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On the Longest Night of the Year, SC Johnson Illuminates Historic Frank Lloyd Wright Research Tower

December 22, 2013

Research Tower Serves as Beacon of Innovation; Anticipates First Ever Public Tours in Spring 2014 RACINE, Wis., Dec. 21, 2013 /PRNewswire/ -- Marking winter solstice, the longest night of the year, SC Johnson relit its Frank Lloyd Wright-designed Research Tower, which will soon open for public tours for the first time in its history. The historic tower, open from 1950 to 1982, served as the creative inspiration and birthplace for the company's leading brands. Research Tower Opens to the Public for the First Time Beginning in spring of 2014, the Research Tower will be open to the public for the first time ever, at no charge. "While SC Johnson has offered free public tours of the Wright-designed buildings on campus, the Research Tower, which is currently on the National Register of Historic Places, will open its doors to the public for the first time," said Semrau. "We're delighted to share this important piece of our legacy publicly, for the first time this spring." Starting in May, tours of the Research Tower will be available on Fridays and Saturdays in both the morning and afternoon. In addition, visitors can also: Tour the Wright-designed SC Johnson Administration Building, celebrated as one of the top 25 buildings of the 20th century Tour the award-winning, Foster + Partners-designed Fortaleza Hall Tour The SC Johnson Gallery: At Home with Frank Lloyd Wright , which showcases Wright's designs and artifacts and explores the legendary architect's influence on families and the American home Enjoy our films: the Academy Award-winning documentary To Be Alive! and the acclaimed Carnauba: A Son's Memoir, shown at the historic Golden Rondelle Theater All tours also include a visit to The Lily Pad, a gift shop featuring exclusive SC Johnson memorabilia and brand gift merchandise, as well as Wright-inspired items. All SC Johnson tours are free.
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Chemical Properties and Performance Results of Sustainable Solidia Cement Detailed in White Paper Series

December 19, 2013

PISCATAWAY, N.J.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--In the first of a two-part white paper series, Solidia Technologies® details the chemical properties, manufacture and performance qualities of a sustainable cement that, combined with its concrete counterpart, can reduce the carbon footprint of cement and concrete products up to 70%. Made from the same raw materials and equipment as traditional Portland cement, Solidia Cement™ is adaptable to a wide variety of cement formulations and production methods, offering Portland cement manufacturers the world over a sustainable and performance-enhancing alternative.
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Frost & Sullivan: Sensor Technologies Becoming an Integral Part of Buildings

December 19, 2013

Focusing on minimizing false readings and improving accuracy will quicken widespread adoption MOUNTAIN VIEW, Calif., Dec. 17, 2013 /PRNewswire/ -- Growing interest in energy conservation and reducing carbon dioxide emissions has encouraged research in energy-efficient buildings and stepped up the use of sensors in building applications. In fact, the construction of green buildings has become easier with the advent of smart sensors and actuators, as information on local environment and occupancy enables building automation systems to utilize energy in an efficient manner. New analysis from Frost & Sullivan (http://redirect.aecdaily.com/s18122/www.technicalinsights.frost.com), Sensors for Energy Efficient Buildings and Building Management, finds that sensors are gradually becoming an integral part of buildings, allowing the demand-based control of systems such as lighting, heating, ventilation, and air conditioning. Equipping buildings with motion and air quality sensors too has become a popular trend in the construction sector in recent times. If you are interested in more information on this study, please send an email to Liz Clark, Corporate Communications, at liz.clark@frost.com, with your full name, company name, job title, telephone number, company email address, company website, city, state and country.
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KOHLER Moxie Showerhead + Wireless Speaker Wins Prestigious Industrial Design Award

December 19, 2013

The Industrial Designers Society of America recognizes the Moxie, the first showerhead of its kind to combine the delivery of water and music, with a 2013 Silver IDEA Award KOHLER, Wis. – November 19, 2012 – Smartphones are everywhere. More than 38 percent of adults — 120 million—in the U.S. own one, and the number continues to climb. Users even admit to taking them everywhere; a recent survey found 75 percent use their phones in the bathroom. To embrace the demand for constant connectivity, Kohler Co. introduces a new sensory experience to showerheads with the KOHLER Moxie showerhead. The Moxie showerhead syncs with any Bluetooth-enabled device—smartphones and mp3 players—and streams music directly into the shower. But the fun doesn't stop there; the speaker pod can be removed for enjoyment on the go, throughout the rest of the bathroom and beyond
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METL-SPAN PANELS USED IN UNCONVENTIONAL, BUT EFFICIENT MANNER

December 19, 2013

BuildSense, a provider of architectural and construction services in Durham, N.C., specified Metl-Span insulated metal panels for its roof renovation in an effort to reflect the ideals of the company. The goals included converting a one-story former farm equipment and auto repair building into a much more energy efficient two-story building, achieving a LEED Platinum rating as well as maintaining an appearance that still fit the neighborhood. Standing seam insulated metal panels helped BuildSense meet its goals. Most buildings in the warehouse district employ metal roofing, so aesthetically, the panels met the specifications. To help meet the energy efficiency requirements, the IMPs contain a six-inch urethane core. The outer 24-gauge panel is Polar White, to reflect sunlight, greatly reducing cooling loads in the summer. The 26-gauge Snow White inside panels serve as a reflective ceiling above the open web steel joists, making electrical lighting inside more efficient. They also provide an “industrial-chic” look, according to Mehlman. The standing seams serve as a place to attach photovoltaic panels to supply electricity within the building. Mehlman says BuildSense likes to use “off-the-shelf” products in unconventional methods to achieve its goals. Metl-Span’s CF42R insulated standing seam panels are more commonly used on refrigerated buildings.
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American Hydrotech Offers Complimentary Resource for Planning Vegetative Roofs

December 18, 2013

American Hydrotech, Inc., a recognized leader in the development and distribution of premium waterproofing and roofing products, today released the third edition of the company’s Garden Roof® Planning Guide. This new, complimentary resource empowers both new and veteran architects, landscape architects, building owners, contractors and installers to learn more about vegetated roofs and the various assemblies that are currently available and being used on today’s structures around the world. The Planning Guide addresses vegetative assemblies in an easy-to-ready format across categories such as: technology and materials, proper planning and design, installation and maintenance. It provides readers with an in-depth look at today’s environmental challenges and urban landscape, as well as an overview of green roof components and best practices on achieving the highest effectiveness on various on architectural projects and structural situations.
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Irvine Company Branding Walls as Professional as Its Buildings

December 18, 2013

First impressions are critical, especially in the business world. How you represent yourself says volumes about how you do business with others, right? Putting your best foot forward, so to speak, is the name of the game. So when we received these images of the marketing offices at the Irvine Company, a major property owner of Class A office buildings in Southern California, we were impressed. Class A office buildings are the highest quality office space in their markets and are in the best locations. These buildings generally command the highest rents and the best and most sophisticated tenants. Marketing properties of this caliber requires a presentation that is equally on point. We feel the Irvine Company accomplished that result – superbly. Their approach consists of a solution comprised of Tensioned Cables based on our Click Rail System. This has the Click Rail Track mounted at the ceiling edge, and again, reversed, right above toe kick level. Twist-End Cables are held in tension between both tracks through the use of Twist-End Cable Tensioners. Lastly, the communication panels are held in place by our Panel Hooks with Clips. These are an exclusive design to AS Hanging Systems. They support all types of panel substrate and front load the panels in a neat, orderly manner so various thicknesses of panels can be presented in the same display with very professional results. These hooks are compatible with panels from 3/16” to ½” thick. They do all this without creating damaging thru-holes in the panels. But not only was it imperative for the Irvine Company to display professionalism, with the kinds of products they market and the audience to which they must communicate, but their presentation must also be flexible.As a vacancy may motivate management to feature a specific property, the display can easily be adjusted to highlight it. It makes no difference if panel sizes are different. Since there are no holes in the panels, or walls, visual merchandising is adaptable. This is a significant benefit of AS Hanging Systems Panel Hook product line as opposed to the more frequently seen standoff approach to visual displays. During a morning presentation these two buildings can be featured and during the afternoon other properties can assume the leadership role. We have all heard of “just-in-time” manufacturing. Think of this as just-in-time marketing or “micromarketing”. There is something else that was very well thought out by the designer of these Irvine Company displays. Upon close examination of the above two sister displays, you will observe that cable sets were installed even when they were not immediately needed. The above photo shows there are eight sets of cable hardware. However, only the left three and right most three sets are in use. The middle two sets are performing no function. Or, are they? Imagine if the two center cables were left off. The repeating pattern would be disrupted. The design would be visually weakened. Clearly, this designer knows a thing or two. It is a rare day when we see a designer so keen on these smaller points. Great job! Similarly, in the fist photo above, cables 6 and 7 support no panels at this point. But likewise, the symmetry of the display would be lessened and the strength of those repeating columns would be lost. The design also anticipates whatever display changes may be required in the future, while keeping their display looking clean, neat, and orderly.
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Nemetschek Vectorworks Wins Industry Leadership Award for BIM Camp Events

December 18, 2013

Architectural Products Magazine’s 2013 Product Innovation Awards Champion Product Ingenuity in the Built Environment Columbia, Md. (December 12, 2013) – Nemetschek Vectorworks, Inc., a provider of intuitive, powerful and practical CAD and Building Information Modeling (BIM) software solutions, is pleased to announce that its BIM Camp events received a 2013 Product Innovation Award (PIA) in the Industry Leadership category from Architectural Products magazine. BIM Camps are educational events that help architects and designers learn the skills they need to adopt BIM workflows in their practices. Many of the sessions also offered attendees the opportunity to earn hours for continuing education. The Architectural Products PIAs honor innovation in the development and refinement of building-related products that range from cladding systems to interior finishes. Judged by a group of 50 architects, interior designers, lighting designers and veteran A/E/C writers, the program impartially reviews products and presents readers with items their peers found innovative and worth investigating. Awards are also given in product application and industry leadership categories. Each BIM Camp offered a full day of education sessions for architects and landscape architects considering a transition to a BIM workflow. Attendees discovered how IFC-based standards benefit design teams and learned about the legal considerations related to BIM, as well as how to create sustainable and high-performing designs and collaborate through Open BIM. Attendees in the US also earned four AIA/CES/HSW or LA CES PDH and received additional BIM resources as takeaways.
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THERE’S A NEW WINDOW FLASHING IN TOWN: AIR-SHIELD™ LIQUID FLASHING

December 18, 2013

Hampshire, IL – W. R. MEADOWS has a new addition to its air-barrier line of products: AIR-SHIELD LIQUID FLASHING. AIR-SHIELD LIQUID FLASHING is a high-quality, gun grade, low-odor, elastomeric, polyether liquid-applied flashing and detailing membrane. It bonds to most construction materials, such as aluminum, brick, concrete, wood, vinyl, and exterior gypsum board. This general-purpose, wet flashing membrane is used to seal rough openings and detail joints between exterior gypsum board. AIR-SHIELD LIQUID FLASHING is designed for window and door flashing applications and is to be used as a liquid-applied flashing, compatible with the entire line of W. R. MEADOWS AIR-SHIELD air, vapor, and liquid moisture barriers, including joint detailing in exterior sheathing panels. “Because it is a gun grade material, it is easy to apply and spread, which offers a more efficient approach to detailing methods than traditional self-adhesive materials. It bonds to most construction materials and is compatible with most sealants on the marketplace,” says Russ Snow, Building Science Specialist at W. R. MEADOWS. “Air-Shield Liquid Flashing is also great because it is 100% solvent-free, is non-sag, non-shrinking, guns and tools easily, does not harm foam insulation, and is paintable within 24 hours.” For detailed application instructions, please view our AIR-SHIELD exterior sheathing panels installation guidelines document on our website. To find out more information on AIR-SHIELD LIQUID FLASHING, including data sheet, installation procedures, and MSDS, visit www.wrmeadows.com or call (847) 214-2100.
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Proposal to Amend the National Building Code Could Jeopardize Canadians' Health & Safety

December 16, 2013

OTTAWA, Dec. 12, 2013 /CNW/ - Today in Ottawa, the Cement Association of Canada (CAC) held a press conference to demand that the changes proposed for the next edition of the National Building Code of Canada (NBCC) be significantly improved to provide better safety for all Canadians. Over the past two months and until December 23, the Canadian Commission on Building and Fire Codes (CCBFC) has been conducting its public review of proposed changes to the 2010 NBCC, the model building code of Canada. During this period, Canadians have the opportunity to voice their opinions on the proposed code changes. One such change would increase the maximum wood building height to six storeys, from the current limit of four storeys. The CAC contends that the construction of five and six storey wood frame buildings could present many safety concerns for Canadians. "If these taller wood frame buildings are included in the Code, Canada could see an increase in fires and put vulnerable Canadians at risk," said Michael McSweeney, President and CEO of the CAC. "Each year we are seeing numerous fires in wood frame buildings and we have seen the devastating effects of recent massive fires in B.C. and Alberta." The current proposal has many deficiencies, and the CAC strongly recommends that a number of additional provisions be implemented. These include noncombustible stairwells and elevator shafts to provide firefighters with a safe refuge area from which to stage their firefighting and rescue operations and residents with a safe place to go so they can be rescued; noncombustible cladding and noncombustible roofing - this is fundamental to preventing a fire from spreading to adjacent buildings. Additionally, noncombustible two-hour firewalls should be mandated on these buildings along with the installation of sprinkler protection during the construction phase. Finally, the CAC believes that the protection of the lives of firefighters should be included in the NBCC.
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Lafarge Canada Inc launches new website - Buildingbettercities.ca solutions portal now online

December 09, 2013

TORONTO, Dec. 6, 2013 /CNW Telbec/ - Lafarge Canada Inc., Canada's largest provider of solutions to the construction and development industry, today launched its new, fully bilingual website buildingbettercities.ca. The website was launched in conjunction with Construct Canada, the largest building design and construction tradeshow in Canada. The new website includes extensive information to help our customers and stakeholders understand Lafarge Canada's complete range of building solutions. Whether building a road, bridge, high-rise residential complex, remediating a brownfield site, or developing a mine or hydro project, our technical data, videos and application case studies work together to provide a detailed overview of Lafarge's capabilities across a wide range of segments. The new portal means that customers and stakeholders such as architects and engineers can now benefit from richer content that is easier to navigate, and assist in the specification and design process for their construction needs. This is a result of talking with our customers and stakeholders, who gave us valuable feedback to incorporate in our design. On the portal, visitors can also stay informed with the latest from Lafarge, and our blog section features the latest announcements, product inventions and opinion pieces from industry experts. Furthermore, the new website allows users to share products and pages that interest them with others across Facebook and Twitter. The website can be viewed at: www.buildingbettercities.ca
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American Hydrotech at Greenbuild 2013

December 06, 2013

Dennis Yanez of American Hydrotech highlights the company's newest products and announcements at Greenbuild 2013.
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PA Historical and Museum Commission Now Accepting Applications for Keystone Historic Preservation Grant Program

December 05, 2013

HARRISBURG, Pa., Dec. 5, 2013 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- The Pennsylvania Historical and Museum Commission (PHMC) is now accepting applications for Keystone Historic Preservation Project and Construction Grants. The grants support projects that identify, preserve, promote and protect historic and archaeological resources in Pennsylvania for both the benefit of the public and community revitalization. The grants receive funding from the Keystone Recreation, Park and Conservation Fund. Two types of grants – project and construction – are available for historic resources in Pennsylvania listed, or eligible for listing, in the National Register of Historic Places. Applicants may apply for only one type of grant. Project grants are available to nonprofit organizations and local governments for planning and development initiatives that enhance historic preservation in communities. Project grant applications may include municipal planning initiatives focusing on historic resources or may be used to meet building- or project-specific planning goals. Keystone Historic Preservation Project Grants are available in amounts between $5,000 and $25,000 and require a 50/50 cash match. Construction grants are available for rehabilitation, preservation and restoration activities for historic resources that are publicly accessible. Keystone Historic Preservation Construction Grants are available in amounts between $5,000 and $50,000 and require a 50/50 cash match. Grants will be awarded through a competitive selection process and are contingent on availability of funds. Applicants are required to use the web-based electronic grant application process (eGrant). For grant program guidelines and eGrant application instructions, visit PHMC online at www.phmc.state.pa.us and click on "Grants and Funding" on the top Navigation Bar. The application deadline is March 3, 2014.
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CPBS Introduces Innovative Elastomeric Exterior Stucco System

December 04, 2013

New System offers cost-effective and energy-saving solutions for residential and commercial buildings CORPUS CHRISTI, Texas--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Composite Panel Building Systems (CPBS) has developed a cost-effective exterior stucco system that delivers an energy efficient building envelope for new construction, renovations or retrofitted buildings. The new C-SIS Stucco System consists of Composite Structural Insulated Sheathing (C-SIS), integrated joint sealing accessories and Stuc-O-Flex’s elastomeric acrylic stucco. The eco-friendly C-SIS offers 5-in-1 components with no layers as an alternative to conventional oriented strand board (OSB) or plywood sheathing for traditionally framed wood or metal structures. Stuc-O-Flex is a highly resilient 100% Acrylic Polymer compound that looks and feels like traditional stucco. Its thermo-plastic and elastomeric nature allows building movement while enhancing resistance against cracks. Additionally, CPBS offers property owners, who want to upgrade an existing building’s energy efficiency and long-term performance, the Exterior Energy Retrofit which consists of new R-15 batt insulation in wall cavity, the C-SIS Sheathing System, new, high performance composite framed windows and doors, an optimized HVAC system design and exterior finish with stucco or siding.
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National Trust for Historic Preservation Now Accepting Nominations for 2014 America's 11 Most Endangered Historic Places List

December 04, 2013

WASHINGTON, Dec. 4, 2013 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- The National Trust for Historic Preservation is accepting nominations for its annual list of America's 11 Most Endangered Historic Places® . For over a quarter century, this list has highlighted important examples of the nation's architectural, cultural and natural heritage that are at risk for destruction or irreparable damage. Nominations are due on March 3, 2014. More than 240 threatened one-of-a-kind historic treasures have been identified on the list of America's 11 Most Endangered Historic Places since 1988. Whether these sites are urban districts or rural landscapes, Native American landmarks or 20th-century sports arenas, entire communities or single buildings, the list spotlights historic places across America that are facing a range of threats including insufficient funds, inappropriate development or insensitive public policy. The designation has been a powerful tool for raising awareness and rallying resources to save endangered sites from every region of the country. The places on the list need not be famous, but they must be significant within their own cultural context, illustrate important issues in preservation and have a need for immediate action to stop or reverse serious threats. All nominations are subject to an extensive, rigorous vetting process. Follow the National Trust @PresNation and 11 Most list #11Most For additional information, e-mail 11Most@savingplaces.org or call 202.588.6141. To learn more about the program and to submit a nomination, visit: www.preservationnation.org/11most
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OnPoint EcoSystems Gets Seasons From the Cloud

December 03, 2013

OnPoint EcoSystems introduces ability to create irrigation schedules for each season; store and retrieve them from the Cloud. PALO ALTO, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--OnPoint EcoSystems; conserving money, water and time by taking the complexity out of landscape irrigation; announced today that its WaterPoint 1000TM WiFi irrigation controller now has the ability to create, store and retrieve up to six (6) fully independent irrigation schedules from the myOnPointTM Cloud service. The new “Season” feature improves water efficiency and lowers water bills by enabling the creation of easily accessible custom irrigation schedules for different seasons of the year or growing cycles. It also makes it easy to try out alternate schedules without fear of losing your favorite schedule. Each season is independent and can have a different number of programs, water days, start times, and zone run times. Simply make the desired seasonal adjustments, assign a unique name (i.e. “Summer”, “Winter”, or “Plant Tomatoes”) then click “save” to store the new season / schedule in your myOnPointTM Cloud account. When desired, load the stored season onto the WaterPoint 1000TM by simply clicking the season name. To further simplify seasonal changes, the WaterPoint 1000TM now supports global run time adjust. With the click of a single button on your smartphone, tablet or browser, increase or decrease the run time of all zones (valves) in a schedule or season by the same percentage. The multiple Season and global adjust features are now available on all WaterPoint 1000TM systems. For existing WaterPoint 1000TM customers, simply respond to the feature update e-mail and these new capabilities will be automatically downloaded to the controller.
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Orren Pickell Building Group Strikes Gold at 41st Annual KEY Awards

December 03, 2013

CHICAGO, Dec. 3, 2013 /PRNewswire/ -- On Friday, November 15, the Home Builder's Association of Greater Chicago (HBAGC) honored Orren Pickell Building Group with three prestigious Gold Key Awards at the 41st annual HBAGC Key and SAMMY Awards ceremony. The HBAGC Key and SAMMY Awards ceremony were created in 1972 to recognize excellence in housing design, architecture, interior merchandising, remodeling and landscaping. Today, it is one of the premier housing programs in the country, drawing hundreds of entries each year. Orren Pickell Building Group once again received honors for all of its entries; demonstrating the firm's position as an industry leader in design and construction. A complete list of Orren Pickell Building Group's 2013 KEY Awards follows: Olympia Fields Residence: Gold Key in Recognition of Architectural Design - Custom Home Lake Forest Residence: Gold Key in Recognition of Excellence in Remodeling – Basement Remodel Wilmette Residence: Gold Key in Recognition of Excellence in Remodeling – Whole House
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