Michael Rada Construction 2 Project 2: Material Research Architects possess a broad array of knowledge on many subjects, particularly building

materials. It is this deep knowledge that clients pay for, knowledge that would otherwise be unattainable to them. For this reason, it becomes critical that the architect has as vast a volume of knowledge as possible, while also keeping up on new materials and applications in order to sustain a competitive edge in the field. In this report, I will be exploring High Pressure Laminate, including its manufacturing, installation, and uses in commercial construction. Material Specification In order for a potential buyer to know how to obtain High Pressure Laminate, they must first know how the product is identified and referred to, as well as who makes the product, in the field. 1. Manufacturers: Mannington Mills, Mohawk Flooring, Kronotex, Pergo 2. Generic term: High Pressure Laminate, HPL, or sometimes Pergo (an example of a brand name being used as the general name of the product) Material Application Once the identification of the product is determined, it is next important to begin to understand the uses of the product, as well as its physical properties and cost. 1. Intended uses: Flooring surface 2. Innovative material applications: Wall paneling, cabinets, countertops, furniture 3. Physical properties: a. Finish: Mimics other flooring materials, including many types of wood and stone products b. Surface forms/shapes: Mimic other flooring types, such as the texture of wood grain or stone. c. Dimension: Between 1/8 and ! thick, coming in and shape, such as squares or planks. d. Weight: Varies from brand to brand, depending on size and manufacturing process 4. Acoustic properties: HPL has very good sound deadening properties, much better than DPL, another type of laminate flooring that uses lower pressure in the manufacturing process.

5. Installation methods: There are different methods dependent on the size and shape of the HPL pieces. For planks, a tap end joint method is used, where each plank has tongues and grooves that lock it to pieces adjacent to it. 6. Cost: Varies brand to brand and on type of HPL. a. Wood plank Pergo: $2.99 per square foot b. Wood plank trafficMASTER: $0.99 per square foot c. Stone plank Pergo: $2.99 per square foot d. Stone plank Innovations: $3.85 per square foot Material Background To fully understand how the material may be implemented in a building, one must understand how it is made and therefore how variations in the manufacturing process yield a different final product. 1. How the material is made: HPL is made of multiple layers of material, each serving a different purpose. A Masonite-type wood material is used as the main element to give the product its thickness. It is then layered with decorative paper to give it its look, be it stone or wood, and then covered with protective layers over that. All of these layers are then pressed together at high pressure, between 1,300 and 2,000 pounds, and fused using heat, to create a material stronger than laminates that use less pressure. 2. Components: There are three main components in HPL. The first is the Masonite board. This gives the member its strength and thickness, as well as any desired texture. Atop that is the decorative paper, which gives the material its outward appearance. The uppermost and final layer is the clear protective film, which protects the paper layer from damage and gives the material the longevity it is renowned for. 3. Byproducts: Aside from some scraps left over of the three main components of the HPL, there are little byproducts in the manufacturing process. These scraps can, in some cases, be reused for other HPL pieces. 4. Historical/cultural significance: HPL has little cultural significance, but historically it has some importance. Laminate flooring is one of the first types of man-made and manufactured flooring systems, and HPL is merely an advancement of that step. After the creation of laminate, dependence of natural materials for flooring was lessened.

Environmental Impact With all of this information collected, it is now important to take into consideration what kind of impact the usage of this material will have on the environment, both inside the space itself and at a much larger, macro scale. 1. Life expectancy: HPL companies often offer high end products that can last for up to 20 years. 2. Maintenance: HPL requires little maintenance. Due to its manufacturing process, the material is extremely durable and most suitable for high traffic, commercial use. It is resistant to heavy impacts and repeated use. Regular sweeping and mopping are the only requirements for HPL. 3. Recycling and biodegradability: Laminate flooring, in general, is not recyclable. The usage of certain glues in its manufacturing can make it harmful to the environment, though there are some high-end companies that offer nontoxic products. Care should be taken in researching the product to determine the brand that will have the least impact on the environment.