On Aug. 18, Knutson Construction participated in ground-breaking event for the Career Technical Education Center at Heintz (CTECH). Minnesota State Colleges and Universities (MnSCU) and Rochester Community and Technical College (RCTC) selected Knutson to provide construction management services for the 22,350-square-foot, $6.5 million CTECH and Science, Technology, Engineering and Math (STEM) facility addition at the University Center Rochester campus.

Designed by HGA Architects, the new CTECH/STEM 19,000-square-foot building will be adjacent to the Heintz Center and is scheduled to be complete by July 2016. Knutson also recently completed a STEM Center renovation within the existing Heintz Center building.

The CTECH/STEM project is a partnership of MnSCU with RCTC as the primary institution and Winona State University and the Independent School District 535 of Rochester Public Schools as partners. The CTECH/STEM will connect high schools and their students to potential career and education paths. Funding for this project is provided by the City of Rochester through the Local Option Sales Tax for development of key facilities in the City of Rochester.

Expected to serve 400 students per year, the new CTECH/STEM building will offer classroom and laboratory spaces for career, technical education and training, and administrative and faculty support spaces. It also will include relocated and new programs for students of the Rochester Public School district, such as hospitality, manufacturing and construction technology, plus a Health Science Careers Center.

“Students, educators, and the community want expanded educational opportunities in a space that is thoughtfully designed and features state of the art technology. Knutson Construction is proud to be constructing this new facility, which will optimize the learning environment for many in and around the Rochester community, while expanding programs and giving students of all ages the opportunity to reach their full potential,” said Tom Leimer, general manager of Knutson Construction in Rochester.

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Offering insight into the world of window and doors, Kolbe has launched “inSight.” This new blog will feature weekly posts on industry trends, Kolbe’s new product updates, and project examples showcasing Kolbe’s unique windows and doors.

Kolbe’s new inSight blog is featured on its website’s home page at http://www.kolbe-kolbe.com and presents readers with the option of an RSS subscription. Previous posts will be archived for easy reference. Each blog post, like every page of the website, also offers one-click connections to Kolbe’s social media channels including YouTube, Houzz and Architizer.

“inSight gives customers one more avenue to connect with us, to stay up-to-date on new products and options, and to inspire a customized expression for their own project,” says Kolbe’s vice president of marketing, Cindy Bremer. “The blog and our many other communications tools allow customers to use Kolbe as a resource, discovering what’s most relevant to them at their convenience.”

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The American Architectural Manufacturers Association (AAMA) has updated and released a document specifying requirements for corrosion resistant coatings on carbon steels used for hardware components in window, door and skylight applications. The document previously was updated in 2012.

According to Jeff Dorsch (AmesburyTruth), chair of the AAMA 907 Update Task Group, Voluntary Specification for Corrosion Resistant Coatings on Carbon Steel Components Used in Windows, Doors and Skylights recently was updated with a new test report section, and a clarified scope.

“The AAMA 907 standard for acceptable coatings for mild steel components and assemblies was re-worked to become more performance based and less prescriptive,” says Dorsch. “In addition, specific references to cadmium plating were removed due to the material’s inclusion on many of the green industry’s red lists. A manufacturer can utilize any number of plating or material options as long as the results after neutral salt spray testing are in accordance with the 907-15 standard.”

The requirements in AAMA 907-15 are functional and are not intended to address aesthetics. Due to the diversity of corrosive environments that windows and doors are exposed to, this specification does not imply a specific service life. Fasteners are not included in the scope of this specification.

AAMA 907-15, as well as other AAMA documents, may be purchased from AAMA’s Publication Store.

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Saint Paul’s premier printmaking resource and gallery presents exhibitions, special events

Hamilton Ink Spot, Saint Paul’s premier printmaking resource and gallery, presents thematic monthly exhibitions. “Letterbugs” by master printer Bill Moran will be on display Aug. 10-31. From Sept. 1 to 30, the Ink Spot’s gallery will welcome personal “Woodcuts” printed by Jim Sherraden, who also curates Nashville’s Hatch Show Print. A closing reception and artist talk with Sherraden will be held Sept. 29, 6-10 p.m., at Amsterdam Bar & Hall, a few doors down from Ink Spot. In Oct., the gallery will feature “Scary Ink,” Halloween-inspired prints with a Dark Art theme.

Moran and Monica Edwards Larson, oversee Ink Spot’s initiatives and its 2,200-square-foot location at 375 N. Wabasha Street. “Hundreds of people from all backgrounds have turned out for our monthly special events and exhibitions. We’ve reconnected with long-time fans of Twin Cities’ design and letterpress, and instilled a new appreciation for the type and technique to those who are curious enough to stop inside and learn more,” says Moran.

Aug. 10-31, Letterbugs
Bill Moran hand-prints each Letterbug™ using type from the Hamilton Wood Type & Printing Museum’s collection of more than 1.5 million pieces of wood type. The fine details completing each print come from much smaller metal type or hand-inking, creating unique effects on every print. Moran’s Letterbugs have been exhibited throughout the U.S. and Europe, and are included in the permanent collection of the Gutenberg Museum in Mainz, Germany, and the Tipoteca Italiana in Cornuda, Italy.

Sept. 1-30, Personal Woodcuts by Jim Sherraden
Sept. 29, 6-10 p.m., closing reception and artist talk, in conjunction with AIGA Minnesota, Amsterdam Bar & Hall, 6 W. 6th St., Saint Paul, MN 55102
Jim Sherraden is a master printer and archivist at Hatch Show Print, a working letterpress print shop since 1879 and today, as an historical property of the Country Music Hall of Fame® and Museum in Nashville. In 1992, Sherraden began creating one of-a-kind pieces from the shop’s hand-cut, historic blocks. Called “monoprints,” these are collected by individuals and institutions worldwide. In 2005, Sherraden returned to carving his own woodcuts, developing a new body of work that includes cutting up his own printed pieces, and mixing and matching the patchwork imagery, resulting in quilt-like compositions.

Oct. 1-31, “Scary Ink”
Oct. 29, 6-10 p.m., closing reception, Hamilton Ink Spot
Artists inspired by classic monsters and modern frights present a selection of Twin Cities-based printmakers to celebrate Halloween. This year’s theme will be “Dark Art,” featuring screen-printed and letterpress prints.

The special events are in addition to Ink Spot’s classes, a drop-in studio for families and individuals, a print cooperative for artists, internships, a mentorship program for high school-age artists, and exhibitions of local, regional and national printmaking artists.

Making printmaking an accessible art form, Hamilton Ink Spot creates access for artists and others of all skill levels and backgrounds, enriches the public’s connection with direct arts experiences, and contributes to the community’s cultural vitality. The Saint Paul storefront offers Hamilton Wood Type and Printing Museum’s merchandise for sale, as well as a co-op space for Twin Cities’ artists to create and exhibit their original posters, cards, and other printed works. Hamilton Ink Spot is the first venture to which Hamilton Wood Type and Printing Museum lends its name.

To learn more about Hamilton Ink Spot’s special events, featured guests, co-op memberships, workshops, internships, merchandise and exhibition gallery, please visit online at http://www.hamiltoninkspot.org, https://www.facebook.com/hamiltoninkspot, http://instagram.com/hamiltonwoodtype; or in person Mon.-Fri., 11 a.m.-6 p.m., Sat. 11 a.m.-5 p.m., at 375 N. Wabasha Street, Saint Paul, MN  55102.

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Knutson promoted Micah Vainikka to assistant project manager. For more than two years, he has worked at Knutson as a project engineer.

“Micah has proven to be a valuable member of the Knutson team and I am confident in his ability to take on this increased role,” stated Dave Bastyr, executive vice president of Knutson Construction.

Vainikka has played an integral role on the recently completed Roseville Park projects, part of the Roseville Parks and Recreation Renewal Program. The project consists of demolishing and reconstructing six park buildings, remodeling three picnic shelters, and completing site work at all nine Roseville parks.

“Micah was instrumental in the successful completion of the Roseville Park projects. He worked closely with the Park Board and community to ensure open communication was achieved allowing all projects to be delivered on-time and on-budget,” said Mark Custer, project manager for the projects.

Custer also worked closely with Vainikka on the Hennepin County Human Services North Hub facility, located in North Minneapolis, one of Finance and Commerce’s Top Projects of 2014. The team met and exceeded the owner’s 19 percent minority and six percent women contracting goals with participant actuals of 29 percent minority and 11 percent women. Knutson also exceeded the minority workforce goals reaching 36 percent with a goal of 19 percent and were able to hire three percent of its workforce from the North Minneapolis community.

“Micah worked closely with the Knutson team — including Ramona Wilson, Knutson’s full-time diversity manager — to ensure all goals were met and properly tracked. This project was a huge success and represents Knutson’s commitment to diversity on all of our projects,” praised Bastyr.

Currently, Vainikka working on the recently awarded Airport T2 Gate expansion at the Minneapolis St. Paul Airport, in addition to assisting with LEED® coordination on the Ames Water Treatment Plant project in Iowa and the startup of the Prairie Winds Middle School project in Mankato.

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Simplifying compliance with building codes’ seismic requirements, ROCKFON® Chicago Metallic® ceiling suspension systems are tested to meet or exceed industry standards. These ceiling systems are engineered to reduce installation time, to save associated material and labor costs, and to support life safety and the property preservation during an earthquake. Assisting with proper product selection and specification, ROCKFON shares a new, comprehensive brochure titled, Seismic Relief, available free for download at http://www.rockfon.com (PDF).

According to the International Building Code (IBC), every construction project must meet a Seismic Design Category (SDC) regardless of geography. The IBC outlines six SDCs, A through F, ranging from the least to the most stringent. ROCKFON offers ceiling products to address all SDCs.

Most ROCKFON Chicago Metallic suspension systems provide intermediate-duty and heavy-duty performance per ASTM C 635 to satisfy the requirements of all seismic code constructions. The exposed tee construction permits direct upward access to mechanical systems and is a cost-effective solution to seismic requirements. Stab-in cross tees cantilever during installation and will not fall out, making for an easier installation and protecting against lateral pull-out. When utilized with the 1494 Seismic Separation Clip (SSC™), the clip sits on top of the grid members, hidden from view, maintaining sleek ceiling design in seismic installations.

“Because ceiling panel performance and non-tee bar suspension systems are not well defined in the IBC requirements, we also worked with an independent, internationally renowned structural engineering firm to test both standard and non-standard ceiling systems for seismic performance,” says Mark Taylor, ROCKFON’s North American marketing manager for ceiling systems. “The results of these full-scale seismic tests offer proven safety and performance support for standard and non-standard ceilings, flexible design options, and more efficient installation designs.”

Chicago Metallic suspension systems are tested to ASTM E580/E580M Standard Practice for Installation of Ceiling Systems for Acoustical Tile and Lay-in Panels in Areas Subject to Earthquake Ground Motions. In addition, Chicago Metallic suspension systems, including the 1496 Seismic Perimeter Clip, 1494 SSC Clip and 1493 Unopposed Tee Clip, also have been successfully and rigorously tested at the Structural Engineering Earthquake Simulation Laboratory at the State University of New York at Buffalo.

ROCKFON products also are listed under evaluation report ICC-ESR 2631. ICC-ES is the industry leader in performing technical evaluations for code compliance, providing regulators and construction professionals with clear evidence that products comply with codes and standards.

Along with the evaluation details, ICC-ESR 2631 provides proper installation requirements for the following Chicago Metallic suspension systems:
* 200 and 250 Snap-Grid™
* 640, 650, 660 and 670 Drywall
* 660 Wide Face
* 730 All Stainless Steel
* 830 All Aluminum
* 1200 and 1250 Seismic™
* 1260 and 1280 Aluminum Cap
* 1493 Unopposed Tee Clip
* 1494 Seismic Separation Clip
* 1496 Seismic Perimeter Clip
* 1830 Environmental
* 4000 and 4050 Tempra™
* 4500, 4550 and 4600 Ultraline™

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Schaumburg, Illinois — The American Architectural Manufacturers Association (AAMA) will host an online contest on both LinkedIn and Twitter every Monday and Wednesday, respectively, at 12:30 p.m. EDT from Aug. 10 through Sept. 9, as well as during the GlassBuild America show (Sept. 16-18 in Atlanta). The contest will feature quiz questions from AAMA’s FenestrationMasters® program — the industry resource for comprehensive professional education and certification.

Brenda Breighner, Jim Snyder, and Wayne Breighner played in the booth’s live demo of the game, “Are You Smarter Than a FenestrationMaster?” at GlassBuild America in Las Vegas in 2014.

Each Monday, one quiz question will be asked in AAMA’s LinkedIn group and a different quiz question will be posted on AAMA’s Twitter account two days later, each Wednesday. The first five respondents with the correct answer will receive a 5 percent discount each week for up to 25 percent off FenestrationMasters courses and exams. To participate in the online contest, follow AAMA on Twitter (@AAMAInfo) or search for the contest hashtag, #RUsmarter. Also, join the association’s LinkedIn group to play.

Additionally, each day of GlassBuild America in booth #2707, AAMA will be hosting the game show, Are You Smarter than a FenestrationMaster, where participants will be awarded a 5 percent discount on FenestrationMasters courses and exams for each quiz question they answer correctly. Participants have the chance to win up to a 25 percent discount during GlassBuild.

However, by competing during the online contest and at the show, participants could earn up to a 50 percent discount toward courses and exams.

What is FenestrationMasters?
FenestrationMasters was developed to help companies differentiate their business and increase their credibility by offering their customers the benefit of employees who have pursued a well-rounded education in the fenestration industry.

“FenestrationMasters is a cost-effective way to train new employees, especially those in sales and marketing capacities, as well as seasoned technical staff. Both will be well versed in industry standards and best practices across all facets of the industry,” says Angela Dickson, AAMA’s marketing manager.

There are two different credentials available through the program, both requiring successful completion of the applicable coursework and the certification exam: FenestrationMaster and FenestrationAssociate. There are no prerequisites to qualify for the FenestrationAssociate (entry-level) certification. To qualify for the FenestrationMaster (advanced-level) certification, one of the following prerequisites must be met:
* Four-year degree in engineering, architecture or applied sciences and four years fenestration product-related experience
* Six years fenestration product-related experience
For more information, visit aamanet.org/fenestrationmasters.

Online Contest/Game Show Terms
* Discounts apply only to individual FenestrationMaster® or FenestrationAssociate® course subscriptions and exams.
* Discounts cannot be applied to previous orders.
* Discounts may be transferred to another individual within the same company as the winner.
* During the online contest, an individual may only win on one social media platform (Twitter or LinkedIn) each week for a maximum online discount of 25 percent.
* Redemption of discounted courses and exams must be handled through AAMA staff by contacting FenestrationMasters@aamanet.org.

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The American Architectural Manufacturers Association (AAMA) has updated and released a document specifying test methods, specifications, and field checks used to evaluate the structural adequacy of wall systems and their ability to resist water penetration and air leakage. Other optional tests also are included. AAMA 501-15 is intended to be referenced in current laboratory and field testing methods for exterior wall systems comprised of curtainwalls, storefronts and sloped glazing. It was previously updated in 2005.

According to José Colon (Architectural Testing), chair of the AAMA 501 Update Task Group, the standard recently was updated to make sure all labortories and product manufacturers are on the same page as far as procedures and also pass/fail criteria for certain parts of the standard. These document updates also take into consideration the new technologies for equipment being used for testing.

“Historically, AAMA 501 has been the base standard for project specific test requirements,” says Colon. “More and more specifications are being written that are actually even longer than what is called out in AAMA 501.”

This is especially the case in places with more detailed codes, like Miami-Dade or the state of Florida in general, said Colon.

“A specific product or system company will ask us to test per AAMA 501 just to get their system testing so they can get certification from Miami-Dade or Florida,” he says. “The building code requires AAMA 501 on curtainwall and storefront systems. Plus, we have other manufacturers or glazing contractors that will need similar testing per AAMA 501, or greater, for a specific project.”

AAMA 501-15, as well as other AAMA documents, may be purchased from AAMA’s Publication Store.

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Knutson promoted Ryan Christenson to project manager. He has worked at Knutson as an assistant project manager for more than two years.

“We are proud of the work Ryan has done with Knutson and are confident he will be successful in his new role as project manager,” stated Dave Bastyr, Knutson’s executive vice president of Minnesota.

Since joining Knutson, Christenson has managed the $20 million Essentia Health Parking Ramp project in Duluth. The project started in July 2013 and is scheduled to be complete in the upcoming months. Working in Duluth has brought many challenges that the team has overcame, including blasting into solid bedrock directly adjacent to a fully operational hospital and one of the coldest winters in history — all while keeping the public and construction crews safe, and working on a tight site in a heavily populated area.

“Ryan’s ability to effectively manage construction in unpredictable weather conditions, and to build relationships with Duluth subcontractors, LHB Architects, and Essentia Health, have been a huge asset to the Knutson team,” said Bastyr,

In addition to the Essentia Health Parking Ramp project in Duluth, Christenson also is overseeing closing-out the Nordstrom at Ridgedale Mall concrete package project. Looking ahead, he will be the project manager on the St. Paul College Health and Sciences Alliance Center, which was recently funded by the legislature in a special session earlier this summer.

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Dave & Buster’s Vernon Hills, Illinois new location presents a sleek, modern brand inside and out. Designed by Aria Group Architects, the store’s updated look conveys a sense of energy, technology and fun befitting the combined retailer, restaurant, sports bar and gaming center. Achieving the desired aesthetic balance, the store’s exterior features bold blocks of colorful metal panels provided by Laminators Inc. and finished by Linetec using a 70 percent polyvinylidene fluoride (PVDF) resin-based coating.

Founded in 1982 and headquartered in Dallas, Dave & Buster’s Entertainment, Inc., is the owner and operator of 76 venues in North America that combine dining and entertainment. Aria Group assisted with more than 10 of these. The 68th Dave & Buster’s in the U.S. and the fourth in the Chicago area, the Vernon Hills location’s 40,000-square-foot restaurant and entertainment center was completed in March 2014 as part of an expansion of the Westfield Hawthorne Mall.

Meeting the owner and architect’s precise specifications, Linetec painted Laminators’ Omega-Lite® aluminum composite panels in Valspar’s Fluropon® two-coat finishes to match Dave & Buster’s identity standards. Three custom colors were specified: Ionic Sunflower, Yam and Cornucopia Tan. For each color, 30 to 35 panels in up to 121-inch lengths were used, totaling approximately 3,900 square feet.

Composed of a polypropylene, corrugated core between two finished aluminum sheets, Omega-Lite panels are non-absorbent, water-resistant, and easy to maintain. Supplied by distributor S&S Panel Sales, the panel system was installed by Metalmaster Roofmaster using Laminators’ Dry Seal methodology to create a deep reveal look. This installation approach compartmentalizes the air cavity and allows for drainage and ventilation. The high-performance, pressure-equalized wall system reduces moisture-related issues within the wall cavity without caulk at the joints.

Supporting the panel system’s performance, Linetec applied PVDF architectural coatings that meet the industry’s stringent requirements set by the American Architectural Manufacturers Association, AAMA 2605. This standard ensures the coatings exhibit outstanding resistance to humidity, color change, chalk, gloss loss and chemicals for long-lasting performance that requires minimal maintenance throughout the buildings’ lifespan.

As an environmentally responsible finisher, Linetec captures the liquid paints’ volatile organic compounds (VOCs) content to eliminate the exhaust of potential pollutants. The primary environmental concern with liquid paints is the solvents, which may have VOC content and must be destroyed safely. Linetec uses a 100 percent air capture system and destroys the VOCs with a regenerative thermal oxidizer, so there is no adverse environmental impact. Linetec then re-uses its heat energy byproduct to improve process energy efficiency. This process of re-use is completed before the material exits the paint line.

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Dave & Buster’s, 424 Hawthorn Center, Vernon Hills, Illinois 60061; http://www.daveandbusters.com/locations/StoreInformation.aspx?StoreId=76
* Owner: Dave & Buster’s Entertainment, Inc.; Dallas; http://www.daveandbusters.com
* Architect: Aria Group Architects, Inc.; Oak Park, Illinois; http://www.ariainc.com
* Metal panel systems – distributor: S&S Panel Sales; Bensenville, Illinois
* Metal panel systems – installer: Metalmaster Roofmaster; McHenry, Illinois; http://www.metalmaster-roofmaster.com
* Metal panel systems – manufacturer and installer: Laminators Inc.; Hatfield, Pennsylvania; http://www.laminatorsinc.com
* Metal panel systems – finisher: Linetec; Wausau, Wisconsin; http://www.linetec.com
* Metal panel systems – coatings manufacturer: The Valspar Corporation; Minneapolis; http://www.valsparcoilextrusion.com
* Photos courtesy of: Laminators Inc.

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