Plumbing Manufacturers International (PMI) elected Stewart Yang, vice president of engineering, faucet design for Kohler Co., Board President for the year 2012. Yang was elected at the 2011 Fall Meeting, held September 18-21 at the Liaison Capitol Hill in Washington, D.C. Yang succeeds 2011 PMI President, Jack Krecek, vice president and general manager, commercial channels for Elkay Manufacturing Company, who will continue to serve as PMI Immediate Past President.

Stewart Yang, PMI 2012 Board President

Also elected to serve on the 2012 PMI Executive Committee are:
* Jeff Baldwin, engineering manager for T&S Brass and Bronze Works as First Vice President;
* Tim Kilbane, national sales manager for Symmons Industries as Second Vice President; and
* Fernando Fernandez, director of codes and standards for TOTO USA as Treasurer.

Newly elected Directors at Large include:
* David MacNair, vice president of marketing and Emerson brand officer for InSinkErator, and
* Peter Jahrling, director of design engineering for Sloan Valve Company.
Appointed the position of Director at Large is Bobbi Bieschke, chief financial officer for Amerikam.

Returning Directors at Large include:
* C.J. Lagan, senior manager of compliance engineering for American Standard Brands,
* Paul Patton, senior product development manager for Delta Faucet Company, and
* Tim Schroeder, president of Duravit USA.

Representing manufacturers across the plumbing industry, the PMI Board steers the activities of the organization. Board members must be actively employed by a PMI member company for consideration and are elected by the membership at the Fall PMI Conference for three-year terms that start the following year.

Krecek also announced the appointment of new Committee Chairs:
* Charles Hettrick, technical services manager for Delta Faucet Company and
* John Watson, LEED® Green Associate with Elkay Manufacturing Company,
have been named as the two new Co-Chairs of the Water Efficiency and Sustainability Committee.

In addition, Sal Gattone, director of program management for consumer fixtures for American Standard Brands, was named as the new Co-Chair of the Fair Trade Committee. Also serving on the Fair Trade Committee is Dale Gallmann, corporate codes compliance manager for Bradley Corporation.

The new co-chairs began their terms at the PMI Fall Conference. Their terms run from Fall 2011 through Spring 2014.

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In spite of the economic climate, 5 by 5 Design celebrates its fifth year in business as leaders in its industry and its community. The company’s strategic marketing communications and creative design services are highly valued by its clients, driving sales in excess of $1 million.

5 by 5 Design’s clients range from Welcyon Fitness After 50, health clubs for aging adults, to 360° a Minnesota State Colleges and Universities System initiative focused on promoting and building the manufacturing industry, from Gopher News Company, a distributor of magazines and books, to The McKnight Foundation, one of the nation’s largest foundations. (Heather West Public Relations, Inc. also is proud to be a client of 5 by 5 Design.)

Owned and founded by Diana Lillicrap and Wendy Ruyle, 5 by 5 Design’s brand is synonymous with “loud and clear.” Traditional communication signals, such as radio messages, were rated on a scale of 1 to 5 for strength and clarity. “Regardless of the channels — broadcast, print or interactive, the markets, the messages, the tools — strong, clear communications continue to resonate with businesses large and small,” says Lillicrap.

Ruyle continues, “We work with large corporations, small- to medium-sized businesses, several start-ups, and non-profits. Our diverse client base gives us the opportunity to apply cross-market thinking to our design, to work with all levels of leadership, and to create financial stability for our company. Most of our work is ongoing and relationship based. In fact, 74% of all of our clients have hired us for more than one project. More than 50% of our clients are multi-year clients.”

“I continue to be impressed with the strategy and creativity offered by 5 by 5 Design. They provide us with large agency thinking at a small agency price,” says Suzy Boerboom, co-owner and chief operating officer, Welcyon Fitness After 50.

Strengthening its relationships with the community, 5 by 5 Design designates more than 5% of its work as pro-bono each year. One of 5 by 5 Design’s pro bono clients, Girl Friday Productions‘ co-founder and artistic director, Kirby Bennett, says, “We knew we needed a website, but 5 by 5 Design helped us to build a total brand image, while still delivering an engaging and easy-to-use online tool.”

In addition to time and services, the company has donated money and materials, including shoes, meals, diapers and books, to dozens of non-profit organizations. “Give back” is the first lesson Ruyle and Lillicrap share with other business leaders as tips for success.

“Giving back to your community is good for you and for the world,” Ruyle elaborates. “Believe in karma. What you put out in the world eventually comes back around. Plus, giving back makes you feel good and you might learn something along the way.”

Along with “1. Give back,” 5 by 5 Design highlights four other lessons from its first five years in business in its blog post.

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* Kolbe will be exhibiting at IBS in booth W3729 *

Kolbe’s Ultra Series TerraSpan® Lift and Slide doors‘ 10-foot-tall units have been certified to meet the impact testing criteria for large missile impact Level D, design pressure (DP) 45 rating, and Wind Zone 4 testing standards (IPD4). The IPD4 rating indicates these products are an excellent choice for hurricane areas, as well for any region of the country that is subject to severe storms or gale-force winds.

Successfully completing the extensive testing to meet or exceed the strict building codes of the coastal region, TerraSpan doors join Kolbe’s K-Force® impact products. “These products are specially designed with the strength to withstand hurricane force winds and flying debris, while presenting the same beautiful appearance for which Kolbe windows and doors are known,” says Cindy Bremer, Kolbe’s vice president of marketing.

TerraSpan’s large panels can pocket into a wall or stack together, and can be arranged in more than 900 operational configurations. A maximum of 10 stacking or pocketing door panels in widths up to 6-feet may be specified for a single, expansive opening. Design teams can easily communicate and visually customize TerraSpan doors’ dimensions and functionality using Kolbe’s 3-D Revit® building information models (BIM). In addition to BIM tools, the website offers 2-D drawings; air, water, structural and thermal reports; warranties, installation and maintenance information, and online videos to demonstrate product operation and performance testing.

Along with impact resistance, TerraSpan doors are available with climate-appropriate, high performance glass options that balance daylighting and energy efficiency. These units also feature architecturally-correct coped corners where stiles meet rails, universal design ADA-compliant bottom panel rails, and a choice of screens, hardware, finishes, exterior colors and interior wood species.

As part of the Ultra Series product line, TerraSpan doors’ exteriors are clad in low-maintenance, extruded aluminum that contains recycled content. The outer, metal surfaces are finished in environmentally-friendly, durable coatings and a broad palette of colors. For the interior, a range of sustainably-harvested wood species can be chosen for trim, such as those certified by the Forest Stewardship Council. Kolbe’s doors’ environmental attributes also support projects pursuing green goals including ENERGY STAR®, Green Globes™ and the U.S. Green Building Council’s LEED® Rating System™.

Learn more about Kolbe’s TerraSpan doors and impact resistant products at www.kolbe-kolbe.com.

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At the National Fall Conference in Palm Springs, Calif., the American Architectural Manufacturers Association (AAMA) Board of Directors unanimously approved a motion to award Bill Gorman, an engineer at Milgard, who continued to represent Milgard with his active participation in AAMA and National Fenestration Rating Council following his retirement in 2001, with Honorary Membership status with AAMA, as nominated by Ray Garries of JELD-WEN, Inc.

The Honorary Member distinction is recommended for an individual who has shown exceptional dedication to AAMA, made considerable contributions to achieving the association’s objectives, held multiple leadership positions and/or maintained continuous participation for 20 years or more. This complimentary membership is awarded at the discretion of the Board of Directors by a three-fourths majority vote.

Gorman has served on more than 35 committees, task groups and councils. He began actively participating in AAMA in 1985 and has attended the AAMA National and Western Region events consistently since 1990.

Throughout the years, Gorman has been an active participant in AAMA, having served in leadership positions, including as chairman of numerous committees and task groups, as well as president and vice president in the Western Region. Garries notes that “Bill has been committed to this industry, driving various initiatives and remaining dedicated over the years to creating progress in the fenestration marketplace.”

Gorman has been revered in the past for his notable work and contributions. In 2002, he accepted a distinguished sponsor award on behalf of Milgard for their promotion of the InstallationMasters™ Program. Additionally, Gorman was the 1998 recipient of the Residential Products Group Distinguished Service Award.

Honorary Members are eligible for the benefits and services provided by the association without paying annual dues, but are ineligible to vote or serve in leadership positions. In order to be eligible, individuals must be retired from the industry and may not be employed by or be currently providing consulting services for a member or prospective member company.

In the last 10 years, only three other individuals have earned this distinction: Doug Adams of Bronze Craft in 2006, Tom Scheg of Mikron in 2007 and Paul Warner of Quanex in 2008. AAMA currently recognizes only 10 individuals with this distinction.

For additional information regarding membership, honorary membership benefits or how to nominate a candidate, please contact Jacqueline Saenz, AAMA’s membership coordinator.

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Appleton Coated has transitioned its renewable electricity purchasing to renewable energy credits (RECs) from Green-e(R) certified energy sources. Now, Green Power is a standard offer in five grades of the Utopia® brand of coated printing papers: Utopia Premium, Utopia One (sheets and web), U1X:Green (sheets and web), Utopia Two (sheets) and U2:XG (sheets and web). Effective Oct. 3, 2011, these five grades feature Green-e certified Green Power.

“One hundred percent of the electricity used to manufacture these products is matched with RECS from Green-e  certified energy sources — primarily wind. Purchasing Utopia papers with Green Power increases support for building clean, efficient, wind-powered facilities and reduces greenhouse gas emissions. Demonstrating this forward-thinking commitment to the environment by choosing Green Power Utopia requires no additional effort or cost,” says Ferkó Goldinger, advertising and promotion manager.

Customers also may specify Green Power for Appleton Coated‘s papers that do not include this as standard. Those choosing this option will be charged a small additional cost and will be provided with a certificate of purchase plus the Green Power logo, if requested.

Learn more about Appleton Coated’s environmental focus and features in the “Utopia Green Zone.” This online resource presents an easy, interactive format to compare up to four product choices and calculate the environmental savings.

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The International Association of Plumbing and Mechanical Officials (IAPMO) and Plumbing Manufacturers International (PMI) have entered into a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) specifically detailing ways in which the two organizations will work together to jointly advance and promote mutual industry interests as related to education, training and advocacy.

Through this MoU, IAPMO and PMI pledge cooperation in the achievement of numerous objectives, including the following:
* Where mutually beneficial, identify and consider a possible agreement between IAPMO and PMI to promote new and existing sustainability opportunities and services collaboratively to our members and the industry, including IAPMO’s green training programs.
* Consider ways the organizations might aid best practices in the plumbing industry, and seek collaborations with other industry groups to promote effective delivery of continuing education programs for workers and recruitment of new workers.
* Identify joint areas of interest in legislative and regulatory advocacy.
* Consider expansion of IAPMO educational content and offerings to including hosting of existing PMI courses and collaborate with PMI on development of new courses that may be offered jointly and co-promoted.
* Investigate the feasibility of jointly produced educational conferences.

IAPMO CEO GP Russ Chaney and PMI Executive Director Barbara C. Higgens signed the MoU on Oct. 13 in Washington, D.C.

Pete DeMarco, Allen Inlow, Dave Viola all of IAPMO (standing). Russ Chaney, IAPMO CEO GP, and Barbara C. Higgens, PMI Executive Director (seated).

“Sharing talents through collaborative relationships like this one with IAPMO has been an important part of PMI’s success over the years. We are delighted to have the opportunity to explore areas of mutual interest and to investigate ways to work together,” Higgens said.

“IAPMO and PMI have long worked together and with others to advance the industry, but with this Memorandum of Understanding we look forward to engaging in an even more proactively cooperative relationship,” Chaney said. “Each association becomes a stronger advocate of its stated mission with the assistance and backing of the other.”

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Kolbe expanded its library of 2-D models and 3-D building information modeling (BIM) tools to include Ultra Series Beveled Direct Set windows. Complementing contemporary design projects, these durable, aluminum clad windows are glazed to the interior and direct set in the heavy-duty extruded aluminum frame. The profile is integral to the frame, providing detail and strength.

The new Revit® and Google™ SketchUp models for Ultra Series Beveled Direct Set windows are located in Kolbe’s online Architect Library. As part of Kolbe’s growing collection of more than 1,000 window and door models, these new models can link with external data sources to instantly compile quantity takeoffs for residential and commercial building projects.

These easy-to-use models allow users to customize the width, height, exterior trim, casement profiles, and other features. A wide range of wood species is available including those certified by the Forest Stewardship Council (FSC). FSC-certified options can be coupled with energy efficient glass choices.

Kolbe’s Ultra Series Beveled Direct Set windows include LoE-270 insulating glass with argon gas. Due to the glass unit being set directly into the frame without a sash, these windows maximize the view and daylight. Plus, the detailed sticking allows for Kolbe’s performance divided lite (PDL) options, grilles-in-the-airspace, or interior wood removable grilles.

The exterior aluminum clad frames contain recycled content, further supporting environmentally sensitive projects such as those pursuing recognition by ENERGY STAR®, Green Building Initiative’s Green Globes™, and the U.S. Green Building Council’s LEED® Rating System™. The frames may be in a broad palette of distinctive colors aid in achieving eye-catching designs.

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Plumbing Manufacturers International (PMI) hosted its Fall Conference, Sept. 18-21, 2011 at the Liaison Capitol Hill Hotel in Washington, D.C.

The meeting kicked off on Mon., Sept. 19, with an Executive Roundtable Event, featuring executives from seven member companies who gathered to discuss the state of the plumbing manufacturing industry, their companies’ responses to the economic downturn, the global trends they see that will impact the industry, and many other topics.

Political pundit and journalist, George Will, moderated the roundtable. The event participants were:
* Keith Allman, president, Delta Faucet Company;
* Don Devine, chief executive officer, American Standard Brands;
* Timothy Jahnke, president and chief executive officer, Elkay Manufacturing Company;
* David Lingafelter, president, Moen Incorporated;
* Tim O’Keeffe, chief executive officer, Symmons Industries;
* William Strang, chairman, TOTO Mexico and senior vice president, TOTO USA;
* Jim Westdorp, group president of kitchen and bath, Kohler Co.

After the conclusion of the roundtable event, Will offered the keynote address to the attendees. He touched on topics, such as the economic climate in the U.S. and Europe, the economic bailout and the current agenda of the federal government.

On Monday afternoon, the dual track format that made its debut at the PMI Spring Conference, returned to great acclaim. Attendees were given a choice to attend either the technical council meeting or the marketing council meeting. “This separate track system has generated a great deal of interest and attracted many new PMI conference attendees,” says PMI Executive Director Barbara C. Higgens.

Tues., Sept. 20, featured a presentation by Dr. Chad Moutray, chief economist with the National Association of Manufacturers. Stephanie Tanner, lead engineer for the Environmental Protection Agency; Brendan Owens, vice president, LEED® technical development for the U.S. Green Building Council, and Christian Taylor-Hamlin, technical director of the Bathroom Manufacturers Association, gave presentations during PMI’s Water Efficiency and Sustainability Issue Committee Meeting.

The Fair Trade portion of the conference saw presentations by Gary Stanley, acting director, office of materials industries, and Salim Bhabrawala, senior international trade specialist, both of whom are with the U.S. Department of Commerce; and by Yvonne Orgill, chief executive of the Bathroom Manufacturers Association.

Jack Krecek, PMI’ spresident and Elkay Manufacturing Company’s vice president and general manager of commercial channels, presented the President’s Awards to Rick Reles, vice president of kitchens, cast iron and corporate accounts worldwide for Kohler Co.; and to Paul Patton, senior product development manager for Delta Faucet Company, in recognition of their efforts to enhance PMI’s value to marketing professionals through the development of PMI’s Marketing Council.

This is the third year that the President’s Award honor has been bestowed; the started in 2009. The award is discretionary and given annually by the PMI President for commitment and contributions to PMI and the industry. Previous winners are: Sally Remedios, manager of product compliance, Delta Faucet Company; Shabbir Rawalpindiwala, manager of codes and standards, Kohler Co.; and Klaus Fromme, retired director of corporate managing services, Bradley Corporation.

Wed., Sept. 20, started with a short tutorial on lobbying visits. PMI Fall Conference attendees then left to meet with their elected officials on Capitol Hill.

PMI extends its thanks to the Fall Conference Sponsors: Chase Brass and Copper Company, International Association of Plumbing and Mechanical Officials (IAPMO), International Code Council (ICC), and Dornbracht Americas.

PMI’s 2012 Spring Conference will take place April 1-4 at the Doubletree Sonoma Wine Country Hotel in Rohnert Park, Calif. Watch for details at www.pmihome.org.

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For the past three years, 5 by 5 Design has worked with The McKnight Foundation to create an annual report that respects resources — financial and natural, professional and personal — while continuing to communicate the foundation’s yearly update in a creative format. The 2011 annual report is nearly 80% smaller in size than the 2009 report, while still delivering its message and generating attention.

“Ten years ago, our annual report was 100 pages. Today, it’s a six-page, self-mailer,” explains Tim Hanrahan, communications director for The McKnight Foundation. “As a tax-privileged foundation, accountable to the communities we support, we depend on creative approaches to demonstrate responsibility without sacrificing quality. 5 by 5 Design’s attractive, streamlined report gets to the heart of what we need to share – it is easy to scan, easy to distribute, and easy on the budget.”

“Other foundations see what this leader has done and have begun to emulate it,” adds Diana Lillicrap, co-owner of 5 by 5 Design. For example, The Fund for Theological Education recently hired 5 by 5 Design to slim down its annual report from 24 pages to 12 and apply a less-is-more approach with concise messaging.

“We wanted to bring clarity to who we are and what we are about,” says Kimberly Daniel, communications associate for The Fund for Theological Education. “Our annual report seemed like the perfect place to do just that. The new approach allows us to have an image and voice that is fresh, concise, and compelling to all our audiences.”

“Annual reports used to be approached like major ad campaigns with a big theme for the year and big budgets for photos, printing, design, etc.,” notes Wendy Ruyle, co-owner of 5 by 5 Design. “Since 2009, the Security and Exchanges Commission no longer requires a paper version be distributed to shareholders. Now, all that bulky financial content can live on the web. However, that message of who we are, what we do, and why it is important is still a priority for organizations to communicate. And updating it on a yearly basis is a terrific way to evaluate where you’ve been and refine your goals for the future.”

Lillicrap agrees and elaborates: “Annual reports have turned into workhorse communications that need to strongly represent the full brand and company. They are intended to show stability and consistency, but especially in a down economy, no one wants to look too flashy to investors and stakeholders.”

Along with cultivating the desired financial perception, 5 by 5 Design observes that sustainability messaging and practices continue to grow as a positive attribute. Lillicrap notes, “Paper certified by the Forest Stewardship Council and printers who maintain that chain-of-custody are becoming the expected norm for any print project. Those wanting to go the extra step are using things like renewable energy credits.”

“The future, as we see it, is not the end of the annual report,” Ruyle emphasizes. “It is the dawn of a more useful report that succinctly conveys an organization’s message of where they’ve come from and where they are going — a look back and forward.”

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Enhancing efficient use of renewable energy, three of the 20 entries in the 2011 Solar Decathlon feature triple pane windows from Kolbe: Appalachian State University, Purdue University, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign (UIUC). Purdue University and UIUC also were among the five teams that presented their competition concepts at the 2011 International Builders’ Show.

Helping homeowners lower their heating bills by effectively and efficiently keeping the warm air inside, Kolbe’s triple pane glass windows come standard with insulating glass and LoE coatings designed to achieve low U-factors. Kolbe’s Windquest® EP vinyl windows and Ultra EP aluminum clad wood windows can achieve U-factors as low as 0.19 (approximately 1.00 in metric), as exemplified in the 2011 Solar Decathlon entries.

On Thurs., Sept. 29, 11 a.m., “Solar 101: Uncovering Opportunities of Advanced Building Envelopes” a consumer workshop delves into the technology behind windows, roofs, walls and building-integrated photovoltaic cells and the opportunities for homeowners to incorporate the latest technologies in their homes. This workshop and many other events are free and open to the public, held at the National Mall’s West Potomac Park in Washington, D.C.

The Solar Decathlon challenges 20 universities and more than 15,000 students from around the world to design and build solar powered homes. Each school’s team transports its entry to the National Mall in Washington, D.C., where it is constructed, operated and visited from Sept. 23 to Oct. 2. Open to the public, the event attracts more than 100,000 visitors as well as national media attention.

Entries are judged on performance in 10 categories: architecture, market appeal, engineering, communications, affordability, comfort zone, hot water, appliances, home entertainment, and energy balance. New this year, an affordability contest rewards teams that build houses with estimated costs at or below $250,000. The Affordability Contest’s winner will be decided Wed., Sept. 27. The Engineering Contest will be held Thurs., Sept. 29 and the Communications Contest will be announced Fri., Sept. 30.

The 2011 Solar Decathlon’s overall winner is the team that earns the most points in all categories and contests, demonstrating the best blend of affordability, consumer appeal and design excellence with optimal energy production and maximum efficiency. Beyond the competition, the ultimate objective is to increase education and awareness of cost-saving opportunities presented by clean-energy products.

Sponsored by the U.S. Department of Energy’s Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy in partnership with its National Renewable Energy Laboratory, the first Solar Decathlon was held in 2002 and has since occurred biennially in 2005, 2007, 2009 and 2011.

For more information on the competition, please visit the Department of Energy at:
http://www.solardecathlon.gov
@solar_decathlon
http://www.facebook.com/DOESolarDecathlon/
http://www.youtube.com/user/DOESolarDecathlon/
http://www.flickr.com/photos/solar_decathlon/

North Carolina’s Appalachian State University designed the Solar Homestead (#205) to embody “independence and ingenuity — qualities reflected in the heritage of traditional homesteads. The Solar Homestead fuses these values into an innovative, ultra-efficient house that is adaptable, self-sufficient, affordable, and attractive. The concept of the ‘modern homestead’ is manifested throughout the house.”

Contributing to this vision, Kolbe provide its Ultra EP casements, picture windows and doors with triple pane glass. A clear anodize, no-VOC, environmentally friendly finish protects the products’ exterior cladding, which includes recycled aluminum. Kolbe offers a range of sustainably harvested wood species for the interior trim, such as those certified by the Forest Stewardship Council. Offering additional performance and peace-of-mind to homeowners in coastal areas like North Carolina, stainless steel hinges on the Ultra EP products contribute to attaining Design Pressure (DP) ratings as high as DP80 for casements.

After competing in Solar Decathlon 2011, the Solar Homestead will travel throughout North Carolina to promote renewable energy education. The team will teach visitors the value of sustainable technology and environmental preservation. When the tour concludes, the house will return to Appalachian State University to serve as an educational tool for future Mountaineers.

For more information on Appalachian State University’s Solar Homestead, please visit:
http://www.thesolarhomestead.com/
@SolarHomestead
http://www.facebook.com/SolarHomestead
http://www.youtube.com/user/TheSolarHomestead
ftp://eeftp.ee.doe.gov/video/2011_footage/205_appalachian_state.mov
http://www.flickr.com/photos/thesolarhomestead/

Purdue University named its entry “INhome,” short for Indiana home (#305). Designed to feature “efficient systems and sustainable design without sacrificing modern comforts and amenities&hellip the INhome is a fully functional, yet practical net-zero energy home designed for a typical Midwestern consumer in today’s cost-competitive residential market.

Kolbe supplied Ultra EP casement and awning windows with triple pane glass. The windows’ recycled aluminum clad exteriors are painted in a durable Ultra Pure White 70% fluoropolymer finish, verified to meet the industry’s most stringent testing and backed with a 30-year warranty. The awnings were installed with an electric operator to assist with natural ventilation, highlighting the project’s focus on technological innovations to optimize energy performance.

According to Team Purdue, “One practical method to make solar powered residences a reality and cost-effective is to rely on passive systems. Passive design utilizes natural processes for heating, cooling and lighting. In order to benefit from passive daylighting, the INhome is designed to face south, maximizing sunlight exposure. Passive air ventilation from a mixture of automated and manual windows provides cooling when needed. Passive heating design helps to maintain indoor temperatures during the winter without relying on energy usage from the HVAC system.”

After the Solar Decathlon, the INhome will be placed in an existing neighborhood in Lafayette, Ind., as part of a broader revitalization effort.

For more information on Purdue University’s INhome, please visit:
http://www.purdue.edu/inhome/
@Purdue_IN_home
http://www.facebook.com/PurdueINhomeSolarDecathlon2011
ftp://eeftp.ee.doe.gov/video/2011_footage/201_purdue_university.mov
http://www.youtube.com/user/TechPurdue

Illinois’ Re_home by UIUC (#201) uses a rapid deployment strategy to offer an immediate and sustainable solution for a family left without a home in the vent of a natural disaster. Designed with affordable materials and readily available technologies for increased efficiency and comfort, Re_home also incorporates universal design features that comply with the American Disabilities Act.

A highly insulated, double-layered envelope minimizes thermal transfer between the interior and exterior. The UIUC team says that this helps in “drastically reducing the energy needs of the home. Glazing on the home is kept to a minimum, and when used is carefully placed and strategically shaded to control solar gains and maximize daylighting.”

Kolbe helped accomplish these goals with its Windquest EP triple pane glass windows. These were installed on the north and south façade to minimize unwanted solar heat gain and maximize thermal performance. These low-maintenance units also are may be specified with impact performance for coastal areas and high wind zones. Certified to meet both large missile impact Level D and Wind Zone 4 testing standards, Kolbe’s Windquest Series product line received notice of acceptance in compliance with Miami-Dade County codes, some of the most stringent requirements by any jurisdiction.

After the Solar Decathlon, the UIUC team would like the house to be used for its intended purpose by offering it to a family in need. “By finding a balance between good design and smart planning, the Re_home responds to the physical and emotional needs of the families while overall demonstrating how environmentally aware living can be brought to the forefront of a community-led recovery effort.”

For more information on University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign’s Re_home, please visit:
http://solardecathlon.illinois.edu
@Re_home
http://www.facebook.com/pages/Re_home/192176687460892
http://vimeo.com/ui7
http://www.youtube.com/user/UIUCSolarDecathlon
ftp://eeftp.ee.doe.gov/video/2011_footage/305_university_of_illinois.mov
http://www.flickr.com/photos/58744079@N03/

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