Olympia Tools International, Inc. (Olympia Tools) will attempt to set the new record for the World's Largest Utility Knife at the 2012 National Hardware Show in Las Vegas, NV. The world record attempt will begin on Tuesday, May 1, 2012 at 11:00 am in booth 5941 at the Las Vegas Convention Center and will be officially sanctioned by Guinness World Records. The fully operable record-setting knife is based on the best-selling TurboPro AutoLoad. Olympia Tools TurboPro AutoLoad Utility Knife features a quick blade release, automatic blade loading and storage for 5 blades - all in a compact size. The record-breaking knife has all of the same features with one exception - size. "This knife possesses some unique features so we wanted to convey that in a creative way and partnering with Guinness World Records gives us this great opportunity," said Tony Lee, VP of Marketing for Olympia Tools. The TurboPro AutoLoad Utility Knife will also be featured in the New Product World section alongside other Olympia Tools innovative products. In addition, The DIY Network is sponsoring the New Product World and will be filming a special episode, I Want That - National Hardware Show Special.

A Design Competition Open to all IDP Candidates Sponsored by: The AIA San Fernando Valley Chapter and by Stock Building Supplies and Jeld-Wen Windows ”A Building for Affordable Housing” The competition is to prepare the schematic design of a multifamily, affordable project. - $1,000 prize for first place, - $700 prize for second place - $300 prize for third place, and - 2 honorable mentions with a prize of $100 each. The competition is open to all NCARB/IDP participants. The project submissions can be from individuals or teams. Credit for IDP hours is available to all participants working with a mentor and each participant will be responsible for self-reporting hours as detailed in the IDP Guidelines. There is a maximum of 320 hours available to participants. Upon submission of the required competition documents, each individual will submit the NCARB form “Design Competition Verification Form” detailing the number of hours in each of the appropriate categories for which the entrant is claiming credit. Competition fees are due Monday, June 25, 2012, no later than 5pm Pacific Std. Time. Competition submissions are due Monday, December 3, 2012. The jury will announce the winning submissions Friday, January 11, 2013. Winning entries will be displayed at the 26th AIA San Fernando Valley Installation and Design Awards Banquet and winning entries will also appear on the AIA San Fernando Valley’s website. (Note: if you are not an AIA member and have not registered for NCARB credit, please go to the AIA website at www.aia.org. Go to career stages, then “Get Licensed”. Sign up to get record credit as a non-member. This is free to all IDP candidates.)

Asite Announces The World's Premier Collaborative Building Information Modelling Event, May 21st - 23rd, 2012 LONDON, April 25, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- Building on the global success of Build London Live 2008 and 2009, organisers Asite and AEC3 will once again bring together BIM practitioners across the globe in a showcase of their collaborative design and engineering talent and collaborative BIM capabilities. Kicking off at noon, May 21st; the online event will continue through to noon, May 23rd, concluding ahead of the BuildingSmart International executive briefing in London where the winners will be announced via a live webinar feed. Bringing Design Professionals Together Design professionals and experts in architecture, engineering and construction (AEC) will join together online in a team competition to create the most elegant solutions based on a time-constrained design brief. Each team will be allocated a unique plot in a common design context with 48 hours to contribute to an ambitious master plan for a site in the heart of the 2012 Olympic city. Build London Live 2012 will again redefine the standards expected from design competitions by creating the world's most collaborative Building Information Model (BIM) with combined talent from all over the world. Previous winners include BIM Vikings (Norway), BIM Japan, Super Team Singapore, Ryder Architecture (UK), 3D Blueprint (India), Southern Axis (Chile), University of Nebraska – Lincoln (USA), Teams BIM Education (USA) and Food for Thot (USA). Register for free as a participant or observer here: http://redirect.aecdaily.com/s18122/buildlondonlive.com/index.php/login2012/

REHOBOTH BEACH, Del., April 24, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- In March, Schell Brothers a new homebuilder in Delaware was recognized as a 2011 Green Partner of the Year by the NAHB Research Center, a subsidiary of the National Association of Home Builders (NAHB). This honor is reserved for only a handful of participants and validates the company's commitment to providing its Delaware customers with increased value, comfort, durability and efficiency through its Green Certified homes. Schell Brothers has completed 56 green certified homes to date with an average HERS score of 52 on non-solar homes. In 2011, Schell Brothers introduced Schellter™ Advanced Building Science, the smart technology that provides homeowners with the ultimate high performance home. The company has continued to innovate and, on April 21st, announced their extreme confidence in the Enerwize™ technology by launching a program to guarantee in writing the energy needed to heat and cool new Schellter™ homes for a period of 2 years after settlement. Schell Brothers' commitment to innovative building practices significantly contributes to the energy savings and comfort of their homebuyers and they are the first builder in Delaware to guarantee heating and cooling usage in a home. One of their popular home plans, the Mariner, which is 2,300 square feet and built will Schellter™ technology, offers homebuyers estimated savings of over $3,400 in the first two years compared to the same home built to minimum code.

Holistic Green Building include Exteriors, Interiors, Landscaping RESTON, Va., April 23, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- Architects around the country are incorporating genuine clay brick throughout the house for sustainable design that also helps save on energy costs. In addition to helping meet the highest green building criteria, brick exteriors boost sustainability and performance over their main competitors . Free of volatile organic compounds and often incorporating recycled content, locally sourced brick reduces the use of fossil fuels. At least two brick plants are located within 500 miles of 49 of the country's top 50 metropolitan areas. Current practices include blending green materials for exteriors, reusing existing walls to extend the lifecycle of the existing building stock and using interior brick walls as part of passive solar design for energy harvesting—brick walls soak up excess solar energy during the day to retain heat and naturally regulate interior temperatures. Offering a 100-year lifespan as compared to vinyl siding with a 25- to 50-year life span, genuine clay brick exteriors also offer low- to no maintenance, superior performance in extreme weather conditions , moisture resistance , durability, a minimum one-hour fire rating, seismic strength, termite resistance, thermal mass and natural beauty. Brick homes also use one to two percent less energy than vinyl-clad homes. Link to facts sheets on genuine clay brick versus its competitors: http://redirect.aecdaily.com/s18122/www.gobrick.com/Resources/Publications/ConsumerProductSheets/tabid/9857/Default.aspx

(Washington, DC – April 20, 2012) -- The fourteenth edition of “Designing with Natural Stone” will run from September 24-30, 2012 in Verona and Milan, Italy, in conjunction with MARMOMACC, the world’s leading trade show for stone and design. More than 220 architects from all over the U.S. have participated in previous editions of the course. Scholarship applications for this year’s course will be accepted until July 15th. Veronafiere offers this course to help architects learn advanced techniques in the use of marble, granite and other stone materials. It is an ideal way for members of the stone trade to educate architects they work with about stone design. The program is a unique combination of classroom lectures, guided architectural tours, and field trips to local quarries, as well as to natural stone processing facilities. This comprehensive approach enables architects to better understand stone’s full life-cycle -- including how marble is quarried, cut, processed, finished, selected for specific jobs and installed, all using the latest technologies and products. The 2012 edition will include visits to a nearby Rosso Verona quarry and stone processing plant, as well as case studies on stone use in the Canadian Museum of Human Right and the first certified “passivaus” building for a railway company. In addition, to celebrate its 75th anniversary, MAPEI will host the group in Milan for two full days. The Milan program will include visits of MAPEI’s plant in Mediglia, its R&D labs in Milan, and the City Life project, a residential and business district currently under construction in Milan. City Life was designed by architects Arata Isozaki, Daniel Libeskind, Zaha Hadid, and Pier Paolo Maggiora and has been recognized for the redevelopment of the historic area originally occupied by Fiera Milano. MAPEI’s involvement has included specifying and supplying various construction products that have contributed to the sustainability of this project and assistance with specifications for the stone installation. Sustainable design (SD) became a principal focus of the course in 2008. Five AIA SD credits will be offered, including case studies of sustainable projects in stone. In addition, the course provides time to explore MARMOMACC, with its more than 1,500 exhibitors of stone and stone-related products from around the world. “Designing with Natural Stone” has been recognized by the AIA as a “Best Practices and Trends” educational program. Participants earn more than 20 AIA/CES learning-unit hours. Most classes also count as HSW credits and five as SD credits. The class is limited to 30 architects, 16 from the U.S., the others from Canada, the U.K., South Africa, India, and Singapore. Scholarships – covering tuition, hotels and meals – are awarded on a competitive basis, based on a candidate’s demonstrated interest in the field, responsibilities within their firm, and experience with stone. Participants are responsible for their own transportation to Verona as well as a $490 registration fee. Those interested should fax or e-mail to the address below their curriculum vitae and a cover letter specifying why they wish to take part in the course. The deadline for submitting applications is July 15th. The course is co-sponsored by Stone World magazine and supported by the Marble Institute of America, which donates a copy of its MIA Dimension Stone Design Manual to all participants. Please send applications to: Wafa Ghnaim, The Consultants International Group: 1616 H Street NW, Washington, DC 20006, fax: (202) 393-4655, e-mail: info@cig-dc.com FOR ONLINE COURSES ON DESIGNING WITH STONE GO TO www.aecdaily.com/sponsor/veronafiere

Innovative products from seven Cooper subsidiaries recognized as finalists in annual trade competition DUBLIN, April 19, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- Cooper Industries plc (NYSE: CBE), a global provider of electrical solutions, is proud to announce that 14 products from seven of its subsidiaries have been named finalists in Consulting-Specifying Engineer's prestigious 2012 Product of the Year competition. Created to provide top product information for readers, the annual Product of the Year competition is the premier award for new products in the HVAC, fire, electrical and plumbing systems engineering markets. This year's finalists from Cooper Industries include: - Cooper B-Line: Rapid Ring™ Self-Adjusting Prefab Ring - Cooper Bussmann: 1200A Quik-Spec Control Panel Fusible Panelboard, FUSETRON Energy Efficient RK5, Modular Fuse Holder, Surge Protective Devices - Cooper Crouse-Hinds: Champ FMV LED Floodlights, ACE Explosionproof Variable Frequency Drive - Cooper Lighting: Corelite Loft Micro LED Luminaire, Lumark Crosstour™, Metalux Retrofit Kits - Cooper Notification: WAVES High Power Speaker Arrays (HPSA-7100 Series) - Cooper Power Systems: Cleer 600A Load Break Connectors - Cooper Wiring Devices: ArrowLink Push-In Connectors, Combination USB Charger with Tamper Resistant Receptacle By constantly striving to expand the technical solutions and value it can offer to its customers, Cooper Industries continues to position itself as a leader in the industry. Just this year, the company was named the top innovator by The Patent Board and continues to bring in numerous awards from major trade publications and professional organizations.

Flexible, trend-forward cabinet line offers perfect balance of beauty, brains and brawn JASPER, Ind., April 19, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- With spring home improvement season in the air, Diamond Cabinets, a division of MasterBrand® Cabinets, is blooming with a fresh new line of kitchen and bath cabinet products ripe for the picking. The on-trend lineup of cabinetry solutions is designed to meet consumers' needs for flexible options in home remodeling and cabinet replacement. Home trends continue to point to the kitchen as the heartbeat of the home. In fact, kitchens remain the focus of cabinet buyers at 78 percent of the remodel spending, followed by baths and other areas such as utility rooms and home offices, according to MasterBrand research.(1) Cabinet replacement is also a strong trend, with nearly 60 percent of cabinet spending used for remodeling part of a room, and a third for replacing old or outdated cabinets only. In addition, an American Institute of Architects survey showed increased consumer preference for combining household living space with kitchen space, and a growing popularity of adaptability and universal design features.(2) Inspiring cabinet solutions The new cabinets are engineered to make kitchens and baths the most beautiful and organized places in the home. Highlights include the latest innovation to one of Diamond's most popular cabinets, the Gourmet SuperCabinet™; cabinets that feature corner drawers; end cabinets that open from the front and the side; flexible glazes and finishes in soft, neutral colors that adapt to many styles of home decor; clean-lined glass inserts and accessories; SmartStop™ self-closing glides and hinges made standard, and toekick drawers now available as a modification on any cabinet 18-inches and wider. Colors to spark the imagination As cabinet color trends shift from orange-, red- or yellow-toned browns to a more versatile brown, Diamond's new glazes and finishes provide the perfect neutral. This move toward a softer palette allows homeowners choosing to reside longer in their homes feel confident that they have chosen colors with 'staying power.' (1) MasterBrand Cabinets Inc., Scope Quarterly Cabinet Buyers Survey-Remodeling Projects, 1Q10- 3Q11 (2) American Institute of Architects (AIA) Home Design Trends Survey, March 9 2012, www.aia.org

Company’s three-year sponsorship includes donated plumbing products, home standby generators KOHLER, Wis.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Kohler Co. proudly announces a partnership with Homes for Our Troops, a national non-profit organization that builds specially adapted homes for severely injured veterans. The Kohler sponsorship spans three years and will provide plumbing products and home standby generators to outfit the injured veterans’ new homes. Products donated through the sponsorship include KOHLER and STERLING brand Americans with Disability Act (ADA)-compliant or universally designed toilets, shower enclosures, baths, bathroom and kitchen sinks, and KOHLER showerheads, handshowers, bathroom faucets and kitchen faucets, as well as several permanently installed automatic home generators from Kohler Power Systems. Kohler’s donation will help the organization build more than 100 homes for injured veterans. The homes include products that will help the veterans participate in and enjoy daily life with their families: barrier-free KOHLER kitchen sinks to allow veterans to better participate in food prep and cleaning, STERLING showers for easier showering, and a number of the homes will receive standby generators which can keep critical medical equipment and key appliances functional for the families in the event of a power outage.

More than 2.4 million votes cast in 100th anniversary celebration MIAMI BEACH, Fla., April 18, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- To commemorate the 100-year anniversary of the Florida Chapter of the American Institute of Architects (AIA Florida), the organization recently launched a Top 100 Buildings online competition. Four weeks and 2.4 million votes later, the much-anticipated results are in. The top five winners were announced today at the Fontainebleau Miami Beach, the iconic structure that came in Number One in the state after garnering the most votes from the public. Fontainebleau Miami Beach has stood as an American architectural icon since its grand opening in 1954. The most significant building of architect Morris Lapidus' career, Fontainebleau Miami Beach's emblematic curvilinear design came to define the Miami Beach skyline. Marked by Lapidus' signature details – such as bow-tie design motifs, circular ceilings and columns, and the infamous "Staircase to Nowhere" – Fontainebleau was the first of its kind. AIA Florida also announced the runners-up in the competition. 2nd Place: Mandi's Chapel (Live Oak) 3rd Place: Baughman Center at the University of Florida (Gainesville) 4th Place: University of North Florida Student Union (Jacksonville) 5th Place: Mar-a-Lago National Historic Landmark (Palm Beach) AIA Florida recognized the top building in 13 different categories, including one for write-in nominations and a special winner determined only by architects' votes. Performing Arts – Florida Theatre Building (Jacksonville) Civic – Boca Raton Town Hall (Boca Raton) Commercial – Espirito Santo Plaza (Miami) Educational - University of North Florida Student Union (Jacksonville) Historic – Mar-a-Lago National Historic Landmark (Palm Beach) Hotel – Fontainebleau Hotel (Miami Beach) Museum – Dali Museum (St. Petersburg) Public Use – City Park Municipal Garage (Ft. Lauderdale) Recreational – Cinderella Castle (Orlando) Religious – Mandi's Chapel (Live Oak) Residential – Walker Guest House (Sanibel) Write-In – Ponce de Leon Hotel/Flagler College (St. Augustine) Architects' Favorite - University of North Florida Student Union (Jacksonville) Today's announcement of the winners of the "Florida Architecture: 100 Years. 100 Places" competition coincides with April's designation as Architecture Month, as proclaimed recently by Governor Rick Scott. AIA Florida also has plans to host several events across the region, including the 100th Anniversary Convention & Tradeshow at The Breakers in Palm Beach over the summer and a special anniversary celebration event on December 14.

Rejuvenated Show Exhibits New Interactive Capabilities, Ushers in Future of K&B Industry ALPHARETTA, Ga., April 18, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- At the Kitchen & Bath Industry Show (KBIS), April 24-26 at the McCormick Place in Chicago, attendees will experience a breadth of new, innovative offerings that can't be seen anywhere else. From the dynamic UNcontained exhibit which provides a look at how colliding generations are changing the rules of design to the Multimedia lounge offering attendees expert insights into the new economic and marketing environment, KBIS 2012 is a one-of-a-kind kitchen and bath experience that brings the industry together. Touch the Future For the first time, four distinct generations are in the workforce, interacting, influencing and coexisting closely with one another. With the premiere of UNcontained, anchoring the center of the show at Booth 2121, attendees and exhibitors can experience the lifestyles of five unique consumers through interactive 20-ft.-long shipping containers designed to showcase how these different generational attitudes are reinventing the kitchen and bath. Trend spot After visiting UNcontained, attendees can relax and listen to fresh content in the future-focused Multimedia Lounge, Booth 1585, while gaining insights and tips from speakers like Sphere Trending's Maxine Lauer, Liza Hausman, Vice President of Marketing of Houzz and Eric Corey Freed, Principal of organicARCHITECT. The Multimedia Lounge also features a renowned design blogger panel spanning the mix of digital marketing channels and free presentations by influential K&B professionals. In the Product Gallery, located in the Grand Concourse and the Multimedia Lounge, attendees can keep up with the latest trends and interact with products by scanning QR codes and downloading innovative product information right to their smartphone. Providing a glimpse into other interesting design elements outside of the kitchen and bath, Design Departures, Booth 3640, will introduce bold new products from unexpected sources. Along with the invaluable one-on-one face time and networking opportunities that KBIS uniquely presents, attendees also have the opportunity to interact with others in the K&B industry at the Collaboration Station, Booth 1249. For the first time, three unique associations -- the NKBA, the Custom Electronic Design & Installation Association (CEDIA) and the National Association of the Remodeling Industry (NARI) -- will host seven 1-hour panel discussions over three days to share a fresh and collaborative approach to business. Resources to Stay Connected KBIS offers simple and effective ways for show-goers to make and maintain meaningful connections, increase exposure and navigate more efficiently through the show floor's hottest new innovations. The KBIS 2012 Mobile App, a free, downloadable smartphone application, provides valuable KBIS info on-the-go, including breaking news, a fully searchable exhibitor list, an interactive map, and social media capabilities, allowing attendees to share their show experience's by using the #KBISApp hash tag while tweeting at and about the show. Along with KBIS Mobile, KBIS Connect, a free, online community, enables exhibitors and attendees to access product images, press materials, browse attendee profiles, schedule appointments, and make and maintain meaningful connections. KBIS Takes Center Stage At the National Kitchen & Bath Association's (NKBA) Center Stage, Booth 2131, attendees can learn about everything from kitchen trends to technology tips from speakers like Karl Champley from DIY's Wasted Spaces and Sally Hogshead, branding expert from Fascinate, Inc. Also, on Tuesday, April 24th from 8:30am - 9:45am in MCC Room S100, opening keynote Candice Olson, HGTV Design Star judge, will share her kitchen and bath design experiences and the importance of creating a personal brand as she kicks off the NKBA's Conference Program. For more information about the Conference Program, visit www.kbis.com/conference. Best of KBIS The annual "Best of KBIS" competition showcases the newest and most innovative products introduced over the past year. At Booth 3667, attendees can vote for their favorite and see the winners. Winners are chosen by an extensive panel of senior print and television media members and will be presented by John Petrie, NKBA Vice President at Center Stage in the NKBA Booth (2131) on Wednesday, April 25, 2012 at 1:30 pm. For more information about the show and new exhibitor products, please visit http://redirect.aecdaily.com/s18122/www.kbis.com/show/show-highlights and http://redirect.aecdaily.com/s18122/www.kbis.com/show/about-the-show.

Updates to the line include frameless glass and privacy railing systems, additional picket offerings and a new radiant silver color option for standard railing profiles CULLMAN, Ala.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--FSI Home Products, Inc., (www.fsihp.com) a leading manufacturer of aluminum outdoor living products, has introduced four new offerings into its RailingWorks® line of pre-built aluminum railing products. Additions to the line include a frameless glass railing system, a privacy railing system and new picket styles. A radiant silver powder coat color option is also now available for all RailingWorks standard railing profiles The RailingWorks frameless glass railing system is a cost-effective glass railing product providing a safe and secure panoramic view from any deck or porch. The frameless glass panel is customized to the length and height of the railing and pre-assembled for easy installation. Customers can order the RailingWorks tempered glass panels accompanying the system or can purchase and install their own glass. The system’s powder-coated aluminum posts are maintenance free and available in eight standard colors. The interlocking patent-pending all-aluminum RailingWorks privacy railing system makes it easy to secure a deck or other outdoor space. Available in custom heights, the system’s shadowbox-style panels can be seamlessly integrated with all other RailingWorks systems for customized privacy. The privacy railing system is offered in three colors: light gray, buckskin and burnished slate. The expanded RailingWorks line now also includes one-inch round and square aluminum pickets for use with wood, composite and steel railings. One-inch round balusters are now available in all standard colors, including the new radiant silver powder coat. Easy-to-assemble nylon adapters fasten to the top and bottom rails, securing the aluminum baluster in place. FSI offers a complete line of RailingWorks pre-built, aluminum architectural railing systems for both residential and commercial applications. RailingWorks aluminum railing systems and products are strong, maintenance free and will not fade, rust, rot or crack. With a class “A” fire rating and a flame spread of “0,” fireproof FSI aluminum products are a safe choice for any outdoor living space. And, FSI aluminum products are 100% recyclable.

WALTHAM, Mass., April 17, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- Holcim (US) Inc. (www.holcim.us) announced today that two of its plants – Holly Hill in Holly Hill, SC and Theodore in Theodore, AL, were recognized during the Portland Cement Association's (PCA) Spring Board of Directors meeting in Chicago on April 16, 2012. The Holly Hill plant received the PCA's prestigious Chairman's Safety Performance Award in recognition of their exceptional health and safety programs. The Theodore plant received the Environmental Performance Award in recognition of the steps they take beyond those required by laws, regulations and permits to minimize their impact on the environment. "Safety and the environment are of utmost importance to Holcim," said Bernard Terver, president and chief executive officer of Holcim (US). "This recognition is a reflection of our employees' commitment to making sure that each of our employees and visitors to our facilities go home safely at the end of the day and of their commitment to protecting the environment. They have worked hard to produce these results and are deserving of these awards."

New Halo Commercial company brand features a comprehensive line of high-efficiency, value-driven lighting solutions. PEACHTREE CITY, Ga., April 16, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- Cooper Lighting, an industry leader committed to delivering innovative products and driving transformational technology in the lighting industry, has announced the introduction of a comprehensive line of high-efficiency, high-quality recessed downlights offering value-driven solutions for the commercial construction market. The Halo Commercial line, which features some of the highest optical efficiencies in commercial recessed downlighting, includes the industry's first commercial ENERGY STAR®-qualified compact fluorescent recessed downlights that meet the new 2012 stringent ENERGY STAR® luminaire requirements effective April 1 (Eligibility Criteria Version 1.1). To help meet today's stringent energy code standards, the Halo Commercial line of 6-inch and 8-inch aperture downlights and 4-inch and 6-inch directional downlights provides some of the highest optical efficiencies, even yielding over 70 percent (on select open specular reflector trim models). This translates into savings by requiring fewer fixtures and lower watts per square foot, while still delivering a comfortable, well-illuminated space. The highly efficient offering accepts compact fluorescent, metal halide, tungsten halogen and integrated LED lamping options. The Halo Commercial line provides the industry with a new selection of four ENERGY STAR®-qualified compact fluorescent choices to satisfy sustainable project goals.

CC MPA supports Ontario Fire Chiefs' fire-sprinkler findings and advocates containment as part of a four part balanced design to prevent the spread of fires and save lives TORONTO, April 12, 2012 /PRNewswire/ - When fire strikes, there can be any number of contributing factors, from human behaviour (an untended fry pan; a cigarette left- burning) to the proximity of hazardous materials (half-empty paint tins stacked in a basement). Regardless of the cause, however, it's the structural composition of the building that will largely determine how well the blaze is contained. And while industry-standard fire testing deems materials such as gypsum drywall to be fire resistant, the fact is that they cannot offer the fire protection of masonry products such as concrete block. E ffective containment — or, as it's referred to technically, compartmentalization — is a logical next logical step in the fire-safety equation. By containing a fire, you minimize its damage and essentially buy more time until it can be extinguished. Fire ratings obtained through lab testing offer an indication of that time. Using industry-standard two-hour tests involving exposure to 1800°C temperatures, a wall made of concrete block easily withstands the heat and the subsequent blast from a fire hose at 30 PSI (pounds of water per square inch). When the same testing is applied to fiber-reinforced gypsum panels, the hose penetrates the panels in about 10 seconds. In a laboratory, we have the luxury of duplicating tests and debating the merits of one material over the other. Real life offers only one chance. Concrete masonry can't prevent fire, but it is the best way we have to contain and maintain its structural integrity, to help increase our chances of survival.

Solutions for both new builds and retrofits on display at the 16th International Passive House Conference - the largest international conference on energy efficient construction DARMSTADT and HANNOVER, Germany, April 12, 2012/PRNewswire/ -- We cannot sustainably keep pace with the world's continuously growing hunger for energy if we continue along our current path. Especially in the building sector, however, there exists an enormous potential for energy savings where we can reduce energy use by 80 to 90% without any reduction in comfort. Countries around the world are realising this. Only "Net zero energy buildings" will be built in South Korea and California as of 2020 and throughout Europe, all new builds will have to be constructed as "nearly zero energy buildings" by 2020. Europe's future energy efficiency directive also calls for high annual retrofit rates of public building stock. For all these new efficiency standards, Passive House forms the basis for proven and cost-effective building and retrofitting. As such, Passive House presents a key opportunity for designers, decision makers and, indeed, the entire the construction sector - a fact that will be made clear at the Passive House Conference in Hanover. What are the key criteria for sustainable construction? Is energy efficiency even the right approach? How can we assess embodied energy (production energy)? The 16th International Passive House Conference, to be held in Hanover, Germany, on 4 and 5 May 2012, will focus on these and other similar questions. The Conference, organised by the Passive House Institute and proklima, will also offer an extensive programme of side events such as introductory courses, a forum for tradespeople and several excursions to Passive House buildings in the Hanover region. At the Passive House Exhibition taking place parallel to the Conference, over a hundred exhibitors will present their products and solutions for Passive House new builds and retrofits.

FARMINGTON, Conn., April 12, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- It's long been said that a happy worker is a more productive worker. But what goes into making workers happy? Several experts in the field of green building say the design of the building itself can contribute to boosting employees' moods, increasing productivity and aiding in employee retention. "Green building is good business. Green building certifications attract tenants, employees, even students and help to keep them... People want to work in green buildings, and comfortable, happy workers are more productive workers," said Rick Fedrizzi, president, CEO and founding chairman of the U.S. Green Building Council, who provided the keynote address titled "People, Planet and Performance" at the recent Carrier Global Engineering Conference in Las Vegas. In addition to creating happy workers, green buildings result in life-cycle savings of 20 percent of the construction costs, according to Fedrizzi. Like Fedrizzi, the event's keynote speakers said there is a direct correlation between increased productivity and employees who love being in their work space. Numerous studies have shown the impact of biophilia, a concept that promotes the instinctive bond between human beings and other living systems, can impact everything from a patient's recovery period to increasing sales at a leading national discount chain, according to Bill Browning, keynote speaker and principal of Terrapin Bright Green. What does biophilia mean for green building? Browning said there are various levels of bringing nature into a space from gardens and living walls to using natural materials, such as wooden doors, large windows and nature artwork, to designing the nature of the space – or creating a space that is compelling and exhilarating. Valentine Lehr PE, of Lehr Consultants International, in his keynote emphasized that engineers play a key role in adoption of innovations into the built environment. Carrier's 11th Global Engineering Conference convened a global audience of approximately 900 attendees from 20 countries and 40 states to create dialogue on the latest in green building technologies, sustainable design and engineering practices. For more information on the 2012 Global Engineering Conference, visit www.2012GEC.com.

Turner has implemented a strategy that enables the building team to build digitally first, significantly reducing the element of surprise. Using a combination of Building Information Modeling (BIM) and SMART solutions, teams can anticipate construction issues before they occur. During the project coordination process, Turner staff lead regular meetings in iRooms – interactive workspaces equipped with a computer and two SMART Board interactive whiteboards. The interactive whiteboards provide a large SMART story Turner Construction Company Innovation, technology and teamwork area to view BIM models, interact with the digital models and keep everyone focused on the issue at hand. Taking a visual, collaborative approach The SMART Board interactive whiteboards also foster the kind of teamwork approach Turner finds essential to their process. “A big part of Building Information Modeling is the collaboration that occurs within the team,” says Vice President, General Manager, Jack Beaudoin. “Collaboration is furthered because of SMART solutions and because of the software.” The BIM process provides teams with a dynamic, 3D digital model of a building, displaying information such as projected cost and time. Coordinating a project with BIM and SMART solutions allows everyone, from trades people to architects, to easily see and focus on problem areas where different elements of the building clash.

FLUSHING, NY, April 9, 2012 – Crystal Window & Door Systems recently updated the architectural technical specifications for its complete line of aluminum products. The new specifications include all the latest product improvements, energy efficiency upgrades, and environmentally sustainable innovations. Specifications for Crystal’s new flagship Evolution Line products such as the Series 9000 Tilt-and-Turn Window and the Series 8800 In-Swing Casement Window are also provided. Crystal’s aluminum architectural specifications were also completely rewritten to be fully compatible with AIA/CSI “full length” or long form specification standards. By using the detailed multi-section format, the Crystal product specifications can be easily incorporated by an architect or specifier into a project’s construction documents and bid packages. The new written specifications complement Crystal’s product AutoCAD technical drawings. The specifications are available in electronic format via e-mail for a specific product or on a comprehensive CD product catalog through the company’s Marketing Department. In the future, specifications will be available on the company’s website.

The Envision Campaign Communicates the Design Flexibility of Parex USA’s EIFS and Stucco Solutions Anaheim, CA — April 10, 2012 - Parex USA, Inc. the parent company of leading building material brands; Parex, Teifs, LaHabra, El Rey, and Merkrete begins the second quarter with a new approach to designing with Exterior Insulation and Finish Systems (EIFS) and Stucco as outlined in its new Envision Campaign. Parex USA embarked on the new Envision Campaign to communicate the unlimited design flexibility of the company’s EIFS and Stucco Solutions. The new campaign conveys Parex USA’s leadership position within the EIFS and stucco industry and clearly expresses the company’s commitment to being design and aesthetic focused. “Generally, architects and building owners understand the technical advantages that EIFS and Stucco provide such as continuous insulation and unique application techniques,” said Rodrigo Lacerda, Parex USA president. “But what other exterior cladding provides limitless shapes, limitless colors and limitless textures? Our new Envision Campaign encourages the building community to reach outside the box and look at the broad range of possibilities that can be achieved with Parex USA EIFS and Stucco Solutions. As our campaign boldly states ‘If you can imagine it, Parex USA can bring it to life.” The campaign focuses around three main design elements: Shape, Color and Texture. Parex USA EIFS and Stucco solutions can accommodate nearly any exterior building shape imaginable. From ultra modern to traditional architecture, virtually “Any Shape” is achievable. When it comes to color, Parex USA has the entire spectrum covered. The right color is an essential element of any building design. With Parex USA EIFS and Stucco “Any Color” is possible. With a broad range of innovative products, Parex USA makes it possible for applicators to create nearly any textured surface. From smooth, surfaces to heavy aggregate, rugged textures, Parex USA makes “Any Texture” attainable. And, with Parex USA Specialty finishes you can achieve the look of natural stone, brick or metallic panels. If you can Envision a design, Parex USA can bring it to live with Any Shape, Any Color, Any Texture. Parex USA’s corporate marketing efforts to support the Envision Campaign include a signature 20-page brochure, a 5 minute promotional video, redesigned websites and more. For more information, visit www.parex.com.

Energy-efficient glass to help building become one of first certified ‘living’ buildings PITTSBURGH--(BUSINESS WIRE)--PPG Industries (NYSE:PPG) announced that the Center for Sustainable Landscapes being constructed on the campus of Phipps Conservatory and Botanical Gardens in Pittsburgh will include SUNGATE(R) 500 STARPHIRE(R) glass and SOLARBAN(R) 60 Starphire glass by PPG. The two advanced architectural glasses were selected for characteristics that will help the center become one of the world’s first certified “living” buildings. Richard Piancentini, Phipps executive director, said the center is designed to meet or exceed the stringent standards of the Living Building Challenge, an advocacy and certification program that encourages architects, designers, specifiers and building owners to achieve the highest possible standards of sustainable design. He said glass selection was critical to helping the center meet rigorous standards for energy use and human health and comfort. Chris Minnerly, AIA, LEED AP, principal of The Design Alliance Architects, who specified the glass, concurred. “One of the key aspects of glass selection is to balance the solar heat gain coefficient against the visible light transmittance to get the best overall performance,” he said. “The glass assemblies have to have the best UV transmission in certain light spectrums to facilitate the growth of plants.” Minnerly specified two triple-pane insulating glass units (IGUs) to meet performance requirements in different parts of the building. Sungate 500 Starphire glass will be installed above the sunshade and light shelves, while Solarban 60 Starphire glass will be used below. When combined with Starphire glass in the specified triple-pane IGU, Sungate 500 glass has visible light transmittance (VLT) of 63 percent and a solar heat gain coefficient (SHGC) of 0.51, which yields a light-to-solar gain (LSG) ratio of 1.24. Solarban 60 Starphire glass in the same configuration generates an LSG ratio of 1.90 based on VLT of 61 percent and a SHGC of 0.32. Winter nighttime U-values for both configurations are less than 0.20. The Living Building Challenge was developed in 2005 by the Cascadia Region Green Building Council and requires buildings to generate all of their own energy with renewable resources, to capture and treat all of their water on-site and to use resources efficiently and for maximum beauty. The certification program, which is now administered by the International Future Living Institute, measures a building’s performance in seven areas, including site, water, energy, health, materials, equity and beauty. So far, only three projects have achieved “living” status by meeting all 20 imperatives established by the Living Building Challenge. For more information on Sungate 500, Solarban 60 and Starphire glasses by PPG, visit www.ppgideascapes.com or call 1-888-PPG-IDEA (774-4332).

Hampshire, IL – W. R. MEADOWS, a leader in the construction industry for more than 85 years, recently introduced HRM 714, a hot-applied rubberized asphalt membrane used to waterproof concrete. HRM 714 is a 100% solids blend of asphalts, synthetic rubber polymers, and filler formulated to provide toughness with flexibility and low moisture vapor permeance. It is ideal for horizontal and vertical applications for waterproofing bridges, parking lots, plazas, or promenade decks; tunnels; pedestrian concourse; and other similar types of construction where a monolithic waterproofing membrane is desirable. “We are happy to introduce this product into our waterproofing lineup as an option for those looking for concrete waterproofing solutions,” said Matthew Price, President of W. R. MEADOWS. Poured at a recommended temperature of 360° to 400° F, HRM 714 is applied by spreading the product with a squeegee to a minimum recommended thickness of 90 mils or more to form a continuous elastomeric membrane. HRM 714 further completes W. R. MEADOWS’ systems for waterproofing structures and allows the choice of a waterproofing system based on individual project needs. In addition, HRM 714 contributes to LEED credits including Energy and Atmosphere and Indoor Environmental Quality. For more information on HRM 714, call (800) 342-5976, e-mail info@wrmeadows.com, and/or visit www.wrmeadows.com.

For the convenience of Foam Insulation Contractors, Architects, Planners and Code Compliance personnel, all Thermal Barrier and Ignition Barrier compliance issues can be managed by using Flame Seal's new interactive web site (http://redirect.aecdaily.com/s18122/www.flamesealtb.com/). Word is spreading throughout the Industry that the best qualified product for Thermal Barrier applications is Flame Seal-TB, since Flame Seal tested to the most difficult standards AND in 100% accord with every aspect of the codes. Flame Seal is a Service First organization • Free training webinars • Expanded warranty at no charge to trained applicators • Free job audits and analysis for trained applicators • Free consulting and interface with code officials • Support for the life of the job in the event of a problem, no matter the cause Use the ONLY product that has never failed a Thermal Barrier test attempt on Closed Cell foam. To assure your customers they have the best product available. (It also happens to be the lowest price too!)

TAYLOR, Mich., April 4, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- Masco Corporation (NYSE: MAS) has launched a new streamlined website showcasing the Company's well-known and diverse brands, including Behr® paint, BrassCraft® water supply products, Delta® and Hansgrohe® faucets, bath and shower fixtures, KraftMaid®, Merillat® and Quality™ cabinets and Milgard® windows and doors. With a fresh look and user-friendly navigation, the site is a comprehensive source of company information that can be accessed via a desktop or smart phone. From the home page (www.masco.com), the user can easily navigate to the Explore Products, Investor Relations and Career sections of the site. In Explore Products, visitors can view Masco's diverse product offerings by brand and link directly to each brand site for detailed product information and customer support. Offering a one-stop destination for financial information, the Investor Relations section is an invaluable tool for current or prospective investors, providing current financial information and historical stock prices. To learn more about Masco, its companies, its history and its leadership team, users can go to the About Us section. The Careers portion of the site includes a video message from Masco's President and Chief Executive Officer and provides information on job opportunities available throughout the global organization. Headquartered in Taylor, Michigan, Masco Corporation is one of the world's leading manufacturers of home improvement and building products, as well as a leading provider of services that include the installation of insulation and other building products.