ORLANDO—Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide announced that its eco-wise Element brand is picking up momentum in Florida with plans for an Orlando debut. Built green from the ground up, Element Orlando North is scheduled to open in July 2015 as part of the redevelopment of Orlando Fashion Square on Colonial Drive. It will be the brand’s third hotel in Florida following Element Miami International Airport and Element Miami Doral. Owned by a joint venture between UP Development, StaySharpe and LBK Hotel Ventures, ElementOrlando North will offer 151 stylish, sustainable rooms.“Element Orlando will offer a fresh new option for travelers...

WASHINGTON, D.C.—Later this month, WPL Publishing will kick off a four-part webinar series to help people prepare for the Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design Green Associate (LEED GA) exam. The series, which will begin April 17 and end May 8, is intended to bridge the gaps between other exam preparation resources, such as the U.S. Green Building Council’s (USGBC) “Green Building & LEED Core Concepts Guide” and “LEED Green Associate Study Guide.” Here is a breakdown of individual webinar sessions, each of which will begin at 1 p.m. (EDT) and last for 90 minutes: Session 1, “Green Building and...

SAN FRANCISCO—Smith & Fong Co., manufacturer of Plyboo bamboo architectural plywood and flooring, announced the launch of its new Linear Line Collection of carved bamboo panels, according to company president Angus Stocks. Inspired by the depth and movement of hand loomed fabric, the Linear Line’s carved face layer reveals a uniquely graphic inner core. These intersecting surfaces harmoniously suggest the natural, tactile quality of a woven textile.“This collection is suitable for any interior feature and is available in six architecturally inspired styles, each utilizing RealCore Technology in varied compositions,” Dan Smith, founder of Smith & Fong, said.The Linear Line...

PAPINEAUVILLE, QUEBEC—A new product recently launched makes living spaces healthier from the ground up – literally. The first of its kind in the world, Pure Genius smart hardwood flooring by North American manufacturer Lauzon Distinctive Hardwood Flooring, improves indoor air quality of a space while beautifying the decor.Activated by natural or artificial light and by the movement of air, the unique, high-quality intelligent flooring—which comes in a wide range of styles and finishes—continuously breaks down airborne toxins, creating a constant supply of pure air. In fact, studies show that the air in rooms installed with Pure Genius is up...

OAKLAND, CALIF.—The Móz Designs Gradients Collection is now offered in an expanded series of subtle, sophisticated color tones that complement contemporary interiors. Featuring nine unique, color-blended spectrums that radiate from light to dark, Gradients panels are available in Moonlight, Dusk and Earth, along with six other color sequences.Móz Designs’ unique Gradients blending technique creates an iridescent surface material that is highlighted with the company’s signature grains. Eight visually-dynamic grain patterns can be specified, including Linen, Shimmer, Clouds, and Ripples, which transform the look of the finished metal.Móz Gradients metal panels are fabricated from solid core aluminum and designed for...

NEW YORK—Resource Furniture announces the debut of the Stealth Kitchen Modules. This new product refines the concept of the kitchen, allowing all full-sized appliances, work surfaces and storage areas to become completely invisible when not in use.In as little as six linear feet, Stealth Kitchen incorporates all the necessities of a high-end, modern kitchen—refrigerator, freezer, dishwasher, microwave, oven, cooktop, sink, counter space and abundant storage—all concealed behind a wall of cabinetry that blends seamlessly into its surroundings.Merging high design, state-of-the-art performance, meticulous craftsmanship, modular flexibility, and unmatched safety, the Stealth Kitchen is completely and safely concealed when not in...

TEMPERANCE, MICH.—Bo Freeman has been named a National Accounts Manager with MTS Seating. Ian King, MTS National Sales Manager—Lodging & Convention, made the announcement. In his new role, Freeman will work with several representative territories, developing relationships and specifications and building sales.Freeman, who joined MTS in December 2013, was previously a sales representative with Northwestern Mutual. While in that position he was director of the company’s regional college internship program and completed leadership and management programs.“Bo’s previous experience provides a strong foundation for excellence in sales management within MTS,” said King. “Bo will be able to build on these...

DALLAS—Omni Hotels & Resorts and Louisville Metro Government announced they have entered into an agreement to develop a 600-room convention center hotel in downtown Louisville, Ky. Situated one block from Kentucky International Convention Center, the new Omni Louisville Hotel will be the first four-diamond, luxury hotel in the area, and will feature 600 guestrooms and suites, 70,000 square feet of meeting space, a spa, fitness center, two full-service restaurants, rooftop pool-side café, street level retail venue, and a lobby lounge. The hotel is expected to achieve LEED Silver certification.Located on Water Company Block at W. Liberty and 3rd Street,...

WASHINGTON, D.C.—The U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC) recently released its ranking of the Top 10 States for LEED, the world’s most widely used and recognized green building rating system. The list highlights the regions around the country that are at the forefront of sustainable building design and transformation. Utilizing less energy, LEED-certified spaces save money for families, businesses and taxpayers; reduce carbon emissions; and contribute to a healthier environment for residents, workers and the larger community.“The list of the Top 10 States for LEED is a continuing indicator of the widespread recognition of our national imperative to create healthier,...

MIAMI BEACH, FLA.—After the completion of a $25 million dollar restoration endeavor, the historic Courtyard Cadillac Miami Beach Oceanfront announces the opening of its new LEED certified 93-guestroom oceanfront tower. The Cadillac now offers a total of 356 guestrooms, including 19 oversized suites with ocean views, a new oceanfront salt-water pool, a state of the art gym, an updated lobby and indoor/outdoor meeting space, the renovated Carrabba’s Surfside Tiki Bar and new poolside cabanas. “The addition of the oceanfront tower along with our private beach and lengthy list of new amenities has transformed our hotel into a place that visitors...