The ability to save energy and environmental friendliness are the main concepts for new products on show at the Architect '07 exhibition at Challenger Hall and Impact Arena, Muang Thong Thani.

Siam Sanitary Ware Industry, a manufacturer under the Cotto and Toto brands, has introduced three new collections at the exhibition, named Neorest, Cocktail and Ryohan.

Focused on design and innovation, the three new collections have arisen from efforts to save both water and energy, according to the company's domestic sales manager Pittaya Paiboon. Neorest offers a tornado flushing system to keep the toilet bowl clean, while the lid automatically opens whenever a person approaches.

Meanwhile, the Ryohan Suite features a special surface design reminiscent of the patterns seen in traditional Japanese rock gardens.

The Toto-brand products also offer a non-contact auto-flush system and CeFiOntech, to make the urinal hygienic and comfortable.

Mahaphant Group, manufacturer and distributor of Ha Huang tiles and Shera cement-fibre products, is featuring its recently launched Kool series of tiles with a product named Granada Kool.

The group's director, Aunganj Tachamahaphant, says the company has created an "ice mountain" at the exhibition to present its new tiles, which are claimed to protect homes from the heat of direct sunlight. He says the innovative tiles are one answer to worldwide concern over global warming.

Color Trend, the importer and distributor of KingSeven paint, highlights its super-premium grade of exterior building paint called KingSeven, the Emperor from the United Kingdom, and the Siam Cement Group introduces innovative new raw materials for construction.

Cementhai Building Products president Pichit Maipoom says the new pursuit in construction raw materials is how to develop innovative products to cope with Thailand's seasonal changes.

"Friendliness with the environment and energy savings are the main drivers behind our development of new construction materials, because customers are more concerned about these problems and costs than they were 10 years ago. As a result we have to develop innovative products to meet out customers' demands," he said.

In keeping with Cementhai's new materials, the president of Lighting and Equipment, Pakorn Burimasporn, says his company is offering its latest lighting designs at Architect '07 under the concept "A new experience for everyone".

"When you design your home, lighting is needed to create light and shadow over the surface textures; to give a different feeling from normal light," he says.

Visitors to Architect '07 can see both innovative raw materials for construction and for decoration of homes.

The predominant decoration theme this year is matching colourful furniture with the colours and textures of nature, giving homes a warmth that welcomes guests.

"Home-decoration concepts have to match the lifestyle of the home-owner, as well as inspiring a feeling of warmth for visitors. As a result, home-owners are these days interested in decorating their homes to match the change of the seasons," Siam Sanitary Ware's Pittaya says.

The Architect '07 exhibition runs until Sunday.

Somluck Srimalee

The Nation