Gulf Construction Online - Lightfilm opens up exciting possibilities

gulfBID 2007

LIP’s new range of doors ... aesthetic and functional.

gulfBID 2007

Lightfilm opens up exciting possibilities

01 April 2007

Lightfilm – which combines the “revolutionary lightweight concrete Luccon” and glass – exclusive windows and doors, security windows and doors are among the innovative products that LIP Middle East intends to promote when it makes its debut at the gulfBID next month.

“While Lightfilm has just been launched on the regional market at the Glass in the Gulf exhibition in Sharjah last month (March 27 to 29), the product will be newly introduced to Bahrain and the rest of the GCC at gulfBID. The product opens up interesting possibilities such as light glass stairs and light glass tiles,” says Andreas Nordmann, chairman of the Dubai-based LIP Middle East.
Commenting on the reasons behind participating at the show, he says: “Our products relate both to the construction and interior sector, which makes gulfBID an interest combination for us. We want to reach GCC customers outside the UAE, especially Saudi customers and the exhibition will provide us with an opportunity to do so under one roof.”
LIP opened its doors in Dubai in September last year and represents its German parent company, which has been producing solid security doors and windows for the past 70 years. LIP has also recently taken up distributorship for Luccon, which is another name for a translucent concrete being manufactured by Heidelberger Cement, which is being heralded as “The Fifth Element” in the construction world.
“This invention throws up exciting possibilities for both designers and architects. You can use the material for vanity tops and have the light filter through from beneath. Or clad pillars with it or use it as a door for a changing room and watch the interesting interplay of diffused light and shadow as people move behind it,” continues Andreas.
While its tensile strength, resistance and conductivity are similar to concrete, its unique structure is embedded with a specially-developed webbing of light fibres. Luccon is sold in panels cut to size. However, all common methods for processing concrete, such as sawing, grinding, drilling and polishing are also possible with Luccon. Custom-made products (different sizes, thicknesses and colours) can also be made available on request.
Turning to its main product wooden windows, Nordmann says: “There’s an impression that wooden windows are not suitable because of the harsh climatic conditions prevalent in this region. But this could not be further from the truth and the argument simply holds no water. The myths surrounding wooden windows needs to be exploded and the air cleared on why wood is good.”
Dispelling the myth that wooden windows are no good in the Middle East, Nordmann says that in reality wooden windows are used all over the world and have withstood the test of time lasting over 100 years in almost every country where they have been used. “Take cities like Munich where all public buildings by law should only use wooden windows,” he says. “The decision has nothing to do with looks but on technical and ecological facts. The life span of wooden windows is about three times higher than PVC windows. The investment in wood pays off after a relatively short time because of the energy saved during heating or cooling. Wooden windows are easier to maintain, they have better sound protection properties and can easily be combined with any glass, lockings or even shade systems.”
LIP has a number of interesting options in access and aperture systems. Its latest product has evoked considerable interest amongst both interior designers and architects.
“We have developed a unique design that allows our doors and window frames to be made of metal on the outside and wood on the inside,” says Nordmann. "Many private villa owners have already signed up contracts, both large and small, as this option addresses both the aesthetic and functional needs of closing up the home.”
“If you think wooden constructions are not fire-resistant as required by today’s building codes, just ask any qualified manufacturer,” says Nordmann. "The answer will be: 90 minutes fire rating – no problem. And remember, the new high-tech doors, windows and facades are all made of wood and combinations of wood and metal.”
So why do people here spend more on their entry door than on all their windows?
“We believe this is because of the wrong concerns about wooden windows and the lack of suppliers in this area. Another reason might be the commercially driven market accepts other products to meet short term financial and completion date targets,” he says.
LIP Middle East and its German parent offer consultation, production, development and distribution of exclusive building elements from standard products to individual customised construction. Its strength, besides the continuous refinement of existing products, is the development of new elements and a quick response to the requirements of the international market.
“Many of these developments have security engineering elements,” says Nordmann. "When it comes to protection against violence, terror and crime, the company has developed customised security windows, doors and facades which differ according to the degree of endangerment and required protection level as well as potential types of attacks.”
In fact, the firm offers a variety of highly effective materials and designs to suit different needs and situations and customers can stipulate the type of security elements required and even the overall architectural concept.