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48 / BUILDING DIALOGUE / MARCH 2017
1. QuietRock 530 Drywall
Sound can be one of the biggest issues that we face as
housing designers, regardless of budget. In affordable hous-
ing especially, the goal is to provide a quiet and comfortable
place for all residents. ej architecture started using QuietRock
530 drywall on the majority of our projects because of its high
Sound Transmission Class rating and ease of installation. The
gypsum panels have a thin layer of steel at the core that in-
creases the sound dampening quality, impact resistance and
durability. QuietRock 530 drywall makes multifamily housing
sound like you’re living in a single-family home.
2. Schiene by Schluter
Durability is key when choosing products for affordable
housing projects. We keep cost in mind for the long-term
by using Schiene flooring transitions. Schiene by Schluter
offers a same-height transition strip for use between ma-
terials, specifically between carpet and tile or wood. The
seamless transition minimizes tripping hazards for seniors
and protects material edges from wear and tear. Schiene
can also be used as decorative edge protection for stairs.
Available in a variety of metallic finishes, Schiene keeps
replacement costs of flooring to a minimum.
3. Rev-a-Shelf
When designing housing communities for seniors, reach
and height are always major concerns. Rev-a-shelf designs
and manufactures residential cabinet storage and organiza-
tional items to meet these needs. Their pull down shelving
is used in most of our senior housing units to make hard
to reach areas more navigable. Rev-a-shelf eliminates the
need for step stools, minimizing fall risks, and encourages
independent living for aging individuals. It also works well
for families, allowing smaller children to be able to reach the
upper cabinets without having to ask for assistance.
4. Spaghetti Wall by Howe
One of my favorite partition products to use in multipur-
pose spaces is the Spaghetti Wall by Howe. This room divider
provides high-design sensibilities at a cost that fits into most
affordable housing project budgets. The lightweight decora-
tive screen can easily be moved, allowing for incredible flexi-
bility in shared spaces. Affordable housing communities pro-
vide many services to their residents such as educational and
training opportunities, child care, and community events.
5. EchoScreen by Kirei
Community amenity areas are critical in all affordable
housing types; these spaces need to be flexible and allow for
multiple activities to occur simultaneously. EchoScreen room
dividers are part of the EchoPanel line by Kirei. The completely
customizable panels are available in several stock patterns and
are offered in an array of colors. The modular EchoScreens
can be hung using a cable system from the ceiling or directly
onto a wall surface for more versatility in space planning. This
flexibility in installation allows us to use the panels to not only
visually divide space, but also to buffer sound in open, multi-
functional spaces.
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Elizabeth
Johnson, AIA,
LEED AP
ej architecture pllc
Designer Approved
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