Franco D’Ascanio’s turf, the Florida Keys, is Hurricane Central. Strict local codes required him to include storm shutters on all projects—until Andersen and other manufacturers started making impact-resistant windows. “Storm shutters are ugly and expensive,” D’Ascanio says. “These Andersen hurricane windows save a lot of time and money, they comply with code, and they don’t interfere with the style of a house.” The glass used for the windows was developed with a technology similar to that of shatter-resistant car windshields. Andersen also offers special reinforcing hardware to accompany the glass. And it’s now making impact-resistant glass that also meets energy-efficiency codes common in Northeastern states.
One of D’Ascanio’s favorite decorative products relates to another natural phenomenon present in the Keys: coral reefs. Clients love to use pieces of coral as ornamental accents, but removing them from the sea damages the marine environment. So D’Ascanio specs cast coral stone featuring coral impressions. The concrete tiles and veneers, made by local company Ornamental Cast Stone, present the look and texture of coral without the environmental ramifications. “Since the product can be custom cast, the uses and patterns are almost endless,” D’Ascanio says. “It’s really taken off around here.”
Andersen Windows. 888.888.7020. www.andersencorp.com.Circle 413.
Ornamental Cast Stone. 305.743.8341. Circle 414.
