Industry event heats up winter

Industry event heats up winter

June’s buildnz designex 2011 is the hottest thing on the winter calendar for the building, design and construction sectors. From 26 to 28 June, Auckland’s ASB Showgrounds will be alive with thousands of industry professionals checking out the products and services for the building, design and construction sectors, including structural systems, hardware, tools, flooring, surface finishes, interiors, lighting, fine furnishings and textiles.

buildnz designex organiser, XPO Exhibitions, is delighted with how the event is shaping up, says Rob Lavender.

“It’s the premier event for the industry and has great support from all the key organisations, as is endorsed by the Certified Builders Association, NZ Institute of Architects, BRANZ, Designers Institute, Furniture Association and Lifemark as well as Registered Master Builders Federation, which is holding its annual conference in association with buildnz designex.”

With more than 150 exhibitors expected, many with products and services never seen before, it’s possible that this year’s event will see record visitor numbers. Those that do invest the time and attend will not be disappointed, especially as there are many of international exhibitors.

The New Zealand German Business Association (NZGBA) is organising a ‘Made in Germany’ pavilion with the topic ‘Leaders in building technology and energy efficiency’. About 10 German co-exhibiting companies will showcase their products and services on more than 110sqm.

“We are very excited to be at buildnz designex for the first time,” says NZGBA CEO Monique Surges. “It is a wonderful opportunity for German companies and subsidiaries to show their products to the New Zealand market. The trade fair, however, is not only for newcomers. Companies already established in New Zealand have the chance to emphasize their connection to Germany.”

Among the German companies interested in doing business in New Zealand are DEOS Australia, PORTAS Global Renovation Systems, and SCALOCAB. Other exhibitors at the ‘Made in Germany’ stand are aquatherm NZ Ltd, BSH Bosch and Siemens Home Appliances Ltd, Butzbach (Glideaway Door Systems), Knauf Plasterboard Australia and New Zealand, Lucht LHZ GmbH & Co. KG, Robert Bosch Ltd, and Technoform.
New Zealand companies, too, will have a lot that’s new and interesting for visitors to explore. Blue Building Solutions, will be showcasing some unique products, many of which have not been available in New Zealand until now, says James Johnston, “Our solutions can eradicate damp and mould from buildings by using free passive airflow while remaining affordable, easily installed for both renovations and new build properties, and require very low maintenance.

Our stand will let people get hands on with Streamline Trickle Vents which provide passive ventilation to any building. They’ll also be able to have a look at Roll Rafter Trays, UPVC Ventilated Soffits and Over Fascia Ventilators, all of which provide continuous ventilation throughout the roof cavity or void.
“All of the unique ventilation products that BBS will be showcasing will provide a healthy living or working environment and will enhance the performance of buildings already fitted with mechanical ventilation systems.

Another product we’ll be showing is UPVC Cladding & Fascias which has profiles in traditional styles, with complementary joints, trims and fixings. It’s an ideal and cost-effective substitute for timber or other traditional cladding: it will not discolour, retains its appearance, is virtually maintenance-free and is weather resistant. Lastly, BBS will be showcasing our UPVC Rain Water System which is designed with a unique clip system that reduces labour time and cost by up to 25%. It eradicates the use of pop rivets or adhesives that are currently used on products in New Zealand.”

Gamma Bracing Technologies has a New Zealand-developed solution that will provide a braced home from day one, reduces the risk of wall and ceiling lining cracking, and provides a rigid structural envelope with reduced stress points. It also produces a safer working environment, reduces site waste and contract administration costs, says Stephen Tully.

“Temporary bracing is structurally very important. Reports from the Industry indicate increasing incidences of post-build problems which are attributable to structural framing movements due to inadequate temporary bracing. The Gamma bracing system is a light-weight, steel, structural truss bracing frame which fits inside timber frames between the top and bottom plates and adjacent studs. Gamma bracing frames can be fitted into the timber pre-nailed frames before erection or post-erection. There’s a significant reduction in temporary bracing, and faster lining, stopping and finishing is achieved due to an uninterrupted installation process. There’s no post line inspection and no special fixing requirements for plasterboard linings, and no brace boards or plywood bracing is required.”

David Noyer’s Quantum Eco Hot Water says the company has a new dual system for under-floor central heating and domestic hot water that can produce 600C water in every location of New Zealand at any time of the year energy efficiently.

“In the heating season (heating plus hot water required), the water in the under-floor heating system is heated via the main heat pump (air to water system) and the water is maintained at 45oC exiting and 40oC inlet to the main heat pump. The main heat pump operates down as low as -25oC air temperature without the need for any electrical boosting. The domestic hot water is heated via a second heat exchanger (water to water system) which uses the energy from the returning under-floor hot water and uses that energy to heat the hot water to 600C in the cylinder.

“In the non-heating season (hot water required only), when the domestic water needs heating, the circulation pump for under-floor heating is activated, and if the return water in the under-floor heating system is below 180C, the main heat pump will be activated to heat the water to 250C and the energy is then used to heat the hot water to 600C in the cylinder. Furthermore, in summer months, our system can generate cold water so the home owner can have free cooling.”

While new and high-tech will feature strongly at buildnz designex, the natural tried and true is not left out. The American Hardwood Export Council is aiming to educate visitors to their stand regarding the sustainable credentials of American hardwood. American Hardwood Export Council’s (AHEC) Roderick Wiles says the preliminary findings of a new carbon emissions report gives New Zealand specifiers the green light of environmental approval on specifying American hardwoods without concern for carbon footprint. “AHEC would also like to let New Zealand specifiers know about the design merits of American hardwoods as alternatives to the familiar look, grains and textures found in New Zealand timber. Examples of local projects using American hardwood will feature on the stand, including use of American white oak at Craggy Range Vineyard in Hawke’s Bay.”

The Lifemark will also be at buildnz designex and General Manager Andrew Olsen says that visitors will be able to see the full range of design features behind New Zealand’s first quality assurance system for adaptable and accessible housing. “The Lifemark, a Government-supported independent seal of approval, ensures a home will cater for people’s changing needs over a lifetime, eliminating the need for costly future renovations. At a time when New Zealand’s population is ageing, mobility issues increasing and the cost of retrofitting homes escalating, the Lifemark is a tool for the building sector to lead the transition to building homes that cater for our future.

“A home awarded the Lifemark is designed around a number of core design principles – adaptability, accessibility, inclusivity and lifetime value. These translate into 33 design features covering key areas such as the entrance, kitchen, living area, bedroom, bathroom and multi-storey, all aimed at making the house accessible for everyone, easier to live in and easy to adapt as residents’ needs change over time. Ultimately, the construction approach is one of flexibility to change the home over time, according to the inhabitants’ needs.
“The Lifemark comes at almost no extra cost when incorporated into the design from the outset, adding as little as 0-1.5 per cent to the total build cost. Individuals and group house builders now recognise the need to ensure a home is designed to last a lifetime. Those builders that learn about the Lifemark and how it can help will be seen as leading their field.”

XPO’s Rob Lavender says the 2011 event will be even better than the highly successful 2009 one. “The industry is right behind buildnz designex, and suppliers are turning out in force and offering some great deals on top products and services. If you’re in the trade I’d encourage you to register as a visitor. Just go to buildnz.com and fill in the visitor registration form. It’s easy and free and you can print out your barcode for express entry to buildnz designex.”

It’s not all hard work and business though according to Rob. “People who visit the Ford stand have the chance to win a $46,000 Ford Ranger XLT ute, thanks to show partners Ford and Radio Hauraki. The event’s also a great opportunity to network and discuss common problems and find solutions that work. However you look at it, buildnz designex is a must attend for anyone in building, design and construction.”

buildnz designex 2011 will be held 26 to 28 June at Auckland's ASB Showgrounds in Greenlane. The event is expected to attract more than 5,000 trade visitors.

ENDS

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