With more innovation, sustainability and inspiration on show than ever before including a top line up of the latest innovative products in the market showcased in the first interactive Innovation Alley, as well as the largest ever Green Building Zone, DesignBUILD is the place to be next week.

According to Exhibition Manager, Frank Matus, the DesignBUILD expo will enable builders, architects, planners, designers and other industry professionals to see and try (as well as purchase) new products, materials and tools that will ensure the local market is building as innovatively and sustainably as possible.

“DesignBUILD opens in Melbourne every second year and we’re pleased to announce that this year’s expo will feature over 250 exhibitors, with more than 60 of those being local Victorian based businesses.

“In addition to local exhibitors with innovative technologies and ideas on show, we are also hosting a dedicated International Pavilion so visitors can see the latest trends and concepts from around the globe,” he said.

Leaders from the Building Designers Association of Victoria, Australian Construction Industry Forum (ACIF), Australian Living, Illuminating Engineering Society, Apprentice Group Australia and the ATO are just some of the speakers lined up to feature in the most anticipated DesignBUILD seminar series to date.

Mr Matus said there were many exciting firsts at DesignBUILD 2012 including the launch of Tool Demo Stations, powered by leading tool supplier Construction Supply Specialists featuring DeWalt, Milwaukee, Bosch, Powers, Simpson Strongtie, Sidchrome as well as Hilti, Rigid and Leica.

“Visitors can get ‘hands on’ with new tools at the Tool Demo Stations to see how the latest equipment can help to get the job done better, while we’ve also made Innovation Alley interactive so visitors can touch materials, feel textures and listen to case studies of the latest innovations, then visit the exhibitor for more information,” he said.

Innovation Alley will impress visitors with a huge range of new products on show including:

• Issey Sun Share Systems (Stand E44) – showcasing an innovative reinvention of the common fixed flyscreen providing the most effective sun, heat, glare, rain, wind and insect protection available.|

• CSR Monier Bricks and Roofing (Stand G20/G28) – featuring the new SOLARtile, which uses the latest PV technology to convert sunlight to electricity.

• Artrack (Stand J27) – showing the new pr50, which creates a shadowline where the wall and ceiling meet with the cavity hiding a hanging system allowing for suspension of pictures and displays.

• Jonite (stand D45) – bringing you the first collection of Banco Series street furniture for nature parks and open spaces.

• QAQ Architectural (Stand F2) –  the latest production of laser cut and CNC routed privacy screens, room dividers, wall panels and carved wall panels for exterior and interior applications

• Reid Constructions (Stand i13) – showcasing the Orbiplate, which overcomes the headaches of bolted connections and trying to line them up and allowing a + or – 20mm adjustment scope.

• Ridge Tool (Stand A29) – demonstrating the micro CA-300 inspection camera which allows visual inspection of hard to reach areas and records digital images or video easily to an SD card.

• Construction Supply Specialists (Stand A35) – featuring the ReflectAll product, a translucent aerosol paint that is filled with microbeads that capture and reflect light back to the source resulting in amazing night time visibility.

Attendance to the expo, which opens at the Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre from 27 – 29 June, is free for industry trades and professionals who register online, whilst seminar bookings are now open at www.designbuildexpo.com.au

Held at the Sydney Convention & Exhibition Centre last Wednesday – Friday, the DesignBUILD Sydney expo brought together industry leading experts, exhibitors and visitors.

There was plenty of innovation on show with Innovation Alley showcasing the top 40 brand new products, while the VEK Power Tools Pavilion had a constant supply of trades ready to test and trial the latest tools.

The Performax Builder’s Bar was also a huge success, particularly on Thursday’s late night opening and Friday lunch time and Exhibition Director Danielle Fischer said DesignBUILD 2011 had exceeded all expectations.

“Feedback from exhibitors and guests has been so positive. It seems DesignBUILD offered the perfect balance of information, inspiration and innovation

“We’re looking forward to returning the expo to Melbourne next year and creating the same opportunity and excitement there,” she said.

The team from i-Bond said they had run out of samples before the expo closed, as visitors were keen to take a little piece of the graffiti resistant, self cleaning nano-tec coated aluminium composite with them.

The crew at Concreate said the expo exceeded their expectations and many renowned architects and designers had been really impressed with the creative use of concrete for residential and commercial applications.

Traditional building materials are typically resource heavy, labour intensive and often expensive but as the visitors at DesignBUILD 2011 would be aware, there is plenty of building material innovation in the industry and the applications are as diverse as they are inspiring.

Consider exhibitor Stack Panel Australia with their Timber Feature Module. The company showcased its architectural timber walling product, which is:

• Created from down cuts, wastage and recycled timber to create a timber look panel
• Suitable for residential and commercial internal and external applications including feature walls, outdoor living spaces, cafes or showrooms.
• www.stackpanel.com.au

The Woodage passport decking system is 100% recyclable and has excellent no fade colour retention, plus it is:

• Mould and mildew resistant
• Boasts the highest fire rating
• Can be used in full sun or covered areas
• A great alternative to real exotic hardwood
• www.thewoodage.com.au

Wedi building board can be an alternative carrier element when laying tiles, slabs and natural stone floor coverings. It is lightweight, durable, waterproof and its versatility is not limited by wooden or metal framework.

• Can also be an adhesive substrate for applying plaster, tile adhesive and other materials while providing moisture protection and effective heating insulation
• Easy installation, reducing labour and material costs
• www.wediaustralia.com.au

The 2011 Selector Best New Product Award winner PapeRock showcased the non-toxic, incredibly strong composite building material made from layer upon layer of paper (recycled or from sustainable sources) and bonded with phenolic resin. The material is then heat/pressure cured. It is sourced and manufactured in Australia by an Australian owned company and the material is workable by any trained carpenter with normal wood working tools.

PapeRock is impervious to water, heat resistant up to 180 degrees and is so strong that a 20mm benchtop can be cantilevered to 460mm. It is ideal for:

• Kitchen benches
• Food preparation surfaces including cutting boards
• Architectural materials and industrial work surfaces
• Furniture including table tops and chairs

The DesignBUILD expo 2011 is now closed and DesignBUILD 2012 will open at the Melbourne Convention &  Exhibition Centre 27 – 29 June, 2012. www.designbuildexpo.com.au

PapeRock is a non-toxic, incredibly strong composite building material made from layer upon layer of paper (recycled or from sustainable sources) and bonded with phenolic resin. The material is then heat/pressure cured. It is sourced and manufactured in Australia by an Australian owned company and the material is workable by any trained carpenter with normal wood working tools.

PapeRock is impervious to water, heat resistant up to 180 degrees and is so strong  that a 20mm benchtop can be cantilevered to 460mm. It is ideal for:

• Kitchen benches
• Food preparation surfaces including cutting boards
• Architectural materials
• Industrial work surfaces
• Furniture including table tops and chairs

International Leak Detection (ILD) became a Selector DesignBUILD Best New Product Award runner up with the launch of the revolutionary Electric Field Vector Mapping (EFVM) system. The system is a low voltage test method that creates an electrical potential difference between a non-conductive membrane surface and a conductive substrate, which is earthed or grounded.

The ILD EFVM systems allow pinpointing of membrane breaches through a non-destructive process using  a very limited amount of water, especially when compared to traditional “flood” style leak detection processes.

International Leak Detection EFVM systems can be used on:

• Garden roofs
• Roofs with ballast and/or paving stones
• Exposed membrane roofs
• Insulated and non-insulated roof systems
• Plaza deck roofs
• Parking garages
• Ponds/water container liners
• Swimming pools

The DesignBUILD expo is open at the Sydney Convention and Exhibition Centre until 5pm Friday including late night opening on Thursday until 8pm. Those interested in attending can view the full exhibitor list, new product listings, competitions and seminar timetable on the DesignBUILD website www.designbuildexpo.com.au

The judging panel said Spicon Linear Matrix showed the most innovative and versatile product which is Australian designed and manufactured and has unlimited application potential in both residential and commercial capacities.

The judges commented on how much freedom the Spicon Linear product provided to designers and architects, with the LED lit panel being suitable for most applications from residential splashbacks to illuminated commercial signage.

Key benefits of Spicon Linear Matrix Lighting Engine include:

• Reduced onsite electrical costs especially with one power supply supporting multiple units
• LED lamps run at room temperature reducing the heat effect of traditional illumination and increasing output to a brighter white, while lamps last up to 10 years
• The units allow for a slimline profile and are easy to install and maintain
• Applications include directional signage (indoor and outdoor), directory boards (indoor and outdoor), product displays, menu systems, point of purchase, foyer and entrance signs, real estate signage, gaming and club signage, boardrooms, cinemas and showrooms, splashbacks, wine racks, spa baths and much more.

We’ve got record registration numbers, which means Sydney trades and professionals are committed more than ever to build innovative and sustainable residential and commercial projects!

The DesignBUILD Expo will open at the Sydney Convention and Exhibition Centre from Wednesday 11 May – Friday 13 May 2011 and is co-located with the CEDIA expo, Asia Pacific’s largest event for the custom electronic systems industry.

The expo isn’t a repeat of years gone by. The 2011 expo has been produced from specific market research and has been revamped to deliver exactly what the industry wants and needs.

2011 DesignBUILD highlights:

• DesignBUILD onsite: will launch this year to provide trades and contractors with a hands-on learning approach specifically created to deliver relevant information for onsite building activity.

• Over 200 exhibitors: of which all must meet Australian Building Standards and expo policy now ensures over 80% of exhibitors are Australian companies.

• Industry insight and education: Master Builders Association, Australian Institute of Architects and the Building Designers Association are all supporting the expo.

• Inspiration: The Australian Institute of Architects will showcase the 2010 National Architecture Awards Exhibition.

• Tradies Arena: see, touch, feel and trial new tools and equipment from leading manufacturers.

• Innovation Alley: conveniently showcases the newest products available in Australia and allows you to browse without the sales pitch.   

• VIP Visitor Program: Australian companies will have the opportunity to meet one on one with manufacturers and suppliers.

• Late night: DesignBUILD 2011 will be open until 8pm on Thursday 12 May to help busy trades and professionals who struggle to get away from the construction site or drawing board.

The 2011 expo format and content is completely driven by the needs of the industry according to DesignBUILD Exhibition Director Danielle Fischer.

“The DesignBUILD expo unequivocally has everything onsite that a design, building or construction trades person or professional needs.

“Overall, the industry feedback is that they are busy. They want to save time without sacrificing inspiration.

“They want to come to one place and gather the latest and greatest from the newest tools and innovative designs and ideas to the best suppliers.

“DesignBUILD 2011 delivers that opportunity,” she said.

Exhibitor highlights for design, building and construction professionals:

• DesignBUILD’s 2010 Best New Product award winner, Brightgreen, will be exhibiting again this year. Last year, the Australian LED lighting designers introduced the D900, the world’s first 50W halogen equivalent LED downlight. The dimmable, energy efficient light is still the brightest LED downlight on the market and the only product offering a five year warranty. Brightgreen will be launching three new revolutionary products this year – can you afford to miss it?

• Check out the BenexBlock stand and view an alternate wall construction method that will achieve significant results for designers, builders, and developers. Its patented interlocking design produces exceptional performance properties and it is competitively priced.

• Frame CAD are exhibiting once again and will be available to discuss their involvement in the Greenhouse by Joost project – an ‘off the grid’ pop up bar/restaurant that has toured Perth, Melbourne and Sydney and will be setup in Belgium and Milan later this year.

• Rinnai will be present with the Natural Gas company and will showcase their new commercial hot water system which is capable of servicing an entire hospital or apartment block with a single unit.

• See the Magnetite retrofit double glazing product.  In addition to reducing landfill created by replacement windows, Magnetite products can reduce noise and increase energy efficiency.  The product uses a slim-line framing which makes it ideal for heritage buildings. 

• This year’s show will also include a variety of international exhibitors showcasing brands and products not previously seen in Australia. (USA, Italy, Malaysia, Taiwan, China, Singapore, France)

Trade and Contractor highlights at DesignBUILD 2011;

• Exhibitor Gemini Saw Co is introducing the new Revolution XT 10” tile blade, which has no centre and is driven from the outside meaning the blade remains stable, while it also enables you to make straight or curve cuts, cut in a forwards and backwards motion and the universal blade is suitable for all materials

• If new tools are on your radar, VEK Tools will have an interactive demonstration facility open for you to try and compare the latest European power tools and industrial supplies including leading brands names such as Milwaukee, Kincrome, Leica and Power Fasteners

• RIDGID will be presenting a range of new products including the new CS1000 camera control unit, which is a purpose built monitor that allows digital recording of underground inspections. The brand new LT1000 laptop interface will also be on display and it allows a laptop to be used as a monitor on a RIDGID CCTV camera.

• This year’s show will also include an International Pavilion, which will showcase brands such as Malco Products from the US plus the launch of power tool brands not previously seen in Australia, including the latest fastening technology.

• Tools on show from exhibitors aren’t just to look at or play with, as many of the exhibitors are offering expo special pricing, bulk purchase discounts and access to tools not currently available elsewhere.

Those interested in attending can now view the full exhibitor list and new product listings on the DesignBUILD website, while attendance to the expo is free for those who register online prior to the event at www.designbuildexpo.com.au

The expo, which is co-located with the CEDIA expo, is open to industry trades and professionals from the residential and commercial design, building and construction industries.

Architects, engineers, project managers, designers, specifiers, builders, facility managers, landscape architects, landscapers, retailers and any professional working in the design, building and construction industry will benefit from attending the show.

Over 350 exhibitors are expected to showcase all the new, innovative and sustainable building products and practices from around the globe.

DesignBUILD exhibition policy ensures that over 80% of exhibiting companies are leading Australian manufacturers and suppliers, while all exhibitors must meet Australian Building Standards.

The show, which was last held in June in Melbourne and November in Perth, is also expected to attract over 8,000 attendees.

The dedicated student and apprentice “Foundation” seminar will also take place for the first time in Sydney, after a hugely successful launch in Melbourne and Perth.

Attendance to the expo is free for those who register online prior to the event at www.designbuildexpo.com.au

DesignBUILD is Australia’s largest design, building and construction expo and offers industry professionals and trades the opportunity to see, feel and touch new, innovative and sustainable building products.

Exhibitors travel from interstate and overseas to demonstrate their products to Australian designers, architects, engineers, town planners, land developers and trades.

Recent attendees to the DesignBUILD expo have been really interested in understanding how new products work, while there has also been plenty of discussion about sustainable building practices – with visitors keen to understand exactly how a product is classified as ‘green’. With the largest gathering of manufacturers, suppliers and CPD accredited seminars running – DesignBUILD is the place to discover the answers.

The DesignBUILD Expo will open next at the Sydney Convention and Exhibition Centre from Wednesday 11 May – Friday 13 May 2011 and will return to Perth again in 2012.