MMM – Robotics Headquarters Features All-Metal Aesthetic, Building Envelope

Innovation First International headquarters; photo courtesy of DesignandBuildwithMetal.com

Magnificent Metal Monday (MMM) travels to Greenville, Texas, to check out the new high tech headquarters for Innovation First International. As reported by our friends with DesignandBuildwithMetal.com in March, “The company behind the popular HEX BUG micro robotic toy line was founded on the belief that product and technological innovation are vital to success, so it’s no wonder the company turned to a state-of-the-art, Metl-Span building envelope for its new, 63,500 square-foot headquarters.”

Ice Ice Baby – Pittsburgh Fever!

PPG Paints Arena, Pittsburgh, PA; Photo courtesy of The KMA Group

It’s a sports lovers week! First the NCAA Basketball Championship Game and now onto the Stanley Cup ice hockey playoffs. Why would we cover this for our METALCON readers you ask? If you haven’t already heard, METALCON 2019 is headed to Pittsburgh in October for the first time in its 28 year show history. There are a lot of factors that go into the decision of where the show will take place year over year. Given Pittsburgh’s illustrious history in the steel industry, along with the ongoing development of its downtown and convention district, selecting it for the 2019 show was an easy decision.

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The NCAA Men’s Basketball Championship game tips off tonight with third ranked Texas Tech Red Raiders going up against #1 ranked Virginia Cavaliers. This is Texas Tech’s first appearance in the Championship Game, and could be Virginia’s first win in school history depending on the game’s outcome. After doing a little digging, both schools have some interesting architectural and steel facts!

New Report Suggests Growth for Metal Roofing is based on Climate Changes

Photo credit: Metal Roofing Alliance

According to the latest figures from the Metal Roofing Alliance (MRA), metal roofing is growing in popularity, especially in states that experience severe climate conditions. The report identifies the top five states for interest in metal roofing are Florida, Pennsylvania, California, New York and North Carolina, with Texas close behind.

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A spiral staircase cuts through the “collaboration core.” Photo credit: Curbed Atlanta

The world’s tallest spiral staircase opened last month in Atlanta, Georgia! No April Fool’s Day joke here – it’s true! World-renowned and late Atlanta-based architect John Portman Jr. scores again for his ingenuity with the opening of his Coda Building located in Midtown Atlanta near the Georgia Tech University’s campus. This is the first of three new John Portman and Associates-designed office towers set to open. Although he didn’t get to see it finished before he passed away last year, Portman at least knew that his vision for Coda, a futuristic hub for entrepreneurs at Georgia Tech, his alma mater, would become a reality.

A Fresh Look at Stone Coated Steel Tiles

Gerard stone-coated steel-tile roof – Barrel Vault Profile; photo credit Roofingcalc.com

Dating back to the days of World War II when the British demanded a stronger roofing product to protect themselves against bombings, stone coated steel roofing tiles have played an important part of roofing history. It wasn’t until a few years ago that the industry saw a surge in their popularity and usage.

Several important industry announcements …

HOUSING IS OPEN FOR METALCON 2019!

Make plans now to attend METALCON 2019, October 16-18, in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, and make your hotel reservations today. Housing is officially open and Globetrotter Travel, METALCON’s ONLY travel partner, is ready to make your guaranteed reservation. Select from hotels in walking distance from the Convention Center at competitive hotel rates.

Sustainable Steel – Roadmap into the Future

FF Journal’s March issue brings us an in-depth look at how structural steel is at the core of eco-friendly building projects. The structural steel market is poised to play a significant role in adopting a new project delivery model. The article examines how changing the traditional steel supply chain model would help advance the industry into a more efficient and greener one.

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Santiago Calatrava’s designed IST Building at Florida Polytechnic University near Orlando, Florida

This past weekend included a road trip to Florida’s “mecca land,” Orlando. With two “tweens” in the car, I was essentially the hired “uber” driver so had plenty of time to take in the sights during the drive. While driving along Florida’s Interstate 4, the main highway that runs between Tampa and Orlando, amidst the vast flatness of the landscape, there, positioned between cow fields, an unmistakable work of art appeared. After further research, it turns out to be Florida Polytechnic University’s flagship building, the Innovation, Science, and Technology (IST) Building, designed by none other than the world-renowned Spanish architect Dr. Santiago Calatrava.

MCA Presents Distinguished Service Awards

As announced in this week’s issue of DesignandBuildwithMetal.com, “The Metal Construction Association (MCA) proudly presented its annual Patrick R. Bush Volunteer Service Award to Jonathan Rider, and Larry A. Swaney Award to Mark James. Both Rider and James have been long-standing and significant contributors to the METALCON show. The prestigious awards were given during MCA’s winter meeting January 15th in Key Largo.

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Photo courtesy of Construction Dive, December 21, 2018

Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, home of METALCON 2019, may be seeing a $700 million city enhancement project come to fruition in the near future. According to Construction Dive, local developer Millcraft Investments provided more information last week about the Esplanade, its planned $700 million, 15-acre mixed-use development along the Ohio River in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.

Metal Roofing in the Spotlight

Metal Roofing Ezine

DesignandBuildwithMetal.com has issued their inaugural Metal Roofing Edition. This issue features some of the most outstanding metal roofing projects showcased on their website over the past 12 months, along with a number of supporting articles dealing with related technologies and ancillary products. The cover features a fire station in Florida that doubles as a hurricane command center. The building showcases metal roofing from Petersen, illustrating both the aesthetic qualities and performance attributes that have made metal the first choice for such projects.

Recycling Makes the Heart Grow

A recent article in Metropolis Magazine asks, “When a building comes down, where do its materials go?” Recycling five essential materials—steel, concrete, drywall, glass, flooring—turns up different challenges, but architects can be part of the solution. As the environmental crisis worsens, we must ask: Can we reduce our demand on new resources? The article

Protecting Metal Building Materials during Winter

Deicing now uses chemicals that can be harmful to metal building materials. Image:Wikimedia.

Seeing this recent “polar vortex” create record breaking frigid temperatures, here is a relevant article about protecting metal building materials from corrosion caused by severe weather. Metal Construction News’ recent article, “Tarping Loads During Winter Months,” explores the changing needs of transporting metal building materials during harsh winter conditions.

Metal Industry Awards – Vote Today!

Cast your vote!

With it being award season for film, music and more, why should the metal industry be any exception?

Metal Construction News is running several contests and would like you to cast your vote!

Metal Construction Hall of Fame

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  Taipei Performing Arts Center; Photo courtesy of Dezeen

ArchDaily presents the most anticipated architectural projects of 2019. Some that made the list include two long awaited projects in Taipei include a new Performing Arts Center and a new Pop Music Centre. Closer to home, the “Vessel,” a 15-story tall sculpture comprised of 154 intricately interconnecting flights of stairs, and The Shed, a new cultural venue, are scheduled to open sometime this year at the New York City Hudson Yards.

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  Photo Courtesy of Curbed NY

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  Photo Courtesy of Curbed NY

Let it Snow!

As winter weather officially sets in and reports of snow and ice storms appear in the news on a more regular basis, thanks to our friends at MCA, you will be well prepared. MCA has released a technical bulletin concerning snow retention and the proper design and use of snow retention devices when a metal roof is involved called Qualifying Snow Retention Systems for Metal Roofing.

What will 2019 look like?

Where’s the crystal ball when you need one? Without crystal balls, tarot cards or other mind-reading methods, we turn to the industry trades to help us “see into the future.”

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Citic Tower in Beijing; photo courtesy:  The Skyscraper Center

The 528-meter (1,732 ft) Citic Tower in Beijing was the tallest building completed anywhere in the world this year. It has 108 floors above ground and ranks as the fourth-tallest building in China as well as the eighth-tallest worldwide. CITIC Tower will be the flagship building of Beijing’s comprehensively planned central business district core measuring close to 75 acres.  

Best of the Best of 2018

Grand Award winner in the 2018 Metal Construction News Building & Roofing Awards; photo courtesy of pod architecture + design, Rabbit Hole Distilling, and Prodigy Construction

You know it’s nearing the end of another year when “best of” lists for everything from music to toys to movies to fashion begin popping up everywhere.  The construction and roofing industry is no exception.  Here’s a round-up of some of the industry’s “best of the best” from 2018:

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Photo courtesy of Construction Dive

Construction begins on Texas Border Gates

Despite resistance on behalf of many lawmakers to commit to additional funding and also risking a possible government shut down later this month over this issue, construction on the border wall between Texas and Mexico is ongoing.  Construction Dive recently reported, ” U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP), along with the Army Corps of Engineers, announced the start of construction at another section of the U.S.-Mexico border wall, with the latest contract worth up to $5.7 million.” 

Women Could Play Key Role in Industry Labor Shortage

Labor shortages across various industries are making headlines lately, including the construction industry.  One article in Curbed.com cited “immigration crackdowns, economic after-effects of the recession, and a lack of interest on the part of millennials as some of the reasons why the field may be down by 275,000 workers. That’s affecting housing costs, at a time when the country is already suffering from rising housing prices. National Association of Homebuilders economist Stephen Melman predicts growth of 4-5 percent in housing starts next year, and an increase in construction-labor positions to the tune of 12 percent between 2016 and 2026.”

Could women be the solution to the construction industry’s labor shortage?

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Kobe, Japan – A tribute to the loss suffered in 1995’s Great Hanshen Earthquake, which left 6,000 dead and much of Kobe in darkness, the city’s annual Luminaire lights up for two weeks every December as a symbol of hope.

‘Tis the season …. 

Belated Thanksgiving holiday wishes to all of our METALCON readers. With the turkey and trimmings behind us, it is time for the twinkling of holiday lights to appear on homes, in city centers, on office buildings and more.

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World’s longest sea-crossing bridge opens between Hong Kong and China

Built to withstand a magnitude 8 earthquake, a super typhoon and strikes by super-sized cargo vessels, this 55-kilometer (34 mile) bridge incorporates 400,000 tons of steel — 4.5 times the amount in San Francisco’s Golden Gate Bridge and 60 times more steel than used to build the Eiffel Tower.

Opened last month, the $20-billion bridge connects Hong Kong and Macau to the mainland Chinese city of Zhuhai, marking the completion of the longest sea-crossing bridge ever built, nine years after construction began.

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Among the 275 exhibitors at METALCON 2018 was CertainTeed, a leading North American brand of exterior and interior building products, including roofing, siding, fence, decking, railing, trim, insulation, drywall and ceilings.  METALCON attendees were  offered an exclusive preview of their impressive Matterhorn® Metal Roofing collection and what contractors, architects and building owners will soon see in expanded markets nationwide.

METALCON LIVE – It’s a Wrap!

METALCON LIVE reporting from Day 3 of METALCON 2018, held October 10-12 at the Charlotte Convention Center in Charlotte, North Carolina.

METALCON 2018 was filled with 3 jam-packed days of non-stop action.  Celebrating its 28th year, attendees and exhibitors were treated to a new and exciting “Total Experience.”  METALCON LIVE features insight into this new design with Claire Kilcoyne, METALCON Show Director.  In the video she explains, “The decision to create the ‘Total Experience’ came from wanting to give the attendees and exhibitors the opportunity to experience it all.” With everything located on the show floor, attendees and exhibitors alike could take mini breaks to learn from industry experts.

The Metal Roofing Championship Games wrapped up its 5th year and awarded a total of $8,500 to its winners.  Eight teams of two competed in five “competitions” inspired by this year’s theme “The MCA Rev ‘Em Up Championship Roofing Games.”  Each competition paid $500 to the winning team. Top awards each day included a “daily points award” of $750.  The winner on Wednesday was Matt Cox and Justin Hopta of Thomas Phoenix International and on Thursday, Joe Arnold and Mike Milligan, also of Thomas Phoenix International.  On Friday, both teams came together in a face-off where Cox and Hopta, last year’s championships, were victorious once again in taking home the MCA METALCON National Metal Roofing Championship title and $2,000.  Thank you to all who participated and spectated.

Now that METALCON 2018 has wrapped up, show designers are already busy working on plans for next year’s METALCON 2019, set to take place in the “Steel City,” Pittsburg, Pennsylvania, October 16 – 18, 2019.

If you joined us at METALCON this year, please share your experience at #METALCON18!

 

METALCON LIVE TV Recaps Day One

METALCON LIVE reporting from Day 1 of METALCON 2018, held October 10-12 at the Charlotte Convention Center in Charlotte, North Carolina.

Highlights from the first official day of METALCON 2018 are featured in the video including a peek into the “METALCON Hive” where NFL star, Steve Smith, Sr., delivered his Keynote Address, the non-stop action in the Exhibit Hall, Oktoberfest, Innovation Scanner Hunt and a look at a METALCON first – a panel discussion led by all leading women in the roofing and construction industry.  Exclusive interviews with Smith, a few attendees and exhibitors and Heidi Ellsworth with Roofers Coffee Shop, who led the all female panel session, are featured as well.

LIVE from METALCON 2018

METALCON 2018 IS HERE!

CHARLOTTE CONVENTION CENTER, CHARLOTTE, NORTH CAROLINA

We have arrived!  Finishing touches are being done to the show floor!  On-site registration has officially opened!

The show opens tomorrow, Wednesday, October 10, as Steve Smith Sr., former NFL Pro Bowler with the Carolina Panthers, delivers his Keynote Address on “Perseverance, Teamwork and Overcoming Obstacles” at 11:00 am.  The Exhibit Hall opens from 12:00 pm – 6:00 pm. Your TOTAL EXPERIENCE includes a 3 day Exhibit Hall pass, education sessions, access to MCA’s Metal Roofing Championship Games, Oktoberfest and more!

On-site registration opens at 8:00 am tomorrow morning. Come join the largest (and best) cross-section of metal professionals in the industry at one event!

Magnificent Metal Monday – Top 10 Reasons to be at METALCON THIS Week!

1. The NEW Total Experience – Pay one price and get it all AND in one place!  Exhibit Hall for 3 days, non-stop education, Keynote Address, Oktoberfest, Roofing Games, and more. LASTCHANCE to save $40 by registering on line TODAY ONLY.  Registration increases to full price on-site starting tomorrow, Tuesday, October 9 at 12:00 noon at the Charlotte Convention Center.  
   
2. Iconic Keynote Addresses – INCLUDED in your Total Experience registration! NFL icon, Steve Smith Sr., will deliver his Keynote Address on “Perseverance, Teamwork and Overcoming Obstacles” on Wednesday, October 10 at 11:00 am. Steel icon, Dan DiMicco, will deliver his Keynote Address on “The Economic Plan for Growth and Global Competitiveness in the US – Implications for Steel” on Thursday, October 11 at 11:00 am. Both Keynotes will take place in the NEW METALCON Theatre located on the show floor.
3. Dynamic Exhibit Hall – Over 250 top manufacturers on hand exhibiting their latest products and industry solutions. Celebrate “Thinking in Color” with Sherwin Williams and their newly acquired company and long-time METALCON exhibitor, Valspar (Booth #1307), at their social open to all attendees, on Thursday, October 11 from 4:00 – 6:00!
4. 2018 MCA Metal Roofing Championship Games “REV EM’ UP” FOR THE CHARLOTTE METAL SPEEDWAY!” – Watch non-stop action on the show floor as contractors compete for cash prizes! Click HERE for the schedule of events.  
5. The Deck – Stop by to meet METALCON’s show management team, snap a photo at the photo booth, enjoy a cold beer and “give back” for a chance to win awesome raffle prizes!
6. GIVE BACK to children this year! Join us as we raise money for the Steve Smith Family Foundation, dedicated to the health and wellness of children. For a minimum donation of $25, you’ll be entered to win raffle prizes, including a Steve Smith autographed Carolina Panther Jersey or NFL football, or two tickets to the Carolina Panthers game with a two-night hotel stay.  DONATE on-line or in person at The Deck.
7. Learning Centers (Booths 1813 and 1837) – INCLUDED in your Total Experience registration. Offering you flexibility of choice, all-day education on a variety of topics including: Growing Your Business, Ownership/Leadership Transition, Field Techniques, Safety and much more. Click here for the full schedule.
8. Innovation Scanner Hunt – Download the METALCON APP for a chance to win cash prizes by scanning ALL 10 Innovation Stations on the show floor. Daily cash drawings will be held at The DECK (Booth #1005), provided once again by DESIGNANDBUILDWITHMETAL.COM
   
9. Metal Roof Installation Training – A METALCON Exclusive! Receive MCA’s Metal Roofing Certificate of Completion after taking this 8-hour training course offered ONLY at METALCON. Course starts tomorrow, Tuesday, October 9 at 1:00 pm.  REGISTER today!
10. Oktoberfest @ METALCON –  Enjoy a cold beer with exhibitors Wednesday & Thursday afternoons from 1-5pm!  Click HERE for a full schedule.  

 

JOIN US THIS WEEK AT THE CHARLOTTE CONVENTION CENTER IN CHARLOTTE, NORTH CAROLINA!  

REGISTER TODAY!

Innovation Scanner Hunt at METALCON 2018

Following its successful debut last year, METALCON attendees will once again have the chance to win CASH PRIZES by playing the Innovation Scanner Hunt!

Standing kiosks will be located throughout the show floor highlighting a company’s “innovative” product. The METALCON APP will be your key to winning cash prizes. All you do is scan each (and every) Innovation Station for a chance to win $500! Read on for the rules.