Prague-based 3D printing art and architecture studio Scoolpt has unveiled plans for the first 3D printed house in the Czech Republic that will also be able to float on water. The result of a collaboration with sculptor Michal Trpák and Czech building society Buřinka, the Element house can be extrudedcompleted in 48 hours using aand is made of an extruded material that is three times as stronger than as conventional concrete. [Scoolpt]
After canceling the in-person version of its 2020 conference and trade show due to the COVID-19 pandemic, LightFair has announced a virtual conference in its place. Scheduled from July 21 to 23, the virtual event—dubbed LightFair Connect 2020—was organized to strengthen attendees' "professional growth and learning objectives" from home, according to the LightFair website. [ARCHITECT]
Menlo Park, Calif.–based technology construction company Katerra has received Chain of Custody certification, which traces the wood from certified forests through to final product completion, for its cross laminated timber factory is Spokane Valley, Wash. "Third-party verified traceability for forest products is an important requirement for building projects constructed to green building standards such as LEED and the Living Building Challenge," the complany explains in a press release. "By offering the option of Sustainable Forestry Initiative, Forest Stewardship Council, and the Programme for the Endorsement of Forest Certification certifications, our clients can more easily reach their own sustainability goals and requirements across our turn-key building products and material-only sales." [Katerra]
Speaking of Katerra, the 5-year-old company has appointed Paal Kibsgaard as its new CEO. Formerly Katerra's chief operating officer, Kibsgaard succeeds co-founder Michael Marks, who is moving full-time into his role as a general partner at local venture capital firm WRVI Capital. [ARCHITECT]
Boston–based Savant Systems home automation company intends to purchase GE Lighting to continue its expansion into the smart home industry. [ARCHITECT]
A research team from the University of Oregon is launching an environmental testing service that businesses can utilize to assess if the SARS-CoV-2 is present in a building, without testing individuals. For $2,500, building operators can purchase a kit that includes swabs and instructions for collecting up to 12 samples. Users then mail the specimens back to the researchers who test the samples for the virus. "Environmental testing can be a cost-effective means of quickly identifying potential sources of virus in a building without testing every individual that uses or passes through the building," writes the team, which includes Kevin Van Den Wymelenberg, director of the university's Energy Studies in Buildings Laboratory and past ARCHITECT and ARCHITECTURAL LIGHTING contributor. "We can help you evaluate the effectiveness of your strategies to reduce disease transmission risk indoors, including efforts such as cleaning, building operations and individual behaviors." [University of Oregon]
Blaine Brownell, FAIA, reviews existing and emergent materials and coatings that emulate natural systems to inhibit bacteria and virus growth on surfaces. [ARCHITECT]
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