WASHINGTON, IOWA—Aspire Pavers, the innovative and sustainable material solutions brand, announces the launch of its latest products—the Bullnose with Legs, Bullnose Corner, Transition with Legs, and Transition Corner. The innovative products promise to revolutionize the installation process for roofers, landscapers, and DIY enthusiasts. Excellent for rooftop decks, balconies, resurfacing patios, and more, the pavers are made with up to 95 percent recycled rubber and plastics removed from the waste stream, offering a blend of efficiency and aesthetic appeal. The Aspire Bullnose Paver with Legs is designed to integrate with Aspire’s existing line of Resurfacing Pavers, thereby making them more secure....

SAN ANTONIO—The JW Marriott San Antonio Hill Country Resort & Spa is filled with hidden gems including the elevated artwork that fills this luxurious resort. Hallways and common spaces feature unique, sophisticated work by locally, nationally, and internationally acclaimed artists, giving guests the opportunity to roam the resort to tour and discover the magnificent art pieces curated for guests to enjoy as a new indoor activity. The “Art Walk” takes resort guests throughout the upper and lower-level lobbies where they can view and read about 13 different pieces of art on a self-guided tour. Guides can be picked up at the...

FAIRLAWN, OHIO—Koroseal, a leading name in interior finishes, announces the launch of its dynamic new brand. Building on a foundation of product performance and customer support for more than six decades, this transformation marks a pivotal moment for Koroseal as it adapts and innovates to demonstrate its commitment to the industry. To ensure the rebrand effectively connects with and reflects the entire interiors community, the company collected and incorporated thoughtful feedback from its customers. “In the ever-evolving interior design industry, our customers face a dual challenge: staying ahead of trends while delivering functional, awe-inspiring spaces. By embracing innovation, enhancing our...

MALAYSIA—Marriott Hotels, the namesake brand of Marriott Bonvoy’s portfolio of over 30 hotel brands, announced the opening of Perhentian Marriott Resort & Spa on the island of Perhentian Kecil in Terengganu, on the East Coast of Malaysia. Nestled amidst the beauty of the Perhentian Island Marine Park, the opening of Perhentian Marriott Resort & Spa marks the flagship brand’s debut in Terengganu. Through the brand’s rich legacy, the new resort invites guests to discover the irresistible charm of a tropical sanctuary that beckons with the unparallelled natural beauty of marine biodiversity, pristine beaches, crystal-clear waters, and a myriad of unforgettable experiences...

MIAMI—Tuuci, the Miami-based manufacturer of nautically-inspired indoor-outdoor living products, announced they have been named Best of Competition in the 2024 IIDA/HD Expo Product Design Awards as well as winner in the Casegoods and Freestanding Furniture Category with the Ocean Master Voilare Collection. This esteemed competition recognizes products that excel in seven different criteria, including aesthetics, cost and value, design innovation, environmental responsibility, need, technical advancements, and usage. This year’s entries were evaluated by a panel of distinguished design industry experts. “We are grateful for the opportunity to share our passion for creating inspirational and comfortable, open-air destinations with the design community,” said Dougan Clarke, Founder, CEO...

PORTLAND, ORE.—On March 13, Block 216 was awarded LEED Gold by the US Green Building Council. For developer BPM and GBD Architects, creating a green and sustainable building was a priority from the beginning of the project. The tower itself was designed with a mechanical system which will reduce energy usage by an estimated 13 percent along with enhanced indoor air quality strategies, which provide 30 percent increased ventilation rates above the LEED minimum. Further, the eco-roof holds enough water to account for the 90th percentile of storm events and strategically reduces run-off in the city’s sewers. Additionally, the roof and grounds...

WASHINGTON, D.C.—The U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC), the leading authority on green building and the global developer of the LEED green building program, announced the opening of the first public comment period for its draft rating system, LEED v5. This step marks a milestone for LEED and the building industry at large, providing a comprehensive framework for creating sustainable, efficient, and resilient built environments that promote environmental responsibility, economic viability, and social equity. “Buildings offer immediate opportunities for addressing climate change, biodiversity loss, equity, health, and so much more when they are designed, built, and operated with intent,” said Peter Templeton, President &...

RALEIGH, N.C.—Durat Plus, developed by Durat, is the world’s first commercially available solid surface material combining recycled solid surface material and recycled resin. Traditional solid surfaces use two primary ingredients: the solid surface material itself (pigments, plastics, minerals, etc.) and the resin that binds it. Durat Plus can use any manufacturer’s recycled solid surface as a raw material. The resin is made from recycled PET plastic, as used in plastic bottles. With both of the primary materials being recycled, Durat Plus contains up to 80 percent recycled materials. Its carbon footprint is half that of a traditional Durat, which contains...

CHICAGO—The 55th edition of NeoCon, June 10 to 12, at THE MART in Chicago, is shaping up to be a rich experience with over 400 leading and emergent brands. This year, 18 companies are set to unveil new permanent spaces, from establishing inaugural new showrooms, to reimagining, renovating, and expanding existing footprints. Exhibitors are pulling out all the stops with groundbreaking product launches and immersive displays, leveraging their presence at THE MART and NeoCon to capitalize on the event’s capacity to drive growth and foster quality business opportunities. The 7th floor, organized by product category, serves as a premier venue...

CHICAGO—Bjelin will show its latest flooring at NeoCon, a launchpad for innovative design in the U.S. The leading event within commercial interior design will take place in Chicago from June 10 to 12, 2024 (booth 7-3069). The company’s new eye-catching Contrast Collection is a highlight alongside the innovative Woodura hardened wood flooring—rated for heavy commercial use—and the light and sound-absorbent rigid core range. “We’re excited to unveil our latest highlights in Scandinavian-designed flooring,” said Zach Adams, the U.S. General Manager of Bjelin. “With cutting-edge technology from our sister company Välinge Innovation, these floors offer a distinct competitive advantage.” Bjelin’s hardened wood floors...