Plumbing Manufacturers Institute volunteers on San Diego Habitat for Humanity project

Preceding the Plumbing Manufacturers Institute (PMI) Spring Meeting this March, members and staff volunteered on Habitat for Humanity’s G Avenue project in National City, CA. PMI‘s team assisted with foundation preparation, retaining wall construction, irrigation system installation and other tasks. When completed in 2011, the project will provide eight semi-attached, two-story homes. Each home will have three bedrooms and one-and-a-half baths.

The association’s board president, Lee Mercer, director of product compliance for Moen Incorporated (North Olmsted, OH), led PMI’s Habitat team. “PMI and its members play a critical role in providing safe, clean drinking water and sanitary conditions. This directly and positively contributes to healthy lives and livelihoods for people across the globe,” says Mercer.

He continues, “This is the first year that we’ve included a hands-on opportunity, allowing members to personally contribute their time. It’s a way for us to give back, leave a positive impression and remain connected to the community hosting our meeting. We hope to incorporate similar activities into future meetings.”

Key volunteers on San Diego Habitat for Humanity‘s G Avenue project in National City, included: Barbara C. Higgens, executive director, PMI; David Hagopian, director of strategy and technology, PMI; Peter Jahrling, director of design engineering, Sloan Valve Company (Franklin Park, IL); Sally Remedios, product compliance manager, Delta Faucet Company (Indianapolis, IN); and Matt Dos Remedios, production planner, American Faucet and Coatings Corporation (Vista, CA).

Volunteers received on-site supervision and guidance from John Pulliam, volunteer coordinator, and Joe Carton, site superintendent. Ken Kosman, chief construction officer for the San Diego Habitat for Humanity, offered advance coordination for the PMI team. Kosman spoke at the Spring Meeting, thanking PMI for its volunteers’ efforts and $500.00 donation, and for its members’ ongoing and past donations of plumbing products and materials.

Dedicated to eliminating substandard, poverty housing from its community, the San Diego Habitat for Humanity relies on contributions of land, materials, money and labor to keep building costs low. Partner families invest hundred of hours of their own “sweat equity” and qualify for a zero-interest mortgage that is no more than a third of their income. Mortgage payments are typically less than rental fees charged for inadequate shelter and unsafe living conditions.

“With adequate housing, families can devote more attention to career opportunities, education and health,” according to Kosman. “As the crushing cycle of poverty is broken, children benefit, neighborhoods change for the better, and entire communities improve.”

San Diego Habitat for Humanity has constructed more than 100 homes throughout the county. Learn more at http://www.sdhfh.org/.

For more information about the PMI Spring Meeting, visit http://www.pmihome.org or call 847-481-5500. PMI’s 2010 Fall Meeting will take place October 3-6, 2010, at the Liaison Capitol Hill in Washington, D.C.

Please see the full news release and high-resolution photos available at PMI’s online press room.

Filed under: CLIENT NEWS | Comments Off on 04.19.10 Association News

Change fixed lites to operable with zero sightline insert vents,
part of Advantage by Wausau’s standard product offering

Presenting a uniform, exterior appearance coupled with the benefits of daylight and natural ventilation, Wausau’s zero sightline insert vents mount seamlessly in a variety of curtainwall and window wall framing systems. Insert vents change fixed lites to operating windows, for occupant operation, emergency ventilation, or custodial-only access.

Wausau Window and Wall Systems includes 2.5- 3.25- and 4-inch-deep insert vents as part of its Advantage by Wausau line of competitively priced, high-performance, standard products. As the newest addition to this product offering, Wausau’s 4250-Z Series Zero Sightline multi-point locking vents are available as project-out awning or casement units with 4-inch frame depths for two- or four-sided, structural-glazed curtainwall systems. Specially-designed extenders allow 4250-Z insert vents to be used with almost any curtainwall system’s face width. The mitered frame construction, corner-blocked tubular vents and four-side silicone factory glazing ensure “no sag” performance, even with large vent sizes.

Successfully tested to meet stringent code requirements, Wausau’s 4250-Z Series Zero Sightline vents are AAMA AW-90 rated for awning and AW-100 for casement. Both are backed with an industry-leading warranty of up to 10 years. National Fenestration Ratings Council (NFRC) thermal performance labels are available for numerous glass options.

Multi-point locking hardware differentiates the 4250-Z from other insert vents. A single, attractive, Euro-styled handle can activate several slide bars, corner drive units and locks, providing locking action on adjacent vent rails, to achieve security, air and water performance in large vent sizes. The single handle is mounted within easy reach for convenience and to help meet code-mandated accessibility requirements.

Advantage by Wausau meets the fast pace of construction timelines for low- and mid-rise buildings such as schools and universities, hospitals and health care facilities, justice centers and government offices.

“Green building goals also are key to these buildings’ designers, contractors, owners and occupants,” says Mike Weis, general manager for Advantage By Wausau. “Insert vents and operable windows offer a seasonal opportunity in many parts of the country for air-conditioning energy savings when included as part of a facility’s HVAC design. Adding to buildings’ overall operational cost-efficiencies Wausau’s windows also are cycle-tested to ensure durability and long life. Because these products last longer in the building and will require less-frequent replacement, reducing future resource consumption will be reduced, along with associated pollution and waste.”

Coupled with the recognized benefits of daylight and outside views, these features may aid buildings seeking certification under such programs as the U.S. Green Building Council’s LEED® Green Building Rating System™. Demonstrating its commitment to energy-efficiency and environmental leadership, Wausau’s own manufacturing center is certified LEED-Silver.

Further contributing to green goals, Wausau’s aluminum-framed products may be specified with recycled content. With a palette exceeding 30,000 color choices, Wausau’s painted finishes include liquid paints that can be composed of up to 100% post-industrial waste. Durable, VOC-free anodize finishes accentuate the metallic appearance, such as copper color that does not patina.

Download a PDF of the full success story by clicking here.

Wausau will be exhibiting at AIA Expo2010 in booth #2553.

Filed under: AAMA, CLIENT NEWS, Linetec, Wausau Window and Wall Systems | Comments Off on 04.16.10 Client News

Appleton Coated’s PrintUtopia spotlights Matte papers

PrintUtopia, the paper-centric educational series from Appleton Coated, shares “A New Look at Matte” with print and creative professionals.

This informative piece describes the greater opacity and enhanced readability, higher caliper and affordability for practical requirements, and tactility and softer dot to elicit an emotional connection with the recipient. Illustrating these qualities, six matte choices from the Utopia brand of coated printing papers are showcased in a range of shades, weights and environmental options.

Matte selections in U1X:Green and U2:XG are certified by the Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) and contain extra post-consumer recovered fiber (20% and 30% respectively). These environmentally friendly papers are acid-free and elemental chlorine-free, and manufactured with Green Power, electricity provided from renewable energy sources.

To assess the environmental savings of Utopia Matte compared to other paper options, the “Utopia Green Zone” Web site, shares an online calculator. Also online, visitors will find a chart for using Utopia coated papers business reply cards and other U.S. Postal Service direct mail guidelines.

Printed on U2:XG Matte, 80-pound cover, “A New Look at Matte” compares conventional lithography on the exterior panels and UV printing on the interior panels. Four-color process is intensified with touch plates, then protected and enhanced with varnishes, as well as with aqueous and UV coatings.

Utopia’s matte papers can be specified in traditional folio or web applications. For digital offset, laser and color copier applications, select from the Utopia Digital stock offering. Further supporting the accelerated pace of customers’ projects, the Utopia Express Program saves time, money, and resources with ‘two-days to ship’ service on custom-size U2:XG and U2 Matte sheets.

Request a copy of PrintUtopia, “A New Look at Matte,” online.

Appleton Coated offers the most comprehensive lineup of premium, coated papers available today marketed under the Utopia brand. From the elegance of Premium to hardworking Utopia Three, the Utopia family of coated papers offers six ways to ignite a passion for paper and the environment. Appleton Coated is headquartered in Kimberly, Wisconsin.
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Filed under: Appleton Coated, CLIENT NEWS, Green Goals, Type-Paper-Print | Comments Off on 04.15.10 Client News

Green Builder VISION House Aspen showcases Kolbe windows
Energy-efficient, environmentally friendly windows

The Green Builder® VISION House Aspen celebrated its grand opening with educational events and tours on March 25-26, 2010. Sited near Aspen, Colo., VISION House is the latest in a sequence of show-home projects that demonstrate resource efficiency, durability and cost effectiveness through environmentally responsible design and construction practices.

©PatrickCoulie

The home will be rated for four different guidelines: LEED® for Homes, Built Green Colorado, Aspen and Pitkin County’s building departments’ Green Building Initiatives Program, and the National Association of Home Builders’ (NAHB) Green Building Program. To meet these guidelines and accomplish its intended goals, VISION House Aspen employs a multitude of technologies, system and products including Kolbe’s Ultra Series premium, aluminum-clad windows.

Kolbe’s windows capitalize on both style and performance in highlighting the lot’s 360-degree panoramic views of Aspen Mountain, Snowmass Mountain and the Upper Roaring Fork Valley. The area has a rich history steeped in mining and is now a leading international mountain resort that attracts a wide variety of visitors from around the globe.

“VISION House Aspen is an exercise in the possibilities,” says Ron Jones, editorial director of Green Builder Magazine. Having researched the products featured in VISION House Aspen, he notes, “The combination of Kolbe’s quality, features and options, made it a unanimous choice for the project’s decision makers.”

“We looked at a lot of different window manufacturers. Our design team was determined to use the highest quality windows available to give the project a clean, ‘Modern Mountain’ look,” says J. Stace McGee, partner with Environmental Dynamics, Inc. (EDI) of Albuquerque, N.M. “When we saw Kolbe’s nice, square, clean aesthetics, we knew that was it. It not only gave us the look we wanted, it also met the budget needs and the ENERGY STAR standard.”

McGee, together with his EDI colleague Kenny Myers, were the home’s primary designers. McGee also is a LEED Accredited Professional (AP), LEED AP+Homes, and a Green Rater. He adds that Kolbe’s windows “also contributed to our LEED for Homes score” on the 6,750-square-foot, two-level property. “To create a sustainable example in the luxury market is a difficult endeavor. VISION House is successful in showing it’s possible to achieve this.”

“While many view large upscale homes as the antithesis of green or sustainable, I

©PatrickCoulie

believe that regardless of whether a building or development is commercial, industrial or residential, high- or low-costing, everything we build today should be done with a sustainable approach,” emphasizes VISION House builder, Gerry Hazelbaker of Paradigm Construction Corp. in Basalt, Colo.

Matching a full range of sizes and styles, Kolbe’s Ultra Series offers options to address energy-efficient requirements, enabling the products to meet or exceed ENERGY STAR guidelines. Helping lower energy consumption and costs, the windows reflect unwanted solar heat in the summer and retain desired heat during cooler months. Compared with traditional, residential construction, VISION House is estimated to reduce energy use by 50 percent.

In addition to glass options and energy performance, Kolbe’s products are offered in a broad palette of finishes and interior wood species, and other accessories to coordinate with nearly any décor. For VISION House Aspen, Kolbe’s Ultra Series windows are constructed of alder, which is widely recognized as a sustainable species. The windows’ exterior cladding is composed of recycled aluminum and finished with a durable anodize, and accented with a custom, flat profile, Performance Divided Lites (PDLs).

Jones continues, “Kolbe’s windows are manufactured using – recycled materials. They’re made with high-quality seals and hardware, which not only improve performance, but also are essential to meet client expectations in a home of this caliber.”

“It’s an honor to be involved with the VISION House program,” says Cindy Bremer, Kolbe’s director of marketing. “We have a commitment to producing energy-efficient products using environmentally friendly processes and suppliers, so our participation in a project that promotes sustainability is a natural fit.”

“Sustainability in window performance is an important design consideration. Kolbe’s use of the highest quality, American-made materials contributes to these goals in many ways,” says Royal Laybourn of Colorado’s Roaring Fork Building Specialties. “In addition to higher performance levels, better materials also contribute to a longer service life and lower lifetime maintenance. Combine sustainability with high style and you have the complete package.”

Jones agrees, “The careful articulation and execution of the intent of the project, when combined with the performance data we will mine from the operation of this exquisite residence, will provide invaluable insight into the challenges and potential solutions for the luxury resort market. It further demonstrates the simple truth that sustainability requires teamwork above all else.”

McGee also agrees, “This project has all the typical bells and whistles of a luxury home.” He says VISION House Aspen features “glamorously green finishes throughout the house,” while being “over 50 percent more efficient than the 2006 IECC [International Energy Conservation Code].”

The blower door test conducted in March showed 0.23 air changes per hour, which McGee reports “are the best results ever in the Roaring Fork Valley area.” He adds, “I am very confident we’ll get a LEED-Gold rating.”

©PatrickCoulie

Furthermore, McGee says, compared to the base case index, VISION House Aspen should achieve:
47 percent reduction in carbon dioxide, saving 43.8 tons per year
40 percent reduction in sulfur dioxide, saving 70.1 pounds per year
46 percent reduction in nitrogen oxides, saving 124.8 pounds per year
35 percent reduction in domestic water use

High-resolution photos and a Word document of the full news release are available in Kolbe’s online press room.

Kolbe will be exhibiting at AIA Expo2010 in booth #1803.

Filed under: CLIENT NEWS, Kolbe & Kolbe Millwork Co. | Comments Off on 04.14.10 Client News

Wausau’s windows help University of Pennsylvania’s historic
King’s Court English College House live and learn in comfort

Everything old is new again, thanks to the 2009 façade renovation of the University of Pennsylvania’s King’s Court English House Residence Hall. Featuring Wausau Window and Wall Systems’ Heritage Series windows, the 100,000-square-foot student residence is seeking a Silver-level LEED® Green Building Rating from the U.S. Green Building Council.

The campus development plan, “Penn Connects,” recommends sustainable development for all new projects. This thoughtfully outlines a dense blend of newly constructed and renovated properties to reduce the footprint of the built environment, while adding square footage to the campus and leaving room for open, green space.

Like many buildings on the University of Pennsylvania campus, the King’s Court English College House (KCECH) has a rich history. Built in 1915, King’s Court was originally a luxury apartment complex consisting of three, separate buildings. With its elaborately-decorated, paneled dining rooms, its private bathrooms, and its servant’s quarters with dumbwaiters, the King’s Court name was particularly well-suited. During World War II, King’s Court was stripped of its luxuries and transformed into a dormitory for the Nursing Cadet Corp. After the war, nursing students from the hospital of the University of Pennsylvania moved into the dorm.

In 1960, Thomas English, a wealthy alumnus, funded the building of a second dorm named in his honor: English House. At that time, English House and the three buildings of King’s Court were joined into a single building by elevator lobbies and became known as King’s Court English College House. The five-story building became a co-ed residence in 1978, and houses roughly 400 freshmen and upperclassmen every year.

Today, King’s Court English College House is designated as the most “green” house on the University of Pennsylvania campus. That honor is due in part to the building’s green roof and to the more than 150 newly-installed, energy-efficient windows. The windows were manufactured by Wausau in one of six design schemes to match Runyan & Associates Architects‘ direction.

Guided by Intech Construction, glazing contractor GMI Contactors, Inc. removed each existing window bay and replaced it with Wausau’s Heritage windows. “Wausau’s quality products, competitive pricing and knowledgeable staff made them the right choice for this project,” said John Krajewski, engineer and project manager for GMI Contractors. “I really appreciate the great relationship we have with Wausau.”

Part of the Advantage by Wausau standard product offering, the 3250iH Heritage Series 3.25-inch-deep aluminum frame, casement windows were chosen to replace the existing windows, many of which were more than 40 years old. In addition to providing residents with plenty of daylight and stunning views of downtown Philadelphia, the windows offer residents natural ventilation, an important feature given KCECH’s lack of air conditioning in residential rooms.

Aligning with the university’s “Growing Greener” sustainability initiative, Wausau’s windows feature low-E, insulating glass from Viracon, coupled with an insulating, polyurethane thermal barrier; and a durable, clear anodize finish. Linetec applied the thermal barrier system and finish. Demonstrating the windows’ tested performance, these project-out, project-in and fixed units are rated as AAMA AW-70 Performance Class and backed with up to a 10-year limited warranty.

Beyond performance, Linetec’s anodize finishes are VOC-free coatings. These enhance and protect the metallic appearance of Wausau’s aluminum framing, including those specified with recycled content. To add visual variety within KCECH’s large structure, Wausau’s windows use clear glass, as well as glass with simulated sand blast and medium gray coatings.

Under quality-controlled conditions, Wausau brings together the glass and finished aluminum framing to fabricate a high-performance window unit. Illustrating its commitment to energy-efficiency and environmental leadership, Wausau’s own manufacturing center is certified LEED-Silver.

A LEED-Silver or higher rating is sought for every new building constructed on the University of Pennsylvania campus. These projects are phased to manage construction congestion and resources. The budgets range is $20 million to $300 million, with a total aggregate construction value of more than $1 billion.

Download a PDF of the full success story by clicking here.

Wausau will be exhibiting at AIA Expo2010 in booth #2553 .

Filed under: AAMA, CLIENT NEWS, Linetec, Wausau Window and Wall Systems | Comments Off on 04.14.10 Client News

Tubelite announces The Metcalf Group as its representative in New York and New Jersey

Tubelite Inc. has named The Metcalf Group Ltd. as a manufacturer’s representative for the company’s architectural aluminum products in northern New Jersey and in the five boroughs and Long Island in New York.

Tom Metcalf is the president and namesake of The Metcalf Group Ltd., located in Sea Girt, N.J. For 16 years, Metcalf has provided architects, buildings owners, contractors and consultants with educational and technical information, as well as dependable building systems, products and components.

Tubelite manufacturers storefront, curtainwall, entrance and daylight control systems. Earlier this year, the company announced that all of its architectural, extruded aluminum products now use EcoLuminum™, a high recycled-content aluminum billet composition featuring environmentally-friendly finishes.

“Tubelite’s EcoLuminum contains a minimum of 80 percent reclaimed aluminum, with a post-consumer content average of 34 percent. This is the highest recycled content I know of that is available for architectural building products of this quality and performance,” says Metcalf. “Recycled content is especially important to building project teams seeking LEED certification, as is energy-efficiency. Tubelite also provides high thermal performance systems.”

Along with Tubelite, Metcalf has a long history representing high-performance products from Wausau Window and Wall Systems and from other manufacturers offering aluminum panel systems, fire-rated glass, and terrace railings.

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Filed under: CLIENT NEWS, Green Goals, Tubelite Inc., Wausau Window and Wall Systems | Comments Off on 04.13.10 Client News

Plumbing Manufacturers Institute Hosts Spring Meeting

The Plumbing Manufacturers Institute (PMI) hosted its Spring Meeting, March 14-17, 2010, at the Hotel Del Coronado in San Diego, CA.

The theme for the Spring Meeting, “Expanding the Value,” is an appropriate one, according to Barbara C. Higgens, PMI’s executive director. “As times change and the plumbing industry changes, PMI is working to expand membership, influence, offerings, service and global reach.”

PMI again assembled a top-notch list of guest speakers and topics that both informed and entertained.

The first, full day of the meeting, Mon., March 15, opened with a keynote presentation by Brett Farmiloe and Zach Hubbell entitled “Pursue the Passion: What Our Generation Wants,” which spotlighted Generation Y and what they are looking for in their careers. Their presentation was followed by John Besmer of Planet Propaganda who spoke on branding PMI and its initiatives. The rest of the day consisted of PMI’s Issue, Standing and Product committees’ meetings that included a presentation by Ken Kosman of Habitat for Humanity, who accepted a donation from PMI in the amount of $500. The financial support followed PMI’s “physical” support as members volunteered at a local Habitat for Humanity jobsite just prior to the PMI conference.

The membership voted to accept the 2009 audit at the General Membership meeting. “PMI continues its solid financial track record,” noted Higgens.

The sessions on Tues., March 16, started with a presentation by Amir Tabakh of the Los Angeles Department of Water and Power, who spoke on the subjects of water and energy conservation. Dr. Bruce La Belle of the California Department of Toxic Substances Control examined California’s AB 1953 lead in plumbing reduction and green chemistry initiative.

The Industrial Environmental Association‘s executive director, Patti Krebs made a presentation on California’s Environmental Initiatives. Bryan Shirley of the Manufacturers’ Agents National Association spoke on the importance of manufacturers’ representatives in the business world.

In a special presentation, Jack Sim of the World Toilet Organization explained the dire state of sanitation in third world countries and what plumbing manufacturing organizations can do to help. Jeffrey Yoders of Building Construction and Design proved why he is referred to as “BIM Boy” by presenting the latest information on Building Information Modeling mandates. Dr. Donato Lozano of IAPMO R&T examined plumbing product certification in Mexico.

A plumbing industry profile also took place on Tues., March 16, to identify mutual goals and solidify partnerships. Representatives of various plumbing organizations engaged in a lively roundtable event addressing the issues that “keep them up at night” concerning the plumbing industry. The panel included Mike Adelizzi, American Supply Association; Peter Censky, Water Quality Association; Mary Ann Dickinson, Alliance for Water Efficiency; Gerry Kennedy, Plumbing-Heating-Cooling Contractors; John Koeller, Koeller & Associates; Steve Lehtonen, GreenPlumbers® USA; and Ralph Suppa, Canadian Institute of Plumbing and Heating.

College football coaching legend, Terry Bowden, was the Tuesday night dinner keynote speaker. He spoke about what it takes to create a winning team on the playing field and in the business world.

On Wed., March 17, PMI’s director of strategy and technology, David Hagopian, and PMI’s technical specialist, Charles Hernandez, presented “Focus: Future!” During this presentation, PMI members were challenged to think about what the future holds for PMI and the plumbing industry.

For more information about the PMI Spring Meeting, visit www.pmihome.org or call 847-481-5500. Please note that the 2010 Fall Meeting will take place October 3-6, 2010, at the Liaison Capitol Hill in Washington, D.C.

Please see the full news release and high-resolution photos available at PMI’s online press room.

Filed under: CLIENT NEWS | Comments Off on 04.12.10 Association News

AAMA 2010 Southeast Region Spring Meeting draws industry experts to discuss industry issues and state code developments

The American Architectural Manufacturers Association (AAMA) held the 2010 Southeast Region Spring Meeting on March 30-31 in San Antonio, Texas, to bring together individuals and experts to discuss issues currently affecting the fenestration industry in the Southeast region. The meeting drew attendees from a variety of companies and geographic locations and brought together industry experts to provide information and education on important issues.

Dr. Scott Norville, professor of civil and environmental engineering at Texas Tech University, began the meeting with a presentation discussing upcoming changes to architectural glass design using ASTM E1300. David Pate (TBM Consulting Group) discussed the possibilities for rapid operational improvement, new competitive advantages and sustained growth through the principles of lean manufacturing.

Chuck Anderson, AAMA codes and industry affairs manager and AAMA southeast region director, presented updated state code information for the region. A new feature was presented during the meeting whereby each state will have its own dedicated Web page with updated Southeast Region code information in the Members Only section of the AAMA Web site. Anderson commented, “Staying closely involved with the state code information and any changes and making relevant news accessible to our membership is a priority initiative as we continually strive to provide up-to-date data for the companies who rely on this current information.”

The AAMA Southeast Region Technical Committee met to discuss multiple issues including the status of the AAMA 520 document, titled Voluntary Specification for Rating the Severe Wind-Driven Rain Resistance of Windows, Doors and Unit Skylights. This publication is currently being reviewed by all AAMA Accredited Laboratories for any potential issues that may arise regarding repeatability, adherence to the test tolerances cited, length of time taken to complete testing and any other considerations concerning this test method. Comments received from the reviewing test labs were discussed by the Technical Committee. These members also discussed installation testing, as well as changes to laboratory calibration requirements.

“The activities and efforts of the AAMA Southeast Region combine the influence of a large, national organization with a specific focus and dedication to the industry issues affecting the southeast region of the U.S.,” says Rich Walker, AAMA president and CEO. “Our regional meetings offer an important opportunity to both address regional issues, as well as a time to meet with our members to discuss what issues are impacting their businesses.”

Additionally, during the Spring Meeting, an update on the development of the AAMA Green Certification Program was given by Tracy Rogers (Edgetech I.G.), chairman of the AAMA Green and Sustainability Specification Development Task Group. Scott Warner (Architectural Testing, Inc.) provided a summary of development of the 2011 update of AAMA/WDMA/CSA 101/I.S. 2/A440-08, NAFS – North American Fenestration Standard/Specification for windows, doors, and skylights.

A full news release is available online at AAMA’s online news room.

Filed under: AAMA, CLIENT NEWS, Events | Comments Off on 04.09.10 Association News

Plumbing Manufacturers Institute Announces Changes to Board of Directors

The Plumbing Manufacturers Institute (PMI) announces that Jack Krecek,

Jack Krecek

vice president and general manager of the Commercial Business Unit for Elkay Manufacturing Company, has moved into the role of First Vice President and will serve as PMI’s President in 2011.

The move was prompted by the departure of Bill Ball, vice president of engineering for WCM Industries, from the Executive Committee due to increasing demands on his time, which prevents him from fulfilling his PMI role. Ball remains on the Board of Directors as a Director at Large. Stewart Yang, vice president of engineering for Kohler Co., will move into the role of Second Vice President. Yang will become PMI President in 2012.

Jeff Baldwin, engineering manager for T&S Brass and Bronzeworks, was named to the PMI Executive Committee as Treasurer for the balance of 2010, completing Yang’s term.

Please see the full news release and high-resolution photos available at PMI’s online press room.

Filed under: CLIENT NEWS | Comments Off on 04.08.10 Association News

LEED-certified Research Triangle Park Headquarters’ triangular skylight finished by Linetec

Research Triangle Park (RTP) Headquarters is nestled amongst mature willow oaks on an 18-acre site in North Carolina. The Headquarters building sits at the heart of the largest and longest continually operating research park in the United States, encompassing 7,000 acres. Constructed in advance of the Park’s 50th anniversary celebrated in 2009, the RTP Headquarters is one of 78 LEED-certified or -registered building projects in the Research Triangle region.

Designed by O’Brien/Atkins Associates, PA, the RTP Headquarters earned the Silver level certification of the U.S. Green Building Council’s LEED® Rating System (NC 2.2). The majority of LEED points for the 17,000-square-foot building were awarded in the Indoor Environmental Quality category. These design and construction considerations included the use of natural ventilation and low-emitting materials, control for light and thermal comfort, and the incorporation of daylight and views in at least 90 percent of the building’s occupied space.

Super Sky Products, Inc.‘s custom, triangular-shaped skylight played a significant role in these daylighting and performance achievements, as well as in communicating RTP Headquarters’ intended, architectural presence. The skylight caps the 6,800-square-foot Archie K. Davis Conference Center. Prominently positioned within the Park, it serves as the RTP Headquarters’ public meeting area and as the main connection to the administrative offices of the Research Triangle Foundation. Further attracting attention, the Conference Center is clad in pre-patina, recycled copper panels and its skylight is illuminated with energy-efficient LEDs.

Providing a clean, crisp look for the skylight’s gridwork, Linetec painted the aluminum framing in “Bone White” using a two-coat, 70 percent Polyvinylidene Fluoride (PVDF) coating. “PVDF coatings are the most weather-resistant of all finishes,” says Tammy Schroeder, Linetec’s marketing specialist. “The finish is applied in Linetec’s factory using specialized equipment to safely capture 100 percent of the VOCs released in the painting process, and to destroy these captured VOCs with 99 percent efficiency and environmental sensitivity.”

Barnhill Contracting Company installed the 27×74-foot skylight as a total flush glazed, single slope unit. The glass area spans 2,005-square-feet and is comprised of clear, laminated, heat-strengthened lites. Fabricated by Viracon, Inc., the glass surface was silk-screened with a white, 50 percent, standard line pattern to assist in managing unwanted solar heat gain and thermal comfort.

The RTP Headquarters earned its LEED-Silver rating in September 2008. Other activities and attributes contributing to this certification include:
* Selected and developed the construction site to protect/restore habitat and maximize open space
* Accommodated alternative transportation
* Minimized “heat island” effect with thoughtful, roof and non-roof designs
* Reduced light pollution and water use
* Employed green power sources
* 16 percent of the total construction materials contained recycled content
* 21 percent of construction materials from regional sources
* 62 percent of construction waste was diverted from landfills

With more than 170 companies occupying 22.5 million square feet of developed space, RTP boasts one of the largest concentrations of high-technology workers in the country. More than 42,000 full-time equivalent employees, plus an estimated 10,000 contract workers, work in the Park.

Linetec will be exhibiting at AIA Expo2010 in booth #2359

Filed under: CLIENT NEWS, Green Goals, Linetec, Projects, Tradeshow Thoughts | Comments Off on 04.02.10 Client News