Construct-Ambient Expo - trade fair diary

Between 14 and 17 March we went to Romexpo where not one but six events took place simultaneously: Construct-Ambient Expo, Mobila Expo, Expo Flowers&Garden, Romtherm, Modexpo and Antique Market. Those interested in building and home design will find here state-of-the-art materials and technologies and interesting ideas for home design.

Impressions after the first day

The fairs were smaller compared to previous years, fewer exhibitors, but many conferences and workshops held throughout the day. Although there are other channels of information I think that attending a fair is important. Products are on display, technicians can give the necessary explanations, you can see how they work, what qualities they have, how they differ from other products on the market. The face-to-face meeting is important and can result in a contract. The way you present yourself, the openness to communication and information, the willingness to be with the customer and to talk directly, answering questions from those interested, not reciting slogans, is a very good sales method.

These meetings only take place in fairs. Such meetings are all over the world, they did not disappear with the advent of the internet. I'm one of those people who really appreciate the internet, but I know a lot from trade fairs where I've talked to the specialists present, seen demonstrations, made connections. Don't neglect such a source of information.

I still think that if you are involved in construction and interior and exterior design, you should come to the fair. You have someone to talk to, there are specialists who can do various demonstrations, who are keen to talk to you. I have had a few such talks about energy efficiency of homes, we noticed the presence in the fair of some people authorized to passive cell, we learned about sensors that, if you have a "smart" phone, will let you know if the temperature or humidity in your home has dropped below a certain limit. It's best for everyone to come and find out what interests them. Until then, a bit about what I saw and more photos to convince you.

Pavilion B1

In B1 are the fairs Construct-Ambient, Romtherm and Flower&Garden Expo. Here we are too, if you want to meet us at stand 137. As you know, we have been interested in timber construction for some time and we try to find out as much as we can about this field, even if not all the information is related to wood and timber frame houses.

Those interested in parquet can see different types of flooring and flooring, with classic, modern or antique finishes, at the stands Vicla, Floor Expert or Prime Floors. There are other types of flooring: stone, marble, epoxy, cork, materials with which you can achieve different textures. And for walls, materials are used to achieve the most interesting textures and patterns. The Giorgio Graesan and friends made presentations about what can be achieved with their products and some talent of the applicator. I understand they will be doing this daily. You will also find wall cladding materials that mimic brick, wood or other materials.

Find in the fair and companies with double glazed windows, with 2 or 3 layers of glass, interior and exterior doors, garage doors, various devices and mosquito nets, even for terraces with openings as large as the wall. Several fireplaces of all kinds, from the classic ones, in which real wood burns, to those ... with the image of a wood fire.

There are companies that present options for home heating, measurement and control systems, ventilation or heat recovery. There are also exhibitors for those interested in traditional heating methods.

Saunas, roofing materials, insulation, Velux windows, composite materials for house cladding, fencing or decking, water softening systems and more. You can come and see them and find out more.

Pavilion B2

Unfortunately, the furniture part of pavilion B2 is even less represented. But there are companies that will catch your eye. I liked the furniture presented by Octostil (designer furniture) and the way he finished the wood. Workshop 89, present with furniture in industrial styleis also interesting. ITA Production came with tables with oak and cherry tops and are waiting for you with horincă, as they are from Sighetul Marmației.😉 There are classic furniture, kitchen furniture, rustic furniture, stairs and turned wood elements and other things that might interest you.

A large part of the pavilion is dedicated to antiques of all kinds (there is even a vintage car). If you like antiques, there's an opportunity to delight in walking among them and admiring them.

Outer platform

On the outdoor platform you will find many flowers, trees, even fruit-filled lemons. A tall structure made of lamellar beams raised by the Technical Switzerland. Next to them, the firm Old Wood Romania with an interesting construction, a dome dwelling of the future. Still outside, some machinery, lots of flowers and if you get hungry, food vans are waiting for you.

Impressions at the end

At the end of the 4 days of the fair we were left with the same impression that demand exceeded supply. There were many people who came to the Construct - Ambient Expo Fair who did not find answers to the problems they had come with. They would have liked to find companies to talk to about building options and possibilities, new materials or technologies of the future. There was also a lack of designers and especially of structuralists (strength calculations), and the presence of young people from the Faculty of Construction was welcomed.

The conferences were very interesting, especially those related to energy efficiency in new buildings. Very few people know about the new regulations and I learned that from people in the field. There are those involved in this process who are not aware of the regulations of Directive 2010/31/EU of the European Parliament and of the Council of 19 May 2010 on the energy performance of buildings. It requires new buildings to become more efficient and requires all new buildings to be nearly zero-energy buildings (nZEB) by the end of 2020 and public buildings by the end of 2018. The Energy Efficiency Directive 2012/27/EU, which obliges Member States to set efficiency targets by 2020, is not much talked about either. These directives were adopted by our country, as a Member State, and an Emergency Ordinance was issued to implement them. Very few people know that if they do not comply with the requirements, they will not be able to obtain planning permission.

That's why these fairs are good.To meet, discuss, see what the problems are and find solutions. Fairs are not just a way to present our products. They are much more than that. Don't ignore them!