Architectural Product News, December 2010

Featuring the latest styling and functionality from Europe, the Ilve combination microwave oven boasts a compact size and multiple cooking options, making it ideal for new kitchens and renovations. It’s suited to small apartments and studio environments, entertainment areas and bars, or alternate dwellings within the home space such as granny flats.

A large interior provides a 38-litre capacity. The microwave oven’s six cooking functions include convection, drop-down grill, forced ventilation, automatic defrost by time and weight, and microwave capabilities. The triple-glazed cool-touch glass door and child lock provide impressive safety.

Casper is a stylish and contemporary stackable polypropylene cafe and dining chair designed for catering and hospitality environments in both corporate and leisure markets. It can also be used for meeting applications.

The faceted angular upper backrest blends into the curvaceous seat, while the distinctive slot in the lower back relieves the volume of the chair, giving it a lighter look. The chair shell has a gloss finish to the back and a matt finish to the front. It is available in white, red, yellow, green, blue and coffee.

Casper is available on a four-leg base, sled base or a beam, with or without arms. It can also be supplied with optional upholstered seat pads.

The Casper chair was tested to British standard BSEN 13761 for commercial use and is AFRDI and FISP approved.

CMI Toyota completed its striking new showroom on West Terrace, Adelaide, in January of this year. The key priority for the new building was that it should be able to display every new vehicle available in the Toyota range. An additional goal is that it would bring the new vehicle sales and service areas under the one roof. With an area of over 16,000 square metres the new showroom complex houses up to 400 cars alongside over 250 administrative, sales, service and parts staff. Project architect Matthews Architects, based in Adelaide, has delivered a flagship building for the dealership.

One of the most striking elements of this design is the new car showroom and service area with a ceiling height of over 7.5 metres. Despite the structural challenges this brought, it has given an amazing opportunity to create a transparent facade. Facing onto West Terrace, this facade uses seven-metre-high, two-metre-wide, 25 mm thick glass panels.

The size and height of the glass facades throughout the building required a specialist shading solution. Helioscreen supplied over 180 internal blinds powered by Somfy. The new car showroom and service area facade required 42 blinds with a drop of 7.6 metres. Somfy RTS motors are operated via a series of remote controls giving total control over the building’s facades. “The remote-controlled blinds have exceeded our expectations in reducing sun glare from the west,” says project architect Martin Childs. “Whilst they are of course functional, they also provide the building facade with additional depth, viewed from both inside and outside. Providing appropriate screening from the western sun is always a challenge. We feel that by using this system of blinds, a most successful result has been achieved.”

The manufacture and installation of such large blinds called for specialist expertise. Using their knowledge of working with very large blinds, the Helioscreen team used 100 mm tubes and had high load brackets with roller bearings fabricated for these blinds. Additionally they used a stainless steel guide cable to ensure that they tracked straight and true at all times. “Attention to detail is the key to the success of a complex installation such as this one,” says David Thomas, general manager for Helioscreen. “Our client, Sunscreens Australia, worked very closely with us and the architect to deliver a unique project.”

Helioscreen internal and external sunscreens come in a range of European and locally manufactured sun control fabrics. They can be supplied with stainless steel wire guides or aluminium tracks powdercoated to suit any facade. Automation solutions available through Somfy cater for everything from a single RTS remote-controlled motor right through to a complete facade-management system controlling thousands of motors.

Helioscreen and Somfy, as industry-leading partners, can tailor the perfect solution to meet any design requirements. Whether it is to design an energy-efficient six-star green building with a bioclimatic facade or to add that unique touch to a project, an automated Helioscreen sun control system powered by Somfy is the ideal solution.

Helioscreen Australia offers a five-year warranty for all hardware, with a five-year warranty on fabrics, while Somfy provides a five-year warranty for all motors and automation systems. For further information, call Somfy on 1800 076 639 or Helioscreen on 1300 766 319 or visit their websites www.somfy.com.au and www.helioscreen.com.au.

Spinifex Fans has partnered with the Modern Fan Company of the USA on a new range of contemporary ceiling fans by designer Ron Rezek, who is renowned for his innovative lighting and ceiling fan designs.

Recognizing the rising demand for energy-efficient spaces, the Spinifex range strives to combine simple forms, quality engineering and modern materials to revitalize the humble ceiling fan.

The fans are manufactured from diecast and spun aluminium, making them well suited to Australia’s corrosive coastal environments and a viable option for environmentally friendly cooling.

Wolf has been building cooking equipment for more than 70 years. Demonstrating the company’s professional heritage, Wolf built-in ovens combine advanced, easy-to-use technology with functional design.

The new E series oven, with its sleek lines, discreet touch-sensitive control panel and trademark cobalt blue interior, offers ten easy-to-use cooking modes accessed by a simple keypress on the intuitive control panel. Wolf’s innovative dual convection system is included in single units and in the upper unit of the double oven.

Wolf ovens also feature a balanced door hinge system for smooth opening and closing, a full-extension bottom rack for easier access, and convenient pyrolytic cleaning.

For over 60 years, Raymor has been supplying Australians with highquality plumbing products. While the products continue to deliver results for many years, Raymor is constantly reviewing and updating its designs.

Raymor’s range of Torino mixers has undergone such a review. With a strong foundation of brass and bright chrome, the existing handle has been streamlined and refined to give a twist on the traditional pin-lever design – that is, the lever is not a complete bar, rather it has a small indentation at the base. This look is complemented with H and C etchings on the handle top.

Increasing demand for water-efficient tapware has seen the minimum standard for basin mixers rise to a five-star WELS rating. Raymor has responded to this demand by upgrading the Torino basin pillar mixers to meet the required five-star WELS rating (six litres per minute).

Pioneering timber panelling since the late 1980s, Australian manufacturer Easycraft is at the forefront of modern design. The company specializes in wall and ceiling products that can help you create a particular look and feel.

Offering unique alternatives to current finishes, which include solid plaster, plasterboard lining and timber planks, the possibilities are endless thanks to the clean, crisp lines and hard wearing qualities of Easycraft’s range of products. A key feature of the Easycraft range is its ease of installation, while the products are made from timber-based, moisture-resistant MDF, a popular material thanks to its strength and durability.

A popular fixture in commercial and office kitchens for some time now, the Zip HydroTap is fast becoming a common addition to home kitchens. Some reasons for this are the significant time, money and space-saving benefits the Zip HydroTap offers.

Installing a Zip HydroTap means no more waiting for water to boil and no more buying bottled water. It saves time and also saves water and energy, making it an environmentally conscious choice.

The Zip HydroTap also saves valuable bench space by doing away with kettles, jugs and unsightly power cords, making it a safer choice for families.

Vertically grooved Scyon Axon cladding panels are made from Scyon, an advanced lightweight cement composite that provides heavy-duty performance.

This product can save money in building projects – it only takes a carpenter and a painter to install the cladding. Scyon Axon panels are pre-primed, making it easy to achieve a high-quality finish quickly. The standard sizing of the product means there is less time spent cutting the panels to specification, creating a more efficient work site, saving both time and money.

In residential applications, Scyon Axon cladding is suitable wherever modern design is required, including external walls in composite construction, upper-storey and ground-level extensions and internal feature walls. The vertical grooves – a sharp and consistent uniform look – are a design alternative to typical horizontal features. The option of brad nailing also minimizes visual interruption.

Scyon Axon cladding can also enhance the energy efficiency of a house. When the product is used with the right insulation and in accordance with James Hardie’s Wall System Thermal Performance Total R-Values Technical Supplement, an R-value of up to 2.7 can be achieved for the wall.

Connect Systems glass fixing systems aim to offer a structurally reliable and aesthetically pleasing method of meeting the increasing demands for maximum transparency in exterior and interior design.

Frameless glass gives an excellent aesthetic effect – the minimal amount of framework enables architects and designers to unlock the potential of glass and make full use of the material in a diverse range of exterior and interior features, including balustrading, stairways, partitions and signage.

The Australian designed and manufactured glass fixing systems deliver a secure and attractive method for attaching glass to steel, timber or aluminium framework.

With the specialist nature and complexity of some glass fixing systems, Connect Systems also offers custom design and manufacturing to suit specific requirements.

Laufen’s Il Bagno Alessi One bathroom collection has been extended with new shapes, additional functionality and new furniture pieces.

The range’s flagship floor-mounted washbasin, the Tam Tam, is now available in a 900 mm high freestanding version. All technical elements are concealed in the column; the opening is sealed by a ceramic cover without any visible fixtures. Another new addition is the 400 mm high Half Tam Tam, which comes without a tap hole or faucet and can be fitted as a freestanding washbasin bowl.

The new Il Bagno Alessi One ceramic elements come as standard in white with a grime-deflecting LCC coating, or in a warm matt grey.

Designed to blend in with light-coloured benchtops, Blanco’s new metallic champagne-colour induction cooktop was developed in response to demand for flush-finished integrated cooktops.

The CI804L boasts an intuitive LCD display. The LCD display has smart features including five language features, programmable cooking, a timer for each zone and independent cooktop lock. Blanco’s CI804L induction cooktop also incorporates an elegant bevelled-edge design.

The EC Modular carpet tile range is expanding beyond its original four designs – Urban, Escape, Impulse and Percussion – with two exciting new designs, Skyline and MultiStorey.

All EC Modular carpet tiles feature EComfort, an environmentally advanced secondary backing. EComfort contains 90% post-consumer recycled content and is 100% recyclable. In addition, every square metre of EComfort diverts thirty-four 600 ml PET drink bottles from landfill. It is 150% more thermally efficient than hard backed tiles (such as PVC or bitumen).

Pool covers save water. They also reduce chemical consumption and cut condensation and corrosion on indoor pools while keeping outdoor pools cleaner.

Sunbather is famous for solar pool heating and developed its thermal covers to lock in heat and double the swimming season – and to save even more energy. For many reasons, pool covers should be mandatory on every pool; but often they are not specified because they were thought of as awkward and ugly.

Now Sunbather’s Security Blanket has changed all that. It looks clean and sculptured when extended across the pool. And the underground model fully retracts into a slot at the end of the pool, allowing it to disappear from sight. Even the above-ground model looks clean and solid.

More than just good looking, the Security Blanket is accepted internationally as a proven safety device, offering even greater security and peace of mind than a pool fence. Rigid floating slats interlock to easily support the weight of a small animal or a toddler, and a key-lock operating mechanism ensures that nobody enters the pool without consent.

And manhandling awkward pool covers is a thing of the past. The Security Blanket is fully automatic and remote controlled. It’s the future of swimming pools and is already an essential part of today’s award-winning pool designs.

Pulse is the twelfth upholstery, screen and wall-panelling release from Instyle’s LIFE (Low Impact For the Environment) sustainable textiles collection. The range uses 100% Australian EthEco wool.

Designed by Instyle, Pulse is a modern play on a herringbone weave inspired by tradition and longevity. Designs include an undulating flowing water design reminiscent of Japanese woodcut and Aboriginal cross-hatched patterning. These designs influence the herringbone which narrows and expands like an eddy across the weave.

The range includes 13 colourways with a comfortingly soft handle. It is also suitable for heavy-duty commercial use.

All LIFE Textiles are suitable for Green Star projects.

A 70 mm flange has been added to the Hyne I-Beam range, in addition to the existing 90 mm option. It has been developed in response to market demand for a more economical I-Beam option that is just as easy to use. The 70 mm version provides design flexibility without compromising the quality and benefits that Hyne I-Beam has become known for.

Dimensionally stable, the Hyne I-Beam resists twisting, bowing, cupping and shrinkage. At less than half the weight of traditional timber joists, it is stronger, with increased spanability. It is available in lengths up to 12 metres, to provide a more uniform and rigid flooring system. It is also backed by Hyne’s technical and in-house design services teams.

Everything Old is New Again (EONA) is a modular table system manufactured from post-consumer recycled materials. It is designed for complete disassembly, making it ready for recycling.

Ideal for meeting and boardroom spaces, the EONA table uses 100% post-consumer recycled aluminium for its legs and leg support inserts, and post-consumer recycled steel (approximately 35%) for its outer leg supports, rail and adjustable glides, and recyclable polypropylene.

A full life-cycle assessment was commissioned as part of the design process to ensure the product would meet Thinking Ergonomix’s high environmental standards. This determined the amount of greenhouse gases emitted from the manufacturing of the table frame from cradle to cradle.

BlueScope Steel’s Colorbond Coolmax roofing steel in the colour Whitehaven can help to reduce cooling energy costs of a building by up to 7.5% compared to Colorbond steel in the colour Surfmist.

By maximizing the thermal performance of a building and helping to reduce the ongoing cooling energy costs, a roof made from Colorbond Coolmax steel can pay back the initial investment premium within five years compared to Colorbond steel in Surfmist and Zincalume steel.

Two years in development, the Billi Eco instant hot water tap delivers a number of technological advantages, all packed into a small under-bench unit. Billi’s newest addition to its commercial range provides businesses with a space-saving solution for significant output requirements and reduced energy usage.

At only 18 cm wide and with an output of 60 cups per hour, Billi Eco is a leader in energy usage, meeting proposed government MEPS standards. Billi’s reputation is further enhanced by the inclusion of splash-free boiling water delivery and Thermostore technology, which is more than 50 times as energy efficient as conventional tanks.

Employee comfort and wellbeing is an important consideration in corporate fitouts. For this reason, Signature Floorcoverings developed Comfi Bak stock carpet tiles, a cushioning system that provides extra comfort underfoot for carpet tiles.

Comfi Bak stock carpet tiles are designed to absorb foot impact, offering improved acoustics for a quieter work environment. They can also enhance thermal insulation by up to 150%. Post-consumer PET waste is used in every Friendly tile and there is a better appearance retention of fibre from absorbing the impact of foot traffic.

Carpet tiles from Signature Floorcoverings are 100% recyclable.

Canon’s Uniflow platform provides market-leading scanning technology and automation of common document processes, as well as strengthening information security and tightening the control of print costs through a single platform.

A multifunction printer (MFP) is the heart of the office and a central hub for the flow of information and documents. With architecture firms handling an increasing volume of information, there is a real business need to establish more efficient processes at both the input and output stages. Uniflow V5 complements the MFP’s central role, enabling businesses to get a grip of cost and security.

Like all WE-EF luminaires, the company’s new range of LED projector floodlights are designed for harsh environments. The range has an international protection rating of IP66 (dust and water jet tight) and has been engineered for extreme temperatures and applications.

The system uses high-output CREE LEDs and high-efficiency drivers. The optical-grade lenses used in these luminaires have more than 90% efficacy, ensuring high-quality and efficient lighting solutions.

The range comprises three sizes (15 W FLC121, 30 W FLC131 and 60 W FLC141) and four distributions from very narrow to very wide.

Solarsafe thermal management means that the LEDs and controller are protected against operation in daytime high-temperature summer conditions.

UrbanStone Commercial has developed a world-class natural stone facility, providing superior granites, marbles, quartzites and other premium natural stone to the Australian market.

UrbanStone Commercial has a unique point of difference – its ability to source and supply exclusive Australian natural granite. The range spans the distinctive colours of the Australian outback, including Balmoral Green, Bruce Rock, Juparana, Coffee, Desert Rose and Desert Brown.

Products can be finished in a range of sizes and finishes to suit any architectural application and landscaping solution. Stocks are held by UrbanStone Commercial ready for customized processing.

Spanish design studio Lievore Altherr Molina has developed the Loop seating range for Arper, Italy. Featuring harmonious and elegant lines, the modular Loop range adds warmth and style to contract settings.

Its versatility makes it an ideal solution for both small and large spaces. Loop is also offered in stand-alone two- or three-seater lounge versions for residential use. The range is available in fabric upholstery, with the option of a removable cover, on stainless steel legs.

The lead-free roof flashing solution is now complete. Flashtites used in conjunction with Wakaflex allow for a complete non-lead roof flashing solution.

Flashtites are a unique prefabricated roof penetration flashing. Manufactured using a polyisobutylene Wakaflex base and with the same butyl adhesive strips means a quick and easy installation process with no silicone or tools required. CSIRO tested and with a ten-year manufacture warranty, they are lightweight and come with multiple boot sizes from 5 mm to 150 mm. As Flashtites can be easily formed to any roof tile shape by hand, installation is complete in a matter of minutes.

Lead is heavy, harder to install and toxic. Why not try the non-lead solution on your next project?

Blum’s new Orga-Line film and foil dispenser facilitates tangle-free dispensing and a precise, efficient cut. The film and foil dispenser fits neatly into the Orga-Line internal dividing system without any gaps.

Film and foil can be stored effectively inside drawers meaning there is no need for wall mounting. Blum’s practical Orga-Line accessories make many kitchen tasks easier and provide unobtrusive organization.

The CCC Polished Concrete team includes some of the most experienced and passionate floor grinding and polishing specialists in the business. The CCC team polishes existing and new concrete floors using state-of-the-art equipment and knowledge.

CCC’s Husqvarna-accredited Hiperfloor specialists have collectively polished thousands of floors for various applications around Australia. The company’s staff work well communicating with architects, designers, builders and owners and have a unique showroom where they can outline the procedures involved with polishing concrete.

Black chrome is a premium high-gloss black finish offering perfect smoothness and rich lustre. Covering mixers, showers and outlets, the Pegasi range by Faucet Strommen is available in black chrome.

A clever valve on Pegasi, called Flowstep-Life, uses a two-stage mechanism to make water saving easy while not over-restricting the maximum flow.

The Australian build quality and 15-year guarantee make Pegasi a logical choice for apartments, homes and other sustainable projects.

Brintons’ provocative new rug collection with Glasgow-based studio Timorous Beasties redefines the creative possibilities of hand-tufted rugs, challenging perceptions of how carpet can be used in interior space.

The collection took two years to develop and is divided into seven themes inspired by natural and spiritual influences. The designs are expected to become classics in the future – they feature many traditional elements that have been interpreted through contemporary design. All of the designs are available in the hand-tufted rug format and also in broadloom Axminster.

The sustainability, durability and thermal mass of face brick makes it a popular building material for new homes and renovations. Responding to architectural trends, PGH Bricks & Pavers’ new Academy collection can imbue style, fashion and personality into a house’s facade.

Academy is a full ceramic glazed collection that provides a sleek look for any building project. The palette of five colours is refined, dark and sophisticated. Inspired by excellence and achievement, the colours are Alumni, Julliard, Nobel, Oscar and Quantum.

The timeless appeal, elegance and durability of Riverstone pavers make them an ideal choice for architectural landscape projects. Riverstone’s manufacturing method produces a high-density paver with unparalleled dimensional accuracy, colour and texture that will maintain its appeal well into the future.

Riverstone pavers come in a range of stylish and distinctive colours to complement most outdoor designs. They are available in a smooth or rustic (coarser textured) finish, with a matching bullnose individually made to suit all styles.

The pavers are available in a variety of sizes, including original (495 mm × 495 mm × 40 mm), domain (395 mm × 495 mm × 40 mm) and sovereign (395 mm × 395 mm × 40 mm).

The Sunbather Security Blanket is the ultimate pool cover system. For ultimate security, its rigid floating slats will easily support the weight of a small animal or a toddler, and a key-lock operating mechanism ensures that nobody can get into the pool without consent. For ultimate efficiency, it locks in warmth to double the swimming season and it greatly reduces fuel consumption on heated pools. For ultimate style, it has a clean, sculpted look when extended and fully retracts into a slot at the end of the pool.

For ultimate convenience, its interlocking slats help keep leaves, dust, litter and even those pesky ducks out of an outdoor pool. And it even shuts out the light that causes algal build-up. On indoor pools, those slats also dramatically reduce evaporation, condensation and corrosion. The system is fully automatic, remote-controlled and designed to match the ultimate pool.

Most public space managers and designers understand the dangers inherent in providing standard domestic barbecues for public use. Exposed flames and sharp edges pose a serious safety risk.

The DA Christie Parksafe barbecue offers an array of safety features. There is a protection zone around the hotplate and a perforated mesh barrier under the hotplate to keep the benchtop cool. A six-second ignition delay stops children turning the barbecue on. The design employs rounded corners with polycarbonate inserts and a one-piece, easy-to-clean, seamless, stainless steel hotplate to stop bacteria and contaminants lodging on the cooking surface.

Chat is a collection of poufs and stools designed to create home-like and intimate environments within in public spaces.

The pleasant and easy geometry of the Chat range merges with architectural elements, adding character to each space. The b icolour fabric combinations enable the pieces to adapt to different decors. Chat was designed by Cristina Alonso and Isaac Piñeiro of Spanish design studio Nadadora. The multidisciplinary studio in inspired by simple design, conceptual honesty and clear communication.

The Chat range is available from KE-ZU.

Locker Group’s extensive range of wire mesh can be used in many different architectural applications such as balustrades and privacy screens.

With its versatility, unique texture, variety of colours, durability and flexibility, Locker Group’s wire mesh fabrics offer a modern decoration style for constructions. When used as a curtain, wire mesh offers a variety of colour changes with light. Wire mesh drapery applications are a great solution for shaping space.

Locker Group has a large range of architectural solutions in both expanded and perforated metal, along with a wide selection of woven wire mesh. Locker Group is also committed to supporting and promoting methods, technologies and products that are environmentally sustainable.

Superlight’s new MX series LED floodlight fixtures are a dynamic option for commercial and architectural floodlighting. They incorporate advanced single-package LED technology to provide powerful wide-beam floodlighting for industrial applications, car parks, security floodlighting, building illumination, general area floodlighting, building facades and more.

The MX LED fittings have built-in control gear and offer smooth instantstart operation. The floodlights can save energy when compared to traditional floodlights and require no lamp maintenance. There are several models in the Superlight MX LED range, from 10 W to 90 W LED, which can be used to replace traditional floodlights of up to 500 W.

Inspired by the fluid and natural shapes of water, the Gessi Goccia range features an innovative design that balances form and function. The collection encompasses an impressive mix of models, materials and finishes.

The fluid forms that characterize the range are realized in the solid shapes of the washbasins and accessories, in the metal of the taps and in the ceramic of the sanitaryware. All Goccia products feature a natural elegance that makes them suitable for both private and public interiors.

Lockwood has been manufacturing quality locks and door hardware in Australia for over 75 years. In 2009, Lockwood manufactured its three-millionth 3570 series mortice lock at its Melbourne site.

Recently, Lockwood adopted the Australian Made logo on its three flagship products, 3540, 3570 and 3580 series commercial mortice locks. The Australian Made logo will be added to more of the Lockwood range in the coming months.

Another advantage of Australian-made products is environmental sustainability – locally sourced products minimize transportation and shipping costs as well as reducing the amount of pollution that may result. Lockwood is aware of its carbon footprint and maintains its ISO 9001 (quality management standard) and ISO 14001 (environmental management system) certifications. These qualifications prove Lockwood is committed to providing products and services that are environmentally sound throughout the entire production process and the product life cycle.

Lockwood can also provide a free door hardware scheduling service. In addition, valuable continuing professional development (CPD) training programs on building codes and door hardware are also available from Lockwood.

Cardinal LoE³-366 performance glass from Glassworks delivers the ideal balance of thermal control and high visibility. Year-round comfort and energy savings are made possible by a triple layer of silver, keeping buildings naturally cooler in summer and warmer in winter, without spoiling the view.

LoE³-366 also comes standard with Neat technology, a self-cleaning coating that harnesses the sun’s rays to loosen dirt so rain can wash it away. Less maintenance creates cost benefits and convenience for the user.

Each room has its own personality, each user his or her own specific needs. Building on the success of its Agile series of sliding door solutions, Dorma has used its ongoing research and product development to accommodate glass fixed tracking configurations. The Agile range enables greater light and transparency, with increased opening sizes and a minimal track profile (63 mm × 65 mm). The Agile system accommodates door leaf weights up to 150 kg.

Suited to an infinite range of configurations, the series is also whisper-quiet, light and easy to operate. Available in a variety of aluminium finishes, the series has a solution for the most demanding applications.

Reducing heat gain in summer and heat loss in winter, Climashield is a range of Australian-made low-E laminated glass developed as a straightforward solution for increasing energy efficiency in homes.

The Climashield range utilizes a pyrolytic low-emissivity coating, which provides high light transmission. It acts as a barrier to heat transfer in summer and reflects heat back into the home in winter. In winter, Climashield windows reduce heat loss by up to 40%; in summer, they can reduce heat gain through windows by up to 50%.

Climashield is available in clear, neutral, green, grey and translucent, in 6.38–12.38 mm thicknesses.

Smartech Door Systems is dedicated to providing contemporary Smart-Tilt wall and window systems that allow open-plan living by incorporating the lounge room into the alfresco area or adjoining space.

Some designs incorporate an internal balustrade, becoming an operable window which allows the natural environment to flow through. Where no external balcony is required, using an internal balustrade system can save on building costs while offering the same benefits.

Custom-made Blockout roller shutters provide four main benefits.

First, the built-in pelmet installations streamline the shutters’ overall appearance. Second, the shutters provide maximum security with a combination rigid interlocking and dual locking system. Third, they insulate against extreme weather conditions all year round and are recommended for building bushfire protection by rural fire services, councils and local fire authorities. Finally, the shutters can be supplied in a colour that integrates with the chosen exterior colour scheme.

Blockout Roller Shutters works closely architects to offer expert advice, quality materials and detailed installation information.

Offering the fingertip operation synonymous with all Centor products, Centor’s new bottom-rolling system for folding doors can be installed in any opening, including retrofitting into openings that formerly held sliding doors and lower budget renovations.

Centor’s innovative technology transfers the door weight to the floor so folding doors can be installed without needing structural support from overhead beams. Addressing the shortcomings previously associated with bottom-rolling doors, Centor’s new bottom-rolling system is Centor’s most flexible folding system yet.

Balconies and verandahs are perfect for entertaining and relaxing, but the potential of these areas is often not realized because of their vulnerability to sun, wind and insects. The Issey Flyloc reinvents the common flyscreen – it is retractable, comes in a large range of designer colours and doubles as a sun shade and windbreak.

The see-through fabric retains access to views while sheltering the area from direct heat, glare and UV rays, as well as wind and rain. It is an elegant and unobtrusive system that can be hidden away when not in use.

Lotus acoustic sliders have been developed in conjunction with key BER architects to offer a fully resolved, proprietary acoustic sliding panel system that meets the needs of current open-learning classroom design.

Acoustic sliders are ideal where an acoustic rating is required, also providing simplicity of use and flexible space. Lotus acoustic sliders have recently been acoustically tested at RMIT, and the full system – not just the panels – has been rated. Acoustic sliders are suitable for all applications in the commercial built environment.

The Xtreme Bushfire window and door system from Trend Windows & Doors has been assessed and is rated to the highest standard in AS3959-2009, which is “full flame zone” or AS1530.8.2. This standard applies to products that can meet the extreme conditions of direct exposure to flames from fire front, in addition to heat flux and ember attack.

The system combines Trend Windows & Doors’ CSIRO-tested BAL 40 (1530.8.1-2007) Xtreme window and door system with Pyro-Protec seals and glazing systems, standard 5 mm or 6 mm toughened glass and the Smoke Control CSIRO-tested (1530.4) Windowshield fire curtain. Together, these components produce the Xtreme Flame Zone bushfire system.

This latest development is a result of Trend Windows & Doors’ ongoing research and development and extensive testing with CSIRO over the past five years, aimed at developing cost-affordable window and door systems that will withstand the extremes of bushfire attack.

Smoke Control is a market leader for fire and smoke control within buildings. The company’s extensive experience with fire protection and fire engineering has brought it together with Trend to form this innovation.

With years of experience supplying double-glazed joinery to the Australian alpine regions, Miglas has a deep understanding of both the energy and climate issues households face.

It became obvious that sustainable energy efficiency went far beyond just double glazing. Research into the failings of both timber and aluminium windows showed that, remarkably, where each of these proven materials had its weakness, the other had its strength. When combined they provided the ultimate window design for Australian conditions, named Ali-Clad. During the thorough product development of this new window system many, innovative features were initiated that today make up the unique “Miglas difference.“

The Miglas Ali-Clad window and door system is Australian designed and is framed in Australian materials. It is not by chance that double glazing carefully matched to the composite structure deals so effectively with the demanding and harsh climatic conditions that Australia creates. The Ali-Clad window system provides excellent energy performance with proven durability and protection against sun, wind, rain and snow.

Australian homes need windows and doors that can stand up to extreme bushfire conditions while being functional in terms of regulating temperature and light without compromising the look of the home.

To meet the requirements of the 2010 Building Code of Australia and the updated AS3959-2009 building and construction requirements affecting bushfire-zoned areas, the Stegbar research and development team set about developing a range of windows and doors that can offer peace of mind against bushfires without the need for bulky shutters, fire curtains or screens on fixed glazing.

As a result, Stegbar developed a range of windows and doors that has been tested and meets BAL 40 criteria. The BAL 40 rating was achieved on a purpose-designed window and door system using specially designed frame components, glazing systems and specialist silicone seals. These systems comply with AS1530.8.1 testing criteria and were tested by the CSIRO.

Stegbar has now launched a cedar window and door system that has been tested and passed AS1530.8.1. The innovative design and stringent construction and quality of components and materials means Stegbar can provide Australia with a certified BAL 40 cedar system.

Stegbar also has systems available in aluminium and merbau that achieve a rating of BAL 40 and comply with AS3959 and AS1530.8.1 criteria.

Custom-made Safetyline Jalousie JX louvre windows are stylish, functional and provide impenetrable security. Safetyline Jalousie windows are ideal for residential applications and institutional projects such as schools, where security is a priority. Students at Gowrie Primary School and Evatt Primary School in the Australian Capital Territory have discovered the benefits of these Australian-made louvre windows.

“Previously, the ACT Department of Education has been reluctant to install louvre windows in schools,” says Ian Cocks, Safetyline Jalousie New South Wales account manager. “Standard louvres offer little or no protection, but the department was impressed with the Safetyline Jalousie louvre windows.”

Safetyline Jalousie has distinct advantages over traditional louvre windows. Use of durable components means these heavy-duty louvres offer impressive security. A special stainless steel louvre support bar provides further resistance to intruders. Even if the glass louvre is broken, the window remains secure. As demonstrated at Gowrie Primary School, Safetyline Jalousie louvre windows can be motorized and programmed to open and close automatically.

Safetyline Jalousie louvres are available in glass or aluminium up to 1.4 metres wide. That means they enable more expansive views with fewer louvre columns and maximum airflow.

Elipsa elliptical aluminium louvres from Hi-Light Industries feature a curved profile on each louvre blade, providing a softer detail than the traditional flat blade. Designers can provide shading to a building by feathering the edge of daylight while at the same time establishing a flowing visual feature where once hard edges would have dominated.

Elipsa elliptical louvres are available in six useful blade widths and, like standard louvre and grating sun shades, they can be combined with Hi-Light’s fixing frame system to create stunning engineered solutions to the challenges of shading commercial buildings.

Getting the right colour and finish on timber depends on matching the timber species with the coating. When near enough isn’t good enough, actual samples are required before specifying the timber finish product.

The Dulux Specifier website is a one-stop shop to help with the selection of finishes and coatings. You can order timber samples treated with Intergrain stains, oils and varnishes so you can see how they will look on the timber in the finished design. Intergrain timber finishes are durable and come with environmental credentials.

Register now for full access at www.dulux.com.au/specifier.

This striking arched towel warmer was custom sized especially for a discerning client. Hawthorn Hill towel warmers are made of the highestquality brass tubing with impeccable finishings. All styles in the Hawthorn Hill towel warmer range can be custom made to suit the requirements of any project.

Hawthorn Hill towel warmers are available in both electric and hydronic versions – the electric version comes with a 100 W thermostatic heating element, while the hydronic version can be connected to a hot water central heating system. Chrome, nickel, pewter, gold, oil-rubbed bronze (licorice colour) and bare brass finishes are available. A range of wall-mounted and floor-mounted models, with corner detailing is also on offer.

Adbri Masonry’s versatile range of coloured block products has been crafted with distinctive architectural projects in mind, from contemporary designer housing and government works to large-scale architectural developments. This masonry range can be used for internal and external walls, offering style and visual appeal.

Available in a variety of standard colours and with the flexibility to create a customized block from a range of oxides and aggregates, the coloured block range combines impressive build capabilities with pleasing aesthetics. The Adbri Masonry range features a variety of surface textures, including smooth, honed, shot blast and traditional split-face finishes, which can be used separately or together to create inspired designs.

MakMax architectural car park structures range from predesigned shelters to custom-designed, site-specific structures. These structures are designed to protect from sun, rain and hail. The range of MakMax architectural car park structures includes small, single-bay solutions for offices, single- and double-bay schemes typically seen at shopping centres, and mass coverage for large commercial operators. All car park structures are completely designed, fabricated and constructed by the in-house team.

As registered builders, MakMax Australia provides a total turnkey solution, looking after council approvals, certificates, foundations, installation, lighting and electrical works. The work can be planned around operating hours to ensure minimal disruption to the business.

These clever new sensors from Legrand reduce energy wastage from unused lighting by automatically ensuring there is just the right amount of light when and where it is needed.

Simpler and more economical than a complex automation system, both stand-alone and SCS-networked sensors are available to suit a wide spectrum of environments, from a discrete section of an office floor to an entire building. The sensors can be used to maximize energy savings under various lighting strategies, including occupancy-based control, vacancybased control and light-level control.

Manufactured and designed in Germany, the Reflex chair from Girsberger is sleek, ergonomically designed and user friendly. It is now available at Baseline Commercial Furniture.

The chair features a plastic membrane back which self adjusts while the user is sitting in it. The back can be upholstered in mesh, fabric or leather; the seat is available upholstered in fabric or leather. Standard features on the chair include two seat-tilt positions, height adjustable T-shape arms and seat depth adjustment.

Other options include a polished aluminium base, fixed head rest, lumbar support and wider seat pan. The Reflex chair is available in standard and executive models. The range also includes visitor chairs.

Delivering luxury and convenience, the Liberty residential vertical lift from Master Lifts requires less space than traditional lift designs. The Liberty offers a smooth and stable ride, travelling at 0.25 m per second and providing up to five stops over 12 m of travel.

It can configured with two openings to accommodate landings, including a 90º exit. Using a modular rail system, the Liberty design can be installed quickly and enables seamless retrofitting for existing homes. The Liberty lift can be customized to individual needs with an extensive menu of options.

Helping to reduce paper towel consumption and waste by 20–40%, the TowelMate paper-retaining system is available in five configurations. It features a nylon towel support rod to keep towels from sagging through the dispenser opening and to deliver a single towel with each pull, without tabbing or tearing.

The 304-grade stainless steel bracket features a 90º return (excluding model 262-130), which prevents towel stacks from falling out when the cabinet door is opened for maintenance. The accessory models fit Bobrick dispensers, as well as many other manufacturers’ dispensers. TowelMate works with C-fold and multi-fold towels in various sizes.

Characterized by Honda’s superior engine technology, the new Buffalo Buck law mower is ideal for medium lawns and the residential user. The Buffalo Buck features an advanced and compact four-stroke engine that delivers outstanding power, torque and fuel economy.

For added safety, it is equipped with new Honda Mow-Safe technology which stops the blade rotation from 300 kph to 0 in under three seconds upon release of the handle.

Function and fashion go hand in hand with Flexo rubber flooring by Signature Floorcoverings, an innovation in modular flooring. The fresh range of stock colours offers endless opportunities to enhance and personalize a space. And if colours in the stock collection don’t match the required scheme, Signature Floorcoverings can provide a match to most Pantone colours.

Flexo rubber flooring can also be water jet cut to create unique designs without the lead time of custom flooring. The clean appearance of textures allows architects and designers to create any desired look. Solid colours can complement the space and exude minimalism, or multiple colours can be combined to create patterns and feature areas.

The multi-mode, multi-temperature Izona CoolDrawer fridge/freezer drawer can be installed anywhere around the home or office. The CoolDrawer features five modes that can be changed at any time to suit the occasion, including fridge, freezer, pantry, wine and chill. These modes enable unique configuration for a personalized kitchen layout.

The versatile CoolDrawer can be customized in fit and finish to suit any design aesthetic. Whether as a low-humidity pantry or a discrete wine cabinet, the CoolDrawer keeps food fresher for longer and features a setting that preserves wine at its optimum temperature.

A PDF solution designed specifically for architects, Bluebeam PDF Revu creates PDFs from AutoCAD, Revit and MS Office with the push of a button and enables industry-standard markups including text, pens, highlights, shapes, CAD symbols and measurements. It includes advanced features to perform cost calculations, automatically compare drawings, track markups in a list, integrate with SharePoint and ProjectWise or go mobile on a tablet PC.

PDF Revu allows you to collaborate with others around the globe using Revu’s newest feature, Bluebeam Studio, to post markups to the same PDF simultaneously or separately at any time. Download a 30-day trial at www.bluebeam.com/apn.

The K 1801 Vi refrigerator from Miele’s flagship MasterCool range has been crafted from high-grade materials and cutting-edge cooling technology.

The large-capacity refrigerator combines European design with size and user convenience. It is equipped with MasterFresh drawers that keep food fresh up to three times longer than normal storage, advanced TouchControls that adjust and maintain ideal conditions so food is kept for longer, and Miele’s exclusive BrilliantLights, which spread light down the cabinet walls for complete illumination.

The Megaman GX53 is an ideal energysaving solution for slim, surface-mounted luminaires in compact spaces. Offering up to 80% energy savings and superior life expectancy of 15,000 hours with innovative technology, the GX53 is a viable alternative to LED, especially as it is replaceable. The lamp delivers more than 40 lumens per watt and is available in cold or warm white light.

The aluminium exterior fittings are produced by French company CeeGee. These fittings are manufactured to a high standard and utilize the new hard-wearing DuPont powder finish.

Ranging in size from 3.7 metres to 6.1 metres, Element by Big Ass Fans works with heating, ventilation and airconditioning systems to move large volumes of air in commercial spaces, reducing energy bills and improving personal comfort.

In summer, Element minimizes energy costs by evenly distributing cool air, reducing the load on air-handling systems in restaurants, health clubs, school and resorts.

The gearless direct-drive technology and on-board controls create silent operation (less than 40 dBA) while preventing interference with electronics. A customizable platform allows users to also integrate security cameras, lights or speakers directly through the fan. With a variety of aesthetic options available, Element can blend into surroundings or become a true design feature for any environment.

The Milan double under-mount kitchen sink by Everhard Industries is made from 304 stainless steel and features dual sinks, both featuring a 90 mm basket waste that guarantees to add style to any kitchen.

It can be supplied with an optional accessory pack, including a timber cutting board, sink colander and a stainless steel drainer, which all sit flush within the sink. The Milan double under-mount sink is ideal for compact kitchens with limited bench space and for clients who like to multitask.

The Milan double under-mount sink is available nationally at plumbing and hardware stores. It is distributed by Everhard Industries.

Energy-saving glass blocks from Italian manufacturer Seves are now available from Adelaide Glass Blocks. The blocks make use of Seves’s latest energy-saving technology, which reduces the thermal transmittance of the classic glass block by up to 50%.

The classic glass block is made up of two half shells containing air without humidity. These traditional blocks have a U value of 2.8 W/m2 K; when used in a complete panel with aluminium framing and silicone, they achieve a WERS rating of 3.0 W/m2 K. The new energy-saving block has been developed with a sheet of floating glass inserted between the two halves, creating two chambers that are filled with argon gas. The energy-saving block has a U value of 1.5 W/m2 K, a considerable reduction in thermal transmission. In addition, Seves uses a low-impact production process where excess material from one production cycle is reused in the next. The glass block is also entirely recyclable at the end of its life cycle.

In response to customer demand for an affordable lift with automatic sliding doors, Easy Living Home Elevators developed the sleek Domus Evolution lift. Designed to impress, it involved years of research and aims to bring customers innovation at its best.

Designed, engineered and made in Italy to suit the requirements of the Australian market, the Domus Evolution is suitable for both residential and commercial applications. At the touch of a button, the stainless steel doors slide open and closed.

It features lifting load capacities of up to 400 kg, an optional selfsupporting glass tower, and through-car lift arrangements. The Domus Evolution also boasts low pit depth and headroom dimensions – it requires a pit depth of just 150 mm minimum and headroom of 2,650 mm. These low pit and headroom dimensions can be easily incorporated into new and existing projects.

Simple to use, the Somfy i700 Touch Panel controller is a low-cost touch screen interface that brings home automation within reach of every home owner.

The i700 Touch Panel package combines the open-protocol Somfy RS485 RTS radio transmitter with a seven-inch thin film panel, allowing centralized control of Somfy automated blinds, awnings, curtains, louvres, shutters and lights. Simple-to-program timer functions and scenario settings can also be accessed via a single intuitive touch screen interface.

For large projects, multiple panels can be individually accessed and share a single RS485 connection.

When priced in isolation, precast concrete may appear more costly than traditional construction methods. However, when factoring in the cost savings from other project inputs, the project as a whole can experience significant cost savings using precast concrete.

Precast concrete offers a faster construction option, meaning lower costs. The shorter construction times mean earlier completion, translating into earlier rental income, while high-quality precast results in reduced costs from site defects. On-site trade supervision and labour costs are often less, as are scaffolding and propping costs and storage costs of plant, tools and materials. Factoring in all these savings means that precast concrete is often a more economical choice.

Rocla PermaTrak concrete boardwalk forms a major part of a new discovery trail at Cotter Dam in the Australian Capital Territory. The dam’s capacity is being increased by almost 20 times to secure the ACT’s water supply. A 2-metre-wide walking trail and 16-metre-wide viewing platform allow the public to enjoy the Cotter River environment and watch construction of the new 80-metre-high dam wall.

The PermaTrak boardwalk was used to connect the elevated viewing platform to the river trail below via gently graded accessible sections, with stepped short cuts. The PermaTrak system was specified for its durability and low maintenance.

Architect Jackson Teece specified the Thump X1 series balustrade for a Brisbane multiresidential project, the Scott Street Apartments. The flexibility and minimalism of the system enabled consistent detailing on each of the project’s varied terraces, curved balconies and voids. Colourback glass was applied to conceal the slab edges and emphasize the horizontal aspect of the river balconies.

The X1 system comprises sensitively detailed high-quality stainless steel fittings, low-height flat-bar posts and a slimline flat-bar handrail. The system has been fully engineered and certified to meet AS1288-2006 for all residential, commercial and industrial load requirements. It can accommodate all major construction methods.

Proof that optimal structural performance does not come at the expense of aesthetics lies in the existence of the tensile bar range from Ronstan Tensile Architecture, a range selected to hold the escalators at Sydney’s renovated Queen Victoria Building.

The beauty and form of tensile architecture demands more from a structural bar than the simple transfer of load, and nowhere is this more apparent than in the range of tensile bar solutions from Ronstan.

Optimal aesthetics, ultimate efficiency, five carbon and stainless systems, and a full range of design, engineering and installation services sets Ronstan apart.

A dynamic installation by Toby Horrocks reimagines Architecture Media titles as 3D cardboard forms.

Showing at the Gallery of Australian Design in Canberra during August and September, the exhibition Design Media in Australia invited popular Australian design titles – including Architecture Australia, Houses, Artichoke and Landscape Architecture Australia – to create a freestanding installation that would enable gallery visitors to interact with the content of the magazines. Each title was allocated a maximum space of 1.8 m × 1.8 m.

Using corrugated fibreboard fabricated by Visy, Toby Horrocks of Freefold Furniture created an installation for Architecture Media’s four design titles. The cardboard pieces interlocked at right angles to create three-dimensional forms. With refined and deliberate edges, the cardboard structure created undulating shapes of landscapes, buildings, furniture and dwellings.

The installations began as a computer-modelled arch – a basic architectural figure – that was stretched, twisted, squashed and pulled to create an abstract icon representing each magazine.

The Architecture Australia piece was a scale model of a tower with horizontal planes suggesting floor plates. The Artichoke seat represented the magazine by alluding to a bench seat and table, its organic form a visual pun on the word artichoke. The Houses fragment had 1:1 scale steps cut out of it – a human-scaled domestic object. The Landscape Architecture Australia hills were smoothly contoured like a hillside, the spikes recalling miniature trees.

The resulting collection was an inventive reimagining of these highly respected titles as three-dimensional cardboard forms and a demonstration of the possibilities in using cardboard as a design material.

Architecture Media’s editorial team recently took a fascinating trip to the Viridian complex at Dandenong in suburban Melbourne. Viridian marketing manager Cameron Hook organized the 90-minute plant tour, led by glassmaking manager Dave Thredgold.

We commenced our journey with a lengthy safety briefing, before progressing through the front-of-house area to the raw materials storage area – the batch house. There, the materials are weighed and mixed to specific formulas for particular types of glass, before being transported via conveyor belt to the furnace.

Heated to 1,600ºC, the gas-powered furnace fires from alternate sides of the structure every 20 minutes. This process can last up to 50 hours while the molten material is on the move. At this point, the river of glass – the float bath – is slowly cooled from 1,100ºC to 700ºC. The maximum width of the glass is a staggering 3,680 mm.

Thredgold explained that the glass spreads itself across the base of the furnace, where a layer of tin keeps it flat and parallel. Workers in the state-of-the-art control room manage a carefully controlled atmosphere of nitrogen and hydrogen minute by minute, to prevent the tin from oxidizing.

As the float bath never stops, moving 24/7 all year round, the control room constantly troubleshoots potential problems.

As the glass river nears the end of this process, the next step, if required, is to coat the glass while still in a semi-molten state. Coatings can change the glass’s optical properties to produce energy-efficient, high-performance products. To achieve this, a gaseous chemical mixture is brought in contact with the glass and a pyrolytic reaction impregnates the sheets.

Following coating, a controlled cooling period commences, in which the glass temperature is slowly lowered from 600ºC to room temperature.

The last step is to cut the glass sheets, which are then stored in the dispatch area ready to be loaded onto special container trucks that distribute the orders.

Viridian’s processes have been so highly refined that the company now leads the world in product quality.

Colours for 2011/12 showcased in Resene’s new fandeck The Range 2011/12 are generally cleaner and less complicated, giving an overall feeling of comfort. The palette moves toward more feminine hues, while there are touches of bright reds, oranges, yellows and violets to draw the eye.

The Range 2011/12 is a collection of classic and contemporary colours and finishes designed for 2011 and beyond, complete with complementary colour suggestions to help create the right colour schemes for decorating projects. Colours are also available in screenprinted A4 drawdowns, handy 55 ml test pots, self-adhesives, electronic RGB colour values, and ArchiCAD, AutoCAD, Revit, SketchUp and Spirit colour files.

The latest edition of the Lafarge Plasterboard Tech Manual makes specifying plasterboard solutions easy.

Covering over 570 systems, the comprehensive all-in-one, easy-to-use manual incorporates steel and timber systems, the latest BCA regulations and Australian standards, acoustic- and fire-rated board solutions, techniques for minimizing glancing light, detailed construction and installation guides and alternative systems that can be more efficient and cost effective for customers.

The Australian Interior Design Awards is calling for entries for 2011. Celebrating excellence in residential and commercial interior design from Australia-based designers, the not-for-profit awards are co-presented by the Design Institute of Australia, Designex and Artichoke.

Entering its eighth year, the annual awards provide designers with recognition at the highest professional level. Judging is conducted anonymously under the supervision of the Design Institute of Australia. Go to www.australianinteriordesignawards.com for registration and entry details. Online submissions opened last month and will close 5 February 2011, for projects completed between 1 September 2009 and 31 December 2010. The presentation of awards will take place at Peninsula in Melbourne on 15 April 2011, coinciding with Designex and the Australian Institute of Architects national conference.

The generous leadership of the program’s corporate supporters is gratefully acknowledged: Forbo Flooring Systems, Somfy, The Laminex Group, Dulux Australia, Smeg, Häfele, Space Furniture and Isis.

An Australia-wide program is encouraging the use of natural, renewable wood and wood products in design and building projects.

The “Wood. Naturally Better” program promotes the use of wood from sustainably managed forests as an environmentally sound design and construction material.

The many benefits of wood include the fact that it stores carbon in its structure, helping reduce the effect of climate change, it is a safe and flexible material to work with during construction, it is durable, it delivers strong acoustic and thermal performance and it can be recycled and reused. It also has universal aesthetic appeal.

Accel Design is a new premium service from James Hardie that delivers smart design, specification and building tools for architects and designers. It has been created to help users design, detail and document easily and efficiently. With it, users can access up-to-date information, comprehensive product data, priority support and smart design solutions.

Accel Design enables you to quickly create realistic 3D designs with intelligent ArchiCAD and Revit content and easily calculate sustainability, fire and acoustic ratings using smart product calculators. In addition, users can instantly gain priority access to exclusive design guidance and support from James Hardie experts.

Developed in association with leading organizations and professional associations, Box Hill Institute of TAFE is now offering the new Bachelor of Sustainable Built Environments.

This comprehensive course will equip students with the critical thinking skills and decision-making processes that will be vital for tomorrow’s built environment professionals, whether they work alongside architects, planners, facility managers, project managers, developers or major contracting enterprises at a national or international level.

Learning about community engagement, environmental troubleshooting and dealing with government red tape, students will experience a fresh and hands-on approach to making “green” buildings a market reality.

To ensure new homes, alterations and additions are located and constructed with greater bushfire protection, the new standard AS3959– 2009 “Construction of buildings in bushfire-prone areas” now applies nationally. Given the extent and the significance of these changes, educating clients will play an important role in bringing everyone up to speed.

To facilitate this education process, an updated guide has been published to help explain the new standards in detail. The guide includes amendment one to the standard, as well as details of the extensive range of wood products offered by Carter Holt Harvey that can be used to build standard compliant floor, wall, deck and roof systems. The guide demonstrates that CHH wood products are still a viable solution for BCA-compliant homes in all bushfire attack levels (BAL).

The guide is available at www.chhwoodproducts.com.au/bushfire-protection.

A truly bespoke product is now on the market from PGH Bricks. Vibrant is a brick collection with a glazed finish, handmade in striking colours to stretch the imagination. Launched in 2010, the collection is suitable for creative applications in both residential and commercial projects.

For PGH Bricks, the ceramic product was a natural progression from the current ranges that are available. Developed by Lionel Helie, operations manager for PGH, the Vibrant brick range is not only unique for its amazing colours but also for its processes and substance.

The bricks are made in true artisan style. The product is fired once, a glaze is applied by hand to the face and one header and then they are fired again. Each batch is a mere 200 units, the capacity of the kiln, so these bricks are the crème de la crème of the PGH range. As well as their unique finish, Vibrant bricks feature sustainable qualities such as solar reflectivity, thermal mass properties and colour longevity.

The Vibrant palette spans seven lush colours – Cosmic, a dusky purple; Fizz, a sprightly yellow; Paris, a blushing pink; Rhapsody, a soothing blue; Tango, a balanced orange; Wasabi, a zingy green; and Watermelon, a glossy red. Vibrant’s versatility means the bricks can be used in exterior and interior designs. The durable finish is suitable for use in outdoor rooms, kitchens, bathrooms and feature walls – wherever innovation and creativity abound.

To complement the Vibrant range, the PGH team has developed partner collections: Academy is again a ceramic brick but with a colour palette that ranges from pink through reds and browns to a striking deep blue; Alchemy incorporates a remarkable metallic finish that glitters in the light; Altitude is a glazed brick that features a wire-cut finish currently available in five colours from light pink through to dark grey.

Architectural Window Systems (AWS) has released a new electronic resource for window and door specifiers. The AWS Specification and Technical Toolkit provides a comprehensive reference for Vantage and AWS Commercial window and door systems.

The PC- and Mac-compatible DVD, with intuitive navigation, gives architects and designers access to important product information, electronic versions of specifier manuals, CAD and WERS files, along with animated product demonstrations. The AWS Specification and Technical Toolkit is a valuable resource for all window and door specifiers.

Flooring specialist Big River Group has published its full range of flooring products on the AutoSpec online specification website. This new service allows designers and specifiers to automatically generate specifications online.

The user inputs the details of the required product application – how and where it will be used – and the system selects the best product for the purpose, generating an accurate, project-specific specification. A range of specification documents can be generated, downloaded or exported to CAD and project management applications.

The service is available free until 2012, at www.autospec.com.au.

A brightly coloured rainbow cocoon of Forbo Marmoleum has attracted the Fly Forbo award 2010 for Giant Design Consultants of Crows Nest, New South Wales. The winning project, Le Fringe hair dressing salon, features ribs in spectrum shades of Marmoleum interspersed with dark bands. All interior and exterior walls, the floor and ceiling are faced in Marmoleum.

Giant Design Consultants principal Ed Kenny said the sustainability aspect of Marmoleum was an added bonus. “We had an open brief and wanted to use as much of the available height as possible. Ideally we’d use just one product that would be really durable and could be used on walls, floors, shop front and ceiling.”

Giant Design wins a trip for two to Europe, $1,500 spending money and visits to 100% Design in London and Forbo’s Design Studios in Holland.

Philippe Mayer, Grange chairman and president of Valorization of Innovation in Furnishing (VIA), is an icon of the French furniture industry and has been instrumental in developing designers including Philippe Starck and Jean-Paul Gaultier. Mayer visited Melbourne in October, presenting the latest Grange collection at the Domo Collections showroom in Sandringham.

Mayer has been a director and shareholder of Grange since 1994. In that time he has played a key role in negotiating the partial sale of Grange to consumer brands group AGA Rangemaster Group. He has steadily built the company into an international brand with products available in 40 countries worldwide.

Quintessential French themes and culture imbue the newest Grange collection. The pieces are durable, warm and have a heritage feel.

A “modest and delightful” courtyard house by Aiden Murphy and Aaron Peters from Cox Rayner Architects and Kerry Hill Architects (Queensland) won the professional category in this year’s Boral Design Award. The runner up was Justin Wight, Paul Townsin and Michael Schaple from South Australia’s Whatever Studio, while Manus Leung of the University of New South Wales won the student category.

Entrants were asked to respond to Australia’s changing housing needs and reduced land sizes, taking into consideration adaptability, sustainability and affordability. Eligible entries specified selected Boral products including timber, bricks, pavers, decorative concrete, roof tiles, windows and bifold doors.

Centor has received the Australian Window Association Design Award for Most Innovative Component for its LT Twinpoint locking system for folding doors.

A twist of the Twinpoint’s sleek central handle operates deadbolts at the head and sill of the door. This simple operation offers benefits for people with impaired mobility, removing the need to reach too high or too low to access deadbolts.

“Since Centor invented the modern weather-sealed bifold, there has been the problem of door furniture getting in the way of the doors stacking neatly,” says Centor Asia-Pacific general manager Garry Stone. “Our LT Twinpoint lock solves this problem, while looking sleek and stylish at the same time. Its low profile means folding doors can stack neatly, without intrusive door furniture getting in the way.