architects' choiceproduct picks from the pros

the amar group

genell anderson, aia washington, d.c. www.amargroupllc.com

When a project calls for exterior paint, Anderson turns to Duron. “It's easy to get in the city,” she says of the Beltsville, Md.-based company's products, but she also appreciates its “nice color charts.” Duron's line of 100 percent acrylic exterior paints includes Weathershield and Signature Lifetime, an ultra-premium coating with self-priming capabilities. All varieties reportedly hide surface imperfections and resist fading, mildew, and chalking. Duron Paints & Wallcoverings, 800.723.8766; www.duron.com.

Wood is great for exterior trim, but Mother Nature can wreak havoc on its structural integrity. So Anderson opts for Fypon polyurethane molding instead, calling it “an economical solution for trimwork,” particularly in historic districts. Available in more than 6,000 interior and exterior varieties, Fypon trim pieces are lightweight and virtually maintenance-free. They come double-primed and, like wood, can be sawed, nailed, or glued. Fypon, 800.446.3040; www.fypon.com.

Photo: Courtesy Unico

With Unico's miniduct system, Anderson can retrofit old houses with contemporary heating and cooling systems without destroying their original craftsmanship. “The aesthetics of the interior are not compromised for modern comfort, so the owner can have it both ways,” she enthuses. The St. Louis company's high-velocity system accommodates all types of spaces with little to no remodeling required: modular air handlers can be installed in ceilings and crawl spaces, and flexible sound-attenuated ducts can be routed through existing cavities. Unico, 800.527.0896; www.unicosystem.com.