The October 2013 issue of Architectural Product News magazine showcased information about new products from suppliers including Architecture Media Pty Ltd, Efficient Lighting Systems, Havwoods, Intergrain High Performance Timber Finishes and Projex Group Pty Ltd. The cover story shone a spotlight on James Hardie.
You can explore the latest news about architecture and design products, and specification, at ArchitectureAu Products.
Silestone by Cosentino has expanded its Nebula series of quartz surfaces with Nebula Code, to give architects and designers even more choice.
Inspired by natural stone, Nebula Code features beautiful, rich veins and seamless lines. Nebula Code is available in five colours: Helix, Pulsar, Daria, Istmo and Dreis. Just like natural stone, each surface features a unique pattern of veins and colour tones. Characterized by their warm, natural tones, these new colours help to create striking environments that embrace contemporary design.
Nebula Code offers the same high standard of performance and reliability of Silestone by Cosentino, including hardness, resistance to impact and scratching, extremely low absorption and an exclusive bacteriostatic property that improves its hygiene.
The new Lloyd Wright Collection of Roman Briks is a distinctive brick format inspired by the acclaimed architecture of Frank Lloyd Wright. The collection is based on the thin Roman brick, which has been re-engineered by Brikmakers to have a unit size of 290 mm × 90 mm × 47 mm, making it suitable for conventional brick coursing.
Brikmakers’ Lloyd Wright Collection honours the man and enables his still revered philosophy of designing structures which are “in harmony with humanity and its environment,” to remain enduringly relevant.
The now classic look is no less striking and distinctive than when Frank Lloyd Wright began changing the face of modern architecture, and it will enable today’s users to make it work seamlessly with conventional brick courses.
When you’re in the design business, creating the right first impression is essential. So when it came to choosing materials and finishes for the conversion of a 1950s warehouse into an open-plan design studio, the team from architecture practice ThomsonAdsett was relentless in its search for perfection.
Envisioned as a welcoming, engaging and collaborative workspace for 75 staff members, ThomsonAdsett’s Brisbane studio was designed to blur the boundaries between a creative design studio, a learning environment and a gathering space. Visual connections between the front-of-house areas and the studio were a key factor, and the finished space combines high-end finishes with echoes of the building’s industrial history.
The space is open and airy, with a circular informal discussion area, articulated by fine stainless steel mesh curtains, creating a link between the front-of-house areas and the studio. The studio zone is filled with abundant natural light, thanks to sawtooth roof skylights and two large, glazed side walls.
A high-level, steel-framed structure and exposed ducts that have been refreshed and painted white add to the sense of spaciousness.
When a design revolves around simplicity, and so much of the space is on display at all times, material choices are paramount. It was with this in mind that the ThomsonAdsett team chose ARChitectural™ Inraw™ panels, new from James Hardie®, in varying panel sizes to provide a high-end finish to the front-of-house reception and meeting spaces, and an eye-catching nod to the building’s industrial history – achieved thanks to the natural, raw concrete aesthetic. With most of the fixed office joinery being constructed of formply, lightweight Inraw™ panels were a logical pairing.
The sheets were cut to pattern size and fixed with concealed battens. The ease of handling associated with the product and its compatibility with trades already required in the construction allowed for a seamless and cost-effective installation.
Due to their fixing methodology, the panels could also be cut, without having to be fully installed until the end of construction, removing them from the critical path and giving the builder greater programming flexibility. “The use of Inraw™ panels as a focal point in the design has created a frequent talking point amongst clients and guests to the studio,” says a spokesperson for ThomsonAdsett.
“Its graceful simplicity and high-quality finish make it a fresh, cost-effective alternative to conventional palettes and demonstrates potential for a number of applications.”
ThomsonAdsett’s confidence in featuring a new product so prominently in the design of its own studio has been rewarded. “We have a fantastic and dynamic space befitting of our company profile.”
Images: Courtesy of Studio Impressions.
Supawood Architectural Lining Systems’ Crystal High Gloss Ceiling System is a completely new vista for designers – it is a ceiling system specifically created to capture the wow-factor and luxury appeal of highgloss ceilings.
The unique yet affordable Crystal ceilings system seamlessly makes spaces seem lighter, brighter and larger, and is available in a huge range of colours to match any decor.
Crystal ceilings are moisture resistant and fire retardant. They can also be shaped or curved, or used as an acoustic-absorbing ceiling.
For any business, managing cash flow can be a significant challenge. Thriving businesses almost always follow the general principles of cash flow management: forward planning, efficiency, timely payables collection, easy and effective payment solutions and structures.
Macquarie has strengthened the focus of its highly regarded business banking offering for architects. With more than 25 years’ experience in working with small to medium-sized businesses, Macquarie understands that success is underpinned by sound cash-flow management, prudent financing, capital-light asset leasing and seamless banking. Architects can talk to Macquarie about how its bespoke solutions and commitment to understand their business can help them build, grow and evolve.
An industry first – Sub-Zero has reconfigured the Built in Side by Side Refrigerator/Freezer to provide chilled water and ice inside the refrigerator. The ICBBI-48SID product is a perfect match of convenience and aesthetics, keeping chilled water and ice at the user’s fingertips without having to sacrifice the clean appearance that has made Sub-Zero a leader in timeless built-in design.
The redesign also includes improved energy efficiency. The Built in Side by Side 48SID now has variable speed compressors and vacuum-sealed panels within its insulation. This makes this model 20% more energy efficient than the next best built-in refrigerator. It is so energy efficient that it runs on less power than a 60-watt light bulb.
Overlay and stainless steel models are both available. The new flush inset overlay design installation cleverly allows the unit to sit flush with surrounding cabinetry. Designers, specifiers and home owners can choose a stainless steel finish, or apply their own choice of custom panel to blend seamlessly with the adjacent decor.
The classic stainless steel option, which comes complete with an industrial chic louvred grille, can be built in, or configured with official Sub-Zero stainless steel side panels for a freestanding look.
Blum’s tried and tested TANDEMBOX systems fulfil a wide range of customer requirements. The TANDEMBOX line offers two entirely different styles – TANDEMBOX intivo and TANDEMBOX antaro.
The globally inspired TANDEMBOX antaro has been introduced to enhance the industry standard of TANDEMBOX drawer solutions. The new drawer system helps support the changing face of furniture design and offers a more sophisticated design and modular drawer, replacing TANDEMBOX plus in silk white only.
Escea’s DL1100 gas fireplace is an ideal balance of high-performance, five-star efficiency and new generation control technology.
Redesigned from the base up, the new DL1100 luxury fireplace outperforms the IB Series in all areas. It is more efficient, has a higher heat output, and is quieter. Escea’s new generation Smart Heat controller coupled with Escea’s new Powered Vent Technology leaves the user in control.
With 10.4 kW of heat output and five-star efficiency, the DL1100 generates enough heat to quickly heat up the largest of rooms, making them a great choice for the average-sized home.
This well-designed, highly resolved partition system incorporates fine detailing, making it a design feature suitable for a range of contemporary workplaces. The system is fully compliant to Australian Standards and is dry glazed, meaning it can be disassembled for reuse or recycling.
View has the option of either cavity sliders or pivot-hinged doors, designed to be flush with the front face of the glazing. The floor track allows for a 25 mm floor variance by incorporating a jacking bolt.
The View partition system is designed and manufactured in Australia.
When it comes to safe access at heights, choosing the right ladder for the specific height, application and location is critical. Additionally, it is vita that each product installed meets the performance and manufacturing requirements of Australian Standards.
Sayfa Systems believes that any fall is preventable by following a set of guidelines and procedures for designing and determining safety requirements based on specific applications, as well as using innovative and compliant height-access and fall-prevention systems.
Katt modular ladders provide a rapid, cost-effective access solution to elevated areas such as rooftops, ceiling spaces and maintenance platforms. Sayfa’s Katt rung ladders offer precision and a unique profile design that ensure a high level of safety and confidence for building and maintenance crew. The prefabricated modular system ensures easy and rapid on-site assembly, with no welding required.
AWS has developed and tested an extensive range of Vantage, Elevate and ThermalHEART aluminium windows and doors to meet and exceed BCA requirements for compliance under Australian Standard AS3959-2009, for windows and doors in a BAL40 bushfire zone.
These products are engineered, tested and certified to withstand the conditions likely to occur in a BAL40 zone and are designed to help protect the home while still delivering unprecedented style, efficiency and functionality.
AWS offers a large range of BAL40 bushfirerated windows and doors, including a full range of commercial and residential window and door systems, thermally broken window and door systems, and commercial framing systems.
Removing the requirement for traditional metal parapet capping, this new and innovative “cap-less” system features an advanced waterproof membrane that is able to withstand harsh Australian conditions.
By replacing metal capping with a renderable and flexible butyl membrane, the Skyline System gives architects and designers the opportunity to create a continuous, monolithic finish on balcony heads and parapets at the skyline of a building.
Skyline seamlessly integrates with both the MasterWall and K-Series External Cladding Systems to provide a completely new and total weatherproof solution with a choice of architectural render finishes.
Enhance the level of natural daylight inside, reduce glare and decrease reliance on artificial lighting by incorporating WAREMA’s range of precision made venetian blinds, which offer the perfect solution. When opened, the highly-reflective slats guide the daylight to the ceiling, thus providing natural, glare-free lighting into the depth of the room. Heat is also reduced by restricting the levels of solar radiation entering into a space.
More importantly these blinds allow occupants to maintain a visual connection to the outside by incremental adjustment of the slats, thus ensuring the beauty of a sunny day is not obscured.
Suitable for use internally or in twin-skin facades, WAREMA’s daylight guidance range ensures comfort and lightness is harmonized in any commercial or residential environment. Manufactured with engineered components and assembled with exceptional levels of attention to detail, WAREMA’s venetian blinds provide smooth, consistent and quiet operation.
Designed with the user in mind, the Billi Home range provides the ultimate in drinking-water appliances.
The range provides the convenience of an instant supply of refreshing, clean filtered water – boiling and chilled. And not only that, colour options of black, brushed and bright chrome are now available, providing options to complement any style.
Award-winning Billi water systems are chosen by Australian designers and architects for their timeless styling and space-saving design. Offering energy- and waterefficiency benefits, Billi is an Australian touchstone for filtered water systems and sensor tap technology.
The new Smeg barbecues combine sleek design and 316-marine-grade stainless steel with powerful gas burners, an interlocking grill system and hotplate, plus an integrated fat and oil collection system. The latter drains all oils and fats away from the cooking area into a reservoir, creating healthier foods and minimizing flare-ups.
Available in two styles, one with a double insulated hood (BIBQ1205AH) and the other with a flat lid (BIBQ1205AF), the barbecues are among the most powerful available, with an impressive 67.5 megajoules of heat per hour over five burners. The hooded model has a stainless steel warming rack and a 400-degree Celsius thermostat.
The Timba Panel range from Designer Panel Systems is unlike any other panel in the marketplace. The cladding lends itself to a wide range of uses and is ideal for any application where a timber look is required with minimal maintenance.
Timba Panel is a wall cladding system installed with a ventilated air space. It involves laying interlocking panels on a metal framework, fixed using concealed fastenings to the support structure (masonry or metal structure). The panels are simply connected by the use of an interlocking groove, giving the elegant appearance of a recessed joint.
Using a quality hard-wearing process similar to powdercoating, the Timba Panel not only mimics the colour, but also has the appearance, of real timber. The Timba Panel offers a cost-effective and maintenance-free alternative to real timber, and is available in twelve finishes reflecting a range of hues in natural timber colours.
The Timba Panel has the durability of steel while requiring very little maintenance. It will not split, warp or splinter, does not require refinishing or resealing, and is perfect for BAL-rated areas.
Aquabocci has developed five drainage systems that are available in over 200 anodized colours.
Founded by an industrial designer, the company launched the A40 drainage system in 2010 and each year since has brought an innovative new product to the market: the Aquabocci WunderGrip CSIRO R-13 non-slip lid; the A100 deep-tray drainage system; the S66 shallow-tray drainage system; and The Blade by Aquabocci – a cutting-edge designer channel drain which is a new concept to the world market. Aquabocci Custom allows architects and designers to choose from 200 anodized colours.
Architects and designers are encouraged to keep an eye out for further versatile channel drainage systems from Aquabocci.
The Michael Thonet-designed, Polish-crafted, original No.18 bentwood bar stool illustrates the rich tradition of European mastery in wood turning.
The 68-cm walnut-finished beechwood chair with a cocoa-coloured seat pad makes any kitchen space look stylish and inviting.
The Vienna cafe collection of chairs and bar stools was first created by Michael Thonet and Sons in 1876, and the original factories are still in use producing these wonderful chairs. Relax House now offers a huge range of affordable bentwood products.
Exhibiting high dimensional stability when exposed to moisture, temperature and humidity variations, Permarock Cement Board Indoor from Knauf offers an ultimate design solution for water-intensive areas.
Using advanced cement board technology, Permarock Cement Board Indoor is made from aggregated Portland cement with glass fibre mesh embedded into the front and back surfaces.
Permarock Cement Board Indoor is resistant to water and will retain its strength without degrading when immersed in water. With limited expansion or contraction when exposed to moisture and the capability of supporting surface finishes of up to 50 kg/m2, Permarock Cement Board Indoor is an ideal substrate for tiles in wet areas, including domestic and commercial swimming pools, spa areas, kitchens, laundries, bathrooms and leisure facilities.
In addition, Permarock Cement Board Indoor has a high level of impact resistance, making it suitable for use in high traffic areas. Being inorganic, it is resistant to mould growth.
Permarock Cement Board Indoor has excellent sound insulation and is noncombustible, providing a versatile substrate solution and lightweight alternative to brick and block for any construction project.
The new wall-mounted KM reverse-cycle and CM cooling-only airconditioners are the most energy efficient airconditioners Fujitsu General has ever designed.
The models have up to a five-star energy rating thanks to a host of advanced energy-saving features, including inverter technology and highefficiency compressors. These features provide a big leap forward in terms of product efficiency.
The airconditioners feature a stylish and compact design, allowing them to fit seamlessly into all interiors. Standard features across both the Fujitsu KM and CM ranges include Human Sensor technology, weekly timers and built-in demand response capability.
Fujitsu General delivers easy-to-use airconditioning solutions for reverse cycle and cooling-only requirements. The KM series includes five models from 2.5 kW to 7.1 kW, while the CM series offers five models from 2.1 kW to 7.1 kW, catering to a wide selection of residential and commercial applications.
Bostik has released updated FireBan One information, complete with CSIRO certification. It’s visually attractive and easy to read, and a must-have tool for designers, specifiers and contractors.
Bostik Fireban One sealant is one part polyurethane, and is designed for sealing joints and wall penetrations that are subject to high movement and high humidity, or require up to four hours fire-rating compliance.
Features include smooth gunnability and tool off finish; excellent adhesion to metal, wood, plasterboard and masonry; it is paintable and non staining; 50% joint movement; water and weather proof; high acoustic properties; CSIRO tested and certified; and it is fire rated for up to four hours (AS 1530.4-2005).
For copies of the FireBan One information and for further details, fill out the enquiry card.
The new Urban Metal collection of four fully glazed metallic finishes from PGH Bricks & Pavers literally shimmers with sophistication. The finishes available include Zinc Shimmer, Copper Lustre, Silver Spark and Bronze Sheen. Each finish slightly varies in colour as light hits the surface in different ways and at different times.
Available for use internally or externally, these bricks brave the elements without losing their metallic colour and shine, providing a unique look that catches the eye. Urban Metal splits in each colour are also available for more design options.
The wide range of colours and textures as well as the sustainability, durability and thermal mass offered by face brick makes it a popular building material for many residential or commercial design projects.
Architects, designers and specifiers can mix and match with other PGH glazed brick collections, including Vibrant, Academy or Seascape, to create a range of exciting designs, and they can play with smooth, glazed and matte textures to create different visual effects.
Internationally acclaimed designer Marc Newson has teamed with Australian bathroomware brand Caroma to create the Caroma Marc Newson Collection.
The stunning 21-piece range features baths, mixer taps, showers, concealed toilet suites and basins, and sets a new standard in affordable luxury. Each piece in the Caroma Marc Newson Collection has been meticulously designed using high-quality materials and patented engineering, and is fully compliant with Australian bathroom standards.
The various product options offer flexibility to suit a wide range of bathroom budgets. For further information on the Caroma Marc Newson.
A distinctive addition to Locker Group’s architectural range, Dragonscale is carefully formed to provide a three-dimensional, textural element to an installation, without the use of traditional perforating or expanding techniques.
The profile offers a high open area, ideal for light transfer and ventilation, while the scales provide protection for passers-by from internal light beams.
Formed in aluminium, Dragonscale can be anodized or powdercoated in vibrant colours. Local manufacturing capability and expertise allows Locker Group to create new, distinct profiles to meet the exact requirements of a design brief.
The Utah wall light by French-owned company CG has a class one IP55 rating, and is best used as an exterior lamp. It is 80 mm high, with a length and width of 130 mm each.
Utah is available in an Anthracite Dupont® anti-corrosive finish, and takes a 7 W Sharp® LED light source that emits 3000 K / 250 lumen. French designed, the fitting also comes complete with an electronic driver.
As part of Studio Italia’s Light Industry® collection, Utah represents quality design at an affordable price, and is perfect for large projects or small residential settings. As summer approaches, Utah is the ideal exterior light to create an intimate mood in outdoor settings.
An interior version of the light (KUBE) is also available, at a lesser price.
The LEDlux 14 W Cool White dimmable LED downlight is a highperformance downlight that produces 780 lumens of high-intensity light. Its 50-degree-angle beam spread makes it the perfect lighting solution for high ceilings.
A cutout of 90 mm to 92 mm offers a simple direct replacement for a MR16 gimbal halogen downlight on an existing electronic or magnetic transformer.
The LEDlux 14 W 92 mm dimmable LED downlight has an average life of 30,000 hours and is compatible with all common dimmers on the Australian market, including HPM and Clipsal, even CBUS.
WE-EF’s new FLC100 LED series projectors – FLC121, FLC131 and FLC141 – are available with symmetric lens systems for wide, medium, very narrow, and very narrow with sharp cut-off beam distributions, to address the many different requirements for the lighting of buildings, monuments and other structures and settings.
One characteristic of all three installation sizes is the slim luminaire housing with integrated heat sinks. An important feature is the ability to further reduce size by detaching the control gearbox and mounting these parts remotely. The largest of the new projectors, the FLC141 LED, offers a luminous flux of up to 3570 lumens.
The FLC100 LED projector family incorporates WE-EF’s 5CE corrosion protection system and has a protection rating of IP66.
WE-EF has just added the RGBW (red, green, blue, warm white) capability to this product family, providing a rich and programmable pallet of colour.
Efficient Lighting Systems has released the new Ligman Lighting Main Catalogue 4. The catalogue features over 800 pages of exterior lighting products, with a large focus on cutting-edge, energy-efficient LED lamp sources. All products are manufactured and tested to the highest standards.
The Ligman exterior lighting range has been imported and distributed in Australia by Efficient Lighting Systems for over 15 years and is fully assembled in its Melbourne facility. The entire range has photometric tests obtained and the products are EMC and SAA certified.
With six channels, the Somfy Telis 6 Chronis RTS control with timer can control groups of up to six Somfy home applications from a central location, including roller shutters, blinds, curtains and awnings.
In automatic mode, the clock manages the movements of groups of motorized products in different zones of the home. Each day of the week can be programmed separately.
Automatic mode provides customers with a range of benefits:
The Telis 6 Chronis is available in a choice of finishes, including Silver and Pure.
Aglo Systems is a complete lighting solution, specializing in lighting design and providing professional advice and documentation for all lighting requirements. Its team of professional lighting designers utilizes complex computer software to provide accurate documentation, BCA part J6 calculations, watts/metre-squared heat-load calculations, and thorough fitting specifications.
Aglo Systems aims to ensure each client’s requirements are met in a personalized way for retail, commercial and domestic applications, offering a solution that saves money, energy and the environment. Aglo Systems provides concept development, detail design, BCA reports and calculations, lighting supply and installation advice.
The Spiral collection of pendants was originally designed in 1969 by Verner Panton. The iconic Verpan Spiral pendant is constructed from cellidor spirals with a supporting ceiling plate and is available in three colour options – gold, silver or multicoloured – in a one, two or three-cluster grouping.
The Spiral collection is another example of Panton’s play with colours and shapes and is a dramatic addition to any interior environment. The collection is available exclusively from Space.
While long-life LED lighting has significant financial and environmental benefits, selecting a product that will match a specific design taste for the foreseeable future can be tricky.
LED lighting company Brightgreen’s D900 Curve v2 downlight combines energy efficiency, superb brightness and an interchangeable fascia system, allowing for the freedom of expression through lighting choices without refitting lights or compromising light quality.
The D900 Curve v2 is compatible with six coloured fascias and eight beam angling fascias, allowing architects and designers to create a variety of lighting effects. Brightgreen’s 70,000-hour product lifetime and Tru-Colour 95CRI technology come as standard.
The appeal and use of naturally weathered timbers is an increasingly popular trend for outdoor areas. Unfortunately, grey timber is one of the first signs of unhealthy timber, and can lead to permanent damage.
New Feast Watson Grey Look Deck finish provides an immediate grey, naturally weathered look, while still protecting the timber. The grey appearance increases in colour intensity over time, while providing durable protection from harsh Australian weather conditions.
Feast Watson Grey Look Deck is a low-odour, water-based product suitable for all exterior timber such as decking, walkways and pergolas.
Eco Pur 1 and Eco Pur 3 have been added to the Eco Collection, available from GEO Flooring. The global success of the Eco Collection led Carpet Concept to revitalize and develop the material further, with passion and clever technology.
Eco Pur 1 unites the intense colours of the pile yarn with the black weft yarn below. This combination results in brilliant colours and a vital character. It is available in 47 colours, ranging from an elegant cement grey and natural sand colours, to fashionable apple green and aubergine.
Eco Pur 3 mixes the coloured pile yarn with a graft weft yarn – an effect that is complemented by the black yarns of the woven back shimmering through. This subtle combination makes the 35 strong colours sophisticated and understated.
The expressive colours of the pile threads are subdued by the black or gray structural threads, giving the impression of just one colour. This all helps to make Eco Pur surprisingly different, and at the same time naturally logical – an aesthetic plus for modern colour schemes in architecture and interior design projects.
The selection of excellent yarns with three-dimensional effects create dynamic surfaces. Top-quality Antron Legacy fibres with outstanding performance characteristics are used as pile fabric.
Eco Pur 1 and Eco Pur 3 carpets are now available in Australia, exclusively from GEO Flooring.
Image: The woven carpets are available in a range of colours, including cement grey, aubergine and apple green.
Outdoor decking that is stronger than steel, lighter than aluminium, looks great and is made in Western Australia has been launched by Western Australian firm ABBIX Industries.
Diamond deck™ is made from a unique, super-strength fibre reinforcement allowing it to span a massive 900 mm between joists, compared to 400–450 mm for traditional wood and composite decks. It is maintenance free, so never needs to be oiled or painted, is UV stable, and spills of fats and oils from barbecues can be wiped clean with detergent and water.
Unlike traditional timber decking, Diamond deck™ is 100% waterproof so it can be installed at ground level on soil, sand, concrete or brick. Due to Diamond deck™’s capability to span 900 mm, savings as much as 50% can be achieved on building the deck substructure, in comparison to traditional timber and composite decking.
ABBIX recently entered into a distribution agreement with M&B Sales, a supplier of quality building products in Western Australia, to supply and install Diamond deck™ across the state. “Diamond deck™ does not absorb water, so it can be used as pool decking with no swelling or warping,” ABBIX chairman Fraser Tonner said.
The ECmodular Escape range has been revitalized with a vivacious splash of colour, adding to the original palette of six colours.
The audacious pattern offered by the Escape range, along with the chic colour palette, brings an edge of difference to any living space.
All ECmodular carpet tiles feature EComfort, an environmentally advanced secondary backing, a benchmark of environmental standards for the carpet tile industry. EComfort is also 150% more thermally efficient than hardbacked carpet tiles, providing power savings, creating less greenhouse emissions and featuring minimized cold/heat transfer.
Designed for heavy traffic, single or double pivoting application doors, the Briton 7500 series floor spring from Ingersoll Rand offers improved adjustability and versatility.
The Briton 7500 series floor spring consists of a high-grade cast iron body, which is power adjustable sizes three to six, allowing on-site adjustment to suit the prevailing conditions. The securely designed speed-adjustment valves protect the spring mechanism from abuse and adverse weather conditions, and the internal mechanism components utilize heat-treated high-alloy steels and ball bearings for optimum efficiency.
The 7500 series floor spring is suitable for use with timber, metal and tempered glass doors up to 300kg.
Outdoor deck areas are becoming more common in commercial projects, and products such as VersiJack can allow the services to remain easily accessible. VersiJack by Elmich, supplied by KHD, is a height-and-slopeadjustable pedestal that supports raised pavers and timber decking.
VersiJack provides a cavity for services to be concealed, improves heat and sound insulation, facilitates rapid surface drainage and allows waterproofing to remain accessible.
VersiJack also caters for a wide range of height requirements, from 15 mm to 1050 mm, using only three main components. VersiJack is manufactured from recycled materials.
VersiJack has been used on many projects in Australia, including the Kraft Headquarters at South Wharf, Melbourne.
Forbo’s Flex Design is a collection of high-quality, dimensionally stable heterogeneous vinyl planks and tiles specifically engineered for loose-lay installation.
Flex Design is ideal for use in renovation projects, raised access floors or any project where speed of installation is required, such as a retail space or commercial office. Technical specifications include a 1-mm-thick durable PVC wear layer for heavy traffic applications; R10 slip resistance; an easy-to-clean, stain-resistant PUR Pearl finish; and a 12 dB acoustic rating.
The tiles are engineered with excellent dimensional stability to ensure a lay-flat and stay-flat installation for long-term performance. Flex Design is stocked in Australia.
Havwoods has launched PurePlank, a new range of 100% FSC-certified products that will be stocked in Australia and available for immediate delivery.
“We’ve invested heavily in sourcing and stocking the 100% FSC PurePlank range to support specifiers who need to have access to the best in sustainable products,” said David Hickson, managing director of Havwoods Australia.
PurePlank boards are 180 mm wide, 14 mm thick and 2200 mm long, and available in a range of seven on-trend colours and finishes. PurePlank is produced in Europe and like all Havwoods engineered flooring products offers a high level of dimensional stability, making it an especially good choice for commercial applications.
CleverDeck provides a decking solution that looks as good as timber but comes without the headaches – no rot, no oiling or painting required, and it is more than cost-effective when compared with hardwood decking.
Futurewood products are created from recycled industrial waste instead of rainforest timbers. The popular CleverDeck range is made of a proprietary blend of plastics and cellulose fibres and has been designed and tested to meet the rigorous demands that weather typically plays on an outdoor deck. The 138 mm CleverDeck comes in Saltbush, Mahogany, Chocolate, Walnut and Slate Grey and is finished with an indented grain pattern. An 86-mm-wide decking board in a rough sanded finish and a Mahogany colour is also available. CleverDeck is a low-maintenance, cost-effective decking solution and it looks fantastic.
For more on timber alternatives for decking, fencing, cladding and landscaping fill out the enquiry card.
Featured in the new Smart Luxury collection, the Kludi Bozz tapware range is a combination of high technical standards and superior functionality.
Kludi Bozz’s 5-star WELS rating, non-wearing ceramic discs and threestage chrome plating process, along with its minimalist styling, mean it will last the test of time both mechanically and aesthetically.
The contemporary form flows through all aspects of the bathroom, with the range comprising two basin mixers, two basin tap sets, bath/shower mixers and even a bidet mixer.
Kludi Bozz is available exclusively from Mico Design and Tradelink stores nationally.
Schindler’s new elevator for commercial and high-end residential buildings delivers flexibility, ensuring an ideal fit for both building and architectural design.
The Schindler 5500 can be configured to maximize rental area, and relies on the latest technologies to help lower a building’s carbon footprint and provide a smooth and quiet ride.
The elevator also offers an impressive range of design choices. It offers speeds from one to three metres per second, handles loads from 630 to 2500 kgs and provides an extensive range of features. The Schindler 5500 meets the requirements of today’s modern cities.
Adbri Masonry’s range of Coloured Block provides the flexibility and durability to transform creative design into reality.
Available in a number of sizes, as well as cap, end and corner solutions, Coloured Block gives architects and designers the opportunity to develop unique combinations of colour, aggregate and surface texture to craft environments that achieve structural as well as aesthetic objectives.
Architects and designers can explore the creative freedom made possible with the distinct range of surface finishes – smooth, splitface, shotblast and polished honed – and design with texture in their next project.
Trend’s aluminium Quantum Architectural Series has been redesigned to incorporate Trend’s newly upgraded architectural commercial window framing system.
The Quantum Sliding Window still retains its modern clean lines but now has added features. The Quantum Sliding Window has a new easy-to-clean sill with a sump incorporated into it. The 102-mm semi-commercial outer frame accommodates a 55-mm window sash with a heavy-duty dual-wheel roller system that allows smoother sliding.
Glazing is offered from 4-mm-thick glass, up to 24-mm double-glazed units, ideal for energy efficiency options to help meet WERS ratings or STC acoustic requirements.
The satin chrome hardware includes a key lock supplied as standard or architects and designers can choose from a range of powdercoated colour finishes. The Quantum Sliding Window can be used in bushfire-prone areas that require up to BAL-40 bushfire rating.
Blockout Shutters meet the Australian Standard AS3959-2009 for bushfire protection. Blockout now has a range of shutters that will block out up to 90% of heat, aid in preventing glass windows and doors from shattering, and impede embers entering property.
Blockout Shutters can be integrated as part of an architectural design with concealed pelmets, or retrofitted onto existing structures. A standard range of colours and a comprehensive range of anodized or powdercoated finishes are available to complement any colour scheme.
Landmark’s new Daintree suite of street and park furniture includes seats, platform seats, benches, picnic settings and bin surrounds. Architects and designers can choose powdercoated or painted steel frames to provide a sleek, modern aesthetic, and a comprehensive support for the slats.
Available with either 100% recycled wood plastic composite (WPC) or rosewood slats, the range provides a colourful, robust and environmentally friendly furniture solution for commercial, urban and park settings.
Suitable for applications such as sun shading and rain screening, or for use as safety-from-falling screens in exterior environments, Building-Armour by Kaynemaile is a versatile solution.
Kaynemaile’s manufacturing process accommodates unlimited sheet sizes, resulting in a cleaner look, faster installation and less supporting structure. Made from UV-stabilized, engineering-grade polycarbonate and stainless steel hardware, it won’t corrode, deteriorate or go brittle.
Building-Armour is an extremely lightweight system (weighing 3 kg per m2), resulting in less, or often no expensive crane hiring. This also means a smaller support structure is required and bigger spans can be achieved. Furthermore, no seismic joints or detailing is required.
Roca has unveiled the Logica tapware collection, which features outstanding design qualities, efficiency and functionality.
The Logica collection is designed by Ramon Benedito, a prize-winning industrial designer from Barcelona. The beautiful collection displays smooth, elegant lines that give it advanced functionality, offering innovative solutions for the kitchen.
The maximum water flow is 4.58 litres per minute for the basin mixer, making it 5-star WELS rated.
To help architects and designers open up the endless possibilities of colour choices, Resene has created the new Habitat plus book, which is devoted to colour – from the most vibrant reds and yellows to soothing neutrals and moody black.
Habitat plus is packed with plenty of examples and advice and is designed to be a handy, quick guide for architects and designers to use with their clients, to assist in getting them thinking about colour and the effect it will have on their projects.
James Hardie’s® new ARChitectural™ range of commercial pre-finished products offers outstanding durability and supports the creation of enduring architecture. The range features ChromaShield™ technology, the combination of a series of advanced and durable coatings with James Hardie® cement-composite substrates that also have durability as its core DNA.
The new ARChitectural™ Invibe™ panel is a pre-finished panel with a high level of application durability and is characterized by a lustrous coloured look. Invibe™ panel’s core DNA is durability, because it’s made from James Hardie® 6-mm thick cementcomposite substrate that’s coated using ChromaShield™ 200 series. Invibe™ panel offers a “double shield” of durability in a vast range of commercial interior wall and ceiling applications in both wet and dry areas.
The new ARChitectural™ Inraw™ panel is also a pre-finished panel with a high level of application durability, but which is characterized by a natural raw concrete aesthetic. Inraw™ panel offers a “double shield” of durability in a vast range of commercial interior dry wall and ceiling applications.
There is no better place to look for architecture, interior and landscape products than Selector.com. Whether you need a lighting design company, a bathroom supplier or an acoustics solution, you can search Selector.com’s large database to find the products and services that are right for you. Selector.com is an effective, easy-to-use website where architects, interior designers, landscape architects, builders and home renovators find and enquire about products. It is an ideal way for building industry suppliers to promote their product to a large, targeted audience of professional specifiers and end users.
Searching the site is simple, with its extensive list of categories and keywords. Searches can also be refined by supplier, or you can type in your own search criteria.
Each product is shown in clear images. Some items have image slideshows and video demonstrations as well as product specifications and technical data.
Selector.com’s “My Favourites” feature lets you keep the products you love in one place, making it easy for you to share them.
Potential clients can easily make contact with suppliers, as phone, email and web details are provided. A simple contact form can be used to request further information.
Importantly, Selector.com can be accessed wherever you need it. You can use it on your desktop, iPad or other tablet device, or you can link to the mobile phone version, specially designed for easy viewing.
Pandomo by Ardex has revealed upcoming colour trends for Australian interior concrete wall and flooring finishes, for 2013/2014.
“A much stronger sense of ‘Australian’ style is beginning to emerge. It’s focused on maximizing space and light, presenting a clean, minimalist and industrial tone; whilst also striking out to capture bold accents of colour to provide contrasting focal points. We are excited to watch it mature,” said Ardex sales and marketing manager Fabian Morgan.
The colour trends feature minimalist and industrial greys to provide a sense of space; off-whites to enhance natural light; glowing beiges and earthy browns to imbue warmth; bold accents of colour to highlight focal points; and an increasing imprint of brand in the working environment
Pandomo’s floor and wall finishing systems provides home owners, interior designers and architects with a smooth, crack-and-impact-resistant canvas on which to build their vision. Pandomo transforms disjointed walls and floors, and delivers a seamless openness to every surface it touches.
Alex Gaston, an interior designer from New York City, has designed a loft space in Atlanta using Sunbrella fabrics. Captured in eight episodes available online, Alex explores the space and designs a total loft environment using Sunbrella fabrics, both indoors and outdoors.
The loft is a 120-square-metre space with two bedrooms, two bathrooms, a small kitchen and a tiny dining room. It features vaulted ceilings, exposed brick, lots of windows and two outdoor patio spaces.
Alex turns the loft into a chic, sexy, sophisticated home. Watch the transformation unfold online on Sunbrella’s Perspective Atlanta website – view the reveal or watch all eight episodes.
Barrisol ceilings with invisible microperforations provide exceptional acoustic performance without compromising the design.
Each microperforation is just 0.1–0.3 mm in diameter, with 300,000 to 500,000 microperforations per square metre. Ceiling panels are not restricted to fixed panel sizes or shapes, with single custom ceiling panels up to 40 square metres, relying only on a perimeter rail to keep it in place.
With an NRC rating of up to 0.95, Barrisol is a smart architectural acoustic building product for any space that requires acoustic performance – it is ideal for use in auditoriums, offices, churches, foyers, lecture theatres, meeting rooms and restaurants. Barrisol can supply acoustic test results (NRC/SAA) for over 200 ceiling setups for acoustic engineering requirements. The sound absorption works by converting sound energy into thermal energy through friction with the microperforations, thereby reducing room reverberation.
Barrisol microperforated acoustic solutions are available across the entire Barrisol range of 230 colours and 18 finishes, including gloss, satin, matt, metallic, recycled and backlit translucent.
A successful collaboration by Bent and Curved Glass with architect, engineer and glazier has resulted in a stunning frameless glass stair installation in a recent residential project in Neutral Bay, Sydney.
Bent and Curved Glass manufactured custom toughened structural laminated glass stair treads, landing and balustrades, which were installed with an innovative concealed fixing method resulting in the cantilever panels appearing to float in mid-air.
“The resultant clear sight lines appear to reduce the mass of the stair, eliminating the heavy vertical element,” says Dan North of Jorge Hrdina Architects.
“Using an almost invisible material such as glass was crucial in avoiding that strong 45-degree staircase line, which would have worked against the rest of the building’s geometry.”
The push towards using basic raw materials, in particular the popularity of terracotta, has manifested as one of the biggest trends this spring – and Monier has brought terracotta into the modern day with the Nouveau tile.
With all the benefits that terracotta tiles give, the Nouveau tile has a unique, modern profile that’s sleek and sturdy with a unique satin finish. Terracotta (literally meaning “baked earth” in Italian) is a natural claybased ceramic that can be glazed or unglazed and is extremely hard-wearing and versatile. Terracotta has been used throughout history as a roofing material, and when it comes to performance and colour, it is long lasting.
Monier terracotta roof tiles have outstanding depth and intensity of colour that won’t fade, as each tile is glazed and fired at a temperature of over 1000 degrees Celsius, baking the colour right into the tile and enabling it to withstand time and harsh weather conditions. Monier terracotta tiles are salt safe so they are able to endure the wind, spray and salt of the ocean and won’t corrode.
Monier terracotta roof tiles are available in various profiles and each profile has a choice of colours, offering a variety of design solutions.
Explore Brisbane’s built environment as part of Brisbane Open House, which will this year be held from 12 to 13 October. The free event provides residents and visitors with the rare opportunity to discover Brisbane’s hidden treasures, as a multitude of contemporary, historic and environmentally significant buildings are unlocked.
Seventy-one buildings and structures will be open to the public, including Ecosciences Precinct (pictured), ABC Brisbane, QUT Science and Engineering Centre, Translational Research Institute and the BVN Donovan Hill office.
Held annually in conjunction with World Architecture Day, Brisbane Open House provides guided and self-guided tours to encourage people to explore, re-examine and engage with Brisbane’s built environment.
For more information visit brisbaneopenhouse.com.au.
Eighty-one projects have been shortlisted in the annual Eat-Drink-Design Awards, which celebrates the designers behind Australasia’s best eating and drinking experiences. The winners and commended projects will be revealed at a special presentation on 12 November in Melbourne.
Judging this year’s entries were chef and restaurateur Christine Manfield, author and food writer John Birmingham, architect Domenic Alvaro, design writer Rachel Hurst and Architecture Media editorial director Cameron Bruhn.
The awards are presented by Architecture Media in partnership with Tanqueray Gin, The Salvage Company, Space, Architects Professional Risk Services, Crittenden Estate Mornington Peninsula and Taubmans, and Melbourne accommodation partner The Hatton. For tickets and the full shortlist gallery visit gallery.eat-drink-design.com.
For further coverage also see ArchitectureAU.com/articles/2013-eat-drink-design-awards-shortlist-1.
Image: The 2013 Eat-Drink-Design Awards jury (L–R): Rachel Hurst, Domenic Alvaro, Cameron Bruhn, John Birmingham and Christine Manfield. Photography: Neil Fenelon.
Fifteen contemporary projects have been recognized in the 2013 Think Brick Awards, which were announced in Sydney on 8 August. The awards recognize design excellence and innovation in the architectural use of clay brick and concrete masonry.
This year, Queensland projects scooped the Horbury Hunt Award in both the commercial and residential categories. Bellbowrie Swimming Pool by Bureau Proberts, which won the Horbury Hunt commercial award, was designed with a signature brick motif on its main entry pavilion. Working with artist Adrian Clifford, Bureau Proberts created a feature pattern of a large, free-form gum flower in white, referencing the local eucalyptus after which the area is named.
The Horbury Hunt Residential award winner, Four-Room Cottage in Brisbane by Owen and Vokes and Peters, uses brick as the primary expression in a landscape of spaces that includes a galley kitchen and an intimate fireside courtyard.
The winners are as follows:
For a full list of winners and commended projects visit ArchitectureAU.com/articles/2013-think-brick-awards.
Registration is now open for the 2014 Australian Interior Design Awards, which recognize and celebrate interior design excellence. Entries will open on Monday 11 November 2013 and close on Wednesday 12 February 2014, for projects completed between 1 September 2012 and 31 December 2013.
Categories include Retail Design, Hospitality Design, Workplace Design, Public Design, Residential Design, Residential Decoration and Installation Design. Winners and commendations will be announced at a gala presentation, to be held at The Ballroom, Hilton Sydney Hotel, on Friday 16 May.
The Australian Interior Design Awards is a partnership event of the Design Institute of Australia, Designex and Artichoke magazine.
The Australian Interior Design Awards’ thanks its corporate supporters, which in 2014 include Forbo Flooring Systems, Dulux Australia, The Laminex Group, and Space, with ISIS as jury host and The Hatton as accommodation partner.
For further information visit australianinteriordesignawards.com.
Photography: Tribeca Loft – Jonny Valiant; Abu House – Tom Ferguson; Boston Consulting Group Canberra – Lisa McKelvie.
The winners of the 2013 Intergrain Timber Vision Awards have been announced, and this year seven projects have been acknowledged. The awards recognize the innovative use of timber in both commercial and residential projects, in interior and exterior applications.
The winners are as follows:
Judges described the Coolum Beach Streetscaping Project as a bold piece of urban design that “responds to day and night and the passing of time and seasons.” They said Captain Melville was an innovative example of recycling that takes a fresh approach to the use of timber in a hospitality environment. House House was described as a timber box that brings domestic warmth and vibrancy to its eclectic setting. Judges said timber is an integral part of the narrative of the design of the Shearers Quarters, connecting it to stories of its historic location.
Judging the 2013 Intergrain Timber Vision Awards were Hamish Lyon (NH Architecture), Virginia Kerridge (Virginia Kerridge Architect), Cameron Bruhn (Architecture Media) and Douglas Curr (Dulux).
For further coverage visit intergrain.com.au/winner2013, and ArchitectureAU.com/articles/2013-intergrain-timber-vision-awards.
