Date:26/10/2008 URL: http://www.thehindu.com/2008/10/26/stories/2008102658840300.htm

Kerala - Thiruvananthapuram

The A to Z of construction, all under one roof

Special Correspondent

— Photo: C. Ratheesh kumar

Housing solutions: The model of a house on display at Design World 2008, an exhibition organised by the Indian Institute of Architects at the Police Parade Ground at Thycaud in the city.

Thiruvananthapuram: From roofing sheets and flooring tiles to wall cladding, steel balustrades, bamboo panelling, scaffolding and electrical and plumbing equipment — the latest products and trends in the construction sector are on show at the ongoing Design World 2008, a four-day exhibition organised by the Indian Institute of Architects in association with the Architects Cooperative, Thiruvananthapuram, at the Police Parade Ground at Thycaud.

The expo offers visitors architectural and engineering solutions from design to execution. It features a range of flooring materials including terracotta, hardwood and porcelain in the form of tiles and boards. A stall featuring a range of imported bamboo flooring and panelling boards is a big draw for visitors to the expo. The Kochi- based importers offer a life-time guarantee for the bamboo products. They claim that bamboo is more beautiful, eco-friendly and durable than other flooring materials.

The stalls featuring steel handrails, balustrades and wooden substitutes for furniture, cladding and kitchen cabinets are also big crowd pullers.

Other attractions are roofing tiles and sheets in different materials and colours. The stall showcasing imported roofing shingles also receive attention from visitors. Household power generators, inverters and lightning surge protectors are also featured.

Different types of building projects are also on display. A model of a three-bedroom house built on three cents of land is a prominent exhibit. An architects’ help desk has been set up at the venue to enable visitors to interact with experts. The architects provide suggestions on planning, construction as well as use of materials depending on the taste of the customers.

Banks and financial institutions have also set up stalls to showcase their home loan schemes.

Design World 2008 also includes seminars and workshops on green buildings, use of glass and wood in construction and innovations in plumbing and sanitary fittings.