Architectural Product News, February 2010

With Plateau, and its lower-backed brother Petit Plateau, iconic designer Erik Magnusson fuses table and chair into one stylish piece of furniture. The Plateau shell closes in to invite conversational exchange or allow solitude and reflection when required. The flattened armrest will support a laptop or hot cup of coffee.

Plateau is available in quality fabric and leather selections, in two back heights. It is available in Australia from Interstudio and appointed resellers.

Australian manufacturer Air-Cell Insulation has launched Permifloor™, an insulation innovation designed specifically for suspended-framed floor applications delivering a two-in-one insulation and water-permeable moisture management solution.

Permifloor™ is manufactured with a patented closed-cell, physically cross-linked foam structure sandwiched between highly reflective foil surfaces and perforated with tiny, evenly spaced holes. These perforations allow water and vapour to permeate through, preventing moisture from collecting under the flooring, which sometimes happens when using conventional under-floor insulation systems.

As with all of Air-Cell’s products, Permifloor™ is fibre-free, non-allergenic, environmentally friendly, and fast and easy to install. Permifloor™ has been stringently fire tested and is CodeMark-certified to comply with Australian standards and BCA regulations.

Kingspan Insulated Panels is future ready. Its all-in-one architectural wall facades and roofing systems are R-rated building solutions that are already compliant with anticipated changes to the Building Code of Australia (BCA).

The energy-efficiency provisions of Section J of the BCA are expected to change in 2010. Section J is a part of the BCA that is currently undergoing significant reform in response to the Federal Government’s commitment to reducing greenhouse gas emissions. These new BCA energy initiatives are part of a long-term plan to increase the thermal efficiency of building stock.

Mandatory minimum requirements for energy performance are currently in existence for roofs, walls and floors. These are set to change, and one of the draft provisions for 2010 currently indicates an emphasis on roof colour choices, with lighter colours recommended for warm climates and darker colours in colder climates. This is seen as a means of countering the effects of solar absorption on roof systems. Another key area of proposed change is the minimum thermal requirement for wall systems, based on the type of wall construction and the relevant climate zone.

As the cost of both living and building rises, one of the key decisions that needs to be made in building design and construction today is the use of future-proof products – materials that will meet the thermal performance requirements of today and tomorrow. This is not a problem for Kingspan Insulated Panels, which currently offers (as standard products) R-rated roof systems between R 1.82 and 5.35 and R-rated wall systems from R 2.65 to 7.15. These are product R-values, which are not reliant on an array of roofing materials to achieve thermal performance (for example, safety mesh, building blankets, roof spacer bars or roof sheeting). Wall systems may also be multi-componented.

The rising importance of climate change issues provides an opportunity for performance-oriented products like Kingspan insulated panels, and provides builders and building owners with more environmentally friendly choices for the design of roof and wall systems.

Kingspan panels have a continuous layer of insulation at the roof or wall level – unlike standard bulk insulation which is generally either squashed or non-existent around purlins and battens, thus de-rating its performance. The choice of Kingspan products translates into ongoing energy savings, with more tenantable buildings and happier building owners.

The R-rated roof and wall systems achieve thermal performance that will comply with changes to the energy-efficiency provisions of Section J of the BCA.

Entrance design for major administrative buildings, professional practices, restaurants and hotels is particularly important. A doorway gives the first impression, creates trust and confidence and conveys quality. Dorma products can contribute to creating the right balance between function and aesthetics in an entry.

Dorma has been producing hardware for pivot doors for 50 years and is a market leader in this field. Whether the doors are standard, narrow or wide, single- or double-action, glass, timber or metal, Dorma has a comprehensive range of fittings and accessories for all pivot door requirements.

Centor Architectural’s S1E Eco-Screen provides eco-friendly retractable insect screening, UV protection and thermal control. S1E allows home owners to have complete control over their living environment, whatever the season or time of day. The screen retracts horizontally into its frame when not in use for a clean view.

For a multifunction option, architects can choose a combination of insect screen, UV protection or thermal blind fabrics to suit individual requirements. A system can be created using an insect screen with a thermal control blind to prevent insects entering the home during the day and to provide thermal protection and privacy at night.

Load Balancing Technology allows for effortless fingertip control. And Centor’s Tight Technology gives control of the horizontal edges of the screen so they remain straight and tight across the widest spans.

Freestanding baths are a striking focal point in the home bathroom, but choosing suitable tapware can be challenging. Getting water into the bath, from what is usually a tiled floor over a concrete slab, can present a quandary for the designer and the plumber.

The Perrin & Rowe floor legs for bath fillers have been redesigned for the English Tapware Company in Australia to address this problem. Now the under-floor plumbing can be installed and the tiling completed before the floor legs are connected and fixed onto the floor.

These classic bath fillers on floor legs are available with or without a hand shower in cradle, with lever or crosshead handles. Five finishes are available: chrome, nickel, pewter, gold and English bronze.

The new Trimline dryer from Bobrick is a 100 mm deep surface-mounted dryer, developed to comply with barrier-free guidelines. With its patented dual-flow parallax air ducts, the dryer provides a more comfortable and faster dry, along with a moderate sound level, making it particularly suited to those buildings where noise is a concern.

It is available in a choice of white-painted steel (B-7120) or satin-finish stainless steel (B-7128) to complement any washroom design.

Following on from the launch of PGH’s Altitude collection of glazed bricks, a new addition has been made to the range – and it’s pink.

Venus is a sweeter version of traditional red brick. It is a far cry from the traditional brick colours, and moves into a new era where bricks challenge conventional thinking on what the colour of a brick should be.

This new and evocative pink brick has been developed to stimulate the design senses. Architects will be inspired by the potential of this unusual and fun building material.

Sikkens Woodcare now produces a low-VOC formula for interior woodwork – Cetol TS Interior Mat Plus. This excellent finish stains, seals and protects from a single can.

A protective, hard-wearing coating, Cetol TSI is suitable for all internal woodwork as a water- and dirt-resistant finish for doors, skirting and architraves, ceiling lining boards, furniture and shelving. It also copes with moisture and heat inside saunas, for example on timber seating and panelling, as well as in wet areas like bathrooms.

Cetol TS Interior Mat Plus finishes to a pearl lustre and is available in a non-yellowing clear finish and wood tones including natural oak, light and dark oak, walnut, ebony, opal white, mahogany, rosewood, pine and teak.

Trend Windows & Doors’ Xtreme range of bushfire window and door products has recently been tested to the new bushfire construction standards (AS 3959-2009 and AS 1530.8.1-2007) to BAL 40 (40kW/m2).

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

Architects can install the Virtue bathroom vanity by Everhard in new and existing projects. With the option of a semi-recessed or square vitreous china top combined with a solid white high-gloss enamel cabinet, these high-quality bathroom vanities will enhance any bathroom design or renovation.

Virtue is available in 600 mm, 750 mm, 900 mm and 1,200 mm models and can be fitted with glass doors.

Mailsafe Mailboxes now produces the Storsafe over-bonnet storage system. This all-aluminium product is designed to increase storage capacity in unit car parks and garages, where storage space is limited, without restricting the room needed to park a car.

Each compartment comes with a three-point locking mechanism so belongings are secure from damage and safe from theft. Since the compartment is raised off the ground, possessions are protected from fire, water, dust and vermin. Storsafe is one of the safest, strongest and most versatile storage solutions available for unit dwellers.

Dorma’s Magneo with low-energy mode is a stylish automatic sliding door that dispenses with the use of safety sensors, as it operates within sensible energy ranges. The result is an elegant visual appearance in combination with SoftMotion safety, ensuring the door will stop automatically and reverse its cycle on light contact.

The Magneo system can be combined with glass or wooden doors – with a total weight of up to 80 kg – making the unit suitable for either in-wall or on-wall mounting.

The CS 80 Magneo’s sleek, modern design is an eye-catching feature for homes, as well as professional environments such as clinical practices, offices, hotels and the catering sector.

The Latchways Constant Force roof anchor and ManSafe static lines are specified because they work. The Constant Force post and ManSafe static line are tested on a real roofs, built to the manufacturer’s specification. The fall-protection system is tested for more than 100 kg (one user) and it limits loads back to the roof sheet to 10 kN.

Latchways fall-protection systems will not damage the roof in the event of a fall and are warranty-backed by Equus, Sika and Wolfin membranes. Project managers should never specify inferior alternative products. A fall-protection system specification is protecting peoples’ lives.

Dali is designed for simple, practical and intuitive lighting control. The Dali circle control is a compact and elegant solution to the bewildering array of lighting switches and rotary controllers commonly found in offices, schools and commercial buildings.

To make it as straightforward and easy-to-use as possible, Dali has been designed with few components. Designed for small, stand-alone installations, the Dali circle control features two lighting groups and three individual lighting scenes, so the lighting supports the task.

The Dali circle control is available in white or silver, with square or gently rounded edges, to fit in with any interior design and style.

Architects can add function to operable walls by adding cost-effective, durable work surfaces like whiteboards. Dorma provides steel whiteboard as standard for Acousti-Seal operable walls.

Steel whiteboards are superior in appearance and durability compared to common melamine versions. Dorma provides these in a continuous configuration as standard, and whiteboards are also available to upgrade existing operable walls.

For over a decade UrbanStone has designed, developed and produced large-scale outdoor pavescape solutions. Shifting Sands, a precision-engineered, ultra-premium UrbanStone product, creates the appearance of natural sand dune ridges. Beyond its standard commercial paving and walling products, UrbanStone also has the capacity to custom design products to meet a clients’ individual requirements.

To enable architects, engineers and commercial landscapers to explore the range of options available, UrbanStone has created a comprehensive website. It can be accessed at www.urbanstone.com.au and contains design ideas, technical details and examples of how the many UrbanStone products have been used successfully in hundreds of applications over many years.

Guglielmi, an Italian company, manufactures four distinct tapware ranges to please even the most discerning design palate. Technologically advanced and cleverly designed, Guglielmi tapware products impart glamour and prestige to any setting.

The dramatic AG basin set has a three-blade spout design, delivering a sheet-flow water effect through three identical slits in the top of the spout. The AG basin set is available through Tradelink or Mico Design.

MakMax ETFE foil is emerging as one of the most popular new materials in the building and design industry. ETFE foil was specified for China’s Shenzhen East Huaqiao City Indoor Water Park for its extraordinary flexibility as well as its logistical, economic and environmental benefits.

Facade and roofing solutions with MakMax ETFE can be provided as single-layer membranes supported by a cable net, or as a series of two- and three-layer pneumatic cushions. ETFE cushion systems offer both insulation properties as well as light translucency, due to the fact that they contain a layer of air and can be tailored using fritted coatings to change both the solar and thermal transmission.

Cushions are continually filled with air through a master pumping system. A series of pipes connects each ETFE cushion to the main fans. These pipes are housed within the steelwork of the structure and within the aluminium extrusion running along the perimeter of each cushion. Fans are used alternately to maintain an even pressure, using the same amount of energy as a single light bulb.

The ability to adjust the air pressure within each cushion is controlled by a central computer, which reacts automatically. By adjusting the depth of air within the cushion, one can align two fritted panels to vary the solar transmittance, allowing maximum light transmission or increasing the shading coefficient dramatically. ETFE foil takes its name from the copolymer ethylene tetra fluoro ethylene (ETFE).

This material is a thermoplastic fluoroethylene copolymer of tetrafluoroethylene and ethylene. ETFE foil maintains comparable chemical resistance and electrical properties to PTFE and FEP in addition to improved mechanical properties and workability that exceeds PVDF.

This compound has a very low fire danger: it is considered self-extinguishing and will not create dangerous molten drips or any toxic fumes. ETFE foil is an extruded foil and, unlike traditional architectural fabrics, ETFE foil does not have a base cloth, making it extremely thin (100 to 300 microns).

ETFE foil presents U-values from 5.8 W/m²°K to as low as 1.47 W/m²°K. When applied horizontally this product has a better insulation value than triple glazing. Thermal transmittance can be further limited by adding more layers of foil or applying surface treatments such as texturizing, adding a matte finish, a colour tint or a fritted finish.

ETFE foil is more energy efficient than traditional materials such as glass, wood or steel. ETFE foil also has an excellent life expectancy – in excess of 30 years. ETFE foil is unaffected by most types of environmental weathering including UV light and atmospheric pollution. The smooth surface created by extruding the foil also gives it stain-resistance properties, meaning the ETFE foil surface is very low maintenance.

ETFE foils can improve the environmental performance of a building in many ways. Most importantly this product has an extremely low carbon footprint due to the energy savings in producing a smaller, lighter structure in comparison to a cumbersome alternative. The cradle-to-cradle manufacturing approach has been adhered to, allowing this product to be recycled and reused with negligible environmental impact.

Blockout Roller Shutters has a range of shutters for all glass areas including shaped or angled windows, doorways and roofs. Blockout roller shutters will help secure a property by preventing glass breakages and will also insulate and reduce noise, light and heat loss/gain internally. They will also help protect interiors from harsh weather conditions including bush fires.

Blockout roller shutters are ideal for glass areas on new and existing homes as well as commercial and industrial applications. The shutters can be installed externally or built-in during construction. Standard and custom colours are available on request.

The range includes Blockout Maxiview shutters, which allow light and ventilation to enter the building while still maintaining views.

Lightweight but durable, EasyLap panel is an easily installed and cost-effective broadwall textured cladding solution for both timber- and steel-framed homes. With EasyLap there’s no more mucking around with taping, setting and specialized texture coaters. Only two trades – a carpenter and painter – are needed for complete and fast installation.

EasyLap panel is a strong, fibrecement base sheet with a shiplap vertical joint, finished with a site-applied roll-on textured acrylic paint to create a rendered look with a subtle vertical joint. Steve Dyer from Build Better says, “It’s great to have a product that does not require a renderer to finish off. We engaged the painter straight after installing the cladding. EasyLap panel certainly saves time and money on wet trades and scaffolding.”

Since 1995, Alutile has featured on buildings, signage and all kinds of projects around the world. It is ideal for new high-rise developments and refurbishments of existing projects, able to transform an old facade into something new. Alutile is also suitable for apartments, in both single-storey and multiresidential projects, as well as private residences, factories, showrooms and shopping centres. Alutile meets ASTM testing standards, thanks to the factory’s ISO 9001 and ISO 14001 accreditation.

Alutile is available in various sheet thicknesses and an extensive colour range, including metallic finishes. Alutile Australia stocks panels in several sizes – two widths are available (1,250 mm and 1,570 mm) and three lengths (2,500 mm, 3,200 mm and 4,000 mm).

While traditional facade systems are often reliant on heavy silicones and caulking for installation or double-sided tapes and surface fixings that often provide only short-term solutions, the easy-to-install Smartfix facade system avoids these potential problems.

In place of traditional fixing methods, Smartfix delivers simple yet well-engineered lightweight aluminium fixing profiles, which ensures consistent joint uniformity.

Thanks to these qualities, out of more than 3,000 international entries, the Smartfix system recently received an honourable mention at the Red Dot Design Awards in Essen, Germany, which recognize outstanding design in the industry.

Maximize the life of a roof project with Resene Summit Roof. This waterborne satin paint is easy to apply. It’s available in a range of popular Resene colours and colour matches to Colorbond colours.

A versatile finish, Resene Summit Roof can be applied directly over new previously uncoated galvanized iron, new aluminium, new previously uncoated Zincalume or sound cementitious surfaces. It is also available with Resene Cool Colour technology, which is designed to reflect more of the sun’s energy and keep the building cooler. Resene Summit Roof is Environmental Choice NZ approved.

External corners on Woodform Architectural Expression cladding can now be mitred, thanks to the new Y-profile, a neat anodized aluminium detail. This cornerstop provides a fixed point to which the cladding boards can be mitred and sealed, minimizing the risk of them gapping and pulling away from each other. The end result is a detail that looks great, and will stand the test of time.

For roofs and windows that demand a bend, the Markilux 8000 Conservatory shading system offers a curved front to ensure optimum sun shading for custom applications. It is designed as a sturdy one-piece self-supporting cassette with two independently working gas pistons. The side track profiles on the Markilux 8000 Conservatory shading system are bent to an exact degree for smooth gliding and frictionless movement.

Powered by Somfy motorization, the perfected slide and guide rail system minimizes noise during operation, and its extremely stable extruded front profile ensures a very taught fabric cover. Ideal for glass conservatories, pergolas and balconies, the Markilux 8000 Conservatory shading system can be made to up to 4 metres in width as a single unit and extends up to 7 metres, and can be coupled up to 84 square metres.

A low-VOC, liquid-applied polyurethane membrane, Enviro 700PUR is suitable for waterproofing in domestic or commercial applications. Enviro 700PUR can be applied to wet areas, roofs, podium decks, balconies, retaining walls and basements.

Enviro 700PUR is flexible, foot trafficable and UV resistant. It can easily be modified to perform as a decorative wear course through the addition of decorative aggregates and seal coats. Enviro 700PUR complies with AS 4858 class 3 for internal wet area membranes and is easily applied and detailed.

Australian-owned and manufactured Symonite composite panels have been used by Australian architects and designers in numerous award-winning designs. Symonite’s comprehensive range of composite panels are available in a variety of colours and surface finishes, and can be manufactured to an architect’s exact specifications.

Symonite composite panels have a unique thermosetting core construction, giving them extreme impact resistance compared to other types of panels. Being fire-resistant and UV-stable, Symonite panels can be fully exposed to the elements, providing a wide range of application opportunities for residential and commercial specification.

New from Supawood, Supatile 10 is designed to fit into the traditional exposed T-bar system in such a way that only a neat 10 mm express joint is exposed. This means Supatile 10 can fit in virtually any room regardless of shape or size, and can be used for floating ceiling areas as required.

Supatile 10 is quick to install, which means lower installation costs.

Supatile 10 can be installed for creative acoustic patterns in contemporary timber and colour finishes. The designer can achieve a directional effect, create mood or define an area, providing visual stimulation and ambience to the overall fitout.

The Big River Group now offers a complete range of recycled timbers, salvaged from demolished buildings, which are milled to a high standard of finish and accuracy. As well as peace of mind, these products provide a superior-quality timber that has been seasoned for long periods.

A wide range of recycled timber products is available for structural, architectural and interior applications. Big River also offers standard recycled floorboards in two basic colour ranges – mixed red and mixed cream. These overlay boards are 125 mm wide and 12 mm thick, with reversible tongue and groove.

Ozbreed Best Plant’s new Tristaniopsis laurina (Luscious) is a popular landscape alternative to the Magnolia. Luscious is a beautiful addition to a landscape design, with its Australian-native hardiness and beautiful port-coloured bark, which peels back to reveal a mottled cream stem.

Luscious is a highly ornamental tree that is well suited for use in street plantings, parks, reserves or home gardens. The foliage is a deep, dark green with a shiny appearance. It also bares clusters of yellow flowers that produce a sweet perfume.

An evaporative cooling system is one of the most cost-effective and quietest ways to cool a building. For over 50 years, Bonaire has been providing Australians with energy-efficient evaporative cooling systems. Bonaire uses the latest technology to create intelligent, environmentally friendly and user-friendly cooling systems that maximize energy efficiency and minimize power bills.

The new Bonaire Aquamiser water conservation system is a clever and reliable device that is designed to automatically minimize the water usage of the evaporative airconditioner while still ensuring the system has the correct amount of fresh water to guarantee efficient operation.

The Bonaire Aquamiser evaporative airconditioner with dump valve (inset) automatically minimizes water usage while ensuring the system has the correct amount of fresh water for efficient operation.

Queensland company Sharp Plywood converts Xanita’s recycled paper (X-Core) to X-Board Plus, using an automated inline process.

The managing director of Sharp Plywood, Rod Sharp, says that the potential for X-Board Plus is only just beginning to be realized. “We didn’t expect all the different ways it would be used in the industry. It’s more than just a joinery panel,“ says Rod. “We now make X-Board Plus with built-in rails of solid timber or MDF as a matter of course, which is speeding up our customers’ production and creative uses. Our latest X-Board Plus panels faced with AC hoop plywood are attracting a lot of attention from the joinery industry as well,” says Rod.

X-Board Plus not only makes use of recycled paper waste, therefore reducing the amount that enters landfill, but also reduces the cost of raw materials, embodied energy, transport and logistics. The product is made to order and can support any design to meet residential or commercial furnishing requirements.

The Comparda low-energy downlight range from Beacon Lighting comprises a 99.9 percent super-pure aluminium casing and self-extinguishing (ULV94VO) polycarbonate trim.

The Comparda comes complete with remote gear box and high-performance electronic control gear and lamps. The adjustable lamp holders allow easy access for maintenance. These luminaries are suitable for hotels, offices, retail stores, apartment buildings and large exhibition areas.

There is a Comparda downlight for virtually every application, with models available in high output, low glare, dark light, IP40, IP44, floating glass or the Comparda GU10 and GX52 mini.

Born from industrial roots, the commercial-grade Element and Isis fans improve air circulation and aid in energy conservation by reducing the dependence on heating and cooling systems.

These fans come in sizes ranging from 2.4 metres to 6.1 metres and utilize an electronically controlled gearless motor technology, which ensures silent operation. In fact, just one 2.4-metre-diameter Isis fan moves more air than nine standard 1.3-metre ceiling fans combined, and it does this at a fraction of the operating cost.

Artemis Building Systems (ABS), with Suntech, the world’s largest photovoltaic (PV) solar panel manufacturer, now distribute a complete range of building-integrated photovoltaic (BIPV) products, covering integrated roof systems, glazing for skylights, windows, glazed awnings, curtain walls and sunshades.

Just Roof is a product comprised of black-framed PV panels with a proprietary waterproof glazing bar system. Just Roof is designed to form a completely integrated roof that can replace standard roof cladding systems. It has an impressive power rating of 130 W/m2.

Popular overseas for over 14 years and featuring leak-free installation, Just Roof can be integrated within conventional roof structures and, in particular, gable-type roof structures. When it is fully metal flashed, Just Roof blends in naturally within the roofing envelope, due to its low profile. It provides clean, free energy without compromising aesthetics.

Just Roof has been tested and complies with Australian and international PV standards, having undergone mechanical load pressure tests of up to 2.4 kPa. It is CEC-approved for Australian use.

While these products lend themselves to being incorporated at the early design stage of a project, they can also be retro-fitted. ABS has the technical expertise in the PV, roofing and curtain wall industries to produce a sustainable and socially conscious solution for any project, no matter how challenging it is.

ABS recently won the supply contract for the heritage-listed Sydney Town Hall. The 43 kW PV roof project, with its innovative mounting and panel system, addressed the heritage and structural issues involved with the roof’s slate tiles and structure.

In November 2008 Vertilux Corporation removed PVC-based fabrics from its branded fabric ranges and continues to work hard to reduce volatile organic compounds (VOCs).

Vertilux currently offers 11 exclusively engineered fabrics for use in roller blinds, panel glides and roman blinds. Fabrics are made from either Verotex Trevira CS or Polyester. These ranges are all tested and assessed by Ecospecifier. Vertilux is a member of the Green Building Council of Australia.

Vertilux Corporation, seeing the need to formalize its sustainability practices and brand strategy, has appointed the green communications firm Republic of Everyone to help them communicate this information to market.

Created by Amsterdam-based designer and self-proclaimed inventor Raimond Puts, the Raimond chandelier is a sparkling ball of LED lights connected by an intricate web of polished stainless spring steel. The technology behind the work allows an electrical current to travel through the structured form, with each LED terminal creating a luminous path.

Raimond is described by Moooi as, “Like staring into the universe during a cloudy night.” The light was designed in 2006 and launched at the Milan Furniture Fair in 2009. It is available in three sizes, with either 252, 162, or 92 individual LED lights.

Cavalier Bremworth’s Armure textured loop pile carpet combines the durability and performance of a loop pile with the luxurious underfoot feel of a cut pile carpet. At a distance, the pebbled surface can give the appearance of a cut pile carpet. This creates a more informal look than the usual linear loop piles and, with a residential extra-heavy-duty grading, it is very family friendly.

Armure is made from 100 percent New Zealand wool and carries Good Environmental Choice Australia accreditation.

This updated and energy-efficient version of the classic high bay pendant was designed by Bruno Gecchelin and is manufactured in Milan by Ivela. The Aplomb allows for direct impact lighting, making it perfect for all retail, gallery and commercial applications.

The sophisticated design, in silver, black or white finish, is available in a large range of lamp options including metal halide, 85 W, 70 W and 2 × 42 W fluorescent.

Ivela designs are available in Australia exclusively from Studio Italia.

Western red cedar shutters add beauty, warmth and character to projects at an affordable price. Cedar shutters offer enormous versatility in style, but the timber’s benefits go beyond beauty, performance and value – it is also a sustainable building material.

Western red cedar forests are abundant, independently certified and harvested legally and sustainably. Life cycle assessments show that western red cedar has a low environmental impact when compared to other materials such as brick, fibrecement, wood/plastic composite and PVC.

Sunbrella has teamed up with Australia’s dry-spell gardening guru, Brendan Moar, to produce a spectacular garden using Sunbrella fabric.

Running on the LifeStyle Channel, Brendan’s Dry Spell Gardening makeovers are inspired by the need to design water-conscious gardens that not only save water but are suited to Australia’s hot, dry climate. In his latest makeover, colour was introduced to the garden using a unique ribbon wall made using Sunbrella fabric. Sunbrella was chosen because of its ability to withstand the elements, resisting rotting, fading, and damage from sun and water for up to ten years. Sunbrella fabric gives the garden colour at eye level that would otherwise have come from plants. Sunbrella’s huge range of vibrant colours, both plain and stripes, has added splashes of colour throughout the garden that make for an inspiring and water-wise design.

Nash Timbers of Sydney, a leader in recycling timber, is supplying recycled power poles to prestige homes and commercial environments. The poles have been used in a cafe at Ryde Park, New South Wales, and in the Port Botany Boardwalk lookout and amenities.

Managing director David Nash says, “Energy Australia has decommissioned and deemed unserviceable many power poles. These poles each have a unique identification tag denoting the characteristics of the pole; this then gives the project a chain of custody and you get that piece of history to keep, but remodelled to suit your requirements.”

Nash transforms the power poles into unique architectural products including recycled hardwood feature flooring, decking, cladding, staircases, furniture and spectacular feature beams. Nash is blending the old with the new and using a recycled power pole helps to ensure a healthy, habitable world for future generations.

Somfy sensors are a convenient, compact and functional way to automate solar protection based on climatic conditions. Providing control over solar heat gain, the Sunis and ThermoSunis sensors are small and discreet sensors compatible with virtually all Somfy RTS motors and receivers.

Roller shutter and external sunscreen automation via the Sunis indoor sensor will ensure the right amount of light is allowed into each room by moving the roller shutter according to the sun’s position on the window.

Internal blinds, external blinds and roller shutters can be controlled using the ThermoSunis’ temperature and sun-sensing capability. The ThermoSunis sends the solar protection to the “My” position when radiant heat and light exceed preset levels.

WE-EF Lighting produces high-performance lighting systems with strong environmental credentials. Until recently, smart control of lighting systems was confined to interior lighting. WE-EF has produced a simple, easy-to-install, easy-to-control, low-cost control system for the outdoors – EcoDim.

EcoDim will switch a wide range of light sources, including metal halide, high pressure sodium and cosmopolis, between 100 percent output and 50 percent output, while producing a 30 percent energy saving.

The ability to dim lighting automatically during periods of low activity is now recognized as a key way to maximize energy savings and reduce greenhouse gas emissions.

ThyssenKrupp Elevator’s Twin lift has two elevator cars travelling independently, one above the other, in the same shaft. The clever design of Twin helps building owners by saving precious real estate space, as Twin cuts the number of shafts required.

Twin also saves time and energy. Passenger waiting and travel times are reduced to a minimum. And fewer empty trips mean increased efficiency. The efficient design means lower material usage, which is better for the environment.

With its artful blend of Italian style and technology, Austral Bricks’ Moda ceramic pressed paver range is suited to contemporary outdoor environments. Moda pavers are available in five colours: Sanza, Leoia, Zumo, Sol and Bello. This range of European-inspired natural tones and textures will beautify outdoor areas including pool surrounds, patios and even boulevards.

Moda is available in two large formats: 300 mm × 300 mm × 40 mm and 300 mm × 600 mm × 40 mm. “With Moda we have really turned tradition on its head to bring new sophistication to Australian landscaping. These beautifully crafted pavers are a world first in technology and design,” says Natalie Frendo, Austral Bricks New South Wales marketing manager.

Handle-less fronts are a popular choice in modern furniture design. Tip-on for Tandembox by Blum is a mechanical opening support system that opens drawers and pull-outs with just a touch.

Tip-on is versatile enough to suit all living areas and can be used where there are no electrical outlets, as is often the case in the bathroom or the wardrobe. Architects and their clients will be surprised with the opening comfort of Tip-on for Tandembox. Once opened, the drawer can be stopped in any position and closed easily with a gentle push.

Safetyline Jalousie louvre windows are not only stylish and functional, they also provide near-impenetrable security. Safetyline Jalousie louvre windows can also be used in a variety of domestic and commercial applications.

These windows have several distinct advantages over traditional louvre windows. They are available in sizes up to 1.4 metres wide. Safetyline Jalousie louvre windows also offer full automation with sensor activation, internal flyscreening, watertight seals, improved sound-proofing and the ability to support airconditioning. Design possibilities are endless, with complete floor-to-ceiling capabilities and a choice of glass or aluminium louvres.

Developed for Australia’s outdoor lifestyle, Hyne T3 Green is perfect for use in external above-ground structural applications like pergolas, carports, verandahs and decks. Being totally non-toxic and completely safe to handle, it is suitable for applications where the use of traditional CCA-treated timber has been restricted, especially where the product is in frequent contact with children. As Hyne T3 Green contains no chrome or arsenic, there are no limits for its use and it can be safely used for playground equipment.

Hyne has added an active ingredient to the timber treatment that can prevent the growth of mould. This has the added benefit of enhancing the existing water repellency feature of Hyne T3 Green.

The customizable WaterTile by Kohler is available with 22- and 54-nozzle spray heads. With a low-profile design, the showerheads have a clean aesthetic that perfectly complements any shower environment. Contemporary and understated, the WaterTile provides a stimulating or soothing hydrotherapy experience in the comfort of a home bathroom.

With the touch of a button, the bather can customize its WaterTile shower experience, controlling shower time, flow rates, lighting, temperature and massage capabilities. The DTV combines water-conserving functionality with the home spa through a simple menu-based navigation system.

Design and performance are the key elements of Fujitsu General’s large range of airconditioning systems. Suitable for an array of applications including commercial buildings, schools, airports, hospitals and museums, Fujitsu General’s airconditioners offer both cooling and heating options as well as excellent energy efficiency.

Fujitsu’s range incorporates inverter airconditioners, cassettes, under-ceiling, ducted and multi-head systems, providing flexible solutions to suit specific requirements. Sophisticated technology, high-performance filters and a number of advanced features make Fujitsu products an excellent choice for the Australian climate.

Fujitsu General also offers a number of variable refrigerant flow (VRF) systems, including the Airstage J-Series and Airstage V-Series.

The space-saving W + W washbasin and WC, developed by the Innovation Lab, was designed by Gabriel and Oscar Buratti for Roca.

The washbasin and WC are essential elements in every bathroom. Particularly in small bathrooms, these two items are often placed very close to each other and on the same wall. Individually, each piece may be a beautiful object but, when placed in close proximity, their different aesthetics can sometimes conflict.

The W + W solves this problem by fusing the functions of a washbasin and WC into a single piece, bringing neat styling to this once utilitarian space. This innovative design was recently presented with a Design Plus award.

High Performance Window Films’ (HPWF) Lateral decorative film has been used extensively throughout the Robinson Institute in Adelaide. Lateral film creates a warm and vibrant environment and adds a level of privacy to individual offices and meeting rooms. Lateral film was applied to both glass and wall surfaces to extend the graphic designs.

HPWF offers an exclusive in-house design service as well as obligation-free advice on its range of versatile decorative and designer films, including Lateral film. HPWF also has an extensive range of safety, security, anti-graffiti and energy-management films.

Recently the Rozelle Out Of School Hours child care facility had a problem with the sun beating into its refurbished top-floor area used by pre‑school children. The heat was expected to become a major problem in the summer months, so the team contacted Issey Sun Shade Systems in Lilyfield, New South Wales.

Issey made use of popular Sunworker 1.5 metre-wide internal/external blind material manufactured by Dickson in France. Dickson’s Sunworker fabrics are specifically designed to help block the sun’s harmful rays and this, along with its fire-retardant qualities, was a significant reason for its selection. The extensive colour range was an added bonus for the school.

Liftronic was chosen as the designer, supplier and installer of the lifts and escalators at Audi’s Lighthouse development. The site has a luxurious fitout and a prominent, prestige location, so Audi chose to finish its stunning showroom with a customized Liftronic glass passenger lift with an open atrium tower.

Liftronic created a bespoke observation elevator that runs through the centre of the main showroom, allowing customers to view the entire space while riding in the lift.

Locker Group mesh was installed on the street frontage of the new Hotel Ibis at King Street Wharf, in Sydney. Boston 712A aluminium woven wire mesh was installed to meet the requirements for a decorative sunscreen to surround the retail and hospitality areas of the new hotel.

The sun shading is highly decorative and provides extremely effective shading, allowing unobstructed airflow while reducing UV penetration and temperatures inside the building.

An expert in tensile structures, Ronstan Tensile Architecture understands how cables, rods and mesh can be combined in dynamic facade systems and secondary building skins to help control temperature and contribute to sustainable design. The new entry at Whitten Oval in Melbourne’s inner west is defined by its facade of tensioned cables and panels in the colours of the Western Bulldogs AFL team. The optimized two-dimensional cable net resists deformation, ensuring the structural efficiency and stability of the facade, creating a structure of impressive lightness and form.

Visitors to a viewing area at Uluru will watch the sun rise from platforms constructed from the Rocla PermaTrak concrete boardwalk system.

The sunrise viewing platform in the Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park, in the Northern Territory, was part of a $21 million development, which includes new car and coach parking areas, shade shelters, toilets, 11 kilometres of new roads, 1,600 metres of walking tracks and two large viewing platforms.

The new Talinguru Nyakunytjaku sunrise viewing area is landscaped into dunes approximately three kilometres to the south-east of Uluru, in a section of the park previously closed to the public. The platforms are set into the top of the dunes, giving visitors an elevated view of the famous monoliths.

The two concrete boardwalk platforms, situated about 70 metres apart, are mounted on steel sub-structures, varying in height from ground level to 1.5 metres. Rocla manufactured the PermaTrak treads with a red oxide admixture specified by the architects to integrate with the landscape.

The Seatery’s latest creations are semicircular banquette seats in Italian leather, which are both comfortable and aesthetically pleasing. Shopfitter Jacaranda Industries, working with architect Hassell, commissioned custom-upholstery specialist the Seatery to provide seating to complement this innovative building for a leading bank, set in Melbourne’s Docklands area.

The full aniline leather in a bright caramel is highlighted with detail stitching. The unforgiving characteristics of the hide and the circular shape posed a challenge, but the experience and skill of the Seatery team resulted in a striking finish.

The new Youth Hostels of Australia facility opened its doors recently, overlooking Sydney Harbour and incorporating views over the Opera House and the Harbour Bridge. Architect Alexander Tzannes Associates designed the new building with a roof deck area, which overlooks the harbour and is designed to be used by guests for relaxing and entertainment. Obviously the waterproofing of this area was critical, as it is over the hostel’s rooms.

The Wolfin waterproofing system was specified because of its proven track record in similar critical areas. The Wolfin GWSK membrane was terminated using Wolfin’s stainless steel profile system rather than the usual Wolfin galvanized steel, because of the building’s proximity to salt water.

The Wolfin installation was carried out by an experienced licensed Wolfin applicator, GRG Waterproofing, so that Wolfin was able to issue a combined single-point labour and materials warranty on the waterproofing.

The new bus transfer exchange in Koo Wee Rup, Victoria, is serviced by the Beta-Site toilet from Furphy’s Foundry. These toilets were designed for durability, functionality and simplicity.

Longevity of the Beta-Site toilet is ensured by the use of robust materials and manufacturing under the guidelines of the Building Codes of Australia AS 4100. Quality components and materials selected and fitted throughout the toilet make the Beta-Site toilet user-friendly for both the public and maintenance staff. Clean lines provided by Terra Flake flooring and stainless steel wall panels make for a cleaner environment, preventing the build-up of mould or dirt, and making the removal of graffiti less complicated. The Beta-Site toilet also meets the required ASI 428.1 2001 for disability access.

Beta-Site is ready to be installed and connected to electrical and plumbing facilities. The completed unit is loaded onto a truck and ready to be installed on site in one day rather than several weeks.

Le Messurier Timber & Building Products’ Urbanedge Deck 143 has been specified for use in three upcoming projects – Sacred Heart Primary School, Queensland; Gowanbrae Community Centre, Victoria; and Scotch College, South Australia. Not only suited for the residential market, this decking product comprising over 95 percent recycled materials is being specified as a composite decking material in the government and education construction sectors.

As a maintenance-free and durable decking material with high slip-resistance properties, Urbanedge Deck 143 is ideal for the large volumes of pedestrian traffic often experienced in schools, universities and other major public walkways.

Urbanedge Deck 242 – a bolder, stronger and wider composite decking board – is soon to be added to the Ultradesign Composites range. It features a clean, sharp designer profile with exciting design features that offer practicality and efficient installation.

Designed and planned by Behnisch Architekten, the new Unilever headquarters in Germany is based on an innovative energy concept and has over 35,000 m2 of space for around 1,000 employees.

The building’s primary energy consumption during operation will be under 100 kWh/m2a. A newly developed SMD-LED system from Nimbus has been deployed for the entire building.

Dietrich Brennenstuhl, managing director of German company Nimbus, says, “LED is a very efficient light source. It has a warm light, like a traditional bulb, but it uses up to 70 percent less energy, and you don’t bring heat inside the building, which means lower cooling costs. And importantly, each luminaire has a very long lifetime. A normal halogen light has a lifetime between 1,000 and 2,000 hours. Nimbus LEDs are engineered for over 50,000 hours.”

As well as low operating costs, LED luminaires are low maintenance. Brennenstuhl says, “In a big office building, with the lights on 24 hours a day, the lights lasts 10 to 15 years.”

For architects, using Nimbus luminaires will give a smooth finish to ceilings. “Halogen lights need a lot of space in the ceiling – between 80 mm and 100 mm. Nimbus LED luminaries are just 12 mm high, so this means you don’t need a lot of space above the ceiling,” says Brennenstuhl. “Also, halogen lights throw a light spot on the ground, so you have a circle on the floor and the rest of the room is dark. With LEDs, the lighting effect is very near to natural daylight, so light is spread evenly throughout the room. The LED is a smooth, soft, white light.”

Nimbus LED.next luminaries are available in Australia exclusively from Koda lighting.

Architects, designers and landscape architects go to Selector for a great selection of the latest products from Australia’s leading suppliers. Endorsed by the Australian Institute of Architects, the Design Institute of Australia, and the Australian Institute of Landscape Architects, Selector is a powerful online product network – a unique resource for specifiers and other building industry decision makers.

Go to www.selector.com to start exploring using Selector’s dynamic search functionality. Just enter a keyword, product description, product name, supplier, brand or designer, with the option to refine by keyword, sustainability, supplier, brand or designer. You can also browse by category or by supplier to find exactly what you’re looking for.

Take a look at Selector’s product pages to find detailed information about each product – an image showcase, a useful product description, sustainability attributes, document downloads, contact information about the supplier and a link to the supplier’s website. Plus there’s an enquiry form that enables you to request further information directly from the supplier.

For more detail on where to find each product, Selector’s supplier pages put you in touch with Australia’s leading companies. Here you can access office, distributor and showroom locations, find contact details, view information on other products from each supplier, and read industry news.

Are you specifying products for green projects? Selector’s sustainability attributes make it easy for architects, designers and landscape architects to identify the green credentials of each product using key environmental criteria – recycled content, low VOCs, design for disassembly, renewable content, third-party ratings and certifications – that enable users to refine their search results when trying to source eco-friendly products.

Sign up for the free Selector email newsletter to receive your weekly snapshot of the latest products, delivered straight to your inbox. Spanning furniture and interiors, construction and building materials, bathroom and kitchen fixtures, and outdoor and landscape products, it is the perfect way to keep up to date. Developed specifically for building industry professionals, Selector is an essential resource when it comes to specifying products.

To start searching or to sign up for the weekly Selector newsletter, visit www.selector.com.

At the 2009 Landscape Queensland Construction Awards evening, Eureka Landscapes took out the Million Dollar Plus category for its work at Brightwater Estate on the Sunshine Coast. In addition to this, it also won the Best Landscape Feature for Grande Park Stage at Springfield Lakes.

Eureka Landscapes has over thirty years’ experience within the landscaping industry. Eureka Landscapes has been involved with all types of landscaping projects, from broadacre revegetation and infrastructure projects, to residential communities and golf course surrounds. With its team of highly skilled employees, Eureka Landscapes is prepared for all landscaping projects, no matter what size or complexity.

Architectural Window Systems has recently released a new Vantage Specifier’s Guide for the Vantage range of residential window and door systems. A comprehensive resource for specifiers, the guide provides quick access to technical information, span charts, acoustic and energy ratings and details key features and benefits of each Vantage window or door system.

The Vantage brand offers basic residential, high-performance designer and thermally broken aluminium window and door systems, with standard-sized options through to commercial-sized framing for the greatest architectural design scope.

The Vantage Specifier’s Guide is available now, free of charge, and features streamlined content for easy navigation and quick product location.

The winner of the fourth annual Boral Design Award has been announced. This conceptual residential design award recognizes the work of architects, building designers and architecture students. The 2009 award encouraged innovative yet realistic concepts in residential design, with a brief to design a 150 m2 family home and its landscape, including detailing that responded to specific challenges of the site.

A $20,000 prize was awarded to the winners – Paul Focic and Jeremy Marsden, from Cox Rayner Architects (Brisbane), for Jacaranda House. The jury said, “Jacaranda House represents the most creative application of materials within a building that responds to climate, topography and orientation, to create maximum comfort and delight for its inhabitants.”

Second Place ($10,000) was awarded to Shane Plazibat, Tony Jemmott, Vincent Teo and Jindrich Hozak of Plazibat + Jemmott Architects (Brisbane). The student category winner ($4,000) was Lachlan Joseph of Queensland University of Technology.

Submissions for Unlandscaped 2010, the Landscape Architecture Australia prize for unrealized landscapes, will close on Wednesday 10 March. The prize seeks thought-provoking responses to contemporary issues, promoting ideas and debate about landscape architecture by rewarding challenging new work.

An annual program, Unlandscaped is open to landscape architects, graduates, students and other built environment professionals who are invited to enter their unrealized projects, propositions and scenarios. The overall winner receives a prize of $3,000, presented on 6 May at an invitation-only function to be held in Sydney.

Unlandscaped 2010 is presented by Landscape Architecture Australia in partnership with Hub Street Equipment. Entry forms can be downloaded from www.archmedia.com.au/unlandscaped.

Recognizing and rewarding the best sustainable residential designs, the Look Home Green Design Awards are now open for 2010. The awards are judged by a panel of industry professionals.

As well as national exposure, winners receive one of five trips (valued at over $10,000 each) to Greenbuild 2010, in Chicago, or SB11, the World Sustainable Building Conference, in London.

Entries close Friday 9 July 2010. Winners will be announced in the 2010 Look Home Design Annual and on myLOOKHOMEtv, on 27 September 2010. All entries must be submitted online at www.lookhome.com.au.

Officially declared in February 2008, the National Code of Practice for Precast, Tilt-up and Concrete Elements in Building Construction is being progressively adopted in all states. To help the industry understand the requirements of the new code, National Precast is running two half-day workshops in Adelaide, Perth, Melbourne, Hobart, Brisbane and Sydney throughout May and June 2010.

The first workshop, entitled “Precast + Safety: Designing for Safety Using the National Code,“ has been developed for engineers, builders and precast manufacturers. Topics include duty holder responsibilities, proposed penalties, design, risk management, handling, storage and transport, and the effect of construction on existing structures.

The second workshop, entitled “Precast + Safety: Erecting with Safety using the National Code,” is aimed at builders, erectors and precast manufacturers. Topics include duty holder responsibilities, proposed penalties and the stages of the erection process (including planning, safe work method statements, bracing and propping, superimposed loads and levelling shims).

National Precast will also continue to run its successful one-day seminars, “Introduction to Precast for Structural Engineers,” is for the less-experienced engineer and those who wish to build their skills in using precast concrete.

Australasia’s biggest interior architecture and design event, Designex, has launched its official diary dates for the highly anticipated 2010 show.

The annual three-day show, in its twenty-second year, will be held between Thursday 22 April and Saturday 24 April, at the Sydney Convention and Exhibition Centre. More than 300 interior design and architecture exhibitors will showcase their newest developments.

“Each year, through a massive collective effort from the design community, Designex reveals the hottest directions that will change the landscape for designers, specifiers, architects, retail buyers for furniture and homewares, landscapers, and interior designers and decorators,” says Danielle Fischer from Diversified Exhibitions, which stages the event.

Early features locked in for 2010 include Kaleidoscope, the tactile zone for soft furnishings and textiles. The ever-popular Outdoor Room with Jamie Durie will also be featured as well as D4S, an interactive showcase of new adopters of design for sustainability.

“Designex is the number one destination for design people and products that matter – from the ambitious and enterprising to the kooky and clever,” says Fischer. “Don’t miss this once-a-year event, designed to breathe life into the industry.”

Designex will be co-located with Form & Function – Australia’s premier building, architectural and construction trade exhibition – the Australian Institute of Architects’ 2010 National Conference and the 2010 Interior Design Awards.

One of Australia’s leading suppliers of door furniture, Gainsborough, has launched a new-look website, which features up-to-date and comprehensive information on the Gainsborough product range, as well as distributor locations in Australia and overseas.

The enhanced website – www.gainsboroughhardware.com.au – is a fantastic resource for those building or renovating their own home. It features an interactive and colourful layout, with an advanced search option that allows site users to quickly find the products and information they are looking for. Products can be viewed in alternative finishes and functions.

The new website also features brochure downloads, installation instructions, keying information and matching accessories.

Specifying plasterboard solutions has never be easier thanks to the latest edition of the Lafarge Plasterboard Tech Manual.

With over 570 systems, this comprehensive, all-in-one, easy-to-use manual incorporates steel and timber systems, the latest BCA regulations and Australian standards. Also featured are sections on acoustic- and fire-rated board solutions, as well as a section on minimizing glancing light. Detailed construction and installation guides are included plus alternative systems that can be more efficient and cost effective for customers.

Entries for Australia’s premier interior design awards program will close on Friday 12 February. Any Australia-based designer may enter the internationally recognized Interior Design Awards program, which celebrates excellence in residential and commercial interior design. Each year the awards generate thousands of dollars in publicity for entrants while providing recognition for their work at the highest professional level. In 2009, 575 entries were received across the program from 405 individual projects.

Awards co-founder the Design Institute of Australia manages the judging process. Other founding partners are Designex and Artichoke magazine. Generous corporate supporters include Forbo Flooring Systems, the Laminex Group, Dulux Australia, Smeg, Somfy, Häfele, Space Furniture and Isis. In an effort to reduce the program’s impact on the environment, from 2010, all entries are via online submission. Check out the easy, four-step entry process at www.interiordesignawards.com.au.