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PRO NEWS
JANUARY 2017 PRO INSTALLER
www. proinstaller. co. uk
StoneMaster Adds Visual Appeal
GOOD VIBES FOR GLASSTEC 2018
The Glasstec trade fair is already looking to its next event in October 2018 in Düsseldorf, following this year’ s show.
Highlights of the 2016 trade fair in October included a special glass technology section. It featured smart electro-chromic glass that can adapt to varying light conditions, interactive glass that can be a carrier of information and electronics, Smart-Home functions and displays such as an interactive all-glass sports floor. The structural segment was graced with a nine-metre long and four-metre high all-glass slide made from‘ surprised faces.’ Not only was this special section an inspiration for architects and designers, but it offered further developed glass products for new fields of application. Glasstec organisers said that after a weaker period over the past two years, the glass sector was now looking very positively into the future. At this year’ s show in Düsseldorf, 1,235 exhibitors from 52 countries welcomed more than 40,200 trade visitors from over 100 countries over the four days. Industry experts from mechanical engineering, glass production, processing and finishing, skilled crafts, architecture / construction as well as window / façade and solar systems were‘ very satisfied’ with their participation.
Exhibitors reported closing good business deals, promising contacts and an upbeat mood in the global glass sector, a fact expected to generate profitable follow-up business. Dr. Bernd-Holger Zippe, chairman of the board of VDMA’ s Glass Technology Forum and chairman of the Glasstec Advisory Board, said:“ The importance of the show was confirmed by the high percentage and quality of international visitors. This position now has to be built upon – a challenge we have to meet together with our partners from the glass industry, the glazier trades and Messe Düsseldorf.” More than half the visitors came from a decision-making level of their companies and over 40 % of visitors attended Glasstec 2016 with concrete intentions to invest. The trade fair also offered three conferences:‘ Function meets Glass,’‘ Engineered Transparency’ and‘ International Architecture Congress.’ The next Glasstec will take place from 23rd to 26th October, 2018, in Düsseldorf.
www. glasstec-online. com
StoneMaster masonry blocks from Aggregate Industries provide a walling product with the inherent beauty of indigenous stone. Designed to add value and visual appeal to any traditional or contemporary commercial or residential building project, StoneMaster is available in two finishes, smooth for a classic finish, and washed, which gives a sparkle for outstanding aesthetics. Both finishes are available in a pencil chamfer edge profile. It’ s available in five colour variations, including Portland, buff, St Bees red, ebony and silver birch, to replicate regional sandstones and limestones. Jeremy Lee, sales director for Aggregate Industries, commented:“ StoneMaster is a robust highstrength walling unit designed to give the look of natural stone. The range of colour options and finishes available gives you complete design flexibility and provides the perfect combination of strength, durability and decorative appeal. Our unique manufacturing process provides a minimum of 52 per cent recycled and secondary aggregate, making it a sustainable choice.” StoneMaster measures 90mm on bed to assist in complying with manual handling regulations and is designed to be laid with a 6mm joint. Cut and bonded Quoin units and cut half blocks are available on request. StoneMaster is ideal for all commercial buildings including offices, retail outlets, stadia and leisure centres, and public buildings including schools and hospitals.
It is also suitable for domestic housebuilding where ashlar might be used, including flats and apartments, prestige developments and self-build projects.
To find out more, call 01285 646900, e-mail building. products @ aggregate. com or visit www. aggregate. com
Golden future for high-end business
Golden Houses Developments, the UK-based construction business specialising in high-end residential projects, has upsized again as it continues rapid growth.
The company has taken on four new permanent staff members and moved to a new 130 square metre office space – an increase of 110 per cent on its previous premises. The move- and the recruitment drive that made it necessary- follows Golden Houses Developments’ February 2016 announcement that it expected turnover to reach £ 80 million by 2020. Senior quantity surveyor, Hilleth Yendoll, who brings over 35 years of experience on projects such as 550-room hotels, project managers including Chris Wiciak and admin assistant Kamila Sroka have joined the business.
Their appointments take the workforce at Golden Houses Developments to 147.
‘ more streamlined and more cost effective’
The new office space has been prepared for the Golden Houses Developments team with the help of internationally renowned Feng Shui consultant, Dr Michael Oon. Monika Slowikowska, founder of Golden Houses Developments, said:“ For a business formed just four years ago, we’ re proud of the growth it has achieved so far. This is further evidence that turning the traditional construction firm model on its head works. At Golden Houses Developments, we don’ t subcontract almost anything. Our full time permanent staff carry out all our work. This makes us more streamlined and more cost effective than other property developers.” The company has worked with George Clarke, presenter of Channel 4’ s television show, Amazing Spaces, taking on the challenge to build houses and flats in seven weeks, and also appeared on Channel 4’ s Ugly House to Lovely House.
goldenhouses. co. uk