Trade fair retrospective: BAU Munich 2011 - Section 2

Parklex specialises in high-density laminated wood with a paper fibre core that has been treated with thermosetting resins and compressed at high pressure and temperature. Depending on the version used the product is suitable as facade cladding (Parklex Facade) or as highly moisture-resistant surfacing for interior use, e.g. Parklex 700.

Total Panel Design offered a new Crushed-Look product: "Crusted" Design is available with a matt or shiny finish and has a three-dimensional surface with asymmetrical design which is accordingly also suitable for irregular contours and finishes.
The Total Stone line is impressive with its authentic-looking imitation-stone panels. The advantages are obvious: Total Stone panels are weatherproof, light, easy to fit and available in a large range of aesthetically attractive surfaces.

SPRINZ covers a very wide spectrum of glass applications in architecture. The company makes single-pane safety glass, laminated safety glass and insulating glass, enhancing the glass with decorative images and an anti-slip or water-repellent finish. One of the company's specialities is high-quality ceramic screen printing on glass, which enables the creation of elaborate colours and images. In Germany SPRINZ is the only supplier of ceramic screen printing on glass in four-colour set and photo quality. The applications range from translucent stained-glass facades via anti-slip screen printing on flooring to door systems, glass radiator panelling and kitchen worktops.

Starshine has developed a process in which glass granulate is sintered at 700°C with colour pigments on a glass base. The resulting product, Starshine® face, has a surface which reflects the light and shimmers brilliantly to create a glamorous look. "White Shadow“ is a new colour combination in which a black and white colour graduation combined with the sparkling effects of the Starshine® surface create glossy and elegant highlights for room design or facades.

At their joint stand wodego and Duropal presented an impressive spectrum of decors and surface finishes. Both companies are part of Pfleiderer AG, one of the world's three largest manufacturers of wood materials, surfacing products and laminate flooring.
Duropal specialises in high-pressure laminate (HPL) consisting of several layers of core paper and decorative paper. This surfacing material is very hard wearing and is ideal for wear-resistant finishes in furniture and for interior decoration applications.

Wodego on the other hand manufactures chipboard and MDF board. Medium-density fibreboard is wood derivative board consisting of wood fibre which is soaked in glue and pressed at high pressure and temperature. This material is popular for use in three-dimensionally designed furniture as well as lacquered or high-gloss surface finishes.
The result is an extensive range of versatile design elements which, depending on surface decor, can be applied to a wide variety of moods and styles.
As a sustainable product wodego presented the BalanceBoard, which can be processed in the same way as any other chipboard but is 30% lighter, uses less material and, though just as robust, is easier to handle and transport.

Kale gave a new look to its Cube und Dot tile collection: the design by Tamer Nakiscis is inspired by the digital age in which we live. On the basis of the new decors individual patterns can be created, in a look which is reminiscent of modern touch-screen graphics.

Bathroom fittings manufacturer Bette has developed solutions for those bathrooms which don't have enough room for a shower and bath tub, but would still like to have both. The solution is the first shower cabin in which you can have a bath. "Bettetwist" is made of steel and enamel and offers a convenient entrance for the daily shower while at the same time providing enough room for a relaxing bath.
"Bettetwist" combines the roomy shower with the comfort of a bath tub. The first shower and bath tub combination made of steel and enamel for all generations is space-saving and comfortable at the same time. The well thought-out design of "Bettetwist" offers a generous standing area for showering and an especially large reclining area for bathing – without taking up a great deal of space.

Vola presented the electric version of its T39EL design-award winning towel warmer. The freestanding fittings FS2 impress with their simple but elegant form, and highlight the modular concept of modern bathroom design.

Via's cement mosaic slabs and terrazzo tiles are just as good for restoring historic buildings as they are for a modern context. With their well thought-out patterns and geometry they can be used to create wonderful patterns, friezes, borders and wall panelling.

Dornbracht participated in BAU jointly with Schubert Design. ATT, the new shower experience from Dornbracht, was staged with aesthetic perfection by Schubert. The 'Grey Agate' washstand illuminated with LED lighting and made of natural stone cast in resin can change colour at the press of a button and was a special highlight in every sense of the word.

The "Boulder-1" and "Boulder-2" glow stones by the firm of Luxona are also lit by coloured LEDs. These atmospheric elements for landscape design are suited to both indoor and outdoor use and provide a decorative extension to the company's collection of wall and floor lamps which, thanks to their waterproof LED lighting, can also be used in landscape architecture.

Filzfabrik Fulda was founded as long ago as 1881 as a producer of felt and plush, and has now developed into an innovative supplier of high-quality wool felt, needle felt, fleece fabrics and felt of all kinds.
The needle felt flooring made by FFF Fulda Carpets is available as carpet tiles and rolls.
Needle felt has a lot of advantages, especially for application in office buildings. In energy terms it helps to retain heat within the room for a longer period of time, which reduces energy consumption. In addition it is sound absorbent, easy to maintain, resistant to casters, have low flammability and very hard wearing. For example FFF Fulda Ment60 meets the most demanding criteria for office building use and can even be used for damp rooms. It is available in 60 shades of bright and restrained colours. In addition the textile surface of needle felt has the effect of binding particulate matter for some time, and in this way makes an effective contribution to a healthy ambient climate.

After the first and this second article about our selection of leading manufacturers, the third section of our BAU retrospective will be following soon.
In addition Architonic has compiled for you reports about the imm furniture fair taking place at the same time in Cologne, and to which we would like to draw your attention: