03.19.10 Client News

Harvey B. Gantt Center reflects artistic, African heritage with exterior, metal cladding finished by Linetec

For 35 years, North Carolina’s Harvey B. Gantt Center for African-American Arts + Culture has celebrated the contributions of Africans and African-Americans to American culture. Opened in October 2009, the new center is named in honor of Harvey Bernard Gantt, a well-respected businessman who was the first African-American mayor of Charlotte and first African-American student admitted to Clemson University.

The 46,500-square-foot building is located at the heart of Charlotte’s central business district and serves as an epicenter for music, dance, theater, visual art, film, arts education programs, literature and community outreach. Designed by The Freelon Group Architects, the Gantt Center’s new home will be a key component in Phase One of Charlotte‘s Cultural Arts Facilities Master Plan. Batson Cook Company served as the $18.8 million project’s general contractor.

The Gantt Center’s exterior metal features are embellished with patterns reminiscent of quilt designs from the era of the Underground Railroad and inspired by woven, textile patterns from West Africa. These architectural references to African culture and African-American history underscore the building’s theme, while creating an innovative and inspiring façade.

To express this design, the architectural aluminum was furnished by Protean Construction Products, as supplied through Architectural Products Specialist, Inc. Protean provided 2,620 square feet of AP-COL 0.125-inch-thick, rolled aluminum, column covers and formed, beam wraps. An additional 6,240 square feet of ACM-100 Composite Metal Wall panels were formed from Alcan’s 4mm Alucobond® material.

Linetec finished Protean’s metal components using Valspar’s Fluropon Classic® II Silversmith paint. The two-coat, mica finish is one the company’s sought-out services. “Getting the metallic or mica flake to lay just right for color consistency is dependant on many variables,” explains Tammy Schroeder, Linetec’s marketing specialist. “Mica coatings consist of a color primer coat and a durable pearlescent color coat that utilizes inert, non-conductive mica pigmentation, rather than aluminum metal flakes found in metallic coatings. Mica coatings are less sensitive to flake orientation dynamics, and nearly eliminate the risk of color variation found in metallic coatings. Aesthetically, they offer a unique vibrancy and visual appeal to any project.”

The Gantt Center unites the aesthetic and the functional on the interior, as well as the exterior. The interior boasts presentation space, function space and a glass mural. An ornate, two-story staircase, known as “Jacob’s Ladder,” offers a meaningful centerpiece on the ground floor. The Freelon Group Architects explains, “This concept of hope, advancement and enlightenment through cultural awareness and education is expressed in the new Gantt Center design through its modern interpretation of Jacob’s Ladder. Stairs and escalators carry visitors up to the main second floor lobby from both ends of the building, while framing the central glass atrium. The striking visual effect is a direct allusion to the original Jacob’s Ladder and perpetuates the ideals of enlightenment and advancement through education.”

The American Institute of Architects’ Triangle and North Carolina chapters have honored the Center’s unique design. The project also was awarded “Best of 2009 Award of Excellence” from Southeast Construction magazine in the “cultural” category, recognizing the building team’s collaborative, creative efforts. “Each partner blended, wove and intertwined their techniques with dedication and determination for the benefit of the client and the project,” said Kathleen O’Callaghan, project manager with Batson Cook.

The Gantt Center’s consulting curator, Michael D. Harris, Ph.D., shares this enthusiasm for the resulting accomplishment, and those yet to come. He notes, “The three museum-quality galleries at the center of this new facility will establish Charlotte as a nationally significant place for the presentation of African American visual and expressive culture.”

Learn more about Linetec’s project success stories, eco-friendly anodize and other finish options at www.linetec.com.
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03.12.10 Client News

Tubelite offers new Therml=Block curtainwall with EcoLuminum recycled aluminum

Tubelite Inc. introduces Therml=Block™ 300ES Curtainwall, the newest product manufactured using EcoLuminum™, a high recycled-content aluminum billet composition featuring environmentally-friendly finishes.

“Our new 300ES curtainwall contributes to superior energy-savings, which supports green goals and rating systems, such as LEED. It’s ideal for schools, medical facilities, low-rise office buildings and other projects up to four-stories-tall,” says Mary Olivier, Tubelite’s marketing manager. “It can be installed from either the building interior or exterior, helping reduce installation time and expense in the field.”

Therml=Block 300ES Curtainwall features a 1.5-inch thermal strut and accommodates one-inch-thick insulating glass. The curtainwall system’s high performance provides a low, 0.46 U-Value for thermal transmittance due to conduction and a high 72 CRF for Condensation Resistance of the framing. The aluminum-framed, exterior face displays a 2.24-inch sightline with an overall system depth of six inches.

Olivier adds, “The system’s construction allows for different finishes to match both exterior and interior décor.” Tubelite’s painted finishes are applied and controlled in an environmentally effective manner. For low-maintenance durability, its eco-friendly anodize finishes send 90 percent less waste to landfills than traditional anodizing processes.

Because each profile extruded for Therml=Block 300ES Curtainwall is manufactured using Tubelite’s EcoLuminum, it contains a minimum of 80 percent reclaimed aluminum. This incorporates a post-consumer content average of 34 percent. Special requests for even higher recycled content can be provided, up to and including meeting specifications requiring 100 percent reclaimed aluminum.

Tubelite’s Therml=Block 300ES Curtainwall joins the company’s other energy-savings products, which include the Therml=Block insulated door and the Max/Block™ daylight control sunshade system.

To learn more about Tubelite’s storefront, curtainwall, entrance and daylight control systems manufactured using the company’s new EcoLuminum finished aluminum materials, please visit www.tubeliteinc.com.

Tubelite will be exhibiting at AIA Expo2010 in booth #2541.

01.20.10 Client News

Beyond shapes and sizes, Kolbe’s custom window and door designs create spaces as imaginative and individual as the people inside

During the International Builders’ Show (IBS), Kolbe showcases truly custom creations. Beyond unusual shapes and exaggerated sizes, customers can choose performance and aesthetic combinations including glass in elegant to whimsical patterns, exterior cladding in attention-getting metals, finishes in any color, and wood trim in any species.

exterior cladding in attention-getting metals

“Whether choosing all-wood, aluminum-clad or vinyl units, Kolbe brings a breadth and depth of customization that no other manufacturer can offer,” says Cindy Bremer, Kolbe’s director of marketing.

Spotlighting a few of the custom designs displayed in Kolbe’s IBS booth #N2645, Bremer points to “a copper-clad inswing casement with oxidized silver patina exterior finish and Alder wood interior with Coffee Bean stain. The window’s narrow performance divided lites are arranged in custom pattern and coupled with Verona style hardware in an oil-rubbed finish to convey classic elegance.”

Continuing to highlight style, performance and functionality, Bremer demonstrates “a tilt-turn window with beautiful, vertical grain Douglas fir interior and durable, fluoropolymer-finished, aluminum-clad exterior. The solid construction and energy-efficient, triple-insulating glass helps this unit achieves the R-5 insulating value (0.19 U-Value/0.16 SHGC). This not only meets the requirements for home renovation projects’ stimulus-funded tax incentives, it’s worthy of an ENERGY STAR rating for almost any residential project.”

Kolbe’s windows’ energy-efficient performance can be complemented with wood species certified by the Forest Stewardship Council (FSC). Combining FSC-certified options with energy-efficient glass choices further supports environmentally sensitive projects such as those pursuing recognition by ENERGY STAR®, Green Building Initiative’s Green Globes™, National Association of Home Builders’ Model Green Home Building Guidelines, and the U.S. Green Building Council’s LEED® Rating System for Homes™.

High-resolution photos and a Word document of the full news release are available in Kolbe’s online press room.

01.18.10 Client News

Kolbe’s online Press Room presents the latest news, photos

To meet in-person with a Kolbe representative and learn more about the products, tools and custom capabilities showcased at the International Builders’ Show 2010, please visit Booth #N2645.

Kolbe continually updates the Media section of its Web site to keep journalists and others informed of the company’s new and enhanced products, online tools and updated literature, and individual’s accolades and project team’s success stories.

No registration is required for editors and reporters to preview text and images, then download Word documents and high-resolution images.

During IBS 2010, Kolbe has added the following to its online Press Room:

Beyond shapes and sizes, Kolbe’s custom window and door designs create spaces as imaginative and individual as the people inside.

Kolbe launches Latitude™ Series

Kolbe launches Latitude™ Series windows and doors offering high-performance, high style and a high level of customization. What once was known as Inspiration® Series, Foundation® Series and Resolution® Series is now unified as Kolbe’s new Latitude™ Series.

Kolbe's new ThermaPlus LoE glass

Kolbe’s new Windquest EP windows provide top tier energy performance.

Kolbe’s new ThermaPlus LoE glass expands window choices to meet federal tax credit requirements for home energy efficiency improvements.

Old Sacramento’s the Orleans recaptures the city’s history, while expanding to invest in its future. Contributing to this replica exterior, Kolbe provided the 10-foot-high, wood, double doors that open onto the boardwalk and large windows with true divided lites.

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Client News 11/10/09

Wausau is exhibiting at Greenbuild in booth #5048

Online architectural support resources expand with ongoing updates from Wausau

Architects and other visitors to WausauWindow.com will notice a fresh look, updated online content and expanded selection of downloadable resources. In addition, the revised Web site provides quick links to connect with Wausau’s market expertise in health care, education and government buildings, as well as in green buildings.

“The updated Web site design presents a more visually appealing and organized approach for our many, visually astute visitors,” notes Steve Fronek, Wausau’s vice president and leader of its technical services team. “It also allows us to provide architects, engineers and the whole building team with up-to-the-moment information on our products, projects and other news.”

WausauWindow.com

Architectural support resources found online and on request through Wausau include:
* Pre-bid design engineering assistance
* AIA/CES courses and other educational presentations, articles and consultations
* AutoCAD® details and Building Information Modeling (BIM) product information, 3D models
and 2D drawings
* Downloadable test reports, wind load charts, guide specifications, thermal models and literature
* Featured product applications and expertise, currently showcasing Blast Hazard Mitigation
* Regional and local sales contacts and maps
* Online registration for e-newsletters and architectural reference binder
* 24/7 access to sustainable design information such as LEED checklists, sample submittals and supplemental guide specifications

“Windows and curtainwall play a vital role in overall envelope performance. Optimizing energy efficiency and employing sustainable design features in building envelopes can contribute in up to 10 LEED credit categories,” says Fronek.

Wausau Green Building

The site’s Green Building section highlights performance charts outlining potential credit contributions of windows and curtainwalls plus upgrade tables for Wausau’s pre-engineered, standard products. It also spotlights LEED-certified project success stories on three Platinum-level projects and more than a dozen other Gold- and Silver-certified buildings including Wausau’s own LEED-Silver facility.

“From the earliest stages of conception through the final phases of installation, architects and design leaders frequently call on us to serve as an extension of their team, assisting with product selection, proposal details, specification review, technical support, budgeting and pricing,” says Rick Marshall, company president.

Marshall continues, “Our network of sales representatives share their knowledge of local design trends, performance needs and code requirements. Complementing this geographical focus, our market managers can offer specific advice to meet the needs of health care, government and educational projects.”

Local and regional sales managers can be found through Wausau’s interactive contact maps and reached on the phone, online or in person. Wausau’s associates summarize and present their industry insights through the following AIA/CES program course titles:
* Curtainwalls: Products, Performance and Practicalities
* Specifying Windows and Doors using Performance Standards
* Designing Fenestration for Blast Hazard Mitigation, and
* Glass:  The Right Choice

For architectural firms seeking customized educational content, Wausau technical sales presenters have addressed such topics as:
* Codes and standards
* LEED® Rating Systems™
* Unitized curtainwall design, and
* Thermal performance of windows and curtainwall

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Client News 11/2/09

Kolbe is exhibiting at Greenbuild 2009 Expo Booth #5008/5010

Kolbe’s “Green Initiatives” brochure describes products and performance
for ENERGY STAR, LEED, other rating systems

Kolbe’s new “Green Initiatives” brochure shares how these window and door products can contribute to sustainable design projects and address environmental concerns with their energy-efficient performance, sustainable wood species, and durable finishes.

Kolbe's Green Initiatives

In addition, “Green Initiatives” describes how these products can help property owners and builders seeking to comply with green building programs including the ENERGY STAR® program, Green Building Initiative’s Green Globes™, NAHB Model Green Home Building Guidelines, and U.S. Green Building Council’s LEED® (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) residential and commercial rating systems.

High-resolution photos and a Word document of the full news release are available in Kolbe’s online press room.

Association News 10/19/09

PMI collaborates with the Alliance for Water Efficiency at Greenbuild and beyond

United in their goal to develop water efficient and sustainable plumbing products, systems and practices, the Plumbing Manufacturers Institute (PMI) expands its collaboration with the Alliance for Water Efficiency (AWE). AWE will join PMI at, Greenbuild 2009, booth #3746, to promote their shared initiatives and activities for water conservation and waste reduction.

PMI also will be featuring its educational Web site, SafePlumbing.org,  which presents news and information about drinking water, conservation, health and safety. This convenient, online resource gives lawmakers, journalists, industry professionals and homeowners fast access to research findings, scientific data and industry facts.

Read the full news release at PMI’s online Press Room.

Client News 9/9/09

New Product News — Exhibiting at NECA in booth #645
New Cummins Onan Standby Generator offers quiet, compact, clean power with plug-n-play installation

The new RS20000 is the quietest and one of the easiest to install standby systems in its class. Automatic load management allows this compact system to provide more power with a cleaner sine wave for sensitive electronic devices such as plasma TVs and computers.

The Cummins Onan RS20000 is powerful enough to start a four- to five-ton air conditioner yet small enough to fit through a standard 36-inch-wide gate. The Cummins Onan RS20000 is light enough that one person using a hand truck or available, patented Cummins dolly kit can transport and position it.

Simplifying installation, an integrated polypropylene platform also eliminates the hassle and expense of pouring a concrete base to accommodate year-round installation.

Cummins Onan RS20000

The new, lift-off front panel facilitates close proximity installation and improves service access. Contributing to low-maintenance, ease of use and smooth operation, the unit enables homeowners to remotely monitor and interface with this system through an in-home display or through Web and e-mail notifications.

The aluminum-clad, all-weather enclosure also has been aesthetically updated, unobtrusively blending with a home’s landscaping. The RS20000 has code compliant accessible disconnects and weatherproof breaker cover.

For homes in cold-weather climates, there is a Cummins Onan cold-weather version of the RS20000 that comes factory-equipped with thermostat-controlled engine and alternator heaters.

Available to operate on natural gas or LP vapor fuel, the Cummins Onan RS20000 standby generator features an air-cooled V-twin engine with electronic ignition, automatic remote starting, automatic weekly exercise, UL-listed circuit breaker, aluminum/polypropylene all-climate enclosure and a two-year/2,000-hour limited warranty that is backed by factory trained and supported Cummins Onan technicians.

For more information visit www.cumminsonan.com or to locate a Cummins Onan distributor or dealer, call 1-800-344-0039.

The Cummins Onan brand is found on generators and products manufactured for the RV, marine, commercial, residential and portable generator markets. Cummins Onan is a brand of Cummins Power Generation, a subsidiary of Cummins Inc. (NYSE: CMI) a global leader headquartered in Columbus, Indiana, (USA) that manufactures, distributes and services engines, fuel systems, controls, air handling, filtration, emission solutions and electrical power generation.

Cummins®, Onan® the “C” logo, and Performance you rely on™ are trademarks or registered trademarks of Cummins Inc.

©2009 Cummins Power Generation. All Rights Reserved.
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Tradeshow Thoughts: Architectural Record’s Ad Awards

This month’s Architectural Record (June 2009) highlights the annual Advertising Excellence Awards. As the official publication for the American Institute of Architects, the awards were presented at the AIA 2009 National Convention and Exposition. A full list of winners can be found here: http://www.construction.com/AboutUs/2009/0501pr.asp

Companies that advertised with a full-page or larger during the first quarter qualified for the awards. A jury of nine architects selected the winners and discussed their selections following the awards’ presentation. I had the pleasure of attending this year’s event with several clients among the 250 attendees.

For those of you who could not attend, here are a few notes from the judges’ comments regarding advertising aesthetics:
* Brown is the new green – Anne Fougeron of Fougeron Architecture said, “There’s a lot of sustainability messages out there, and they’re all green. We got it. Now pick another color.”
* Visuals tell the story – Tom Kundig of Olson Sundberg Kundig Allen Architects observed, “Architects are not typically readers. You need to show us.”
* Pitch the right tone – When showing materials related to safety and security, Todd DeGarmo of Studios Architecture liked it when an ad “reminds us, as architects, that we’re dealing with critical issues that can save people’s lives.”
* Respect the relationship – Randy Guillot of OWP/P emphasized that advertisers should respect the readers’ intelligence and not focus solely on selling a product. “You’re really advertising your brand, your company, yourself.”

Beyond advising on well-designed ads, the panelists also shared other thoughts on the information they’re seeking from manufacturers:
* First on the block – Design firm owners want what’s new. Many are looking for product inspiration from beyond U.S. boarders, both online and through international publication subscriptions.
* Dollars and sense – Along with initial purchase costs, architects are increasingly interested in the lifecycle cost implications of building materials.
* Application and analysis – Building information modeling (BIM), coupled with energy analysis data, is an important addition to manufacturers’ product education and services.

New this year for Architectural Record, “user engagement” award categories recognized continuing education, online video and online social media. The winners for these were selected based on traffic volume and voted for online by users.

For a closer look at these award-winning companies’ successful use of online media, I recommend visiting:
* Adobe, Acrobat 9 videos and its Design Center
* General Electric online CES course and appliance Web site
* Lafarge online CES course and its Web site
* Western Red Cedar Lumber Association’s Web site

For more information on Architectural Record, see its Web site and follow their posts on Twitter. For even greater interaction with the publication and its readers, check out the McGraw-Hill Construction online community forums.

For more on the AIA, consider visiting its Web site and conference and events section. You also may want to check out AIA’s YouTube channel. For more online resources and networking opportunities, there are AIA LinkedIn groups and Facebook pages for national and local chapters, as well as Twitter posts through @aianational, @aialobbyist and many others.

Tradeshow Thoughts: By the numbers at AIA 2009

The 2009 American Institute of Architects (AIA) 2009 National Convention and Design Exposition reported:

• 22,400 registered attendees
• 10,000 virtual attendees
• 900 exhibitors, spread across three expo halls

Most exhibitors commented that show floor traffic was slower than the year before in Boston, where 25,000 people were in one building. Many exhibitors expressed that attendance was better than they expected given the current, economic climate. Some were confused by the AIA’s willingness to simulcast educational seminars online and worried that this may have contributed to lower attendance. Others applauded the move to digital presentations and downloads, which allowed more architects to learn from the presenters.

While the numbers indicate slightly more exhibitors than the 875 in 2008, several exhibiting companies noted that booths were smaller in size and due to the larger floorplan, still presented many vacant spaces. The AIA expo coordinators were quick to re-purpose the empty booth space. Some reported that exhibitors were informed if an adjacent space was vacant and were allowed to annex the area. In other areas, available spots were filled with couches, cafe tables and even outlet strips for recharging laptops and mobile phones.

The AIA 2010 expo will be held June 10 – 12, 2010, at the Miami Beach Convention Center. The venue offers a more traditional floor plan in four halls and two levels in one building. Thousands of architects already have reserved their spot on the beach, anticipating better times ahead.