Marmomacc will be present at the Triennale in Milan in viale Alemagna 6, Sala Lab, from April 14th to 19th 2010, h. 10am-10pm with the exhibition “Hybrid and Flexible”.

EXHIBITION “HYBRID AND FLEXIBLE”
On show Marmomacc Meets Design’s projects, developed by internationally known designers and companies of the marble sector.
Exhibit curated by Cibic Workshop.

Designers and companies involved: Patricia Urquiola with Budri, Marco Piva with Cava Romana, Marta Laudani and Marco Romanelli with Consorzio Pietre & Dintorni, Luca Scacchetti with Grassi Pietre, James Irvine with Marsotto, Michele De Lucchi with MGM Furnari, Philippe Nigro with Pibamarmi, Aldo Cibic with Santa Margherita, Tobia Scarpa with Testi Fratelli.

 

Did you know that with radiant heat an outside temperature of as little as 69 degrees can quickly heat a roof surface to over 140F? This effect is referred to as radiant heat transfer. Standard nailbase insulations do a great job of reducing conductive heat transfer. However, they do little to reduce radiant heat transfer, which contributes significantly to the total heat flow into a building. That is the reason Atlas developed CrossVent® RB (Radiant Barrier). The radiant barrier prevents most radiant heat transfer and significantly reduces the temperature gradient across the polyiso board.

CrossVent® RB combines a perforated, breathable, low-emissivity foil radiant barrier OSB with Polyiso insulation that provides unsurpassed thermal efficiency. The polyiso insulation board is designed with 1.0”, 1.5” or 2.0” vent spacer strips. These strips separate the 7/16” APA/TECO rated radiant barrier OSB from the polyiso foam insulation to create a cross-ventilating air space. The spacer strips allow air to flow through the air space thereby helping to further dissipate heat build-up and saving you money in energy costs. Studies show that the radiant barrier in CrossVent® RB prevents up to 97% of radiant energy from reaching the air space, substantially increasing the thermal efficiency of CrossVent® RB. When additional thermal efficiency is designed beyond the R-value of the foam insulation CrossVent® RB is an excellent choice.

CrossVent® RB is HCFC-free and provides excellent LTTR values, and a 20-year thermal warranty. It is made to order in 4’x8’ (1220mm x 2440mm) size panels and in nominal thicknesses of 2.5” to 6.5”. It is recommended for use over sloped unventilated roof decks.

For more information on CrossVent® RB go to http://www.atlasroofing.com.

 

Anaheim, CA – October 14, 2009 – ParexLahabra, the parent company of leading building material brands; Parex, LaHabra , El Rey Stucco, Teifs, MerKrete and MerKo, today announced the opening of their newest manufacturing facility in Albuquerque, New Mexico.

The new dry materials plant located at, 4100 1/2 Broadway SE, features a new Eirich automated mixer which is more efficient than older manual mixing processes. The new machinery delivers more accurate dosing, producing a more consistent product and has reduced mixing time from twenty to thirty minutes to three to five minutes with a significant amount of saved energy. The reduction in time has increased production efficiency by five hundred percent. This translates into quality products that are delivered to the customer in less time using less energy. Finished products are stacked on pallets by a robotic arm, allowing faster palletizing of products and eliminating possible back injuries to our employees.

“The environment was a concern in the construction of our new plant”, said Dave Leach, Central Region Operations Manager for ParexLahabra. “This new facility uses an energy savings air compressor and ties dust collection into the entire dosing and mixing process. The process eliminates dust released to the atmosphere both inside and outside the plant and is more environmentally friendly”.

About ParexLahabra Inc.
ParexLahabra Inc. is the US based parent company of leading building material brands; Parex, LaHabra, El Rey Stucco, Teifs, Mer-Krete Systems and Mer-Ko. The product lines of ParexLahabra Inc. are designed for the construction of commercial, institutional and residential buildings. The 2002, ISO 9001-2000 certification of Parex helped to substantiate ParexLahabra as a leader in the building materials industry with over 80 years of combined experience. For more information regarding ParexLahabra visit www.parexlahabra.com.

 

MIDDLEFIELD, OHIO – Sept. 28, 2009 – KraftMaid Cabinetry is now offering several new digital collections of room models to inspire and encourage designers and other Google(R) SketchUp(TM) users. Available via the Google SketchUp 3D Warehouse, the showcase features completed kitchen designs using KraftMaid(R) cabinets. In addition, KraftMaid will be adding more inspiring room designs and collections, including bathrooms, home offices, laundry rooms and other areas of the home. Designs in the new collections include universal design solutions, award-winning projects, kitchen island concepts, projects by NKBA designers and more.

Each 3-D model in the Design Concepts Collection will display overall dimensions and notes about the specific KraftMaid cabinets used. Designers also can customize the models to make designs of their own. When models are downloaded in the new SketchUp Version 7.1 or Version 7, the cabinet doors and drawers open, so users can virtually experience each vignette.

“KraftMaid created this showcase of designs to inspire kitchen and bath designers, as well as connect with the broader design community and consumers,” said Mark Johnson, FAIA, director of sales & marketing education at KraftMaid. “In the past, a client’s major communication tool was an assortment of picture clippings from magazines. Now that clients are accessing the Internet for ideas, we hope these 3-D designs will become an exciting new source of ideas and inspiration for designers and their clients.”

Calling All Designers

The KraftMaid collections of 3-D room models will continue to grow with designs created by KraftMaid’s team of expert designers. Plus, design professionals and even KraftMaid fans are invited to submit their SketchUp projects, ranging anywhere in size from an entire home to a small closet. KraftMaid may add the design to one of the Google 3D Warehouse collections, credit the designer’s work, and provide a link back to his or her Web site, Linkedin profile, or Facebook page.

Google SketchUp was developed to provide quick 3-D forms for conceptual stages of design, including a repository of 3-D objects that accelerate the design process, called the Google 3D Warehouse. SketchUp models can be converted into all major CAD products without having to draw designs twice.

To download these room models from the Google 3D Warehouse, visit http://sketchup.google.com/3dwarehouse and search “Collections” using the key words, “KraftMaid Cabinetry by MASCO.”

About KraftMaid Cabinetry
For more that 40 years, KraftMaid Cabinetry has been one of the nation’s largest manufacturers of semi-custom cabinetry. Today, KraftMaid continues to lead the industry in innovation and design with an extensive product selection featuring more than 100 trend-in door styles and more than 45 furniture-quality finish options. In 1990, KraftMaid was purchased by Masco Corporation of Taylor, Michigan, one of the world’s largest manufacturers of brand-name consumer products for the home and family. KraftMaid(R) is the anchor brand of the Masco Retail Cabinet Group.

All KraftMaid Cabinetry carries a limited lifetime warranty and is Environmental Stewardship Program-certified by the Kitchen Cabinet Manufacturers Association. KraftMaid is a member of the U.S. Green Building Council and has earned the ISO 14001:2004 Certification for its sustainable manufacturing processes. KraftMaid cabinetry is available through an extensive distributor and dealer network.

For more information, visit www.kraftmaid.com or call 440-632-5333.

 

BENTON HARBOR, Mich. (September 10, 2009) – The new Whirlpool Gold(R) free-standing double oven is heating things up with an upper oven that uses 50 percent less energy and preheats in half the time, compared to a full size oven. Using the same cutout space as a range, homeowners can bake at two separate temperatures simultaneously.

Additionally, with the double oven’s combined 6.3 cu. ft. capacity, it’s possible to bake a cake, slow roast a turkey with all the side dishes and have all of these ready by mealtime.

According to previous Whirlpool Corporation research, the top unmet consumer need when it comes to cooking is energy efficiency. A recent survey revealed 84 percent of consumers said energy – not water or time – is most important to them when it comes to home appliance efficiency."

“The Whirlpool brand double oven range provides homeowners with the benefits of a double oven without the built-in cost,” said Tracy Frye, contract senior marketing manager at Whirlpool Corporation. “Whether cooking two different things at once or making smaller meals that do not require heating a full-size oven, homeowners can save time, money and energy.”

In addition to the Whirlpool Gold double oven range’s ability to bake, broil and warm in the upper oven, it can toast, eliminating the need for a toaster/toaster oven and freeing up counter space. Both ovens feature the Precise Clean(TM) cycle, which will automatically determine the length of cleaning time needed based on the number of times the oven has been used since the last self-cleaning cycle. The range’s eco-friendly Schott Ceran(R) cooktop contains no toxic heavy metals and minimizes cleanup with a smooth glass surface that withstands intense heat without cracking or chipping. In addition to a 6-inch warming zone on the cooktop, both ovens are also equipped with Sabbath mode, which will not automatically shut off after 12 hours and can maintain a set temperature for extended periods of time. The Whirlpool Gold double oven range is available in white, black and stainless steel.

Methodology*

This survey was conducted online within the United States by Harris Interactive via its QuickQuery(SM) online omnibus service on behalf of Whirlpool Corporation between December 29 and 31, 2008, among 2,042 U.S. adults aged 18 years and older. Results were weighted as needed for region, age within gender, education, household income and race/ethnicity. Propensity score weighting was also used to adjust for respondents’ propensity to be online. No estimates of theoretical sampling error can be calculated; a full methodology is available.

About Whirlpool Corporation

Whirlpool Corporation works to exceed expectations with appliances that help building professionals create homes of distinction. The company’s The Inside Advantage(TM) Program offers Powerful Brands, Innovative Products, Targeted Services and Market Insight to support building and design professionals.

Whirlpool Corporation is the world's leading manufacturer and marketer of major home appliances, with annual sales of approximately $19 billion in 2008, 70,000 employees, and 67 manufacturing and technology research centers around the world. The company markets Whirlpool, Maytag, KitchenAid, Jenn-Air, Amana, Brastemp, Consul, Bauknecht and other major brand names to consumers in nearly every country around the world.


For more information on Whirlpool Corporation and its offerings for building professionals, please visit insideadvantage.com or call 1-800-952-2537.

 

October 14th and 15th at the Carpenter Training Center in Elk Grove Village, Illinois.

The Chicago Regional Council of Carpenters today announced a free two-day Continuing Education Training & Industry Networking Event for architects, engineers, designers, specifiers, firm production staff, facility managers and students on Wednesday and Thursday, October 14th and 15th, 7:30 a.m. to 3:00 p.m., at the 282,000-square-foot, state-of-the-art Carpenter Training Center in Elk Grove Village, Illinois.

More than 30 free Continuing Education Units (CEUs) from industry leaders will be offered. Complete event/class information, available credits and CEU registration is conveniently available online at www.ceu.chicap.org. The CEU presentations will be credited.

A free breakfast and lunch will be provided each day. Shuttles will provide continuous round-trip access from the free parking area to the training center main building and annex.

Every hour on Wednesday and Thursday, one-hour CEU-credited guided tours of the Carpenter Training Center will be offered for AIA, CSI, ALA, IIDA and ASID CEU credit. Groups of carpentry apprentices will be receiving their scheduled weekly training in the various facility shops, allowing participants to observe proper training and hands-on installations, in addition to new techniques, tools, materials, and products. Carpentry mockups throughout the facility will demonstrate the carpentry areas of expertise.

Wednesday morning will feature a presentation pertaining to Life Cycle assessment, the blueprint for sustainability. Wednesday will feature the introduction to the LEED Rating System. Thursday morning will feature two one-hour special economic presentations from a senior economist with the Federal Reserve Bank of Chicago and the director of the Chicago Region, Metrostudy. There will be no CEU credits for these two talks. On both days, manufacturers and suppliers will be discussing and demonstrating products at numerous exhibit booths. The expanding list of exhibitors is available online at www.ceu.chicap.org.

The Chicago Regional Council of Carpenters represents over 47,000 men and women working throughout 81 counties in Northern Illinois, Southeast Wisconsin, and Eastern Iowa.

Members of the Chicago Regional Council of Carpenters include carpenters with these specialties: General Carpenter, Residential Carpenter, Exhibit and Display Installer, Interior Systems Carpenter, Lather, Cabinetmaker and Millworker, Flooring Installer, Pile Driver, Millwright, Insulation Installer, Roofer and Siding Installer.

Since 1881 The Chicago Regional Council of Carpenters has been a positive force in building communities and improving the lives of its skilled members and their families.

 

Intensive Testing Gives Approval for Use Under Multiple Exterior Claddings.

Anaheim, CA – August 20, 2009 – ParexLahabra, the parent company of leading building material brands; Parex, LaHabra , El Rey Stucco, Teifs, Mer-Krete and Mer-Ko, today announced the expanded usage of their Water-resistive Barrier (WRB) line of products.

Previously, ParexLahabra WRB products were limited to use under their EIFS and stucco assemblies only with limited substrates. After successfully conducting multiple tests, the use for these products has been approved for use under other exterior claddings and opening the range of substrates that can be used. "This is a major leap forward for our business," said Quenton Roehricht Brand Manager. "The significant advancement allows ParexLahabra to market its WRB and air barrier products to a larger range of customers. The liquid, water-resistive barrier, and air barrier markets are seeing phenomenal growth right now and we are excited to participate."

"With the advancement of substrates and the excellent quality of raw materials used, in ParexLahabra products, we are excited to give warranties for the use of ParexLahabra Water-resistive Barriers under other façades and over many different substrates e.g. plywood, OSB, Densglass Gold(TM), etc.", said Robert Dickson, Technical Director for ParexLahabra.

ParexLahabra liquid applied water-resistive barrier products are far superior to sheet based products. There is no risk of ripping or tearing, as with paper products, and liquid water-resistive barrier products are applied in a continuous layer. "These products may be used on a number of substrates including OSB," Roehricht commented. "This is a significant shift from ParexLahabra's prior position and a benefit for the applicator. We believe we have the best liquid applied water-resistive and air barrier products on the market".
ParexLahabra's Water-resistive Barrier products are available in 5 gallon pails.

About ParexLahabra Inc.

ParexLahabra Inc. is the US based parent company of leading building material brands; Parex, La Habra Stucco, El Rey Stucco, Teifs, Mer-Krete and Mer-Ko. The product lines of ParexLahabra Inc. are designed for the, new/retrofit, construction of commercial, institutional and residential buildings. The 2002, ISO 9001-2000 certification of Parex helped to substantiate ParexLahabra Inc. as a leader in the building materials industry with over 80 years of combined experience in the US construction industry. For more information regarding ParexLahabra visit http://www.parexlahabra.com.

 

Rapid Drying, Waterproofing and Crack isolation Membrane Saves Time & Money with the Environment in Mind.

Anaheim, CA – August 18, 2009 – ParexLahabra, the parent company of leading building material brands; Parex, LaHabra , El Rey Stucco, Teifs, Mer-Krete Systems and Mer-Ko, today announced the launch of Mer-Krete Hydro Guard SP-1, a "Green" waterproofing membrane.

Hydro Guard SP-1, a rapid-drying thin, load bearing waterproof and crack isolation membrane, is composed of modified elastomeric co-polymers. With excellent elongation, adhesion and high strength properties, the product is light green when applied and develops to a emerald green when dry. Hydro Guard SP-1 provides a 100% waterproof membrane that limits the transfer of substrate cracks to the finished ceramic or stone tile surface. Hydro Guard SP-1 is installed in a liquid state and can be applied to practically any form or irregular shape forming a monolithic waterproof barrier.

"Hydro Guard SP-1 is a GREEN, low VOC, rapid drying waterproofing membrane developed to provide installers with application ease, LEED complaints, project versatility, and speed in both drying and flood testing", said Mark Cooke, Brand Manager for Mer-Krete Systems. "Hydro Guard SP-1 is the only product you need to achieve waterproofing and crack isolation protection. You can save time, save cost and literally go Green".

Hydro-Guard SP-1 is for use in commercial buildings, residential housing and other areas requiring positive waterproofing like pools, fountains, spas, hot tubs, kitchens, countertops, balconies, tub surrounds, shower stalls and pans, under terrazzo, quarry, ceramic and stone tile. This membrane can be installed over any sound substrate, vertically or horizontally, interior and exterior.

"There has been a lot of excitement for the launch of Hydro Guard SP-1". remarked Tim McDonald, Vice President of Sales for Mer-Krete Systems. "We didn't take out what made our products good. We added new technology that makes our products great!"

About Mer-Krete Systems

Mer-Krete Systems is a brand of ParexLahabra, Inc., the US based parent company of leading building material brands; Parex, La Habra, El Rey, Teifs, Surewall, Mer-Krete and Mer-Ko. Under these brands ParexLahabra, Inc. manufactures EIFS, stucco, acrylic finishes, tile-setting and waterproofing materials for the construction of commercial, institutional and residential buildings. The 2002, ISO 9001-2000 certification helped to substantiate ParexLahabra, Inc. as a leader in the building materials industry with over 150 years of combined experience in the US construction industry. For more information regarding Mer-Krete Systems or ParexLahabra, Inc. visit www.merkrete.com and www.parexlahabra.com respectively.

 

Hampshire, IL – DECK-O-TREAT is a gunite/shotcrete curing aid specially formulated to provide the contractor with a good, general purpose curing aid for construction applications where economy is of prime importance. It contains no wax, resin, or solvent. DECK-O-TREAT features a low VOC content to comply with nationwide VOC regulations.

DECK-O-TREAT is ready to use and aids in curing gunite and shotcrete. Surfaces treated with DECK-O-TREAT can later be covered by additional finishes, such as paint, tile adhesive or plaster. DECK-O-TREAT can be used on both horizontal and vertical surfaces.

DECK-O-TREAT is a penetrating material that aids curing and hardens in a single application. For added convenience, the product is ready to use straight out of the container – no mixing or additional preparation is required. The material is also tinted to easily identify coverage. After application, the surface can then be altered with additional treatments, such as paint, tile adhesive, or plaster. DECK-O-TREAT can be spray-applied to horizontal or vertical surfaces. The product is VOC compliant. Its actual VOC content is 0 g/L, so the product is environmentally safe and a suitable green building material.

For more information, contact DECK-O-SEAL, a division of W. R. MEADOWS, INC. at P.O. Box 397, Hampshire, Illinois 60140; phone: (800) 542-POOL; fax: (847) 214-2268; e-mail: sales@deckoseal.com or visit www.deckoseal.com.

 

Hampshire, IL – Recently, PERMINATOR underslab vapor barrier from W. R. MEADOWS was submitted for independent lab testing. The independent lab testing confirmed that PERMINATOR has the industry’s best water vapor permeance rating, bar none. These test results prove that PERMINATOR far exceeds the requirements of the ASTM E 1745 specification, and exceeds the technical characteristics of other competing products on the market. Bottom line, PERMINATOR is unequalled in the marketplace for water vapor permeance.

PERMINATOR underslab vapor barrier is a new generation of polyolefin-based resin/chemical technology. PERMINATOR provides the vapor barrier industry with a highly effective choice for helping to reduce the penetration of moisture and water vapor through the slab into the structure, thereby helping to reduce fungus, mildew and mold growth. PERMINATOR also helps reduce radon gas from entering the structure.

PERMINATOR is tough enough to withstand normal construction jobsite conditions and traffic. It will not crack, puncture, snag, split, or tear easily.

PERMINATOR is primarily designed for underslab construction, where the soil has been tamped and leveled or compacted fill has been applied. The 200’ (61m) long sheets are unrolled as is or cut to size and installed using the overlapping method.

For more information on PERMINATOR, call (847) 214-2100, e-mail wrmil@wrmeadows.com, or visit www.wrmeadows.com.

 

Newport Beach, Calif. – June 09, 2009 – Hacker Industries, Inc., the leading supplier of cementitious floor underlayments and acoustical control mats, introduces a new Hacker Floor Underlayment Product Guide. The pamphlet offers a concise overview of the company’s line of FIRM-FILL® Brand Gypsum Concretes.

Designed for easy access to pertinent product information, the new guide includes a brief synopsis of all Hacker Floor Underlayments’ features and benefits, technical data, UL Listings, and code approvals. It also includes a product chart that allows architects, contractors, and building owners to find the right Hacker Floor Underlayment for their project by selecting the type of project and the type of subfloor.

Hacker Industries, Inc.’s line of FIRM-FILL® Gypsum Concretes, GYP-SPAN® Radiant and sound control mats lead the industry in reliability and customer satisfaction in new construction, renovation and repair projects. With over 2 billion square feet of successful installations throughout North America, Hacker Floor Underlayments are the ideal choice for multi-family, residential, and commercial applications providing superior compressive strengths matched with exceptional acoustical and fire resistance properties.

Free copies of the product guide are available by contacting Hacker Industries, Inc. at (800) 642-3455 or info@HackerIndustries.com.

 

Hampshire, IL – LIQUI-HARD ULTRA concrete densifier and chemical hardener is a ready to use, colorless liquid, which hardens and dustproofs concrete at a molecular level. After proper application, the finished surface offers substantial improvement in abrasion and chemical resistance and will significantly improve the durability of the surface when compared to untreated concrete. As LIQUI-HARD ULTRA is applied and penetrates into the concrete surface, a chemical reaction takes place, producing a byproduct that fills in the pores of the concrete one molecule at a time. LIQUI-HARD ULTRA solidifies the concrete, eliminating dusting and pitting.

Newly launched, LIQUI-HARD ULTRA is chemically engineered to provide timely, quick, sustainable performance. The product is simply sprayed on, and then left moist on the surface for 20 minutes. In this short period of time, the colorless liquid quickly penetrates into the surface. Unlike traditional densifiers, LIQUI-HARD ULTRA does not require brushing into the surface or rinsing. After application, the resulting surface features enhanced protection and sheen, coupled with superior abrasion resistance. LIQUI-HARD ULTRA can also be used with BELLATRIX and INDUROSHINE® from W. R. MEADOWS for a true green polished concrete system.

LIQUI-HARD ULTRA is an environmentally safe, water-based product and features a zero VOC content. The product is a part of the W. R. MEADOWS GREEN LINE® of earth-friendly products, and will help contribute to credits for LEED-certified construction.

For more information on LIQUI-HARD ULTRA, call (847) 214-2100, e-mail wrmil@wrmeadows.com, or visit www.wrmeadows.com.

 

EnviroGLAS completes installation of a recycled glass terrazzo floor in the green luxury suite at the Dallas Cowboy’s Valley Ranch practice facility in Irving, Texas.

The three-story suite, built by Green Star Builders of Dallas, features state-of-the-art green building attributes: a high efficiency ductless HVAC system, Low-E reflective glass windows, a standing seam metal roof, foam insulation, low VOC paint, tankless water heaters, CFL lighting and custom terrazzo floors made by EnviroGLAS.

EnviroGLAS custom flooring is made from unique mixtures of recycled glass; including recycled beer bottles, car windshields and plate and stained glass windows. Additional aggregate options include reflective mirror, mother-of-pearl and recycled porcelain called EnviroMODE - made from pre-consumer recycled Kohler® toilets and sinks. Different aggregate combinations are mixed with a custom colored epoxy resin, then poured by hand to create an exquisite flooring application.

Other EnviroGLAS products include EnviroSLAB countertops, EnviroSCAPE landscape aggregate and EnviroPLANK flooring tiles which are also used for vertical wall applications – quite stunning! EnviroGLAS products not only look good, they are low maintenance, extremely durable, have a lifecycle of over 40 years and contribute to 8 or more LEED credits.

Brett Relander, Green Star Builders president and CEO, “EnviroGLAS is not only beautiful and durable, but it’s also one of the best sustainable green building products available. Our clients love it and we look forward to working with EnviroGLAS for years to come.” Green Star Builders is a leader in environmentally conscious construction for residential and commercial sectors.

 

BENTON HARBOR, Mich. (April 27, 2009) – National Kitchen & Bath Association Hall of Fame Designer, Fu-Tung Cheng, has designed a kitchen for inspiration to designers during the Kitchen/Bath Industry Show 2009. On display at the Jenn-Air brand booth, the sleek, contemporary kitchen features a Jenn-Air brand appliance suite in the unique Oiled Bronze finish, one of Cheng’s famous customized concrete countertops, a fabric-formed concrete wiffle wall, as well as Elements, Cheng’s new cabinet line by Tonusa.

“Jenn-Air brand’s clean, polished Oiled Bronze finish is a beautiful fit for this kitchen’s style and the expressive use of concrete. The timeless association of bronze and sculpture is iconic in our collective minds; however, I love the idea that in this Jenn-Air kitchen the association is turned on it’s head – the sculpture here is concrete, while the machined appliances are bronzed – the style, nonetheless, is quality,” said Fu-Tung Cheng. “I wanted this design to push the edges without approaching extremes, contrast the spectrum of materials, natural and man-made, from Manzanita to Plyboo, and temper the bronzed machines with sculpted earth.”

Jenn-Air brand Oiled Bronze combines the traditionalism of bronze sculpture with the polished look of stainless steel accents to create a richly hued finish for kitchen appliances. This exclusive process achieves the warm oiled bronze appearance by incorporating multiple layers of copper and bronze highlights. The result is a look that incorporates well in contemporary, as well as traditional kitchens.

Fu-Tung Cheng, designer, best-selling author, and speaker is internationally known for his sophisticated design and innovative use of materials in the home. He is one of today’s top experts on residential, commercial and product design and speaks to trade and consumer audiences on the importance of timeless design, balancing luxury and conscience, and how craftsmanship informs design. He brings to audiences a practitioner’s view to creating green, timeless design.

Cheng heads three companies in Berkeley, Calif.: Cheng Design, Cheng Products and Cheng Concrete. He designs exclusive branded product lines for manufacturers such as Zephyr, Elkay, and Tonusa as well as his own kitchen hoods and Geocrete(TM) brand of concrete products. The Geocrete(TM) product line includes countertops, kitchen islands, fireplaces, water features and commissioned concrete pieces. His architectural design work ranges from full-scale homes and kitchen and bath renovations to hospitality, commercial and retail store design.

About Whirlpool Corporation

Whirlpool Corporation works to exceed client expectations with appliances that help design professionals create homes of distinction. The company’s The Inside Advantage(TM) Program offers Powerful Brands, Innovative Products, Targeted Services and Consumer Insight to support building and design professionals.

Whirlpool Corporation is the world's leading manufacturer and marketer of major home appliances, with annual sales of more than $19 billion, more than 70,000 employees and 68 manufacturing and technology research centers around the world. The company markets Whirlpool, Maytag, KitchenAid, Jenn-Air, Amana, Brastemp, Bauknecht and other major brand names to consumers in nearly every country around the world. For more information on Whirlpool Corporation and its offerings for building and design professionals, visit insideadvantage.com or call 800-253-3977.

 

HOUSTON, TX — April 23, 2009 — Lapolla Industries, Inc.— Design professionals, contractors, building inspectors and engineers look for advanced insulation systems that not only offer energy-saving solutions but have a proven record of performance. With the announcement that Lapolla’s open-cell spray polyurethane foam insulation system has been reviewed by International Code Council (ICC) Evaluation Service, Inc., Lapolla Industries can provide affirmation that their open-cell spray foam insulation system branded Foam-LOK™ OC (FL500) and AirTight™ OC open-cell spray foam is a high-performance insulation solution for residential, commercial, and industrial buildings.

ICC-ES is a nonprofit corporation that conducts technical evaluations of building products, components, methods and materials for regulatory agencies and building product manufacturers. ICC-ES reports help agencies determine code compliance and enforce building regulations, while manufacturers use reports as proof that their products meet code requirements and confirm regulatory approval.

Lapolla’s open-cell spray foam system is a spray applied nonstructural thermal insulation material used in wall cavities, floor assemblies, ceiling assemblies, and in attic and crawl space applications. Open-cell foam insulation is a performance upgrade over conventional insulation that leads to energy efficiency, improved occupant comfort, a cleaner indoor environment, and greater noise reduction for building/home owners.

“Spray foam insulation is an important component in new building construction and the weatherization of existing buildings,” stated Doug Kramer, president and chief executive officer, Lapolla Industries. “The ICC-ES report demonstrates that Foam-LOK OC/AirTight OC open-cell spray polyurethane foam insulation meets acceptance criteria and key building code requirements,” said Kramer.

Foam-LOK and AirTight spray foam insulation systems are professionally applied by a vast network of spray foam contractors located across the United States.

About Lapolla Industries, Inc.
Lapolla Industries, Inc. is a leading manufacturer and supplier of spray polyurethane foam for insulation and coatings targeting commercial and residential applications in the building envelope construction industries.

 

You know the quality of Stertil-Koni mobile lifts. Now, you can have the same quality with Stertil-Koni lifts MADE IN THE USA.

Yes, Stertil-Koni mobile lifts are now being manufactured and are available for immediate sale from our Streator, Illinois facility.

Stertil-ALM passed the certification requirements with flying colors and you can go to www.autolift.org and see the Stertil-ALM MADE IN THE USA lifts where they carry a designation of US—next to the model number.

Please consult your Stertil-Koni authorized dealer/distributor for pricing information on our lifts now MADE IN THE USA. The first series will be the ST 1082-FSF rated at 18,000 lbs. per column or 72,000 lbs. per set of four.

 

BENTON HARBOR, Mich. (April 21, 2009) – Whirlpool Corporation has been selected as a Centex Sustainability Partner by Centex Corporation, one of the largest U.S. homebuilders. Accordingly, Centex will install ENERGY STAR(R) qualified Whirlpool(R) and KitchenAid(R) refrigerators, dishwashers and laundry appliances as standard in Centex Energy Advantage homes nationwide. In addition to helping homeowners save more energy, the agreement includes sustainable appliance choices that use steam technology.

According to a survey commissioned by Whirlpool Corporation and conducted by Harris Interactive, 72 percent of consumers actively look for the ENERGY STAR(R) label when making purchasing decisions.*

“As energy costs rise, Centex homebuyers can feel comfortable knowing their homes are incredibly energy-efficient, as they include some of the most energy-efficient appliances available,” said Kelly Safis, national director of contract sales at Whirlpool Corporation. “The ENERGY STAR label is further reassurance that energy savings will be possible for the lifetime of their appliances.”

New Centex Energy Advantage homes include a suite of energy-efficient features installed as standard nationwide. According to a study commissioned with the NAHB Research Center, these homes are up to 22 percent more efficient than comparable new homes built to the most widely used energy efficiency code, the 2006 International Energy Conservation Code. When compared to a typical 10-year-old home, as defined by the U.S. Department of Energy’s Building America Program, the Centex Energy Advantage homes in the study were shown to be up to 40 percent more energy efficient.**

Centex Energy Advantage homes avoid the emission of 1.78 metric tons of carbon dioxide (CO2) per year, on average, compared to a typical new home, according to the NAHB Research Center. That’s roughly the same as the greenhouse gas emissions from the family automobile over four months or the CO2 emissions from about 183 gallons of gasoline consumed.***

“Appliances from Whirlpool and KitchenAid brands can play a major role in helping to lower utility costs and save energy,” said Scott Richter, executive vice president of operations support at Centex. “Combined with an entire suite of other building products and features, these homes are designed to give homeowners more control of their home’s operating costs long after moving in.”

New appliance offerings with steam technology available for Centex Energy Advantage homes include:

· Whirlpool(R) Duet(R) Steam Washer and Dryer allow homeowners to naturally steam out wrinkles and odors in the dryer, and tough stains, from grass to grease, without pre-treating in the washer. The ENERGY STAR qualified washer saves up to 73 percent water and 77 percent energy compared to conventional washers manufactured before 2004.

· KitchenAid and Whirlpool brand dishwashers offer models with a steam option to provide the same great cleaning power, while using less water. The steam option enhances an existing wash cycle, such as the china cycle, to produce brilliant results. These dishwashers are also ENERGY STAR qualified.

· To ease oven cleaning, select Whirlpool brand electric ranges are equipped with a SteamClean option for cleaning light spills on the oven floor. These ranges also have an industry-first Energy Save mode. The feature conserves electricity when the oven is not in use, making these models 290 percent more efficient than previous Whirlpool brand ranges. Similar to a computer “sleep” mode, Energy Save mode dims extra features, such as the digital clock or control display.

Whirlpool Corporation is the global industry leader in developing high-performance appliances that help conserve the earth’s resources and allow homeowners to use energy and water more efficiently. It leads the industry in bringing an “across-the-board” focus to energy and water conservation, from product design to manufacturing, delivery and end of the product life cycle.

Whirlpool Corporation recently received the 2009 ENERGY STAR Sustained Excellence award by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE). The award recognizes the company’s leadership in offering consumers appliances with energy and water efficiency through its portfolio of brands. This is the company’s tenth ENERGY STAR award and fourth consecutive Sustained Excellence win.

About Centex

Dallas-based Centex Corporation, founded in 1950, is one of the nation’s leading home building companies. Its homes are marketed and sold under the trade names Centex Homes, Fox & Jacobs Homes and CityHomes. Centex also offers mortgage and title services. Centex has ranked among the top three builders on FORTUNE magazine’s list of “America’s Most Admired Companies” for 10 straight years and is a leader in quality and customer satisfaction.

About Whirlpool Corporation

Whirlpool Corporation works to exceed expectations with appliances that help building professionals create homes of distinction. The company’s The Inside Advantage(TM) Program offers Powerful Brands, Innovative Products, Targeted Services and Consumer Insight to support building professionals.

Whirlpool Corporation is the world’s leading manufacturer and marketer of major home appliances, with annual sales of more than $19 billion, 70,000 employees and 69 manufacturing and technology research centers around the world. The company markets Whirlpool, Maytag, KitchenAid, Jenn-Air, Amana, Brastemp, Consul, Bauknecht and other major brand names to consumers in nearly every country around the world. For more information on Whirlpool Corporation and its offerings for building professionals, please visit insideadvantage.com or call 1-800-253-3977.

 

Stain Protect Your Existing, New, or Polished Concrete Floor with BELLATRIX

Hampshire, IL – BELLATRIX from W. R. MEADOWS is a premium concrete enhancer formulated using dual-protection technology combined with unique hybrid polymers to offer the ultimate in concrete protection. Proprietary, dual-action technology provides the ultimate in both penetrating and film-forming concrete protection. BELLATRIX offers environmentally friendly, VOC-compliant protection, which provides increased stain suspension and resistance against most contaminants found in kitchens, retail food stores, restaurants, malls, garages, warehouses, distribution centers, etc.

BELLATRIX is an excellent choice to help protect densified and/or polished floors. BELLATRIX may also be utilized anywhere a clear, high-gloss, dual-action concrete protection system is desired.

BELLATRIX seals the concrete surface and provides optimum gloss, while also offering stain protection against many common stain-causing contaminants. It produces a tough, uniform, breathable barrier for improved durability, also dust-proofing the concrete surface. BELLATRIX is VOC-compliant, provides excellent blush resistance in damp environments, and applies easily and economically.

BELLATRIX is also a green building material, as it contains a very low VOC content, is water-based for environmentally friendly building, and is featured in CSI GreenFormat and a part of the W. R. MEADOWS GREEN LINE® of earth-friendly products.

For more information on BELLATRIX, call (847) 214-2100, e-mail wrmil@wrmeadows.com, or visit www.wrmeadows.com.

 

January 22, 2009, Las Vegas, Nevada

Reed Business Information (www.reedbusiness.com/us) and AEC Daily (www.aecdaily.com) have announced a joint strategic partnership, officially launching at the 2009 International Builders’ Show in Las Vegas.

AEC Daily will produce educational programs for Reed’s architectural, engineering and construction publications and products in printed, live and electronic formats. Initially, the educational offerings of AEC Daily and Reed will remain independent, but the intent is to integrate them into the most authoritative education program in the industry.

AEC Daily will add the many Reed marketing services to its product list, thereby serving the complete promotional needs of its clients. In turn, Reed will offer an enhanced educational marketing opportunity to its client base. The biggest winner will be the building product manufacturing community, which will have access to the best integrated marketing program in the industry.

“We will increase our reach through North America's largest business-to-business information provider while Reed will gain the expertise of the industry’s leading provider of free online education,” said Jeff Rice, President of AEC Daily. “It’s a perfect fit for both organizations.”

AEC Daily currently has over 230 courses that are recognized or approved by 17 different organizations and several new courses are added monthly. Each one meets or exceeds the educational requirement for most construction professionals in North America.


About Reed Business Information

Reed Business Information (www.reedbusiness.com/us) is North America's largest business-to-business information provider with more than 80 market-leading publications and 80 Websites, as well as custom publishing, directories, research and direct marketing lists. Reed Business Information is part of Reed Elsevier (NYSE: RUK and ENL) – a world-leading publisher and information provider operating in the science and medical, legal and business-to-business industry sectors.


About AEC Daily:
AEC Daily is the largest provider of FREE online continuing education to construction professionals. Courses are available online 24 hours a day, 7 days a week and credits are automatically submitted to AIA, CSI and other organizations. Architects, engineers, interior designers and other construction professionals rely on AEC Daily to maintain their accreditation with ease.

 

The American Institute of Architects (AIA) informed AEC Daily that they had won the 2009 AIA/CES Award for Excellence for Internet Platform Providers. The award is extremely competitive and difficult to obtain. AEC Daily was chosen not just for having one outstanding course, but instead, for having an overall program with an exceptional commitment to high quality education.

“AEC Daily is proud to be the first winner of the AIA/CES Award for Excellence for Internet Platform Providers” said Jeff Rice, president of AEC Daily. “We were pleased to learn that the AIA had created this brand new award category to recognize the growing importance of online distance learning.”

The prize is awarded by the AIA jury to a continuing education provider who has demonstrated a strong overall commitment to quality programming and delivery. The judging process is very thorough. Rather than focusing on individual achievements, it evaluates an organization in 6 major areas:
1. Leadership commitment and support,
2. Planning and analysis,
3. Design and implementation,
4. Resources and records,
5. Evaluation and improvement, and
6. Provider-specific, partnership, and alliances.

“The AIA would like to congratulate AECDaily.com on winning the 2009 CES Award for Excellence as the Internet Platform Provider of the Year. We have seen great dedication, improvement and commitment over the years. We feel that our members will find a consistent level of high quality courses” said Thom Lowther, Senior Director of the AIA/CES.

The American Institute of Architects is the voice of the architecture profession with over 83,000 members. For over 150 years, members of the AIA have worked with each other and their communities to create more valuable, healthy, secure, and sustainable buildings and cityscapes. High quality and lifelong education for architects is a core value of the AIA and they are always working to improve the industry through training, outreach, advocacy and education

The award will be officially presented at the AIA Provider Conference in Santa Barbara, California on July 8 – 10, 2009.

About AEC Daily:
AEC Daily is the largest provider of FREE online continuing education to construction professionals. Over 230 courses are available online 24 hours a day, 7 days a week and credits are automatically submitted to AIA, CSI and other organizations. Architects, engineers, interior designers and other construction professionals rely on AEC Daily to maintain their accreditation with ease.


Contact:

Jeff Rice, President
AEC Daily Corporation
+1-877-566-1199 x82, or jrice@AECdaily.com
www.AECdaily.com