Independent industry judges have selected Spicon Linear Matrix as the winner of the Best New Product Award at DesignBUILD 2011.

The panel voted that the Australian designed and manufactured product showed the most innovation and versatility and has unlimited application potential in residential and commercial capacities.

The panel, comprised of architects and designers, praised Spicon Linear Matrix for providing a wealth of choice to designers and architects with their LED lighting panels.

The LED panel is suitable for directional signage, point of purchase, directory boards, menu systems, product displays, foyer and entrance signs, cinemas and a host of other applications.

Spicon Linear Matrix Lighting Engine is able to achieve reduced onsite electrical costs as one power supply can support multiple units. The LED lighting panel’s slimline profile and easy installation were other noted key benefits.

The lighting also reduces the heat effect of traditional illumination because the LED lamps run at room temperature. This has the added benefits of a 10 year lifespan and increases output to a brighter white.

Other finalists for the Best New Product award included PapeRock and International Leak Detection (ILD).

Paperock’s composite building material is constructed from layers of sustainably sourced paper which is bonded with phenolic resin material before being heat and pressure cured.

The non-toxic building material is so strong, a 20mm benchtop can be cantilevered to 460mm. PapeRock is also impervious to water and is heat resistant up to 180 degrees.

International Leak Detection (ILD) launched the Electric Field Vector Mapping (EFVM) system to make runner-up in the DesignBUILD award. With a low voltage test method, the system can create an electrical potential difference between a non-conductive membrane surface and an earthed or grounded conductive substrate.

The ILD EFVM systems use a limited amount of water and allow pinpointing of membrane breaches through a non-destructive process.

The Selector sponsored award was drawn on the first day of the building and construction expo and the winner receives promotional and advertising prizes worth $6,500.