February 19, 2013
Atlas Roofing® Continues Sales Footprint Expansion in Northeast US
Atlanta - Atlas Roofing begins 2013 by deploying key personnel and assets to increase activity and excitement for residential building product sales and customer service in the Northeast US. In March 2012 the company opened a distribution facility in Philadelphia which grew steadily thanks to the efforts of Atlas Midwest Region Manager John Maloney and the outstanding northeast customers who work with Atlas on a regular basis. Beginning in March 2013, Stanley Bastek will continue momentum in the region as he assumes the position of Northeast Region Manager.
Stan brings six years of experience with Atlas and a comprehensive background which enables him to quickly facilitate opportunities among Atlas dealer channels, the contractor market, builders, specifiers and end users. Stan joined Atlas in 2007 as a temporary administrative assistant, and was quickly promoted to the marketing department, where he led several key projects tied in with Internet marketing, contractor programs, customer events and the national launch of Atlas Scotchgard™ products.
Stan currently transitions from a dual role of Marketing and Communications Manager for the Atlas Residential Division and District Sales Manager for Georgia. He will relocate in March, along with his wife and two children, to the Philadelphia area. Stan is a University of Michigan graduate, receiving an MBA from Shorter University in 2010. In the same year he also received the Atlas President’s award.
“Our rapidly growing facility in the Northeast along with placing key Atlas people in the region is an opportunity to continue demonstrating our ability and commitment to be nimble and responsive to anyone who works with Atlas, anywhere in North America,” stated Kirk Villar, Vice President, Residential Sales and Marketing. Other key moves early in the year for Atlas include Jay Linley, who replaces Stan as District Manager for Georgia. Jay holds a BA in marketing form Mississippi State and brings more than 20 years of residential roofing product sales to his new role. Clay Pruitt also becomes District Manager for Atlas in Mississippi and Louisiana. He completes five years with Atlas, 10 years in roofing, and received a “Top Gun” award from Atlas in 2012 for outstanding performance.
January 02, 2013
LANDSCAPE FORMS ANNOUNCES ACQUISITION OF MELD USA
Expanding capability in Ultra High Performance Concrete
Kalamazoo, MI – Landscape Forms, the industry’s premier global brand of outdoor furniture, LED lighting and accessories is pleased to announce the acquisition of Meld USA.
Meld USA, founded in 1998, is an industry leader in materials innovation and the design, development and manufacture of products made of Ultra High Performance Concrete (UHPC). Over the past 14 years the Raleigh, North Carolina company has earned a reputation among architects, landscape architects and interior designers for its production of high-end standard and custom UHPC architectural products.
With the new partnership, Meld USA founder, Peter Bustin, joins the Landscape Forms management team, reporting to Rick Utting, Director of Strategic Initiatives.
Meld USA brings another dimension to Landscape Forms’ rapid expansion into concrete site furniture. In 2011, Landscape Forms announced the collaboration with Phoenix-based Kornegay Design to introduce artful collections of large-scale cast concrete planters. And in 2012, the company announced an agreement with Barcelona based Escofet for exclusive North American distribution of its award-winning cast stone outdoor furniture elements. Now Landscape Forms will leverage its expanded capability in concrete to design and manufacture new collections of UHPC site furniture.
Richard Heriford, President, Landscape Forms says of the acquisition: “We are delighted to welcome Meld USA and its capability in UHPC research and manufacturing to Landscape Forms. In the coming months we will add new concrete products to the Landscape Forms portfolio and expand the capacity of our Studio 431 customs group to offer our customers a new and exciting material.”
Peter Bustin, Founder, Meld USA says: “Being part of Landscape Forms will enable Meld USA to grow our position as a leader and innovator in concrete products, expand our products for the outdoor furniture market and gain global reach. We are excited to be joining a team of likeminded professionals with proven leadership to take Meld USA to the next level.”
Landscape Forms will operate Meld USA from its North Carolina production facility, serving the current customer base. Landscape Forms is planning additional investments in Meld USA research and development efforts and manufacturing facility. In the coming months new concrete site furniture will be launched under the Landscape Forms brand.
All Landscape Forms products designed by Larry Kornegay will continue to be produced at the Kornegay Design facility.
October 30, 2012
LANDSCAPE FORMS SIGNS EXCLUSIVE ALLIANCE WITH ESCOFET
Barcelona-based Escofet offers high-design cast stone site elements
Kalamazoo, MI – Landscape Forms, the industry leader in integrated collections of high-design site furniture and advanced LED lighting, has announced the introduction of the Escofet Collection, cast stone site elements from the Barcelona-based company renowned for its manufacture of contemporary designs by leading architects and artists. Landscape Forms is now the sole representative of Escofet products in the United States and Canada. The collaboration is part of Landscape Forms’ ongoing strategy to make available best-in-class products for outdoor spaces. Cast concrete has long been an important utilitarian and expressive material in outdoor environments and the Escofet Collection adds high-design cast stone to Landscape Forms’ extensive offering of metal, wood and high-tech plastic furnishings for outdoor environments. With this collaboration, Landscape Forms provides architects, landscape architects and other clients with exceptional cast stone products from a company with a century-old design legacy and unsurpassed expertise in this timeless material.
Escofet, founded in 1886, has a long tradition of work with elite architects and artists from Antonio Gaudi and Joan Miro, to Ricardo Bofill, Arata Izozaki, Jean Nouvel and Richard Rogers, and numbers among its products Gaudi’s 1904 iconic six-sided paving tile selected for the permanent collection of The Museum of Modern Art. Since the second half of the 20th century the company’s paving and streetscape products have become signature features of Barcelona’s urban aesthetic.
The Escofet Collection includes fourteen cast stone products: ten benches, a bench and table group, two chairs, and a planter. Abril, Levit, Mayo and Socrates benches are geometric in form, striking in their solidity and simple lines. Milenio is a modular system of long rectilinear elements with straight and angled pieces that can be combined in varied arrangements and for sitting on and reclining against. Prima Marina is a bench, stool and table group with teak wood top inserts, in which the form of the elements is shared and the dimensions change to suit the function. Five benches are more organic in form. Fortunato seat and back sections resemble large rocks with softened edges. Flor is a backless, flat, radial biomorphic shaped element that provides social and solitary seating options. Hebi is a system of straight and curved modules that can be placed side to side to create snaking configurations of indefinite length. Lungo Mare is a large cast stone landscape element with an undulating surface resembling waves and sand dunes that accommodates several people in a variety of informal postures. Vilnius is a reinterpretation of the tradition streetscape bench. Its 1” thick one-piece seat and back is cast of Liquid Stone®, an ultra high-performance cast concrete that allows casting of thin, lighter weight, high resistance pieces. The Silla chair is an arresting one-piece Z-shaped form that appears to balance in air. The Sillarga lounge and Sicurta chair share a flowing form with ergonomically shaped back. Finally, Lena is a large volume planter with a deep grooved surface that is shaped like a cone with two non-parallel planes to create tops and bottoms of different diameters and can be used in either position.
The colors of Escofet products are subtle and earth-toned, based on the composition of the aggregates used in their manufacture. No color is added or applied. Products are acid-etched or polished, depending on the the design. A waterproofing finish is applied to increase longevity and wear.
The products in the collection will be backed by Landscape Forms’ three-year warrantee and commitment to complete customer satisfaction. Escofet elevates cast stone to high art, and Landscape Forms is proud to include the Escofet Collection in its offering.
ABOUT LANDSCAPE FORMS
Landscape Forms, is the industry leader in integrated collections of high-design site furniture and advanced LED lighting. Since its founding in 1969 Landscape Forms has earned a reputation for excellent design, high quality products and exceptional service. The Landscape Forms U.S. headquarters and manufacturing facility is located in Kalamazoo, Michigan with sales offices throughout North America, the United Kingdom, Southern Europe, the United Arab Emirates and Asia. Landscape Forms collaborates with renowned industrial designers and consultancies, landscape architects, and architects to design and develop integrated collections of products that address emerging needs and help create a sense of place. The company has an installed based of products around the world. Clients include municipalities, transit centers, corporate, college and health care campuses; and familiar brand leaders such as Boeing, Cisco Systems, Disney, Sprint, American Airlines, Herman Miller and Nike. Landscape Forms was recently named by the Wall Street Journal as one of the Top 15 Small Workplaces in the US.
Visit www.landscapeforms.com
ABOUT ESCOFET
ESCOFET. Urban Elements & Site Amenities
Established in Spain in 1886, Escofet ® supplies major cities throughout the world with unique benches, bollards, light fixtures, tree grates, drinking fountains and pavers. Working closely with designers and utilizing the highest quality cast stone, wood and Corten steel our products have been recognized throughout the world for design innovation. Escofet's mission and passion is to enhance the quality and appearance of public spaces, encouraging greater use of the urban environment by installing creative, innovative products and systems. We invite you to see our entire collection at www.escofet.com.
September 18, 2012
Save time and money when creating curvilinear metal ceilings with Chicago Metallic Corporation's CurvGrid Systems
(Chicago) -- Helping reduce curvilinear metal ceilings' installation costs by up to 50%, CurvGrid™ Systems from Chicago Metallic® Corporation reduce labor and save time for commercial interiors projects. CurvGrid Systems create dramatic ceiling waves, islands, vaults and transitions between ceiling heights. They are well suited for both small and large spaces in a wide range of applications, including auditoriums, offices, shopping centers, transit centers, art galleries, and healthcare facilities.
"CurvGrid system's patented primary carrier aligns suspension components and trim to create a stronger curved system. It takes about half the time to install as traditional systems' labor-intensive hanger drops," says Brian Valdez, Chicago Metallic Corporation's product manager. "With fewer hanger wires and a smooth grid surface without crimped tees, it also presents an attractive look that can be enhanced with colors, finishes and perforations."
The company offers three different CurvGrid Systems, engineered and designed to project specifications.
* CurvGrid One-Directional System infill panels butt together and curve to match the undulating ceiling plane, giving a one-directional continuous ribbon-like aesthetic.
* CurvGrid Two-Directional System utilizes cross tees and flexible panels that bend to follow the curve of the grid.
* CurvGrid with EZ-Flex® Panels conceal the suspension from view for a monolithic appearance. EZ-Flex Panels' integral tabs require no clips, no cutting and no tools as they install with a simple bend and twist.
These systems may be used with or without flexible infill panels. If desired, CurvGrid and EZ-Flex solid and perforated panels are available in standard and custom sizes. The panels may be painted in a broad palette of colors as well as simulated wood grain finishes. Panels also may be ordered with acoustical backers for sound control. In addition, CurvTrim™ vertically curved perimeter trim with factory-mitered corners provides clean, crisp intersections.
The metal used in CurvGrid Ceiling Systems, EZ-Flex Panels and CurvTrim Perimeter Trim contains no organic compounds, which mitigates mold and microbial growth. Further enhancing the environmental attributes, the metal may be specified with up to 100% post-consumer recycled content and is 100% locally recyclable. The use of environmentally responsible building materials is a critical component of the U.S. Green Building Council's LEED® certification process.
Supporting LEED goals and documentation, Chicago Metallic includes downloadable resources on its website. Assisting with design and installation details, CAD drawings, Google™ SketchUp models and Revit® 3-D models also are on demand at www.chicagometallic.com.
September 14, 2012
Chicago Metallic® EuroStone® Sustainable Ceiling Panels offer acoustics and aesthetics in custom designs
(Chicago) -- Chicago Metallic® Corporation’s EuroStone® Sustainable Ceiling Panels provide acoustical performance, environmental responsibility and long-term durability in high-performance buildings. In addition, EuroStone panels receive high marks for aesthetics with a range of finishes, edge details, patterns and custom-embossed designs.
“Maximizing indoor environmental quality, while reducing concerns about microorganism contamination and Sick Building Syndrome, are important issues in commercial building design. That’s why EuroStone Sustainable Ceiling Panels are the product of choice for healthy buildings around the world,” says Brooks Williams, Chicago Metallic’s marketing manager, acoustical ceiling panels.
In support of indoor environmental quality, EuroStone panels are made from an inorganic blend of volcanic stone, and inorganic binders. They contain no volatile organic compounds (no VOCs), surface coatings or biocides. EuroStone panels are composed of non-hazardous and non-fibrous materials. The panels’ inherent properties ensure they will not warp, sag in high temperature and humidity environments. They are fire-resistant and will not burn, smoke or contribute fuel to a fire or high temperate condition.
Other examples of EuroStone Ceiling Panels can be seen in Chicago Metallic’s own corporate headquarters and in such notable projects as:
* Chicago’s DePaul University’s Ray Meyer Center
* Illinois’ Merle Norman Cosmetics’ store
* University of South Carolina’s Williams-Brice Stadium
* Miami Dolphins’ Sun Life Stadium
* Mexico City’s Grupo Imagen office building
* University of Texas’ Health Science Center
* Houston Astros’ Minute Maid Park
* Frisco Conference Center, Texas
* Bally Total Fitness, North Dallas Texas
Assisting with design and installation details, LEED documentation, cutting and handling recommendations, cleaning and maintenance instructions, project case studies and other resources also are on demand at www.chicagometallic.com.
August 29, 2012
Atlas Roofing Adds Alec Minné - Director of Marketing, Commercial Division, to Lead Product Growth Strategies and Sustainability Efforts
ATLANTA - Alec Minné recently joined Atlas Roofing® Corporation as Director of Marketing - Commercial Division. The newly created position will focus on strategic growth of Atlas Roofing Corporation’s commercial building products and expanding Atlas sustainability messages throughout their target industries.
Atlas Roofing Corporation® continues to expand their leading polyiso roof and wall insulation product lines as well as their unique and highly successful facer products. The company leverages chemistry and technology to create innovative products, and improve traditional ones. Alec Minné brings key leadership to strategy development for growth of Atlas commercial products and expansion of Atlas commercial markets.
As a marketing director in his previous position, Minne led strategic efforts which opened new markets, positioned new and existing products and drove sales revenue growth.
As a LEED Green Associate, Alec Minné will work across the Atlas commercial business to integrate sustainability messages and priorities into messaging, strategies and activities. Atlas Roofing Corporation is a leader in the manufacture of commercial building products, which promote sustainability in the building envelope.
August 21, 2012
Atlas EPS Aquires TriState Foam
Atlas EPS, a division of Atlas Roofing Corporation, is pleased to announce the acquisition of TSF Holdings, Inc. (Tri-State Foam Products) located in Martinsville, Virginia. Tri-State Foam Products has been in operation at this location for over 27 years, providing EPS foam product solutions for customers in the mid-Atlantic area.
Throughout their years in business, Tri-State Foam Products has been very customer service oriented which fits well with Atlas’ continued emphasis on customer satisfaction, quality, and exceptional service.
Kevin Farrell, current president of Tri-State Foam Products views this acquisition as a positive move for its customers and employees. “Atlas EPS is the ideal partner to move forward with,” states Farrell. “With the additional technology resources Atlas EPS brings, as well as the expanded product offering, we only see good things happening in the future.”
“Atlas Roofing Corporation is excited to add the Tri-State Foam facility and capacity to the Atlas EPS network of plants,” states Atlas EPS General Manager Bob Butkus. Atlas EPS specializes in developing, manufacturing, and marketing quality, HCFC-free expanded polystyrene insulation for packaging products, recreational vehicles, garage and pedestrian doors, sunroom panels, roofs, walls, and many other interior and exterior construction applications.
“We look to integrate our Integrity™ OEM, Elevation® Geofoam and ThermalStar® Rigid Insulation product lines into this facility almost immediately,” says Director of Sales & Marketing Steve Heaton. Current and future customers will certainly benefit from the increased product offering and extensive branding, as well as the increase in geographic serviceability.
With plants across the U.S. and in Mexico, Atlas EPS provides innovative, cost-efficient and energy-conserving product solutions coast-to-coast. Each Atlas EPS location also serves as a recycling center to keep useful materials out of landfills by processing construction tear-offs. All Atlas EPS products are third-party tested and certified/listed with ASTM, ICC, ONNCCE, Underwriters Laboratories and Factory Mutual.
In addition to the EPS business, Atlas Roofing Corporation is also a leading North American manufacturer and marketer of asphalt shingles, roofing underlayments, polyiso insulation, and facers for the gypsum and polyiso industries. Ken Farrish, President of Atlas Roofing Corporation notes, “the addition of Tri-State comes at the same time as we open our new polyiso facility in Vancouver (Canada), emphasizing our commitment to the insulation market.”
August 20, 2012
LANDSCAPE FORMS APPOINTS MANAGER, STUDIO 431
Robb Smalldon leads premier resource for custom furnishings
Kalamazoo, MI – Landscape Forms, North America’s leading designer and manufacturer of site furniture and leading-edge LED Lighting, has announced the appointment of Robb Smalldon as Manager, Studio 431. Mr. Smalldon will be responsible for leading the Studio 431 team which is comprised of mechanical, design, manufacturing and CAD engineers and production specialists. He will report to Landscape Forms President, Richard Heriford.
Smalldon joined Landscape Forms in 2001 and holds a Bachelor’s of Engineering from Western Michigan University. During his tenure at Landscape Forms, Robb has worked in Manufacturing Engineering, New Product Development Engineering and most recently, he has been the customer interface and engineering lead for Studio 431.
Studio 431 is a premier resource for the manufacture of custom site elements designed by architects, landscape architects, design professionals and owners for large and important projects. Studio 431 draws on a 43-year legacy of Landscape Forms’ expertise in the engineering and manufacturing of high-quality, award winning furniture, lighting and related products for outdoor environments. It builds upon decades of successful experience collaborating with leading design professionals to develop ideas into reality. Studio 431’s custom capabilities encompass a full range of outdoor furniture and amenities, from transit stations, railings and kiosks to benches, tables, sun shades, bollards and accessories.
Some of Studio 431’s most notable projects include: 34th Street Partnership, New York City, NY, The Yards, Washington, D.C., Great Park, Irvine, CA, Minnesota Twins Target Field, Minneapolis, MN, Olympic Village, Vancouver, BC, Canada, and Cornell University, Ithaca, NY.
About Landscape Forms
Since its founding in 1969 Landscape Forms has earned a reputation for excellent design, high quality products and exceptional service. The Landscape Forms U.S. headquarters and manufacturing facility is located in Kalamazoo, Michigan with sales offices throughout North America, the United Kingdom, the United Arab Emirates and Asia. Landscape Forms collaborates with renowned industrial designers and consultancies, landscape architects, and architects to design and develop integrated collections of products that address emerging needs and help create a sense of place. The company has an installed base of products around the world. Clients include municipalities, transit centers, corporate, college and health care campuses; and familiar brand leaders such as Boeing, Cisco Systems, Disney, Sprint, American Airlines, Herman Miller and Nike. Landscape Forms was recently named by the Wall Street Journal as one of the Top 15 Small Workplaces in the US. www.landscapeforms.com
August 15, 2012
LANDSCAPE FORMS APPOINTS VICE PRESIDENT, GLOBAL SALES
New Executive Team Position Strengthens Service Levels to Accelerate Company’s Growth
Kalamazoo, MI – Landscape Forms, the industry leader in integrated collections of high-design site furniture and advanced LED lighting, has announced the appointment of Jamie May as Vice President, Global Sales. In this newly created position, Mr. May will be responsible for leading Landscape Forms’ sales and customer experience teams. Mr. May will report to Landscape Forms President, Richard Heriford.
“This appointment will strengthen our Sales and Customer Service groups as we plan for continued growth in North America and expansion of our International presence” said Mr. Heriford. “As we continue to expand our product portfolio and enter new business segments like Custom Products and LED Lighting we will need to develop and implement new sales strategies to best serve our customers and our company.”
Prior to joining Landscape Forms Mr. May, was with HNI Corporation, where he has held numerous positions since 2004. Most recently he served as Division Manager for The Gunlocke Company and HBF. Jamie has over 20 years of sales, business development and sales leadership experience with design driven companies including Gunlocke, Allsteel, Milliken, Arc-Com and Momentum Textiles.
Mr. May holds a degree in Graphic Arts and Business from St. Mary’s University in Winona, MN. He also studied at the Art Institute of Chicago.
About Landscape Forms
Since its founding in 1969 Landscape Forms has earned a reputation for excellent design, high quality products and exceptional service. The Landscape Forms U.S. headquarters and manufacturing facility is located in Kalamazoo, Michigan with sales offices throughout North America, the United Kingdom, the United Arab Emirates and Asia. Landscape Forms collaborates with renowned industrial designers and consultancies, landscape architects, and architects to design and develop integrated collections of products that address emerging needs and help create a sense of place. The company has an installed base of products around the world. Clients include municipalities, transit centers, corporate, college and health care campuses; and familiar brand leaders such as Boeing, Cisco Systems, Disney, Sprint, American Airlines, Herman Miller and Nike. Landscape Forms was recently named by the Wall Street Journal as one of the Top 15 Small Workplaces in the US. www.landscapeforms.com
June 29, 2012
Richard Roe To Retire from Atlas Roofing After 15 Years As Technical Director
ATLANTA - Richard Roe is wrapping up a long and active career in the roofing industry. He is retiring from Atlas Roofing Corporation after 15 years of service effective on July 1. Greg Sagorski, who will transfer from the regional manager position in the Midwest, will fill Roe’s current position at Atlas as its Director of Technical Services.
Richard Roe has spent more than 34 years in the roofing industry. He held numerous positions with roofing contractors and manufacturers. He also worked closely on roofing-related standards and research with fellow industry professionals at CSI, ARMA, RCI, SPRI and PIMA, where he served in several leadership positions. Roe is a sought after industry expert, who has been published in a variety of trade magazines and professional journals. He speaks and writes on the roofing industry, construction technology, and sustainability.
Prior to joining Atlas Roofing, Roe began his career with a roofing contractor that specialized in commercial roofing and maintenance. He started as a laborer and worked his way up to foreman, superintendent, estimator and eventually operations manager.
Following his fieldwork in contracting, Roe began what became a 26-year path in roofing product manufacturing. He worked with a membrane manufacturer where he spent 11 years in warranty service. During this time he also added to his professional credentials, becoming a Registered Roof Consultant in 1994. He’s been an RCI member for almost 20 years. In 1996 he became a Certified Product Representative through CSI.
During the next decade, Roe joined the Atlas Roofing® Corporation, where he began supporting polyiso manufacturing. As Director of Technical Services, Roe worked with every aspect of the Atlas polyiso business. He supported sales teams, installation customers, architects and designers with technical expertise, solution and system development and cost estimating.
June 26, 2012
Atlas Roofing® Appoints Stanley Bastek to District Sales Manager - Residential Georgia
ATLANTA - Atlas Roofing® Corporation is pleased to announce the promotion of Stanley Bastek to District Sales Manager for the State of Georgia. Georgia is a key Southeastern territory for Atlas’ Residential Division. Bastek will be responsible for spearheading the growth of Atlas asphalt shingle and rolled roofing products market share within the territory.
Integral to Atlas Roofing’s asphalt shingle business is the recently launched Pristine Architectural Shingle line featuring Scotchgard™ Protector by 3M. Promoting Atlas Pristine Shingles in Georgia is a key priority for Stanley Bastek, since in his previous role with Atlas, he was active in every phase of the products’ introduction to the market over a year ago.
Bastek began his career with Atlas Roofing Corporation in 2006. His most recent position as Marketing Services and Communications Manager enabled him to have active roles in key Atlas marketing initiatives where he created greater value and visibility for the organization.
In his new territory he’ll meet specific revenue objectives as well as manage sales reps and product specialists throughout Georgia. He’ll continue to be active in Atlas marketing initiatives, as well as assisting the Atlas regional managers with key sales opportunities in the Southeast.
Bastek earned his BA from the University of Michigan. During his time at Atlas Roofing Corporation, he also completed his MBA from Shorter University. His leisure time includes a frequent focus on fitness. He’s a Volunteer Fitness Instructor for Fitness Bootcamp and recently competed in the Georgia Tough Mudder Race.
April 02, 2012
ASTM International - National Institute of Building Sciences MOA Puts Focus on Building Enclosures
To further improve building enclosure design and commissioning, and to facilitate a broader understanding of building enclosures, ASTM International and the National Institute of Building Sciences (Institute) have entered into a memorandum of agreement (MOA).
Signed by ASTM President James A. Thomas and Institute President Henry L. Green, Hon. AIA, in March 2012, the MOA will establish collaboration between the Institute and ASTM in publishing a building enclosure commissioning process that will follow ASHRAE Guideline 0: The Commissioning Process. The agreement aims to incorporate all building commissioning activities into a whole building commissioning process. Building enclosure commissioning endeavors to ensure that exterior enclosures meet or exceed the expectations of owners’ project requirements.
"Commissioning a building enclosure is a unique activity," says ASTM member Rob Kistler, who is principal at The Façade Group. Kistler chairs the NIBS Guideline 3 Development Committee, and he is vice chair of the Institute’s Building Enclosure Technology and Environment Council. Kistler explains further, "The systems are specifically designed for an individual building and constructed on site from multiple products by different companies using numerous people, piece by piece, in all weather conditions."
Building enclosures differ from manufactured systems in that enclosures cannot be fine-tuned after completion. "The enclosure is not complete and verifiable until the last component is installed and critical interfaces are concealed," says Kistler. "If the building does not meet the specified performance requirements when verification testing is performed, it is expensive to resolve."
Under the terms of the MOA, ASTM will develop standards and a personnel certification program on building enclosure commissioning, while the Institute will focus on the development of a commissioning training program. Both organizations will:
• Support the development of standards, guidelines, certifications, as well as education and training programs;
• Promote information exchange;
• Initiate cross-disciplinary dialogue among building community sectors;
• Facilitate improvements in the building process; and
• Improve the building enclosure knowledge of their respective memberships.
The Institute developed NIBS Guideline 3: Exterior Enclosure Technical Requirements for the Building Commissioning Process for use by commissioning professionals. Guideline 3 is used in conjunction with ASHRAE Guideline 0.
"Establishing a fully aligned family of standards to support Building Enclosure Commissioning has always been our goal at ASTM," says Dan Lemieux, Chairman of ASTM Subcommittee E06.55 on Building Enclosure Performance and the Task Group responsible for the development of ASTM E2813, Standard Practice for Building Enclosure Commissioning. "Development and publication of E2813 with the input and support of our liaisons to both ASHRAE and NIBS was the first step in that process. The MOA is a natural extension of that effort, and will allow us to work together to help deliver higher performing buildings."
As part of the MOA, NIBS Guideline 3 will be developed and published as an ASTM Standard Guide by ASTM Subcommittee E06.55 on Building Enclosure Performance, part of ASTM Committee E06 on Performance of Buildings. “Publishing NIBS Guideline 3 as an ASTM Standard Guide will lead to wider industry usage of that document and, as a companion to E2813, will for the first time bring clarity and purpose to the concept of Building Enclosure Commissioning in a marketplace where none currently exists,” explains Lemieux.
February 28, 2012
Helios Energy Systems Coordinates Saugerties Hotel Solar Project
- Assists Howard Johnson Inn to Go Green With Energy Savings -
FLUSHING, NY, February 24, 2012 – Helios Energy Systems recently completed a significant solar energy system installation project for the Howard Johnson Inn in Saugerties, NY as part of the hotel’s energy efficiency upgrade. The two-story, 84-unit hotel now boasts a 25-kW solar energy system that will generate electricity for the facility, reducing its overall electricity costs and dependence on the regional utility company.
Helios Energy Systems, a subsidiary of fenestration manufacturer Crystal Window & Door Systems, worked with the hotel owner to coordinate the assessment, design, equipment and installer selection for a suitable photovoltaic (PV) system to meet the building’s energy needs. The Howard Johnson Inn project involved the installation of 104 solar PV panels and associated electrical hardware on the roof of the hotel to generate 25 kilowatts of electricity.
The installed solar PV system at the Howard Johnson Inn has an expected payback period of less than five (5) years and will save the facility several thousand dollars annually in reduced electricity costs. Through a combination of New York State Energy Research & Development Authority (NYSERDA) incentives, Federal alternative energy tax credits, and special depreciation allowances, most of the cost of the installed solar energy system was covered.
February 24, 2012
MORLEY BUILDERS CELEBRATES 65TH ANNIVERSARY WITH NEW ECO-FRIENDLY OFFICE
SANTA MONICA, CALIF. (Feb. 23, 2012) – Morley Builders is celebrating its 65th anniversary by opening a new eco-friendly office, demonstrating its commitment to the City of Santa Monica and sustainable construction.
The new headquarters, located at 3330 Ocean Park Blvd., creates a workplace that is conducive to both employee collaboration and environmental stewardship. It is designed to achieve a LEED®-Gold rating.
“Being a Southern California-based company, green design and sustainable development have always been very important to us,” said Mark Benjamin, president and CEO of Morley Builders. “Morley has had the privilege to not only witness the evolution of Santa Monica, but to directly participate in it as well. Now, on the heels of our 65th anniversary, I can’t think of a better way to renew our commitment to the city, our employees and our clients than to create an efficient, environmentally conscious space that we can all be proud of.”
Morley’s new headquarters is anticipated to open Feb. 27.
About Morley Builders
Morley Builders is one of the largest Southern California based general contractors. The company builds major civic structures; educational and research facilities; parking structures; commercial and retail buildings; and multi-family residential complexes. Morley is experienced in design-build, seismic retrofit, historic preservation, and LEED® certified/sustainable projects.
For more information on Morley Builders, visit www.MorleyBuilders.com.
Follow our relocation progress by visiting us at www.facebook.com/MorleyBuilders.
January 23, 2012
LANDSCAPE FORMS APPOINTS VICE PRESIDENT, DESIGN AND MARKETING
New Executive Team Position Underscores Company’s Growth
Kalamazoo, MI – Landscape Forms, North America’s leading designer and manufacturer of site furniture, has announced the appointment of Kirt Martin, IDSA as Vice President, Design and Marketing. In this newly created position, Mr. Martin will be responsible for leading and aligning Landscape Forms’ creative teams for Product Development, Marketing and Marketing Communications. Mr. Martin will report to Landscape Forms President, Richard Heriford.
“This appointment will strengthen the alignment of key departments within the company” said Mr. Heriford. “We are continually collaborating with internationally renowned designers from a variety of disciplines to create a stream of new site furnishings and lighting products. Expanding our internal design and marketing leadership improves our capacity to bring these exciting new concepts to market.”
The Landscape Forms Product Design Team is currently led by retiring Vice President of Design, Arno Yurk, IDSA. Mr. Martin will work closely with Mr. Yurk for the next few months to assure a smooth transition.
Prior to joining Landscape Forms, Mr. Martin directed industrial design activities at Turnstone, a division of Steelcase, which included directing internal and external designers. Prior to Turnstone, he served as senior industrial designer for Steelcase Wood furniture.
Mr. Martin holds a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree in industrial design from Kendall College of Art and Design. He also studied industrial design and design history at the Royal College of Art in London, England. Mr. Martin’s work has garnered a 2001 IDEA Award, several Good Design Awards and Best of NeoCon Silver award. Mr. Martin’s work has been featured in numerous trade publications including Metropolis, I.D., and Interior Design.
About Landscape Forms
Since its founding in 1969 Landscape Forms has earned a reputation for excellent design, high quality products and exceptional service. The Landscape Forms U.S. headquarters and manufacturing facility is located in Kalamazoo, Michigan with sales offices throughout North America, the United Kingdom, the United Arab Emirates and Asia.. Landscape Forms collaborates with renowned industrial designers and consultancies, landscape architects, and architects to design and develop integrated collections of products that address emerging needs and help create a sense of place. The company has an installed base of products around the world. Clients include municipalities, transit centers, corporate, college and health care campuses; and familiar brand leaders such as Boeing, Cisco Systems, Disney, Sprint, American Airlines, Herman Miller and Nike. Landscape Forms was recently named by the Wall Street Journal as one of the Top 15 Small Workplaces in the US. www.landscapeforms.com
