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November 6, 2009 Raised Floor Living Design Challenge Winner Announced The monthly meeting of the American Institute of Architects chapter in Jacksonville, Fla., was the scene this week for announcing the winner of the “Raise the Floor 2009 Design Challenge” sponsored by APA. The competition drew 23 entries featuring raised floor construction in an affordable, energy-efficient residence of 1,200 to 1,300 square feet. In addition to a grand prize, awards were presented for “Best Use of Wood Products,” “Best Curb Appeal” and “Most Livable Design.”
The jury included RFL consulting architect Kevin Harris, FAIA, of Baton Rouge, La. “The three finalists were not at all similar, each resolving the design problem individually in unique, yet powerfully persuasive ways,” Kevin said. “When the jury had finalized its deliberations, the common comment was how difficult it would be for the contractor to decide which design to build. All three were exceptional.”
Bringing the “Design Challenge” full circle, reaching consumers in the Jacksonville market has been the focus of television commercials and a media partnership that includes sponsorship of a “Design Your Dream Home Sweepstakes.” Viewers are encouraged to enter the sweepstakes before November 21 and earn Bob’s services to design their dream home. SFPA Vice President of Communications Richard Wallace presented Bob with a $5,000 check for the services he will provide to the winner of the sweepstakes. Both Bob and the winning homeowner will appear on the final episode of a six-part series about raised floor benefits now airing on local CBS and FOX affiliates. |
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Don’t Forget to Check Members-Only Sections Do you know when Southern Pine production hit its lowest and highest points in the years since SFPA started tracking annual statistics in 1915? Did you realize that in 52 of those 94 years, production stayed in the single-digit billion board feet range? Active and Affiliate members can find that information and more in their members-only section at www.sfpa.org. They’ll also find monthly reports on Southern Pine shipments for the past few years, economic and construction reports and outlooks, an international market survey released at the 4th International Softwood Conference and presentations from SFPA’s midyear and annual meetings. The monthly Southern Pine shipment reports, meeting presentations and international market survey are also available to Associate members in a separate section just for them.
If you’re not already a member, click here for more information about how to join SFPA. And in answer to the questions asked above, production hit its lowest point in 1932 at 3.07 Bbf (that was in the midst of the Great Depression) and the high was 19 Bbf in 2005. |
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Southern Pine Maintains Presence at Key Shows SFPA staff members recently participated in several trade shows that have traditionally provided prime venues for showcasing Southern Pine.
Richard Kleiner, director of treated markets, promoted pressure-treated Southern Pine for outdoor decking and also communicated the environmental benefits of using real wood at the Remodeling Show and DeckExpo Oct. 28-30 in Indianapolis. The two shows – held side-by-side for the first time this year – were well-attended and participants seemed to have a more optimistic outlook, Richard reports. “Our traffic was very good, and we gave out quite a bit of our literature,” he said. Richard also attended the North American Decking and Railing Association’s annual meeting, which was held in conjunction with DeckExpo.
Russell Richardson, director of industrial markets, represented Southern Pine and promoted raised floors at the Sunbelt Builders Show Oct. 29-31 in Grapevine, Texas. “This was a good show considering what’s going on in the economy,” he said. “Although crowds are not back to what they have been in the past, I felt there was a good turnout.” Russell reports numerous attendees stopped by the Southern Pine Council exhibit to ask about raised floor systems. “Builders are trying hard to differentiate themselves from their competition in down markets, and building raised floor homes is proving to be a good way to position themselves,” he said.
For more information about these events, contact Richard at 504/443-4464, ext. 211, or rkleiner@sfpa.org; Russell at ext. 239 or rrichardson@sfpa.org; and Ned at ext. 233 or edejarnette@sfpa.org. |
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SFPA on the Road SFPA staff members frequently take to the roads and airways to tell Southern Pine’s story to builders, designers, building inspectors and other key segments of the building industry. Here’s a look at some upcoming events.
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Copyright © 2009. Reproduction in whole or in part, by electronic or mechanical means, without written authorization from SFPA is prohibited. |
Judging
was coordinated by APA’s C.W. Macomber last week at the headquarters of the
Northeast Florida Builders Association, where a panel of judges narrowed the
field to three finalists. The grand prize winner – Bob Esposito of True
Design Studios in Jacksonville – was then chosen by local builder and
incoming NEFBA President Andy Chambers, who will build Bob’s design (
On
the international front, Ned DeJarnette, director of international markets,
attended 
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