bautec

The exhibitor provides a wide range of products with ASSY wooden screws, which have been tried and tested on the market. The company, from Künzelsau, Germany, is making its debut at bautec 2012, where it is also presenting three other innovations: the 45 degree angle disc , the FT connector and the ZD plate for connection options . The rounded system for air and windproof products, combined with a free ten year system guarantee specific to the product, goes far beyond the usual material and functional guarantees on the market, emphasises the exhibitor. Sophisticated products, systems and services are also being displayed for the drywall sector as well as the decorating and tiling trade, including direct mounting, brushes and rollers, as well as the CERAfix chemical system for fixing tiles. In addition, visitors to bautec can find out about the new generation of master® machines (image), the possibilities offered by ORSY® fleet management, and the ORSY® shelving system, which can be individually assembled.

Whether as a wall covering, as flooring or for furniture in wet or dry areas – Beton Ciré (see illustration), also called “waxed concrete”, is suitable for almost every purpose. Since it can be applied in layers of only 3 mm thickness, it is ideal for renovating both new and old buildings. Two specially developed products allow application both in private and in public areas. Beton Ciré Original is used on walls and floors in public and residential spaces. Beton Ciré Floor is based on Beton Ciré Original and is particularly suitable for heavy-duty flooring. By adding pigments to the concrete, a Béton-brut look in a wide range of grey shades and a variety of colours is achieved. Beton Ciré Original is now available in 49 and Beton Ciré Floor in 20 colours. The most recent innovation is a reinforced Béton brut slab, available in a thickness of 6 mm or more. It can be used for flooring or wall panels, as a counter top or for furniture.

This Lörrach-based company is presenting its 2012 version of the “Vectorworks Architektur” CAD Software at bautec 2012. The update focuses on improving efficiency and productivity. The intuitive graphic interface assists the user directly in design tasks, while innovative tools and BIM-supported work processes guarantee optimum planning. A highlight is the x-ray view: by a single keystroke, the user can look through all objects and process the elements behind them. A total of 100 new features accelerates workflow and increases the architect’s productivity. The new features include improved zooming, simplified polylines, quick 3D city models (see illustration) and new options for space plans. A special feature allowing users to display values and database information in the drawing by a single click has also been added. With this feature, a CAD plan can be converted into a true information system. What’s more: 3D-modelling is now as easy as drawing in 2D.

This exhibitor is participating in bautec 2012 for the first time as a power grid operator. Special highlights include such innovative technology as energy-saving LED street lighting and an interactive model (see illustration/photo) explaining the individual components of the electricity distribution grid. Visitors can learn about the interaction of regenerative power generators, conventional power plant engineering and energy storage options of the future by actively exploring several development scenarios. Among other things, this model explains in an understandable manner why it is necessary to reduce feed-in from power generation plants on certain days. In addition, experts are available at the stand to provide detailed information on the familiar existing range of services and products. These include embedded generator meters for photovoltaic generators, operational management and the construction of transformer stations and simple private connections.

The Eco Clean E150 air purifier developed by EFS (see illustration/photo) will be making its trade-fair debut at bautec 2012, where it can be viewed in the facility engineering section. This mobile AC unit weighing only 48 kg is the result of many years of research in the field of industrial and environmental engineering. The innovative device brings technological progress to private households and work environments and is also suitable for use in medical facilities. According to the manufacturer, Eco Clean’s chemical-electrophysical system arrangement is capable of eliminating totally any soot particles, fine dust, viruses, bacteria, germs and pollen entering living quarters from the outside. The electrofilter with its anti-bacterial effect can remove not only house dust mites and allergenic irritants and toxins from furniture and carpets, but also animal hair, fungal spores and odours. Thanks to its quiet, two-stage operation the device is particularly suitable for use in bedrooms, children’s rooms, hospitals, hotels, schools, kindergartens and office buildings.

The exhibitor will be presenting his super-flat heating system for floors at bautec 2012. The system is based on two preformed steel sheets that are firmly connected to each other to form a honeycomb-shaped panel. The comb panels are laid down over a large floor area and then connected by clicking them together. The heating tubes are run through the “combs”. Once the sheets and tubes have been placed, the system's special screed is poured over it to create the floor, whereby the required screed thickness over the panels is just 5 mm. This results in a total floor cover height, including screed, of 15 mm, as opposed to 65 mm as needed for a conventional heating screed. In addition, this Chemnitz-based company will be showing its new easy panel system (see illustration/photo). This, too, is a reinforced floor system consisting of galvanised steel panels, but with only single-layer reinforcement. It can be used wherever the subfloor is firm and solid, e.g. for repairing and retrofitting reinforced-concrete ceilings. The thickness, including screed, of 28 mm or more has been adapted to the needs of modernising old buildings and has also proved to be an economical alternative for new buildings, since it helps reduce material consumption.

Infrared glass heating panels (see illustration) are specially coated glass panels which radiate heat at wavelengths between 8 and 10 µm. This is the range in which the human body radiates heat. When a person is exposed to thermal radiation of a wavelength similar to that of her or his own body, this is experienced as being particularly pleasant, provided that the heat is applied equally from all directions. Glass heating panels are transparent and extremely aesthetic. In bathrooms for example, the tiles can be seen behind the panel. The heating panels are also available with a towel rail. They keep towels nice and warm, and dry towels quickly after use. Depending on the size of the heating panel, the electrical power ratings are 240, 500, 720 and 1,000 W. The panels are large enough to heat rooms of 5 - 16 m² with a normal ceiling height. These models can also be combined to heat larger rooms or rooms with an unfavourable layout. These easy-to-install and easy-to-use infrared glass heating panels are manufactured in Germany.

As opposed to conventional elevator cabins, which have always been of a cubical design up to now, the cabins developed by this Dresden-based company are ideal for combating claustrophobia. The sidewalls of the new spacious cabin (see illustration/photo) are vaulted outwards to give the impression of being more roomy. In addition, the manufacturer offers three different “feel-good” packages along with the elevator cabins. These can be used to create an exclusive environment to meet the customer’s individual wishes and demands. With this design kit, the elevator cabin can be given a pleasant and distinct design using exchangeable theme walls with predesigned or customised graphic images. To make the trip up and down even more enjoyable, the exhibitor has developed a fragrance kit that emits pleasant aromas. An additional sound kit with hidden loudspeakers is available to provide individual and unique acoustic ambience.

Creating pervious surfaces is becoming more and more important, so the incentives for removing sealed, paved areas are on the increase. Rain water which drains from sealed surfaces into the sewer system has to be treated, involving high costs. As a result, an increasing number of municipalities are setting up guidelines and rules for unsealing surfaces or have started to charge fees for sealed surfaces. The BodPave85® paving grid system (see illustration) is a cost-effective alternative to impermeable, paved pathways. The paving grid elements are able to support loads of up to 400 t/m². This means that a vehicle can drive over a lawn without damaging the pave grid elements. The elements are easy to install. They are connected to each other, laid directly on the topsoil and then pressed into the soil. Subsequently they can be filled with a sand-soil mixture to allow grass to grow, or with gravel. The system can be used to create paved but unsealed lawn or gravel surfaces in very short times. BodPave85 paving grid elements measure 50 x 50 cm, are 5 cm high and are available in green, black and native colours.

The “WhisperGen” combined heat and power generation micro-system (see illustration/photo) is no larger than a washing machine and uses a Stirling engine to simultaneously generate heat and energy at the customer’s home according to the CHP principle. With a thermal output capacity of 7.5 kW, it is suitable for both single-family and two-family dwellings; with an additional burner, the capacity can be increased to 14.5 kW while supplying 1 kW of electrical power. Thanks to its decentralised application, unnecessary line losses can be largely avoided and any energy that is not used is fed into the grid and remunerated in the same way as the locally-consumed electricity. This reduces operating costs and, with an efficiency of more than 90 percent, curbs CO2 emissions. With WhisperGen the consumer can lower his annual CO2 emissions by up to 1 tonne and reduce primary energy consumption by around 10 percent compared to separate heat and energy generation, thus decreasing primary energy carrier costs. A decentral energy supply is a considerable contribution to environmental and climate protection.

Straight and stringent is the best way to describe the design of the Eurocube series (see illustration/photo). The exhibitor emphasises that this is the first range of sanitary fittings totally without curves or cylindrical elements. The design uses parallel lines, elegant surfaces and well-proportioned rectangles and cubes throughout. Whether on the washbasin, bidet, shower or bathtub – there is a Eurocube fitting with the characteristic design elements for every application. A further feature: the spout of the minimalistic washbasin tap is sloped at an angle, so that that the ideally positioned mousseur creates a perfect water jet. The lever slopes upwards at an angle of seven degrees, as is typical for this manufacturer, providing easy operation. Another special feature is the window opening in the lever. This eye-catching feature reduces the tap’s optical severity and adds a touch of frivolity while maintaining ergonomical functionality. And last but not least, GROHE’s EcoJoy® technology contributes to sustainable conservation of water as a natural resource.

The new Comfort PM hot water circulation pump (see illustration/photo) is equipped with a highly economical permanent-magnet motor. In combination with the AutoAdapt controls for adapting pump power to the individual warm water consumption, the pump consumes only 5 to 8.5 W. Characteristic for permanent-magnet motors is their high efficiency – they require up to 30 percent less energy than an asynchronous motor. In addition, the motor generates an unusually high torque and is extremely quiet. With the aid of the AutoAdapt function, the circulation pump automatically adapts to the individual consumption pattern. Hot water is circulated mainly at the times when users normally require it. In comparison to conventional circulation pumps, pumps with the AutoAdapt function not only reduce the electrical energy required to drive the pump motors, but also the energy needed to heat up drinking water. In this way, costs can be reduced by up to 96 percent and heat energy losses by as much as 48 percent.

Everyone has their own idea of a perfect shower. With his shower inventions, company founder Hans Grohe wanted to make showering enjoyable and affordable for everyone. His grandson, Richard Grohe, has now detected a distinct trend: an individual’s personal enjoyment of a shower depends on how far his or her individual demands are met. This shower specialist from the town of Schiltach has developed the Showerpipe Raindance Select 360 (see illustration) in cooperation with designers from the renowned Phoenix Design Büro and has coined the slogan “Raindance Select – My shower enjoyment”. This shower combines an overhead shower, hand shower and thermostat in an optimum arrangement. According to the manufacturer, the innovative compact design of the surface-mounted Ecostat Select thermostat replaces the traditional very technical look of other types of thermostat available on the market up to now. The new thermostat has a sealed, flush-mounting corpus with a plane top. The connections are completely hidden and the thermostat has an additional practical use as a shelf on which shower and bath utensils can be placed.

The exhibitor’s new KWL® ceiling units are particularly suitable for use in apartments, multi-storey buildings and industrial applications. Requiring only 236 mm headroom, the super slim KWL EC 220 D unit is perfect for installation in apartments of up to 120 m² in multi-storey buildings. An optimised airflow guarantees best possible performance in a very small space. The new RenoPipe air distribution system (see illustration) complements this device perfectly. Clever surface mounting enables easy, quick and cost-effective installation of this ventilation system with heat recovery into existing buildings. The extract air from bathrooms and kitchens is channelled directly to the sound-absorbing combined central air distribution unit and the ventilation unit. Fan capacities of 700, 1,400 and 2,000 m³/h and compact ceiling installations are the distinctive features of the new Helios Central Ventilation Systems . They are equipped with EC technology and counter-current flow heat exchangers. The touch screen control panel allows selection of either constant volume or constant pressure control as well as adjustment of other parameters.

Honeywell’s Evohome individual room control system can reduce energy consumption by up to 30%. Time-controlled systems are particularly useful in buildings which are not used exclusively for residential purposes. Offices and stores are often unoccupied at the weekend while apartments are used even more than usual during these periods. However, the heating system in the basement is kept running and often the radiators in the unused rooms are left turned up all the time, too. Energy waste can be prevented, however, by controlling the heating in the various rooms using an individual room control system. evohome is suitable for any heating system. It offers a total of eight individually selectable temperature zone and time programs. All settings are made using the elegant controller (see illustration). The system can be installed at a low cost and in only a short time without having to interrupt the existing heating system and, thanks to modern wireless technology, without requiring cable ducts. evohome is available from specialised distributors.

Cerapur Aero (see illustration) combines the advantages of condensing boiler and heat-pump technology in one single compact device. The wall-mounted hybrid dual device with intelligent controls includes an air/water heat pump and an efficient gas condensing boiler. Measuring just 890 x 600 x 480 millimetres, the manufacturers claim that this unit is one of the smallest available. Supraeco SAS is a flexible air/water split-unit type heat pump for heating, cooling and domestic hot water supplies. Two different indoor units are available for combination with the outdoor unit, making the device an interesting alternative for both heating and cooling in new as well as older buildings, where the new device can be combined with existing heating systems. In older buildings, brine/water heat pumps are often more difficult to install as additional drilling and groundwork are not always possible or involve excessive costs.

The market for sanitary fittings is clearly changing. Shower trays are being replaced by tiled walk-in showers, both in newly-built and renovated bathrooms. This shower enclosure specialist from Plattling has taken note of this trend and is now offering an all-in-one solution – the new Kermi shower area in combination with the Kermi shower enclosure. The shower area system has an easy and logical layout and includes all necessary components. The drains can be aligned individually, i.e. either as small drains or gutter-like (square or as a gutter). In Germany, many residential properties waiting to be renovated are equipped with single-pipe heating systems. Up to now, it was thought that these systems could not be improved in terms of energy efficiency. With the eccolution renovation system (see illustration), the exhibitor enables energy-efficient operation of single-pipe systems in combination with low-temperature heating systems such as heat pumps or condensing boilers. This system can be installed quickly, rationally and at a low cost – and it reduces energy consumption by up to 18%.

Trouble-free data exchange not only speeds up analysis and planning of building energy consumption, it also prevents transmission errors and frees human resources for more important engineering tasks. DÄMMWERK 2012 (see illustration/photo) supports geometry import functions via ifc files, special (manufacturer-specific) CAD import formats, software solutions for “photographic on-site measurement” using dxf or plain text files and provides additional internal aids such as the import of jpg files. Incomplete data and component references (heat transfer coefficients) can be supplemented, calculated and documented, in particular using floor-space management and folding models and the attached spreadsheet. The solution also provides an import interface for system data as described in VDI 3805. Ecobalance analysis for part restoration of buildings and modernisation of facilities, or the comparison factor “known consumption/ calculated requirements” are just some of the future-oriented tools enabling qualified advice on how to save energy.

The newly developed navigation bar in the PROMET ERP software (image) is another option for visualising information and navigating within the database. It enables the user to make unrestricted workplace-related configurations and provides rapid access to the programs required for his area of work. The InfoCenter combines all the relevant, user-based information for a workplace in a single view. As a result, each employee sees all the processes that concern him and that he needs for his particular activities. It also allows the execution of more far-reaching actions, evaluations and branching to discrete program areas. With its many innovations the latest version makes daily work simpler and more efficient. This applies, for example, to the new, integrated text formatting functionality. It is integrated in all PROMET areas and now allows the user to freely configure all relevant texts in the multiline entry fields.

Polyester and PLA (polylactid) fibre boards are economical and environmentally compatible materials for the building industry with optimum thermal and acoustic values. In 1949, the Italian exhibitor began recycling textiles for the production of fibrefill. Since then many new products and applications have been added. These include underlays for bitumen sheeting, filters, fibre fleeces with high thermal insulation and sound absorption for the automotive industry as well as an assortment of wadding for the clothing and upholstery industry. These materials are either produced from polyester fibres made of recycled PET bottles or PLA fibres obtained from corn. Edilfiber and Edilfiber XP consist of polyester fibres and Biofiber (image) is made of PLA fibres. The exhibitor can produce the boards in different thicknesses and densities to comply with the sound absorption and/or thermal insulation values required by the customer.

PELLEMATIC SMART (see illustration/photo) is particularly suitable for use in low energy houses. It combines pellet heating with buffer storage and a solar connection in just one space-saving system. The pellets are stored in the FleXILO COMPACT – a patented textile tank which provides up to 60 percent more storage capacity than other tanks of the same dimensions. By means of tension springs, flexible slanted wall design and an integrated auger delivery system this dustproof but air-permeable tank guarantees complete discharge. The Austrian system provider ÖkoFEN offers an all-in-one heating and hot-water solution using pellets and solar energy. The company’s range of products includes heating solutions for new buildings with an output of 4 to 8 kW, for older single-family or two-family dwellings of 8 to 25 kW and for large commercial buildings with heat requirements of up to 224 kW, as well as ready-to-use, pre-assembled heating centres that can be installed outdoors and are equipped with a pellet heating system and accompanying storage and delivery systems.

An increasing number of metal construction companies are using LogiKal software for design and calculation work. During the "metall IT" trade fair, part of bautec 2012, the manufacturer is presenting several of the main features of LogiKall at Marshall Haus. These include project planning, work preparation, machine control, ERP, PPS and 3D interfaces, as well as rod plans, optimisation, calculation, statics (image) and CAD. The aim of the exhibitor is to enable users of this software to save time and materials and thereby achieve long-term cost savings. The exhibitor draws attention to articles in the trade press, in which users have reported on the advantages offered by LogiKal software. For example, savings of up to 150 working hours per month or ten percent of the overall labour time have been achieved. Other companies report that LogiKal offers significant optimisation of machine control and of the quality of their work results.

Most waterproofing materials reach their limits when it comes to direct bonding on special surfaces. This is not the case with RESITRIX®: the self-adhesive RESITRIX® products SK W Full Bond and SK Partial Bond (see illustration/photo) are amazingly versatile. They are equally suitable for bonding unclad rigid polystyrene foam sheets as for use with all wood and wood-based materials. Both of the self-adhesive RESITRIX® products can be used as well on a wide variety of bitumen and plastic waterproofing materials, provided that these do not contain plasticisers, to create fast, secure and durable bonds. The exhibitor claims that with its RESITRIX® SK Partial Bond the company has also developed the first partial self-adhesive 3-in-1-sealing membrane. This combines waterproofing, sealing and water-vapour pressure compensation as well as motion compensation in one single layer. And, according to the manufacturer, RESITRIX® SK Partial Bond is the only waterproofing membrane on the market at the moment that does not prematurely age when exposed to isolated pressure loads or isolated damp patches.

75,000 hours of sunshine, 35,000 litres of rain, 90 metres of snow. That is what a roof has to withstand for 40 years in this part of the world. Building a house is still a matter of building for years to come. This aluminium roof and façade specialist from Wasungen has developed a new surface designed to meet highest quality requirements in terms of visual appearance for many, many years: PREFA P.10 (see illustration). The enhanced PREFA P.10 surface coating is less sensitive to UV radiation and retains its pleasant appearance for decades. It upgrades aluminium as a building material and makes it more reliable. The new surface is colour-fast and weather-resistant. In addition to a 40-year guarantee for the material, the company is now offering a 40-year guarantee on the colour of all aluminium roofs and façades coated with PREFA P.10. This coating is flexible, hard-wearing in terms of extreme temperatures and weather impact, and contains no heavy metals. The new surface coating is available in the following colours: brown, oxide red, light grey, anthracite, sandy brown and rust brown.

The exhibitor has added three new items to his range of products for easy and long-lasting renovation of wet walls. Applied on the inside of the building, they sustainably combat moisture seeping in from the sides or from the bottom of a building and are suitable for every standard moisture problem. The new redstone System Secco i ncludes a horizontal damp-proof barrier, waterproof plastering and a waterproof non-shrink grouting. The system requires minimum effort and is highly effective: it is easy to apply and does not require skilled workmanship or special equipment. Thanks to its unproblematic application, the redstone horizontal damp-proof barrier is an inexpensive and effective way of rehabilitating buildings. It consists of a hydrophobic, environmentally-compatible silicon-based cream applied using an unpressurised mechanical tubular bag press (see illustration). The cream spreads by capillary action and subsequent evaporation and is effective even if the wall is completely soaked. Its effectiveness has been certified by a WTA-approved testing institute.

The exhibitor has devoted a great deal of time to the problem of defined and custom-fit standing seam fasteners in the metal industry and has conducted extensive research in this area. The result is a sophisticated and comprehensively tested system for standing seam systems . It is not only more stable than previous fastening methods but is also an ideal solution in terms of processing times and cost-effectiveness, according to the manufacturer. The key factor of the system solution is the CLIPFIX autofeed screwdriver, specially developed by RHEINZINK in collaboration with the German brand manufacturer FEIN (image). It ensures speed and precision and gives a greater degree of stability for the complete covering or lining. Each clip has two anchoring screws which, due to the defined attachment using the new CLIPFIX autofeed screwdriver, prevent the clip from twisting or deforming. The result is a quick, quality-assured assembly with optimum performance. Battery operation also replaces the inconvenience of using a compressed air hose.

The Frankfurt-based software provider is presenting its “HWP Business Manager” (www.ich-plane-erfolg.de) at bautec 2012. This is an all-in-one business management solution for small and medium-sized trade contractors. The software was developed for the finishing and ancillary construction trades as well as for service providers with between ten and a hundred employees and who are directly involved in the construction industry. The software allows companies to control all business processes, from the recording of orders and the acquisition of new customers through to project monitoring and controlling. The integrated financial accounting and fixed-assets management software additionally offers a wide range of accounting features. (see illustration: Example of a post-calculation analysis). Time management and payroll accounting modules can be purchased as optional add-ons. “HWP Business Manager” is now available at specially trained Sage retailers throughout Germany.

The main area of business for this Berlin company is the production of individually designed glazing for conservatories and patios. Protection against the sun is essential in order to make full use of a conservatory. The exhibitor achieves this with sun and light protection systems in the gap between the panes of the insulating glass (image), all of which are manufactured in-house. Blinds, pleated blinds and roller blinds are also used. Roller blinds in the gap between the panes are mainly used in roof areas. The specially vaporised and partially transparent film reaches a q-value of seven percent. This corresponds to exterior shading and is not affected by wind or dirt. Insulating glass with a heating function is a new product for glazing conservatories, balconies or similar structures. Users appreciate the feeling created by the room warming up from the outside of the glass, for example in a conservatory, residential building or swimming pool.

The Globelyst M (see illustration/photo) modular equipment line for commercial and service vehicles offers a wide range of advantages. For example, the combination of metal (aluminium and steel), plastics and composite materials optimises weight and ensures a high degree of stability in all permanently installed Globelyst elements. All permanent and mobile Globelyst modules come in a friendly white-grey design featuring blue highlights. The integrated lashing system in the uprights of all Globelyst in-vehicle furnishings is designed for use with the new, easy-to-use ProSafe lashing belts. This innovative system keeps weight down to a minimum and makes it possible to secure additional loads easily to any furnishing block. The lashing system can also be integrated into an optional safety floor rail, the advantage of this being that the load can be secured even more firmly by lashing it down to the floor with ProSafe belts.

At bautec 2012, this company, based in Holzminden, will be showing a variety of solutions from the renewable energy sector and will demonstrate how these can be put to optimum and effective use in technical utilities for buildings. The products on display include state-of-the-art heat pumps, new developments in solar, photovoltaic and water-heating technology – all innovative solutions that are gentle on the environment and natural resources while being efficient, economical and very convenient. One special highlight at the trade fair is the multitalented LWZ 304/404 SOL (see illustration/photo). This all-round system not only combines all utility functions such as heating, ventilation and DHW in one appliance, it has an integral cooling function as well. It achieves maximum efficiency, 90 percent of the heat being recovered from the extract air. Visitors to bautec can also obtain detailed information on the brine/water heat pump WPF E , which draws its energy from ground water – a practically never-ending source of energy.

A familiar situation in many companies: dashing from one “building site” to the next, reading the incoming mail on the go, checking warranties and signing off invoices – time-consuming and nerve-wrecking routine tasks. Stratos Bau , the tried and tested document management software for the construction industry, helps companies come to grips with bothersome administrative tasks and focus on their core business again. All documents are managed and archived digitally for long-term storage with Stratos Bau, in compliance with law and tax office regulations. Stratos Bau is based on the ECM-Suite by Saperion. Information can be accessed at any time and is available to several users simultaneously. At bautec 2012, the software is being presented in an unusual way: with wonderful pictures by sand-painter Maja. After the product shows, visitors are invited to draw a sand picture of their dreams, in line with the slogan “Stratos Bau makes your dreams come true” (see illustration).

E•R•Plus Job Manager (see illustration) enables you to record service orders on an Android smart phone or tablet PC. This significantly reduces the steps required for completing an order. The order is recorded by the app, on-site at the customer’s premises. Data are then transmitted via the internet to your office for invoicing. The employees carrying out the ordered work are informed immediately of any changes and are able to access additional information such as prices and availability of products at all times. The E•R•Plus Time App is designed for recording working hours en route. It allows employees to record their working hours conveniently and promptly on-site, simply by entering their personnel number, selecting the respective project from a list and sending the information to the office. That’s it! The data are transmitted directly to E∙R∙Plus via internet and can be analysed and processed in the usual, clearly arranged form. E∙R∙Plus also works in offline mode, in case no internet connection is available.

Highly detailed and effectively linked schedules can be prepared quickly with the aid of software developed by the "IT for building processes" research project. It has a modular design and can be compiled individually. The software was converted to Java and configured on the Equinox implementation of the OSGi specification. The application logic was developed at Berlin’s Technical University (TU). The Technical University Berlin, which is participating in bautec with its faculty VI "Planning-Building-Environment" for the first time, is also presenting the part-time "Real Estate Management" (M. Sc.) course of further educational studies. The Institute for Architecture is showing a townhouse design as an example of an energy-efficient building. This is cooled by the evaporation of water and heated by drying moist air from a rooftop greenhouse. And Virtenio GmbH is presenting the latest radio, sensor and control technology (image) for product developments in the fields of home automation, monitoring and intelligent networking in buildings.

With its glass fibre reinforcement, the mechanical properties of TRIMAX® (image) are equal to those of wood and even surpass it in some other important respects. The profiles have been proven to be non-toxic, absolutely environmentally compatible, rot-proof, water-resistant, UV-resistant, frost-resistant, slip-resistant and resistant to pests and fungal attacks. Labour-intensive finishing such as sanding or painting is completely eliminated with TRIMAX®. Another advantage of TRIMAX® coverings is that they do not splinter and so can even be walked on barefoot. Like wood, TRIMAX® can be sawn, drilled, nailed, screwed and rammed. TRIMAX® is available in different thicknesses in order to meet various requirements when profiles are used for lining. For example, lower thicknesses reduce weight while greater thicknesses offer increased wear resistance and breaking strength.

In order to facilitate a quick and safe workflow for companies specialising in plumbing and heating services, the exhibitor has developed an innovative range of pipe insulation products called ThermaSmart ENEV™ , all of which comply with the German energy saving ordinance. The core product of the system is a pallet box (see illustration) for eight cardboard boxes containing pipe insulations of the most common dimensions. This pallet covers more than 90% of normal demand. Furthermore, the pallet box, 165 cm high and with Euro pallet dimensions (120 x 80 cm), requires very little space. Replacement boxes can be ordered individually. Labels on the cardboard boxes inform the user whether 100% or 50% insulation is required. This new arrangement creates more space and saves time since employees no longer have to search for suitable insulation. The pipe insulation is cut into manageable lengths of 150 cm. ThermaSmart ENEV™ consists of a new flexible but robust polyolefin insulation foam with enhanced insulating effect, is produced using green technology and can be recycled.

Japanese manufacturer TOTO offers two types of washlets : WASHLET toilet seats, which fit onto every TOTO ceramic toilet (see illustration), and WASHLET integrated toilets. Each product has different added features, depending on the price category. The core element is always a wand with water nozzles providing warm water for intimate hygiene. Temperature, position and water pressure can be adjusted separately. Furthermore, every Washlet has a heated seat and some versions have a lot more added features. Every toilet uses the highly effective and quiet “Tornado Flush” technique. Here, the water is distributed into every corner of the toilet with a powerful whirlpool effect. All toilets have a rimless design, making them easy to clean. Finally, every TOTO toilet has a special nanotechnology glaze finish which prevents dirt and bacteria adhesion. All TOTO toilets have been awarded the German hygiene certificate.

The new Triflex Creative Design surface waterproofing system (see illustration) offers a wide range of creative options. Decorated with an individual or representative design, with geometric patterns, artistically painted or with integrated company logo – this innovative waterproofing opens up new possibilities for balconies, patios, loggias and entrance halls. Surfaces can be sealed or coated completely with Triflex Creative Design. It is easily applied to any surface, making it weatherproof and protecting it against moss growth. In combination with the tried and tested Triflex sealing systems the surfaces can be made skid-proof and resistant to thermal stress. According to the manufacturer, this system is a high-quality and safe alternative to other coatings currently available on the market. This Minden-based company is also presenting product enhancements at bautec 2012, for example efficient Triflex BIS thermal insulation , fibre-reinforced Triflex ProFibre sealing as well as Triflex Primer 610 with optimised adhesion properties.

The causes of foundation settlement are rarely to be found in the actual foundation of the building. More commonly, damage is caused as changes occur within the foundation soils that surround and support the structure. An obvious permanent solution for this problem is compaction and reinforcement of the subsoil below the structure. Based on experience gathered in lifting settled concrete footings, this exhibitor has developed a special injection lifting method: URETEK-DeepInjection® . The subsoil is reinforced and sunken foundations are lifted by injecting a two-component expansion resin (see illustration). Precision lasers placed on the building structure register this movement. It is also possible to prevent settlement damage by increasing the load-bearing capacity of foundations and concrete floors before they sink. The URETEK method is a field-tested alternative to conventional repair measures. The method is fast, does not damage the surroundings, does not cause mess or noise – these are the distinguishing features of the new injection method. Technical advisors all over Germany ensure competent on-site supervision from the first to the last step of the repair measures.

This heating and ventilation specialist from Remscheid will continue to focus on renewable energy sources and sustainability in 2012. The main highlight it will be presenting at bautec 2012 is the ecoPOWER 1.0 (see illustration/photo) domestic power station , elected on 4 November in Düsseldorf to be Germany’s best sustainability product of 2011. According to the manufacturer, ecoPOWER 1.0 is the first micro-CHP with a small gas combustion engine specially designed for single-family and two-family homes. The electrical output is 1 kW and the thermal output is roughly 2.5 kW. In addition to a 300 or 500-l allSTOR multifunction storage tank, ecoTEC high-efficiency boilers, which form part of the system, are available in various power categories to suit individual requirements. The maximum rated useful heat output is 25.8 kW. Decentral combined heat and power (CHP) is the most efficient method of generating power and heat. Visitors can also take a look at the exhibitor’s Zeolith gas-powered heat pump zeoTHERM, as well as its heat pump and solar- powered condensing technology range.

This Allendorf-based company will be showing several new heating systems at bautec 2012 in Berlin. One of the highlights will be the Vitotwin 300-W (see illustration/photo), a CHP system for single-family and two-family dwellings. The Vitotwin is installed in the same way as a conventional wall-mounted gas-fired appliance and covers basic electricity needs along with the building’s entire heating requirements. With the new Vitosolar 300-F , this bautec exhibitor will be also presenting a compact heating centre that includes solar heating for domestic water and heating support. All system components are united in a single unit – either a Vitodens gas-fired burner or a Vitoladens oil-fired burner, a 750 litre combined storage tank, all piping, mixers, high-efficiency pumps and controls. This not only saves space in comparison to the conventional solution of separately mounted system components, but also substantially simplifies and reduces planning and assembly effort.

With Fundo Riolito Discreto (see illustration), this exhibitor visually relocates the water outlet from the floor to the wall. To achieve this effect, the Emsdetten-based company has developed a cover element to disguise the tried and tested Riolito channel drain, previous models of which are visible. In addition, the cover element with its timeless design can be easily extended in all directions – to be used as a seat, shelf or complete wall element. A walk-in shower is one of the most popular requests of customers wishing to modernise their bathrooms. Unfortunately, in many cases – particularly in older buildings – the available elevation does not allow fulfilment of this desire. The most recent innovation developed by this exhibitor now enables the building of a walk-in shower with total additional height of only 65 mm. According to the manufacturer, this makes the wedi Fundo Plano the flattest all-in-one system for walk-in showers currently on the market. It is supplied as all-inclusive package.

The expona indoor window sill (see illustration) is made of durable WERZALIT material. The core of the sill is highly compressed and is so resistant to construction moisture that the manufacturer gives a 25-year guarantee. Distinguishing features are the combination of innovative shape and intelligent material, as well as the plain, timeless and elegant design. The straight front edge with ABS edge sealing allows totally new interior design possibilities. On the one hand, the window sills are available in a variety of decors and on the other hand, the colours and decors of the surface and the edge can be combined individually or supplied with the new multiplex edge design. With its entero range (see illustration), the Oberstenfeld-based company is presenting for the first time a solid terrace profile which, according to the manufacturers, is even better that a wooden terrace floor. The surface of the terrace floor stands out thanks to its aesthetic impression and is extremely comfortable to walk on. entero is dimensionally stable, slip-resistant, weather-resistant, easy to clean and durable. Furthermore, the solid profile is easy to install and can be processed just like wood.

The new “Wilo-Stratos PICO” high-efficiency pump (see illustration/photo) made by the Dortmund-based pump manufacturer was designed primarily as a heating circulation pump for single-family or two-family dwellings, but can also be used for air-conditioning applications. The German certification company “TÜV SÜD” has verified that the “Wilo-Stratos PICO“ has an average annual power consumption of only 46.5 kWh for a typical detached, single-family house, determined using the standard measuring procedure of the europump committee on energy efficiency class qualification. With a 90 percent power-saving potential compared to unregulated standard pumps, it uses only half the electricity required to qualify for the currently best efficiency class A. The manufacturer claims that this makes it more efficient than any other pump of this efficiency class. The “Wilo-Stratos PICO” is “ErP-ready”, meaning that it already meets the energy efficiency requirements of 2015. The background of this is the new European ErP- (ecodesign) directive, placing stricter requirements on the energy efficiency of all newly-sold standalone and glandless circulation pumps from 2013 onwards.

This company, with headquarters in Mainburg, is presenting its new product highlights in the field of heating, air-conditioning, ventilation, solar and CHPs at bautec 2012. Under the motto “protecting the climate and saving energy right down the line” the focus, above all, is on extending the new heating pump series introduced last year (see illustration/photo) to include additional power ranges. Further outstanding innovations in the fields of heating/solar energy, AC/ventilation, storage and control technology include an extension of the test-winning COB oil-fired condensing boiler series , smaller CHPs now with 7 kW electrical output, the new super flat ventilation device (Comfort-Flach-Lüftungsgerät CFL) , innovations to the BM Solar operating module and the SM2 solar module as well as the new solar charging station (Solarladestation SLS) and the storage charging station (Speicherladestation LS) . The exhibitor emphasises that the efficiency and output rates of devices in all sections of the system were not the only factors which had been taken into consideration, but that the company had also given a lot of thought to planning, installation and maintenance aspects.

The extremely small ComfoBox Apart (see illustration) combines a brine/water heat pump and a ventilation unit on a minimum of space and covers all the requirements of demand-adapted heating and air-conditioning. Furthermore, the integrated central ventilation unit recovers up to 95 per cent of the thermal energy while ensuring required air exchange rates. This compact energy centre was developed for low-energy homes, “passive” detached houses and exclusive apartments. The components are perfectly attuned to ensure efficient, trouble-free and low-maintenance operation. Thanks to the compact dimensions and an integrated hydraulic system, the unit can be installed on a space of just 0.4 square metres. All required components for operating the appliance such as equalising tanks are pre-installed ex works. The Zehnder ComfoBox Apart is available with a thermal output of 2.5 or 3.5 kW. Apart from saving energy, the box offers ultimate user-friendliness, and government funds can be obtained for installing it in new or refurbished/renovated buildings.