start

7 Jobs That Make the World a Better Place

10 Ideas That Can Change Our World (via Aecom)

Are you, your business or organization planning to make the world a greener place today?

Tell us more about your sustainable efforts in the comments below.

To learn more about LEED-compliant living wall systems, CLICK HERE.

Top 5 Most Interesting (Recent) Posts from Architizer.com

2013-04-19T08:44:00.001-04:00

Infused with expert commentary on some of the latest projects-in-design worldwide, the blog at Architizer.com never fails to deliver eye-catching photos, industry news and fresh ideas to architecture enthusiasts.

Below are the top 5 most interesting posts on architectural projects and happenings courtesy of one of our favorite blogs about architecture.

Photographer Turns Cities Upside Down

Architizer at Architizer Blog

Remember in your sugar-fueled youth how you enjoyed bending over on bent arms and legs to look at the world upside-down? Australian photographer Ben Thomas captures some of that same delirious, mind-curdling fun with his dizzying photo-composites, which render some of the world’s most recognizable cities, well, unrecognizable.

Pittsburgh’s Phipps Conservatory Opens One Of The Greenest Buildings In The World

rlaneri at Architizer Blog

Pittsburgh’s Phipps Conservatory and Botanical Gardens, a leader in sustainable building practices, has just opened one of the greenest structures in the world. (And we’re not just talking in terms of plants!)

12 Beautiful Metro Stations That Transport You To Another World

jbartolacci at Architizer Blog

Peering down a long, dark, empty tunnel from a subway platform while waiting for the train can be agonizing—especially when you’re stuck underground in a drab, dreary station. But the best metro stations not only provide a means to get to your final destination; they transport you to another world through hypnotizing design or beautiful art.

Here’s Your Eye Candy For The Day: Crazy Neon Rainbow Waterfalls

rlaneri at Architizer Blog

What happens when you drop a bunch of glow sticks down a waterfall? Um, mind-blowing awesomeness, it turns out!

This Chicago Elementary School Makes Kids Want To Go To Class

jbartolacci at Architizer Blog

This project won the 2013 Architizer A+ Popular Choice Award in the Kindergartens, Primary, & High Schools category.

To view KaneSterling's profile on Architizer, CLICK HERE.

For a related post about Architizer, visit Facebook for Architects: Exploring Architizer.com.

ECO-MONDAY ROUND-UP #4: Best Green Building Posts (Living Wall Edition)

2013-04-15T09:52:00.003-04:00

Check out these green posts from around the web dedicated to living

walls & vertical gardening.

Europe's Largest Living Wall Unveiled in Birmingham

PICTURES: Green Walls May Cut Pollution in Cities

Beautify Your Balcony with a Living Wall

Upwards Trend

Grow Up for a New Slant on Gardening

Laurent Corradi and the Hanging Gardens of New York City

Indoor Vertical Gardens a Growing Attraction for Hongkongers

VIDEOS: Window Safety, Window Guards & Fall Prevention

2013-04-11T13:41:00.002-04:00

The right knowledge is key to preventing serious or fatal injury due to falls from windows. View the sampling of videos below and take the time to learn more about fall prevention during this year's National Window Safety Week.

**Remember, standard cloth window screens keep bugs out, but won't keep kids in**

For both insect protection and fall protection, operable window security screens like the ones pictured here - with emergency egress - are always a smart, safe choice.

Having trouble viewing the videos? CLICK HERE

Musician Eric Clapton speaks about window falls in this PSA.

Clapton's 4 1/2-year-old son was killed in a 49 story fall from a Manhattan, NY

apartment building in 1991.

Jan Berichon, health educator, speaks about tips for the use

of window safety products.

A news report discussing inexpensive window safety options

for homeowners.

Happy National Window Safety Week & National Architecture Week!

2013-04-08T12:45:00.001-04:00

This week, Architectural Products Blog will be focusing on two important building and safety "holidays": National Window Safety Week and National Architecture Week. From now through Friday, we'll be alternating posts centered around these two observances.

To get things kicked off, check out some of our best posts about architecture and window safety to date.

ARCHITECTURE

Inspiration To Draw From: A Collection of Quotes About Architecture & Design

INFOGRAPHIC: Where the Largest Architecture Firms in the World are Located (& How Much $ They Make):

It's Easy Building Green: 3 Essential, Enviro-Conscious Architecture & Design Websites

Innovative Architectural Firms

Made in the USA: 4 Benefits of American-Made Architectural Products

5 Important Reasons Architects, Building Owners and/or GCs Should Never Wait to Finalize a Railing System

WINDOW SAFETY

Pediatric Injuries Due to Window Falls: Facts & Info

Windows + Security Screens = Safety For College and University Students

Windows & Balconies: 4 Building Tips for Child Safety & Fall Prevention

Higher-Ed Window Safety Series (PART 1): Benefits of Security Screens

Higher-Ed Window Safety Series (PART 2): Benefits of Security Screens

Higher-Ed Window Safety Series (PART 3): Benefits of Security Screens

INFOGRAPHIC: The Longest & Tallest Bridges in the World

2013-04-05T09:15:00.002-04:00

This infographic from Allianz Australia lists the top 5 longest bridges in 4 different categories and the top 3 tallest bridges in the world. Click here to view larger.