For the first time in its 17 year history designEX, the national gathering of the Australian design community, will feature Form and Function, a standalone event targeted specifically at the building, construction, architectural and design industries.
A joint venture between the Royal Australian Institute of Architects (RAIA) and international exhibition company dmg world media, Form and Function will also be the location for the RAIA’s annual conference.
“This a first for the industry and will be the only exhibition in Australia that appeals to and completes the needs of the entire industry,” says Norm Lembke, exhibition organiser: “With architects increasingly having to wear the twin hats of designer/developer, even designer/builder and builders needing to understand architects and designers’ challenges and visions, we have developed the expo to meet the changing and converging needs of the industry.
“Whether a business specialises in supplying construction materials, insulation products, air conditioning systems, waterproofing, framing systems, environmental services and products,.cladding, plumbing, gas and air systems, roofing, balustrading, doors and windows and other architectural, building and construction materials, Form and Function is an opportunity for any company looking to expand its business base.”
Featured products
Use this quick guide to some of the most innovative and unusual products on show at Form and Function.
The Taiyo Membrane Corporation (TMC) (Stand C29) is the world’s largest supplier of architectural membranes with in-house resources and expertise that enable it to design, engineer, fabricate and construct a diverse range of membrane structures - both standard and custom. The company, is separated into two core divisions, MakMax Streetscape - which supplies architectural umbrellas often found outside cafes and in resorts and hotels. These high quality, fully engineered architectural umbrellas and modular systems offer protection in the harshest conditions. TMC’s other division is MakMax Urbanscape - which supplies custom-designed structures for medium to large projects such as shopping centre car parks, resorts, hotels, sporting complexes, stadia and cultural projects. Further as a special feature within Form and Function, the Stone Show will showcase the largest range of stone and stone-related products seen in the Southern Hemisphere.
What is said to be the biggest innovation in gardening since dirt will be shown by edenNOW (Stand B29). Called the Garsy system, it creates a massive root area and optimum growth conditions. Easily assembled and fully portable by forklift or crane, the Garsy system has an integrated drip kit to reduce water wastage and maintenance costs. Providing instand landscape impact for inside and out, the Garsy system is ideal for rooftops, streetscapes, public spaces, shopping centres and strips, parks and gardens, hotels and resorts and can be installed on any level surface. Also on display from edenNOW will be the Greenwall vertical, instant hedging system which provides immediate landscape impact for residential developments, street cafes, courtyard boundaries and multi-level apartments. Available in kit or customised packageds it comes in multiple heights with curves and angles. Any easy to erect kit form, galvanised steel system, Greenwall has a massive root area for optimum growth conditions.
Going Solar (F16) will be displaying RWE Schott Solar products comprising building integrated photovoltaics with ASI glass which has all of the benefits of glass combined with integrated solar power. Benefits are solar electricity, light management, comfort, effective shading, glare protection, thermal management, innovative architecture and cost savings by combining and integrating several functions. Design options with ASI glass encompass solar modules that are transparent or opaque and include ASI Thru, a semi-transparent module with a see-through effect; ASI Opak which is the technology for homogeneous façade surfaces where no vision is required; ASI Opak white which offers a completely uniform appearance; ASI Fade which provides a gradual fade to clear glass; ASI Line which offers an individual line-design with its own architectural emphasis and ASI Shade which integrates shading louvres with double glazed units to provide the ultimate in glare protection.
Meanwhile, DEVI Heating Systems (C22), a specialist company which designs and supplies integrated heating systems such as off-peak in slab heating, in-screed under tile heating, ceiling heating, provides heating cables, ‘super thin‘devimats, and a wide range of electronic thermostats will be launching the D130 electronic floor sensing thermostat range an affordable product with precise control.
Waterlogic Australia (N6) will be displaying its mains-fed Point of Use (POU) water dispensing systems. Waterlogic is the first dispenser in Australia to offer both sparkling and extra hot water options and is said to be a world leader with its multi levels of filtration - highlighted by its patented ultra-violet technology that destroys bacteria and ensures fresh, pure water. Connected to a rising main, a Waterlogic water dispenser eliminates the need for bottles. Supply is continual with no bottles to worry about. The latest POU system from Waterlogic is the 3000 model which is available in freestanding and benchtop models with cold, hot and cold units and with the option of sparkling water.
ANC Bird Control (A45) will be exhibiting their low maintenance and unobtrusive bird control systems that have minimal effect on buildings aesthetics and staff will be on hand to talk about the integrated pest management program which includes a site inspection to evaluate the control methods necessary to get rid of feral birds.
Vapotec Australia’s (A15) automatic switch steam sensor is an ingenious device designed to automatically turn a bathroom or shower exhaust fan on when it senses the presence of steam. When all steam is cleared from the room, Vapotec then automatically turns the fan off. The sensor is the only visible part of the unit, and is only 58mm in diameter.
Dr Chris Field’s groundbreaking brick, Silenceair (B18), can be inserted into buildings to allow the natural passage of air while reducing the noise from outside by up to 85 percent. The device is environmentally friendly because it uses no power, just a patented configuration of passive resonators. It can even be made transparent to allow natural illumination.
Another innovative product is Wolcolor (B44), a décor material for walls and ceilings that comprises a base content of 100 percent cotton and has added components such as mineral mica, ceramic chips and grasses to produce unique textures and finishes.
Easy to use, Wolcolor is simply put into a bucket, mixed with water and applied onto walls and ceilings. Its elastic type properties reduce the risk of cracking and if an area does need to be repaired, it needs simply to be dampened with water.
Bicycle parking systems from Cora Bike Rack (Stand G14) include the Expo and Vertigo ranges. The former gently protects the bicycle frame, not the wheel, and allows for single or double-sided access while the Vertigo is ideal for where space restrictions do not allow for horizontal bike parking. n