The Australian Stone Architectural Awards organized by the Australian Stone Advisory Association were presented at a Gala Awards Dinner which was held at the Full Frontal Tile & Stone Expo (FFTSE) on Friday, 18 April 2008.

FFTSE was held at the Sydney Showground, Homebush, New South Wales. Visit www.fullfrontalexpo.com for further information about the expo.

The awards were adjudicated by David Stevenson of La Coste Stevenson Architects and Greg Holman of Seidler & Associates.

The Premier award winner was Johnson Pilton Walker for the Hilton Hotel, Sydney, which utilised stone supplied by Gosford Quarries Pty Ltd.

One hundred and seventy three people attended the Gala Dinner.

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In 2007, the Australian Stone Advisory Association (ASAA) initiated the development of an eco-label standard for tile and stone products.

Good Environmental Choice Australia (GECA) and members of both industries formed a Technical Working Group which formulated a draft Hard Surfacing standard, which is currently available for public comment. It is anticipated that the standard will be officially launched at the Full Frontal Tile & Stone Expo (FFTSE).

GECA Chairman Petar Johnson will also present a paper at FFTSE.

ASAA directors will meet with Marble Institute of America CEO Gary Distelhorst during the forthcoming Full Frontal Tile & Stone Expo, to discuss a number of issues including the possible adoption of relevant American standards for use in Australia.

Discussions will also take place in regard to local use of the ‘Genuine Stone’ seal and other matters related to the development of ASAA and the local stone industry.

Gary will present two papers at the FFTSE seminars. Visit www.fullfrontalexpo.com to register your attendance at the show and at our extensive industry and architectural seminars, or call HOTLINE 1300 551 416.

Cathy Inglis the Group Technical Research & Engineering Manager, Austral Bricks will also present a paper at FFTSE. ASAA members can attend a lecture by Cathy on Wednesday, 5th March at 6.30 p.m. in Seminar Room No. 1 Monash Centre, Level 7 / 30 Collins Street, Melbourne.

Cathy will deliver the following paper:
* An overview of energy efficiency regulations and rating tools for Australian buildings.

Please check the attached PDF for more information. View the PDF

We welcome new member Kim Sutherland from Heritage Stone Restorations Pty Ltd. Heritage Stone Restorations can offer a range of conservation and restoration services using traditional methods encompassing replacement of deteriorated stone, salt damp treatment, specialist cleaning and stone carving. They have recently leased a new limestone quarry. Visit their website for more information: www.hsrsa.com.

We welcome new member Mr Corrado Furgiuele from Mediterranean Stone Pty Ltd. Mediterranean Stone P/L manufacturers and suppliers of beautiful natural stone products and they are based in Newcastle, in the Hunter Valley of Australia.

ASAA members and all stone industry personnel will be pleased to know that ASAA is taking an active part in representing the industry’s interests in relation to two important standards.

Please read the following report from Richard Bowman in regard to GUIDELINES FOR SAFE HOUSING DESIGN.

Good Environmental Choice Australia Hard Flooring Standard #41

Members of ASAA and the tile industry will meet on 7th December 2007 at Rydges Hotel, Camperdown to further develop the above standard which relates to the provision of an Australian Eco Labelling Standard for tile and stone which uses the European Union (EU) hard flooring standard, specifically Article 2 of the EU Commission Decision 2002/272/EC as a model.

Development of this standard was initiated by ASAA and is partially funded by the Full Frontal Tile & Stone Expo.