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THE CONSTRUCTION CREW Editorial
eric johnson editorial director > E-mail Me mailto:e.johnson@whitedm.com
Matt Johnson Group art director > E-mail Me
editor-in-chief laura clapper Associate Editors john t. connelly, laura canter, nadia ibanez, michaela mcnamara, meaghan clark
Design
Creative Director SHERELLE PETERSON Art EditorS CARRIE SOUTH, Michelle rial, dustin harris, jessica clegg
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Project Management
Kiron Chavda Group project director > E-mail Me
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BY laura clapper
Multi-Family Homes Go Green Green building is no longer for the wealthy. Low income housing developments are being built in urban areas, introducing residents to the latest technologies that save energy, water and money. This month, we profile two recently opened developments—Ten Fifty B in San Diego and Casa Dominguez in Los Angeles—and learn about how green multi-family housing developments enhance the urban community and serve as models for green building. The spotlight is on Dubai this month and the innovative tower projects springing up in the UAE and the Middle East, including the Rolex Tower, the Pentominium, Burj Al Alam and the CMA Tower. Learn about the latest Apple gadgets for your home and delve into the future of cities. Finally, don’t miss the great company reports about industry leaders from around the world.
Laura Clapper
editor-in-chief > l.clapper@whitedm.com http://www.facebook.com/ pages/Business-ReviewEurope/297707068750?ref=ts
http://www.linkedin.com/ company/846684
QUOTE OF THE ISSUE “Like a symphony, buildings play roles in cities much like musicians who come together to perform a piece of music” Peter Ruggiero, SOM Design Partner for Rolex Tower
READ MY BLOGS http: //w w w.constructiondigital. Visit com Website
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contributors
Jesse Bonfield Sherborne Sensors
Jeff Matros STRAAM
Jason Farnell Partner at CR Management
www.constructiondigital.com January 2011
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THE OSTOJIC GROUP
The Ostojic Group is an Australian specialist contracting and service group incorporating civil engineering, transport, quarrying and construction materials. It is a privately owned family company and offers a comprehensive range of services to support all of your transport, earthmoving and civil project requirements. As a member of the CCF and Australian Trucking Association, the Ostojic Group is able to quote on hire of almost all earthmoving and plant equipment. CLIENTS OF THE OSTOJIC GROUP INCLUDE: s STATE AND FEDERAL GOVERNMENTS s LOCAL COUNCILS s CIVIL CONSTRUCTION COMPANIES s MINING COMPANIES s MEMBERS OF THE PUBLIC
CONTACT OSTOJIC 4723 Tivendale Rd Berrimah Northern Territory 0828 Australia Email: reception@ostojic.com.au Phone: 08 8999 9999 Web: www.ostojic.com.au
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Green Building
News
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10
Innovations
FEATURES 10 News The latest news and analysis from the past month 14 Breaking Ground A New Facility for Parkland Memorial Hospital in Dallas 16 Green Giants Living Walls Improve the Aesthetics and Health of Buildings 18 City Planner Structural Health Monitoring 20 Risk Management Pre-Construction Issues and Solutions 22 Architectural Design The Cities of the Future 28 Innovations The Apple Revolution Comes Home 32 Green Building LEEDing Multi-Family Developments 38 Under Construction Spotlight on Dubai 44 Events & Tradeshows Up and coming events for your diary
ASSOCIATION profiles 46 MBI 52 CIDB www.constructiondigital.com January 2011
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Design Homes
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Joe Funk Construction
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USA 56 THERM-ALL Therm-All High-Performance Insulation Doesn’t Cost, It Pays 66 CAPFORM Captivating the senses of the Construction Industry, its Customers and... 72 Design Homes Design Homes Constructs Certified Green Modular Homes
Canada 78 Hardwoods LEEDing Distributors of Sustainable Hardwood 84 The City of Spruce Grove Makes Community Sustainability a Top Priority 90 City of Grande Prairie City of Grand Prairie Multiplex Reflects Pioneer Spirit 98 HUSH HUSH builds the ultimate dream home 108 RL Turner Turning the tide of the American Construction Business
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Gawler Line
Schiavello Group
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europe 114 MSCEB Engineering Quality 126 Bin Dasmal Group Building a Strong Future in the Gulf
Africa 134 Tiber Construction Construction company standing the test of time 142 Tyris Group Building strength across South Africa 148 M Civils Timely Development for Established Civil Engineers
australasia 154 Baseline Baseline Group creates ‘Real Alternatives’ for its clients 160 Corinda to Darra Rail Upgrade A Team Effort to Modernize Brisbane’s Rail... 166 Schiavello Group Schiavello Building Strong Client Foundations on Experience... 172 Gorgon Construction Village A Home Among The Gas Fields www.constructiondigital.com January 2011
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FOR THE LATEST construction NEWS Visit Website
Foster + Partners Completes Bodegas Portia Winery Foster + Partners completed construction on the Bodegas Portia winery in the Ribera del Duero region of Spain, located 150 kilometers north of Madrid. It’s the leading architecture firm’s first winery construction project. At 12,500 square meters, the facility will be able to produce over a million bottles of wine each year. Shaped like a three-pointed star, the overall design of the building is meant to regulate the internal temperature, as the region is known for wild temperature variations between summer and winter, as well as blend with the surrounding environment.
The concrete structure features shingles made of Corten steel and helps control the interior temperatures. The roof, which features photovoltaic cells, overhangs the structure to provide shade.
Work Complete on Building Lessons from Fastest Cycling the Grand Riviera Track in the World Hotel Gas Explosion
The timber cycling track has been completed on the Velodrome, the facility that will host the track cycling events at the London Olympic and Paralympic Games in 2012. Twentysix specially trained carpenters began the installation of the track in September, completing it in eight weeks. Comprised of 356 timber trusses that support 56 kilometers of surface timber, the track is designed to enhance race conditions through the use of geometry in conjunction with venue temperature and environmental conditions, creating the fastest cycling track in the world. 10
Shoddy construction may have played a major role in the gas explosion that killed five Canadians, two Mexican workers and injured twelve people at the Grand Riviera Princess
January 2011 www.constructiondigital.com
hotel In Playa del Carmen, a resort area located south of Cancun in the state of Quintana Roo. The government of Mexico is investigating the cause of the explosion. The powerful explosion occurred on the morning of November 14 and caused paving stones, window glass, metal and ceiling panels to become deadly projectiles. Debris was found nearly 50 meters away.
construction
BUSINESS NEWS
G.W. Bush Center Breaks Ground in Dallas, Texas The George W. Bush Presidential Center broke ground on Tuesday on the campus of Southern M ethodist Universit y in Dallas. The 227,000 square foot facility will house the George W. Bush Library, including over 43,000 artifacts from the Bush Presidency, and the George W. Bush Institute, which has fellows in the midst of research on human freedom, education reform, global health and economic growth. “We
NEWS IN BRIEF
take the first step toward the construction of this presidential center, which will be a dynamic hub of ideas and actions based upon timeless principles,” the former President told the crowd at the ground breaking.
Eco-Chic Element Hotel Opens in New York City The Element New York Times Square West hotel combines green initiatives with an innovative modern design
Organizations Urge Passage of Job Creation and Tax Cuts Act 2010 Senate Bill 3793 is intended to create and extend affordable housing and community redevelopment programs
Mansell Acquires Part of Rok Construction Operations The Rok bankruptcy drama has finally come to a close. After eliminating the majority of Rok’s staff, save for 381, Mansell has purchased the construction operations for M ilton Key ne s , Gatwick and Heathrow as well as the social housing operations in England for £7 million, with £4 million in cash. Mansell is an arm of Balfour Beatty. Mansell did not purchase Rok’s construction operations in other parts of the UK including Bristol, Exeter, Reading and Leeds, eliminating 235 more positions.
As LEED Reaches 1B sq. ft Footprint, Builders Revamp Image of Green In a decade, LEED projects dominate industry, survey finds image of green unreachable for lower income potential homeowners
Caterpillar Announces Plans to Build New Facility in China Caterpillar’s announces new plant for the manufacture of its 3500 series engines in the same week as acquisition of Bucyrus
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FOR THE LATEST construction NEWS Visit Website
NEWS IN BRIEF British Architects Express Optimism in October Survey by the Royal Institute of British Architects’ shows optimism concerning work and future employment
Nashville’s Opryland Hotel Reopens 7 Months After Floods The iconic landmark Opryland Hotel suffered damage from the floods that hit Nashville last spring
Bosch Hammer Drills Recalled Bosch and the CPSC issued a voluntary recall on the Bosch Hammer Drill due to risk of electrical shock hazard
DPR Construction HQ Honored with Orchid Award The San Diego Architecture Foundation honored DPR Construction headquarters with the Orchid for Sustainable Design
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Port of Long Beach Announces $1B Infrastructure Project The Port of Long Beach in Southern California has invested in a $1 billion project to replace the Gerald Desmond Bridge. The project, a joint venture of the California Department of Transportation and the Port of Long Beach, will last five years and generate an estimated 4,000 jobs a year and create over $2 billion in economic activity. The US Department of Transportation and the Los Angeles County Metropolitan Transportation Authority will each offer funding to the project.
KSL Capital Partners Acquires Squaw Valley USA
KSL Capital Partners LLC has announced the acquisition of shares in the Squaw Valley Development C o m p a ny, i n c l u d i n g Squaw Valley USA ski area, the Village at Squaw Valley and other real estate holdings. Squaw Valley is one of California’s premier skiing destinations and the host of the 1960 Olympic Winter Games. Located near Lake Tahoe, Squaw Valley consists of 4,000 acres and 2,850 vertical feet of skiing and
snowboarding in the Sierra Nevada Mountain range. The deal was completed at the end of 2010.
construction
BUSINESS NEWS
Grace Hotels Expands into Argentina with Grace Cafayate Hotel The Grace Hotels Group announced an expansion into South America with the development of the Grace Cafayate hotel, spa and residential villas in the burgeoning wine region of the Calchaqui Valley in the northwestern part of Argentina. Set to open in 2012, the 52 key resort will become a pivotal part of the 1,250 acre ‘La Estancia de Cafayate,’ known for wine and equestrian sports. The development will be made of a main hotel building with a fine dining restaurant that also house a library and fireplace, a health club, will serve local and organic produce and serve spa—which will use signature, local treatments wine from extensive cellars. The main hotel will and therapies—and swimming pool.
Diller Scofidio + Renfro Billionaires Reuben Completes Hypar Pavilion Announce Plans for New York City ‘the Cucumber’ Tower in Diller Scofidio + 7,200 square foot Billionaire property developers Simon and David Reuben have announced plans for new skyscraper said to rival the Gherkin on London’s skyline. The nickname for the proposed property—the Cucumber. The official name of the property will be 1 Merchant Square in Paddington Basin. The glass tower will reach 140 meters tall, making it London’s 17th tallest building. The mixed-use tower will feature 222 flats, a 90-room boutique hotel and a roof bar that is open to the public. Should the Westminster City Council approve the plans, it will open in 2016.
Renfro have announced the completion of the Hypar Pavilion at the Lincoln Center for the Performing Arts in New York City. The
lawn features a tilted incline that creates a roof for the restaurant below while shielding visitors from the noise of the city. Visitors can enter the 11,000 square foot restaurant through entrances on 65th Street and Hearst Plaza. The restaurant features a 1,000 square foot kitchen which is open to the dining room area, and can seat 194 guests in the lounge area, bar seating and private dining room.
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Laura Clapper
Breaking Ground on
“The Hospital of the Future” To meet the needs of the growing Dallas community, Parkland Hospital is getting a new state-of-the-art facility Over the last 55 years, Parkland Hospital has served the health care needs the Dallas County area. However, a growing population has created the need for a new state-of-the-art facility. The new Parkland Hospital facility broke ground in October with over 500 people on hand, including Dr. Ron Anderson, President and CEO of Parkland and Dallas Mayor Tom Leppert. Designed by the joint venture of HDR Architecture and Corgan Associates, the $1.27 billion facility is touted as “the hospital of the future.” Encompassing a total of 2.5 million square feet, the new health care facility 14
January 2011 www.constructiondigital.com
includes an 862-bed adult inpatient hospital, outpatient center, parking and central utility plant and logistics building. Additionally, the facility is designed to adapt and meet future medical needs of the Dallas region while utilizing the latest green and sustainable building methods and materials. The project is financed through $747 million in tax and revenue bonds, $350 million in current and future cash reserves and $150 million in funds raised by the Parkland Foundation. Construction of the project will be managed by a joint venture known as BARA, which consists of Balfour Beatty Construction,
Breaking Ground
Austin Commercial, H.J. Russell and Company and Azteca Enterprises. The companies bring decades of experience managing health care construction projects in DFW and beyond. “These teams were chosen because they understand the importance of building a firstclass hospital while remaining fiscally prudent and addressing Parkland’s unique needs, such as patient volume, our educational mission and first and foremost our desire to be a patient and family-centered hospital system,” said John Haupert, executive vice president and chief operating officer in a statement in April. According to a statement issued by
BARA, “The construction of this hospital of the future is not only an effort to continue to be a leader in public healthcare in the North Texas and a role model in the industry, but also to provide an environment focused on patient care and comfort – READ MY the primary vision of the new BLOGS Parkland.” The new Parkland Visit Website Hospital is expected to open in late 2014.
Laura Clapper, Editor-in-Chief, Construction Digital > l.clapper@whitedm.com
www.constructiondigital.com January 2011
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Laura Clapper
Green Walls:
A Living, Functional Work of Art As green building has increased, living architecture has become a way to improve the aesthetics and health of buildings Though an old concept, living architecture is catching on in design circles. From green roofs to green walls, plants not only improve the filtration of the air, they provide an interesting aesthetic element to a building’s design. With more building projects seeking LEED certification, many architects are incorporating living walls and other elements into their innovative designs.
and is one of the most advanced of its kind on the continent. Designed by GSky Plant Systems Inc, with consultation provided by Deborah Kotalic, the wall was commissioned by the Garden Club of Palm Beach to improve the aesthetics of the west exterior wall next to Saks Fifth Avenue. “The seed of the living wall originated with a Garden Club of Palm Beach member. From there it took a life of its own,’’ said Jorge Sanchez, a partner in the architectural WORTH AVENUE GREEN WALL The Worth Avenue Green Wall, part of landscape firm of Sanchez & Maddux that Palm Beach, Florida’s Wor th Avenue was involved in the Worth Avenue project in Beautification project, opened in November a statement. “After we selected the proper 16
January 2011 www.constructiondigital.com
Palm Beach Daily News, Meghan McCarthy
Green Giants
spot, it has been a joint undertaking of GSky and the Garden Club. Its creation within a new park should instantly become a town landmark.’’
measures temperature and moisture levels. Water is delivered through a high-efficiency vertical drip irrigation system. “As the plants grow, the wall will evolve and change,’’ said Kotalic in a statement. “The wall is LIVING ART a living piece of art that fulfills READ MY The 840 square foot cascading curvilinear the Garden Club’s vision and BLOGS wall features over 10.920 tropical plants, pays tribute to Palm Beach’s Visit Website from various philodendron species to jasmine garden heritage.’’ and palmetto, which were grown locally by Michael’s Nursery in Boynton Beach, Florida. GSky’s system utilizes a low maintenance Laura Clapper, Editor-in-Chief, non-soil growth medium in conjunction with a Construction Digital computerized monitoring system that constantly > l.clapper@whitedm.com www.constructiondigital.com January 2011
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Jesse Bonfeld
Jeff Matros
Making Sense of
Structural
health Monitoring Data The construction and engineering industry is facing a mounting challenge to shore-up the civil structures supporting transport infrastructure In developed nations, many civil structures are in urgent need of strengthening, rehabilitation, or replacement. Moreover, many developed nations are unable to expand their current transport infrastructure, resulting in increasing pressure to optimise and extend the life of supporting civil structures in place today. Conventional methods of structural integrity assessment have centered on visual inspections, conservative codes of practice, and the use of large machines to ‘excite’ a structure in order for various parameters to be measured and analysed. However, whilst such techniques enable engineers to identify and assess the physical manifestation of an issue, 18
January 2011 www.constructiondigital.com
identifying an actual issue is extremely complex due to the sheer amount of data produced. Structural Health Monitoring (SHM) is a system that provides information on demand about any significant change or damage occurring in a structure. SHM instruments have been employed for many years but difficulties in managing the huge volumes of data they generate have made efficient monitoring in civil engineering applications a challenge. However, advanced SHM solutions are now able to provide analysts with the means to interpret this data and diagnose potential problems early, and to a high degree of accuracy.
city planner
At the heart of SHM innovation are MEMS (Micro-Electro-Mechanical Systems) based sensors. These precision measurement servo accelerometers are now smaller, more cost effective, and so sensitive that there is no longer a need to excite a structure in order to gain vital information about its integrity. Simply placed on a single or small number of positions on most bridges for a few hours, these devices record a structure’s threedimensional movement in extreme detail providing analysts with all the data required via ambient sources such as gusts of wind, foot falls, and traffic flows. What this means is that analysts can now make both short- and long-
term structural integrity assessments quickly and easily. With the construction and engineering industry finding itself at an evolutionary crossroads, meaningful interpretation of the SHM data means that critical repairs and upgrades, strengthening projects, financing, insurance, READ MY BLOGS and dispute resolution can Visit now be carried out quickly and Website efficiently.
By Jesse Bonfeld (Sherborne Sensors) & Jeff Matros (STRAAM) www.constructiondigital.com January 2011
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Jason Farnell
Pre-Construction
Issues &
Solutions Jason Farnell of CR Management explains the importance of good planning before a contract is signed All too frequently in construction, issues arise through disagreements between the different parties and when it’s an issue to do with risk, the situation is often exacerbated. But many risks can be mitigated by good planning and attention to detail preconstruction – in fact before a contract is signed at all. In the current environment, most people are euphoric at winning a job and are keen to get started on it as soon as possible. Employers will often exploit this position by pushing you to start on site with just a verbal agreement. But rushing to site before you’ve properly examined 20
January 2011 www.constructiondigital.com
the details, is just asking for trouble. To prevent storing up expensive problems further down the line, all parties, need to sit down, engage their commercial people, and work out what their rights and obligations are. Key things to get right at the beginning are: • Who is responsible for design -including specialists’ input • Subcontractor terms and contributions • Amendments and constraints from the main contractor to the subcontractors • Risk allocation • How you will arrive at collective decisions Many people are nervous of appearing
risk management
to be “difficult” by asking for paperwork to be finished before work begins and many fear they will talk themselves out of the job, but it is much better to have important contractual conversations at the beginning of the process, than halfway through when things aren’t going as you would like them to; this way a contract can be a vehicle for communication rather than a club to beat the other party with. There will always be drivers to start on site immediately, but by missing out those vital first stages you risk finding the price you think you have got isn’t the one you end up with, that you can’t procure the sub-contract scopes
for the budget or, worse still, finding that you don’t have a contract at all, which will mean you have a very messy legal argument rather than a contractual one. In comparison, working with the client to go through the necessary contracts, and get them signed first, is likely to gain you respect and READ MY BLOGS understanding and will ensure Visit that your project goes through Website smoothly and to schedule.
By Jason Farnell, Partner at CR Management www.constructiondigital.com January 2011
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architectural design
The Future o
Cities
The tha trend tw s in Wr itte ill sha urba nb pe np yL aur the w lanni n aC lap orld’s g p er citi es
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of
s
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Cities are making a comeback. With more people, particularly the Millennial Generation, moving back downtown, the focus has turned accommodating growth through redevelopment, smart planning and increased sustainability. Construction Digital delves into the trends in urban planning. REVITALIZING DOWNTOWN Instead of expanding to the urban boundary, many cities and towns are opting to revitalize their existing downtowns. According to Larry Oetker, Director of Community Development for the city of Arcata, California, the focus is on infill development and the transition of underused heavy industrial areas to light industrial or mixed-
use commercial parcels. Developing underused and abandoned areas into commercial areas is a practical alternative to developing green fields on the outskirts of town. Mixed-use development increases the density of an urban area, further improving its walkability for residents who are able to work, purchase groceries and fashionable clothes, recreate, dine and experience local culture without having to step foot in their cars—it’s all at their fingertips…or toes, as the case may be. “Renewal of existing inner suburbs is critical to halting sprawl and maximizing the use of the city’s assets which are predominantly located in and around the centre of our cities,” says Jesse McNicoll, Urban Design Coordinator for
Courtesy Humboldt County CVB, redwoods.info
The Plaza in Arcata, California: Photo by Don Forthuber 24
January 2011 www.constructiondigital.com
Portland: The original mode
architectural design
the City of Sydney, Australia. “This is key to providing walkable communities and moving away from sedentary ‘burbs which foster a heavy reliance on private motor vehicles.” Walkable cities benefit the health of the community as well as the residents who live there. “Healthy communities are created one project at a time,” says Oetker. “Each project is designed to be unique, but interconnected into the City's current and desired bike, pedestrian and recreational infrastructure.”
investments will serve as a catalyst for economic recovery. “There is excitement that the Federal Government is becoming more involved in planning and infrastructure funding in Australian cities in partnership with State and Local Governments,” says McNicoll.
SUSTAINABLE CITIES A port city born out of the booming logging and industrial development of the 19th century, Portland, Oregon has long been considered one of the greenest cities in the world, establishing a green belt, focusing on infill development and INFRASTRUCTURE DEVELOPMENT Many cities are benefiting from an infusion investing in commuter rail and cycle lanes before of funding for infrastructure and other urban green became a trend. The city consistently development projects in hope that these ranks near the top of quality of living surveys,
ern ‘green’ City
Sydney’s one of the world most livable cities www.constructiondigital.com January 2011
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www.tntdynamics.co.za
architectural design serving as a model for other industrial towns looking to turn over a sustainable new leaf. The developers of New Songdo City in South Korea have set out to create a sustainable city, one that touts no carbon footprint, from scratch on a man-made island. Plans for the development include structures that are built from and utilize the latest green technologies and high-tech energy saving systems. The development is a pilot project and partner of the US Green Building Council’s LEED for Neighborhood Development program. SMARTER CITIES “Geographic information systems have created a quantum shift in planning processes both for analysis and monitoring of plans,” says McNicoll. Like many cities, Arcata has turned to streamlining its processes through a custom database developed specifically for the city that has modules for everything from file management and public inquiries to document retrieval and noticing. “With basic street address or parcel numbers a customer can find out allowable uses, conditionally permitted uses, fees, and general design standards (setbacks, site coverage, height, etc) in a few short moments,” says Oetker. To help existing cities improve their sustainability and adapt to the changing trends in urban planning, IBM launched the IBM Smarter Cities Challenge, offering $50 million in grants over the next three years to 100 global cities through technological solutions to planning challenges. “A city is a system of systems, and buildings and how they're constructed and used, have central roles to play in the coming transformation,” says Natasha Roukos, an executive in IBM’s Tivoli software division and a leader of the Smarter Buildings projects. “Data will be the transforming element in creating smarter cities and buildings. We're beginning to truly understand how the things we design and construct can positively impact a society transitioning to the digital age.”
New Songdo City: The new sustainability role model?
“ Maybe the real challenge is to make the city of the future inclusive” Jesse McNicoll, Urban Design Coordinator for the City of Sydney, Australia
THE FUTURE OF CITIES The decisions and projects of today will shape our cities. “Regardless of geography, the ability to capture and analyze huge data streams in real-time will be an underpinning element of future transportation networks, dwellings and work more space, stadiums and airports, articles water systems, utility grids Visit and municipal ser vices,” Website says Roukos.
For feedback and comments please get in touch. > feedback@whitedm.com
www.constructiondigital.com January 2011
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The iH Revol
Apple is taking over the w Welcome to the iHouse of Written by Laura Clapper 28
January 2011 www.constructiondigital.com
innovations
It was inevitable. Perhaps you knew it when you bought your first iBook, the pioneering laptop that came in eye-popping candy colors and resembled a toilet seat. Perhaps it came when you bought your first iPhone and realized that you could do adult things like schedule appointments and make important business calls, while rocking out to Jay-Z. Apple products have become an important part of your life and now they can become an important part of your home.
House lution
world and your home is next. f 2011. r
LIVING ROOM The latest innovation from Apple, the much anticipated second generation of Apple TV allows users to streamline movies, television shows, music and photos for their viewing pleasure on high definition televisions. Users can also access Netflix, YouTube and the iTunes store directly through the device. Designed smaller, quieter and sleeker than the first generation, Apple TV features a built-in power supply that is so energy efficient that it uses as much power as the Tinkerbell night-light in your child’s bedroom when not in use. Rent television shows from iTunes for $0.99 a pop or the latest films starting from $2.99. Since it’s an Apple product, it’ll play nice with iPad, iPod and iPhone. (Apple TV, $99) www.constructiondigital.com January 2011
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www.tafisa.ca
innovations
KITCHEN Looking for an easy dinner recipe to please your newly vegan daughter or a spicy barbeque sauce recipe for this weekend’s neighborhood cookout? Chances are there’s an iPad app for that. A must-have gadget, the iPad revolutionized the way many access the Internet, watch movies, share photos, play games, write email or surf the web. Search for a recipe, cook along with your favorite cooking podcast or simply browse the internet while the meat is defrosting in the microwave. The iPad can go anywhere you go, from the living room to the garage to that very important meeting in your, ahem…“other office.”(iPad, from $499) For those of you who prefer to perfect your American Idol audition performance while you cook, iHome has an audio dock that fits your iPod, iPhone or iPad, allowing you to do your best Neil Diamond impression while chopping veggies. Sleek and modern, the iP39 is a kitchen timer and FM alarm clock radio speaker system made specifically for iPhone and iPod that would be an excellent addition to your kitchen, perhaps in that spot next to the blender. Flip between songs, audiobooks or cooking podcasts with the magnetic remote control. (iP39 from iHome, $99.99)
HOME OFFICE Remember back in the days of six months ago
when you had to lug a heavy laptop computer to and from the office? Maybe your laptop wasn’t that heavy; however, the latest generation MacBook Air will send your current laptop the way of the abacus. The MacBook Air touts allflash storage, a multi-touch trackpad that allows you to click, scroll or swipe; extra long battery life and a high resolution screen and camera. Plus, it only takes a second to wake up, meaning you can access information and files quickly and easily. MacBook Air also features Wi-Fi and Bluetooth capability, allowing you to take it anywhere. Designed to be super thin, it slips easily into your briefcase or bicycle pannier. (MacBook Air, from $999)
STUDY Love your kids but can’t wait until they’ve passed their Justin Bieber phase? Don’t want to listen to your wife prattle on about the latest neighborhood gossip? Cancel out the noise with Beat by Dr. Dre Headphones from Monster Engineering. These high definition headphones cancel outside noise, allowing you to relax to the sound of your favorite tunes, whether it’s Miles Davis or N.W.A. Though not developed more by Apple, they are available for articles purchase from the Apple Store. Visit (Beats by Dr. Dre Headphones Website from Monster, $299.95)
For feedback and comments please get in touch. > feedback@whitedm.com
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Exterior of Ten Fifty B, San Diego, CA 32
January 2011 www.constructiondigital.com
green building
a green
Future for Multi-Family Housing Developments Two recently completed housing developments in California prove that it’s possible to build modern, green low income housing Written by Laura Clapper a survey conducted by Habitat for Humanity International and Whirlpool Corporation revealed that many feel that green building is an expensive endeavor. This is especially true in low income communities—the market that would benefit most from the cost savings of energy and water efficiency initiatives. Though many associate green building with the rich and famous, two low income housing developments in California show that sustainability need not be exclusive. TEN FIFTY B: SAN DIEGO Rising 23 stories above downtown San Diego, Ten Fifty B is the tallest and greenest low income multi-family residential building on the West Coast and the first new structure in San Diego to earn LEED Gold certification. Though the Affirmed Housing Group has been using
green and sustainable elements in projects since 2000, Ten Fifty B allowed it to move into LEED certification. The mixed-use building features 229 apartments ranging in size from studio to three bedrooms, in addition to 14,000 square feet of retail space. Residents can mingle and relax in the landscaped outdoor common areas on the 7th and 9th Floors, above the base of the building. To qualify to live in this green high-rise, applicants must earn between 25-60 percent of the area median income for San Diego County. According to Jim Silverwood, President of Affirmed Housing Group, all of the apartments have been filled. “There’s a great need for quality, affordable housing, not only here in California but throughout the United States, especially in the significant larger urban centers,” he says. www.constructiondigital.com January 2011
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Interior of Ten Fifty B
The building features photovoltaic and solar thermal panels that create energy from the bright Southern California sunshine for use by the residents. To conserve water, a necessity in this arid region of the country, each unit features efficient, low-flow water fixtures. More than 90 percent of the units have a view of the city and access to abundant natural light, reducing the amount of energy required during the day. The windows are also energy efficient, improving the temperature efficiency of the building. Ten Fifty B was designed by Martinez + Cutri Architects and Turner Construction Company served as the general contractor. 34
January 2011 www.constructiondigital.com
Interior of Ten Fifty B
Ten Fifty B at a gla Developer: Affirmed Housing Group Designed by: Martinez + Cutri Architects
General Contractor: Turner Construction Company 229 apartments + 14,000 sq Ft retail space
green building
Solar Panels of Ten Fifty B
ance
ompany
features: • PV/solar thermal panels • Low flow water fixtures • Energy efficient windows • Natural lighting
CASA DOMINGUEZ: LOS ANGELES Located on 3.58 acres in the Dominguez Hills area of Los Angeles, Casa Dominguez touts over 98,776 square feet of new construction space with 70 affordable one to four bedroom rental apartments and a Family Development Center. The development earned LEED Platinum certification in 2010 and has been recognized by the Southern California Association of Non Profit Housing with the Multi-Family Project of the Year. With rental prices that range from $396 to $1279 per month, Casa Dominguez serves the low income, senior and transitional youth populations of the LA area. "Knowing a healthy environment is a www.constructiondigital.com January 2011
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general_concrete@yahoo.com
green building
Casa Dominguez at a glance Architect and Developer: Abode Communities Property Manager: Abode Communities 70 apartment units
vital factor in physical, mental and social development, especially among children, Abode Communities has incorporated several green features in Casa Dominguez's facilities," said Robin Hughes, President of Abode Communities in a statement in July. Green elements of the development include the first commercial gray water irrigation system in LA County, an 84.87 kW (DC) solar energy system that will provide 100 percent of the energy for the common areas, high efficiency Low E windows, a ground source heat pump and California-friendly landscaping. Each apartment unit has Energy Star Appliances in addition to low-VOC paints and floor coverings, recycled content carpets and low-flow water fixtures. Residents are given information and seminars to help them learn to save energy and take advantage of the green initiatives offered by the development. "Casa Dominguez isn't just bricks and mortar. It is a change in the way the community sees itself," said Hughes. "By giving residents well-designed, healthy and sustainable places to live and following through with programs to address their needs, we are in effect revitalizing a neighborhood, paving the way for progressive positive physical, social and economic change-
Features: • Energy Efficient Appliances • Natural light and ventilation • Solar energy system • Low-VOC paint/ floor coverings • Graywater irrigation • CA-friendly landscape • Low-flow fixtures not just within Casa Dominguez, but even beyond its gates." Ten Fifty B and Casa Dominguez are just two mixed-use, multi-family developments designed to serve low income residents and gather them into more the sustainability fold. These articles developments enhance our Visit urban areas and serve as Website models of green building.
For feedback and comments please get in touch. > feedback@whitedm.com
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Under Construction
Spotlight
dubai on
The Middle East is leading the world in design innovation, building skyscrapers that defy convention and the laws of physics Written by Laura Clapper
rolex tower One of seven emirates of the UAE, Dubai is the land where anything is possible, at least architecturally. Structures are built taller, smarter and even greener. While the construction industry has slowed in the rest of the world, in Dubai and much of the Middle East, it’s going strong. Construction Digital has an inside look at Dubai’s latest crop of innovative towers.
Location: Sheik Zayed Road Architect: Skidmore, Owings & Merrill Height: 235 meters Completion Date: 2010
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Under Construction
pentominium Location: Dubai Marina Architect: Aedas Height: 516 meters Completion Date: 2012 ROLEX TOWER Completed in November, the 59-story, 235 meter Rolex Tower is the latest structure to enhance the Dubai skyline. Designed by Skidmore, Owings and Merrill, the mixed-use tower is comprised of over 30 floors of office space and 25 floors of residential apartments. Two residential penthouses crown the building, one if which features a private pool. The building features a high-performance green glass, chosen specifically for its desert location. Much like the iconic timepiece, the tower is designed to exude modern simplicity, particularly against the hustle of street traffic on Sheikh Zayed Road. “Rolex Tower continues SOM’s commitment to quality and high design standards for planning cities and incorporating buildings into these cities,” said Peter Ruggiero, the SOM Design Partner for the project in a statement. “Like a symphony, buildings play a roles in cities much like musicians who come together to perform a piece of music. Every participant is equally as important and when in unison, the overall effect is quite beautiful. Similarly, Rolex Tower clarifies this urban vision by fitting seamlessly into Dubai’s cityscape through classic and elegant design.”
Designed by Aedas to be the tallest residential building in the world, the Pentominium will rise 516 meters into the sky with over 122 floors of premium residential space. The architects at Aedas were presented with a unique challenge of meeting the needs of residents while designing a building appropriate for environmental challenges. Designers created two building sides centered around one core. The southern-facing side, designed to mitigate solar gain, becomes wider as it rises, creating a wind break from high velocity winds. The other side features a staggered design comprised of 65 story-high pods that provide privacy while breaking up density. With the Pentominium, Trident International Holdings, the developer of the project, seeks to create a new benchmark in luxury living. What is luxury? If you responded a cigar lounge, temperature controlled indoor swimming pool, sky lounge, observation deck and five-star banquet hall you’re in luck. Throw in a Swarovski crystal grand entrance hall and crystal studded elevator lobby for good measure—the awardwinning Pentominium isn’t messing around. The Pentominium is expected to be complete in 2012. www.constructiondigital.com January 2011
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BURJ AL ALAM Location: Business Bay area
Height: 510 meters
Architect: Nikken Sekkei Ltd.
Completion Date: 2012
BURJ AL ALAM Resembling a chess piece as much the crystal flower it’s designed to represent, the Burj Al Alam (“World Tower”) is a 108 story, 510 meter mixed-use tower located in Dubai’s Business Bay area. Designed by Japanese design firm Nikken Sekkei and developed by the Fortune Investment Group, the “Blossom Tower” will house office and exclusive retail space as well as a high-end hotel on the top 27 floors. For those unfazed by heights, the flower-shaped crown of the building will feature a sky lounge. The completion date for Burj Al Alam is 2012. Elsewhere in the Middle East… 42
January 2011 www.constructiondigital.com
Under Construction
CMA TOWER: SAUDI ARABIA Location: Saudi Arabia
Height: 400 meters
Architect: HOK/Omrania & Associates
Completion Date: 2012
CMA TOWER: SAUDI ARABIA In October, Cyril Sweet, a leading global construction and property consultancy company, oversaw the foundation pour of the Capital Market Authority (CMA) Tower in Saudi Arabia. Designed by HOK and Omrania & Associates, the CMA Tower will be the tallest tower in the country when complete, standing over 80 stories and nearly 400 meters above the landscape and will become the iconic structure of the burgeoning new King Abdullah Financial District. Structural engineering was provided by Walter P. Moore, which designed a central Y-shaped concrete core to work in concert with
a composite perimeter braced frame to support the structure. This option also decreases carbon emissions for the project by 30 percent as compared to an all concrete scheme. The tower will feature over 1,991,000 square feet of office space. Additionally, it will feature green more building elements, including articles photovoltaic panels, making it Visit Website eligible for LEED certification when complete in 2012.
For feedback and comments please get in touch. > feedback@whitedm.com
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january jan
29
http://www.interiorconstructionsaudi.com/Event.aspx?id=371746
jan
15
Interior Design and Construction Saudi Arabia
Riyadh, Saudi Arabia Interior Design and Construction Saudi Arabia is the dedicated platform for high-end fixed and hard finished interiors professionals in the Middle East. Come and debate the hot topics of the day, knowledge share, educate, benchmark, network and forge business relationships with your industry peers.
ASHRAE 2011 Winter Conference
Las Vegas, Nevada The 2011 ASHRAE Winter Conference will feature papers and programs addressing the industry’s efforts to achieve zero-energy design. Roughly a quarter of the technical program will feature paper-based sessions, providing a more written record of advances in the industry. The paper-related sessions consist of Technical Papers – a full paper that undergoes a rigorous double-blind review – and Conference Papers – a shorter paper that undergoes a less-rigorous single-blind review. > Visit Website
http://www.ashrae.org/events/page/2650#sked
> Visit Website
http://www.worldofconcrete.com/
jan
17
World of Concrete
Las Vegas Convention Center, Las Vegas, NV The 25th Annual Construction World of Concrete is the industry’s ONLY annual international event dedicated to the commercial concrete and masonry construction industries.WOC will feature special unique events, a worldclass education program with both 3-hour and 90-minutes sessions, industry-specific certifications & exams, interactive demonstrations and competitions, and an opportunity for you to meet with International Exhibitors and network with your peers. > Visit Website 44
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www.bridgesrussia.com
feb
09
Bridge Construction Russia 2011
Prague, Czech Republic Bridge Construction Russia 2011 will bring Russian and European bridge designers and contractors to an international level. Simultaneously in Russian and English languages to facilitate the effective exchange of vital experience between the bridge construction experts, and to gain ground breaking technologies and projects studies from leading organisations, this will be a unique and must attend meeting for all. > Visit Website
construction
feb
http://www.bauma-china.com/
www.bridgeconstructioneurope.com
feb
22
Piling & Deep Foundations Europe
Warsaw, Poland Piling & Deep Foundations Europe 2011 brings together over 20 cases studies from recognised market leaders including Keller Polska, Arup, China Overseas Engineering Company and Bachy Soletanche to Warsaw. Learn the latest and most innovative techniques in piling, testing and ground investigations successfully implemented in practice from this premier information-sharing forum.> Visit Website
22
Bridges Asia 2011
Harbour Grand, Hong Kong Bridges Asia 2011 is the regional platform at which stakeholders including asset owners exchange information on new and upcoming bridge projects, financing models and legal issues, technologies on design and construction and latest techniques on maintenance. The event addresses the many challenges and opportunities presented by longer and specialty bridges in Asia. > Visit Website http://bridges-asia.com/Event.aspx?id=388886
www.buildersgypsum.com
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Milmont School
The voice of Commercial
Modular
Construction Written by Erin Whitt, Communications Manager
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Modular Building Institute MBI
Founded in 1983, the Modular Building Institute (MBI) is the international trade association representing the non-residential modular construction industry. Currently serving nearly 300 companies in 11 countries, MBI is widely recognized as the voice for commercial modular construction. It is MBI’s mission to grow the industry and its capabilities by encouraging innovation, quality, and professionalism through communication, education, and recognition. Regular members are manufacturers and dealers of commercial modular structures, while associate members are companies supplying building components, services, and financing. The Association represents two segments of modular builders: permanent modular
construction providers and manufacturers and providers of relocatable buildings. The industry provides all types of building space, from temporary storage units to complex multistory permanent buildings. The most commonly served markets are education, healthcare, general office, retail, commercial housing, industrial, construction site and emergency space. MBI works with its members to offer networking, training, legislative advocacy and business opportunities. In addition, through its enforceable code of ethics, MBI promotes integrity and quality in the modular industry by having their member subscribe to the MBI Code of Business Ethics & Conduct. www.constructiondigital.com January 2011
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MBI’s hallmark event is World of Modular, the only industry annual trade show and the commercial modular construction industry’s largest event. The event seeks to provide those in the industry a place to network, exchange ideas, learn from experts, and display new products. The conference also includes the premier awards contest for the industry, The Awards of Distinction. MBI’s contest reviews commercial modular building entries submitted by MBI member companies. The projects demonstrate the quality, and value that modular construction has to offer builders, owners and developers. MBI also recently formed an alliance with Associated Builders and Contractors, Start Today and Rebuild Together (START), to leverage the resources of the construction industr y, nongovernmental organizations, and government agencies to respond quickly and efficiently with relief and rebuilding efforts following natural disasters. The first joint initiative was START Haiti and MBI has been working with its members over the last year to supply much needed buildings and supplies to the people of Haiti. T he As sociation also administers the MBI Educational Foundation ( MBIEF), the only organization established specifically to provide educational opportunities in the form of training and scholarships to individuals with an interest in commercial modular construction. MBIEF has trained over 1,000 industry professionals through its “Essentials of Commercial Modular Construction” educational series, has begun intensive development of a modular buildings installation certificate 48
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W compone
program, and provides training on project management, BIM and green building. MBIEF also sponsors student design competitions to help educate young architects about the industry. As the voice of the industry, MBI promotes the speed, environmental, safety and cost advantages of modular construction.
MBI
Worker assembling ents in the factory
Commercial modular buildings are nonresidential structures, 60% to 90% completed off-site in a factory and transported and assembled at the final building site. This can comprise the entire building or be components or subassemblies of larger structures. The term “modular� describes a construction method or process where individual modules stand along or are assembled together to make up larger structures.
Unique to modular construction, multiple trades are capable of working simultaneously on a project in a factory, whereas on site, one task, or trade, or floor must be substantially completed before starting the second. This process often allows modular construction times of half that of site-built construction. The resource efficiency of the process requires less labor and fewer materials to be wasted. In addition, there is a reduced www.constructiondigital.com January 2011
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Britco Athletes Village
environmental impact which allows for less site damage, less material exposure and less waste in landfills. One other unique aspect of modular construction is that it is more readily designed for deconstruction. The fact that the building is assembled in modules means that it can be disassembled at the end of its useful life. In many cases entire buildings are repurposed and reused for secondary needs and at secondary locations. There is simply not a more sustainable concept than reusing an entire building for a new purpose. 50
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In addition, the quality-controlled process also creates a safer environment for construction workers due to the decreased exposure to construction site hazards. The cost savings of using the modular construction process comes from shortening the construction schedule, recycling and reusing materials and creating a higher quality product. In addition, modular buildings are built with the same materials as site-built construction, and are designed to meet all building codes. Once completed, the buildings are indistinguishable from site-built projects.
MBI
Tom Hardiman, Executive Director
Statistics Type: Institute MBI is proud to represent the commercial modular construction industry and strives to help the industry live up to its label as “the future of construction.�
Location: Virginia - USA Founded: 1983 Currency: US
Read more http://www.businessreviewusa. com/associations association profiles > Visit Website For feedback and comments please get in touch.
Insert logo
Key People: Tom Hardiman, Executive Director: tom@modular.org Erin Whitt, Communications Manager: erin@modular.org www.modular.org
> feedback@whitedm.com
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The CIDB promotes construction delivery capability to boost South Africa’s social and economic growth 52
January 2011 www.constructiondigital.com
CONSTRUCTION INDUSTRY DEVELOPMENT BOARD CIDB
FOCUS ON THE CIDB The CIDB is a government entity of the Department of Public Works — we find out more THE CONSTRUCTION INDUSTRY Development Board (CIDB) is a government entity of the Department of Public Works (DPW) and reports, via its Board, to the Minister of Public Works. Established in terms of the CIDB Act 38 of 2000, the organisation is a schedule 3A entity that promotes construction delivery capability to boost South Africa’s social and economic growth, and a transformed industry that delivers to global standards of performance. The CIDB seeks to lead industry stakeholders towards improved performance in meeting construction demand and delivering best value to clients and society. The CIDB is now well established as the primary regulatory body in the construction industry, providing strategic leadership to stakeholders in the construction industry to stimulate sustainable growth, reform and development in the sector. It therefore occupies a unique position as both player and referee, fulfilling a dual mandate of providing both an enabling and supportive environment that has a developmental focus, while at the same time enforcing compliance with its legislation. While this dual responsibility may
RONNIE KHOZA CHIEF EXECUTIVE, CIDB
be ordinarily viewed as having some conflict, the CIDB is comfortable and believes it gives the organization a unique advantage to maintain a critical balance between the two responsibilities. Our experience helps us to determine when to enforce compliance, and to provide support where it is most needed in the industry. The inaugural and second boards, led by Messrs Brian Bruce and Pepi Silinga, and first CEO Mr Spencer Hodgson, were appointed in November 2001. This gives the CIDB eight years of effective establishment. As it would happen with all new organisations, the board started preparing its foundation to deliver on its mandate. This mandate is expressed through the various objects of the Act and may be summarised as follows:
The CIDB
s -UST ESTABLISH AND MAINTAIN A NATIONAL register of contractors (RoC) and a national register of projects ( RoP) to regulate, monitor and promote the performance of the industry for sustainable growth, delivery and empowerment. The CIDB may also establish other registers like the register www.constructiondigital.com January 2011
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The Government has announced a R787 billion investment in infrastructure
of consultants, a register of suppliers and a register of manufacturers, all as national registers s 0ROMOTE IMPROVED DELIVERY MANAGEMENT capacity and the uniform application of procurement policy throughout all spheres of government s 0ROMOTE IMPROVED PERFORMANCE AND BEST practice of public and private sector clients, contractors and other participants in the construction delivery process s 3UPPORT SUSTAINABLE PARTICIPATION OF THE emerging sector; and provide strategic direction and develop effective partnerships for growth, reform and improvement of the construction sector.
2EFERENCE 'ROUP AND 7HITE 0APER ALL FORMED a critical foundation leading to the CIDB as we know it today. Government had to take a careful approach to ensure the process was as inclusive as possible under the circumstances of a declining industry. There was always a firm belief that the industry decline would turn around and begin to perform again.
Construction in SA
The construction industry in South Africa has experienced a boom and performed very well over the last few years, even with the negative impact of the global financial crisis that has gripped both developed The establishment of the Ministerial Task and developing economies. Based on a 4EAM THE 'REEN 0APER THROUGH TO THE combination of luck and commitment by 54
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CIDB
STATISTICS Type: Government Funded Location: South Africa Founded: 2000 Currency: Rands www.cidb.org.za
the South African Government, we have been blessed with an active and growing construction industry. The multi-year projects, like the Gautrain Rapid Rail Link project, and the new and renovated 2010 FIFA Soccer World Cup stadia that have been under construction for a few years under tight deadlines and spread out through major cities of our country, have sustained our economy. The road network improvements linked to the stadia, public transport systems in development in major cities, various private sector projects in the form of shopping centers and commercial sites are but a few exciting opportunities we have never experienced together as a country at any one time. Government has announced its further commitment through the R787 billion
investment in infrastructure in the mediumterm. This is a large sum of money and all role players are gearing up to get a slice of this investment. While this is exciting news, Government needs to quickly break this down to projects and which tiers of Government will be responsible for spending it.
READ MORE HTTP://WWW.AFRICANBUSINESSREVIEW.CO.ZA/ASSOCIATIONS ASSOCIATION PROFILES > Visit Website For feedback and comments please get in touch. > feedback@whitedm.com
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Roofers installing Reflect-R, an innovative insulation product that reflects 97% of radiant heat gain
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Therm-All
Therm-All HighPerformance Insulation
Doesn’t Cost,
It Pays.
Therm-All provides superior quality products & complete insulation systems to maximize thermal performance for metal buildings. Written by Laurie Baratti & Produced by Alexander N Hortaridis ROOTS:
Therm-All was started in 1981 in Cleveland, Ohio by Bob Smigel, who brought with him many years of experience in metal building and insulation from working with Butler Manufacturing. He also brought with him the belief in treating customers like friends, and hiring the best people, which Smigel says prepared him well for his own business. Smigel started the business with a handful of key employees from the metal building industry. Therm-All struggled to survive during its first year in the recession of the early 1980s. In 1982, however, the company received its first major order of insulation and production marginally increased. Smigel recalls those difficult years, “We started Therm-All in a severe recession and things just looked bleak. It wasn’t until we received the major order from a friend of mine in ‘82 that business picked up. That was our turning point.” In the years to follow, business expanded and since then, Therm-All has grown into one of the country’s largest metal building insulation laminators. Much of Therm-All’s growth geographically was accomplished through strategic acquisitions
that were made over time and, now, the company is well-positioned to deliver to markets all across the continental U.S. Today, the company operates nine nationwide branches, located in: North Olmsted, OH (headquarters); Lancaster, PA; Dallas, TX; Columbus, WI; Stockton, CA; Kennesaw, GA; Phoenix, AZ; and in Kent & Spokane, WA.
APPROACH:
The company offers a complete line of insulation products and systems, from accessories to complete, preassembled door packages for metal building systems. It sells direct to customers, who are usually either Contractors or Erectors carrying out their projects for an end-consumer. The construction industry is witnessing unprecedented changes in the ways that metal building systems are being planned and built. An increasing awareness of energy efficiency opportunities and the environment, are leading to the adoption of more stringent energy codes, which creates the need for more efficient insulation systems. Today’s customers demand advanced solutions, and Therm-All is prepared www.constructiondigital.com January 2011
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www.bandedliner.com
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Therm-All
Therm-All offers an extensive selection of high-quality NIA certified vapor retarders.
to respond. Therm-All’s commitment is to provide the highest quality laminated fiberglass insulation possible to the Metal Building Industry. Through a wide range of product offerings, Therm-All can supply various enhanced insulation features, such High-R Systems, Labor-Saving Systems, installation accessories and other related products, including insulated panels. It can also create cost models for its customers that will help educate the builder or building owner about which system is right for their project, and determine the approximate ROI for each insulation system. Therm-All is also able to offer customers assistance with COMcheck and code-compliance.
QUALITY:
Therm-All is an active participant in trade associations related to its industry, being an NIA (National Insulation Association) member, and an associate member of the MBMA (Metal Building Manufacturers Association) and the NFBA (National Frame Builders Association). Therm-All is also proud to have been involved in moving the industry towards the development of
its insulation quality standards. Therm-All was the first to initiate, and then successfully implement, a specialized certification program for quality standards, so its customers could rely upon not only the quality, but also consistency of features found among its insulation products. By requiring products to meet with predefined criteria audited by a third party, Therm-All was essentially setting the standards for quality in an industry where none had existed before. Its commitment to strengthening the integrity of its industry through innovation, strong quality products and value-added service has firmly cemented Therm-All’s reputation as an industry leader. At present, some of its competitors have followed suit by adopting quality standards, while others continue conducting business as they were before. When it comes to Metal Building Insulation, Therm-All offers the highest quality products for pre-engineered steel and metal buildings. It starts with fiberglass from Owens Corning Fiberglass, the leader in the market. Arguably the most trusted and recognized name in the industry, Owens Corning is Therm-All’s major business partner and www.constructiondigital.com January 2011
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supplier profile:
OWENS CORNING
collaborator (www.owenscorning.com). All Therm-All plants have been tested and certified to manufacture products meeting the stringent standards for post-laminated R-values set for NIA-Certified Faced Insulation. Therm-All sells only Certified Faced Insulation Products, and uses only NAIMA 202-96 certified metal building insulation materials in manufacturing.
ADVANTAGES:
Country: USA Established Partnership: 1938 Employees: 10,000+ Industry: Insulation Manufacturing Provided Services: > Building insulation products, solutions and systems for commercial, residential and metal buildings.
www.owenscorning.com
Therm-All combines the highest quality & most stringent service standards and is constantly integrating new, uniquely innovative features into their design and production methods in order to make the best product available in the industry. Refinements made to insulation products’ smaller details can often make the biggest value-difference when it comes to heat loss and energy efficiency. This is one element of construction in which it pays to have gone over every feature with a proverbial ‘fine-toothed comb’. Therm-All has invested a significant amount into creating its custom-engineered lamination equipment. The result is a proprietary method for laminating that produces the longest, most wrinkle-free product in the industry. . As Smigel explains, “Our machines can wrap material much tighter, with a smoother facing that makes for nice, easy-to-handle rolls.” While it may seem like a purely aesthetic consideration, incorporation of these attributes into the product actually makes an erectors’ work much easier, reducing unnecessary hassle and minimizing time spent at the job site. These are the kinds of value-added extras that Therm-All prides itself upon, and that keep customers coming back to them for specialized products that provide the combination of quality & convenience that isn’t found among industry competitors.
OFFERINGS:
Therm-All offers all industry-standard vapor retarders, more commonly called ‘insulation facing’. Often, the most overlooked component of any construction project is the importance of installing 60
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Therm-All
Therm-All is headquartered in North Olmsted, OH
a high-quality vapor retarder to improve thermal performance and prevent corrosion, mold growth, and condensation. Therm-All is also a large distributor of ‘Thermax’ rigid-board insulation by Dow. As industry experts, Therm-All’s sales people know when to recommend it and which would be the right product for a customer’s project. Other insulation types available from Therm-All include Water Heater Insulation Blankets, reflective insulation (Reflect-R), and multiple varieties of HVAC Duct Wrap. The Reflect-R product is high-quality reflective insulation that’s perfect for use in a wide range of commercial and industrial applications. Its heavy-duty reinforced facing is made from pure aluminum and a ¾” fiberglass core also reduces the risk of fire. Available with various tab options, Reflect-R is designed to save customers man-hours on the jobsite. In many construction markets, new building codes are
mandating that reflective insulation product be installed in new buildings to keep concrete floors at room temperature. Therm-All also offers several green building products. “Contractors are beginning to view green building as just another part of the building process rather than an extra expense,” says Smigel. “We realized long ago that we should speak to this need and present contractors with greener options for end-users.” Therm-All’s Owens Corning fiberglass insulation is GREENGUARD Indoor Air Quality Certified, which means that it’s tested to ensure that chemical and particle emissions meet stringent indoor air quality pollutant standards. Additionally, GREENGUARD Certified insulation maintains better indoor air quality than other brands, ultimately contributing to a more comfortable indoor atmosphere. The previously mentioned Reflect-R also www.constructiondigital.com January 2011
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www.ehproducts.com
Therm-All operates
nine
nationwide branches
Therm-All insulation is delivered in convenient colorcoded bags for roofs and walls
Get on the record with...
Where industry leaders meet
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possesses eco-friendly properties. Its reflective facing deflects solar heat waves, thereby reducing radiant heat gain and better maintaining indoor temperatures. The result? Less energy used for heating and cooling. PDL Building Products also contribute to Therm-All’s line of green building products. Each window from PDL possesses a low e-coating on the glass that reflects heat back to the source; that is, heat is reflected back inside during the wintertime and outside during warmer months. Additionally, much of the aluminium within PDL window systems is made from recyclable material. Smigel says the definitive goal of Therm-All Green Building is to assist customers in making environmentally and economically sound business decisions. “Therm-All green building initiatives aim to conserve energy, lower utility bills, and ultimately
Therm-All
underscore our customers’ bottom line.”
EXTRAS:
Therm-All has several product features designed to reduce installation hours on the jobsite. For efficiency, each of its products comes in Color-Coded Packaging to help customers easily recognize coordinating materials, which allows for quicker allocation at the job site. Erectors can easily tell what-goes-where, and avoid wasting valuable time and money. The company also offers a Cut-n-Tuck option, with pre-cut wall pieces that can be custom-cut to fit the customer’s specifications for the contractor to install. Therm-All’s patented Conseal Tab® technology eliminates time-consuming stapling and allows for a much cleaner and more efficient
installation process. “We’re not selling a product that people can get anywhere else,” Smigel emphasizes. He knows that, when you have a unique product, you also have the competitive edge that a successful business needs. In addition to providing a superior product, Therm-All is also highly concerned with customer satisfaction. “Our goal is to provide the best service and the best quality in the industry.” Therm-All is also one of the largest providers of the Elaminator Insulation System in the U.S.The Elaminator system can provide a High-R application for new construction without support wires or structures below. With its patented installation system, there are no exposed insulation seams, thus providing superior perm-rating and a great appearance, as well as fall protection. www.constructiondigital.com January 2011
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A Therm-All company, PDL Building Products is the leader in the pre-assembled door and window market. Each door arrives with insulation included and completely assembled under controlled factory conditions, so that installation takes only minutes instead of hours and provides a perfect fit every time. PDL’s products include Metal Building Doors, Masonry Doors, Glass Storefront Doors, Knock-Down Doors, and Thermal or Non-Thermal Windows.
SYSTEMS:
New building energy codes along with higher energy costs are increasing the demand for ‘High R’ metal building insulation systems. Therm-All can provide system solutions to help the customer meet new code requirements. Developed with the team at Owens Corning, Therm-All now offers the Owens Corning 64
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Optiliner™ Banded Liner System, which meets with the latest requirements of the Energy Codes. The OptiLiner™ Banded Liner System, for use in metal building roof and wall applications, is designed to maximize the thermal performance of Owens Corning MBI Plus light-density fiberglass insulation in pre-engineered metal buildings. In addition to excellent thermal performance, this system features an exceptional vapor retarder, an enhanced acoustical environment (both inside and outside of the building), and attractive finished appearance, with a bright interior finish which may allow for reduced lighting loads. The OptiLiner™ system uses a series of one-inch galvanized steel straps to support a polyethylene fabric that serves as a low-permeance vapor retarder layer for the system. Fabric sections are custom-fit for each bay in order to ensure a swift installation, and a clean, finished interior appearance. This also
Therm-All Therm-All sells only Certified Faced Insulation Products
Statistics Name: Therm-All Country: United States Est: 1981 Employees: 150 Industry: Construction
Bob Smigel, President (L), Therm-All foil facing exhibits reflective properties and contributes to an appealing indoor aesthetic (R)
allows roof or wall cavities to be completely filled with uncompressed insulation, which maximizes the thermal performance. The system has also been Certified by The Greenguard Environmental Institute (GEI) for indoor air quality. • May want to take this out because it’s redundant, as I inserted a small blurb on the GREENGUARD Certified insulation pertaining to Therm-All green building products.
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Premiere Service:Insulation for the metal building industry URL: www.therm-all.com Twitter: http://twitter.com/therm_all
Management President &CEO: Bob Smigel GM & VP of Operations: Dennis Kaczmerk Financial Controller: Rich Sobiech Sales Manager, Northern: David Smigel Sales Manager, Southern: Gary Moore Sales Manager, East Coast: Jim Place
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Espirito Santo
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Capform Inc.
Capform Inc:
Builders who lay the foundation of
Quality & Excellence Specialists in the concrete framework business for 32 years, Capform Inc. has created a name for itself by making superior craftsmanship and safety its utmost priority Written by Pooja Thakkar
Incorporated in 1978 in Dallas, Texas, Capform was founded by Mario Dozzo who originated from Toronto, Canada. From the start, Capform believed in providing the best quality workmanship. There are no cutting corners at Capform—a philosophy backed by the organization’s core values which are: Safety, Quality and Production. Over the years its principles have resulted in creating an excellent name for the company within the general contracting community while ensuring many repeat customers. Today Capform is a privately-held, commercial, full-service concrete contractor and an unbeatable leader in Texas and Florida. The Company specializes in creating stadiums, arenas, hospitals, hotels, office buildings, multi-level parking structures as well as high-rise residential buildings. It also offers services for general contractors and owner/developers, including condominiums, convention centers, parking garages, retail centers, casinos, educational facilities, medical facilities, laboratories, manufacturing facilities, and government facilities. Their projects range in size from $500,000 in forming operations to over $40
million in turnkey concrete structures.
TAKING ACTION
As a large, vibrant company, Capform strategically develops its action plans in order to produce maximum productivity. The Company strikes a balance between hard bid pricing and design assistant negotiations. Capform Inc. has also expanded its operations from a concrete formwork contractor to include “turnkey” practices, which allow the company to produce what it feels is the most cost-effective concrete work in the industry.
PIONEERS IN LEAN CONSTRUCTION
According to Jim Renaud, Vice President at Capform, Lean Construction is a formal name of what they have been practicing for many years. “We are ahead of our times,” he says proudly. “We have been efficient about building systems that help in reducing the workload of the workers on the field while increasing production,” explains Renaud. But it’s a team effort after all, and the interaction between company and contractors plays a crucial www.constructiondigital.com January 2011
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www.suncoast-pt.com
The Company has a great safety record with an EMR of 0.62
Plaza on Brickell
role. And this is where the reputation of Capform shines through as 98% of their business is done with the same contractors. “There is tremendous loyalty between us, and that is what keeps us going during the tough times,” believes Renaud. It because of this trust that the company can create a complete structure, from the ground up while maintaining stern focus on on-time scheduling and efficiency. “We do it right the first time and always meet the schedule,” adds Renaud.
EMPLOYESS MATTER!
“We don’t have much trouble with the employee retention—maybe because it’s a family owned business,” says Renaud. This certainly rings true as at Capform the average longevity of the supervisory staff is 18 years. Capform believes in promoting from within and helping employees grow in their careers. The same goes for the 68
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top management as well, since the Company’s CEO, Luc Lafleur, started as a foreman working in the field, and has been a part of the company for 37 years. “90% of the Superintendents have worked their way up. They started as carpenters and foremen,” notes Renaud. With a permanent staff of 200 salaried and approximately 1000 hourly employees, Capform pays competitive wages and challenges their employees with difficult projects and according to Renaud, “Give them the ability and freedom to bring their own knowledge and skills to a job as opposed to always dictating them. They’re builders – you have to challenge them.”
SAFETY FOR A SECURE WORKING ENVIRONMENT
Another area of great pride for Capform is their reliable and successful safety program. The company
Capform Inc.
invests a lot of time and effort in training their workers and making sure that they are equipped to finish their work in a safe manner. They have on-staff directors and monitors to overlook the safety measures. Capform also holds weekly and daily safety training programs for its workers in addition to specific trainings like the “Tool-box” meetings and “Fall Protection” where experts give demonstrations. In addition, all of their foremen and superintendents maintain a minimum OSHA 30 Hour Certification. “Safety is more of an attitude. And when that attitude is at the top and works its way down, people come to know how serious we are about it,” states Renaud. Due to all its efforts and precautions the company has an impressive safety record with an Experience ModifierRate of 0.62, and plans are in place to decrease the number even further. “High-
rise work receives special attention to perimeter protection. Our ability to design and build our own forming systems allows us the opportunity to incorporate the perimeter protection into our forming system,” he adds.
A BLEND OF TECHNOLOGY AND GREEN INITIATIVES
As a frontrunner in the concrete formwork business, Capform has also adopted Building Information Modeling (BIM) technology and integrated it in its business. It’s an advanced method that uses digital information to create more accurate project models and construction timelines, assisting developers to reduce costs, including a number of expensive errors. BIM technology has helped the company’s Estimating department to become more efficient and accountable while helping in their on-screen www.constructiondigital.com January 2011
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takeoffs, to provide more accurate proposals and to offer better pricing. As a part of the going green initiative, the company uses recycled materials on the job and practices efficient waste management.
TRUST AND FAMILY TIES FOR GROWTH
Expressing his views on the current economic scenario Renaud states, “The company will survive these lean years which many of our competitors won’t be able to because they don’t have our management philosophy.” Capform’s current motto of “No job is too small, no job is too big” has made the company strong and dependable as their projects usually range anywhere from $2 million to $20 million. The biggest project for the company was worth $50 million and the smallest 70
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around half a million dollars. Looking ahead, the company aims to maintain its reputation and continue providing quality work to its clients and safety to its employees. “We don’t have sales people promoting us as we believe in expanding our business through secure relationships,” says Renaud. With a Lean and Mean Management policy and counting their employees as members of their large family, Capform is aware is that happy employees mean a successful organization. “We rely on our people and they know that the company’s survival depends on them,” says Renaud. He continues by saying, “There are a lot of families working in the company like sons of managers and superintendents who work in the field and many more. They want the company to succeed not just for themselves but for the next generation as well.”
Capform Inc.
Austonian workers
Statistics Name: Capform Inc. Country: United States
For many years now, Capform has been providing its customers with financial stability and construction expertise. With its long standing relationships with both its customers and contractors; the company is setting almost unmatchable standards for the other players in the Industry. The future of Capform seems full of promise as they are ready to face any challenge that comes their way, with a determined smile.
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Est: 1978 Industry: Construction Premiere Service: Full -Service Concrete Contractor URL: www.capforminc.com
Management CEO: Luc Lafleur Vice Presidents: Jim Renaud, Tony Bellissimo
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Custom circular stairs 72
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Design Homes LLC
Design Homes
Constructs Certified Green Modular Homes Design Homes is the industry leader when it comes to building innovative custom modular residential and commercial buildings Written by John T. Connelly & Produced by Brian Anderson Design Homes is a Certified Green Modular Home Manufacturer. This distinction is undeniably the byproduct of the two simple concepts upon which the Company is built: innovation and quality. They are the indisputable industry leader when it comes to custom modular construction. Design Homes LLC was building green before people knew what green was. “We ask customers in the beginning what shade of green they are looking for and what they are trying to accomplish,” says Tom Hetherington, Director of Communications/ Corporate Finance. “Are you looking at energy efficiency? Are you looking to save bucks? Are you looking to outdo your neighbour? Please tell us what you want because we can give you what you want. Share with us.” Design Homes is focused on applying its green building knowledge and experience to its factory built residential construction, custom commercial buildings, office buildings, and specialty buildings.
Design Homes continues to reshape the construction industry and its core efficiencies will undoubtedly become the industry standard.
The Foundation
Founded in 1982, Design Homes was borne out of a stick builder’s frustration with the lack of quality. One night while having serious conversations about quality of product received with a sales rep, Jimmy Degata voiced his frustration over consistent quality. The sales rep suggested he go start his own company and within two years Design Homes opened its doors in Bloomsburg, Penn. Design Homes was literally built on quality. Due to bad health, Mr Degata sold the company in 2000, to a group of investors. This investment group changed the philosophy of the company and sought to build smaller, less expensive, cookie-cutter homes. This business model was not successful. In September ’05, a different ownership group purchased the haemorrhaging Company www.constructiondigital.com January 2011
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design homes is a Certified
Green
www.xtremeset.com
Modular Home Manufacturer
Special design home
and returned it back to its values of quality and innovation. That returned also catalysed the return of familiar faces. Bobby Christiansen returned with the new ownership as VP and General Manager. “I left Design during the first group’s take over, but I came back in September 2005,” says Christiansen. “So too did Tom Hetherington in the January of 2006. He was a retread too as well as others in key management positions. Currently, there are 13 investors.” The return to the Company’s commitment to quality in 2005 also marked the return to innovation.
Innovation
In 2006, Design Homes began installing ceramic tiles into its modular homes. Ceramic 74
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tiles built into modular homes were a difficult feature to offer as countless problems would pop up during the transportation and delivery stage, such as cracked grouting. Design Homes was able to incorporate the highly sought after feature by collaborating with the manufacturer and creating an installation system that worked. Design Homes is also incorporating “open floor plans” into designs, which is another example of the Company breaking the mold. Traditionally, modular homes feature a lot of walls to accommodate the sheer loads and load points. Unfazed by this perceived obstacle, the engineering team deployed its ‘can do’ attitude and designed solutions for “open floor plans”. The introduction of 12 to 14 unit boxes in the 5,000 to 9,000 sq. ft. range proved to be
Design Homes LLC
one the greatest development for the Company. Business took off with this new offering. Customers no longer had to wait 18 months for a project to complete. Design Homes could build the project in a two to three week period and deliver it to site where it could be completed in 90 to 120 days. Design Homes can achieve lead time reductions as a result of its innovation and experience. “We are a factory line, manufacturing process. We could just as easily build boats or cars or nuclear warheads. We purchase our materials and then do fabrication, starting at the floors and moving up,” says Christiansen. “In the morning you would see the floor with the framing and sub floor. The floor moves up a station. On the sides, the walls are being
“ We are a factory line, manufacturing process. We could just as easily build boats or cars or nuclear warheads”
Tom Hetherington, Executive
built. When the floor moves up, the walls are taken off the jog and put on the floor. We then put the roof on. The whole time people doing the electrical wiring, plumbing and dry wall, moving down the line the whole time. Then we roll a carrier under it and roll the home out of the www.constructiondigital.com January 2011
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factory where it sits in our yard until we deliver it attached. The goal is to have the materials arrive 75% to 90% complete.” in the correct amount at the appropriate time. “We order what we need to limit inventory One House at a Time because inventory costs the customer money. The construction industry is notorious for waste, To use car terminology, which I hate, we strive inefficacies and a general resistance to change. ‘for just in time.’ We look at orders for lead times and figure that into the schedule,” says Design Homes is anything but. In addition to incorporating environmentally Christiansen. friendly principles into designing certified Green “We use everything. When people talk modular homes, the Company incorporates about green and waste, it doesn’t apply to us. environmentally friendly principles into its We can buy right and control costs. Those saving are passed on to the customer. We operations. By virtue of the Company’s manufacturing haven’t raised our prices since January 2006.” process, the house becomes released after the Design Homes has a process in place project has been commissioned. From there, the that appeals to all parties involved, including procurement department divides up the project the Earth. Suppliers and vendors know exactly and sends out purchase orders with timetables where the site is. Tradesmen employees report 76
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Design Homes LLC manufactures modular homes for the northeastern United States
Statistics Name: Design Homes LLC Country: USA Est: 1982 Employees: 1337 Industry: Construction
Traditional setting for kitchen nook
to the same location every day. Customers can “move in” faster than a traditional site built house. Costs are controlled, both during construction and once the house is functional. Considering the ailing industry’s future, Design Homes likely has manufactured a structurally sound formula to construction.
Premiere Service: Modular Home Construction Revenue: $10 million URL: www.designhomesllc.com
Management VP and General Manager: Bobby Christiansen Director of Sales: Steven Gable
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VP of Commercial Sales: Ray Cudwadie Director of Communications: Thomas Hetherington
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Hardwoods Kitchen Remodelling 78
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Hardwoods Specialty Products
LEeDING
DISTRIBUTOR OF SUSTAINABLE HARDWOOD
One of the largest hardwood product distributors in North America, Hardwoods is focused on growth in the commercial and residential repair/remodeling sectors Written by Laura Clapper & Produced by John Aydin Hardwoods Specialty Products (“Hardwoods”) was started over fifty years ago in British Columbia by the Sauder family, a family known in Canada for philanthropy. Hardwoods was a member of Sauder Moulding and Millwork until it became its own division in the late 1970s. In 2004 the company went public. Though it is now a publicly traded company, the Sauder’s are still 20 percent shareholders in the company. Over the last fifty years, Hardwoods has grown to encompass 27 locations, with 9 in Canada and in 18 in the United States. It serves the $7 billion North American market for hardwood lumber and panel products, focusing specifically on small to medium-sized manufacturing companies that produce kitchen cabinets, furniture and custom millwork products. Hardwoods has become one of the largest hardwood product distribution companies in the United States, and one of the few who has crossed the border to serve the entire North American market. “Training is a focus for our company,” says Lance Blanco, president and CEO of Hardwoods.
“We have developed what I believe is one of the best training programs in our industry.” Hardwoods sales force has a deep understanding of the industry and available product solutions, which allows them to improve the profitability and efficiency of their customer’s business. Hardwoods prides itself on excellence service, fostering strong relationships with its customers. Employees are trained to excel in the business and thrive in a corporate culture that fosters respect and integrity. Additionally, the company has a strong product sourcing model and well-developed supplier programs.
Green Products
Sustainability plays a large role in the company. Each distribution center is certified by the Forestry Stewardship Council and sells products that have been harvested from forests that meet rigorous environmental standards. Hardwoods is a member of the US Green Building Council (USGBC) and the Canadian Green Building Council (CaGBC), supporting green building www.constructiondigital.com January 2011
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The company has 27 locations: 9 in Canada & 18 in the United States
www.birchlandplywood.com
Dining Table Set Hardwoods Design
www.hawkeyeforest.com
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initiatives through accredited programs such as the Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED速). The company has developed a comprehensive offering of environmentally responsible products within its distribution, known in the marketplace as the Hardwoods GreenBelt. Products included in the GreenBelt meet the requirements of FSC and LEED, as well as other leading green certifications. One product included in the GreenBelt lineup is EchoWoodTM, a reconstituted veneer product that has been engineered to achieve the look of even the most expensive and rare woods, but is made using common wood fiber from well managed and plantation-grown renewable forests. Another company product is DragonPlyTM, a sheet good product that meets Phase I formaldehyde emission standards set by the California Air Resources Board. The company also
Hardwoods Specialty Products
has a line of bamboo products, which are identified in the marketplace as O2 Bamboo. “The increasing demand for green products is a very exciting part of our business,” says Blanco. “The branded green products we offer are well recognized in our industry and have become the standard to which other distribution companies would like to perform.” All products included in Hardwood’s GreenBelt support at least one LEED credit area.
Trends
The company seeks to stay on top of trends in the industry, and to respond with adjustments to its business model where necessary. Many customers are increasingly in search of a compressed supply chain, which puts pressure on Hardwoods and other distributors to supply a broad range of products within tight time constraints. “Our customers, primarily
manufacturers of cabinets, commercial fixtures and furniture, have all gravitated to a just-in-time delivery model,” says Blanco. “No one wants to be caught with excess inventory in this very competitive market.” The competitive influence of China and other low labor cost countries has caused North American industrial manufacturers to invest in state-of-the-art equipment to create high quality products. Manufacturers of cabinets and custom millwork products in North America are increasingly more focused on manufacturing to their strengths; this means adjusting their businesses to differentiate themselves and create a competitive advantage over lower quality, cheap labor products. “What you see is specialization developing where a customer may focus on just producing cabinet doors or cabinet boxes. Larger manufacturers are outsourcing their production to www.constructiondigital.com January 2011
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these specialists,” says Blanco. The increase in imports, and specialization among the large industrial manufacturers, has caused small to medium-sized manufacturers to transition towards custom work in the repair and remodeling sector. “The R& R sector has done better than the new residential construction recently,” says Blanco. “As a rule, customers that focus more on custom work enjoy a business model that is more defensible against imports.”
Challenges
The nature of the industry creates significant continuous cost pressure. “We know that to deliver our value proposition to our customer base requires that we continuously look for new ways or new products to reduce their costs,” says Blanco. To improve the efficiency of its customers, the company continually seeks to release new and innovative products to the market. “We have people on the ground fulltime in Asia, working on the next generation of products such as Bamboo veneers,” he says. ”In North America, we work very closely with our suppliers, keeping them abreast of changes in production methods in the field and the changing needs of the industrial manufacturers that use hardwood, bridging suppliers’ knowledge to the 82
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needs of our customer base.” The company was not immune to the pressures caused by the global economic downturn. According to Blanco, the last three years have proved challenging and the company was forced to close several branches and lay off employees. “We believe we are stronger as a distributor today having made those choices,” he says. Blanco is now focused on moving the company forward. “We don’t want to forget our roots as a highly trained, focused group of consultative sellers,” he says. “We see the continued value that our distribution model brings, providing the critical link between hundreds of mills that manufacture large volumes of hardwood lumber and sheet goods, and thousands of industrial customers that require smaller quantities of many different hardwood products for their own manufacturing processes. We believe we have the best value proposition in the industry to continue to grow our distribution business.”
Future Plans
“Our business is closely linked to the North American housing market, therefore our growth potential is significantly influenced by new home construction,” says Blanco. As a result of the housing collapse in the United States, Hardwoods has sought out new, more resilient,
Hardwoods Specialty Products
Statistics Hardwoods Warehouse facility
market segments for their products, such as the commercial sector and the repair and remodel market. “By having a focused business plan for these separate market segments, we have been able to break from the housing trend line and have grown our company this year and plan to do so again in 2011,” he says. When home construction does rebound, the company expects even stronger growth in the years ahead. “I believe the companies that have survived, particularly ourselves, will emerge stronger than ever in the months and years ahead,” Blanco says. “Current levels of housing and construction activity in North America are low relative to expected longer term population and housing trends. We are not relying on a market turn around for our success, but we are well positioned to benefit when the market rebound does occur.”
Name: Parent company Hardwoods Distribution Income Fund. The company carries on business as Hardwoods Specialty Products Country: Canada and the United States Est: 1960 (50 years in business) Employees: 160 Industry: Construction Premiere Service: Hardwood distribution Revenue: 2009: C$191 million URL: www.hardwoods-inc.com
Management There are more company reports available to read > Visit Website
President: Lance Blanco CFO: Rob Brown Vice President, NorthWestern Region: Garry Warner
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The lights at Christmas in Central Park are not only breathtaking, but they are environmentally-friendly, energy-saving LED lights. 84
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THE CITY OF SPRUCE GROVE
THE CITY OF SPRUCE GROVE MAKES
COMMUNITY SUSTAINABILITY A TOP PRIORITY
The City of Spruce Grove makes the connection between economic, social and environmental elements to create a common vision for the future Written by Michaela McNamara & Produced by Brian Andersen Located 11 kilometers west of Edmonton, Alberta, Spruce Grove is one of western Canada’s fastest growing cities with the reputation of being a modern urban centre with a strong sense of community. Mayor Stuart Houston says, “Our City is wellplanned, inclusive and emphasizes connectivity and accessibility. We offer a range of housing, employment, open space, and transportation options while protecting agricultural lands and natural areas. We make environmental programs a top priority.”
CONTINUOUSLY IMPROVING UPON A RICH HISTORY
Maintaining a balance between economic, environmental and social sustainability, community sustainability is a key factor for Spruce Grove’s development. The overall fiscal capacity of the municipality to continue providing the services, programs and infrastructure that residents expect, while maintaining reasonable levels of taxation, is critical to community sustainability. “The population growth
presents the City with the challenge of providing an excellent quality of life to our residents at an affordable rate while staying the strategic course of municipal economic sustainability. There is a financial cost associated with residential growth and we will need to focus on non-residential growth to be sustainable,” Mayor Houston says. Partnerships for Prosperity, Spruce Grove’s Economic Development Strategy 2010-2020 will focus on the economic and related fiscal components, as well as the economic development imperative of community sustainability. The Partnerships for Prosperity consultations have made it clear that Spruce Grove residents support the City’s strong fiscal management and financial prudence, and particularly efforts to diversify and broaden the City’s assessment base. “We also need the support of a strong and diverse business community to achieve our goals of environmental and social sustainability,” Mayor Houston says. More retail stores, health practitioners, grocery stores and restaurants will give Spruce Grove the services it needs to support growth. “This kind of growth requires forethought www.constructiondigital.com January 2011
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WWW.MELCOR.CA
www.beaverbrook.ca
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and planning and that’s what we’ve been doing these past three years, and will continue to do through the Economic Development Strategy,” the Mayor says. It’s that kind of forward-thinking that brought Spruce Grove to assemble lands at Century Road and Highway 16, in an effort to raise the City’s profile along one of Canada’s busiest highways. It will bring the destination retail, hotel, office and residential amenities that are necessary for development, as well as more local jobs, more business and a stronger and more diverse local workforce. In 2010, the City completed a comprehensive corporate planning process which resulted in the development of the 2011-2013 Strategic Plan. The plan will help Spruce Grove capitalize on opportunities, focus on the its vision and ensure Spruce Grove is the best place to live, work and play, as it experiences unprecedented growth. This plan will evolve with the City, its changing profile and the needs that emerge.
THE CITY OF SPRUCE GROVE
Spruce Grove offers six industrial parks with companies ranging from international and national to local businesses.
Woven throughout the plan and supporting the themes are fiscal responsibility, effective communication and social awareness. This support is critical to building a solid foundation and to successfully achieving the goals and strategies in the plan.
businesses and the Chamber of Commerce has a record number of members. Spruce Grove is already known as an attractive place to do business because it has a diverse workforce close at hand. “In order to keep that foundation strong we need to have a clear vision of how we can grow and support our economic base. We need to attract new investment and businesses to our PLANS FOR GROWTH Spruce Grove is expected to maintain its high City and encourage the existing ones to expand,” population growth rate now that it has been identi- the Mayor says. fied as a priority growth area in the Alberta capital region plan, making economic development a SUSTAINABLE INITIATIVES high priority. The city already has a substantial By making the connection between economic, commercial and industrial base which draws from social and environmental elements, the City is a trading area of over 100,000 people. Mayor creating a common vision for moving forward to Houston says, “We already have a strong founda- a future where quality of life is enhanced and the tion to work from and have put a strong emphasis local economy grows and the community thrives. on creating a healthy business climate that will “We are committed to long-term goals in social, encourage economic development at a responsible environmental and economic sustainability to pace. By doing that we’ve accomplished more in ensure our City is here for future generations to the past three years than at any other time in the enjoy,” Mayor Houston says. history of our City.” Individuals, businesses, community groups This year, the City has a record number of and local government all have a role to play in www.constructiondigital.com January 2011
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achieving these goals. When decisions made are based on sustainability, everyone benefits. The Mayor’s Task Force on the Environment has been established to take a critical look at the history and future direction of the City’s environmental sustainability programs/initiatives. Within the policy framework provided by the City’s Municipal Development Plan Your Bright Future, there is an integrated approach to address future growth and change. The Mayor’s Task Force on the Environment complements the strategic planning efforts underway for community services and economic development. This Task Force combined with other efforts and the vision and policy framework of Your Bright Future are an opportunity for Spruce Grove to build on its past and become a sustainable forward looking community. The business community is an important partner in making Spruce Grove sustainable. Economic development initiatives combined with local business, commercial and industrial interests create local jobs, reduce commuting and support a strong community. 88
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They also strengthen the community’s fiscal sustainability and its ability to respond to change. The City of Spruce Grove is looking for ways to support the business community in its efforts to become more sustainable. Spruce Grove is focusing on: • Working together to identify opportunities for partnerships and resource/program development • Strengthening our approach to economic development; • An eco-industrial plan which explores best practices, feasibility and local opportunities and makes sure eco-industrial development uses resources efficiently by building on mutually beneficial relationships between companies within an industrial park. The City has also made its operations more sustainable, including: • Using high efficiency LED lights in all traffic signals; • Extensive use of LED Christmas lighting within the city; • Green Buildings Policy requires that any new
THE CITY OF SPRUCE GROVE The City is focusing on an
eco-industrial plan
Statistics Sustainability is important to the City no matter what the endeavour that’s why the City made the playing surface at Fuhr Sports Park “green” by using 90,000 recycled tires in the construction.
or renovated City facilities must be constructed to a LEED standard; • Corporate Anti Idling policy; • Automated solid waste management program including curbside pickup of dry recyclables and organics (including kitchen wastes); • Promoting waste diversion programs like using compostable cutlery/dishes at special events ; • Installing drip bags around trees on City property to reduce water use, and; • Using recycled tires in the development of Fuhr Sports Park’s playing field.
Name: The City of Spruce Grove Country: Canada Est: 1891 Employees: 200+ Industry: Municipality Premiere Service: Sustainability Revenue: $80 million URL: www.sprucegrove.org
CITY COUNCIL Mayor: Stuart Houston Alderman: Jeff Acker Alderman: Louise Baxter
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Alderman: Bill Kesanko Alderman: Wayne Rothe Alderman: Bill Steinburg Alderman: Searle Turton
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