SAN FRANCISCO—Bamboo interior finishes manufacturer Smith & Fong announced the debut of Plyboo Ceilings, a line of 40 different carved and textured ceiling panels, according to Smith & Fong President Angus Stocks. The new system employs the company’s carved bamboo panel products—including the Reveal, Sound, Linear, and Linear Sound Collections—all of which are specifically fabricated to fit all standard ceiling grids or can be installed in large panels up to 4’x10’ for custom applications. “Our Reveal, Linear and Sound Collections have been our most popular products in the commercial segment for the past year,” Stocks said. “A ceiling provides a large...

BANGKOK—Six Senses Hotels Resorts Spas announces the brand’s long-anticipated debut in the United States with Six Senses New York, a luxury hotel being developed by HFZ Capital Group in New York City between Manhattan’s popular High Line and the Hudson River. “This project is a fascinating and exciting contrast to the typical Six Senses locations where we operate resorts in settings with azure waters, UNESCO heritage listings and lush rainforests,” said Six Senses Chief Executive Officer Neil Jacobs. “Six Senses New York will have the same touch-points and DNA, with some creative adaptation of course, but with no compromises on...

PORTLAND, MAINE—For the eighth year in a row, Designtex’s Surface Imaging facility in Portland, Maine, has achieved recertification to the Sustainable Green Printing Partnership’s recognized program for sustainability in the print industry. The SGP program was established to provide third party verification of sustainability efforts and reduced environmental impact in the printing industry. The recertification was awarded after Designtex’s Portland, Maine Imaging facility was audited for its compliance to the SGP Criteria, which includes illustrating how Designtex achieved continuous improvements in energy and transportation efficiency, indoor air quality, waste reduction, and the selection of more sustainable materials. The stated goal...

CINCINNATI—Finalists have been announced for HX: The Hotel Experience’s 36th annual Gold Key Awards for Excellence in Hospitality Design, which is sponsored by Boutique Design magazine. Winners in 21 categories will be announced at the Gold Key Awards Gala, to be held November 14 at the Waldorf Astoria, New York. The Designer of the Year will also be honored during this special evening. The gala is presented in conjunction with co-located trade fairs Boutique Design New York (BDNY), November 13 to 14, and HX: The Hotel Experience (formerly IHMRS), November 13 to 15, at New York City’s Jacob K....

WASHINGTON, D.C.—The design and construction of healthier buildings is a key business benefit for building owners, developers, managers and investors, according to the results of a new SmartMarket Report released by Dodge Data & Analytics and to which the U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC) is a contributing partner. “Our world is confronting massive challenges that affect our physical, mental and social well-being,” said Mahesh Ramanujam, Chief Operating Officer, USGBC. “We know that programs like USGBC’s LEED green building rating system and IWBI’s WELL Building Standard provide key solutions to business leaders who are looking for the best way to create...

LENZING, AUSTRIA—Lenzing achieved another milestone in its innovation heritage in the textile industry by developing a TENCEL fiber based on cotton fabric waste. Lenzing is the first manufacturer worldwide to offer such cellulose fibers incorporating recycled materials on a commercial scale. TENCEL, already a market success as an eco-friendly fiber, is now achieving another key milestone by creating from natural resources what is likely the most sustainable fiber. TENCEL from cotton waste fabrics will further build Lenzing’s reputation as a leader in the field of environmental technology and will push new solutions in the textile industry towards a circular economy by...

NEW YORK—A little more than a month remains before this fall’s HX: The Hotel Experience trade show and conference. Formerly the International Hotel, Motel & Restaurant Show, this year’s event includes more than 350 exhibitors in the trade show and a full slate of conference sessions on the trade show floor. The event will take place November 13 to 15 at the Jacob K. Javits Convention Center in New York City. The exhibitor lineup will feature many companies offering products and technologies to help reduce energy and water consumption and waste. Some vendors will offer products using sustainable or organic...

EDENTON, N.C.—Naturepedic, manufacturing organic mattresses in Ohio, has been awarded Gold Exemplary Recognition by the Sustainable Furnishings Council for its deep environmental commitment and exemplary implementation of a range of best practices for sustainability. The company completed the rigorous process of demonstrating compliance with SFC’s Exemplary Manufacturer Requirements, submitting audited evidence of achievements in operations, in production, and in outreach to attain recognition at the Gold level. Naturepedic is the only Gold Exemplary mattress company among the organization’s nearly 400 member companies. Barry Cik, CEO, speaking for the company said, “The Sustainable Furnishing Council knows the importance of safe guarding...

TETIAROA, FRENCH POLYNESIA—The Brando announced its LEED Platinum certification. The luxury property earned the prestigious designation based on its commitment to conservation and sustainability efforts in the development and overall operation of the pristine island resort. This certification is the culmination of more than six years of work carried out by the resort’s owners, designers and architects, and establishes The Brando as the first project to earn LEED certification in French Polynesia. The LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) rating system, developed by the U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC), is the foremost program for buildings, homes and communities that...

EATONTOWN, N.J.—Roofinox, a leading manufacturer of architectural stainless steel, has introduced a new four-page, four-color brochure highlighting the company’s line of products providing long-term sustainability and corrosion-resistance for roofing, wall-cladding, flashing, rainware and interior design. “Each of our stainless steel products offers a unique set of characteristics ideal for virtually all forms of roofing applications,” says Dave Rowe, Vice President at Roofinox America. “Since they are 20 percent softer than other stainless products, they are easy to seam, while reducing machine and tool wear. Excellent solderability is also achieved through their special surface structures. In addition, our Roofinox Tin-plated Terne...