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Foamular Extruded Polystyrene has been used in what has been described as a 'work-of-art' by the local Brisbane press. The new Brisbane Supreme and District Court building is in the final stages of its construction with the official opening date set for early August. Austech External Building Products supplied Foamular XPS to its customer Chemind to be used for insulation in conjunction with their water-proofing system, demonstrating the products ability to be utilised in large, commercial projects. Architectus and Guymer Bailey Architects combined to create a 'comfortable and healthy' building as the stunning design is complemented with the use of natural, green materials.

With an estimated cost of $570m the building includes:

· Capacity for 45 courtrooms

Rendering your existing brick or block facade will instantly improve the look of your home and add significant value to your property for a reasonably small investment. Foamular Extruded Polystyrene is an energy efficient substrate, especially suited for new generation PM Render Finishes. Foamular is often used in the walling, is CFC free and offers excellent thermal insulation properties. The durable and energy efficient material is usually fixed to the studs of timber or steel wall framing, but can also be installed over reinforced concrete and masonry.

The clean, modern look of a rendered home provides a uniform appearance with an attractive texture which can be enhanced with your choice of colour. Not only can renders and textures be applied over brick, block and fibre cement sheeting. These days they can also be successfully applied over Foamular Extruded Polystyrene; a lightweight, cost effective and energy efficient building material.

Features and Benefits of rendering over Foamular

There is a common misunderstanding amongst the general public when it comes to Polystyrene. There is a great difference between Expanded Polystyrene (EPS) and Extruded Polystyrene (XPS). Expanded polystyrene foam is commonly known for being used as disposable coffee cups or cushioning material in packaging. These are usually white and made up of expanded polystyrene beads. This is different from the Extruded Polystyrene process used to construct Foamular

Foamular Extruded Polystyrene

Many engineers, builders, architects and home owners are choosing Foamular due to its tough but lightweight nature, high compressive strength, density and thermal resistance. Foamular offers advanced long-term thermal performance and excellent water resistant properties through its high density cell structure.

The growing demand for the beauty and style of stone has led to the development of high quality natural stone alternatives. Austech supply a wide range of CraftStone veneers in different profiles and colours. Amongst the CraftStone series is European Castle Stone which represents a natural sandstone finish. The result is a thin (only an inch or two thick) stone veneer that looks just like the real thing - at a fraction of the weight. So instead of stacking and cementing heavy, awkward stones on top of each other, manufactured stone veneers are simply installed on any structurally sound wall using a mortar.

This profile is much sought after by architects and builders alike, with many home owners and commercial projects opting for the product. CraftStone can be used in a number of interior or exterior applications such as:

· Feature Walls

With one of Australia's wettest summers on record it has never been more important to ventilate your home. Sub-floor ventilation must be provided to enclosed sub-floor spaces. Moisture escapes from the soil and is absorbed by the air above, raising the relative humidity of the air. This in turn will raise the moisture content of the framing members and flooring. Ventilation is necessary to reduce the relative humidity of the cool air in the space, by replacing air with new warm drier air drawn from outside the space.

To improve sub-floor air quality and reduce humidity levels beneath the floor, Austech are offering the ecoFAN by Edmonds. The ecoFAN consists of an electronic, brushless, D.C. motor and a 23cm diameter, five blade fan, installed within an aluminium powder coated frame.

The condition of the air space beneath a home can impact on mould and fungi growth, termite action and even household allergies and respiratory problems. Poor sub-floor air circulation provides a conducive environment for the breeding and activity of termites. It can also give rise to stale and musty odours which permeate into living areas. The quantity, distribution and efficiency of the vents provided is extremely important for the stability and performance of timber floors, and to reduce the risk of decay and termite hazards.

Austech are experienced in regards to vinyl cladding, having supplied the product throughout Australia for over 25 years. From builders to home owners, there have been thousands of projects fitted with the installer-friendly Duratuff Select Vinyl Cladding. Austech have provided a list of tips and suggestions for the most effective installation process to ensure a first class finish.

· Even before installation it is important that boards are stored on flat ground, and if possible out of direct sunlight. The ends of the packaging may be cut to let the cladding breathe and allow for heat to escape

· Corrosive resistant nails or screws with a large head should be used

Westrac , distributors of Caterpillar construction equipment, have combined with CIA Precast, Abigroup Builders and EJE Architecture to develop a massive $130 million project in Tomago, near Newcastle NSW. The first stage of the 115 hectare industrial estate is expected to be completed within three years. Austech have supplied Foamular Extruded Polystyrene, a superior insulation product, for the 2,500m² of insulated precast panels. EJE Architecture and Abigroup will be responsible for the design and construction of a new office, workshop and training facility on a 23 hectare site. The new facility will be the head office for WesTrac NSW, and also provide staff training via the WesTrac Institute. Stage one of the development will include the NSW headquarters of WesTrac, which is a major franchisee of global machinery company Caterpillar. Over 100 panels have been manufactured by CIA Precast of Tomago, many up to 16 tonnes in weight.

Foamular Extruded Polystyrene can be used to bridge the gap, providing superior thermal properties and increasing the overall thermal value all while maintaining construction efficiencies. "Once underway the process using Foamular Insulation and non conductive Reed pins was simple and efficient", stated Production Foreman of CIA Precast Steven Quick. The extruded polystyrene insulation is sandwiched between two concrete layers held together by non-conductive connector ties which minimize the energy-draining effects of thermal bridging.

The insulated sandwich panels greatly enhance the thermal mass performance of the concrete resulting in consistent internal temperature with reduced demand in energy use. These lower rates in energy use equate to lower greenhouse gas emissions.

A local Sydney family have brought life to their home by doing a complete refurb of the external cladding with the help of Austech External Building Products and Country Style Cladding (CSC). Austech are the national distributors of Duratuff Select Vinyl Cladding and Foundry Stone and CSC were able to complete the supply and install service for the homes complete reformation. Foundry Stone has been a popular product in W.A. for many years although is relatively new to the Austech product range. Foundry Stone was chosen to be used to complement the Duratuff Select Vinyl Cladding used to finish the exterior of the house.

The home owners were swayed to go with both vinyl products available by Austech, Duratuff Select and Foundry Stone, as they offer similar qualities and features:

·Eye-catching exterior cladding

Concrete is all around us and has many beneficial attributes as a building material. It is substantially durable, nearly unbreakable, is also easy to work with and has high thermal mass although, concrete alone is an inadequate insulation system. Austechs Foamular Extruded Polystyrene can be used to bridge the gap, providing superior thermal properties and increasing the overall thermal value all while maintaining construction efficiencies. This is the best way to get the most out of your project and the ideal solution to improve the performance of the walls, as well as meeting the BCA part J construction requirements.

The extruded polystyrene insulation is sandwiched between two concrete layers held together bynon-conductive connector ties which minimize the energy-draining effects of thermal bridging. Buildings with high performing thermal mass will not require artificial cooling and heating as a result from a more consistent temperature on the inside. A comfortable internal environment is created through the regulated temperature which is passively created through the superior thermal mass. A large portion of buildings in Australia are insulated from the inside, not having the ability to take advantage of thermal mass, therefore artificial temperature control e.g. air conditioning, must work harder against the conditions and exert higher energy levels than it potentially would have to.

As you separate the individual components and insulation values of a typical concrete wall panel system, it becomes apparent that Foamular contributes immensely to the overall insulation values:

Craftstone is regularly used in external applications as stone cladding but there has been a push for the veneer to be fitted in homes and businesses as an eye-catching feature wall. Austech Building Products have supplied a number of high profile companies with CraftStone, Subway and Nandos of late, as well as a many homes across Australia. It's lightweight nature and ease of installation makes it an ideal product for interior design, as there is no need for structural support that is associated with real stone products, reducing costs and construction time.

Manufactured stone is widely versatile and can be adapted to most environments, with minimal limitations. Possible internal applications include pillars, wall features, fireplaces, chimneys and kitchens.

CraftStone has been used around fireplaces and chimneys as it is not vulnerable to heat, also adding aesthetic appeal. Consistently being used in new construction, CraftStone is also the ultimate choice for renovation, such as old fireplaces as it can easily be attached to old brickwork. With plenty of profiles and colours, there is an option to suit any style or request. The unique corner system allows almost any area to be clad with CraftStone and eradicates untidy joints.

EXTECH Constructions, the first floor addition specialists and branch of Hi-tech Homes have selected Duratuff Select vinyl cladding by Austech, as their product of choice to be used in its unique extension process. EXTECH were presented with an Industry Innovation Award by the NRMA Insurance HIA NSW Housing Awards as the first floor additions are organised and manufactured in their 4500m square factory, delivered by their own trucks and craned into position.

Duratuff Select is considered the ideal product for first floor additions and extensions. This is due to its lightweight nature which limits the need for structural support, plus it requires no painting, sanding or sealing, so once it's up, its finished. Duratuff also comes with foam backing to add insulation properties to the product, as hot air rises during the winter a poorly insulated second floor will let heat escape.

The EXTECH procedure saves you money but more importantly time and convenience as services are connected within 24 hours and the staircase installed a few days later with total installation time of approximately 2 weeks. Duratuff reinforces the speedy install process as the vinyl cladding is quick and easily fitted. Duratuff Select comes with a 50 year warranty, a 6 year home owners and 12 month appliance guarantee applies with EXTECH services, so you can rest assured knowing you've chosen a product and service of the highest quality. Located at Bringelly, EXTECH are more than happy for you to come and view the progression of your first addition.

Nandos is one of the fastest growing franchises in Australia with nearly 300 stores nationwide. Newstead in Brisbane became another dot on the map for the Nandos group, with a brand new store opening in the region. Food Strategy, the specialists in architectural design for hospitality and retail outlets, then teamed up with Nandos. Food strategy offers their services across Australia and New Zealand and this time were required in Brisbane to create the attractive interior of the new Nandos store. CraftStone was selected from the Austech Building Products range range to be used as a feature wall. Around 12m² of CraftStone Mountain Ledgestone Cabernet was as applied to the franchise store.

Mountain Ledgestone Cabernet is just one of the many colours and profiles in the CraftStone range. Available Australia wide through Austech, the manufactured stone veneer captures the appeal and essence of natural stone and can be adapted to both interior and exterior applications. CraftStone comes with a 25 year warranty so you can feel at ease knowing you have purchased a quality product. Amongst the many benefits of the CraftStone range include a unique corner system that eradicates untidy mitre joints.

To learn more about Craftstone and how it can be applied to your next project visit the Austech Building Products website. Used in a number of commercial sites, Austech have supplied CrafStone throughout Australia to numerous residential jobs to be used as feature walls, fireplaces, chimneys, columns, pillars, retaining walls, water features, around pools and more.

Primo Smallgoods is Australia's largest producer of ham, bacon and smallgoods. The brand Primo is well known and to many, a household name in relation to the weekly visit to the grocery store. The growth of the company resulted in the team at Primo having to expand, and therefore develop a new building to hold stock and continue operations in Wacol, Queensland. Known for its quality products, Primo were only interested in building a quality infrastructure that could withstand the rugged climate of Queensland and maintain a healthy work environment as well as preserve the Primo smallgoods products. Foamular Extruded Polystyrene was supplied by Austech Building Products to insulate the building.

Around 13,900m² Foamular was used in total. The product is nationally distributed throughout Australia by Austech, and is not the first time it has been applied by a high profile company such as Primo Smallgoods. The extruded polystyrene is known for its ability to offer high R-values and maintain its performance over an extended period of time. The manufacturing process of Foamular eliminates gaps between the cells which drastically minimises water absorption, another beneficial feature of the product.

Foamular Extruded Polystyrene was used, in this instance, in a commercial application, however it can also be used in residential projects to be rendered over the top of. Foamular is functional in a number of different ways. See the Foamular website to view a list of its applications and information regarding to each.

Anytime fitness, the global fitness franchise has chosen CraftStone to be fitted as a feature wall to a number of its outlets throughout Australia. There are now around 70 clubs Australia wide in just the two years the franchise has been operating in the country. This is not the first time CraftStone has been preferred by a high profile company. Austech Building Products supplied the fitness chain with different blends of CraftStone in an attempt to revamp and redesign many of their Australian stores.

The CraftStone range offers many different colours, textures and profiles including a unique corner system that eradicates untidy mitre joints. The two blends from the Vintage Ledgestone series that were specified for the project were the mocha and ocean mist colours. Austech were more than happy to partner with one of Australia's fast growing businesses in delivering them a high quality product, adding to the long list of satisfied Austech customers.

CraftStone can be used in your next project. With the elegance and beauty of natural stone, this product can be applied to a number of circumstances, from an interior feature wall, fireplace, columns or even water features to name a few. Its lightweight nature allows for ease of installation and unique corner pieces eliminate the replica look that many other manufactured stones have.

Duratuff Select Vinyl Cladding is the ultimate solution for your next project. The eye-catching exterior cladding is engineered to withstand the toughest conditions as it comes with a 50 year guarantee and has been designed for easy installation by DIY enthusiasts and builders. Austech Building Products can provide you with a wide range of colours and quality accessories to make installation simpler or alternatively we can recommend a qualified installer in your area that can complete your cladding project.

Austech now has a comprehensive installation guide available for you to download. The guide covers everything you need to successfully install vinyl cladding, including:

· Measuring for materials.

Duratuff Select Vinyl Cladding has been designed for easy installation by DIY enthusiasts and builders. Austech can provide you with a wide range of colours and quality accessories to make installation simpler or Austech can recommend a qualified installer in your area that can complete your cladding project.

Austech now has a comprehensive installation guide available for download . The guide covers everything you need to successfully install vinyl cladding, including:

· Measuring for materials.

Austech Building Products have now made available a range of quality Malco tools via the Online Shop. With the convenience of clicking a few buttons and delivery to your door, purchasing building accessories has never been so easy. For builders, installers and DIY enthusiasts using vinyl and other types of cladding, here is your opportunity to increase efficiency with your own set of Malco tools. With online pricing and the end of financial year upon us there are huge savings to be had so don't miss out. The products available through the online store include:

·Snap Lock Punch- Snap lock plastic skirting and siding to finish trim.

·Nai Hole Punch- Add accurate nail slots fast and easy

Over the past five years there have been a significant number of fires in NSW related to halogen down-lights. Halogen down-lights create a lot of heat and if they are not correctly insulated, installed and maintained they can cause a fire. Halogen lights generate very high temperatures which can get anywhere up to 370C.

Ceiling downlights are a serious fire risk thought to cause at least one home fire per week by igniting roof insulation, and because they burn in the roof cavities above fire alarms residents only know their house is burning when the ceiling collapses.

They are installed in thousands of homes across Australia. Downlights are the modern, trendy way to light up your home in more ways than one. Protect your family and your home by installing Isolite Downlight Covers, exclusively available through Austech. The only way to prevent fires is to isolate halogen downlights from all combustible material with an approved downlight guard. Feel at ease with the knowledge that the Isolite covers will stop the downlight coming into contact with flammable material, preventing halogen downlight related fires.

Austech's EXPOL UnderFloor insulation has been revamped and redesigned to improve the install function, meanwhile creating and maintaining consistent R-Values. The 60mm flat panel, unlike the ridged panel does not require the installer to seal off the ends to ensure a still trapped space. This reduces the install time and generates advancements on an insulation level.

EXPOL underfloor insulation has been designed to insulate your home. By fitting EXPOL snuggly between the timber floor joists, you are making the 'ultimate choice' for your new or existing house.

All EXPOL panels are concertina cut on both sides to allow for a compression of up to 20mm for ease of installation, and to ensure a snug fit between the joists. EXPOL UnderFloor is ideal for both retro-fitting under existing floors and new floor installations. EXPOL is backed by a BRANZ appraised 50 year limited product warranty. Ensure you select the right product designed to withstand the external conditions found under your house, choose EXPOL, solid insulation.

Expol Underfloor Insulation is the preferred choice when insulating your home. Stop heat entering in summer and escaping in winter, enjoy warmer feet and save around 12% on your heating bill. Expol Underfloor Insulation is safe and easy to install and can be applied to both new and existing homes.

Ceiling insulation stops hot air leaving your roof, but does nothing to inhibit heat lost from the walls and floor. A floor allowing a draught in can lead to ceiling insulation to be almost useless when cold air blows through.

Expol is designed to dramatically improve energy efficiency and reduce heat transfer from the floor. Expol has a minimum R-Value of 1.4 which exceeds the current recommended R-Value for timber floors.