On Trend - August 2021

Virtual wallpaper 

For some people visualising wallpaper in their own home is a challenge. This means as an industry professional you need to assure your clients on the best design option available to them. Luxe Walls now offers an alternative solution by embracing 3D augmented-reality technology to showcase more than 1800 wallpaper designs in their customers’ home. Available through the company’s new online wallpaper store, you can view the large collection of designs or create customised artwork. 
The online store can also be accessed through the new app available for iOS devices. 

Stress-free sale

You may know carconnect as an online platform for buying new or used cars, but now, with HIA Vehicles, it also provides HIA members with a platform to sell their cars. 
Much like the buying process, this service is designed to make life easy and headache-free. Simply select the make and model of your current car, and an inspection will be arranged to suit your schedule. You will then be presented with several valuations for you to choose from so you have the peace-of-mind that you are getting the best offer. 
Once sold, carconnect will arrange for the buyer to pick it up or drop it off on your behalf – it’s that easy. 

Bridging the gap

Capital Bridging Finance aims to provide flexible short-term financial services for those in the residential or commercial industry who need urgent funds. The company has experience in property, finance and banking designed to help business owners and homeowners obtain the cash flow they need.
Dealing directly with one of the company’s decision-makers means that an indicative offer on a loan will be provided in minutes and access to funding given within 48 hours on most occasions. 
Each borrower receives personalised service tailored to their unique circumstances and offered support throughout the entire loan process while they find a more permanent finance option. 

Built for builders

The Phoenix Builders Collection features a timeless design with robust construction ideal for any kitchen or bathroom. The products offered in the collection are specially selected to suit the needs of builders, meaning they are convenient to install and are a budget-friendly option for bulk builds.
Rough-in kits and trim kits are sold separately to allow industry professionals to complete the rough-in stage before your client needs to make the final tapware selection. Each of the Builders Collection rough-in kits are suitable for use with Arlo, Ivy MKII, Pina or Teva products. 

Talking timber

WoodSolutions’ collection of design guides for industry professionals provides readers with an abundance of information for timber design and construction. Each guide is written by specialists with the aim to present the most up-to-date information about designing and building with wood and to facilitate compliance with regulations including the National Construction Code (NCC)*. 

There are a variety of publications suited for different professionals. The categories include: architects and designers; engineers, builders and tradespeople; building surveyors; quantity surveyors; and educators.

Free digital copies of the guides are available online.

*Please note that elements of the NCC may vary between states and local jurisdictions. Check with your local authorities if you are unsure.

Handy helper 

Handypay is one of Australia’s largest home improvement payment plan providers. 

It provides simple and easy financial solutions for home improvement businesses to break large quotes into affordable payment plans 
for customers. 

Whether customers come to you or you visit them, Handypay is a handy day-to-day tool to help convert more leads, turbo charge sales and remove credit risk from your business. The customer pays Handypay and Handypay pays you. 

The company offers personalised services through a flexible payment plan solution tailored to your business. 

HIA members are eligible for exclusive free payment plan solutions with Handypay. 

Ideal insulation

Made by global insulation manufacturer, Knauf Insulation, Earthwool® is a popular insulation product among homeowners, builders and installers. 

The super soft, easy-to-handle glasswool insulation is made using up to 80 per cent recycled glass and with the ECOSE® Technology binder, which contains no added formaldehyde.

As a result of using ECOSE Technology, Earthwool insulation has been awarded the highest international standard for indoor air quality – Eurofins Gold. The sustainable credentials are also supported by GreenTag Level A. 

Designed for Australian conditions, the Earthwool range is BRANZ Appraised and CodeMark certified and is also deemed non-combustible in accordance with AS 1530.1.

Waste not

Meir has announced the launch of its new basin Pop Down® wastes. The unique basin wastes sit flush in the open position to provide a streamlined aesthetic in any bathroom, while providing a convenient plug mechanism that can be easily removed for cleaning and maintenance.

Collaborating with Bounty Brassware, the Pop Down wastes are available in three premium finishes – Matte Black, Tiger Bronze and Champagne – making them the perfect combination for other Meir bathroom inclusions.

Designed in Australia, the basin wastes are manufactured to exacting Australian Standards using the latest in computer controlled casting processes and technology. 

Interactive designs

A game-changing 3D design, visualisation and price (cloud-based) software for residential building companies is now available in Australia. 

Utecture enables residential builders, designers, estimators and salespeople to upload plans, trace over PDFs, or design one- and two-storey residential houses from scratch. Users can also modify existing plans, fixtures and fittings in real-time.

Preferred supplier pricing, products, and margins are loaded against each company, branch or franchise, so price adjustments occur in real-time when plan changes are made. The design tool within Utecture allows walls, roofs, fixtures, fittings and colours to be modified instantaneously, while automatically calculating the price and developing 3D renders as the client looks on. 

For more information contact scott.palmer@utecture.com

Old-school storage 

Mustard Made has released its latest home storage range with the Twinny wardrobe. The vintage school locker is unique in its design and is available in a variety of colours.

Inside, the Twinny has two moveable rails – one up top and one in the middle – and adjustable shelves. It also offers ‘handy hooks’ to hang your necklaces, headphones or a picture frame, for that added touch of practicality and personalisation. The locker comes with two cable holes in the back, meaning you can keep all your wires and extension cords neatly stored away. 

Smarter safety

Work Smart Platforms, part of the SSS Roof Scaffold Group, designs, manufactures and sells international award-winning passive fall protection roof scaffolding systems. The Australian-based company creates innovative products to further encourage safe work practices for builders and trades, particularly when working at heights.

The entirely modular roof scaffolding system is durable, compact and made from hot-dipped galvanised steel. The main components of the system include the professional contractor bracket (adjustable to suit roof pitch from 22–45°), hand rail support and end protection that can also double as a workbench mount. 

For more than 20 years our roof scaffold systems have been providing a safe working environment for all trades.

Versatile warmth

The Soho/electrical radiator by Tubes has come to life in time for winter, with a minimalist and elegant design, a high energy efficiency rating, recyclable aluminium and smart technology. 

The updates from the original 2008 release focuses on being a greater environmentally friendly product with added smart technology inclusions for the new decade. While users have the option to manually control the radiator with its included controller, they can also link the system to a personal smart device with Bluetooth. 

The Soho/electrical is versatile in design and can adapt to all living requirements, regardless of taste and aesthetics.