Buildingtalk Editorial Team

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BUILDINGTALK

The Independent Weekly Product Information Guide
for Building and Construction Industry Professionals
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ISSN 1740-5475 - Free subscription
Last week's delivered circulation: 15426
Published every Monday from the UK.
Issue 200: 12 May 2008
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25943 product announcements and technical articles on our website
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In this issue:
* Editor's Message
* Our Top new products selection
[1] Mitsubishi Electric new M2M wireless controllers
[2] Energy savings made simple for lighting
[3] New geotechnical software LimitState:GEO
[4] Project collaboration solution for construction
[5] Procter Bros ten reasons to specify cast stone
[6] Kalzip launches education brochure
[7] Active chilled beam cooling reduces energy by 20%
[8] Building better career prospects
[9] Neaco launches new structural glass system
[10] Choose and Use: timber tips for builders
* Other industry news
* New technical articles and case studies
* Other featured product news
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Howard Chapman, Editor, writes:

Grand Designs Live closed yesterday. Based on Channel 4's hugely
successful Grand Designs series, presented by design guru Kevin
McCloud, the live exhibition has gone from strength to strength since
launching in 2005. You may have caught some of the live show on TV
last week featuring 'The House That Kevin Built'. This involved
building a house from scratch in just six days using cutting-edge
sustainable building techniques, including prefabricated straw bale
panels rendered with lime, which were designed by a lecturer at the
University of the West of England. If you had an interesting new
product at the show, why not register on Buildingtalk via
http://www.buildingtalk.com/indexes/submissiondetails.html
This only takes a couple of minutes to complete, and there is no
charge. You can then send your article for inclusion on the website.
With more than 4 million visitors to Buildingtalk each year, it will enable
the rest of the industry to read all about it.

I have also been at another event - the launch of Mitsubishi Electric
wireless air conditioning controllers. It is the industry's first
wireless controller and this low-cost system brings remote monitoring
and control to a much wider audience. They can also monitor other
systems within a building. It is a great example of how 'Intelligent
Buildings' technology is providing feedback to reduce energy costs and
improve the delivery of good working environments. You can follow the
link on the story summary for more details.

We follow this with another new lighting control system:
Schneider Electric offers savings of between 20 and 40%. A
chilled beam cooling system from Flomerics can bring a 20%
reduction in cooling and ventilation energy consumption.

On the software front we have details of an offering from LimitState
that enables geotechnical engineers to efficiently analyse both
standard and complex stability problems; and QA Software launch
TeamBinder, a web-based project collaboration solution for the
construction industry.

Some useful new literature available this week includes a 'Guide to
Cast Stone Products for Architects and Specifiers' from Procter, and
an education brochure about 'Creating the learning environments of the
future' from Kalzip.

'Wood for good' is the largest timber industry campaign in the UK. It
promotes the role of wood in sustainable construction and in helping
to mitigate climate change. They have now helped produce 'Choose and
Use' timber information sheets specifically for the general builder.

Finally, this is a landmark week, being the 200th edition of the
Buildingtalk newsletter through which we have highlighted some of the
25,943 articles from 2799 suppliers now on the website. If you want to
make a comment please feel free to send me an email or you can have
your say on the Buildingtalk blog - post your comments at:
http://www.buildingtalk.com/blog.

Best wishes
Howard Chapman, Editor
mailto:news@buildingtalk.com
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OUR TOP NEW PRODUCT SELECTION
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[1] MITSUBISHI ELECTRIC NEW M2M WIRELESS CONTROLLERS
(Mitsubishi Electric Living Environmental Systems, 09 May 2008)

Mitsubishi Electric launch unique wireless air conditioning
controllers that can also monitor other systems within a building. The
new M2M controllers build on the success of the company's expertise in
controls and now offer a relatively low-cost solution for both smaller
premises that do not have ethernet connections and larger corporations
which cannot allow outside systems to link into their security
networks and firewalls. This is the first wireless controller in the
air conditioning industry and it brings the benefits of remote
monitoring and control to a much wider audience.

* Read more: http://www.buildingtalk.com/more/14535/

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[2] ENERGY SAVINGS MADE SIMPLE FOR LIGHTING
(Schneider Electric, 07 May 2008)

Lubio lighting control systems from Merlin Gerin, a Brand of Schneider
Electric offer savings of between 20 and 40% in electricity costs
associated with general lighting. Lubio with its proven technology,
gives the end user reduced costs from energy to reduced maintenance.
Implementation of Lubio reduces lighting costs without compromising
safety, and with uniform and secure lighting on a whole network.
Monitoring and targeting for specific lighting circuits enables the
management of everything that's measured.

* Read more: http://www.buildingtalk.com/more/14536/

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[3] NEW GEOTECHNICAL SOFTWARE LIMITSTATE:GEO
(LimitState, 07 May 2008)

LimitState:GEO allows geotechnical engineers to analyse both standard
and complex stability problems more efficiently than before, saving
time and significantly reducing operating costs. Up until now
geotechnical engineers have had to rely either on hand calculation
methods, a suite of single method programs, or on significantly more
complicated finite element packages, but with the introduction of
LimitState:GEO any type of stability problem can be solved with a
single program that is very straightforward to use.

* Read more: http://www.buildingtalk.com/more/14537/

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[4] PROJECT COLLABORATION SOLUTION FOR CONSTRUCTION
(QA Software , 05 May 2008)

TeamBinder is an advanced internet-based project collaboration
solution that enables all parties on a project to communicate and
share project documents in a controlled environment. With all your
project information managed and maintained on a secure, open platform,
project participants are able to focus on the successful delivery of
the project on-time and within budget. Deploying TeamBinder on your
projects can lead to a direct increase in productivity, reduced risk
and considerable savings in both time and money.

* Read more: http://www.buildingtalk.com/more/14538/

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[5] PROCTER BROS TEN REASONS TO SPECIFY CAST STONE
(Procter Bros, 05 May 2008)

Cast stone is a versatile and cost-effective alternative to natural
stone. Judicious use of cast stone can transform a property's
character and, because it is manmade, cast stone offers architects a
level of design freedom that is not available from natural stone.
Procter Bros lists just ten of the many reasons to specify cast stone
including: save money, save time, reduce project risk, design
freedom, add value to residential developments, add style to
prestigious developments, replicate existing features, colour
matching, and ease of handling. To assist in the process of specifying
cast stone products, Procter has published 'Understanding Cast Stone,
a Guide to Cast Stone Products for Architects and Specifiers.'

> Quick link to request free details direct from the supplier:
http://www.buildingtalk.com/rdx/ml/pct/116/4
* Read more: http://www.buildingtalk.com/more/14538/

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[6] KALZIP LAUNCHES EDUCATION BROCHURE
(Kalzip, 07 May 2008)

The new education brochure from Kalzip, celebrates the instalment of
almost 2 million sqm of Kalzip on more than 1,000 school projects in
the UK and Ireland alone. Kalzip's new education brochure presents
stunningly colourful photographic evidence of the material's use
across a wide range of standard, BSF, PFI and PPP education projects,
ranging from primary schools through sixth form colleges and academies
to universities.

> Quick link to request free details direct from the supplier:
http://www.buildingtalk.com/rdx/ml/kaz/135/4
* Read more: http://www.buildingtalk.com/more/14539/

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[7] ACTIVE CHILLED BEAM COOLING REDUCES ENERGY BY 20%
(Flomerics, 09 May 2008)

An active chilled beam cooling system has played a key role in
delivering an expected 20% reduction in cooling and ventilation energy
consumption for the new Genomic Science Building at the University of
North Carolina. Engineers at Affiliated Engineers used Flomerics'
Flovent computational fluid dynamics software to optimize the cooling
system and maximize the energy savings. These improvements played a
key role in the energy-efficient design of the new building.

> Quick link to request free details direct from the supplier:
http://www.buildingtalk.com/rdx/ml/flo/114/4
* Read more: http://www.buildingtalk.com/more/14540/

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[8] BUILDING BETTER CAREER PROSPECTS
(Travis Perkins, 09 May 2008)

Travis Perkins launch a new website dedicated to its management
training programme for young people that are looking for a career in
the building and construction industry. The website details what the
120 successful applicants can expect from the two year course plus
showcases a range of short films about former trainees, facts and
figures about the Travis Perkins Group. Trainees gain an extensive
understanding of the Travis Perkins Group's business and the
management principles needed to do their job, as well as a valued,
external qualification.

* Read more: http://www.buildingtalk.com/more/14541/

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[9] NEACO LAUNCHES NEW STRUCTURAL GLASS SYSTEM
(Neaco, 09 May 2008)

Neaco launch their Clearline Structural Glass system offering a
superior combination of strength, safety and style. Suitable for both
external and internal use, the free standing balustrade requires no
supporting uprights - continuous glass is fixed in place by aluminium
floor channels with integrated rubber seals which insulate the glass
and eliminate the need for the more traditional messy mastic detail.

* Read more: http://www.buildingtalk.com/more/14542/

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[10] CHOOSE AND USE: TIMBER TIPS FOR BUILDERS
(wood for good, 08 May 2008)

wood for good and TRADA, The Timber Research and Development
Association have joined forces to produce a series of 'Choose and Use'
timber information sheets for the general builder. The down-to-earth
guidance sheets will be offered free through member builders'
merchants. The information is designed to provide practical,
straightforward advice for builders to enable them to make an informed
purchase of timber and wood products.

* Read more: http://www.buildingtalk.com/more/14543/

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New Technical Articles and Case Studies
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NHBC NEW INITIATIVE FOR HOUSE BUILDING INDUSTRY
(NHBC, 07 May 2008)
NHBC join forces with John Callcutt to launch new initiative aimed at
helping the house building industry improve customer services.
* Read more: http://www.buildingtalk.com/more/14544/

THERMAL PERFORMANCE OF MULTI-FOILS
(Eurisol UK, 07 May 2008)
Builders and contractors using multi-foil roof insulation remain at
risk of failing to meet Building Control energy efficiency
requirements and being denied an Energy Label says Eurisol
* Read more: http://www.buildingtalk.com/more/14545/

BORIS WIN COULD TRIGGER CROSSRAIL SPAT
(Chelgate, 07 May 2008)
New London Mayor wants independent scrutiny of the Crossrail project,
says Chelgate.
* Read more: http://www.buildingtalk.com/more/14546/

PVC-U WINDOW REPLACEMENT MARKET
(Michael Rigby Associates, 08 May 2008)
Forecast Report shows second-time PVC-U window replacement is still a
market in waiting - but the waiting is nearly over.
* Read more: http://www.buildingtalk.com/more/14547/

ARUP UNVEILS NEW GREEN DESIGN STRATEGY
(Think, 08 May 2008)
Arup ambitious design strategy aims to encourage greater development
of truly sustainable buildings at Think 08.
* Read more: http://www.buildingtalk.com/more/14548/

LATEST PRODUCT LEGISLATION AND TESTING STANDARDS
(SATRA Technology Centre, 09 May 2008)
Spotlight is SATRA's technical publication for the consumer products
industries is the place to look for latest product legislation and
testing standards.
* Read more: http://www.buildingtalk.com/more/14549/

MERCHANT SALES IN Q1 REFLECT MARKET DOWNTURN
(Builders Merchants Federation [BMF], 07 May 2008)
Latest figures from Builders Merchants Federation reveal Sales of
building materials at builders' merchants across the country were down
by 3.1% during the first three months of 2008.
* Read more: http://www.buildingtalk.com/more/14550/

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Other featured new product news
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KNAUF AQUAPANEL LASTING SOLUTION FOR TILE BACKING
(Knauf Drywall, 07 May 2008)
Aquapanel from Knauf Drywall is the UK's leading tile backer board,
and it's built to last.
> Quick link to request free details direct from the supplier:
http://www.buildingtalk.com/rdx/ml/knu/127/4
* Read more: http://www.buildingtalk.com/more/14551/

URBAN REGENERATION MARKET UK 2008-2012
(AMA Research, 09 May 2008)
New AMA report provides a major review of Urban Regeneration in the
UK.
* Read more: http://www.buildingtalk.com/more/14552/

IMPROVED ROOF AESTHETICS AND PERFORMANCE
(Glidevale, 09 May 2008)
Limiting potential harmful condensation and spread of fire in the roof
is achieved alongside improved aesthetics with the Universal
Interlocking Plain Tile Ventilator from Glidevale .
* Read more: http://www.buildingtalk.com/more/14553/

SPEEDDECK UPGRADE VITESSE THERMAL EFFICIENCY
(SpeedDeck Building Systems, 09 May 2008)
SpeedDeck Building Systems has upgraded its Vitesse Architectural Wall
System, giving lower 'U' values and improved Thermal efficiency.
* Read more: http://www.buildingtalk.com/more/14554/

EUROTHANE SILVER RIGID FOAM INSULATION BOARD
(Recticel Insulation Products, 08 May 2008)
Eurothane Silver high-performance, rigid foam insulation board for use
in warm flat roofs, delivers industry leading levels of flatness and
strength, thanks to Recticel.
* Read more: http://www.buildingtalk.com/more/14555/

HEWDEN BOOSTS FLEET WITH NEW LOADERS
(Hewden, 07 May 2008)
Hewden, UK's number one plant rental provider, has purchased 42 new
JCB 2CX airmasters in a deal worth GBP1 million pounds.
* Read more: http://www.buildingtalk.com/more/14556/

JC WILKINS CUTS ACOUSTIC DECKING DOWN TO SIZE
(JC Wilkins, 07 May 2008)
New product launch offers an effective and environmentally-friendly
way to provide maximum acoustic insulation for timber-framed buildings
from a slimline, space-saving board.
* Read more: http://www.buildingtalk.com/more/14557/

BUILDING DESIGN TO EUROCODE 2
(The Concrete Centre, 08 May 2008)
The Concrete Centre is to hold a one-day course entitled Building
Design to Eurocode 2: Theory and Worked Examples.
* Read more: http://www.buildingtalk.com/more/14558/

POWER TOOLS WITH ADVANCED ERGONOMICS FROM METABO
(Metabo, 05 May 2008)
Metabo release its 2008/2009 general catalogue outlining the company's
full line of cordless and corded power tools, accessories and
abrasives.
* Read more: http://www.buildingtalk.com/more/14559/

FIREGUARD DOWNLIGHTS FROM JCC
(JCC Lighting, 09 May 2008)
Fireguard are Helping the environment by using less energy and also
meet the new edition of the Building Regulations, Document L.
* Read more: http://www.buildingtalk.com/more/14560/

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The week's top stories from Buildingtalk - Issue 200