Mathew MacDonald

When it comes to interior walls and ceilings, there are a few things that all hospitality spaces have in common. Whether the setting in question is a café, a restaurant, a music venue, or a hotel, all require surfaces of this type that are non-stain, non-scruff, non-flammable, and acoustically sound.

Beyond their important functional requirements, some of the qualities exhibited in this selection of structural elements suitable for commercial applications include their ability to help reduce environmental footprints and their capacity to contribute to aesthetic outcomes. In an age where architectural success is measured in terms of not function and form, structural elements continue to evolve.

Driven by several factors, including the need to reduce carbon emissions and even the COVID-19 pandemic, building automation continues to become more and more mainstream. Matthew McDonald identifies the latest in Smart Building Technology. By now, the Smart Building concept is well-established. Organisations of varying sizes now understand the benefits they stand to gain by automating their workplaces.

As this selection of new products reveals, when it comes to windows and doors, innovation comes in many shapes and sizes. Sometimes it involves a step forward in terms of design or installation procedure, while at other times, it is more about the use of environmentally friendly materials.

Including everything from solar tiles to an all-in-one insulated roofing system, this selection of the latest roofing products reflects the on-going, industry-wide emphasis on sustainability, innovation, and quality. As ever, the assessment of new roofing materials – indeed any building materials – involves a range of considerations.

While it is true that construction is a major contributor to Australia’s waste management problem, the high rates of recycling across the sector are providing grounds for optimism.