BAU 2015 is a mega exhibition of materials, technologies and systems across 180,000m² of space for the international building and construction industry. Part 3 of the five-part series spotlights ceramics, wood and plastics, and energy, building systems and solar technology.

Ceramics (Hall A4)

Key highlights in this segment at the BAU 2015 include ceramic tiles printed using the latest digital technology featuring natural, earthy effects, especially on large-format tiles, with side lengths of up to 120cm. Sculptural reliefs will offer interesting options in wall tiles. Focus will also be on outdoor tiles, ceramic facade systems and modular tiles, especially tiles that will retain their colour even when exposed to intense solar radiation or artificial lighting without fading, bleaching or darkening. Both aesthetic aspects as well as functional solutions will be presented at the exhibition; for example the latest innovative glaze finishes. Information on sanitation technology, fittings and accessories will also be showcased in this section at the BAU 2015.

Wood/Plastics (Hall B5)

Timber is the new material of construction in high-rises with the LifeCycle Tower, LCT ONE in Dornbirn, Austria, completed at the end of 2012 by Hermann Kaufmann ZT GmbH being the only first eight-storey timber-framed building in Austria, and also presenting a prototype for the timber frame construction system.

BAU 2015 will feature plenty of innovations in timber interiors, especially in staircases and flooring. Michael Schmid, Chairman of the German Parquet Industry Association (Verband der Deutschen Parkettindustrie – vdp) explains that the wide range of different types of parquet allows each room to be given a distinctive and individual look. Wide planks are very popular in three-ply parquet flooring, as they can be used to achieve a very spacious effect in an interior space. Visitors to BAU will also find many new products and ideas in timber derivatives, plastics, facade systems and accessories.

Energy/ Building Systems/ Solar Technology (Hall B2)

Solar technology is increasingly becoming an important component of building systems. Homeowners find it more cost-effective to use the electricity they generate themselves rather than feeding it into the grid. Smart-home technology is designed for optimum management of self-generated electricity and consumption.

According to David Wedepohl of the German Solar Industry Association (Bundesverband Solarwirtschaft), particular attention is being paid to solar energy in the context of insulation, and the generation and storage of renewable energy. There is greater demand these days for solar energy storage devices as an ideal addition to a photovoltaic system, since they enable the generated electricity to be used on a time-delayed basis. New storage technologies such as lithium-ion batteries, for example, are electrically more efficient and offer more charge cycles, and are being used alongside conventional lead batteries.

In addition to new products and innovations in photovoltaics, solar thermal energy and solar architecture, BAU 2015 exhibitors will be presenting the latest developments in heating, cooling and air handling technology.