FOR HOME
FOR COMMERCIAL

Tools for Increasing Collaboration and Productivity

[dearpdf id=”63126″ ][/dearpdf]

Digital Tools & Resources 

Billi is at the forefront of digital transformation, providing architects, designers and builders with digital tools and libraries for all their specification and installation needs.

[dearpdf id=”62011″ ][/dearpdf]

 

The COVID-19 pandemic has made design and construction companies adapt to a new era of workplace flexibility. More employees are working from home, with less people in the office at any given time. Travelling to key markets to meet with clients is a less common occurrence due to difficulties with travel and quarantine restrictions. A growing number of people are making
the move out of city centres and working in remote locations, leveraging digital technology as a way to remain connected to their working life.

However, for many workers, the shift towards remote working is not without its challenges. Loneliness, time management problems, increased feelings of isolation and digital miscommunication are only some of the problems employees face working from home for extended periods of time. Companies who fail to address these issues directly face a workforce whose motivation and productivity are significantly reduced.

As a collaborative practice, architecture, design and construction are acutely impacted by these issues. Face-to-face interaction, whether in a studio or on a construction site, is key to the production of a good design. Without effective solutions to connect remote employees, projects risk costly mistakes, project delays and poor quality outcomes. This can lead to unhappy employees, making it difficult for companies to attract and retain high-performing team members.

With today’s teams increasingly dispersed, developing ways to maintain and build motivation and productivity is more important than ever. A growing number of interactive tools are helping design and construction professionals streamline project delivery while enhancing collaboration and human connection both within the organisation and with external clients and stakeholders.

Bridging the digital divide

From design through to construction, the importance of collaboration is paramount. Projects involve a wide range of stakeholders, all of different backgrounds, skills and knowledge levels. Meaningful communication is important to ensure all aspects of a project remain coordinated and stakeholders are all working towards a shared objective.

New digital tools are not only imperative to allow team members to communicate and to achieve tasks, but also to maintain motivation and focus through human connection. Tools such as Zoom, Microsoft Teams and Slack have been used to allow face-toface interactions and foster dynamic team discussion.
Newer platforms such as Miro, a collaborative whiteboarding platform, present further opportunities to embed collaborative practices among distributed teams. Asana and Jira, already commonly used by software companies, can also be adapted to help coordinate team management and project tracking.

The architecture industry has long been designing digitally, with Building Information Modelling (BIM) and Computer-Aided Design (CAD) tools such as AutoCAD and Revit making significant advances over the years. BIM collaboration tools represent another important step in digital design, providing the ability to track issues and include questions, comments and requests for information within the BIM platform. This capability enables project stakeholders to share, review, and comment on data-rich building models in real time, and create a single source of truth for
architectural, engineering and construction teams.

When team members are distributed geographically, with no access to the actual building site, this is key to minimising errors and miscommunication.

Virtual and augmented reality software tools are increasingly being used by companies to further build capacity in remote teams. Virtual reality (VR) is software that creates an immersive, simulated experience, whereas augmented reality (AR) adds digital elements to a real-life environment. Digital tools that use VR or AR allow design teams to collaborate in 3D environments. A building or structure can be simulated digitally, and users can immerse themselves within it before it is constructed. This allows teams to test run ideas before construction work has started.
VR and AR can greatly benefit clients, as they can be walked through simulated environments and decide whether it meets their requirements.

Artificial intelligence (AI) has the potential to streamline projects and help stakeholders deliver greater value to clients. AI refers to technology that mimics human cognitive functions, like problem-solving and pattern recognition. Applied to construction, AI can analyse construction data and apply those learnings to individual projects. Predicting cost overruns, project planning and improving scheduling and productivity are some of the potential applications. Software can be programmed to analyse performance requirements and generate the optimal building design, resolving any clashes between architecture, engineering, mechanical, electrical, and plumbing models.

Digital Tools & Resources

Billi is a leading Australian manufacturer and supplier of high quality drinking water and washroom systems.
The Billi brand is synonymous with Australian innovation, providing products of uncompromising quality. Billi’s range of superior instant filtered water systems are suitable for a wide range of professional applications and environments.

Billi is at the forefront of digital transformation, providing architects, designers and builders with digital tools and libraries for all their specification and installation needs.
For easy reference and accessibility, Billi provides a central online information repository of technical documentation, including Data Sheets, BIM Files, Install and User Guides, Warranties and

Certifications. This comprehensive library provides valuable assistance for every project stage, from pre-design and construction through to operation.

The Billi BSPEC Generator allows users to quickly identify the Billi solution that best meets their project requirements. Select the combination required, how many users, preferred dispenser type and whether there is an optional hot and cold mixer required, and this interactive online tool presents to you the most suitable instant filtered water system. By guiding you step by step to find the ideal system, the SPEC Generator is a valuable time-saver.

A key innovation in the design and specification process, Billi’s 3DBuild tool provides the same level of technical information as the BSPEC Generator with additional 3D visualisations. In a few simple steps, you can see how your chosen product profile interacts with the environment by customising your preferred underbench module, dispenser installation and finish option alongside 12 popular benchtops and 10 trendleading joinery colour palettes. Full document sets are available in conjunction with your specification and additional features to support product specifi cation and document collation are soon to be released.

These digital tools are supported by Billi’s world class customer service experience. Billi offers comprehensive customer care with their Australia-wide network of trained service technicians and service agents providing technically correct, prompt and reliable service.

 

FULL ARTICLE: ARCHITECTURE & DESIGN WHITEPAPER FLIPBOOK 

 

 

Drinking water is an essential component to human health so it is important to ensure the safety and reliability of systems used to deliver water for human consumption.

Choosing the right drinking water system is not always easy in today’s complex regulatory landscape.

A “Good. Better. Best.” approach will help you separate products that meet the minimum regulatory requirements from those that deliver industry-leading performance and sustainability.

 

What is the “Good. Better. Best.” approach? An easy way to evaluate drinking water systems.

Good

At a minimum, drinking water systems should adhere to the basic standards and mandatory regulatory requirements governing the product category.

Better

Manufacturers may choose to demonstrate compliance with other regulatory schemes and standards to offer even greater peace of mind.

Best

There are a range of schemes that certify products not just for performance, but also in terms of their sustainability, contribution to health and wellness, and environmental impact. Many of these schemes are voluntary, and require an accredited third-party certification body to evaluate the product against very stringent environmental criteria.

 

Billi Instant Filtered Water Systems

For more than 25 years, Billi has been the market leader in high performance water filtration solutions for healthy and sustainable work and living spaces. Billi’s reputation for quality and reliability is globally renowned, pairing state of the
art Australian manufacturing with strong research and development capabilities.
Every Billi drinking water appliance is manufactured under a certified quality control system. All Billi commercial range models have been tested and comply with all required standards and more, including:

 

 

[dearpdf id=”55700″ ][/dearpdf]

Drinking water is an essential component to human health so it is important to ensure the safety and reliability of systems used to deliver water for human consumption. Sub-standard drinking water systems not only put occupants and the community at risk, but they can also be expensive to repair or replace in the event of a product failure. Furthermore, companies who are involved in the project risk damage to their reputation by delivering low quality solutions that fail to meet the needs of end-users.

Choosing the right drinking water system is not always easy. The regulatory landscape for drinking water is complex – from mandatory schemes and standards that determine the minimum performance of products, to sustainable or industry-led certification programmes that take a broader view of a product’s health and environmental impact. There are also ongoing efforts to design ‘greener’, more sustainable buildings, requiring products to meet increasingly stringent standards for efficiency and performance.

 

Designers and specifiers need a detailed understanding of how compliance and certification works in the drinking water industry to identify solutions that meet project objectives for performance, accessibility and sustainability. Given the mix of mandatory and voluntary standards for the performance of drinking water systems, an easy way to evaluate products is by using a “good, better, best” approach:

While most products claim to be compliant, being certified should be seen as a step above, because certification is provided by a third-party entity.
Certification provides assurance that an accredited third-party certification body has evaluated the product against the appropriate standards and codes, providing greater peace of mind for all involved.

Setting a higher standard with Billi

Billi is at the forefront of innovation and continues to expand their diverse catalogue of stylish, high performance and sustainable filtration products. All Billi operations are grounded in a strong, future-oriented sustainability focus. Billi has been GreenTag certified since 2014, and has since continued to hone its progressive, innovative approach to green design.

Billi has recently joined the International WELL Building Institute (IWBI) as a cornerstone member. IWBI nurtures collaboration with organisations who are leading the global movement to advance human health in buildings and communities. Billi can tap into IWBI’s expansive resources and work alongside other WELLfocused organisations that are similarly committed to transforming the built environment and enhancing health and wellness.

Every Billi drinking water appliance is manufactured under a certified quality control system. All Billi commercial range models have been tested and comply with all required standards and more, including:

 

CONTINUE READING ARCHITECTURE & DESIGN WHITEPAPER FLIPBOOK 

[dearpdf id=”55692″ ][/dearpdf]

 

Tap water can contain many impurities, both natural and artificial. Some are harmless, only affecting the way water looks, tastes or smells. However, other contaminants can spread infection, or slowly damage the health of end users over time.

The filter type you need will depend on what types of contaminants you are trying to remove from the water.

 

What does the filter remove?

Most filters have micron rating, which refers to the distance between pieces of filter media. The lower the micron rating, the finer the filtration.

 

Evaluating and Selecting Water Filtration Systems

 

What type of filter do I need?

 

Is it accredited and certified?

 

How long will it last?

[dearpdf id=”55819″ ][/dearpdf]

 

 

Access to clean, fresh water is fundamental to living a healthy life.

Due to the changing climate, rising pollution levels and Australia’s rapidly growing population, the demand for clean drinking water has never been higher.

The government has a duty to provide Australians with safe drinking water, but despite their best efforts,
water quality at the point of consumption may not always be beneficial to our short or long-term health goals.

Tap water can contain many impurities, both natural and artificial. Some are harmless, only affecting the way water looks, tastes or smells. However, other contaminants can spread infection, or slowly damage the health of end users over time.

Filtering tap water ensures you have a safe, clean water supply, with obvious benefits to health and wellbeing. Filtering tap water can decrease exposure to the numerous known carcinogens and chemicals in tap water. It also improves the taste and smell of tap water, encouraging users to drink water more often.

For these reasons, many Australians are considering water filtration systems to meet basic hydration needs. There is a wide variety of water filtration solutions on the market, but relatively little awareness in relation to what contaminants are removed by different filter types, and the life expectancies of filtration systems.

When choosing a water filtration system, the main considerations relate to the type of contaminants that
need to be removed from the water, and how much drinking water is needed everyday. Water filtration
systems for the home will have different capacity and flow requirements than commercial units, for example.

Read the full Architecture & Design whitepaper for more information regarding filtration. 

 

Billi Water Filters

Billi prides itself on offering world class water filtration products and continues to partner with global leading experts in all areas of water filtration.

Partnering with BWT, Europe’s largest water treatment products company, Billi’s range of premium filters utilise the unique Fibron X technology. Fibron X technology uses activated carbon fibre with minimal bonding agents in a graded density profile. Due to this structure, Fibron X media has a superior contaminant reduction performance and capacity than conventional water filters.

This advanced multi-stage filtration system filters out particles in water reduces chlorine and organic chemicals and enables minerals to flow through the appliance without allowing scale. Certain high performance models can remove parasitic cysts Giardia and Cryptosporidium (994052 and 994060 only), and reduce heavy metals (994052 and 994060 only).

Billi filters have been independently tested and certified by IAPMO to international standards and Australian Watermark. Billi filter performance testing is conducted in accordance with international
standards NSF, WRAS, and Watermark.

Billi’s range of filters allows you to select the right filtration solution for your needs. The company’s 0.2 micron fi lter provides the highest level of filtration. The 5 micron filter provides a more standard option to improve your drinking water by removing chlorine and limescale which in turns improves taste and odour.

The Billi range offers a solution that can cater to any home or work environment.
Genuine replacement Billi filters are available on their website and from your local approved supplier. Billi also offers extensive customer support and service plans to suit customers’ requirements.

To make maintenance even easier, all Billi filters contain a digital protection device to ensure single use, hygiene and an ability to monitor water volume throughput.

 

Select the ideal filter for your Billi product based on your filtration needs: SHOP FILTERS  

 

[dearpdf id=”55830″ ][/dearpdf]

Hydration is essential for a healthy life; many people prefer to drink chilled still water while others would rather sparkling water, something with a bit more fizz. Sparkling water is water that has been infused with carbon dioxide gas under pressure. Filtered sparkling systems are an excellent, natural, and healthier alternative to sugary drinks.

Still and sparkling options are as healthy as each other and the choice usually comes down to taste. However, instead of having to choose, you can have both! Billi systems can provide filtered still and sparkling water at the touch of a button, instantly producing a refreshing drink.

 

Benefits

There are some myths that sparkling water is less healthy than still water, however, that is not the case. Here are some benefits to drinking sparkling water:

Carbonated water is a fresh substitute to soft drinks that are often high in sugar and pose various health risks. High sugar content can lead to high cholesterol and tooth decay. Sparkling water can also help increase your daily intake of water. Many people may find that drinking 8 glasses of still water can feel like a chore. So, filtered sparkling water can assist you to stay hydrated.

A glass of sparkling water can also help you resist the urge of reaching for a pack of sweet afternoon snacks. Sparkling water can extend or create a feeling of fullness after a meal. This means you will feel fuller for longer and therefore won’t snack as much or as often!

Studies have shown reports that carbonated water significantly reduces symptoms of chronic digestive issues. It has shown to reduce constipation and improve bowel movement.

 

Mix It Up

Plain sparkling water may be a bit boring for some people. However, that doesn’t mean it has to that way. The following ideas will have you investing in a Billi hydration system in no time:

 

Our Billi B-5000 Sparkling system for residential use or Eco Sparkling for commercial use are water systems which provide chilled and sparkling water instantly. You can even adjust the level of sparkling to suit your taste. Instead of purchasing a bottle of flavoured, sparkling water that might contain hidden nasties, why not invest in our sparkling system and improve the way you drink water from the comfort of your own home or office.

 

 

Here’s why it’s important to stay hydrated during the summer

Hydration is crucial for brain function, which in turn is responsible for movement, speech and thought. If you become dehydrated, all these functions can be affected. Without water, you will start to feel lethargic, fatigued, and unwell.

Headaches are commonly a result from poor dehydration amongst other feelings of poor health. Feeling unwell can be exacerbated by hot weather, meaning that dehydration can be lethal.

Why is it easier to become dehydrated in the heat?

Dehydration happens more commonly in warmer climates and the effects tend to also appear quicker. The hotter the temperature of your environment, the more water you are likely to lose from your body through sweat or breathing. Replacing the water that has left your body is crucial, otherwise, dehydration will start to occur.

Unfortunately, dehydration and heat exhaustion often go hand in hand. An imbalance of fluids and electrolytes in the body is caused from the loss of water from cells through dehydration. Additionally, extensive exposure to the sun or heat will likely make you start to suffer from heat exhaustion too.

The recommended daily intake for water for adults is usually 6-8 glasses. However, you should drink more water in hot weather. Aiming for a minimum of 8 glasses is ideal but more if you’re exercising or feel you’re losing lots of fluids through sweating or urine.

 

How to stay hydrated in hot weather

This might sound simple, but there are a few things you can do to ensure you don’t overheat or become dehydrated during the summer.

  1. Temperatures peak between 12pm-3pm so to avoid becoming dehydrated it’s best to stay in the shade (even if you’re trying to tan). It is important to take regular breaks from the sun and direct sunlight.
  2. To ensure you’re properly hydrated drink enough chilled water at regular intervals throughout the day. Soft drinks can be tempting especially in hot weather, but they won’t effectively hydrate you. If you feel particularly hot, try a sports drink with added electrolytes to replace those lost through sweat.
  3. Alcohol and caffeine are both diuretics, which means that they will dehydrate you quicker than other beverages. Therefore, it’s best to avoid these drinks while you’re in the sun. If you do want to enjoy a beer or coffee, follow it with a glass of water to ensure you stay hydrated.

 

 

Check out the new water filter trends for 2022

 

It has never been more difficult to predict the future. Who would have guessed, just a few short years ago, that a massive plague would shut down the entire world? Thankfully, some things are still within our powers of divination. For example, experts in water filter technology can estimate with flabbergasting insight which water filters will be most popular next year.

Looking to get a water filter in 2022? Don’t be caught installing a backwards or unfashionable model. Read on to find out the latest in water filter technology, and hop onboard the latest aquatic filtration trends.

Hot, cold, ambient and sparkling: more kinds of filtered water than ever before

The old-fashioned, traditional water filter could really only provide one kind of filtered water: room temperature. If you wanted to do something a bit different with that water (have it carbonated, for instance, or at a different temperature) you had to augment it yourself.

In 2022, the new trend is for futuristic water filters that give you whatever kind of water filter you want. From practically boiling water (for instant teas, coffees and speedy cooking) to chilled out water for those sweltering Summer days, these new water filtered taps have it all. Bubbly water? Check, they can do that too. And regular old room-temperature filtered water is still available for those who want it.

Some of the most popular water filter taps of 2022

 

Here are just a few of the taps that are likely to be very popular in 2022:

 

Australian made water filters are a must!

Global supply chains have never been so precarious. Across the world, businesses and consumers are finding it incredibly difficult to get their hands on goods and services. It has never been more important to shop local.

Australian-made taps and water filters are set to have a big year in 2022. A water filtration system can only work effectively if it has a fresh filter installed. How can you be sure that new filters will be available? By getting a water system that accepts filters made in Australia. It’s sensible, it’s convenient, and it’s a boon for Aussie manufacturing.

Incredible water filter technology for offices and working spaces

Offices stood empty for much of 2020 and 2021, as people worked from home. In 2022, it is predicted that more and more people will be able to return to more conventional working locations. And, you arrive back at the office, you may notice something has changed: the water filter.

 

In offices in 2022, you can expect to see water filter systems that are:

 

Author: Water People 

 

 

Interesting Uses for Sparkling Water That You’ll Want to Know.

Refreshing, bubbly and cool, sparkling water is the perfect drink for a hot summer’s day. Add lemon, cordial, or mint, and you can elevate it to an even more sophisticated beverage that’s perfect for entertaining. However, while carbonated water is great for drinking, there are many other uses for it too.

Here we’ll look at other interesting uses for sparkling water.

 

Cleaning – Sparkling water acts as the perfect cleaning agent to remove tough stains and dirt off bathroom surfaces such as porcelain. Simply clean with a cloth and wipe dry afterwards to prevent water stains.

Stain Removal – A home hack that really works. Sparkling water can be used to lift difficult stains. Next time you spill something, try rubbing the affected area with carbonated water. It works on wine, food and more!

Windscreen Washing – The carbonation in the water can help remove greasy stains, fingerprints, bird droppings and dirt on your car. Spray your windscreen with sparkling water and it will help lift the mess.

 

 

Marinate meat – One use you may find very surprising is that you can marinate meat in sparkling water! The carbonation makes the cuts of meat juicier and softer. Use the same spices and seasoning as you usually would and work them into the meat before allowing it to sit in the sparkling water for 30 minutes.

Cooking – There are several ways you can use sparkling water in the kitchen. In some instances, replacing still water with sparkling can create a different effect on your cooking. For example, if you boil fizzy water instead of still when cooking pasta, the cooked pasta should end up having a lighter texture. Likewise, if you use sparkling water instead of milk when making pancakes, they will be lighter and fluffier when cooked.

 

 

Stop Rust – The Co2 present in sparkling water wears away rust. Pour the carbonated water on the rust and allow to sit for 5 minutes. This will also work to loosen rusted nuts and bolts. The Carbon Dioxide will wear away the rust and particles build up to loosen them easier.

Clean Jewels – The metal and gems on your jewellery can become dull, scratched, and darkened from everyday use. An easy way to combat this is to warm up a small container of sparkling water and place your jewellery inside for a few seconds. Scrub away any residue or dirt with a toothbrush and your jewellery will be left sparkling.

 

 

For more information about Billi Products, Visit our products page.