planning & architecture

Lean Construction Processes

Fraunhofer study identified potentials for a sustainable construction industry the construction industry faces serious challenges at the beginning of the 21st century. The rapid technological developments and the changing demands of building and architecture will lead to significant changes in all areas of the value chain in the planning and construction in the future. This development will affect also design and construction processes, which affect the entire building life cycle. To promote future research in this direction, Fraunhofer Italia has launched a broad-based survey in cooperation with the Fraunhofer IAO have participated so far, over 600 people involved in the construction. Over 30 percent are dissatisfied with their processes, and over three quarters of respondents assess the potential for energy savings through process optimisation in the double-digit percentage range.

Most of those surveyed in the late integration of stakeholders in the planning process see the main reason for the sometimes very inefficient process structures, followed by insufficient communication between the actors. In construction, especially the non-compliance of delivery or completion dates contributes to massive losses in the process efficiency. Around half of all respondents considers the necessary approach implementing lean process according to established principles of lean management. To implement this, needed but additional education and especially a corresponding qualification of the contributors in the construction project. The possibility to take part in the survey and to incorporate their own assessments and experiences is to mid-October. The participants of the survey upon request at the end of the year will receive a more detailed summary of the results. More information: Fraunhofer IAO Tobias Hug, Fraunhofer IAO

Quick-change Artist With An Individual Touch

Markilux 1000 – new open awning system presents cloth and technology pur the markilux 1000 is an awning without rough edges. But with its rounded shapes. Special eye-catcher is the arc-shaped transition from the roller tube to the support tube of the awning, which gives her extraordinary stability. A fine decorative strip in three different colours still underscores the unusual curves. Thanks to more resilient materials, she dispenses cassette housing. It presents pure cloth and technology. The simple optics gives her a special charm. An awning for those who love the individual and a quick-change artist with great variation possibility.

Because it is up to seven meters not only suitable for widths, but also as a stretch version”a perfect shade for narrow, deep balconies and terraces. With the additional function of Shadeplus offers also deep standing Sun Paroli. Here an additional cloth can be simply vertical exit. Who his awning in addition protect from rain and dirt wishing for the there are equal right and optical light system roof made of acrylic and aluminium. Also energy-saving attractive effects with an integrated LED-light strip is in the evening conjure up. You can find more information under:. markilux is market leader in the field of awning production in Germany and a division of Schmitz-Werke GmbH + Co. KG in the Westphalian Emsdetten.

Since 1972, the family-owned company manufactures terrace, winter garden and window awnings. High-quality products are sold through specialist partners in Germany and abroad. About 1,700 selected companies secure the high qualitative standards for the installation of awnings here. “The guiding principle of the company is: there is nothing what could be improved not yet.”

Not Afraid Of Legionella.

Decentralized water heater protect consumers from dangerous bacteria is water not only for drinking. Every day we use it also to the showers, cooking, washing or rinsing. For this quality of drinking water available is tenants. This must be so, because bacteria in the water can be dangerous. The new more stringent drinking water Ordinance is therefore in November 2011.

Thus for example landlords of apartment buildings have to annually inspect their equipment to the hot water for Legionella. These bacteria, which are inhaled through the finest water droplets, respiratory problems or even severe lung infections can trigger especially when showering. Self used houses the expert review of the hot-water system is absolutely advisable but no obligation, to prevent hazards from the line”, so Roland Grabmair from the initiative heat + in Berlin. Who uses decentralized tankless water heater in the House, is on the safe side. The modern devices that heat Water just as the flow passes through, so that Legionella bacteria have no chance to develop into the cold water pipes.

Legionella is most multiply at temperatures between 30 and 45 C. Excess of 60 C they die quickly and also cold water provides no growth medium for bacteria,”Garcia knows. Hot water systems where the water is stagnant longer periods of growth-enhancing temperatures pose a higher risk. This is the case for example in houses with Central hot water storage tank. Therefore here large amounts of water must on high temperatures above 60 C constantly be heated and stored, to prevent the formation of Legionella. This costs energy and goes into the money. Decentralized devices work much more efficiently. Electronic tankless water heater consume no standby power and adjust the flow rate sparingly. More information on the topic will find under about the initiative heat + for many homeowners in the coming years Investment in a contemporary house heating on. With a comprehensive information and services the initiative heat + in enlighten, as an efficient plant technology can contribute to a more intelligent use of energy in house and apartment. In the focus are innovative solutions such as the heat pump, the decentralized hot water production with electronic instantaneous water heaters, electric underfloor heating and the home ventilation system with heat recovery. The members of the initiative include the companies AEG Haustechnik, Clage, DEVI, Dimplex, Stiebel Eltron and Vaillant, and the Central Association of electrical and electronics industry (ZVEI) and the HEA technical community for efficient use of energy. Press contact: becker-Doring communication Anja Becker / Yasmin Schachl Kaiserstrasse 9, 63065 Offenbach FON 069-4305214-14