Posted: Thursday, February 11, 2010 11:46 am

Architects Choice has deliberated over an array of companies that have been at the forefront of innovative architectural design. Here is our pick of the bunch.
The construction industry is full of new innovative products being launched at a constant pace. With the onset of the eco agenda, now a pre-requisite for many building applications, it is imperative that our specified products are to the standard required for a more sustainable future. This does not mean to say that every product we now utilize will be made of hemp and recycled hemp, but that our innovators in the industry are going to further lengths to cleverly create products that are more efficient. It is the subtle changes in some areas that contribute to the bigger difference and many of the suppliers within Architects Choice are leading at the front with these changes. We are very proud to work with companies, whose ethos and ultimate agenda is to provide the very best for the industry and for the future of architectural design. Whether it is an internal system, a protective façade or a supporting block in the foundation of a design, building a better future has never been so important to us and it is vital that we implement these new tools and resources now. Architects Choice has selected ten top companies who we work with on a regular basis and who we feel deliver an outstanding standard of product and innovative concepts to our readers- the architects.
Comar Architectural Aluminium Systems
COMAR designs, extrudes and distributes over 700 integrated profiles to a nationally approved fabricator network for use in aluminium ground floor treatment, window, door and curtain walling applications. Comar has built a reputation on delivery: over £3m of mill, white polyester powder coating, silver, bronze and anodised profiles are kept in stock.  This means that 99% of orders are fulfilled by our customers’ weekly delivery. Comar can powder coat the aluminium system to your RAL, BS or Syntha Pulvin colour to complement the façade. Comar Architectural Aluminium Systems states it is the ‘largest British privately owned aluminium systems company in Europe’. Their integrated systems ensure a cost effective, aesthetic façade with security and safety as standard. www.comar-alu.co.uk
GEZE UK
GEZE UK is at the forefront of cutting edge technology, working closely with international architects to ensure its range of door systems combine elegance and style with functionality, efficiency and reliability. Customer focused and constantly innovating, GEZE UK aims to offer the latest advice and best solution possible, enabling customers to specify with peace of mind that they have been recommended both the best looking and most effective product. A privately owned company, GEZE UK is well placed in the current market to grow and invest and will be focused on developing new products and expanding its service offer in 2010. www.geze.co.uk
James Latham
James Latham states it is the UK’s longest established timber business and is committed to offering the ‘Natural Choice’ to customers and this is reflected in the company’s commitment to quality, great service and an excellent product range. The directors of James Latham recognise that the company has a responsibility to the environment, as well as to its suppliers and customers, to base its commercial activities on well-managed forests. James Latham was the first signatory to the Timber Trade Federation’s Responsible Purchasing Policy, and continues to put environmental concerns at the core of its planning and decision-making.  With the growing public awareness of issues of sustainability and with many customers specifically requesting certified timber, James Latham has taken steps to ensure its environmental policies are up-to-date and are recognised by its customers.  www.lathamtimber.co.uk.
Kingspan Insulated Panels
Kingspan Insulated Panels aims to deliver on all aspects of a demanding market, promoting architectural choice, environmental sustainability and health and safety.  An ongoing programme of research and development ensures a steady flow of new products and innovative solutions, as well as providing a platform for lobbying on industry issues. The company is also fully committed to developing and maintaining sustainable practice across the board, and publishes a full annual sustainability report. Kingspan’s KS1000 RW Trapezoidal Panel and Architectural Wall Panel range have been awarded the top A+ rating under the revised BRE Green Guide to Specification 2008.  The full product range is currently in the process of being assessed.  www.kingspanpanels.com
Levolux
“Designed to control” captures the essence of our mission and has helped Levolux become world leaders in the development of standard and custom built solar shading solutions. Levolux is renowned for its ability to satisfy the diverse demands of modern buildings, using current capabilities and the emerging possibilities of building technology. Levolux is committed to offering a ‘complete’ range of solar shading products and systems and a comprehensive service from initial consultation, through to system design, manufacture, installation and maintenance. Our innovative solutions, such as the new Infiniti Fin® system, are energy efficient and help create a comfortable built environment by controlling light, glare and solar heat gain. www.levolux.com
Schuco
Schüco is the world’s market leader in aluminum, steel and solar products for innovative building envelopes. The company provides state-of-the-art window and façade technology, energy efficient solar technology and individual consulting for architects, builders and clients. Schüco aims to further its competitive edge with a global strategy designed to protect natural resources by continuously improving the energy balance of buildings without compromising on modern architectural demands. The company’s mission “Energy² – saving energy, generating energy” is at the core of these endeavors, implemented with heat insulation and building automation to lower energy consumption as well as photovoltaics and solar thermal energy to generate electricity. www.schueco.co.uk
Sika Limited
The Sika-Trocal Roofing Division of Sika Limited provides flat roofing membranes for the new build and refurbishment markets.  Trocal was first established in Great Britain in 1972 and acquired by the Sika Group in 2001.  Throughout its history the company has maintained high standards of training and quality installation, building a loyal specialist sub contractor, specifier and client base.  Today Sika-Trocal provides high levels of specification generation, site support, straightforward guarantees and quality in construction, making Sika-Trocal the contractor’s choice in flat roofing solutions. www.sika.co.uk
Philips Lighitng
Philips Lighting's approach is to simply enhance life with lighting. Their philosophy is to integrate the latest in lighting design and technology into people-centric solutions. As the global leader in lighting solutions Philips has lit 65% of the world's top airports and 30% of hospitals, offices and landmarks. In addition 1 in 4 lamps used worldwide is a Philips lamp. As trusted and respected lighting solution provider, Philips Lighting is now well equipped to compete in the new landscape of LED lighting which it believes is the future of illumination.  With its strong expertise throughout the industry supply chain, based on the development of a strong IP portfolio and acquisitions, Philips is able to meet all the current and future needs of its customers, bringing them the full economic, environmental and design benefits which LED technology offers. www.philips.co.uk
Surespan
Leading access hatch manufacturer Surespan Limited designs and manufactures the highest quality access products for customers across the world. Recently our clients have included the Burj Dubai in Dubai and the Halley VI research station in Antarctica. Surespan offer innovative and bespoke design to match our clients’ exact specifications and our experienced engineers ensure our manufacturing is of the highest standard.  In the future, we are committed to improving our existing products and developing new and exciting access solutions. www.surespancovers.com
Kingfisher Lighting
As a responsible lighting company, Kingfisher Lighting acknowledge the importance of encouraging sustainable lighting solutions and certainly recognise the important role LED technology will play in exterior lighting. LED-in from Kingfisher Lighting sets a benchmark for the progression of LED technology and certainly widens the possibilities of LED for exterior lighting. With a rated power of 136w, the 108 LED version of LED-in offers equivalent lighting levels to 100w SON. This presents LED as a viable light source for a range of exterior lighting applications including the lighting of footpaths, cycle-ways, residential street lighting and general amenity lighting with a typical mounting height range of 4m to 8m. www.kingfisher-lighting.co.uk