Architectural Product News, June 2009

Intergrain UltraClear Exterior is a tough, clear, water-based timber finish that protects the natural beauty of exterior timber. It’s designed for use on exterior window frames, doors and trims.

Intergrain UltraClear Exterior incorporates UV absorbers to provide superior timber protection against the sun’s harmful rays and the harsh Australian climate. Unlike conventional oil-based timber varnishes, Intergrain UltraClear Exterior will not yellow. Because it contains substantially less VOCs, Intergrain is an environmentally friendly paint option. Easy to apply, user-friendly and fast-drying, Intergrain UltraClear Exterior allows for three coats to be applied in one day. It is available in a gloss and satin finish.

To eliminate insect problems at his own house, architect James Russell needed an unobtrusive solution.

In designing his award-winning home – a modern space nestled between two heritage-listed buildings – architect James Russell sought a dynamic solution to the mosquito problem: “Wonderful screening is more important than wonderful doors. I couldn’t find clean large screening that kept the house open without being invasive.”

Consisting of two pavilions around an open courtyard, the house required a screening product that would protect the occupants from flying pests but would still enable use of the open spaces. Offering easy installation and unobtrusive design, Centor Architectural’s S1 screening system was the ideal solution. “The S1 slides effortlessly, allowing you to control the house while still enjoying the fresh air,” James says. ”There is nothing to impair your view. The screens retract invisibly into the door frame so I was able to add them after the house was completed with minimal adjustments.”

The house won the RAIA Queensland Chapter’s 2006 Robin Dods Award for Residential Architecture and received a commendation in the RAIA Robin Boyd Award for Residential Buildings in the 2006 national program.

Centor Architectural’s S1 screen is the world’s first fully retractable sliding screen for large openings on any new, renovated or existing premises, suitable for all door and window types with single spans up to 3,050 mm high and 7,400 mm wide.

Once opened, the screen disappears into the door frame, eliminating intrusive and unsightly excess tracks and multistacked panels.

With no crude spring-loading to fight against, the S1’s Load Balancing Technology enables effortless fingertip control and keeps the screen firm in any chosen position along the track. This means far greater mesh tension, eliminating any tendency for the screen to sag.

The S1 screen system has undergone cyclic testing to 400,000 laboratory operations. Should strong winds blow the screen out of the top or bottom channels, the mesh will self-feed back into place as it retracts. Plus, it’s made from tough PVC-coated polyester mesh, is hard-wearing and resistant to damage from pets and children.

The system is available in custom powdercoat colours, natural anodized and real timber veneer finishes to blend with any existing or new designs.

Alongside the S1 screening system, Centor offers a range of other intelligent screening solutions for window and door openings.

Centor’s ES2 is the world’s first bifold door system with a fully integrated insect screen for openings up to 5,800 mm wide and 3,000 mm high. The ES2 screen is integrated into the door frame so it slides smoothly and effortlessly. The screen feels integral to the structure of the door – not something tacked on as an afterthought.

Centor’s EW, the first folding window system to offer a fully integrated retractable insect screen, successfully brings the functionality of bifold technology to smaller-scale openings.

The S1, ES2 and EW screening systems are backed by the 50 years of expertise that won Centor the Australian Telstra Business of the Year Awards for Innovation in 2008 and the Queensland Business of the Year award.

Eco-friendly, lightweight and handcrafted in Australia, Stonini Profilestone panels by Di Emme Creative Solutions can add visual and tactile elements in feature wall applications. A dramatic wall can be used to define a room, creating a striking feature that helps to identify the client’s brand. Colour and texture can be used to brand environments with a distinctive identity.

Stonini Profilestone panels have a three-dimensional form, colour and texture. Design options include 14 profile panel designs that can be applied to curved surfaces with a minimum radius of one metre.

The Taurus range of seating blends modern architecture with sleek design, understated style and sophistication. The streamlined aesthetic of the Taurus range is influenced by Japanese design.

This functional, durable and handcrafted range is manufactured from a linished architectural number four stainless steel and jarrah 40 mm × 50 mm timber. It is ideal for commercial and domestic environments.

Cora manufactures a range of bicycle parking products that can help projects achieve Green Star status. Cora Bike Rack is a member of the Green Building Council of Australia and supports green initiatives and increased bicycle use.

Cora’s secure and attractive designs enhance landscapes, encourage bicycle use and prevent bikes from becoming pedestrian and fire hazards. They are ideal for indoor, outdoor, surface or wall-mount applications and are suitable for public or private access, residents, employees or students.

Fujitsu General’s ASTB plasma filter models are extremely energy-efficient with the ASTB09LDC and ASTB12LDC achieving a six-star energy rating in both cooling and heating. Equipped with sophisticated inverter technology, Fujitsu’s ASTB airconditioners automatically adjust the speed of their compressors in response to any change in room temperature. This makes them quieter and more energy-efficient than conventional types.

The ASTB has a plasma filter that is designed to quickly remove small dust particles and odours via a polyphenol ceraglaze sterilization process. As positively charged dust particles pass through the plasma filtration unit, they are collected on negatively charged electrodes.

The design of the Silk Road carpet by Masland Contract incorporates playful colour with textural contrast and luminous accent yarns. This bold carpet is inspired by the ancient Silk Road trade route. It’s an unashamedly distinctive and bold design that is specifically made for hospitality applications.

The Silk Road carpet gives a three-dimensional effect to floors by combining loop- and cut-pile textures with pile-height variation. These textures, coupled with quirky colours and a hint of lustre, create an attractive floor covering option.

Bird droppings, dead animals, rotting leaves, dirt and salt are just some of the things that are washed from roofs and gutters and into rainwater tanks when it rains. This can cause problems like damaged pumps, blocked showers and sprinklers, water stains and dangerous bacteria breeding in the tank. Gutter guards and leaf screens stop the large debris but are less effective against pollution and bacteria collected by the rainwater.

The best way to effectively filter the polluted water is with a first-flush system. Australian Standards (HB 203-2006) recommends the use of a first-flush device to discard a minimum of 20 litres per 100 m² of roof area.

The Superhead was invented by architect Robert Cann (FRAIA) and is the only product that combines a first-flush filter, rain head, leaf screen and insect screen. The Superhead is self-cleaning, which means even the laziest greenies can keep their tanks clean and safe.

Council requirements for privacy screening between neighbouring properties can be met using Concept Click batten screening. It has a 25% open area when installed at 90 mm centres. Concept Click batten screening utilizes a spring-steel clip system that grasps onto the specially shaped spotted gum profile. This makes the click-on installation an easy process – keeping the face free of messy fixings.

Concept Click can also be used for batten cladding over cement sheet and also for balustrades, roof linings and fencing. There are two profile options: horizontal (shown below), which has a raked top for water run-off at every point; and vertical, which is perfectly symmetrical. The profile size is 66 mm × 26 mm, available in set-length battens at 300 mm increments.

Bold spouts and clean lines characterize the Praxis range by Faucet Australia. The Praxis range of tapware for the kitchen, bathroom and laundry is complemented by a matching selection of fine bathroom accessories. Finish options include chrome and brushed chrome.

Praxis is designed and built in Australia. The eight-page Praxis brochure features the complete range, accompanied by an overview of the technology incorporated into the design.

Rheem’s Water Star is a water-saving device suitable for all brands of continuous flow water heaters. It’s the easy way to have fast hot water, minimize water wastage and reduce energy usage in the home.

Water Star works by capturing cold or warm water from the continuous flow water heater at start-up, while releasing already-hot water for instant use. The same size as a continuous flow water heater, Rheem Water Star’s compact tank has a small electrical element keeping water permanently hot. The system delivers the equivalent of six-star energy efficiency when combined with a five-star continuous flow water heater.

Miele has created a CombiSet induction wok, which is ideal for Asian and modern Australian cooking styles. This highly specialized module features a wok pan, which is included with the appliance, that is placed in a recess in the ceramic surface to ensure that heat is transferred directly to the food. This ensures an optimal cooking temperature for fast stir-fries and other wok-fried delicacies. A switchable booster provides additional power when required.

Building the education revolution demands innovation and design excellence to facilitate learning outcomes for Australia’s young minds. Capral has assembled a range of high-performance window and door systems that provide the flexibility to create inspirational learning spaces while delivering thermal efficiency and environmental sustainability.

With striking form, function and strength, Capral’s Australian-made, custom-designed products are readily available from a network of local fabricators. Copies of Capral’s Building the Education Revolution technical brochure are now available.

Using an exclusive patented technology, the Gessi Just mixer illuminates water flow with coloured light without any connections either to electricity or to a battery. It’s the water flow itself – running through a turbine – that produces the energy necessary for lighting.

As the water passes, an LED connected to a temperature sensor lights up with colours in the range between blue, violet and red, according to the water temperature. Then, thanks to the refractive process of light, the whole water jet is coloured, producing an exciting and spectacular effect and visually representing the temperature of the water emitted. This helps prevent useless energy waste and scalding.

The Aventos lift system brings a silent and effortless lift motion to wall cabinets. Even wide-front cabinets will open easily and close silently with the Aventos system. The variable stop ensures that Aventos frontals always remain in the desired position.

There are Aventos options for bifold frontals, up-and-over frontals and parallel-lift frontals. The Aventos Lift system complements Blum’s Blumotion range for sliding drawers.

The elegant and delicate Laufen Washbasin 01, designed by Roberto and Ludovica Palomba, is the winner of the Red Dot and Design Plus awards.

Imitating the erosive patterns of water, the washbasin is barely distinguishable from the liquid itself and represents the bays and reefs that develop over thousands of years. This lagoon-shaped basin is rimless when filled – blurring the transition between liquid and solid states.

Washbasin 01 is available in a sweeping 1,600 mm format, as well as a broad 800 mm format and a 1,200 mm format.

EasyGas DownUnder is a recent innovation in LPG storage and delivery by ELGAS that has made LPG a more enticing fuel option. It enables the storage of LPG cylinders underground – improving the aesthetics and safety of an LPG supply.

The advanced EasyGas system monitors LPG usage and schedules regular deliveries to ensure that gas never runs out. EasyGas trucks are equipped to meter the exact quantity of LPG supplied and issues an invoice on the spot.

Safety is paramount. Filling cylinders on site straight from the tanker is the safest way to deliver LPG. The EasyGas modern fleet of delivery tankers are subject to an unrivalled safety and compliance program.

Architects and designers can install Blockout aluminium roller shutters to reduce internal property damage in times of extreme weather conditions such as hail, storms and bushfires. They can also act as a physical barrier – providing security against home intrusions.

Blockout shutters reduce summer heat intake by up to 90%, reduce light infiltration by 99%, and reduce outside noise levels by up to ten decibels. This reduces the internal heating and cooling costs associated with the building – making the building more environmentally friendly.

Blockout works closely with architects and will custom-design a solution to suit individual site specifications. Blockout shutters can be installed on new and existing residential homes, commercial properties, internal shop fittings and point-of-sale portable units.

PosiStruts is an engineered flooring and roofing system that combines the versatility of timber with the strength of steel. Forget cutting through solid timber joists and reducing their strength. PosiStruts’ open-web design provides excellent access for services (like plumbing, electrical, heating, airconditioning and ducting) without the need to modify the truss. Also, PosiStruts are considerably lighter than solid timber joists, so handling on-site is easy.

PosiStruts can be specifically designed and engineered to accommodate individual support conditions. They can be manufactured in lengths up to 12 metres, with a clear span of up to 7.9 metres – making them ideal for large, open areas. Plus, the PosiStrut’s I-Beam has a special “Top Chord Support” feature. This means installation is quicker, costs are reduced and there’s no need to use expensive fixings and brackets.

PosiStruts are not only suitable for floors; their innovative design makes them ideal for roof construction as well. PosiStruts can even be manufactured to create curved structures – giving architects and designers greater freedom to create exciting, innovative buildings without the expense or on-site hassles associated with steel.

Carrara marble is easily recognized worldwide for its soft, white appearance, tinged with clouds of grey. Creations In Stone (CIS) produces a collection of Italian Carrara marble above-vanity handbasins, complementing its range of granite and marble bathroom ware.

Carrara marble has been used since the days of Ancient Rome to adorn monuments throughout Europe. It’s a versatile and classic material that’s never out of fashion. Carrara marble will add timeless elegance to both classic and contemporary bathroom designs.

CIS’s Carrara marble collection includes a selection of seven contemporary- and classic-shaped basins, with a choice of highly polished or rustic edges. Individually crafted designs can be made to accommodate any architectural or design specification.

The compact Miele KM 2256 G gas cooktop is only 900 mm wide, with five tangent burners set deep in a stainless steel surround. As the name implies, the flames of the burners exit each burner ring at a tangent – making for an eye-catching effect. The tangent burners also distribute heat across the base of cookware more efficiently than a regular gas burner.

Power output figures for each of the five burners vary – so optimum power output is available for specific cooking styles and cookware. The Miele KM 2256 G gas cooktop runs on either natural or liquid gas. It features fast electronic ignition and automatic re-ignition for increased safety.

A low-voltage supply enables the Vega stainless steel heated towel rail to be safely installed in most locations within the bathroom. This 12-volt modular rail can be installed in multiples of up to six rails in one set.

The Vega stainless steel heated towel rail is available in three widths: 432 mm, 632 mm and 832 mm. There are no visible cables near the rails, with pre-wiring within the wall cavity. The Vega is low-profile – extending only 60 mm from the wall. This makes the Vega perfect for tight spaces.

Astra Walker’s Studio 5 collection epitomizes sophistication with its minimalist linear design. The product is conceived, designed and made in Australia. Studio 5 is fitted with the EasiMove cartridge – an advanced ceramic alloy that minimizes the possibilities of water hammer and gives a balanced flow.

Astra Walker combines durable, environmentally friendly products with elements of contemporary and classical design. Astra Walker is an Australian company that caters specifically for commercial projects including hotels, premium apartments and luxury homes.

Signature Floorcoverings’ Careplus collection currently features carpets, and will soon include vinyl and walk-off mats. Careplus carpets feature an integrated moisture barrier, physical anti-microbial protection and optional cushion backing as part of a package that can be tailor-made to suit the needs of individual facilities.

The Careplus collection has been carefully engineered to perform in health facilities and aged care environments. It is engineered with consideration for the needs of both residents and staff.

Screenwood panelling is a distinctive and striking architectural feature for use in residential and commercial applications. Screenwood facade systems offer an alternative to conventional facade design, providing a warmer look to internal and external wall surfaces and soffits.

Screenwood wall panels are manufactured using a design that incorporates timber slats, which are factory-fitted to a bracket system. The panels are pre-finished prior to delivery to enhance and protect the beauty of the timber and they are manufactured in a wide variety of profiles and finishes for both internal and external use.

Furphy’s Foundry is dedicated to the art of casting. It produces a range of contemporary products to suit interior and exterior environments. Its strategic direction focuses on design innovation, sustainable products, enhanced customer service and high quality products at competitive pricing. The Corso seat by Furphy’s Foundry is a robust design with the contemporary sleek lines that only casting can achieve.

The Alfresco pleated screening system, which is manufactured in Australia by Artilux, provides functional and decorative protection against insects, bugs and creepy-crawlies.

The Alfresco pleated screen is an innovative free-sliding system. The screen slides effortlessly though its frame using a cord tensioning system, and can be stopped at any point along the opening. It can screen openings up to 3,000 mm high and 8,000 mm wide, and is easy to operate and visually attractive. The Alfresco pleated screening system suits all types of windows and doors – in particular, traditionally difficult to screen openings such as bifold doors and French doors.

Tasmanian sandstone can blend seamlessly into both traditional architecture and contemporary projects. The stone is only lightly veined, so it doesn’t compete with the core design elements of a project.

Tasmanian sandstone is robust and often featured in outdoor applications. It can be easily incorporated into garden features, high-traffic paved areas, feature walls and building stone. KHD Stone Merchants will work closely with architects who wish to use Tasmanian sandstone in their projects.

Duravit’s Vero bathroom series now features the Vero semi-recessed washbasin, which complements Vero’s characteristic linear design. With a width of only 550 mm, this basin is a solution for bathrooms where space is limited.

The addition of the semi-recessed basin to the Vero collection completes the range, which includes toilets, basins and bathtubs. Vero now offers myriad solutions for bathrooms both big and small.

One of the best ways to maximize natural and artificial light in a building is to install a plasterboard with a consistent finish. Lafarge’s Level+ Technology is a plasterboard and compound system that provides a superior finish for ceilings and walls.

Level+ Technology creates a uniform and smooth surface that allows for the best possible level 4 finish for premium internal lining systems. Lafarge’s MastaDeco product uses Level+ Technology and is ideal for houses, additions and alterations with abundant light.

This streamlined bathroom range, designed by Ramon Benedito for Roca, integrates a reduction in space with the minimalist concept. The Hall collection’s parallel lines and simple geometry complement its functionality as a solution for small spaces.

The collection encompasses a choice of six basins (in countertop, wall-mounted and semi-pedestal variants) in varying sizes. Also available is a back-to-wall suite and bidet.

The stylish Hall corner basin (pictured) measures just 430 × 350 mm, and has a two-litre capacity with a functional slim-lined right-hand shelf.

Enware’s Leva range helps to reduce the risk of hand cross contamination in hospitals, nursing homes and food application areas where infection control is critical. The Leva range of tapware is available in two lever lengths: 150 mm for wash areas where hygiene is important and 80 mm for ensuites and for arthritis sufferers.

The stylish, streamlined design is constructed from high-quality DR brass and features a unique handle fixing for superior strength and stability. Also available from Enware is a range of WELS tapware and showers. Enware can also customize outlets to meet your requirements.

Dulux Waste Paint Hardener is a powder-like substance that can be stirred into left-over paint to create an easily disposable solid waste. Dulux’s EnviroSolutions range also includes Dulux EnviroWash. This is a water-based paint wash and treatment system for trade, which turns dirty paint wash-out into clean, non-potable water and solid non-hazardous waste.

The Dulux EnviroSolutions range reduces the environmental impact of paint in accordance with Dulux’s core business philosophy of environmental sustainability. Dulux is a member of the Green Building Council of Australia. It has initiated sustainable business partnerships that enable specifiers and tradespeople to achieve environmentally conscious results for their clients.

Miglas manufactures a range of double-glazing solutions, including a comprehensive range of windows and doors. The range also includes a secure stainless steel multi-point lock, which can be installed on all hinged doors. This locking system is a perfect alternative for coastal applications, and with an optional egress function, it also provides a safe solution for bushfire areas.

It has no deadlock from the inside, which guarantees an escape route without having to look for keys. The system comes complete with a matching cylinder and stainless steel handles and plates. This ensures optimal security and insulation performance.

Gunnersen has expanded its Hi-Macs acrylic solid surface range to 50 colours in 2009. This includes 16 new colour options, four of which are translucent colours – emerald, opal, ruby and sapphire. These colours are excellent for commercial applications, where backlighting can be used to spectacular effect. There have also been colour additions to the Volcanics range of Hi-Macs acrylic solid surfaces.

Like Rolls Royce, Rolex and other elite brands, UrbanStone’s Ultra Premium collection seeks to distinguish itself through its premium quality. The collection includes travertine, bluestone and Shifting Sands paving, wall cladding, pier caps and imaginative feature ideas. It also has a range of border inlays and an expanded collection of pool copings and bullnoses.

If UrbanStone doesn’t have precisely the natural or manufactured product needed, they will custom-manufacture it or find it, wherever in the world it can be sourced.

Australian timber producer Hyne produces a large range of engineered timber products made from environmentally friendly renewable plantation softwoods and hardwoods.

Hyne Truebeams offer excellent design flexibility and the strength to handle almost any load, with all the beauty of natural timber. Hyne Truebeams are aesthetically pleasing and can be a less environmentally damaging alternative to steel for new houses, commercial projects and renovations.

Hyne Truebeams are readily available in a range of sizes and can also be made to order. The range is supported by a fully certified engineered timber design software package – Hyne Design v 6.0.

With a WELS four-star rating (7.5L/min), Raymor’s University Eton side handle basin mixer and sink mixer are extremely water-efficient, which is incredibly important in drought-ravaged Australia. Each piece in the range is designed to give value for money, and features quality workmanship and a modern aesthetic.

The mixer handle features laser-etched hot and cold indicators, and fingertip control of both hot and cold water. The University Eton handle is constructed from durable brass with a bright chrome finish and dual Raymor ceramic discs. It measures 205 mm from the aerator to the sink top, and the square gooseneck-style spout has a 220 mm reach.

The University Eton mixer can be installed in a simple upgrade or in a full renovation using similar products from the Raymor University range of tapware and accessories. All Raymor products are available exclusively through CDL outlets Australia-wide.

Two of Alterm’s chemical-free termite barrier systems have been waterproof tested and approved by the CSIRO for retaining walls to meet AS/NZS 2904:1995 damp-proof courses and flashings. Termortar is a product for brickwork and rendering and Termparge is a cement-based paint-on termite and waterproof coating.

Making the cement-based termite-proof systems waterproof means two jobs can be done in one application. This means savings in time and money for the builder. All Alterm products have CSIRO (TA316 & TA239) approvals. Alterm has been installed on over 60,000 projects in Australia and is currently being used in high-rise developments in Singapore, Brunei and Maldives.

These dimmable and linkable LED fittings from Superlight produce the same light output as T5 fluorescent lights but use less than half the energy. Superlight LEDs are suitable for ceiling coves, pelmet lighting, joinery lighting and backlighting.

The LED fittings connect seamlessly, and the unique click-connector completely eliminates dark spots or shadows between fittings. Superlight LEDs are fully dimmable and are available in either warm white, cool white or RGB versions.

This year’s Designbuild Sydney is a must-see event for building professionals wanting to stay abreast of the latest industry trends. The major focus of the event is sustainability and green building. Zoned product areas including Green Building, Green Plumbing and the EcoSpecifier Zone will feature the latest and greenest innovations dominating the market, both nationally and abroad.

“Australians are becoming more environmentally conscious, both at home and at work. Designbuild Sydney will endeavour to respond to this growing awareness with a variety of green initiatives to ensure architects, builders and plumbers are at the forefront of their industry,” says the exhibition manager Steve Horsley.

Alongside the latest products, tools and environmentally sustainable gadgets, visitors will get a chance to hear the views of some of Australia’s most innovative industry experts in the Designbuild Seminar Series. The program will cover a diverse range of topics designed to provide inspiration, confidence and advice on how to use and implement the latest green building equipment.

One of the most pertinent topics on this year’s program will be sustainable building design and the future for Australia’s green building revolution. Key speakers include Robin Mellon, Green Star executive director from the Green Building Council of Australia, and renowned architect David Baggs, technical director of EcoSpecifier Global. Both presenters will explore environmentally sustainable building solutions and their value to the industry.

“Building professionals who have questions regarding the economic value of sustainable building will have their questions answered at this year’s show, while those already committed to green building will have the benefit of being inspired by the latest and most eco-friendly innovations under the one roof,” says Steve Horsley.

With organizers expecting the attendance of more than 10,000 building and construction professionals, the newly remodelled event is set to be the biggest and most industry-focused Designbuild exhibition to date.

Architecture Media and Designbuild Australasia jointly sponsor the Best New Product Award, to be presented at Designex 2009. The award aims to encourage innovation as well as the development and improvement of products available to specifiers for use in architectural projects. The winner will receive invaluable nationwide product exposure comprising promotion valued at more than $6,000.

The judging panel comprises three respected industry professionals: Kiri Johnson, director Design and Strategy, ODCM; Kirsten Orr, senior lecturer, School of Architecture, University of Technology, Sydney; and Tim Greer, director, Tonkin Zulaikha Greer Architects.

With Australia’s urban zones being pushed closer to bushfire-prone areas, the awareness and understanding of building loss through bushfire has taken a high priority with authorities and researchers.

Trend Windows & Doors in conjunction with the CSIRO has undertaken extensive research and development to advance the design of window and door systems to enable them to withstand the extreme heat of bushfires and falling cinders.

The Xtreme range of products are the first window and door systems in Australia designed to withstand heat flux up to 40 kW/m² without failure from either the glazing or the window system itself, thereby helping to prevent internal ignition of the house and loss of precious possessions.

Xtreme windows and doors also meet the new AS3959 requirements for Section 8 – Construction for Bushfire Attack Level 40 (BAL – 40), Radiant heat level 40 kW/m².

Wonderful Floor manufactures pre-coated Australian solid hardwood floors, engineered floating hardwood floors and pre-coated bamboo floors. All Wonderful Floor products are environmentally friendly and have been sourced either from forests that are sustainably managed or from renewable plants like bamboo.

Wonderful Floor products are affordable and, being pre-coated, they require no sanding or frames. Only the hardest timbers such as ironbark are used, and a German hard-wearing coating guarantees durability. Wonderful Floor products are used across Australia and inside the EcoHouse in Annandale, Sydney.

Air-Cell thermo-reflective insulation is fibre-free, is non-allergenic and does not contain any volatile organic compounds (VOCs). Also, Air-Cell does not have any ozone depleting substances (ODPs) in either the finished product or in the manufacturing process.

Air-Cell is a clean insulation alternative to conventional bulk-fibre insulation and is an ideal thermal solution for developments such as schools, hospitals and aged care facilities.

The versatile Air-Cell product range is suitable for any roof or wall application. Solutions are available for BCA Section J compliance. Air-Cell was the first insulation manufacturer to achieve CodeMark compliance to the BCA and AS/NZS 4859.1 – considered the building industry’s highest level of product conformity.

The 15th annual CEDIA Expo is the Asia Pacific’s largest custom electronic installation industry event. It’s a must-see event for architects, designers and construction specifiers.

Showcasing products for both the residential and commercial sector, the CEDIA Expo brings together key industry companies and technologies for audio, video, lighting, security, home networking, software, hardware, environmental controls, telephone, total system integration, home automation and more.

For the first time in nine years, the CEDIA Expo returns to Sydney. It will be held at the Sydney Convention & Exhibition Centre, Darling Harbour, from Wednesday 15 July to Friday 17 July. Readers of Architectural Product News receive free entry when pre-registering online with a unique code: APN09.

Architects, designers, landscape architects and construction-industry specialists need to keep up-to-date. Architecture Media’s specialist magazines and online resources are a regular source of information, news, ideas and products.

Readers can be confident that all Architecture Media titles are endorsed by the relevant professional body – the only titles to carry these endorsements – and suppliers have the added assurance of a CAB audit.

The well-known Chadstone Shopping Centre recently underwent a $1 million makeover and extension to create a more extroverted design. Project director for architects Buchan Group, Andrew Mackenzie, says, “We wanted to create a point of difference. Terracade XP was chosen because of the variation in texture and colour that allowed us to create the look of a series of individual buildings. It’s also a lighter product, which gave us the flexibility to create a series of varying facade treatments.”

Construction was carried out over an existing car park – creating load limitations that precluded conventional walling systems. Terracade’s lightweight facade system answered this challenge and created an attractive effect on the building facade.

Superior window and awning treatments were requested for this Kangaroo Valley project in New South Wales. Simple Studio – a specialist in high-end indoor and outdoor window treatments – custom-designed every detail. High-end materials and finishes were developed in collaboration with the architect to ensure the best possible outcome for the client – with a seamless result.

Simple Studio has recently expanded its product range, which now includes Markilux German-designed outdoor awning systems. Simple Studio supplies and installs all forms of window coverings for luxury residential and boutique commercial projects Australia-wide.

When Water Delivery Alliance was designing the pumping station to pump water from the desalination plant at Kurnell, they contacted Projex Group to help with the sealing of the pipe penetrations through the pump wall. Projex supplied Water Delivery Alliance with the Linkseal system. Linkseal incorporates sleeves (where necessary) and was used to seal the annular space around the pipe. The Linkseal system has been in use in Australia for over 20 years in water treatment plants, oil refineries, gas plants, fuel farms and desalination plants.

No specialist knowledge or tools are required to install the Linkseal system but Projex Group answers technical enquiries regarding the size and method of installation. The system can withstand over 12 metres of head water and can be installed under water if necessary.

End-to-end premium urban infrastructure solutions across Australia and New Zealand are manufactured by Adshel Infrastructure. Adshel works with architects to develop design specifications, offer engineering services and provide end-to-end management for projects.

Adshel Infrastructure incorporates sustainable features like solar lighting and sustainable timbers into its products. It manufactures a range of street furniture, from large-scale walkways to the urban street furniture in its Town and Park range.

Glare and thermal heat gain in this building in Macquarie Park, New South Wales, are controlled using Viva Sunscreens. Taking into account the architect’s ESD objectives, Viva Sunscreens commissioned 200 motorized Screentex external blind systems to the west and east facades of the building. The system controls UV rays entering the building – ensuring airconditioning and heating requirements are minimized and guaranteeing a significant reduction in overall carbon dioxide emissions.

Viva Sunscreens Screentex external blind systems are ideal for buildings adopting ESD principles. They are also a suitable solution for residential projects requiring practical sun control.

An affordable home prototype was launched at the 2009 UDIA Congress. The creators of the Smarter Small Home have shown that a small lot, small house, smart material choices and efficient construction can deliver a stylish, sustainable and very affordable home.

Designer Brett Blacklow used nine different James Hardie or Scyon products in the Smarter Small Home design. “Nothing can touch a few of the James Hardie products price-wise,” he says. The durability, construction-efficiency and design-flexibility of the products were also key factors in their inclusion in this innovative project.

The breakthrough Vista/Skydore roof access combo reaches from floor to ceiling, through the ceiling space and onto the roof. The lightweight, robust design features a four-in-one modular system with fold-down ladder, suspension kit, ceiling ladder and roof access hatch.

The system’s soft-closing mechanism negates stress on the surrounding structure, plaster ceilings and suspended ceilings. The Vista/Skydore roof access system is suitable for offices, apartments, schools, hospitals, healthcare institutions, corporate facilities and other commercial buildings where controlled access to the roof for maintenance is gained internally. Vista/Skydore is easy to install, safe, user friendly and maintenance-free.

Master Lifts is renowned for its range of residential lifts featuring stylish finishes and a selection of designer panelling and trims to suit individual decor. Specifiers can choose Master Lifts’ glass shafts option, which is available in clear or tinted safety glass.

Glass can be installed as one, two or three lift walls to bring light into the lift and to create a less claustrophobic feeling. Glass lift walls can even face an external window to open up external views.

Motorization of internal window coverings is quickly becoming standard practice in new building designs. Somfy has met this demand with its Sonesse range of silent motors. The development program for Sonesse focused on reducing and isolating the noise and vibration of the motor. This has resulted in a motor with a noise level of only 44 DBa.

Sonesse is an ideal option for premium applications such as corporate boardrooms, high-end residential houses, home theatres or any application where silence is required.

The Vertilux fully enclosed Fascia Kassett totally blocks all light in conference centres or theatre rooms. The system can be fitted to any Vertilux roller blind, whether manual or motorized. Fascia Kassett is manufactured from extruded aluminium in a range of standard powdercoated colours. Colour-coordinated accessories are also available.

The Kassett system is used internally or externally, with side channels for light control or with guide wires for roller blind direction. The system is used in conjunction with the Vertilux Greenvision fabric range for use in commercial and residential window coverings. Vertilux is a Green Building Australia member.

The Micra Premium collection of homogeneous vinyl flooring has a subtle and non-directional pattern. It is manufactured using smaller granules than other Tarkett products, resulting in a more uni-coloured appearance. A choice of 30 colours is available.

Micra Premium is PUR-reinforced and will never need waxing or polishing. It is an easy-to-maintain, low-cost flooring solution for commercial premises.

For prestigious buildings with public access and large numbers of patrons Bobrick has created the Cubicle collection. The sleek satin-finish stainless steel used in the products is a premium-looking material that is also low-maintenance and vandal-resistant.

The pieces in the collection include a spare toilet roll holder, a surface-mounted toilet roll dispenser, a toilet brush holder and a coat hook. Set-screw in-posts and concealed mounting plates provide a snug fit on the wall and help to prevent vandalism.

The much-loved Accents carpet from Edwardstown Carpets now comes in a new colour range. Accents is made with 100% SolutionPlus – a premium-grade solution-dyed nylon that performs in demanding commercial and domestic interiors. SolutionPlus is non-allergenic, and repels water and oil-based spills.

Accents’ 11 distinctive colours in a 28-ounce pile weight are constructed using an air-entangled base yarn. This provides excellent soil-hiding characteristics and outstanding resilience against wear and foot traffic in demanding corporate, hospitality and educational facilities. Accents complies with the AELA Ecolabel program, which requires low volatile organic compounds and air emissions.

Existing and heritage buildings can be installed with a Liftronic lift to improve safety, reliability and aesthetics. Replacing old lifts with a Liftronic lift will also save energy and improve performance.

Liftronic works with architects and planners to find a lift solution for any building. It will also aid architects with safety and legislation requirements for new and old buildings.

A room partitioning system should blend harmoniously with its surroundings and not detract from the visual impact of a room. The DORMA Variflex system actually contributes to the aesthetic of a room. DORMA can translate creative and artistic ideas into reality and provide a multitude of design options for their Variflex room partitioning system using thousands of designs and materials to cater for sophisticated design and layout requests.

The Zed LED table lamp comprises 42 high-brightness white LEDs and yet it only consumes 6W, making it a low-energy option for home and office desk lighting. Zed is available in two stylish finishes – polished chrome or satin black with satin chrome details. Its sleek shape utilizes a hinged movement that generates different formations and light intensities.

Designed by Pearson Lloyd for Tacchini, Polar is an original and versatile system for creating changeable seating. Polar is constructed from a hardwood frame and a differentiated density-foam filling. It is available in six sofa types – all with solid volumes and oblique cuts to create the impression of a constantly changing and constantly moving space.

Also available in the Polar collection is a side table in matt or gloss polypropylene, and a lounge or ottoman fully upholstered in fabric or soft leather. Samples are available to view at Stylecraft from April 2009.

Beacon Lighting Commercial’s Wing Glide is an architecturally designed suspended fluorescent fixture that provides energy-efficient lighting.

The Wing Glide fixture utilizes T5 lamps, electronic control gear and an indirect/direct light component to produce a clean, even, energy-efficient light for task lighting or ambient illumination.

Unashamedly understated in design, the Wing Glide would suit contemporary offices or residential applications.

Many smaller firms recognize the benefits of practice management systems but find that many of the features available in today’s solutions are inappropriate for their needs.

Total Synergy Xpress provides practice management solutions for the smaller firm. With the Xpress range of practice management software, smaller firms now have access to all the features they need – like time sheets, job costing, billing and contract administration – without paying for features they don’t need. Xpress solutions are available via a simple, no-commitment monthly subscription, with online training and tutorials.

Baseline’s exclusive range of ergonomic task chairs now includes the E6 chair. Designed by Christophe Marchand in collaboration with Eurosit France, the E6 has acquired the NF Environment Mark (France), as well as the ISO 9001 and ISO 14001 certifications.

The E6 comes fitted with standard features including polyurethane 4D-adjustable arms, an ergo synchro tilt mechanism, a mesh back and a seat with integrated seat-slide. An optional lumbar support and headrest are also available. A range of colour finishes for both the mesh and exterior frame means the E6 can be built to match any office environment. A custom-upholstered seat pan is also available.

Hunter Douglas Commercial’s NBK architectural terracotta facade systems add an extra dimension to any building exterior with their striking collection of textures, shapes, colours and glazes. These eye-catching terracotta tiles blend the latest technology for ventilated facades with traditional urban materials.

There are a wide range of profiles for surface design available – from the finest textures to bold colours and shapes that can change the profile of the building. The versatility of NBK architectural terracotta facade systems opens up myriad possibilities for creative and innovative designers.

Forbo’s Marmoleum Global 3 collection features the stunning Artoleum Striato. Artoleum has all the benefits of linoleum with the warm familiarity of timber grain. It is available in eight neutral or bright colours. Artoleum flooring has a directional, striated effect that visually lengthens areas.

The Marmoleum Global 3 range is GECA-certified and attracts maximum points for Green Star ratings. The collection offers a low cost of ownership and a life expectancy of more than 25 years. It is finished with the Forbo Topshield protective surface, so all products in the range have long-lasting appearance retention, are easy to clean and are low maintenance.

DORMA’s CS80 Magneo automatic sliding door incorporates two of DORMA’s Red Dot award-winning designs – Contur end caps and Manet glass fixings. The Magneo is a sleek, compact sliding door with magnetic drive technology that allows safe, reliable and wear-resistant operation. It is ideal for interior applications in prestigious developments.

Magneo is environmentally friendly. It has extremely low energy consumption and its minimalist casing, Contur design and optional Manet point fixings make it aesthetically pleasing.

Designed by Denmark’s Morten Voss, of Fritz Hansen fame, the Genese system is a multi-option range of tables, desks and storage modules. The desk has clever options for concealed personal storage and the storage modules have nifty horizontal access.

The table sizes vary from small side-tables through to large boardroom tables. All products have environmentally friendly aluminium and enamel-coated steel components. Genese is available from Interstudio and other appointed dealers.

The Kojak collection from Zenith comprises a stackable side chair, a stackable arm chair and a matching barstool. Kojak is a fluid design that incorporates all of the structural framework inside a moulded polyurethane body. Apertures in the hidden framework allow the PU to flex in predetermined places in the seat and back, which creates an excellent level of seating comfort. The simple tubular-steel frame morphs out of the main PU body.

Kojak’s design is crisp, cohesive and highly durable. It is an ideal solution for cafes, training centres, meeting rooms and breakout spaces. Kojak’s PU frame has a subtle texture in a regal silver powdercoat and the body is available in red, green dark grey and black.

VIM Sustainability in Sydney is the sole Australian distributor of the Monodraught Windcatcher – an energy-free and maintenance-free natural ventilation and daylighting unit. It is suitable for a range of building types including schools, halls, offices, hotels, apartment blocks, libraries, theatres, hospitals and aged care facilities. The Monodraught Windcatcher keeps a building cool and provides fresh air and daylight as required.

Each Monodraught Windcatcher is fully automatic and fully programmable, with a user interface that includes override, fire trip and security links. Monodraught Windcatchers have been used successfully in a range of countries around the world for over twenty years.

The DORMA C Series structural spider fitting features fully concealed fixings. It allows for maximum creative flexibility with exceptional quality and performance. Coupled with a variety of disc and countersunk point fixings, the series allows for the seamless integration of energy-efficient glass or double-glazed solutions to even the most complex of structures.

Easily identifiable by its unique curved arm and fully concealed fixing bases, the spider casting creates an interesting design feature. All DORMA C Series spider fittings are formed from the highest-quality 316 grade stainless steel, and are independently tested to ensure superior quality and performance.

Officelyte is designed to provide an ideal visual environment for offices, schools and healthcare applications. This recessed modular fluorescent luminaire has opalized satin wings that refract uniform light from either T5 or TCL lamps. Nine percent of the emergent light is directed onto the ceiling – providing higher ceiling brightness.

Officelyte is predominantly made from plastic and steel, so the embodied energy of the product is reduced; its recyclability is improved; and its environmental footprint is minimized. It is available in standard electronic and dimmable versions with an integral “smartdim” sensor for presence detection and daylight control for maximum energy savings. An air-handling version is also available.

Designed for small and medium businesses, workgroups and home offices, ReadyNAS Pro is the newest and most powerful member of the award-winning ReadyNAS product range. ReadyNAS Pro delivers class-leading performance, ease of use, and robust features in a small desktop form factor chassis supporting six SATA channels and up to 9 TB of storage.

ReadyNAS is a six-bay network-attached storage (NAS) appliance and is packed with enterprise server features, including RAID (redundant array of independent disks) levels 0, 1, 5, 6, and Auto-Expandable X-RAID2 support for data protection against disk failure, system monitoring capabilities and built-in backup.

Schlage has been developing and manufacturing stylish and functional hardware products for more than 85 years. Alba and Stella are new to the Schlage Medio Series of levers. These symmetrical designs blend contemporary styling with uncompromising quality. Both the Alba and Stella handles are made in New Zealand and are suitable for doors in commercial or residential applications. Schlage also offers a range of coordinated internal and external door hardware solutions with optimal security.

The national Interior Design Awards were announced on 1 May during a gala presentation dinner held in Melbourne. This highly-anticipated annual awards program is co-presented by the Design Institute of Australia (DIA), Designex and Artichoke magazine to recognize and celebrate excellence in residential and commercial interior design. There are 15 award categories in the Interior Design Awards, with the overall 2009 Award for Interior Design Excellence and Innovation going to John Wardle Architects for Melbourne Grammar School, Nigel Peck Centre for Learning and Leadership. In its citation, the jury notes: “Melbourne Grammar School is a bold departure from the norm for an educational facility. A heroic gesture, laying bare its foundation and function for all to see, making this project truly part of the city. The Nigel Peck Centre for Learning and Leadership is spatially strong, consistent and controlled. A fitting recipient for the Excellence and Innovation accolade.”

“With entries in 2009 increasing by 26 percent, the Interior Design Awards has clearly established itself as a respected platform for Australian designers to be recognized,” says event manager Jacinta Reedy.

“The 2009 program has revealed a vibrant industry and some truly visionary interior design projects that have come to life,” she says.

Judging was conducted under the supervision of the Design Institute of Australia (DIA) under protocols set by the International Federation of Interior Architects / Interior Designers.

Led by the DIA-appointed jury convenor, Francesco Bonato of Tectvs, a team of ten highly respected interior design professionals spent two days deliberating over this year’s exceptional group of entries.

The Interior Design Awards acknowledges the generous support of its sponsors, including Forbo Flooring Systems, The Laminex Group, Dulux Australia, Smeg Appliances, Somfy and Classique Leisure Products.

The Landscape Australia Expo 2009 is Perth’s professional landscape industry exhibition and trade show. It will be held from Wednesday 8 July to Friday 10 July at the Claremont Showgrounds. Entry to the exhibition is free for trade visitors.

The event will attract visitors from across the landscape industry. Exhibitors include nurseries, water features, green keeping machines and tools, pumps and pipes, greenlife, plant stone, granite, paving material and flowers. Also, several seminars and free workshop sessions will discuss hot topics like sustainability, energy efficiency and water-use.

Mico Design has re-launched its website www.mico.com.au. It now includes a number of exciting tools for the architecture and design community. Mico supplies bathroom and kitchen products from premium European and Australian manufacturers like Keramag, Smeg and Guglielmi.

The new website features comprehensive information and technical data on products available, suggests alternative products and showcases new and unique products. A unique feature of the site is the ability to create product schedules for any number of projects, which can then be stored within the Mico system.

The inaugural Unlandscaped prize, supported by Landscape Architecture Australia in partnership with Hub Street Equipment, was announced at the 2009 Australian Institute for Landscape Architecture conference, 8 May 2009. The prize is awarded to unrealized landscapes in an effort to promote ideas and debate about landscape architecture by rewarding challenging new work. Mark Lindsay Tyrell was the overall winner, receiving $3,000 for the entry Diepsloot Environmental Masterplan.

“This project goes beyond environmental indices and normative community consultation,” noted the jury. “The surgical precision of the design gestures mediates top-down and bottom-up urban design strategies.”

Robyn Butcher received a High Commendation for City Service. Public Station, and R. Weller, D. Broun and K. McKernan received a High Commendation for Footprint.

The annual program is open to landscape architects, graduates, students and other built environment professionals who are invited to enter their unrealized projects, propositions and scenarios. The 2009 award was judged by Charles Anderson of Stutterheim/Anderson Landscape Architecture, Mark Fuller of EDAW, Jane Irwin of Jane Irwin Landscape Architecture, Garth Paterson of Stockland and Cameron Bruhn of Landscape Architecture Australia. The jury convenor was SueAnne Ware of RMIT University.

In April, Architecture Media launched Artichoke Night School at Interstudio, welcoming a crowd of two hundred people keen to grow the discussion at the centre of issue 26: Design for Gathering. Presentations from Peter Bickle of Ashton Raggatt McDougall, Paul Hecker of Hecker, Phelan & Guthrie and Suzie Attiwill of RMIT took Artichoke out from the covers and into the world – forming a new aural section of the magazine. Look out for more of these free sessions to launch each issue.

Entries are now open for the World Architecture Festival Awards. The awards program is a major part of the World Architecture Festival, which takes place in Barcelona from 4–6 November, 2009. At the festival, shortlisted projects in 42 categories will be presented “live” to juries over two days, with winning projects in each category then competing for the prestigious Building of the Year award. In addition to the Completed Building section, this year also sees three new sections added to the competition – Future Projects, Interiors and Fitouts, and Structural Design. All entries in all sections are exhibited at the festival, which also includes the thematic exhibition Less Does More, a seminar program and keynote addresses from leading contemporary architects.

Architecture Australia, the journal of the Australian Institute of Architects, is the Australian media partner for the World Architecture Festival. Editor Justine Clark joins the jury again this year, along with significant architects and editors from abroad.

Entries close 26 June, 2009.

The Range 2010 is a collection of classic and contemporary colours by Resene that forecasts colour trends for the year 2010 and beyond. The collection comes with complementary colour suggestions for colour schemes in decorating projects.

The palette is inspired by notions of contrast and contradiction. It’s a trans-seasonal palette – cool colours are drawn into warm environments and warm colours are drawn into cooler environments. The Range 2010 is also available in screen-printed A4 drawdowns, self-adhesives, electronic RGB colour values, ArchiCAD colour files and AutoCAD colour books.

Australia’s best designers, architects and builders will be recognized in the inaugural Look Green Home Design Awards.

Awards will be given to innovative green homes in the categories: best new-custom built home; best display or demonstration home; and best renovation based on sustainability, affordability and innovation. The awards are open to all builders, designers and architects throughout Australia.

Entries close on 24 July 2009. Winners of each of the three categories will receive a trip for two to the world’s biggest green building conference, Greenbuild 2009, in Phoenix, Arizona. Winners will be announced in October and winning entries will feature in LookHome magazine – the Look Home Design Annual.

Think Brick Australia has developed an online tool that allows architects, builders and specifiers to access current, plain-English climate design guides for 26 individual locations around Australia, at the click of a button.

The Climate Design Wizard – www.designingforclimate.com.au – enables designers to investigate how the prevailing wind, humidity, rainfall, air temperature, solar radiation and heating conditions in a specific location are likely to impact a house design year-round. Simple design ideas are then provided to enhance the house’s energy-efficiency and water-efficiency.

Queensland Design on Show (QDOS) recognizes design excellence in Queensland. Hosted by the Queensland branch of the Design Institute of Australia, the awards program has been actively promoting Queensland designers and their work since 2002.

QDOS spans visual communication design, interior design and three-dimensional design, with categories covering lifestyle products, corporate identity and branding, luminaire design and built environment projects.

Overall awards recognize design innovation and excellence, while people’s choice awards allow the general public to have their say on what they consider to be good design.

Launched in 2006, the DIA Queensland Smart State Designer of the Year rewards one of Queensland’s top designers with a travel bursary sponsored by the Queensland state government.

Other events across the QDOS calendar include a four-day judging program, an awards exhibition and an awards gala event.

Entries close at 4pm Friday 5 June 2009.

There is no reason why tough school environments can’t look good too. Altro Flooring has supplied safety flooring to schools for over 50 years. Altro‘s easy-to-clean safety flooring is available in a palette of over 100 colours, including the world’s first timber-look safety flooring.

Register your school now for the Altro Book Gift promotion and be in the running to win $2000 worth of library books.

Altro safety flooring offers school business managers and specifiers an aesthetically pleasing design solution with a 20-year life expectancy. The patented Maxis Easyclean technology has been extensively tested to ensure your school will be looking good for years to come.

The next Abitare il Tempo fair will be held from 17–21 September 2009, in Verona, Italy.

Abitare il Tempo seeks to link culture and the market, believing that the home is not just a four-sided decorative unit but the sum of many aesthetic and existential influences. Abitare il Tempo’s programme of exhibitions contribute to the crucial role of experimentation in design and the development of hypotheses on the future of living and its rituals.

The world’s largest trade fair for bathrooms, building services, energy, airconditioning technology and renewable energies took place in Frankfurt am Main, from 10–14 March 2009. Organized by Messe Frankfurt, the fair was celebrating its fiftieth year and welcomed 2,400 German and international exhibitors. A complementary program turned the spotlight on design trends, sustainability and energy-saving products.

The Bathroom Experience: Water for People provided comprehensive coverage of advancements and trends in the world of bathrooms with a focus on new technology and a fresh design aesthetic. A special event was the Blue Responsibility campaign organized by the VDMA Fittings Association and the German Sanitation Industry Forum, which dealt with water sustainability practices. Many manufacturers exhibited products that considered water conservation, recycling and hygiene.

The Design Plus competition awarded products for their function and aesthetic qualities. Many of the thirty products that received the Design Plus seal made use of new technology and materials. The products aimed to genuinely improve everyday life through additional convenience, comfort or energy efficiency. The World of Installation Technology and the Building, Energy and Air Conditioning Technology show ran concurrently with the Bathroom Experience.