Hard-working wheat straw panels
Agri-Panel compressed wheat-straw panels for structural walls, curtain walls, floors, and flat roofs in commercial buildings use no adhesive binders and incorporate a natural mineral to resist termites, carpenter ants, and other pests. The 77¼8''-thick panels have a thermal R-value of 25.4, and their agricultural fiber serves as a natural insulator to resist hot and cold fluctuations. Agriboard Industries, Electra, Tex. www.agriboard.com [ Reader Service # 205 ]

Eco-resin panels
Varia is an eco-resin panel system that encapsulates textured, colored, and natural interlayers within high-performance polymer skins, resulting in vibrant translucent panels. Designers can mix and match thousands of color and texture combinations for a range of surface applications. Varia’s Kami collection (Cinnamon Weave and Tiger Thatch, above left and right) showcases leaves, grasses, and natural papers. Digital (bottom right), another Varia collection, uses a “print infusion” technology that outputs high-resolution image layers within eco-resin panels. 3-Form, Salt Lake City. www.3-form.com circle [ Reader Service # 206 ]

Green material and product source
Launched at the Greenbuild conference held in Portland, Oregon, last November, Canopy is a new resource for builders, designers, and architects who are interested in hard-to-source green materials. Canopy’s initial portfolio includes Paperstone, a surfacing material made of a postconsumer recycled paper/resin blend from KlipTech Composites; Durat (center), a durable solid-surface product from inland made from 50 percent recycled plastic and that is 100 percent recyclable; Kirei (left), an alternative wood product made from pressed, reclaimed Sorghum stalks and a formaldehyde-free adhesive; and a flooring from EcoTimber, a supplier of FSC-certified, reclaimed, and bamboo flooring. Canopy’s collection of finished goods includes the 100 percent recycled aluminum cast-metal tiles, sinks (right), and light fixtures from Eleek and the 100 percent recycled copper sinks from Native Trails. In addition, Canopy will manufacture its own line of custom cabinets using the green materials it distributes. Canopy, Portland, Ore. www.canopyhome.com [ Reader Service # 207 ]

Floor to ceiling finishes
Architectural Systems’ 5,000-square-foot New York City showroom has introduced about 20 new finish options this year, including Bamboo Strand Board flooring (top), Satintech metal laminates (bottom), and Raleo wood surfacing panels (middle). Bamboo Strand Board flooring, available in a 3¼8'' x 33¼4'' x 36'' size, is engineered for demanding applications where an environmentally friendly material is desired. It features a standard industrial acrylic finish and a hardness rating of 26,000 psi. Satintech etched, solid aluminum sheets are ideal for vertical, light horizontal, and curved applications. The material responds dynamically to a small amount of direct accent lighting, giving the appearance of a fully illuminated, dimensional surface. Raleo wood surfacing panels feature cultured tropical teak artfully crafted into dimensional panels for a variety of commercial applications, including feature walls, built-ins, architectural millwork, and contract furniture. Architectural Systems, New York City. www.archsystems.com [ Reader Service # 208 ]