News

See Also: Recent AEC Daily Newsletters

Color and Architecture Celebrated

October 26, 2012

World of Color Award™ Winners Announced by Eastman Chemical KINGSPORT, Tenn., Oct. 24, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- Solutia, a subsidiary of the Eastman Chemical Company (NYSE: EMN) has announced the winners of the second World of Color Awards™: Inspired by Vanceva®. The international competition honors architects, interior designers, furniture designers and other industry professionals who have demonstrated innovative and liberal use of Vanceva color interlayers for laminated glass in their work between January 1, 2008 and December 31, 2011. Photographs of the winning projects will be showcased at the company's stand at Glasstec, the world's largest glass event held in Dusseldorf, Germany. An international jury of five celebrated industry professionals reviewed a worldwide portfolio of architectural project submissions, and awarded two winners and two honorable mentions in the Exterior and Interior categories, including a "Fan Favorite" selection from Facebook. Entries were judged on the creative use of glass with laminated color interlayers, aesthetics, and degree of attention paid to the overall benefits and technology of laminated glass. WINNERS EXTERIOR Division Winner: International Management Institute, Kolkata (IMI-K) INTERIOR Division Winner: "Harmonic Convergence" EXTERIOR Honorable Mention: 29 logements ilot V3A ZAC Seguin INTERIOR Honorable Mention: Frydenberg Skole "Fan Favorite" from Facebook: Bush of Schaan
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Chicago Metallic's Planostile metal ceiling panels withstand positive and negative wind loads

October 23, 2012

The Chicago Metallic® Corporation Planostile™ system is designed to withstand 30 PSF positive and negative pressures (per UL 580, Class 30). Installing this system per Chicago Metallic’s unique UL Construction Number 630, makes this system of 2-by-2-foot metal panels ideal for exterior soffits, overhangs and drive-through canopies. Chicago Metallic provides architects and engineers with performance information to assist them in meeting their projects’ specific needs. Performance data and charts are available on the website at www.chicagometallic.com and from the company’s technical service department. The Planostile system features a wide variety of finishes ranging from baked on paint colors to reflective and anodized surfaces. Chicago Metallic also offers wood-grain finishes including MetalWood®, a polymer coating, and WoodScenes®, a dye-sublimated finish on powder coating. As an interior system, Planostile can provide enhanced acoustical performance, achieving Noise Reduction Coefficient (NRC) up to 0.90. with acoustical backing material and perforations. A broad range of standard perforation patterns are available, as well as custom perforations. Planostile Snap-in panels also may be requested with either beveled or square edges, as 2-by-4 feet wide or in custom sizes. Planostile Snap-in panels are made of non-combustible material for a Class A fire rating and contain no volatile organic compounds (VOCs) or any substance that would support the growth of mold. Further enhancing the environmental attributes, the panels and suspension typically approach 100% recycled content and are 100% recyclable.
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MS & AFRICA MIDDLE EAST: THE NEW VERONAFIERE MARBLE, TECHNOLOGY, DESIGN AND CONSTRUCTION MACHINERY EXHIBITION

October 23, 2012

Egypt 9-12 December 2013 Marmomacc and Samoter join forces for an unprecedented event in Cairo. The two Veronafiere exhibitions take excellence in the building, materials, know-how, technology and machinery field to North Africa's emerging markets. Veronafiere takes another step in its internationalisation programme for the construction industry. Cairo in Egypt will see the debut 9-12 December 2013 of MS Africa & Middle East, The International Trade Fair for Stone Design, Technology, Earthmoving and Building Machinery, a new and unprecedented event dedicated to marble, technologies, design and construction machinery. MS is named after Marmomacc (www.marmomacc.com) and Samoter (www.samoter.it), the two leading international exhibitions in their respective sectors (marble and natural stone, construction machinery), while Africa & Middle East focus attention on the building markets of North Africa and the Middle East. The initiative set in motion by Veronafiere in collaboration with its Egyptian partner Art Line was presented during the 47th edition of Marmomacc in Verona last 26-29 September. The economies of Egypt and other North African countries are considered to be strategic for the development of internatoinal activities by Samoter and Marmomacc. Egypt enjoys a preferential geographical position that naturally candidates the country's role as regional hub, thanks also to commercial agreements (Comesa, Gafta) with most countries in the continent which, among other things, have enabled significant cuts in customs duties. Moreover, Egypt does not currently host such a specialist international exhibition in two such closely related sectors. The categories in the stone field will range from marble and natural stones through to processing technology and design, while as regards machinery will include all systems used in quarries and on construction sites (earthmoving, hoisting/lifting, attachment) and aggregate processing (concrete, asphalt and crushing). From a more technical point of view, the first edition of MS Africa & Middle East is scheduled in Cairo 9-12 December 2013 at the Cairo International Convention and Exhibition Centre (CICC) while awaiting the completion of the new Cairo Expo City designed by architect Zaha Hadid in collaboration with Buro Happold. The exhibition will occupy an area of about 5000 square meters and will be open free of charge to professional operators. The costs for exhibitors are very competitive and will range for inside locations from 170 euro/sq.m. for bare area to 195 euro/sq.m. for areas with basic set-ups. Activities will be followed up by Veronafiere's international organisation and in any case the event can also count on the major commitment for promoting the Samoter and Marmomacc brands nationally and internationally (Marmomacc already boasts 60% of foreign exhibitors, while the last edition of Samoter achieved 30%) as well as the know-how of Egyptian partner Art Line. The exhibition's main professional visitors are expected to come not only from Egypt but also from countries in North Africa and the Middle East: in this context, Cairo is an authentic gateway to these markets and much easier to reach than Verona not the least in terms of language, visa procedures and distances.
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TECHNI-FLO™ ENGINEERED VENTILATION SYSTEMS OFFERS A COMPREHENSIVE LIMITED WARRANTY

October 19, 2012

ATLANTA - Atlas Roofing® Corporation announced today a comprehensive limited warranty is available for its Techni-Flo™ Engineered Ventilation System for steep-sloped roofs. The three Techni-Flo components: Techni-Flo RV, CrossVent® and Techni-Flo EV comprise the only complete ventilation system in the industry for steep-slope roofs. The Techni-Flo complete system now features a comprehensive warranty that covers manufacturing defects and resistance to fading and cracking on finishes as well as wind resistance up to 120 miles per hour and continued ventilation and thermal performance for 20 years. The separate Techni-Flo components contain recycled content for further potential LEED contributions in the Materials and Resources MR credit for Recycled Content. Techni-Flo supports a larger Net Free Area (NFA) than any other ventilation system in the industry. By using the Ventilation Roof System Calculator and the Net Free Area Calculator provided at www.atlasroofing.com, users can determine the best specification to ensure balanced, consistent ventilation for any steep-sloped roof.
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This Old House Names AZEK VAST Pavers One of the "TOH Top 100 New Home Products of 2012"

October 19, 2012

SCRANTON, Pa., Oct. 18, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- AZEK Building Products today announced that This Old House has named AZEK® VAST® Pavers one of the "TOH Top 100 Products of 2012". "The TOH Top 100 is the result of an exhaustive search for the most forward-thinking, relevant and necessary new home products out there, in seven different categories," says Scott Omelianuk, Editor of This Old House. AZEK VAST Pavers won for Outdoor Living. AZEK VAST Pavers are manufactured from up to 95 percent recycled content – comprised mostly of reclaimed tires mixed with plastic. The products include Standard Landscape pavers for new patios and driveways; Resurfacing pavers to go over concrete slabs, decks and balconies; and Permeable pavers for water management areas. In five appealing colors, the pavers are stain, impact and scratch resistant. Fitting into an innovative grid system and at less than half the weight of traditional pavers, AZEK VAST Pavers install up to three times faster than other pavers, with no special tools or masonry wet saws required. The "TOH Top 100" can be found at www.ThisOldHouse.com/top100 and in the November/December 2012 issue on newsstands November 2nd.
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Haddonstone (USA) Ltd appoints new President

October 18, 2012

Haddonstone, one of the world’s leading manufacturers of landscape ornaments and architectural cast stone, has appointed David West as the new President of Haddonstone (USA) Ltd. David joined the company in 1995, originally working at Haddonstone’s UK head office in Northamptonshire, England. He first moved to Pueblo, Colorado, where the USA production facility is based, to become a Vice President in 1999. On his appointment, David said: “I’m delighted to become the new President of Haddonstone USA. There are massive opportunities for us in the US market and I’m excited to be embarking on this new challenge supported by a strong team in both Colorado and New Jersey.” Haddonstone (USA) hand-makes cast limestone at its production facility in Pueblo, Colorado, which was first opened in 1996, and delivers across North America. The company manufactures an extensive range of architectural and landscape designs including balustrading, columns, porticos and door surrounds, planters and fountains. Haddonstone regularly exhibits across the USA, notably at ASLA, The International Builder’s Show and The Traditional Building Exhibition. Anyone interested in Haddonstone can call 719 948 4554, e-mail stone@haddonstone.com or visit www.haddonstone.com for more information. An inspirational 204 page color catalog is available on request.
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Innovative Driftwood Floors by Solidfloor[TM]

October 18, 2012

Wooden floors inspired by nature Solidfloor™ is introducing nine new Driftwood designs to its Earth & Fire flooring collection. The Driftwood floors are inspired by nature and tear by the sea and sand. The floors are sturdy, strong, have great colours and each one has its own unique identity. The Whitehaven, Bretagne and Saga floors are all oak floors. The other six items are made of hevea wood, of which the Atoll, Pebble and Coast floors have a herringbone pattern. Innovation Each plank undergoes a strict selection ans is processed in an innovative and unique way, causing the inner beauty of wood to come to the surface even more. A team of specially trained craftsman guide this process from start to finish. That is why only the best planks caryy the the name of Driftwood. Never before have such unique and innovative floors been introduced to the market. A Driftwood floor gives every room a unique look, with spaciousness and beauty by simplicity being the most important features. Highly durable Whatever Solidfloor you choose to buy, you are always guaranteed a highly durable floor of the highest quality. Solidfloor has a huge range of floors, from classic to modern. Furthermore, each Solidfloor comes with a 25-year warranty. The Driftwood floors will be available from the end of October at quality parquet floor stores and interior design specialists. For more information go to http://redirect.aecdaily.com/s18122/www.driftwoodfloors.com.
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New Design Competition Explores Wood as Green Material for Urban Construction

October 18, 2012

Timber in the City Competition Challenges Young Architects to Design Mid-Rise, Mixed-Use Complex NEW YORK, Oct. 17, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- Wood has been used as a building material for thousands of years, but when it comes to urban construction, American cities are predominantly steel and concrete. A new design competition, organized by the Association of Collegiate Schools of Architecture (ACSA), the Binational Softwood Lumber Council (BSLC), and Parsons The New School for Design seeks to change that mindset. Timber in the City: Urban Habitats challenges architecture students and young professionals, working individually or in teams, to design a mid-rise, mixed-use complex for a site in the Brooklyn waterfront neighborhood of Red Hook, an industrial and residential area that is currently in flux, with a population of public housing residents and working artists and designers, and a number of new residential and commercial developments such as Ikea. With a focus on regenerating the urban manufacturing sector and addressing New York's housing needs, entrants are being tasked with incorporating affordable housing units; a bike sharing and repair shop; as well as a vocational, manufacturing and distribution center for the innovative use of wood technology. Entrants will be challenged to propose construction systems that draw optimally on the performance characteristics of a variety of wood technologies, and incorporate the creative and innovative use of wood in its design. A distinguished panel of judges will award the winning teams with cash prizes totaling $30,000, and the projects will be publicly exhibited at the 2014 ACSA Annual Meeting in Miami and the American Institute of Architects 2014 Convention in Chicago. Entrants must register by March 6, 2013 and submit their project by May 22, 2013. The design jury will meet July 2013 to select winning projects and honorable mentions. For full details on the competition visit the ACSA website.
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Five Holcim (US) Plants Receive EPA's 2012 Energy Star® for Superior Energy Efficiency

October 17, 2012

WALTHAM, Mass., Oct. 16, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- Holcim (US) Inc. (www.holcim.us) announced today that five of its plants have earned the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency's (EPA) prestigious ENERGY STAR®. "It is with great pride that once again Holcim is recognized by the EPA for our continued commitment to environmentally sound practices with the ENERGY STAR® Awards," said Filiberto Ruiz, deputy chief executive officer of Holcim (US). "Protecting the environment is a priority at Holcim, and these awards reflect the determination of every Holcim employee to maintain that commitment." The following five Holcim plants were named: Theodore in Theodore, AL; Ste. Genevieve in Bloomsdale, MO; Holly Hill in Holly Hill, SC; Portland in Florence, CO; and Devil's Slide in Morgan, UT. This year's award is the second for the Portland plant, the third for both the Holly Hill and Ste. Genevieve plants and the fifth consecutive year for the Devil's Slide plant. The ENERGY STAR® is the national symbol for protecting the environment through superior energy performance.
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GRAPHISOFT Educational User Sessions at Ecobuild® America highlight Open BIM And Green Building

October 17, 2012

Special Breakout Sessions Discuss Productivity and Green Tech BOSTON, Oct. 16, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- GRAPHISOFT will be offering Technology User Sessions at Ecobuild® America, Washington, D.C., December 3-7, 2012. Top architectural design and technical experts will present strategies to help firms adapt to the evolving world of Building Information Modeling. Courses incorporate case studies, best practices for Open BIM, practical workflows, and new ideas into a highly collaborative learning experience. In a special user group session, GRAPHISOFT North America Business Process Leader, Monte Chapin, will lead a panel discussion on design and productivity efficiency in ArchiCAD. The panel will be made up of some of the most successful ArchiCAD firms in the industry today. A brief summary of GRAPHISOFT tech user sessions: - Client Communications with BIM - How to Increase Efficiency Using Open BIM Technology - South Cove Manor: The Reality of BIM Collaboration with IFC Data Exchange - How BIM has changed Managing a Project Team - Integrating Green Building Analysis into BIM - Sustainable Solutions with BIM Registration for EcoBuild 2012 is now open. Visit http://redirect.aecdaily.com/s18122/www.aececobuild.com/registration and enter Priority Code SPK12 to receive a free tech user session; discounts on passport packages, and free expo hall admission.
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Helmut Jahn, FAIA, Receives AIA Chicago Lifetime Achievement Award During Designight Oct. 26

October 17, 2012

CHICAGO, Oct. 16, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- Helmut Jahn, FAIA, president and CEO of Murphy/Jahn, will receive the AIA Chicago Lifetime Achievement Award on Oct. 26, during Designight, AIA Chicago's annual awards gala. "Obviously, I am very honored and thankful to get this prestigious award," said Jahn. "More than for what I have achieved, I take it as a challenge to strive towards the future." Jahn's iconic designs, such as the recently completed Joe and Rika Mansueto Library on the University of Chicago campus, the James R. Thompson Center and the United Airlines Terminal at O'Hare International Airport have made a lasting impression on Chicago residents and visitors alike. His notable work outside of Chicago includes the Sony Center in Berlin, Germany; the Suvarnabhumi Airport in Bangkok, Thailand; and the MGM-Veer Towers in Las Vegas, Nevada. Jahn was born in Germany in 1940. In 1967, he won a Rotary fellowship that brought him to the Illinois Institute of Technology. That same year, Jahn started working at C.F. Murphy Associates and in 1983, Jahn became president and CEO of the firm, renaming it Murphy/Jahn. Helmut Jahn will also be presented with the Lynn S. Beedle Lifetime Achievement Award from the Council of Tall Buildings and Urban Habitat at the CTBUH 11th Annual Awards Ceremony and Dinner on October 18.
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Fashion Meets Technology: Introducing the Lutron Coulisse Collection – the Beauty of High-Fashion Design Meets the Innovation of Motorized Window Treatments

October 16, 2012

COOPERSBURG, Pa.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Light control manufacturer Lutron Electronics and Coulisse, world-wide supplier of window décor, are proud to announce The Lutron Coulisse Collection. Oriented on design and innovation, the collection includes more than 700 types of high-fashion fabrics and materials for roller shades, honeycomb shades, innovative pleated fabrics and a variety of materials for Venetian blinds.
The collection will be available to interior designers and architects through the Lutron dealer network in the USA and Canada in early 2013.
The collection was created in conjunction with the Coulisse design team, and is based on an inspiration process in which the latest trends in homes and buildings, fashion designs, and timeless, classic patterns merge into a renewed, contemporary look in shading and interior design.
The Lutron Coulisse Collection combines the functional, technological and innovative aspects of shading with design and style, answering key needs of interior designers and architects alike for new decorative possibilities in interior shading.
The collection is presented in four books, each representing a unique look and atmosphere.
1. Elegance- the micro designs are inspired on classical fashion patterns, which have been renewed for a contemporary and sophisticated look in interior design
2. Bold- a daring statement with expressive fashion design for roller shade fabrics
3. Tranquil- a timeless natural atmosphere is created with natural and linen-look fabrics
4. Impact- in addition to a variety of materials for 2-inch Venetian blinds, which includes wood, leather and metallic colors, this collection offers honeycomb fabrics as well as a range of exceptional pleated fabrics, called XL Pleat. With their extra-wide 2-inch pleat, these unique fabrics, which are entirely new to the US automated shades market, create a grand look for the window.
To support the launch, point of sale promotional materials for dealers will be available, as well as innovative merchandising tools to assist interior designers and architects with their fabric and material selection process.
The Design Kit is a new fabric sampling tool designed to enable a flexible and practical way of giving samples to designers and architects, allowing them to integrate the materials in their color schemes and interior design plans as well as to experience texture, light filtering, atmosphere and color on site.
Visit www.lutron.com/coulissedesign.com for more information, or to sign up for a Design Kit.
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Sloan Adds Designer Series Sinks — Expands Sink System Offerings to the “Suite” Life

October 16, 2012

FRANKLIN PARK, Ill.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Visually striking. Impeccably crafted. Elegantly functional. Remarkably durable. These are all phrases that describe Sloan’s approach to upscale commercial restroom design.
This October, Sloan expands its sink system offering with its new Designer Series line. The stylish and contemporary surface decks are designed to appeal to the architects and building managers of upscale hospitality venues, such as: contemporary restaurants, luxury hotels, luxury shops and executive office and c-level restroom suites.
Made of natural stone or durable SloanStone® solid surface material, the aesthetically pleasing sinks have been impeccably crafted for high-design environments and are available in five different styles.
Specifically, Sloan’s Designer Series Sink Systems offer:
- 25 color options in natural stone or solid surface material - Standard or custom dimensions: One, two or three user stations - Integration with any of Sloan’s industry-leading, water-efficient sensor-activated faucets and soap dispensers - Easy installation - Hygienic, durable, easy-to-clean surfaces
The Designer Series join an already established line of solid surface and stainless steel sink systems. From the SloanStone® Lavatory system offering the industry’s only patented Easy Access Head, meaning all serviceable components are accessible above-deck, to the Bio-Deck sink which is made from bio-material such as ground up corn cobs, Sloan continues to find innovative ways to address the needs of our customers. From the very practical to the high design environment, Sloan’s sink system product line offers a variety of configurations that address any commercial restroom application.
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Testimonial from Veronafiere/Santa Margherita Contest Winner

October 13, 2012

AEC Daily received the following testimonial from contest winner Steven Trott: Dear AEC Daily, I have been to trade shows before, but I was totally awed by the scale and the scope of the show in Verona! “Designing With Natural Stone 2012,” the continuing education program in Verona, Italy, that I was able to attend as the winner of the Veronafiere/Santa Margherita contest hosted by AEC Daily is held in conjunction with the Marmomacc trade show. The show surpassed all of my preconceived notions and expectations about what this international trade fair for stone, design and technology might entail. Anything that one might want to know about the stone trade and industry from all over the world seemed available at this one venue and what better way to immerse oneself in a greater understanding of how stone can be used in the practice of designing and constructing buildings than to come to this place and participate in the many opportunities available to attend seminars, visit quarries, manufacturing plants and testing facilities, and meet people in the trade with the experience and knowledge to assist stone designers in selecting, detailing, and specifying stone for use in the buildings they work on. This was much more than just a week-long “trade show”. It was a chance to focus, through education, on one material, stone -- the way it is processed, historical and conventional uses, new technologies and manufacturing processes, and the how-tos of installation practices. This was truly a focused learning experience covering all aspects of this industry that anyone using stone materials in their practices should not miss! Kudos to the organizers and educational seminar lecturers! This was an excellent program conceived and knitted with the highest standard of professionalism and forethought. To be able to participate in this program with a wonderful group of esteemed peers from all over the world, and to immerse myself in Italian culture for over a week, is and will always be one of the highlights of my professional career. I feel very fortunate to have had this opportunity and am glad of the new friends I have made on this trip. My deepest thanks and gratitude to all of those involved. Best Regards, Steven R. Trott, AIA, LEED AP BD+C
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Delta Faucet Company and PHCC Announce 2012 Contractor and Apprentice of the Year Award Winners

October 12, 2012

Mary Jean Anderson and Orbelin Roman recognized for their outstanding work in the plumbing-heating-cooling industry
INDIANAPOLIS, Oct. 11, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- Delta Faucet Company congratulates the 2012 winners of the Plumbing-Heating-Cooling Contractors (PHCC)—National Association/Delta Faucet Company John Eberhardt Contractor of the Year and Apprentice of the Year awards, two prestigious honors sponsored by Delta Faucet Company.
Mary Jean Anderson, owner of Anderson Plumbing Heating & Air Conditioning Inc. and member of the PHCC of San Diego chapter, was named PHCC/Delta Faucet Company, John Eberhardt Contractor of the Year and Orbelin Roman, a student in the four-year plumbing apprentice program run by the PHCC of Nevada chapter, was named Apprentice of the Year. Both winners were recognized at an awards ceremony hosted by PHCC during its Connect 2012 industry conference in Philadelphia on October 5.
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International VELUX Award 2012 for Students of Architecture: Team from Switzerland Takes First Prize Among 983 Entries

October 12, 2012

The excitement has peaked with the presentation of four winners and ten honourable mentions at the International VELUX Award 2012 event in Porto, Portugal. A team of two students of architecture from ETHZ in Zürich, Switzerland, takes first prize for their poetic project " resonance, memory".
According to the winning students the conception of their project has been driven by a strong desire to move architecture beyond the physical world to arouse emotions.
- Nowadays, more and more architects are trying to think outside the box, but the Award theme is just the right topic to make us go back to the core of that box, says Bo Li, who developed the winning project together with his team mate Ge Men.
- The first prize project is impressive because it addresses three distinct scales very eloquently, very powerfully and in a more comprehensive manner than any of the other entries, says jury chairman Brigitte Shim in her motivation for the winning project.
A team of five students from the Inje University in Korea wins second prize, whereas two teams from Poland and China share the third prize. In addition to the four prize winning projects, the jury awards ten honourable mentions representing China (4 projects), Belgium (2 projects), Portugal (1 project), Spain (1 project), Romania (1 project) and Denmark (1 project).
All prize winners and honourable mentions have been decided unanimously among the jury. The jury found the range of themes represented in the 983 entries from 59 countries very powerful, raising questions about the role of light in architecture in many different ways.
The International VELUX Award for Students of Architecture takes place every second year, next time in 2014. Detailed information about the winners, photos, and graphics are available for download from the press section on iva.velux.com.
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The Healthy House Institute (HHI) Provides a Wealth of Information to Encourage Safer, Healthier Home Environments

October 12, 2012

Institute offers free downloads of popular, informative book titles
BOISE, Idaho, Oct. 10, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- The Healthy House Institute (http://redirect.aecdaily.com/s18122/www.healthyhouseinstitute.com) wants to ensure that everyone's home is a clean, safe place, not just a habitation. With that in mind, the institute is making available four of its popular books as no obligation, free downloads to website visitors. These books provide a strong foundation for making home a safe, clean, sustainable place.
The following Healthy House Institute books are available immediately:
- Creating a Healthy Household: The Ultimate Guide for Healthier, Safer, Less-toxic Living - Healthy House Answer Book: Answers to the 133 Most Commonly Asked Questions - Healthy House: How to Buy One, How to Build One, How to Cure a Sick One - Healthy House Building: A Design & Construction Guide
Many homes today provide a refuge for hidden dangers and problems: dust, mold, allergens, bad air, bad water and wasted energy. The Healthy House Institute offers solutions for identifying and reducing these dangers. Home allergens and poor indoor air quality represent one of the biggest problems, particularly in fall and winter, when air becomes trapped within the home. Tainted water is another serious concern, and the institute offers suggestions for treatment and filtering methods when drinking water becomes too heavy or laden with minerals or other contaminants.
As part of its mission, the Healthy House Institute promotes green living and sustainable energy practices. These practices include energy-efficient windows, doors, insulation, lighting and appliances. With a moderate up-front investment, energy efficiency quickly pays for itself. Green living includes making product choices that reduce one's carbon footprint and create fewer, or no, toxic waste materials.
The Healthy House Institute offers articles, blogs and links that touch on every aspect of healthy living spaces. The library of information is conveniently organized by category and type, while a search box offers quick sorting by keyword. Users can receive updates regarding new content of interest via RSS feeds.
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Reward Introduces the New 13

October 11, 2012

(Omaha, NE.)– Reward Wall Systems is pleased to announce the addition of a 13" T-Form insulating concrete form (ICF) to the iForm product line. Reward’s newest size configuration of ICF, features an 8" concrete core for additional strength and constructability needed when building intersecting walls.
The 13" T-Form eliminates job site modifications needed to make a perpendicular wall and allows for the expansion of the available application uses of ICFs by allowing an easier solution to partition and demising walls, below- and above-grade. Like the rest of Reward Wall Systems’ products, the 13" T-Form is universal and reversible.
“The market asked for a 13" T-Form ICF, so we made the investment to create it. It will round out our 13" iForm product line nicely, in addition to the common straight, ledge, corners and taper top. This addition increases the construction options for our customers, while maintaining the quality and market driven innovation standards that our customers have come to expect from Reward Wall Systems,” said Ed Storm, Reward Wall Systems’ President.
Available in both and long- and short- return style, the 13" T-Form creates 7.12 and 5.73 square feet of wall respectively. The tie spacing maintains a 6-inch on center spacing and the interior contour, of the top of the “T” intersection, allows for smooth concrete flow and additional strength during concrete placement. The 13" T-Form will be a standard inventory product at Reward’s plants.
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Cure Gunite and Shotcrete with DECK-O-TREAT

October 05, 2012

Hampshire, IL – DECK-O-SEAL, a division of W. R. MEADOWS offering a complete line of pool deck products, offers DECK-O-TREAT to aid in curing gunite and shotcrete.
DECK-O-TREAT is a ready-to-use curing aid and hardener ideal for aiding in curing gunite and shotcrete found in swimming pool floors and walls. It provides contractors with a good, general purpose curing aid for construction application where economy is of prime importance.
DECK-O-TREAT can be used on horizontal and vertical surfaces and eliminates the need to water gunite or shotcrete several times a day for seven days. Surfaces treated with DECK-O-TREAT can later be covered by additional finishes such as paint, tile, adhesive, or plaster.
“Since Deck-O-Treat does not require the gunite or shotcrete to be watered, it saves homeowners and contractors time and money,” said Jim Dill, Division Manager of DECK-O-SEAL.
In addition, DECK-O-TREAT contains no wax, resin, or solvent, is VOC compliant and meets maximum VOC content limits of 100 g/L as required by SCAQMD Rule 1113.
For more information, contact DECK-O-SEAL, a division of W. R. MEADOWS, INC. by phone: (800) 542-POOL; fax: (847) 214-2268; e-mail: sales@deckoseal.com, or visit www.deckoseal.com.
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Provide a Positive Waterproofing System with MEL-ROL®

October 05, 2012

Hampshire, IL – W. R. MEADOWS, a leader in the construction product industry for more than 85 years, offers MEL-ROL® self-adhering waterproofing membrane as a cost-effective, positive waterproofing system that’s quick and easy to apply.
MEL-ROL is a flexible, versatile, roll-type waterproofing membrane ideal for waterproofing foundations, vertical walls, and below-grade floors in residential and commercial construction. It is equally effective for use as between-the-slab waterproofing on plaza decks, parking decks, structural slabs, and pedestrian tunnel projects.
“Not only does Mel-Rol provide an excellent waterproofing solution for horizontal and vertical applications, but it is also jobsite friendly, offering easy application to produce an effective system,” said Russell Snow, Building Science Specialist at W. R. MEADOWS.
With special membrane-to-membrane adhesion at the overlap, a positive seal is achieved providing waterproofing protection against damaging moisture migration and the infiltration of free water. MEL-ROL is also available in a low temperature version for use when air and surface temperatures are between 20° F (-7° C) and 60° F (16° C). An extra-low temp version is also available for temperatures down to 0º F (-18º C).
In addition, MEL-ROL contributes to LEED credits including Energy and Atmosphere and Indoor Environmental Quality.
For more information on MEL-ROL, call (800) 342-5976, e-mail info@wrmeadows.com, and/or visit www.wrmeadows.com.
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ICC-ES updates ESR-2631 verifying Chicago Metallic 1496 Seismic Perimeter Clip meets code requirements

October 04, 2012

Chicago -- Chicago Metallic® Corporation’s 1496 Seismic Perimeter Clip, which is used in ceiling grid suspension systems to stabilize main and cross tees at the perimeter, now is recognized under ICC Evaluation Service (ICC-ES) Evaluation Report No. 2631 (ESR-2631). This report is available at www.icc-es.org. A link to ESR-2631, product performance data and other resources are available at www.chicagometallic.com.
In July 2012, ICC-ES issued the revised ESR-2631 to include the previous ESR-2282. The updated ESR-2631 verifies that Chicago Metallic’s 1496 Seismic Perimeter Clip and suspended ceiling framing systems comply with the 2009 and 2006 International Building Code (IBC), as well as the 2007 and 2010 California Building Code.
According to the IBC, every construction project must meet a Seismic Design Category (SDC) regardless of geography. The IBC outlines six SDCs, A through F, ranging from the least to the most stringent. Chicago Metallic’s 1496 Seismic Perimeter Clip may be used in all SDCs. For SDC C, this clip can be used in lieu of stabilizer bars that are designed to prevent the tees from spreading during seismic activity. In SDCs D, E and F, it also eliminates stabilizer bars, plus it allows for the use of 15/16-inch wall angle instead of the standard 2-inch angle.
Chicago Metallic’s ceiling framing members that are recognized under ESR-2631 (and ESR-2822) for use with the 1496 Seismic Perimeter Clip are described in Section 4.1.5 and Table 1 of ESR-2631 and include: 1200 Seismic, 4500 Ultraline™ and 4600 Ultraline bolt-slot ceiling suspension.
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