Ashland Sponsoring Inaugural Composites In Architecture Design Challenge

Enabling next generation of architects and engineers

Dublin, Ohio (PRWEB) May 04, 2016

Ashland Performance Materials, a business unit of Ashland Inc. ASH, in cooperation with the Architectural Division of the American Composite Manufacturers Association (ACMA), is sponsoring the inaugural Composites In Architecture Design Challenge. The competition is aimed at generating greater awareness of the uses and benefits of composites among the next generation of architects and engineers. The leading entrants of the Composites Design Challenge will exhibit their designs at the AIA National Convention in Philadelphia in May 2016.

Fifteen teams from universities across North America participated in this material research and design challenge. Student teams were asked to use composite material construction to develop a novel architectural building component or assembly. The students were encouraged to explore and invent new and radical architectural designs.

"Composites are no longer considered a material of the future, they are used in a number of building and construction applications today," said Kevin Lambrych, Ashland Performance Materials industry manager for fire retardant resin. "Educating the next generation of architects and engineers on the benefits and uses of composites will enable new ideas and allow for further advances in the use of composites in architecture."

Ashland sponsored the floor space at the AIA convention where the students will display their designs and also funded the cash awards for the winning teams. In addition, Ashland provided Hetron™ FR 650 T-20 resin to the student teams to use in their physical designs. This fire retardant resin has been used to meet NFPA 285 and ASTM E84 Class I flame and smoke requirements specified for many architectural applications.

To learn more about the competition, visit [CompositeBuild.com is a web resource developed by Ashland which allows architects, designers, builders and others interested in composite building materials to learn about the benefits of composites and to connect with composite material fabricators and distributors.

About Ashland Performance Materials
Ashland Performance Materials is the global leader in unsaturated polyester resins and vinyl ester resins. In addition, it offers leading chemical technologies in gelcoats, coatings, intermediates and solvents, and elastomers. Key customers include: manufacturers of residential and commercial building products; infrastructure engineers; wind blade and pipe manufacturers; auto, truck and tire makers; and boatbuilders. Visit ashland.com to learn more.

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