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Autodesk has announced that its online Education Community has grown to one million student and educator members, representing over 28,000 educational institutions in 147 countries since its launch in 2006. |
Advances in coating of architectural products
Protective finishes have developed over the last decade and now offer specifiers of building materials some very substantial, long lasting finishes. The selection of applied finish and what is suitable for a specific location may not be as simple to determine. Fortunately there are now specialists on hand to advise in the right finish for the project, which offer a lifetime solution writes Alan Maginnis.
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Hospital reaps the benefits from joint acoustic and lighting solution
The Accident and Emergency reception area of Crumlin Children’s Hospital in Dublin is now quieter and brighter thanks to a combined acoustic and lighting solution from Saint- Gobain Ecophon
As Ireland’s leading children’s hospital, Crumlin wanted to create a better atmosphere for patients and staff in its Accident and Emergency Department which was previously very loud and lacking in light.
Fergus Harmon, Ecophon area sales manager for Ireland, comments: “To provide higher sound absorption and reduce reverberation around the department’s busy reception area, Ecophon Focus Ds acoustic ceiling tiles were installed using a concealed grid system to create a smooth ceiling.
As a Class A sound absorber, the tiles have significantly reduced the noise levels and visitors have commented on the more peaceful atmosphere.”
In addition, an integrated Ecophon DOT lighting system was fitted and worked perfectly in conjunction with the tiles to create a much brighter and more welcoming reception area. Michael Lahiffe from RKD Architects, said: “The tiles were ideal from both a functional and aesthetic point of view, helping to noticeably reduce reverberation while creating a clean, high end finish. The DOT lighting system sits flush with the ceiling tiles and is easy to clean - an important factor for the hospital. The results have been dramatic, vastly improving the reception area, and we’re now looking to install both the tiles and lighting system in other areas.”
For further advice and information contact Fergus Harmon on 00353 868 063731 or 0044 1256 850 977, email fergus.harmon@ecophon.ie
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Shaw Contract Group Launches Homage Collection
The Homage Carpet Collection from Shaw Contract Group pays tribute to the artisan nature of product design and represents constant evolution in the search for the perfect balance between functionality and aesthetic for the corporate workplace. The fully co-ordinating tile and broadloom collection takes the old age art of hand stitching and projects it forward using modern technology to create new finishes and design effects.
The EcoSolution Q yarns used mimic the look of non-traditional materials such as metallic studs, while maintaining the complete recyclability and superior performance aspects of solution dyed nylon. These metallic properties broaden the scope of design possibilities and create shimmering accents for unique textural and colour contrasts within each style. The innovative collection is 100% Fully Sustainable and Cradle-to-Cradle certified, with products contributing to Leadership in Energy & Environmental Design (LEED) and BREEAM Green Building Rating Systems.
W: www.rocgroup.ie
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Pilkington’s Group eliminates 1,000 tonnes of carbon emissions
Pilkington’s Group Plc is pleased to announce that recent large scale investments at the Group’s manufacturing facilities in Manchester has reduced the carbon footprint generated by 1,000 tonnes annually. These savings were achieved by the company energy saving team through recycling heat from three ceramic tile kilns to provide heating to the factory areas and to the adjacent Terrazzo manufacturing facility. Additional savings are realised by using a centralised building management system which allows the engineering manager to pre-set 36 separate zones of the factory and offices for temperature and time of heating availability. 1,000 tonnes of CO2 is the equivalent of up to 6.5 million airmiles or approximately 20,000km of truck transportation using a Euro 3 (2000) standard vehicle. Eliminating emissions is the most efficient method of preserving the environment for the long-term and the Group is committed to continue to find and invest in new and innovative ways to improve their environmental performance and offer a contribution to sustainable architecture.
W: www.pilkingtons.com
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Produkt Architectural Glazing
Produkt Architectural Glazing has introduced a version of the postless corner sliding screen system which allows for double sliding screens to open away from the corner running on parallel tracks and creating much wider clear opes (as shown in photo of newly installed project in Dublin). Manufactured in Germany, the Low E and highly airtight system can handle extra large screen sizes, can be built in a range of timber types or alu-clad versions and can integrated into post and beam structural glazing facades. Produkt designs, supplies and installs a range of German glazing systems.
T: 00353 1 2939015 www.produkt.ie
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Effective climate protection is child's play
Schüco is showing a TV commercial on CNBC within the framework of the 15th United Nations Climate Change Conference, pointing to the necessity of urgent action regarding sustainable climate protection.
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RENSON receives 2009 ‘Green Good Design’ award for architecture
RENSON, specialists in ventilation and sun protection, has announced its headquarters in Belgium has been recognised by the European Centre for Architecture Art Design and Urban Studies along with the Chicago Athenaeum – Museum of Architecture and Design with a 2009 ‘Green Good Design’ Award in the category of Architecture
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The building was designed by architect Jo Crepain and engineering office VK Engineering. RENSON built this landmark office according to its Healthy Building Concept, which allows the building to ventilate and cool in a 100 % natural way: economical and environmental-friendly.
The Green Good Design programme aims to bring a parallel public appreciation and awareness for an equally revolutionary design approach based on the ideals of energy conservation, reduction of toxic waste and sensitivity for the depletion of the world’s energy resources, with a focus on sustainability.
“This award reflects RENSON’s commitment to create healthy spaces,” says Paul Renson, CEO of the company. “As a matter of fact, everything we do, we do for the comfort or ‘well-being’ of the people. We develop and produce concepts for a healthy indoor climate. Beside the health of the human being, we also pay a lot of attention to the acoustic and thermal comfort. Finally, we do not only think about the functionality of the products, but also about the elegant design. Today’s ventilation and sun protection solutions are characterised by an invisible integration.”
The product range includes window ventilators, acoustic ventilation solutions, conservatory ventilation, louvers and continuous louver systems as well as sun protection elements. Through the intelligent combination of ventilation and sun protection, we offer a complete range of energy-efficient concepts for a healthy indoor climate in offices, residential housing, conservatories, schools, hospitals, etc.
The Healthy Building Concept offers healthy good air through natural basic ventilation. In conformity with the standards, a sufficient supply of fresh outside air through window vents (INVISIVENT, AR75) or acoustic ventilation systems (INVISIVENT AK, SONOVENT) is used to force the contaminated air out of the building according to the principle of air supply, transit and extraction, and this with the necessary attention for acoustic comfort. Furthermore, a pleasant temperature is ensured during the whole year through controlling solar gain by means of sustainable exterior aluminium sun protection (SUNCLIPS, ICARUS) or screens (FIXSCREEN) and by applying intensive natural ventilation at night. This Night Cooling uses large quantities of cool outside air to keep thermal comfort optimal during the whole year, with minimum energy consumption. The airflow necessary for night cooling is 10 times higher than the level of airflow necessary for background ventilation. Therefore, the building is equipped with louvers or windows behind LINIUS blades with insect mesh.
This combination of background ventilation, Night Cooling and solar shading offers a friendly design for mankind and environment. This is reflected in a positive atmosphere for the people, who work in the building. Furthermore, the building uses 50% less energy compared to other office buildings in its size.
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Icopal teams up with ECS Logistics in Ireland
UK building membranes manufacturer Icopal has teamed up with ECS Logistics in Dublin to offer an enhanced distribution service to Ireland
The agreement with ECS is just the latest evidence of Icopal’s commitment to the Irish construction industry. Along with a site in Belfast, the Icopal group has a wholly-owned subsidiary called Necoflex that operates out of Co Wicklow. Necoflex specialise in Radon gas membranes and were the first company to take such products to the Irish Agrément Board for approval.
The striking of the ECS agreement coincides with Necoflex’s launch of its RAM (Radon Air Moisture) protection system which effectively seals all three critical areas of ground floors in buildings – walls, floors and service and structural penetrations.
ECS are specialists in secure warehousing, stock management, product picking, fulfilment and nationwide distribution. Their contract with Icopal is to receive, handle, warehouse, pick and distribute the manufacturer’s entire range of products on a same-day and next-day delivery schedule.
Commenting on the agreement, Icopal’s group managing director west Jim Mathieson said: “The building industry in Ireland is more reliant now than ever on the vital role the supply chain can play and we are delighted to have partnered with such specialists as ECS to further improve our service to customers.” ECS recently expanded to a 40,000ft² state-of-the-art warehouse in the Clonshaugh Business Park and have plans to extend by a further 20,000ft².
Finance director Jack Carroll said: “Working alongside the Icopal group will ensure we remain at the peak of industry innovation. We will be trained on Icopal’s SAP operating system and will receive ongoing training in conjunction with their IT department.”
Pictured is ECS co-founder Dave Cunningham (left) and Icopal group managing director west Jim Mathieson
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HCP radiant heating recognised by Construction Products Association
HCP, a division of SAS International, has been recognised by the Construction Products Association for its innovation in the design and manufacture of its radiant heating panels
John Staunton, Room Comfort Brand Manager from SAS International comments: “Acknowledgement of HCP’s Dutch-fold anti-ligature design, by the CPA is a tremendous achievement. We are delighted to be recognised in the health, safety and security section of the CPA’s annual Construction Products Innovation and Achievement title.”
Simon Storer, Communications and External Affairs Director for the Construction Products Association said; “Despite the UK economy experiencing the sharpest fall in economic activity since 1948, we are delighted that the construction products industry, including HCP with its new radiant heating panel design, has once again shown an enormous desire to introduce a variety of new and exciting solutions to the benefit of all concerned.”
This recognition builds on HCP’s achievements to date in design, manufacture and delivery of quality, innovative products for the construction industry. Anti-ligature panels are ideal for use in secure facilities, such as Mental Health Units and prisons, and contribute to a safer and more secure environment for both patients and inmates by reducing the chances of accidental burning and reducing opportunities for self-harm.
The CPA annual publication Construction Products Innovation and Achievement, showcases some of the most innovative products and processes that have been developed by the construction products industry within the last twelve months. HCP radiant heating panels will be featured on the CPA website. Products selected to appear were chosen for being at the forefront of innovation within the construction industry.
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New Forbo safety vinyl collection
Forbo Flooring Systems has launched its new Step safety vinyl collection available in eight different ranges, all adapted to meet different anti-slip requirements for flooring. The new collection contains 72 highly durable vinyl floor coverings. All colours and patterns have been carefully coordinated and each family of design comes in a choice of slip resistance ratings, allowing the creation of complementary environments no matter how varied and demanding the tasks to be performed. All the designs in the collection are protected by the PUR Pearl lacquered surface providing proven performance. The whole collection has a slip resistance rating of R10 and Safestep also R11 and R12.
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Ecophon launches new ceiling system
Super G Dp XL is a new, resilient ceiling system for school corridors. It fulfils class 2A for impact resistance. The new Dp edge means that the panels are fixed in place without having to use clips. With a new Connect modular wall trim, the corridor profiles remain firmly fixed, making it easy to take down the ceiling panels. Despite them being fixed, it is still possible to take down the profiles if necessary. As it can get very noisy in a school corridor, it is important that this does not disturb adjacent classrooms and that the sound level does not accompany the pupils into the classroom. It is therefore important that corridors have good acoustics as well.
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Pilkington’s Tiles Ireland - Matrix Ceramic Wall Tile Collection
Renowned Matrix ceramic plain colour wall tile collection is now available from Pilkington’s Tiles showroom and distribution unit based in N1 business park, Dublin. The collection consists of 57 plain colours in five sizes to suit a range of projects, such as education, retail, commercial, industrial and many more. The range includes gloss and matt finish tiles which assist in complying with the DDA regulations, offering added contrast for design schemes. This high-quality range is manufactured under strict quality and shade control and is specified in a range of building projects around the world.
T: 018 970 000 W: www.pilkingtons.com
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