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Herman Miller Introduces Living Office™: A Holistic Solution for the New Landscape of Work

October 31, 2013

ZEELAND, Mich., Oct. 31, 2013 /PRNewswire/ --Long established workplace norms are giving way to disruption and uncertainty. This shifting landscape of work leaves many people and organizations out of sync, with unmet needs. Many existing methods of equipping and managing the workplace fail to serve the enterprise, as they fail to empower or motivate people. Individual and group spaces aren't optimized for modern work styles. Many offices are, literally and figuratively, from another era. Working with an international cast of experts, researchers and designers, Herman Miller is applying new insights into people, place, and work - how we think, how we are motivated, and how we create and collaborate.
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Never Before Built Frank Lloyd Wright Home Opens at Florida Southern College

October 31, 2013

LAKELAND, Fla., Oct. 30, 2013 /PRNewswire/ -- Architectural history will, once again, be made on the campus of Florida Southern College this Friday, Nov. 1, at 7:30 p.m. with the grand opening of the Sharp Family Tourism and Education Center and its cultural centerpiece, a newly constructed building by legendary architect Frank Lloyd Wright (1867-1959). Known as a "Usonian" house, the home was designed by Wright in 1939, and it is the first time this particular Wright design has ever been built. Dr. Anne Kerr will also unveil a life-size Frank Lloyd Wright bronze statue sculpted by nationally renowned artists Don Haugen and Teena Stern, as well as a rare Yousuf Karsh portrait of Wright that has been generously donated to be on display in the Usonian house. Construction of the house demanded that virtually every aspect, including the unique "textile" blocks, be hand crafted by experienced artisans. The building uses approximately 2000 interlocking blocks and is adorned with nearly 6000 hand-inserting colored glass blocks. The home illustrates all of Wright's Usonian ideals: a distinctly American style embodying respect for the natural landscape, economy of size, and the use of locally obtained, native materials for construction.
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Building Cities Anew - Tomorrow's Metropolis: Hamburg/Germany meets Chicago

October 30, 2013

HAMBURG, Germany, Oct. 30, 2013 /PRNewswire/ -- From November 5 through 8, Chicago will welcome a shared exhibition by the two major symbols of Hamburg's ambitious urban design and re-development: The HafenCity Hamburg, Europe's largest urban development project, is expanding the city center of Hamburg by forty percent on former brown fields on the Elbe River. The IBA (International Building Exhibition) builds on a tradition of experimental design and urban planning with a seven-year project that is transforming an inner city island into vibrant and sustainable community living. At the heart of the exhibition is an outsized compass symbolically pointing the way to the city of the future. The directional points of the compass have been replaced with four major themes: Growing City, Open City, Smart City and Civic City. These form the conceptual framework to explain the strategies and projects which HafenCity and IBA Hamburg are harnessing to meet the challenges of the future.
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United World College in Maastricht brings in DESSO AirMaster®

October 30, 2013

MAASTRICHT and WAALWIJK, October 29, 2013 /PRNewswire/ --With the opening of the new campus, United World College (UWC) in Maastricht has become one of the most sustainable new schools in the Netherlands. With regard to building materials, energy supply and air quality, many sustainable solutions have been chosen. Due to the positive effects on the indoor air quality, the school chose DESSO AirMaster® for its offices, corridors and staff rooms. Due to the proven reduction in the concentration of fine particles, the use of DESSO AirMaster® at UWC Maastricht contributes to a better living and working environment wherever it is installed. Since its introduction in 2010, a significant number of schools in Europe have chosen DESSO AirMaster® for its positive effects on indoor air quality.
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Crystal products help revitalize an iconic piece of Pittsburgh

October 29, 2013

Dramatic Front Door to Pittsburgh Re-opens with Point State Park Fountain On June 7, 2013, close to 3,000 people celebrated the re-opening of an iconic piece of Pittsburgh — Point State fountain. Originally opened in 1974, the 36-acre park, located at the head of the Ohio River, has become downtown’s primary outdoor event space visited by millions each year. THE FOUNTAIN REJUVENATION INCLUDED: • New water feature effects with over 300 of Crystal’s LED color-changing lights • Updated plumbing and electrical systems • A spectacular, wind-controlled central burst jet that can shoot up to 200’
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Fox Blocks ICF partners with Habitat for Humanity’s 30th annual Jimmy & Roslyn Carter Work Project located in Union Beach, N.J.

October 29, 2013

A Super Storm Sandy storm rebuild LAS VEGAS, (October 17, 2013) – Fox Blocks donated Insulated Concrete Forms (ICF) to the Habitat For Humanity’s 30th Annual Jimmy & Rosalynn Carter Work Project which took place in Union Beach, N.J., on October 10-12. The volunteers and materials donated by Fox Blocks will help rebuild the home of Elmer Lamberson’s whose home was lost in Superstorm Sandy. Eco-Village will provide 18 new families an innovative community that blends the energy efficiency of a home, with the sustainable environmental and social awareness of a lifestyle geared to the future. Fox Blocks (ICF) is assisting Eco-Village attain Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) Green Building status and is a clear choice for building designers to maximize points in the LEED rating system. Fox Blocks’ 6-inch and 8-inch blocks are superb choices for foundations and walls to provide an extremely energy efficient building envelope that offers superior strength, sound, air quality, and wellinsulated walls. Fox Blocks ICF is a solid monolithic concrete wall and withstands the worst of rainstorms, fires, high winds and flooding.
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IKO Brings High-Definition into Focus on a Brand-New Line of Shingles

October 28, 2013

Leading manufacturer of roofing products introduces the Cambridge HD "Nature's Accents" Collection KANKAKEE, IL, Oct. 25, 2013 /PRNewswire/ - IKO, a North American pioneer and global leader in the roofing materials business, has announced significant enhancements to the company's best-selling line of architectural laminated shingles. Cambridge HD shingles come in a palette of colors designed to evoke the national parks and landscapes for which they're named: Glacier, Sedona, Appalachian, Biscayne and Pacific Rim. While the current Cambridge shingles are based on subtle gradations of similar colors, Cambridge HD explores a much fuller spectrum of color.
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NCARB Convenes Special Task Force to Explore Additional Pathways to Architectural Licensure

October 25, 2013

Washington, DC.—Potential new pathways to architectural licensure are being explored through the work of a new Licensure Task Force launched by the National Council of Architectural Registration Boards (NCARB). The group is analyzing each component of the licensure process as a basis for exploring potential additional pathways that lead to licensure, including determining where there may be overlap and opportunities for efficiencies to be realized. Because emerging professionals have flexibility in mapping out their paths to licensure, variables such as the degree program selected, where and how internship requirements are fulfilled, when the examination is taken, and where initial licensure is sought can all have an impact on the current length of time to achieve licensure.
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Graco Introduces New Sprayer for Mortar and Heavy Materials

October 24, 2013

MINNEAPOLIS--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Graco Inc. (NYSE:GGG), a leading manufacturer of fluid handling equipment, recently introduced the new Graco M680™ Mortar Pump. The M680 is designed to significantly reduce the labor hours required for projects such as resurfacing cement so that protective coatings or linings can be applied. The Graco M680 speeds surface prep work by allowing contractors to spray heavy materials onto the surface, rather than trowel them on by hand. The Graco M680 is engineered to work with abrasive materials such as cementitious coatings, epoxy-based mortars, non-skid coatings, and polymers with fillers such as glass flake, silica, or sand. Contractors are taking notice of the significant savings the Graco M680 Mortar Pump delivers. It is also CE-approved and approved for use in environments with explosive atmospheres.
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Delta Faucet Company Expands Commitment to Innovation

October 22, 2013

INDIANAPOLIS, Oct. 21, 2013 /PRNewswire/ -- From its Touch2O® Technology, which turns faucets on and off with just a touch, to H2Okinetic® shower technology that gives users the feeling of a more drenching shower while using less water, Delta Faucet is at the forefront of smart design in the kitchen and bath. Now, the company has broadened its commitment to innovation through its ongoing participation in activities aimed at supporting the science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) communities and beyond. Encouraging education in areas related to science and engineering, Delta Faucet Company works with several universities to provide training and mentorship to students pursuing careers in STEM and design related fields. Additionally, the Delta® brand was the primary sponsor of Popular Science magazine's virtual science fair in 2013, soliciting inspiring ideas from kids of all ages by asking them to explain, through essays and photos, how their idea could one day help improve the world.
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NRG Energy Introduces Solar Canopy to Extend Energy Independence Beyond the Rooftop

October 22, 2013

CHICAGO--(BUSINESS WIRE)--NRG Energy, Inc. (NYSE:NRG), through its wholly owned subsidiary NRG Solar – one of the nation’s largest solar developers – today announced the offering of the fully customizable, freestanding NRG Solar Canopy. The introduction marks a major step forward in expanding the viability of solar installations beyond large rooftop structures. The canopy can provide supplemental power on and/or off the grid (dependent on configuration) to help manage energy costs along with usable shade and shelter. The NRG Solar Canopy can be incorporated into large-scale commercial use as part of a comprehensive rooftop, ground mount, or solar parking solution that could also be included in a power purchase agreement (PPA) from NRG Solar. The canopy is optimal for universities, hospitals, gas stations, banks, stadiums, bus stops and remote locations such as islands, parks and farms, and dependent on installation size, can power a variety of appliances – from laptops to ATMs.
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Cintas Corporation Announces Free Workshop Series on Electrical Safety

October 21, 2013

CINCINNATI--(BUSINESS WIRE)--According to research from the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH), electrical shock results in approximately 4,000 non-disabling injuries annually, 3,600 disabling injuries annually and one death daily in the U.S. To help facility managers and safety and risk prevention professionals improve employee safety programs. Hosted by Cintas and featuring guest speakers from The Hilgeman Group, Inc. and Westex, the complimentary workshops will discuss NFPA 70E, 2112 and 2113, as well as OSHA’s 1910.132 clarification on flame-resistant clothing. Upcoming workshop dates and locations include: •Nov. 7, Penske Racing, Charlotte, N.C. •Nov. 14, Courtyard Newark Downtown, Newark, N.J. •Nov. 21, Grace College and Theological Seminary, Winona Lake, Ind. •Dec. 4, University of Louisville, Louisville, Ky. •Dec. 5, Bluegrass Community College, Lexington, Ky. •Dec. 11, University of Tennessee, Nashville, Tenn. •Dec. 12, Bridgestone Arena, Knoxville, Tenn.
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Symposium Delves into Designing the Building Enclosure for the Full Life Cycle

October 21, 2013

Gain insight into the latest technologies for improving performance of the building envelope at the Building Enclosure Technology and Environment Council (BETEC) Symposium: Design, Efficiency and Recycling for the Building Enclosure Life Cycle. The BETEC Symposium will be held Thursday, January 9, 8:30 am – 5:00 pm, as part of Building Innovation 2014: the National Institute of Building Sciences Conference and Expo. At the BETEC Symposium, experts in the building envelope design arena will present best practices in insulation, daylighting, waste management, energy and other building systems, and describe how a high-performance enclosure can impact a building’s overall performance. Speakers will explore a broad range of topics, including: continuous insulation; retrofitting condominiums; recycling and waste management; passive and active systems and their impact on the return on investment (ROI); thermal bridging; daylighting and reflectivity issues; glass energy and comfort; and benefits to the future building owner.
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Nemetschek Vectorworks Announces Release of Vectorworks Nomad 2.5

October 17, 2013

New Functionality Includes Integration with Dropbox and Snapping for Top Plan Viewports Columbia, Maryland (October 17, 2013)—Nemetschek Vectorworks, Inc. has released a new version of the Vectorworks® Cloud Services mobile application, Vectorworks Nomad 2.5. The 2.5 version of Vectorworks Nomad has been updated to include integration with Dropbox, so users can connect their Dropbox accounts to Vectorworks Cloud Services and access Dropbox files from the mobile application. Also, Vectorworks Cloud Services can now process VWX files that are stored within a Dropbox account and generate PDFs. In addition, Vectorworks Nomad 2.5 includes snapping functionality for floor plans, which allows for precise measurement of distances, angles, perimeters and areas. Vectorworks Nomad is available for iOS, Android and Kindle Fire devices and can be downloaded from the Apple App Store (http://redirect.aecdaily.com/s18122/tinyurl.com/d6g9sdz), the Google Play Store (http://redirect.aecdaily.com/s18122/tinyurl.com/cy3vxnh) and the Amazon app store (http://redirect.aecdaily.com/s18122/tinyurl.com/l6txpzl). Vectorworks Cloud Services is available to members of the Vectorworks Service Select subscription program. To learn more, please visit www.vectorworks.net/cloudservices
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Boston Show to Feature Leading Experts in Outdoor Design, Sustainability

October 16, 2013

--(BUSINESS WIRE)--American Society of Landscape Architects (ASLA): WHAT: Join the world’s largest gathering of landscape architecture professionals at the American Society of Landscape Architects (ASLA) 2013 Annual Meeting and EXPO. With the biggest exposition in the show’s history, the event will feature the latest products and leading experts in the world of outdoor design and sustainability. The show takes place at the Boston Convention & Exhibition Center, November 15 to November 18. Highlighted speakers include: • Esri co-founder and president Jack Dangermond, on Geodesign and the Emerging GIS Platform • Dr. Stephen R. Kellert, on Biophilic Design: People and Nature in the Modern World Visual opportunities: • Boston Mayor Thomas Menino accepting honorary membership from ASLA (Thursday, November 14) • The hottest products representing the top outdoor living trends like outdoor kitchens, fire pits and furniture • Cutting edge green infrastructure like vertical gardens and parklets, as well as coastal flooding strategies • Open forum to discuss how landscape architects are working to design resilient communities to mitigate the effects of climate change • ASLA Sketch Boston, featuring drawings of Boston’s landmarks, ASLA meeting activities, the EXPO, and other meeting events by landscape architects
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Former WW2 Air Raid Bunker Converted Into an

October 16, 2013

HAMBURG, Germany, October 15, 2013 /PRNewswire/ -- Yesterday the German city of Hamburg officially launched its "Energy Bunker". Located in the district of Wilhelmsburg, the former air raid bunker has been transformed into an Energy Bunker as part of the 2013 International Building Exhibition Hamburg (IBA). This massive building, which had been derelict for several decades, now hosts a regenerative power plant supplying the surrounding area with green energy. The project is part of the "Renewable Wilhelmsburg" climate protection scheme, which aims to provide the 50,000 Wilhelmsburg residents with CO2-neutral electricity by 2025 and with climate-neutral heating by 2050. The surrounding neighbourhood's household energy is generated by an efficient combination of energy sources: besides solar energy and biogas, the bunker also uses wood chips and waste heat from a nearby industrial plant, supplying heating energy to local households. The project's most innovative feature is its large-scale buffer storage facility with its 2 million litre capacity that integrates different eco-friendly heat and power units. The Energy Bunker also feeds the renewable power generated by its solar panels into Hamburg's electricity grid, thereby supplying 3,000 households with heat and 1,000 households with electricity. The Energy Bunker is an integral part of the "Renewable Wilhelmsburg" climate protection scheme for Europe's largest river island with almost 50,000 residents. By the year 2050, Wilhelmsburg will be transformed into a climate-neutral district. The basis for this is provided within the framework of the International Building Exhibition (IBA), currently taking place in Hamburg. With its dedicated energy projects, the IBA is setting the groundwork for meeting Wilhelmsburg's total energy and heating requirements in a climate-neutral way by 2025 and 2050, respectively.
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The Emergence of the Energy Smart Home

October 16, 2013

NHPC releases report on integrating smart grid technologies into home performance WASHINGTON, Oct. 15, 2013 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- At the National Summit on Integrating Energy Efficiency and Smart Grid , the National Home Performance Council (NHPC) today released "Making Sense of the Smart Home: Applications of Smart Grid and Smart Home Technologies for the Home Performance Industry," discussing the evolution and future prospects of smart technology to enhance energy efficiency and home performance. The paper was released today at the National Summit on Integrating Energy Efficiency & Smart Grid , being held at the W Hotel in Washington, DC. The NHPC has partnered with the Association for Demand Response & Smart Grid (ADS) and the National Association of State Energy Officials (NASEO) to host this first-of-its-kind event, bringing together the energy efficiency and smart grid communities for two days of presentations, dialogue and learning.
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Winners of “Your World, Reimagined: A Global Design Competition” Revealed

October 16, 2013

Nemetschek Vectorworks in collaboration with MAXON Computer, DOSCH DESIGN, Arroway Textures® and AMD FireProTM professional graphics is pleased to announce the winners of “Your World, Reimagined: A Global Design Competition.” The "Best Overall Submission" award goes to Maryn Hekker, a freelance interior architect from Amsterdam, Netherlands, for her redesign of “The Pier of Scheveningen.” Summary of judges’ comments: Very interesting concept: A modern back-to-basics facility. This should be the basis for future architecture. Great design board, ingenious and creative concept, and a clear presentation. You feel there is a fire in the person who made it. For a full list of winners and prizes go to http://redirect.aecdaily.com/s18122/www.vectorworks.net/design-competition/
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Team Austria wins 2013 Solar Decathlon with LISI House

October 15, 2013

Team Austria won the 2013 Solar Decathlon with the LISI House that combines sustainable living with technology solutions for low energy consumption. The University of Las Vegas Nevada took second place in the overall competition, and Czech Technical University received third place. The Living Inspired by Sustainable Innovation or LISI house is designed to generate more power than it uses over the course of a year. The house adapts to a range of climate zones and flexes to meet a variety of lifestyles. The winner of the Solar Decathlon is the team that best blends affordability, consumer appeal, and design excellence with optimal energy production and maximum efficiency.
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Waterstops for Fuel Storage

October 15, 2013

Earth Shield® by J P Specialties, Inc. prevents the passage of fuels and oils through concrete joints — Proven resistance and certified EPA compliance • EPA Compliant — CFR 112, CFR 265, (SPCC, RCRA) • Design assistance with full specifications and CAD • Accredited webinars available for design firms by request (PDH, CEU) Even the pipe supports and pipe penetrations are sealed effectively with the Earth Shield® waterstop system. Change of directions are easily achieved, as Earth Shield® is a thermoplastic, and can easily be heat-welded to accommodate directional changes.
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Silver Line Introduces New Coastal Window Solutions

October 14, 2013

NORTH BRUNSWICK, N.J.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Silver Line today introduced a new and improved a line of windows and patio doors designed to withstand unique coastal weather conditions and help protect homes built at or near the shoreline from the destructive forces of a hurricane or other severe weather.* Understanding that the damaging effects of severe weather are often felt beyond the point of landfall, Silver Line now offers a combination of window solutions designed for building, remodeling, or replacement projects at homes located both at the coast (one mile or less from the shoreline) and near the coast (more than one mile from the shoreline).* High Performance Grade Ratings for Enhanced Protection For homes located near the coast*– typically more than one mile from the shoreline – Silver Line® new construction windows and doors with a Performance Grade (PG) upgrade offer enhanced protection from high winds and rains, making them ideal for any rebuilding or remodeling project. Window features include accessories for an easy, weather-tight installation, and sturdy, vinyl construction for, low-maintenance convenience. When specified with the appropriate energy efficient options, these Silver Line windows and patio doors also meet ENERGY STAR® version 5.0 (2010) performance requirements. Homeowners can choose from double-hung, single-hung, casement, awning, and patio door styles for their building or remodeling project. For homeowners looking to replace older windows without disturbing the window frame, Silver Line also offers a selection of replacement window styles that provide the same sturdy construction and energy efficient features. Style choices include double-hung, sliding, casement, awning or patio doors, and come in a full range of custom sizes. Impact Resistant Glass helps protect the building envelope Studies have shown that a breach in the building envelope leads to the most devastating storm damage in homes, and suggest taking measures to protect the building envelope. Silver Line impact resistant windows and doors feature laminate glass that helps protect homes from damaging wind and rain even when struck by wind-borne debris. All exposed hardware is color coordinated and made from corrosion-resistant stainless steel. Homeowners can choose from a variety of window styles, including double-hung, single-hung, casement, awning, and patio doors for their rebuild or remodel. *See your local code official for building code requirements in your area.
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Blu® Homes and McStain Neighborhoods® To Offer Green Homes in Colorado

October 11, 2013

SAN FRANCISCO, WALTHAM, Mass., and LAFAYETTE, Colo., Oct. 10, 2013 /PRNewswire/ -- As part of its expanding developer initiative, Blu® Homes, Inc. ("Blu"), a builder of beautiful, precision-engineered, green homes, announced today that it is working with McStain Neighborhoods® ("McStain"), a Colorado-based green builder of sustainable communities, to build a Discovery Home at Indian Peaks South in Lafayette, Colorado. Blu Homes and McStain will also collaborate at the Triple Crown Meadows community in Niwot, Colorado later this year. The Discovery Home, which is inspired by Blu's Lofthouse, has the look and feel of a renovated farmhouse. It features a dramatic two-story living room with an overlooking loft space as well as two, three and four-bedroom floorplan options. The home has open or separate dining areas, and a multitude of interior and exterior finish options selected by the homeowner. This home will also feature a solar system as well as high ceilings to create a sun-drenched indoor environment that connects seamlessly with the outdoors.
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LP Building Products To Exhibit At BATIMAT In France

October 11, 2013

NASHVILLE, Tenn.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--LP Building Products, a leading manufacturer of engineered building materials, will exhibit at the BATIMAT 2013 international trade show Nov. 4–8. A leading international innovation event for the construction industry, BATIMAT will be held at Paris Nord Villepinte Exhibition center in France. LP is committed to providing solutions to the European construction industry and will be showcasing LP® CanExel® Prefinished Siding, LP® SmartSide® product lines, LP® SolidStart® EWP product lines, LP® OSB products as well as new value-added OSB products from both LP Chile and LP Brazil. BATIMAT focuses on the latest trends in building design and architecture. An international event, 177 countries will be represented, with an estimated 3,500 exhibitors and more than 400,000 attendees.
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American Access Adds Three New Models To Line of Modular Wheelchair Ramps

October 09, 2013

BARTLETT, Tenn.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--American Access, a premier modular wheelchair ramp manufacturer headquartered in Bartlett, Tenn., today launched three new ramp designs in response to evolving consumer demands. The company introduced the Classic, an updated version of its solid-surface ramp; the XM, an open-weave model; and the Hybrid, an economical, retail-friendly wood-surface ramp. The Hybrid, which features wood planks interlocking in an aluminum frame, is expected to be a popular choice among consumers, especially seniors looking to “age in place.” Aesthetic options for the ramp allow customers to choose from a range of composite decking materials, from Trex to natural cedar wood. Ease and speed of installation and a low price point were top priorities for the design of the Hybrid system.
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EPA recognizes Kohler’s long-term efforts in promoting water efficiency

October 09, 2013

KOHLER, Wis. – Oct. 4, 2013 – A well known leader in the kitchen and bath industry, Kohler Co. is dedicated to product innovation, technology advancements and water efficiency. This year Kohler has once again been recognized by the Environmental Protection Agency's WaterSense program with the first-ever 2013 WaterSense Sustained Excellence award for the company's long-standing efforts to increase consumer awareness of water issues and provide products that help save water in homes and businesses. Kohler's other efforts in 2012 to promote water conservation included providing WaterSense-labeled plumbing products for notable projects such as Yellowstone National Park's retrofit of restrooms in the Lake Hotel, Wyland National Mayor's Water Conservation Challenge, New American show home, and Show Village exhibit home at International Builders' Show. Additionally, Kohler Co. dedicated its third green building project in May, 2012. The Beacon, Kohler's global communications office located in Kohler, Wisconsin, achieved LEED Gold certification. Among its features are WaterSense-labeled toilets, urinals, and bathroom faucets.
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Ballistic Furniture Systems™ Unveils First-Ever Bullet-Resistant Furnishings for Public Use

October 04, 2013

SCOTTSDALE, Ariz.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Ballistic Furniture Systems has developed an industry-first ballistic barrier system for furniture used by the general public. The uniquely designed bullet-absorbing technology is integrated into high-quality furniture during the manufacturing process with the sole intent of shielding the user in the event of gunfire in the public space. The founders of the company have been providing some of the highest-quality furniture located in public areas throughout the world, such as in hospitals, corporate settings, places of worship and government buildings. Given the brazen gun violence now commonly seen in the public space, there is a growing need to equip the furniture to shield the public from harm while helping to increase the odds of survival.
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MARMOMACC & DESIGN - FLUIDE STONE

October 04, 2013

Cultural projects at Inside Marmomacc especially include Marmomacc & Design, a project arising from the desire to help exhibiting companies and young designers collaborate on research in the stone design field. The company/designer path already undertaken with top quality results in the past welcomes an important innovation as of the 2013 edition: the participation of talented under 30 designers with the aim of creating an ideal link between the past, present and future of new generations of creatives. The talented young people chosen include architects, designers, graphic designers, illustrators, film makers and sound design experts - because it is precisely the combination of these skills that makes the project all the more fascinating and interesting in its potential to interpret stone material: each one will work with the aim of transforming the widespread image that everyone has in this area by introducing the idea of fluidity.
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With DuPont™ Corian® and Zodiaq®, David Bromstad Helps Homeowners Find Their Personality

October 04, 2013

WILMINGTON, Del., Oct. 3, 2013 /PRNewswire/ -- Energetic and animated designer and TV personality David Bromstad is dropping his paint brush for a moment to infuse color in interior design through the use of beautiful and dynamic DuPont™ Corian® solid surfaces and DuPont™ Zodiaq® quartz surfaces. After answering a few simple questions through a visual quiz, users are introduced to one of seven design personalities that best resonates with their style. Design personalities include: The Collector: Every piece in her home tells a story. The Collector mixes textures from found objects with more classic styles for a palette based on rich browns and dark lichen. Light is brought in by sunshine yellow and soft greens. The Socialite: The Socialite knows confidence is her best accessory. She's self-assured at home and at work – always leading by example. Lighter grays and warm tones of sand are balanced by rich, jet black to create a feeling of luxury and longevity. The Multi-tasker: The Multi-Tasker approaches life at full force – balancing and adjusting to the moment to meet it with exuberance. A family-friendly palette that is fresh, realistic, modern and classic – and infused with a much-needed jolt of coffee. The Entertainer: With an eye for modern sophistication, the Entertainer is comfortable no matter where he is – which is usually at the center of any situation. Graphic red and black contrast for a high-end feel, but are softened with warm taupe and golden yellow for a truly sophisticated theme. The Creator: The Creator loves anything quirky; what most people shy away from, he embraces. Mixed media, textures and inspirations make the color palette. From pairing water blues with coffee browns, this is experimentation at its bravest. The Naturalist: The Naturalist feels most at home in the great outdoors and strives to bring a sense of well-being into her home. Soft buttery browns complement light beige and cream tones while speckle textures commonly found in stone and granite inspire solid surfaces. The Traveler: The world is his inspiration. The Traveler mixes the best objects found in his travels – things that have an international significance to his life – to create a multi-cultural lifestyle. Anything exotic and unique is his normal; pottery clay, cobalt and indigo his color palette.
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CSSA Opinion: EQ Coatings Are Not Recognized By The Code

October 03, 2013

It is likely that many contractors do not understand the liability they undertake when “G40e” or “G40EQ” coated products are substituted for G40 without their knowledge. G40e is not hot-dipped galvanized (99% Zinc). G40e is a misnomer, because equivalent metallic coatings are listed in Table 1 of ASTM A1003. Despite the research of the SSMA, the Steel Framing Industry Association (SFIA) has adopted a 75-hour salt spray test as its “standard” for G40 equivalency. It is important to note that CSSA, SSMA, and SSFSA all refuse to accept this definition, so any references to G40e as an “industry standard” coating is misleading. The real pitfall for G40e is the liability one might endure by stocking this material. The problem arises when a spec book reads “hot-dipped galvanized” (most do), and a manufacturer provides G40e without alerting the distributor, contractor, and architect that a substitution has been made.
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EGYPT STARTS OFF AGAIN FROM MARMOMACC

October 03, 2013

Marmomacc was chosen for the first mission abroad by the Egyptian Minister for Industry and Trade, Mounir Fakhry Abdel Nour. Veronafiere, starting in 2014, will become the first international organisation present in Cairo with MS Africa & Middle East (11-14 December). Verona, 3 October 2013. The Egyptian Minister for Industry and Trade, Mounir Fakhry Abdel Nour, chose Marmomacc in Verona for his first mission abroad after the appointment of the new Government. Italy and Egypt thereby consolidate an important commercial axis, especially for the Egyptian marble and granite industry worth over 2.5 billion dollars, where exports of Italian machinery and technology grew by 40% in the first four months of 2013.
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Britto Charette Designs Launches Home Accessories Line

October 02, 2013

FORT LAUDERDALE, Fla.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Britto Charette Designs (www.brittocharette.com), a well-known South Florida and New York-based interior design firm, has announced the successful launch of BC HOME (www.bchomeusa.com), its new home accessories line. The new line was created by principals Jay Britto and David Charette, with the creative assistance of their BC HOME team. This exciting collection brilliantly marries Peruvian textiles, Inca Cubism, Pre-Colombian pottery, and modern architecture. The line is comprised of four collections: WASI, a group of handcrafted porcelain and gold sculptures, perfectly sized to adorn any table top; KIPU, a set of pillow covers made from hand embroidered silk; FACETA, a geometric pattern collaboration with Kyle Bunting, that includes handcrafted rugs, stools and mirrors, as well as acrylic serving trays for hospitality and residential indoor entertaining; and a European architectural series of Black and White Photography available for purchase from Michael Dawkins Home, Miami Design District.
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Greater Cincinnati Green Business Council Introduces Facility Energy Benchmarking Toolkit

October 02, 2013

CINCINNATI--(BUSINESS WIRE)--The Greater Cincinnati Green Business Council (Green Business Council) today released its Energy Benchmarking Toolkit, a guide to help small and medium-sized businesses reduce energy expenses at their facilities and improve environmental performance. The Energy Benchmarking Toolkit explains benchmarking and its benefits and introduces the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA’s) ENERGY STAR® Portfolio Manager, a free web-based energy management tool that helps track and assess energy and water consumption for facilities. By identifying the relative energy performance of its buildings, organizations can develop strategies and allocate resources to under-performing buildings. The Toolkit also provides information about local, state and federal incentives and rebates that help organizations implement energy efficiency projects, such as lighting retrofits or HVAC upgrades.
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MODERN FORMS Vela WINS "Lighting for Tomorrow 2013" Award

October 02, 2013

Lost Pines, Texas--- MODERN FORMS, a WAC Lighting Company, has received the "Lighting for Tomorrow 2013" Award for its Vela Organic LED Chandelier. Winners of the much-anticipated annual "Lighting for Tomorrow" competition were announced at the American Lighting Association (ALA) Conference. This year is the first time that Organic Light Emitting Diode (OLED) luminaires were eligible to enter the competition. OLED luminaires are gaining a greater presence in the residential lighting market, and by allowing these products to be submitted, "Lighting for Tomorrow" has recognized OLED technology as a viable competitor for their innovative, energy saving competition. MODERN FORMS’ Vela Chandelier came out on top, as the only winner in the OLED category, acknowledging the chandelier as the best use of current OLED technology with a winning design. The judging panel, which included a diverse group of lighting experts, described Vela as the “First OLED that is really well designed and lights the space well; the only one like it on the market!” The Vela Chandelier leverages nanotechnology through organic solid-state compounds in a unique futuristic statement. The OLED panels are mounted back-to-back to provide 360° illumination from a ¾” thin chandelier with exaggerated proportions, designed to emphasize an invention only made possible with this novel technology. The chandelier provides 2040 lumens, and the 6-light sconce that completes this collection, provides 520 lumens. In addition to MODERN FORMS’ win in the OLED category, WAC Lighting’s LED Picture Lights were recognized as an Honorable Mention for the product’s favorable attributes. The judging panel cited the picture lights as having nice flexibility and being a good piece of art for a home. For more information on WAC’s picture lights, visit their website at http://redirect.aecdaily.com/s18122/www.waclighting.com/product/2660
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New Delta Faucet Survey Uncovers Surprising Bathroom Habits

October 01, 2013

INDIANAPOLIS, Sept. 30, 2013 /PRNewswire/ -- Americans are spending more time checking emails, posting updates or surfing the Web – all while on their home toilet – according to a recent survey commissioned by Delta Faucet1. With nearly half of respondents admitting to dedicating at least five minutes at a time to their bathroom business and ninety percent to multitasking while they "go", it's fortunate that today's newer toilets are designed to offer a more comfortable experience for bottoms and a homeowner's bottom line. According to the survey, other reasons to consider installing a more comfort-friendly toilet include: •Master Multi-taskers. Nearly half of respondents admitted to setting aside five minutes or more to catch up on reading, answering emails or playing their favorite video game while sitting on their toilets. •Posting on the Go. Furthermore, nearly one third of Americans say they update or check their social status while using the pot. •Sticking to Stereotypes. Men admit to spending more time on the toilet; of survey respondents who reported they spent – on average – more than 10 minutes "going" while at home, 75 percent were male. •Age Matters. People ages 25-34 are nearly twice as likely to spend upwards of 10 minutes on the throne compared to respondents 45 and older. For easy installation, Delta Corrente™, Prelude™ and Riosa™ toilets come with the Delta SmartFit™ system, which includes pre-installed tank-to-bowl connections. Additionally, both Corrente and Riosa models feature an integrated water supply line to reduce potential leak points, and for added convenience, an EZ Out™ toilet removal kit included in the box, which provides many of the items needed for uninstalling an existing toilet to help make the process easier.
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Oldcastle BuildingEnvelope® Partners with Columbia University to Present "The Future of Energy"

October 01, 2013

SANTA MONICA, Calif., Sept. 30, 2013 /PRNewswire/ -- Oldcastle BuildingEnvelope® has partnered with Columbia University's Graduate School of Architecture, Planning and Preservation (GSAPP) on "The Future of Energy," bringing together world-renowned experts to exchange ideas on how best to address energy production and consumption issues for the future. This full-day conference is open to the public and will be held on Wednesday, October 2, 2013 at The Museum of Modern Art in New York City from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. "The Future of Energy" is an interdisciplinary research program devoted to exploring key questions facing designers, developers and other professionals who are concerned with energy, efficiency and sustainability in the building industry. This collaborative effort between Oldcastle BuildingEnvelope® and GSAPP resists focusing on specific technologies or prospective energy sources. Instead, it examines energy both discursively and thematically, addressing such issues as how problems of the future of energy are framed and how these problems are conceived and discussed.
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U. S. Steel Introduces ACRYLUME E PLUS™ as New Member of the ACRYLUME® Family

October 01, 2013

PITTSBURGH, Sept. 30, 2013 /PRNewswire/ -- United States Steel Corporation (NYSE: X) is pleased to announce the addition of a new high-quality, value-added product to our lineup of construction steels that supports green building design and practices, positively impacting these projects' environmental sustainability. ACRYLUME E PLUS™ Coated Steel Sheet, a new coated flat-rolled steel that has a chromium-free clear emissive polymer coating, provides all of the quality and performance attributes inherent of ACRYLUME® with improved thermal emittance. U. S. Steel's new ACRYLUME E PLUS™ offers the environmentally conscious metal building construction industry a chromium-free emissive acrylic coating on GALVALUME® Coated Steel Sheet, which is designed to meet challenging solar reflectance and thermal emittance regulations. Prior to the introduction of this product, the emissivity requirements could only be met through pre-painted GALVALUME® products. ACRYLUME E PLUS™ also meets numerous European Union environmental directives including Restriction of Hazardous Substances Directive (RoHS) and Registration, Evaluation, Authorization and Restriction of Chemical Substances (REACH).
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