FC&A April 2015

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April 15

Issue 62

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Design & Desire SAS International helps realise the bold design of the new Gateway Pavilions

Legal & Business ARB provides an insight into how architects can avoid disputes arising

Leisure Build Focus The House provides students with the opportunity to use highly specialised theatrical facilities

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Editorial Comment Mixed Media Information Pear Platt, Woodfalls Farm, Gravelly Way, Laddingford, Kent, ME18 6DA Tel: 01622 873229, Fax: 01622 320020 www.fca-magazine.com www.mixedmediainfo.com

Editor Hannah Frackiewicz hannah@mixedmediainfo.com 01622 873229 Print & Digital Advertising Sam Ball sam@mixedmediainfo.com 01622 873229 Steve Gull steve@mixedmediainfo.com Studio Manager Chris Lilly chris@mixedmediainfo.com Production Jack Witcomb jack@mixedmediainfo.com Artworker/Sub-editor David Perry david@mixedmediainfo.com Accounts Simone Jones simone@mixedmediainfo.com Managing Director Sam Ball sam@mixedmediainfo.com

Front cover:

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Magazine April 2015

Welcome

to Future Constructor & Architect...

M

easures announced in last month’s UK Budget, delivered by the Chancellor, were welcomed by the construction industry. Among the highlights, George Osborne revealed the Government would designate 20 housing zones on brownfield sites outside London, rather than the 10 zones initially proposed in June 2014. Along with delivering up to 34,000 new homes, the Government has announced it will also be working with a further eight councils to deliver 11,000 homes.

Responding to the announcement, Andrew Carpenter, Chief Executive of Structural Timber Association, comments: “We fully support the identification of 20 brownfield site housing zones for investment in 45,000 houses, which is definitely needed to address the housing shortage. I urge the Government to ensure these houses are built using modern methods of construction, such as timber, as the build would be efficient and the houses sustainable – important considerations in today’s climate.

“As we head into the General Election, I hope all parties will put sustainable construction at the heart of their manifestos. The UK has the opportunity to lead the way in building in timber – the only truly sustainable building material and the best way to achieve modern and energy efficient housing for the next generation.”

As the landscape of construction continues to change, modern methods of construction are having an even bigger role to play. In this month’s issue, we hear from Mike Stevenson, Development Director for offsite fenestration specialist Sidey, who reflects on the factors affecting the future of construction design. Find out more on page 22.

I hope you enjoy this issue. Don’t forget you can also access all of the magazine’s features, product news and supplier information at your fingertips via Future Constructor & Architect’s state-of-the-art app. To download your version free of charge, simply search ‘fc&a’ on Google Play or the App Store.

The eye-catching new Gateway Pavilions are the first completed project in Knight Dragon’s ambitious vision for the Greenwich Peninsula.

See page 28 Terms and Conditions: Contributions are invited and when not accepted will be returned only if accompanied by a fully stamped and return addressed envelope. No responsibility will be taken for drawings, photographs or literary contributions during transmission or in the editors hands. In the absence of an agreement the copyright of all contributions, literary, photographics or artistic belongs to Mixed Media Information Ltd.The Publisher accepts no responsibility in respect of advertisements appearing in the magazine and the opinions expressed in editorial material or otherwise do not necessarily represent the view of the publisher.The Publisher does not accept any liability of any loss arising from the late appearance or non publication of any advertisement.

Hannah Frackiewicz Editor, Future Constructor & Architect

Hannah Frackiewicz

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Contents 36 Leisure Build Focus:

14 Voice of the Industry:

Chris Hall, CEO of BRUFMA explains how high performance insulation can play its part in helping to achieve ambitious zero carbon targets.

26 Legal & Business:

Simon Howard, Professional Standards Manager at the ARB explains how architects can avoid disputes arising.

Features 24 HVAC Technical Focus:

LG is one of the prime suppliers of air conditioning equipment across the globe. One such customer is leading engineering consultancy, Cundall.

Leading architecture practice Burwell Deakins Architects has completed a new £4.3m performing arts centre for Plymouth University.

38 Bricks, Blocks and Pavers: Thesing & Thesing Architekten has paid homage to history in the creation of a new community space.

40 Balustrades:

Balustrades from Q-railing have been used to open up the space of a cultural centre in The Netherlands.

42 Drainage & Landscaping: Formpave’s head of design, John Lloyd, explains what the new SUDS legislation means for architects and specifiers.

44 Sustainability Live Preview:

34 Lighting:

Comprising 157 individual glass pieces, a bespoke installation reflects the abundant natural light in the stairway of Canada House.

Sustainability Live, the UK’s leading exhibition for innovative energy management and sustainability, returns to the NEC Birmingham this month.

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Portfolios 06 Greenhouse:

Rory Bergin, Head of Sustainability & Innovation at HTA, explains how technology can be used to provide energy efficiency and comfort.

12 Sustainability in Development:

FC&A profiles some of the outstanding buildings that were recognised at last month’s annual BREEAM awards.

28 Design & Desire:

SAS International has been instrumental in realising the striking design for Marks Barfield Architects’ new Gateway Pavilions, Greenwich.

Find all of these features and more online, plus our comprehensive archive area, at fca-magazine.com or on the fc&a app. Search ‘fc&a’.

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Greenhouse

Tailored comfort Rory Bergin, Head of Sustainability & Innovation at HTA, the architecture firm commissioned by VELUX to design its CarbonLight Homes, explains how technology can be used to provide energy efficiency and comfort.

The homes were occupied for a period by guest families who agreed to monitor the homes

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Greenhouse These homes were designed and constructed to deliver optimum comfort and energy efficiency

T

he VELUX CarbonLight Homes project involved the design and build of two semi-detached three- and four-bedroom homes in Kettering, in 2011. These homes were designed and constructed to deliver optimum comfort and energy efficiency, and to minimise their impact on the environment. The homes were occupied for a period by guest families who agreed to monitor the homes and be interviewed regularly by the project teams. As a result we now have a much better understanding of what it’s like to live in a sustainable home that constantly tailors itself to the inhabitants’ comfort.

What is comfort?

Comfort means different things to different people, and even different things to the same person depending on their age, state of mind or what they’re wearing.

However, control systems usually try to maintain a temperature of between 20˚C and 22˚C, as this is comfortable for most people. But comfort is not a steady

t

Light streams in from the 22 VELUX windows on the pitched roof

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Greenhouse

Can technology help?

There are some things that technology is great at, such as repetitive tasks that we find boring, or not worth interrupting our daily lives for. What if we were able to leave a lot of these small decisions – these boring tasks – to technology? Would this provide a better level of comfort? Would it free us up to focus on more interesting things? Would we find it disconcerting if windows started opening on their own?

In the VELUX CarbonLight Homes project we investigated this phenomenon and found that technology can do a better job than the home’s inhabitants at maintaining a comfortable environment, provided the technology is well set up.

This appears to be related to our inability to notice small differences.

To a computer, a difference is a difference, however small. Whether it’s one degree temperature change or 10, the computer reacts. To us, a difference of a degree is very hard to notice, and there’s a good chance we wouldn’t react at all; by the time we noticed it was too cold, it would be much too cold. The same applies to air quality. In some ways our ability to respond to this is even worse, as poor air quality often makes us sleepy and less capable of responding to further changes. So the longer we are sitting in a stuffy room, the less likely we are to respond to it.

Trusting technology In one of our VELUX CarbonLight Homes, a couple came back from

t

be left until the air is very stuffy, or the temperature uncomfortably high.

All the CarbonLight Homes inhabitants very quickly got used to the windows automatically opening to let in fresh air

One of the main findings of the study was the effect that daylight has on well-being

state, even though standard automated controls aim for such. Using technology to separate us from the world outside is not the best way to create a comfortable environment. Sometimes a gust of fresh air is just what we need to refresh us, or to wake us up. Sometimes we want to feel the warmth of the sun on our faces, and sometimes this is exactly what we don’t want, as direct sunlight can be an inconvenience if we’re trying to read or work.

But while we notice if the temperature drops or rises dramatically, we are not as good at spotting small changes in our comfort levels. Therefore, tasks like opening the window to let in some fresh air, or turning down the heating, tend to

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Greenhouse

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Greenhouse Paul Hicks, Sustainability & Design Manager at VELUX What is a CarbonLight Home?

The CarbonLight Homes design is innovative in the way it captures daylight and fresh air to minimise energy consumption and create a natural internal environment. In 2050, we are likely be spending 90% of our time in 90% of the buildings that are with us today, so we have a long way to go to improve the quality of our houses.

We set out to create a building that offered a home with space, fresh air and three times more daylight than the average home. A house that makes the most of modern technology, but also fits with a modern family’s lifestyle. Light streams in from the 22 VELUX windows on the pitched roof, and bounces around the open plan layout and double height living area.

hospital with their new baby and for a few days were obsessed with managing the temperature in their home, constantly monitoring and adapting the controls.

After a while they relaxed, let the system take control and found the results were better than their own efforts. In fact, all the CarbonLight Homes inhabitants very quickly got used to the windows automatically opening to let in fresh air, or blinds closing to cut out glare. After two weeks they generally stopped noticing these things; if they did, it merely served as a reminder of how lucky they were to live in such a clever home!

Bringing light to life One of the main findings of the study was the effect that daylight has on wellbeing. Across the project, in different countries, with different types of people, the response was the same: everyone loved living in a home with unusually high

levels of natural light. They enjoyed feeling more awake in the morning, they slept better than before, and they didn’t need to turn on the artificial lighting until much later in the day compared to an ‘ordinary’ home. One inhabitant stopped visiting her friends; after living in a CarbonLight Home their houses felt like ‘caves’, so she preferred to invite them round to hers instead!

Homes for today For a designer of new homes this active comfort management might sound a bit like a ‘Home for the Future’, but in fact this technology is available today. In some respects good quality cars have offered comfort control for decades, but it is only now that good comfort control is available to home owners in a way that requires no interruption to their daily lives.

■

Fact File

www.velux.co.uk

The CarbonLight Homes design is innovative in the way it captures daylight and fresh air to minimise energy consumption

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Sustainability in Development

Setting the standards Some of the best performing buildings assessed under the sustainable buildings standard, BREEAM, were recognised at the annual BREEAM awards celebration hosted by TV architect Charlie Luxton in London on 3rd March 2015.

N

ow in its 25th year, BREEAM was the world’s first sustainability standard for buildings, communities and homes and is used in over 70 countries around the world.To date more than one million buildings have been assessed against the standard with ratings calculated against a broad range of sustainability criteria by independent BREEAM assessors.

The extensive use of BREEAM reflects a growing awareness of the many tangible advantages of building sustainably, which go far beyond the well established environmental benefits. A common theme running through the projects shortlisted for this year’s Awards, for example, is the reporting of high quality buildings with low maintenance and running costs. They are attracting long-term tenants, better meeting the needs of users and gaining extra value

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for their owners.

More than 50 groundbreaking projects were shortlisted from across Europe for the 2015 awards, with eight awards going to UK-based projects and others to projects based in France and Norway.

A panel of independent judges, including architect Bill Gething, Claudine Blamey of the Crown Estate, Alan Cole of the Home Office, Mike Smith of BSRIA, Louise Sunderland of the UK Green Building Council and Thomas Lane of Building magazine, selected the winners from shortlists of the highest BREEAM scoring buildings in each category.

Their decision was based on the specific circumstances, challenges and achievements of each development as well as the very high BREEAM scores achieved. A selection of six of the awards winners are briefly outlined here.

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Brent Civic Centre Brent Civic Centre is a newly built community building near Wembley Stadium, to which Council employees have relocated from 14 different buildings.A Council spokesperson says:“Everything in here, from the windows to the lights and even the way staff will operate their computers, is designed to save energy.”

Winner of the BREEAM Mixed Use and Other Buildings Award, the judges agreed that this project demonstrated the local authority’s and design team’s commitment to changing their working ethos in pursuit of high performance. It provides a resilient and wide-ranging set of lessons that could be applied in many circumstances across the public and private building sectors.The focus on reducing whole life cost in a public building was a key feature.

Dumfries and Galloway Acute Mental Health Unit Despite the constraints of its role as a mental health facility, the Dumfries and Galloway AMHU project has succeeded in providing a naturally ventilated building with high levels of daylighting and a low carbon design.

The judges selected this building for the BREEAM Healthcare Award.They felt that the team had delivered a design strategy that successfully reduced environmental impacts while creating a supportive and high quality internal environment – in challenging circumstances.

The innovative pre-fabricated structure and

Brent Civic Centre was judged winner of the BREEAM Mixed Use and Other Buildings Award

windows designed for security and natural ventilation are both fully replicable for future projects, as is the approach to providing high levels of daylighting and views out to the landscape and the gardens.

One Pancras Square, Kings Cross Central “It makes sustainability not just feel good but look good,” says to the team behind One Pancras Square, a BREEAM Outstanding rated office building at the gateway to the King’s Cross development in London.

With its distinctive, twisted iron columns reflecting the Victorian heritage of the site, One Pancras Square won the award for BREEAM Offices New Construction.The judges agreed that the team had demonstrated a healthy dose of flair and innovation in tackling sustainable design in a highly commercial context – avoiding stereotypical solutions and creating an iconic building.

Washington Plaza Washington Plaza, a Parisian office building near the Champ-Elysées received the BREEAM Offices In-Use Award.The Offices In-Use shortlist reflected the remarkably strong uptake of BREEAM In-Use in Europe – particularly in France – with three buildings in Paris, one in Bucharest and one in Luxembourg City.

The city-centre location of Washington Plaza has not limited its green ambitions.The extensive planting enhancing the ecology of

The judges selected this Dumfries and Galloway AMHU for the BREEAM Healthcare Award

the site, for example, includes a spectacular green wall 80m long and 7m high. Green spaces are watered by a rainwater harvesting system comprising four 5000-litres tanks.

Green and lounge-style spaces, as well as work spaces, have been designed to improve the access to, use and circulation of people, creating alternative areas for socialising.The design team says that components such as these contribute to the value of the building.

119 Ebury Street This conversion of a hotel in the City of Westminster (originally a single family home) into three duplex apartments won the BREEAM Residential Award. It sets a high standard for the sustainable retrofit of listed buildings in the UK, demonstrating how much their environmental impact can be reduced whilst preserving historically significant urban fabric.

Through the hard work of a close-knit design team and the co-operation of a forward-looking council, the refurbishment of this listed building impressed the judges with its holistic design strategy, and adoption of new technologies in a traditionally conservative high-end market place.

107-109 Charing Cross Road – Foyles Flagship Store This Foyles store, housing over 200,000 titles on four miles of shelves, won the BREEAM Retail Refurbishment and Fit-Out Award.

The health and wellbeing of staff and visitors was a priority in this project, with dynamic thermal modelling used to predict thermal comfort and high quality lighting meeting CIBSE guidance on light levels. Materials used are low polluting, low embodied energy and responsibly sourced.

The judges were impressed by the transformation of the Foyles Store,

One Pancras Square, Kings Cross Central, winner of the BREEAM Offices New Construction award

t

Image courtesy of Morley Von Sternberg

Sustainability in Development

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Sustainability in Development

Fact File Brent Civic Centre Client: Brent Council Architect: Hopkins Architects Contractor: Skanska BREEAM Assessor: AECOM

Dumfries and Galloway Acute Mental Health Unit Client: NHS Dumfries and Galloway Architect: Archial Project Leader: Laing O’Rourke BREEAM Assessor: Arup

One Pancras Square, Kings Cross Central

Fornebu S (KLP Eiendom AS), Oslo won BREEAM Retail New Construction Award

which has enhanced both the building’s performance and facilities. The successful execution of a complex refurbishment project on a difficult site, coupled with the use of thermal mass, low carbon technologies and a green roof in a central urban location, were particularly impressive.

Other winners of BREEAM 2015 Awards were: La Caserne de Bonne (Mercialys) Grenoble BREEAM Retail In-Use Award

119 Ebury Street

Brandon Primary School – (Durham County Council) BREEAM Education Award Armstrong Point (Armstrong Properties), Wigan BREEAM Industrial Award Morelands Rooftop (Derwent London), London BREEAM Offices Refurbishment and Fit-Out Award

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Fornebu S (KLP Eiendom AS), Oslo – BREEAM Retail New Construction Award.

Fornebu S also won the Your BREEAM Award, the winner of which is decided by a public vote.

www.breeam.org

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Washington Plaza Client: Société Foncière Lyonnais BREEAM Assessor: Dalkia (EDF Group) BREEAM Auditor: ARP – Astrance

Other winners

This conversion of a hotel into three duplex apartments won the BREEAM Residential Award

Client: King’s Cross Central Limited Partnerships Architects: David Chipperfield Contractors: David Chipperfield BREEAM Assessor: Grontmij

Client: Grosvenor Architect: David Morley Architects Contractor: Grangewood Builders BREEAM Assessor: Eight Associates

107-109 Charing Cross Road Foyles Flagship Store Client: Noved Investment One Architect: Lifschutz Davidson Sandilands Contractor: Mace BREEAM Assessor: Hilson Moran

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Voice of the Industry

Competency in installation is vital because when a high performing product is installed incorrectly, it will compromise that performance

Is zero carbon achievable?

F

or the first time we have a body of work undertaken by the Zero Carbon Hub, covered by two publications in March and July 2014 that gives some indicators of how we might “close” the performance gap of “as designed versus as built”. Unless we close that gap, zero carbon will continue to elude us.

It’s widely known throughout the industry that there is huge potential to innovate, improve best practices and reduce carbon emissions in a positive and cost-effective way.

But to change the way homes are built long into the future, a new precedent must be set and this starts and ends with the fabric.

Fabric First External Fabric Insulation has quite a significant part to play in the achievement of

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the zero carbon goal, and high performance insulation materials with excellent thermal values, such as PIR/PUR, have much more of a role than many other insulation types.

The combination of low conductivity, lightweight, and great strength has helped the industry gain a significant portion of the total insulation market.To specify a high performing insulation material, such as PIR, only to find that it might be less effective in use, is something that the industry must address and resolve.The steps appear simple, but this still seems to elude us.

It is incumbent on a number of stakeholders in the process to ensure that we get the value of the investment in the fabric insulation.The focus on changing building regulations for new build is a step in the right direction, but we must

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Chris Hall is Chief Executive Officer of The British Rigid Urethane Foam Manufacturer’s Association. Previously Chris was Sales and Marketing Director for Quinn Building Products in the UK. remember that the UK has significant legacy issues, with one of the poorest, if not the poorest, building stock in terms of energy efficiency. So achieving zero carbon for new construction, whilst laudable, is part of a wider issue that the UK needs to resolve, if we are to gain the kind of “energy security” most governments crave.

While the housebuilder might be the last in the new build chain, and have a significant part to play, they need assistance from others involved earlier in the process.

The designer The designer must consider the correct detailing around junctions and other interruptions to the fabric, and when calculating U values they should use accredited and credible software or

t

The coalition government might well have weakened the original 2016 regulation but how do housebuilders come to terms with the challenges of addressing the CO2 performance gap between the designed performance of new build homes and what they can achieve in practice? Chris Hall, Chief Executive at The British Rigid Urethane Foam Manufacturer’s Association (BRUFMA), explains more.

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Voice of the Industry

While the housebuilder might be the last in the new build chain, they need assistance from others involved earlier in the process

services to give them an accurate picture of the U values they are looking to achieve.The manufacturers of most insulation materials provide excellent services in both design assistance and calculations. Designers should only use materials that carry the appropriate certification and as simple as it sounds, look for evidence that the materials selected are readily available in the thickness specified.

The product manufacturer Insulation manufacturers should provide products fully CE marked and compliant with the design specification, and importantly, provide clear and accurate information to

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that chain “doing their bit” to deliver on that elusive zero carbon goal.

BRUFMA and its members are playing their part and are fully committed to supporting the journey towards zero carbon.This is evidenced at both the individual company and at the trade body level, where initiatives, such as good practice guides and practical advice are available to all stakeholders to ensure that when PIR/PUR materials are used the theoretical performance is translated into reality on site.

Ultimately, the ‘fabric first’ approach will remain the most direct route to compliance with energy performance requirements of Building Regulations, so if a structure is built correctly in the first place it will continue to perform as intended for years to come.

www.brufma.co.uk

The housebuilder Contractors should ensure that if they choose to change an insulation specification, they seek solid impartial advice on any changes to ensure they are not compromising the fabric thermal performance. Competency in installation is vital because when a high performing product such as PIR/PUR is installed incorrectly, it will compromise that performance.The contractor needs to make sure that not only the levels of site supervision are of a good standard, but the manufacturer’s installation instructions are followed and installation instructions around potential cold bridges and awkward details are followed.

Whilst most of the above might appear to be axiomatic, it is often far from evidenced in reality. It is a supply chain challenge, and one that most likely will only be solved by all in

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External Fabric Insulation has a significant part to play in the achievement of the zero carbon goal

the designer in the first instance. Moreover, they need to look constantly at product design and function, to make products that not only work on the drawing board, but also translate into effective in-situ performance.

Clear instructions on installation should be provided within packaging or by some other form. Poor installation can be partially tackled by adequate and clear instructions.

Manufacturers must find an effective way to interface with training establishments, so that new and existing installers can be instructed in how to use insulation materials to get the best results. Many of the high performance insulation specialists also have mobile dedicated site support services to assist. Product availability does hold the key as unavailable product leads to ad hoc changes in specification that can have unintended and unfortunate consequences in fabric performance. Manufacturers must have adequate distribution channels.

Insulation manufacturers should provide products fully CE marked

Innovation provides you with roofing and cladding solutions that are as ground-breaking as they are practical and as valuable as they are cost-effective. Put simply we innovate to provide products that are relevant and useful to you.

Our commitment to innovation delivers high quality, cutting edge manufacture and a raft of new products that provide added value through the combination of better performance and lower costs. Some of our recent product innovations include Vieo, Opus, sinusoidal cladding, Quattro, integrated solar panels, transpired solar collectors, and a more efficient stainless steel halter for standing seam roofs.

Innovation also provides the highest levels of product performance and technical support, such as low U-values, CE Marking and BIM compatibility.

A culture of innovation is present throughout our supply chain, with Elite Systems using only Colorcoat HPS200 Ultra® and Colorcoat Prisma® from Tata Steel.

These Colorcoat® products come with the Confidex® Guarantee offering extended cover for up to 40 years on Colorcoat HPS200 Ultra® and up to 30 years on Colorcoat Prisma®. Colorcoat® products are certified to BES6001 Responsible Sourcing standard.

Our two most recent innovations are the new Opus panel and sinusoidal profiled sheet.

Innovation is our motivation Innovation is always front of mind for us and it’s at the heart of everything we do. Whether through new product development, process improvement or service enhancement we’re always innovating to keep moving forward.

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Opus is the new plank panel that is available as part of an Elite system, a LINEAR Rainscreen and a LINEAR Rainspan system, as well as being ideal for use as a soffit plank.

Investment in state-of-the-art manufacturing machinery enables us to provide the increasingly popular sinusoidal profile on a short lead time and at a competitive price.

Roofing The refurbishment included complex detailing, installation of new full barrel vault roof lights and a Latchways ManSave system

Refurb puts station back on track In a standout project by leading national roofing company Briggs Amasco, as part of refurbishment works at West Kirby Railway Station, the main platform now includes 900m2 of Sika Liquid Plastics roofing system.

W

est Kirby Station’s 1930s train canopy, with its concrete/timber deck and skylights, had started to leak due to its age. Repairs were previously undertaken as a short term fix, but owing to a degree of concrete spoiling that was causing material to drop on the platform, a refurbishment of the roof was deemed well overdue.

As part of the West Kirby Railway Station building and refurbishment works, Network Rail, under CP4 funding, issued the contract for the station roof repairs to Briggs Amasco. The station refurbishment included a new roof, stripping and painting of the underside of the station canopy, CCTV installation and new lighting.

Asbestos testing uncovered traces of chrysotile asbestos in the roof so a highly experienced asbestos removalist, Howard Stott Demolition, was employed to undertake the job of stripping off the existing roof coverings and dealing with the issue.

Following this delay, work on renewing the roof began in July 2014. At the client’s request, Briggs Amasco installed 900m2 of Sika Liquid Plastics roofing system, including a Decothane Delta 25 Liquid Plastics product with 120mm thick Decotherm insulation and Decothane base and top coats.These materials were chosen for their long life span and environmental credentials, as required by the client, with the cold applied system resulting in an eco-friendly application.

The main challenge of the project was

At the client’s request, Briggs Amasco installed 900m2 of Sika Liquid Plastics roofing system

undertaking the work in the middle of a busy train station near a residential area, so issues regarding noise and disturbance had to be considered.

The train station was kept open while the works took place which meant there needed to be as little disruption to staff, the public and commuters as possible. Acoustic mats and polythene were used to keep dust and noise to a minimum. Briggs Amasco was able to ensure quick application of the Sika Liquid Plastics roofing system and the product was readily available so the client’s tight time requirements were met.

Working in harnesses, during possessions and during the night in cold temperatures, the job included complex detailing, installation of new full barrel vault roof lights and a Latchways ManSave system. Concrete repairs to the roof were completed and a specific colour paint was used on the trim to match the corporate colours of the rail operator.

Gerry Ashton, Briggs Amasco Contracts Manager, said: “The roof installation was challenging because of the methodology of the works; all operatives had to be fully harnessed up as you could not put a handrail up due to the third rail. Being clipped in at all times was essential while undertaking these works and working weekends was a must to ensure the project was completed on time.

“The overall aesthetics of the project is first class, everyone who worked on the project has done a great job and it is a very pleasing outcome.”

8 www.liquidplastics.co.uk

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Modern Methods of Construction Increasingly housing developments will be very different from what they have been in the past

Factors affecting the future of construction design It has almost come up on us un-noticed that the population mix in the UK has changed dramatically. Of course it has been changing for a long period of time, but it is only now that there is this sudden realisation that it definitely has changed and that this is going to have a dramatic impact on the future of construction in the UK. Mike Stevenson, Development Director for offsite fenestration specialist Sidey, explains more.

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e are all well aware of continuing population growth.

But growth of itself is not the major factor behind housing shortages and housing demand. It is the needs of that changing population which is creating many of the issues. For many decades it seemed that the ‘family’ home was the only mainstream housing needed. But now so often the family is broken and whereas once a three bedroomed house was the norm now there is a need for two houses for many families, and with a very different building footprint.

There is also the needs of a younger population which is finding it so difficult to get on the property ladder and is therefore creating a demand for more and more flats and apartments. And of course there is immigration bringing with it yet more different housing expectations and needs, and often in areas where there is already a massive housing shortage.

The point of all of this is that future design and construction will have to take these facts into account and that brings with it a whole new set of issues to contend with.

What is the standard house of the future? Is it one bed, two bed or three bed

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accommodation? How do house-builders think about this from a planning permission perspective, and how do architects and constructors design their buildings?

Increasingly housing developments will be very different from what they have been in the past.The pressure on land availability and land cost will increase further, and design practices will need to take advantage of any and every solution which is available to them to meet these new challenges.

Offsite construction which is already growing as a market sector share will have an even bigger role to play.With the versatility it brings from a design and construction perspective, and with its supply chain partnerships already geared to developing more and more bespoke and cost effective solutions its importance to architects and designers will continue to grow.

By looking more closely at offsite construction many of the new challenges which housing designers and developers are going to face in the future can be offset.

The ability of the offsite sector to deliver panels and structures into confined inner city construction spaces as smaller pockets of land are utilised to meet housing demand,

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Faster on site delivery times will help architects and designers to be more confident when offering their clients a service

without the need for huge construction compounds, will bring its own benefits.

Faster on site delivery times along with predictability of the delivery time, and predictability of the cost, will also help architects and designers to be more confident when offering their clients a service.

I have spoken before about the staggering performance of the construction industry in terms of housing delivery – estimated at only 50% of projects being delivered on time. As the population and the demand for housing and the pressure on its providers continue to grow offsite construction will play an increasingly significant role in the construction sector.

8 www.sidey.co.uk

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Technical Focus

Comfort in the workplace LG is one of the prime suppliers of air conditioning equipment across the globe and is rapidly building its market share in the UK. Its reputation is growing as more and more customers select LG products ahead of the competition. One such customer is leading engineering consultancy, Cundall.

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stablished in the UK almost 40 years ago, Cundall has developed into an international multi-disciplinary consultancy providing building services engineering, civil engineering, structural engineering and sustainable design services for the built environment.

Its new offices in the heart of Birmingham are no different in that as soon as you arrive

The heat recovery units enable the indoor units of the system to operate independently of each other

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at reception on the fourth floor, you know these are very special offices – a great place to work and a great place to meet up with the Cundall team.

Birmingham spent several years trying to take on other major UK centres that saw office space costs soaring and a major exodus from the city centre as a direct result. Sensible office prices, deals and common sense have returned to the city, allowing companies to look seriously at returning to the traditional homeland of the city’s major businesses and Cundall has taken the fourth floor in one of Birmingham’s most prestigious buildings, Cathedral Court at 15 Colmore Row, whose frontage overlooks the city’s St Phillip’s cathedral and the city’s main business centre, as well as Snow Hill Station – the gateway to the city for so many thousands of regular commuters.

Cundall has exposed and expressed its engineering design skills in the fit-out of these new offices achieving an office design that lifts the spirits while achieving a practical and effective office. Indeed it has achieved an SKA Gold rating, the highest possible environmental rating. It was as important to Cundall that the great design also delivered good value for money, investing in their people – the quality of the office

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Distributor LG Comfort Cooling provided two LG Multi V IV heat recovery VRF units

environment and location would help them to attract and retain the best staff which will be key in the years ahead – and the location allows them to offer the best service to their clients – being in the heart of the key business district and easily accessible, for those walking, using public transport and with adequate car parking facilities close by.

Vitally their staff and visitors to the building needed to be comfortable and that’s where LG came into the equation, providing the most advanced heating and cooling equipment, but importantly the most easily controlled environment, using complex but simple to operate equipment so Cundall’s team was always in control. In a simple, if ground breaking move, the fit-out ensured that windows could be opened! And heating and cooling could quickly respond to changing temperatures and air flows.

Cundall retained access to the landlord’s centralised air handling plant whilst renewable energy was harnessed by the VRF heat pumps. Distributor LG Comfort Cooling, which specialises in the supply of LG equipment, provided two LG Multi V IV heat recovery VRF units providing a total of 56kW of cooling and 63kW of heating to eleven individual indoor units across the office.

The heat recovery units enable the indoor units of the system to operate independently of each other in either cooling or heating modes – increasing the responsiveness across the floor space.The performance of these VRF units is genuinely sector leading with, in the case of synchronised operation, the total rate of return – both in cooling (EER) and heating (COP) – able to reach 8.5. In addition to the excellent performance characteristics, the LG equipment is popular with installers

Technical Focus SERVICES PLAN A TOTAL OF 56KW OF COOLING AND 63KW OF HEATING IS DISTRIBUTED TO 11 INDIVIDUAL INDOOR UNITS ACROSS THE OFFICE

FLOOR PLAN 1

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KEY: STORE ELEVATORS MALE WC CLEANER & SERVICES FEMALE WC QUIET ROOM CAFE / KITCHEN AREA MAIN OFFICE SPACE

due to its ease of installation and lighter weight – the compressor inverter has unique features including unique compressor technology that improves performance and reduces its weight by around 50% over comparable competitor equipment.

The system is controlled by LG’s AC Smart Premium touch screen central control. It features a user friendly, high resolution, graphic user interface (GUI) with a 10.2 inch touch screen. Selecting the AC Smart eliminated the need for a dedicated third-party Building Management System (BMS), cutting further cost for BMS hardware and integration.The AC Smart is simple to use and can if required, be linked to the company intranet. It offers the option of remote control too via the internet so those responsible for the heating and air conditioning can make adjustments to the

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system when they are not in the building itself.

It offers a wide range of benefits including the ability to provide statistics including power consumption or actual usage of air conditioners in real time, provides reports including errors in the functioning of the units, and allows you to control and monitor the system from a central unit.

Cundall’s new Birmingham office is already in line for a number of awards and visitors will see why very quickly. There are a number of other opportunities for recognition coming up in 2015 and it could be just the first of many buildings that have benefitted from LG technology and expertise that will be collecting ‘gongs’ in the next year or so.

Client :

Project n Date:

www.lg.com/uk/air-conditioning

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Legal & Business Client complaints should be seen by architects as an opportunity to consider where improvements can be made

How architects can avoid disputes arising While the number of architects who face disciplinary complaints over their conduct or competence remains small (there is less than one professional conduct case per 1000 architects each year), those issues complained about by clients remains consistent. Simon Howard at ARB explains more.

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understanding between architect and client which can lead to problems. Architects should put aside assumptions they have built over years in the construction industry – particularly when dealing with inexperienced domestic clients – and take time to explain what is happening and why. A failure to take time to do this early in the project will often lead to misunderstandings and recriminations.

The simplest way of avoiding such misunderstandings is to establish at the outset of a project what it is that the client wants, when they want it by, and how much they are willing to pay for it. Once that is in place and confirmed in writing, there is little room for disputes to arise.

In medium size practices it may often be non-architect staff that are undertaking some of the work on the project, and while there is nothing wrong with this approach in principle to encourage efficiency, care must be taken by the architect to adequately supervise unqualified colleagues.

If a client has engaged an architects practice, then it is the architect that must assume responsibility for the work produced. A failure to supervise may well lead to inadequate quality in work, and this is something that the architect, not the subordinate, will be held responsible for.

Finally how an architect deals with a complaint about their work can in

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Simon Howard is the Professional Standards Manager at the Architects Registration Board, responsible for investigations into the conduct and competence of the 34,000 registered architects in the UK. itself be of crucial importance. In ARB’s experience clients are often willing to accept failures on the part of their architect if their concerns are treated seriously and remedial steps are taken.

Client complaints should be seen by architects as an opportunity to consider where improvements can be made, and even when they are considered unjustified a complainant should be treated with courtesy and respect. A complaint is best dealt with quickly, before it develops into a dispute, which is why architects are expected to have a formal internal complaints procedure, to manage all parties’ expectations as to what they might be able to expect when a problem arises.

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y far the most troublesome issue for architects is one most easily rectified: a lack of proper written Terms of Engagement being given prior to work taking place. Standard forms of appointment are available from publishers such as RIBA, or alternatively it is relatively straightforward for architects to draft their own.

Standard 4 of the Architects Code of Conduct expects terms to include such essentials as the scope of the work, the fee to be charged (or method for calculating the fee), the limitations of the service, confirmation that appropriate professional indemnity insurance is in place, and details of what will happen in the event of a dispute.

Such terms are not only essential for the protection of the client, who will require certainty as to the appointment, but also provides contractual security to the architect in the event that payment of fees is not forthcoming. In any event, providing adequate terms of engagement are a legal requirement under the Consumer Contracts Regulations 2013.

Poor communication is a more common failing among architects than incompetence.

Architects are expected to keep their clients informed of the progress of work and of any issues which may affect the cost or quality of the project, but too often there is also a distance in the

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Design & Desire

The Pavilions act as a shop window to the seven million people who visit Greenwich or pass close by each year

A flexible centrepiece The eye-catching new Gateway Pavilions are the first completed project in Knight Dragon’s ambitious vision for the Greenwich Peninsula. SAS International realised the bold design, working alongside Marks Barfield Architects, in this recent design, supply, install project.

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he historical and cultural connections that link Greenwich with ship-building, the sea and maritime navigation are recognised in the project. Drawing on a materials palette of brass, copper, concrete, timber and steel, these connections also inspired the form of the design.

The ability to meet both the form and function of the design was a critical reason SAS International was chosen for the project. Described as taking a marketing suite to a whole new level, the Pavilions act as a shop window to the seven million people who visit Greenwich or pass close by each year.

The brief was also to contribute a highquality building feature for this emerging part of East London, which could act as an exhibition and event space, and destination in its own right. Inspiration came from the existing Queens House and a simple

Design & Desire

Not only did the canopy need to span both curved glass pavilions externally, but also work as an internal ceiling and wall feature

application of the SAS Tubeline system had never been realised previously.

Curving Tubeline To mirror ‘magnetic forces’, the tubes had to flow from the inside out. Due to the curved layout of the canopy, linear tubes could not be used.The numerous varying curves were rationalised and group batched to make use of the inherent flex in the material, avoiding unnecessary factory set-ups.The extruded tube profiles were factory assembled and bonded together into single straight sections.

Each 22m long section was rolled into the complex spline curve using a specialised CNC Tube Roller capable of rolling varying radii.

The profiles were then cut into managable component lengths for coating with ‘Golden Beach’ polyester powder paint.This method ensured a seamless flowing curve after reassembly on site.The tube profiles had to be

manipulated on site during the install.

Accurate tube setting out was achieved by plotting arc coordinates on the suspension grid directly from CAD geometry using the latest Laser Total Station technology.

Careful consideration needed to be given to the suspension of both the metal tubes and black fly-mesh specified for the interior and exterior. A mock-up was constructed to demonstrate how the concealed fly-mesh specified would look.

The brackets suspending the tubes away from the fly-mesh had to perform in accordance with high external wind loads, whilst allowing for 150mm deflection across the entire ceiling. A 21mm lipped channel was introduced to the suspension system in areas where the pre-cambered structural steel settled below its designed level. Where thinner channel was used, purlins have been installed to maintain the ceiling height.

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device of linking the colonnade. A canopy was introduced to link the two buildings to define the edge of the square. The concept for the canopy soffit was to trace a magnetic field pattern linking the ‘poles of attraction’ of each building. The ceiling design was developed by testing the architects’ brief against the various site constraints.

Not only did the canopy need to span both curved glass pavilions externally, but also work as an internal ceiling and wall feature, connecting and flowing between the space seamlessly. SAS Tubeline was a preferred system option as it had the ability to be adapted to the complex building geometry.

Because of the proposed curved layout of the canopy and wall integration, standard linear tubes were not an option. SAS produced a product mock-up so that Marks Barfield Architects could see exactly how a bespoke curved Tubeline system could work.This

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Design & Desire

To mirror “magnetic forces”, the tubes had to flow from the inside out

Timber slat integration As part of this design feature for the interior, alternating vertical tubes and oak slats were specified to help create a warm and welcoming centrepiece in each building.

Two different profile shaped oak slats were installed in vertical lengths parallel to the Tubeline. The core wall behind the vertical tubes was painted grey.

This created an aesthetically clean backdrop that would survive wear and tear.

Because of the complex curve, to ensure exact spacing between the tubes, a laser cut, curved, castellated suspension plate replaced the channel.The plate allowed for the tube and a corresponding oak section to be clipped into it.This allowed SAS to set out to the accuracy that was required of the base build structure.The horizontal tubes radiate out from this position to realise the striking design, and coated with ‘Golden Beach’ polyester powder paint have the appearance of being made from patinated brass.

The extruded tube profiles were factory assembled

Various light fittings were directly integrated into the Tubeline system

It is a common assumption that there are no access options for maintenance with a linear ceiling such as Tubeline as it is perceived as a purely aesthetic feature ceiling.

The Pavilions are fitted with fan air conditioning units, meaning access panels for maintenance were a necessity.

This was considered at design stage, and SAS

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Service integration

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Design & Desire

Panels were concealed therefore did not obstruct the architectural aesthetic

Lighting was a key element due to the various demands of the Pavillion space

Lighting was a key element due to the various demands of the Pavillion space. Due to the 30kg weight of the spotlight lighting track, design teams had to ensure these increased loads were suspended directly back to the soffit, independent of the ceiling.

Other various light fittings were directly integrated into the Tubeline system. Angles were fixed to the back of the tubes and LED strip lights were bonded onto a top hat section. This adaptable solution allowed the flexibility to span between ever changing tube “gaps”.

SAS Project Management installation The ceiling and wall installation at The Gateway Pavilion involved a team of 12 taking five months overcoming highly complex challenges. An acoustic treatment was specified for the interior of the Pavilions. Acoustic absorption materials

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freedom of movement critical to ensuring the precise installation of each tube.

The end result is a visually stunning, fully bespoke installation that meets the architects’ performance and aesthetic demands without compromise.

www.sasint.co.uk

Access panels for maintenance were a necessity

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were therefore mounted onto the soffits first before the strut channel grid and tubes were installed.

Fitting of the strut channel grid work followed, the position of which was critical to the overall installation. The structure followed an irregular geometry that meant the ceiling could not be set out in a regular manner. To ensure accuracy, detailed preparation and precision were key, working from the internal to external ceiling sections.

The install team had the scale of the Pavilions’ 82m long canopy, (longer than the wing span of an Airbus A380), to consider along with the challenges of working at height. Internally, the ceiling plane is over 7m above ground level.

A high degree of accuracy was critical for each individual fixing point. Precise coordinates were plotted onto the supporting suspension system using a Laser Total Station emitting a point laser, for the exact location of every tenth tube.The tubes, of differing radii, were supplied in batches and individually manipulated on site during the install. Each tube was fixed to the mounting profile with a bracket.The bracket was able to slide both along the mounting and the tube, and also allowed for a 360° rotation about the fixing point.This provided the

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International manufactured the panels in a trapezoidal form to follow the lines of the tubes. Panels were therefore concealed and did not obstruct the architectural aesthetic, yet allowed easy access for maintenance purposes.

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The Sound of Innovation

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33

Lighting

Internal universe 57.157 is a large-scale light installation designed by Omer Arbel and produced by Vancouver design and manufacturing company, Bocci.

Comprising 157 individual glass pieces, this bespoke installation reflects the abundant natural light in the Canada House stairway

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omprising 157 individual glass pieces, this bespoke installation reflects the abundant natural light in the Canada House stairway – giving visitors a more poignant way to perceive and inhabit this important national space.

Material exploration served as the fundamental departure point for designing 57. “We began with the idea that we can manipulate the malleability of glass based on its temperature,” says Omer Arbel.

The novel fabrication process traps voids of air, in different sizes and configurations, within a glass matrix, which is then dipped into grey glass to create a cohesive whole.

By virtue of their creation, each handmade 57 piece is completely unique. “When the piece is unlit, each piece is mute and loosely resembles a rain cloud in shape,” says Arbel. “Once illuminated, an internal universe comes alive.”

57.157 introduces a one-way mirror coating applied to the individual glass pieces, allowing them to respond optically both to each other, and to the ambient light that floods the stairwell. The tension between eye-level pieces and a high tangle of glass and wire creates areas of intensity and relative calm, and a viceral experience of the volume.

“It is a pleasure to be able to feature the work of Canadian talents Omer Arbel and Bocci here at Canada House,” says Mr. Gordon Campbell, High Commissioner for Canada. “This heritage building represents our country’s front door to the United Kingdom and we are very proud that it will serve as a true showcase of the very best of Canadian design. Our grand staircase, which dates from 1829 is, I would venture, even more grand today thanks to this stunning addition.”

Based in Vancouver and Berlin, Omer Arbel is focused on the intrinsic mechanical, physical, and chemical qualities of materials as fundamental departure points for design. His interdisciplinary practice spans multiple scales and cultural-economic contexts to include architecture, industrial design, materials research, sculpture, invention, and high craft manufacturing. Arbel’s work has been exhibited at the Victoria and Albert Museum, Salone Internazionale del Mobile, Spazio Rossana Orlandi, and Mallett Antiques, among others. He is the recipient of several Red Dot and iF Awards, a Yellow Pencil Yearbook entry, the Ronald J. Thom Early Design Achievement Award, and three World Architecture Festival shortlists.

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The novel fabrication process traps voids of air, in different sizes and configurations, within a glass matrix

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35

Leisure Build Focus

The House strengthens the campus’s cultural axis

Cultural gateway Leading architecture practice Burwell Deakins Architects has completed a new £4.3m performing arts centre for Plymouth University, located on its city centre campus.

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The scheme uses a natural ventilation strategy

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he House’ accommodates a 300-capacity auditorium, a flexible ‘white-box’ theatre and music rehearsal rooms, within an area of 1540m2. The centre also houses communal areas, which can be used for improvisation or informal performances.

Since 2006, Burwell Deakins Architects has worked with Plymouth University to create an integrated campus masterplan, in which The House plays an integral role.

Aligned with the City Museum, the Central Library and the Roland Levinsky Building, The House strengthens the campus’s cultural axis and acts as a gateway to Plymouth’s nascent cultural quarter.

On the south facade, an 11 x 6.5 metre external screen is capable of transmitting live performances to the general public.The south facade is also detailed with large glazing panels and balconies, enhancing visibility between inhabitants and pedestrians on the street level.

Nicholas Burwell, Director at Burwell

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Deakins Architects, said: “We are excited to announce the completion of a new performing arts centre for Plymouth University. The House provides students with the opportunity to use fully-accessible, highly specialised theatrical facilities and offers a new creative hub for the performing arts department.”

The brief from Plymouth University required the building to cater for integrated disability performances, and so the facility is designed to be fully inclusive for performers, technical students and audiences. This includes the incorporation of a tension grid over the entire theatre space, allowing full disability accessibility to the lighting and sound equipment, multilevel access to theatre spaces and fully wheelchair accessible evacuation systems.

The landscape has slow, integrated ramps that mitigate the effects of the sloping site.

The scheme uses a natural ventilation strategy and is designed with extended

Leisure Build Focus

Fact File Client: Plymouth University Project Manager: Turner & Townsend Lead Architect: Burwell Deakins Architects Main Contractor: Midas Construction Structural Engineer: Curtins Consulting

Quantity Surveyor: Gardiner & Theobald

labyrinth intakes to minimise break in noise.

This is used in combination with exposed precast concrete soffits, phase-change materials and connections to the central CHP plant to achieve a BREEAM Excellent rating for the building.The steel structure has a lightweight, highly insulated infill frame, helping to create a thermally stable environment.

Nicholas continues: “As well as providing new public spaces and routes through the university, our master-plan also identified the campus’s system of energy centres. From this, it became possible to integrate the building’s heating and hot water systems with an existing campus energy centre, which has a shared CHP providing low carbon heating and electricity to a range of buildings.

“We adopted a natural ventilation approach to providing fresh air and temperature moderation in order to achieve the University’s ambition of achieving a BREEAM Excellent rating and an Energy Performance Certificate rating of A. This low energy approach is incredibly difficult to implement in performing arts spaces due to the potential for breakin noise. However, 95% of the time the building is being used for rehearsal, rather than performance, and during these periods

An 11 x 6.5 metre external screen is capable of transmitting live performances to the general public

break-in noise has less of an impact.

“When the building needs to function as a performance space, the theatre space is pre-cooled before the audience arrive and then purged during intervals with some mechanical assistance.

“From the outset, our buildings are designed to ensure that orientation and thermal stability allow us to create naturally ventilated, low carbon buildings as a matter of course. It’s just what we do.The added ability to connect to the master plan’s energy centres only serves to improve the situation.”

In response to the surrounding urban environment, the building’s skin is made from standing seam copper, in dialogue with the adjacent Roland Levinsky building.

The building is also clad in locally-sourced Plymouth limestone, a traditional building material in the city.

Adam Benjamin, Lecturer in Theatre and Performance at Plymouth University, said: “The House is probably the best middle scale dance venue in the country – the sort of provision I associate with Japan or France and really quite astonishing for a British university.”

The House provides students with the opportunity to use fully-accessible, highly specialised theatrical facilities

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M&E Engineer: Method Consulting LLP

www.burwellarchitects.com

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37

Bricks, Blocks & Pavers

The paving material optically grounds the building and creates a smooth transition to its exterior surfaces

United in harmony 38

In the centre of the Westphalian town of Heiden, Thesing & Thesing Architekten have paid homage to history in their creation of a new community space adjacent to the town’s historical church square.

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Bricks, Blocks & Pavers

The building and the square work together to maintain the location’s original use as a meeting place for the community

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Covering over 3500m², Hagemeister bricks create a calm atmosphere with their warm tone reflecting the natural sunlight

health centre and square form a cohesive unit. Hagemeister bricks provide a leitmotif for the entire concept, as the material itself expresses the design’s primary aim: establishing a fluid dialogue. Covering over 3500m², they create a calm atmosphere with their warm tone reflecting the natural sunlight. Professor Manuel Thesing explains his choice:“The bricks have a pleasant texture, develop a natural patina and are, quite simply, an honest material.”

A fluid dialogue Bricks of the ‘Heiden’ variety, ranging from a strongly iridescent dark reddishbrown to a violet-red hue with strong smoke marks in blue anthracite combine the roof and facade in a single visual element. Chosen specifically for the red-brown colour they give the building’s walls, the bricks work together to visually unite the health centre and the old church square.

The subtle chamfer and narrow shape of the bricks selected by Thesing & Thesing also

work to create an atmosphere of timeless architecture in Heiden.The paving material optically grounds the building and creates a smooth transition to its exterior surfaces.

Only the Gothic style of the glass window panels breaks this feeling of symbiosis and creates a sense of contrast.With both the building and the square utilising the same dominant material, a sense of connection to the surrounding buildings is always present.

For Professor Manuel Thesing, it was a natural choice to use traditional building materials from the area surrounding Heiden in order to reflect its original character. The durable stone recalls the history of the town to express a sense of lasting sustainability.

Regarding the philosophy behind the project, Professor Manuel Thesing states: “I think that by examining age-old traditions, we can find a way to ground ourselves in the spirit of the present.”

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ricks were chosen as the exclusive material for the roof and facade of the new health centre and the pavement of the square itself, an expression of the holistic approach employed by the architects.The bricks of the Hagemeisters’s ‘Heiden’ variety, produced especially for the project, vary in colour from a deep reddish-brown to a violet-red with blue anthracite smoke marks and contribute a sense of lasting permanence. Until the 1970s, a neo-gothic church dominated the centre of the community. In the contours of the new medical building, the architects recall the proportions of both the original church’s architecture and that of even older urban structures taken from the town’s original land registers.

Thesing & Thesing had committed themselves to the goal of preserving tradition and promoting community. Modern methods were used to create an open forum in the square, a place for the town’s 8000 residents and many visitors to meet and mingle. With seven doctors’ surgeries and a pharmacy housed in the medical centre, the building and the square work together to maintain the location’s original use as a meeting place for the community.

The search for simplicity motivated the architects to reuse historic structures in their designs for the old church square.The new construction elements fit in perfectly with their surroundings as if they had always been there. Since the facade and roof and even the surface of the square itself are all constructed from the same material, the

www.hagemeister.de www.thesing-architekten.de

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Balustrades The architects specified that maximum transparency needed to be achieved in order to give the library a clear and open aesthetic

Centre grabs attention The Eemhuis in Amersfoort, The Netherlands, is a cultural centre that combines the city library, regional archives, school of arts and exhibition spaces. The vertical stacking of these programs enhances the continuity of the public domain into the building.

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t the ground floor, the public square becomes the foyer of the exhibition centre and gradually steps up to form a terraced library.

On the top of the stairs the library spills into a vast open space overlooking the city.

Above it hovers the archive volume that forms the ceiling of this space. The three departments of the arts school (theatre & dance, visual arts and music) are each expressed separately as cantilevered beams that crown the complex.

The Eemhuis is considered to be of great

significance to the city by underlining the importance of housing several cultural and social functions under one roof.

Q-railing was tasked with installing over 200m of balustrade and handrails to the library building. The architects specified that maximum transparency needed to be achieved in order to give the library a clear and open aesthetic.

Easy Glass Slim Top mount offered the ideal solution, featuring an attractive base shoe with an elegant small shape and dimensions. Easy Glass Slim is an economical

Client: City of Amersfoort Architect: Neutelings Riedijk Architects General Contractor: Dura Vermeer Bouw bv Structural Design: ABT Adviesbureau voor Bouwtechniek Building Site Management: Royal Haskoning DHV

solution that is light, safe and easily installed.

In recent years a mixed urban area has been created on the outskirts of Amersfoort old town, the Netherlands.

New, modern buildings that accommodate a college, cinema, shops, restaurants, offices and homes now adorn this part of the city.

A brand new addition: the Eemhuis cultural center boasts close to 15,000m2, which houses an art school, art gallery, library and the city archives. Neutelings Riedijk Architecten designed the Eemhuis in such a way that “cross-pollination” between its various functions is inevitable.

Throughout the whole of the Eemhuis Cultural Centre visitors can see striking combinations of high-grade robust materials such as wood, brick and aluminium. No wonder the architects chose Easy Glass Slim and stainless steel Q-railing handrails for the stairs and landings. They are a perfect match to the open feel and clear architectural structure.

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Q-railing was tasked with installing over 200m of balustrade and handrails to the library building

Fact File

www.q-railing.co.uk

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41

Drainage & Landscaping

Replicating natural systems Sustainable urban drainage systems (SUDS) are to be included in all major developments when new Government legislation takes effect on 6th April 2015.

Formpave’s head of design, John Lloyd, explains what the new legislation means for architects and specifiers.

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n 2012 proposals were made under schedule three of The Flood Water Management Act which recommended the implementation of a SUDS Approval Body (SAB). Since then there has been much debate about what will – and won’t – be implemented as far as SUDS are concerned.

Following consultation, the Government has now amended the Act and dropped plans to implement a SAB. Instead, approval for SUDS will now be included within the planning application process, making their installation a material consideration for all new major commercial developments and housing developments of 10 or more homes, unless their use is demonstrated to be inappropriate. The current requirement that all developments in flood risk areas

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should give priority to the use of SUDS continues to apply.

In considering planning applications, local authorities will need to consult with the relevant lead local flood authority on the management of surface water and be satisfied that the proposals are appropriate.

They will also need to ensure that planning conditions detail clear arrangements for ongoing maintenance over the lifetime of the development.

As such, local authorities should ensure that the SUDS they approve are cost effective and have a design life of at least 20 years – similar to traditional road construction design.

Specifiers may think that incorporating SUDS is expensive but, when designed well, they can prove to be much cheaper

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The current requirement that all developments in flood risk areas should give priority to the use of SUDS continues to apply

than traditional drainage methods. No underground tanks or ponds are needed, which means that valuable development land is freed up and, as no pipework is required, there is no need for costly petrol interceptors or attenuation tanks.

Conventional drainage systems have a limited capacity and increasing urbanisation – leading to higher levels of run-off – has put a tremendous strain on them. This can result in sewers and culverts becoming overloaded during periods of heavy rain, leading to the contamination of streams and rivers.

The concept behind SUDS is to replicate natural systems and processes, using costeffective solutions with low environmental impact, to drain surface water run-off in a controlled way. This is done through collecting, storing and cleaning the water before it is slowly released back into watercourses or directly into the ground.

An example is Formpave’s Aquaflow system, which allows water to drain through permeable paving blocks and an upper filter layer, which cleans it, before storing it within the sub base for release back into the environment. It is a cost-effective system as, unlike other SUDS it only requires builders to dig to a depth of 480 millimetres, saving valuable time and money.

Formpave offers a comprehensive design service, which includes technical and professional advice, preparation of draft proposals and validation of the clients’ own designs. All designs that have been provided or approved by our team are covered by our professional indemnity insurance and benefit from our 16 years’ experience in designing permeable paving systems.

www.formpave.co.uk

Formpave offers a comprehensive design service, which includes technical and professional advice

RUNDEL TONE USSEX LTD. Cast Stone products from pier caps to porticos With a large standard range we will be sure to meet your requirement, we also manufacture bespoke items.

Elegance of stone at affordable price

info@arundelstone.co.uk www.arundelstone.co.uk

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62 Aldwick Road, Bognor Regis, West Sussex, PO21 2PE Tel: 01243 829151 Fax: 01243 860341

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43

Sustainability Live Preview This year’s event will host 100 expert speakers across four conference theatres

Leading the way in green building and design

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his year’s event will showcase more than 160 participating organisations, including 100 expert speakers across four conference theatres.

This year’s exhibition space will also feature the latest technologies and solutions from the industry’s leading suppliers, making it a must attend event for anyone working in the architecture, design and construction sectors, both those in senior strategic roles and their operational teams.

Practical workshops and seminars The Sustainability Live free CPD workshops and seminar programme is designed to help energy and sustainability professionals operate more efficiently – and gain essential CPD hours.

Focusing on People, Policy, Processes and Best Practice the Energy Efficiency Theatre 1 will tackle a range of upcoming industry challenges and opportunities, including ‘Strategies for effective energy management’ and ‘Achieving best value from ESOS’.

The programme for Energy Efficiency Theatre 2, which foregrounds developments in Technology, Tools and Kit, includes sessions ‘Delivering cost and carbon savings

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with low-energy lighting systems’ and ‘how to cut bills with CHP’.

Finally, the Energy Recovery Theatre will offer a packed programme, focusing on the latest technologies for driving on-site energy generation. Sessions include sustainable transport strategies and taking the first steps towards onsite generation.

Exhibition highlights Operational teams can make the most of this year’s exhibition space, which features the latest innovations in energy and resource management, alongside industry leading energy recovery technologies and services.

Companies set to launch new products at this year’s show include Schneider Electric, Bowers Electricals, MyOxygen, Danlers, Cub (UK) and C3 Resources.

Other brands confirmed include business consultants Ignite, energy data management providers IMServ and lighting specialists British Electric Lamps, Danlers and Lutterworth Ecolighting. Metering and controls experts exhibiting include Gemini Data Loggers, Energy Metering Technology Ltd. and BMSI. With so many companies taking part in this year’s exhibition, four new Topic Trails

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will help visitors maximise their time. The Trails will provide a useful guide around the show floor, matching visitors with exhibitors offering the most relevant solutions that address their specific challenges and concerns. The Topic Trails for 2015 include ESOS, Energy-efficient buildings, Energy generation and Smarter systems.

Finally the Innovation Zone is another exciting new show feature in 2015.

Showcasing a wide range of emerging technologies in the trial stages of development, it’s the ideal chance to discover the newest technologies and their future business benefits.

Utility Week Live Conveniently co-located with Sustainability Live is a brand new event, Utility Week Live incorporating IWEX. The UK’s first exhibition dedicated to water, electricity and gas utilities, this is a must attend for sustainable engineering professionals.

Designed to aid organisations approach long-standing challenges with fresh ideas and concepts, Utility Week Live incorporating IWEX gathers global industry providers to showcase their products and services.

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Sustainability Live – incorporating NEMEX and Energy Recovery – the UK’s leading exhibition for innovative energy management and sustainability returns to the NEC Birmingham from 21st to 23rd April 2015.

www.sustainabilitylive.com

RICS European Smart Cities Conference 12 May 2015, London What is your role as a surveyor, where is your potential for business and how do you move into the sector?

This is the only surveyor-tailored conference examining the recent developments in the smart cities agenda, in terms of the connection with big data, infrastructure needs, BIM, investment, partnerships, local community engagement, project benefits, urban real estate and the business opportunity for the surveyors across the pipeline.

Speakers Include: Amanda Clack, Senior Vice President, RICS Dan Byles MP, Founder & Vice-Chair, Smart Cities All Party Parliamentary Group Louise Brooke-Smith, Director, Brooke Smith Planning & President, RICS

Book your place online today – rics.org/smartcities

20383-RICS Advert-European Smart Cities-185x122mm.indd 1

24/03/2015 10:41

Air experts 60 years since its launch, Vortice is still European market leader, providing energy efficient ventilation

Vortice offers: n

Initial free of charge consultation service

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Sales and technical assistance from design, install and after sales support

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Advice from industry experts

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Fully trained sales department

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BPEC Training course at the UK head office

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Area Business Manager network throughout the UK

01283 492949 sales@vortice.ltd.uk www.vortice.ltd.uk

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45

Health & Safety

The aim of the CDM2015 Regulations is to make health & safety an essential and integral part of the planning and management of projects

CDM2015 and domestic projects According to James Ritchie at The Association for Project Safety, the company’s phone line has been red hot since the beginning of the year. Everyone wants to know the implications of the new CDM Regulations; what they mean for their projects, clients, designers and contractors.

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DM2015 is aimed at small and domestic projects – the very area where most construction accidents and incidents are occurring – and many of the calls are from architects who do nothing but domestic projects.

So what do domestic clients need to do?

CDM2015 understands that most domestic clients will not be familiar with design or construction projects or associated legislation. If someone is about to alter or extend their house or buildings, thinking of putting up a new one or demolishing an existing one, then the Construction (Design and Management) Regulations 2015

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(CDM2015) place a number of specific duties on them as a construction client.

The aim of the CDM2015 Regulations is to make health & safety an essential and integral part of the planning and management of projects and to make sure that everyone works together to reduce the risk to the health or safety of those who work on the structure, who may be affected by these works, or who will use it once it’s completed. A domestic client is someone who has construction work done on their own home, or the home of a family member which is not in connection with a business. Unlike CDM2007, domestic

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clients have duties under CDM2015.

The extent of these duties varies with the type of project involved. On projects that are likely to involve more than one contractor, the domestic client is required to appoint a Principal Designer before significant detailed design work starts so that they can advise and assist the client with their health and safety duties and plan, manage, monitor and co-ordinate the health & safety of the pre-construction phase of the project. The Principal Designer is a designer (architect, building surveyor or engineer for example) who can demonstrate to the client that they have knowledge, skill and experience of CDM2015 and understand the process of design risk management.

When clients are talking to a designer or designers about their project they should check that the designer has the capability and experience to do the work.A designer might be a member of one of the following professional bodies – ARB, RIBA, RIAS, CIAT, RICS, IStructE – and, in order to carry out the Principal Designer role, should have an accreditation in construction health & safety risk management (Registered membership of APS for example) or can provide evidence of having undertaken appropriate training on CDM2015.

The Regulations recognise that clients hold the power to influence and control the designers and contractors they engage or appoint on a project, and therefore

Health & Safety that the ultimate responsibility for the achievement of a safe and healthy project is in your hands as much as theirs.

The Regulations are about making sure that there is: Early appointment or engagement of capable key people or organisations that have sufficient skills, knowledge, experience and resources; A realistic project programme which gives enough time for planning and programming as well as carrying out the work itself; Early identification and reduction of construction risks and proper management of those that remain, so that construction is safe and does not damage the health of workers or others; Co-operation between all involved in a project and effective coordination regarding Health & Safety issues; Adequate welfare facilities provided from the start and throughout the construction phase, and that appropriate information is made available to the right people at the right time so that work can be carried out safely and without risk to health.

However it is very important that the amount of effort devoted to managing health & safety is kept appropriate and The Regulations are about making sure that there is early appointment or engagement of capable key people

proportionate to the complexity of the project and level of risks. It is particularly important to be aware of, and avoid, unnecessary paperwork. Most domestic work should be relatively simple and therefore require minimal paperwork.

What type of domestic project is being planned? Irrespective of size or duration, the CDM2015 regulations separate construction projects into two types – dependent on how many contractors will be involved in the project.

The two types are: 1. Projects with only one contractor –

where the project will only require one contractor working on the site. An example of this might be an electrician rewiring the house or a plumber installing a replacement boiler, when no other trades are required to do any work. Where the project only involves one contractor, the client duties specified in CDM2015 Regulation 4(1) to (7) and Regulation 6, must be carried out by the contractor. The contractor needs to undertake these duties in addition to their own duties as a contractor.

When clients are selecting a contractor, they should ensure that the contractor is aware of the client duties under CDM2015 as

Unlike CDM2007, domestic clients have duties under CDM2015

well as their own contractor duties.

Clients are advised to ask for examples of how the contractor has done this on previous projects.

2. Projects that are likely to involve more

than one contractor – this will be the majority of projects. For example, if the work will require a bricklayer, electrician, plumber, roofer and plasterer, then that is five contractors.

If it is likely that the project will require more than one contractor, then the client must appoint a designer with control over the pre-construction phase as Principal Designer and a contractor with control over the construction phase as Principal Contractor. These appointments must be made as soon as practicable and before the construction phase begins. If the client fails to make these appointments, then the designer in control of the pre-construction phase is deemed to be the Principal Designer and the contractor in control of the construction phase is deemed to be the Principal Contractor.

If the client is in doubt, they should assume that the project will require more than one contractor. The appointed designer or contractor should be able to help clients decide or alternatively clients can contact the free Public CDM Helpline as a source of independent advice on 0333 088 2015.

8 www.aps.org.uk * info@aps.org.uk ( 0131

442 6600

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47

CPD Focus

New RIBAapproved CPD from Construction Specialties Construction Specialties, a leading manufacturer of Expansion Joint Covers has launched a new RIBA-approved CPD Presentation: The ABCs of EJCs – Understanding & Solving Complex Building Movement Problems. The main focus of this presentation is for the attendee to gain an understanding of how to specify the right expansion joint cover for the building’s use as well as understand: what expansion joint covers are and why they are required; how building movement can be expressed; the different types of expansion joint covers available and the factors that influence the selection of an expansion joint cover system. * cpd@c-sgroup.co.uk

( 01296 652865 8 www.c-sgroup.co.uk/ejc-cpd

Structural Concrete Alliance announces 2015 seminar dates The Structural Concrete Alliance has announced the 2015 dates for its free to attend regional Continuing Professional Development (CPD) seminars. Designed to provide delegates with an introduction to Structural

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Asset Protection and Repair, these half-day events offer an introduction to corrosion as well as techniques for repair, protection and strengthening.

Five CPD seminars are scheduled for the remainder of 2015: 28th April, Whitburn, Scotland; 19th May, Portsmouth; 15th September, Coventry; 20th October, Liverpool and 24th November, Swansea. For those unable to make the seminars, the Alliance also offers CPD presentations which can be delivered on-site to interested parties. * lauren.fairley@agmhouse.com

( 01420 471622 8 www.structuralconcretealliance.org.uk

CD (UK) unveils solid surfaces CPD CD (UK) Ltd, the exclusive UK distributor of Corian, has unveiled a new CPD titled DuPont Corian For Interior and External Architecture.

The seminar is structured as follows: development of solid surface from 1960s to present day; raw materials, adhesives and composition; solid surface characteristics and benefits; manufacture: sheet, matrix sheet and shape product; comparison of solid surface characteristics; from production to fabrication process; properties of solid surface; architectural and design possibilities; current applications (visuals); environmental considerations and support, warranty and service infrastructure. * info@cdukltd.co.uk

( 0113 201 2240 8 www.cdukltd.co.uk

Sika Sarnafil addresses roofing specification Sika Sarnafil has launched a new RIBA approved CPD presentation titled ‘Selective, effective and secure flat roof systems’. The CPD presentation is aimed at assisting architects and specifiers to design and select single ply roof solutions that provide levels of required performance with guarantees. Commenting on the introduction Charles Pierce, National Sales Manager for Sika Sarnafil said: “In addition to taking the delegate through each stage of the build process from design to application, we include some new topics. The important and growing subject of sustainability, along with the role of BIM are included within the content of the CPD, given the significance of these subjects to the industry.” * sarnafilroofing@uk.sika.com

( 01707 394444 8 www.sarnafil.co.uk

Key considerations for wetroom design As the popularity of wetrooms continues to grow, CCL Wetrooms, a leading manufacturer of wetroom systems and waterproofing membranes, has developed a Wetroom Design &

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Specification CPD to help guide architects through the process of designing and specifying a watertight wetroom. The technical presentation covers the key considerations of designing and specifying a wetroom, including wetroom design & layout, waterproofing, drainage, floor build up and installation. It also includes a section on how wetrooms can help meet the Lifetime Homes Standard. * contact@ccl-wetrooms.co.uk

( 0844 327 6002 8 www.ccl-wetrooms.co.uk

Coopers Fire freshens up smoke and fire CPDs Coopers Fire is the only smoke and fire curtain manufacturer to have RIBA approval for CPD seminars and have recently redesigned all its CPD presentations.

The new presentations have been brought more in line with the Coopers re-brand and more Solidworks images have been included to help provide a greater educational insight into smoke and fire curtains. Coopers Fire is a leading manufacturer of fire and smoke curtains and offers CPD Seminars on Smoke Barriers, Fire Curtains and BS 8524 Parts 1 & 2, plus a combination of all three.

Its CPD Seminars help to educate architects, building control officers, approved inspectors, fire engineers and Fire & Rescue Services. * info@coopersfire.com

( 02392 454 405 8 www.coopersfire.com

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49

Kitchens, Bathrooms & Washrooms

Iconic washrooms created for London Bridge

Washroom installed a full glass fascia wall in white to the exterior of the washrooms

Washroom Washroom’s new Iconica Collection has been used to stunning effect on a landmark office building on London’s iconic Southbank.

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he prestigious building overlooking the Thames provides more than 51,000ft2 of office space and is divided into a number of office suites over seven floors.The building is just minutes away from the Bank of England, in the heart of London’s financial district.

Recently refurbished in a project led by Aros Architects with Kgb Managed Services as the main contractor, the common areas including washrooms and lobbies were all brought up to Grade A standard, to meet the increasingly high expectations of staff.

With new offices springing up all the time, investing in office facilities including staff showers and washrooms to bring them up to the high standard expected by visitors is vital to ensure offices remain let and therefore profitable.The Iconica Collection, designed specifically for the high end commercial market, is an ideal way to ensure washrooms meet the expectations of office workers and this project is an excellent example of this.

Washroom worked closely with the architectural team to refurbish both the male and female washrooms on level five of the building. Opting to use materials not traditionally associated with washrooms and incorporating bespoke design elements from Washroom’s Iconica Collection proved the ideal way to create a space which reflects the high specification of the building.

The unique range of bespoke products, materials, finishes and practical designs solutions offered as part of the Iconica Collection allows specifiers the flexibility to create bespoke, quality, stylish washrooms as well as staff shower and changing facilities for a range of different environments.

Washroom’s full height, floor-to-ceiling Alto cubicles, which are a popular choice for those looking to create high specification washrooms, were installed to provide end users with ultimate privacy. Both the cubicle doors and vanity under panels were manufactured in oak hardwood with a brown

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Both the cubicle doors and vanity under panels were manufactured in oak hardwood with a brown oak vertical grain veneer

oak vertical grain veneer adding to the high specification design.

Bespoke toughened iGlass was used for the WC and urinal ducts as well as the vanity splashbacks, to create a smooth, highly polished finish. Back painted to the architect’s specified colours of metallic blue for the splashbacks and mushroom for the duct panels, the iGlass creates a unique look which complements the rest of the washroom, while it is durable enough to withstand the rigours of a high traffic environment.

Injecting a splash of colour into the design like this, not only helps to create a unique space, but can also be a way to carry corporate branding throughout a building or create a sense of cohesion between different areas.Thanks to advances in technology, colour can now be incorporated as a key part of the design on cubicle doors, duct panelling systems

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and splashbacks, as well as vanities.

The vanity units, which were designed to incorporate inset soap dispensers, were manufactured from Silestone. Made from natural Quartz, Silestone is naturally highly resistant to stains and scratches and is available in a wide choice of attractive colours and textures. It also boasts an anti-bacterial protection making it the ideal choice for an office environment.

To complement the design, Washroom also installed a full glass fascia wall in white to the exterior of the washrooms, creating a link between the washroom areas and the rest of the building design.

8 www.washroom.co.uk * sales@washroom.co.uk ( 0845

470 3000

Kitchens, Bathrooms & Washrooms

Sliding into 2015 with Glidor As a manufacturer of kitchen doors and bedroom doors, BA Components knew it made perfect sense to launch its latest range – Glidor. Always keen to meet the needs of customers through new product development, BA Components has made the step into the world of sliding doors.

Glidor is a custom made, fitted sliding door solution. In the last 10 years, the UK home has shrunk by 2 square metres and with this comes a growing demand for better storage solutions. One in five homes are being modified to create more space due to over crowding and more possessions, so with this in mind BA Components wants to make those lives a bit easier with Glidor.

With Glidor this is exactly what you get as it can be used not only in the bedroom but also in the living room, home office and every area in the home. With three ranges; Glidor Urban, Ultra and Unique and over 60 colours to choose from, Glidor will definitely catch your eye.

David Caulfield, Sales and Marketing Director, comments: “We have many very loyal bedroom dealers and for quite some time they’ve been asking us for a sliding solution to complete the BA Bedroom offer. We wanted to produce something innovative, interesting and offering a wide choice of both colour and texture. Glidor ticks all those boxes.”

8 www.byba.co.uk/glidor

* sales@bacomponents.co.uk ( 028

8676 4600

Bushboard makes light work of refurb projects

Bushboard’s Nuance range of bathroom laminate wall panels are lightweight to handle, easy to install, provide a 100% water-impervious surface and are a perfect solution for hiding messy walls stripped of tiles. Nuance has two unique features – there are no extrusions and its patented polyurethane core board is 100% water impervious, assuring customers of best-in-class performance and looks. Two of the five panel sizes are available with a slim, postformed edge which can create a neat finishing solution that’s aesthetically superior and with no grout lines, Nuance panels are easy to clean and maintain. *

help@bushboard.co.uk

(

01933 232272

8 www.bushboard.co.uk

Polyrey introduces new assets for its Signature range Polyrey is introducing a new book for its personalised laminates Signature range, bringing to life the creativity that this service offers.The first of its kind, the guide clearly explains the digital printing process and how to make the most of it to customise projects. It includes a visually impactful brochure, together with technical information and physical samples to showcase the ink and paper quality.

Polyrey Signature gives designers the freedom to create bold interior spaces, by combining its range of high quality products with this bespoke digital service. Projects can be 100% personalised, incorporating graphics, logos and photography, resulting in exclusive designs tailored for different environments. *

polyrey.uk@polyrey.com

(

01923 202700

8 www.polyrey.com

Mira’s wireless Advance simplifies wet rooms Mira Showers has enhanced its ever popular Advance electric shower range with the addition of the only shower on the market to offer wireless pairing to a waste water pump.The Mira Advance Flex Extra Wireless simplifies installing or retro-fitting a wet room in situations where a conventional gravity fed drainage system would be unfeasible such as where level access is required. Developed especially for the visually impaired and endorsed by the RNIB, the standard Mira Advance Flex has a large, colour contrasted rotary lever, tactile raised areas, a large on/off button, backlit buttons and an audible click on the temperature lever so it is easy to use.

8 www.mirashowers.co.uk * kohlermira@linney.com ( 01242

221221

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51

Doors, Windows & Balustrades

Urban Front to celebrate 10 years in business It’s been an exciting time at Urban Front as the company gears up to celebrate its 10th Anniversary this spring. Not only has the company had a fantastic year, it has also got an even more amazing year planned with lots of new products and a party to boot!

The idea for Urban Front started much earlier than 2005, in fact it was 2003 that the seed was planted when the founders, Nabil and Elizabeth Assaf, were renovating a 1970s house and couldn’t find a door that was contemporary enough and made out of wood. Although both the founders knew nothing about doors, they decided to make their own and used it for their house. For quite a while after the door was fitted, lots of people would knock on the door to ask where it was from and the Assafs felt a niche was there to be taken advantage of.

In 2005, after finding a company to make the doors for them, the Assafs launched Urban Front from a tiny office in Watford. It took another two years to

set up a workshop in Watford and to start manufacturing in-house. They’ve never looked back. They were the first company in the UK to design a dedicated contemporary range of doors with high quality finishes.

Over the last six years, Urban Front has dedicated a lot of research and development time to its anti-warp highly insulated doors taking them from 45mm thick in 2005 up to 98mm (Passive House) in 2014.The company has also concentrated time and effort on fire and security ratings, double and triple rebated doors with high insulation, sourcing from the best suppliers in Europe and beyond. It has launched Pivot doors as standard production, large oversized doors, Passive House doors, painted and internal doors and garage doors.

8 www.urbanfront.co.uk * info@urbanfront.co.uk ( 01494

778787

Metal Technology products showcase Fire Service in Omagh A wide range of Metal Technology products has been installed at The Northern Ireland Fire & Rescue Service’s (NIFRS) new Community Fire Station and District Headquarters in Omagh, Northern Ireland. Integral to the design brief, Metal Technology’s System 17 Latitude curtain walling system delivered a strong aesthetic appeal to the expansive all-glass facade that combines structural integrity with weather performance and thermal enhancement. Interior comfort and environment management is enhanced by Metal Technology’s System 22 Brise Soleil and System 23 louvres. The glass facade is further complemented by System 4-35 Hi casement windows, System 10 commercial doors and System 5-20DHi + high performance doors. *

sales@metaltechnology.com

(

028 9448 7777

8 www.metaltechnology.com

Conservation bi-folding doors are Secured by Design Many products in the award-winning Conservation range

by Mumford & Wood carry Secured by Design (SBD) accreditation. This is the UK police flagship initiative which aims to design-out crime and requires that products must meet challenging test criteria before they can carry SBD approval. Joining an impressive collection of SBD approved Conservation products, which includes casement windows, elegant French doorsets, single external doors and robust entrance doors, is the popular bi-folding door which has been tested to meet PAS24:2012 Enhanced Security. Manufactured entirely in Britain, Conservation bi-folding doors are made from clear grade, engineered timber for maximum strength and stability. *

sales@mumfordwood.com

52

(

01621 818155

8 www.mumfordwood.com

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Levolux hangs out at Highams Park

An 11.2 acre mixed-use development at Highams Park in north-east London, now boasts a collection of contemporary apartments and terraced houses, all fitted with custom sliding Timber Screening Panels, courtesy of Levolux.

Levolux engineered the sliding Screening Panels from Western Red Cedar timber, complementing the Timber Fins it installed across the Tesco superstore’s entrance and on several other residential buildings that were completed in 2012.The sliding Timber Screening Panels are fitted externally and perform three very useful functions for residents. Principally they create an effective and attractive privacy screen, by obscuring views into each apartment.

8 www.levolux.com * info@levolux.com ( 020

8863 9111

Doors, Windows & Balustrades

Smart additions to Alitherm Heritage Range Commercial systems specialist Smart Architectural Aluminium launched a stunning array of new products at this year’s Ecobuild exhibition, showcasing its systems in a range of applications.

Featuring prominently were three additions to the company’s proven Alitherm Heritage range, with the launch of new pivot and tilt & turn window options, as well as a new double door.

Reflecting the distinctive slim profiles of steel products, the new window variants have been developed to fit into traditional openings, while the new double door is the first to have been designed specifically to replicate steel balcony doors.

Commenting at Ecobuild, Smart’s Managing Director, Eddie Robinson said: “We were delighted with the reaction that we received from visitors to our stand, with the Alitherm Heritage range proving to be the undoubted star of the show. Offering a true, modern replacement for steel

windows and doors, visitors were certainly interested to see the products shown in typical, art deco settings and were clearly impressed both by their looks and their performance. We’re now looking forward to seeing the range used in both heritage and refurbishment programmes in the future.”

Alitherm Heritage’s thermally-broken windows are ideal for sensitive planning areas and for renovation and refurbishment projects, and with a ‘B’ Window Energy Rating, they deliver the perfect combination of elegant aesthetics and outstanding thermal performance. Both door and window ranges are available in either single or dual polyester powder coated finishes, and the windows have been weather tested in accordance with BS6375: Part 1.

8 www.smartsystems.co.uk

* sales@smartsystems.co.uk ( 01934

876100

New GEZE appointment strengthens service in Scotland

GEZE UK has expanded its technical sales team in a move that will significantly enhance levels of service for customers across Scotland. Kenny Finlay, who has more than 20 years’ industry experience, has joined the automatic doors sales team as Technical Sales Consultant. In his new role, he will be responsible for the sale of GEZE’s automatic door products across the Scottish regions. He will support the company’s specification sales managers, working closely with fabricators and main contractors to build and develop client relationships. Kenny brings with him a wealth of experience in the domestic door and gate automation market. *

info.uk@geze.com

(

01543 443000

8 www.geze.co.uk

Comar 5P.i ECO+ – designed for aesthetics, security and performance Comar is pleased to launch its latest development: the Comar 5P.i ECO+ range. Comar 5P.i ECO+ has been designed to perform, whilst backed by Comar’s market leading delivery. Comar 5P.i ECO+ offers additional thermal performance to the Comar ECO product range: by extending the polyamide strips and inserting thermal foam, this product range will provide a future-proof solution for casement windows meeting U-values up to 2016.With more and more onus on the environment, window and door systems must be sustainable. Using aluminium the Comar 5P.i ECO+ system is 100% recyclable.

Aluminium can be recycled an infinite number of times with no loss to its capability. *

projects@parksidegroup.co.uk

(

020 8685 9685

8 www.comar-alu.co.uk

A perfect finish with the Syntesis Line Eclisse UK, the specialist in sliding pocket doors, introduces the Syntesis Line, the pocket sliding door system that doesn’t use architraves and jambs to cover up the rough edges, because it hasn’t got any. Its strong, cleverly designed interior structure supports a sleek external profile which fits perfectly with a modern, understated approach to contemporary interiors.

Architects will love its minimalism, builders its strength and ease of construction. Being Eclisse, the desire for perfection has shaped its evolution.The Eclisse designers worked on the Syntesis system to strengthen it – it’s now 40% stronger – and minimise flexing, so no issues with cracked plasterwork.

8 www.eclisse.co.uk * info@eclisse.co.uk ( 0845

481 1977

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53

Doors, Windows & Balustrades

Beauty of ‘Elephant House’ not compromised Elephant House, built in 1890-1901, was a bottle store for Camden Brewery which was in the adjacent building. Due to the special architectural interest of this Victorian Building, it was granted Grade II Listing in 2009.

It is a rare example of an industrial complex found in inner-city London as well as being sited alongside the city’s early Regent’s Canal.

In 2013 Hawkins\Brown was

commissioned to draw up plans to change the use of the building to accommodate offices. In such an old building, with the addition of the heritage listing, the project

needed to be carefully considered ensuring a sustainable, comfortable and safe working environment was created.

The original single glazed windows presented a problem; they were unable to be replaced, they were draughty and did little to combat noise from the busy roads outside. Bespoke designed secondary glazing was the solution to achieving high levels of noise attenuation and thermal insulation, as well as being regularly used on listed buildings and those in conservation areas.

A total of eight windows were treated with two different styles of openings from the Selectaglaze heritage range. A single hinged panel with a curved head was used in most of the openings, which mimics the original and allows access to the primary window.

The discreet frames along with flush hinges and flush locks created a flawless look and achieved the desired benefits, without compromising the beauty of the original Victorian windows.

8 www.selectaglaze.co.uk

* marketing@selectaglaze.co.uk ( 01727

837271

Laminated glass offers creative freedom Architects and specifiers can create striking bespoke design features using toughened, laminated glass supplied by leading processed toughened glass specialist, Firman Glass. Manufactured to a maximum size of 5000 x 2800mm, these vast expanses of glass can be created to individual requirements using specialist printed or coloured interlays. Not only specified for its aesthetic appeal, laminated glass is preferred for its strength and performance under large loads. In the unlikely event of the glass being broken, the interlayer retains all the fragments. Firman Glass stocks all clear and Vanceva coloured interlays offering safety benefits including security, sound insulation and UV protection. *

sales@firmanglass.com

(

01708 374534

8 www.firmanglass.com

Instant attraction with Vicaima Your design and build quality is often assessed by first impressions and what better way to set the right note than by your choice of interior door and door assemblies. By choosing Vicaima products, it can speak volumes about your own values and specification and demonstrate the passion you have for quality products. Vicaima offers housing designers, developers and contractors real scope to put their own stamp on things with imaginative options in quality veneered and laminated finishes. Design and performance solutions are constantly evolving to meet the needs of an ever changing market and to inspire fresh ideas that present real differentiation for interior living standards. *

vicaimaukreception@vicaima.com

54

(

01793 532333

8 www.vicaima.com

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Brio is an important ingredient at Bill’s

Brio, a manufacturer of interior and exterior folding door and window architectural solutions, is providing Bill’s Restaurants with quality, robust and highly engineered hardware for its iconic folding doors. Steve Dare, of Regional Joinery, says: “In the majority of Bill’s projects we have used Brio Weatherfold 4s bifolding hardware and/or Timberoll 200 straight sliding hardware.We have already completed a large number of doors for the company with many more to do going into next year.The hardware does everything they say it will do. As well as the quality of the product, which is extremely robust, I am also impressed with the technical back up and know-how from Brio.”

8 www.briouk.com * sales@briouk.com ( 0191

229 1224

Doors, Windows & Balustrades

Opening the door to dementia

A unique development in the historic location of Bletchley Park, Flowers House is a new scheme of 34 specially designed flats that provide assisted living for dementia sufferers.

Reynaers window and door systems are used extensively throughout the development which was brought about by a ground-breaking partnership between Aragon Housing, a subsidiary of Grand Union Housing Group, and Milton Keynes Council assisted by a successful application for £2.3m grant funding from the Homes and Communities Agency.

Designed by architects CMYK (Planning & Design), Flowers House provides a safe, secure environment, giving families peace of mind, yet in an unobtrusive way.The environment is

designed to stimulate occupants and deliver life-changing support to sufferers of dementia and their families.

The high specification building facilitates maximum independence and individual apartments all have a fitted kitchen and wet room, while a specialist dementia care trained team provides 24 hour, individually tailored care and support where needed.

Several of the flats have dual occupancy, allowing partners to stay together.

Complementing the clean, modern lines of Flowers House, Reynaers ES 50 window and door systems combine aesthetic design with energy efficiency and ease of operation.

Highly functional frames with hidden fittings

and opening vents facilitate elegant looks.

Large floor to ceiling windows are a feature on communal areas maximising unobstructed light penetration into the heart of the building adding to the bright, light interior design.

All external doors on the building are Reynaers Vision 50 door systems in single and double door configurations. Suitable for high usage in busy areas they offer stylish design combined with excellent performance and low threshold solutions.

8 www.reynaers.co.uk

* reynaersltd@reynaers.com ( 0121

421 1999

The auTomaTic way To save energy Gilgen PSW ‘green wings’ automatic door system delivers high levels of insulation, retains more energy and reduces building utility costs:

• Low u-values of 1.5-1.9w/(m2K), double glazing to 1.0 • sound insulation to 30dB • highly resistant to wind and driving rain • Powerful door operator • stylish appearance to suit different facades • wide range of configurations and options Contact us today for further information: 0800 316 6994 info@gilgendoorsystems.co.uk www.gilgendoorsystems.co.uk with gilgen Psw

PSW-HalfPage-Horizontal.indd 1

• automatic Doors • industrial Doors • security Doors • service & Parts 03/10/2014 15:03:57

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55

Floors, Walls & Ceilings The Mapetherm System provided a fast, cost effective method of improving the existing thermal performance of the properties

Mapei’s Mapetherm system provides eco-solution An External Wall Insulation and protection system, The Mapetherm System, has been installed throughout an eco-funded refurbishment project in Berwick-uponTweed, on the Scottish Borders.

T

he 175-house refurbishment, by Berwick Housing Association, occupies multiple sites across the Borders and includes Cruden and Blackburn-style ‘system-type’ nontraditional housing. During a two-month

time frame over the winter period, the Mapetherm System was installed on all external walls by Lime Technology, the total application amounting to 25,000m2 throughout the mix of social and private dwellings.

The 175-house refurbishment, by Berwick Housing Association, occupies multiple sites across the Scottish Borders

The system provided a fast, cost effective method of improving the existing thermal performance of the properties, whilst enabling the occupants to remain in their own homes at all times. The Mapetherm System not only offers protective benefits to the structure, but gives the whole estate a fresh, modern, low maintenance decorative finish coat.

Meeting the demands of a steady supply of materials around a residential estate was made possible through UK manufacturing by Mapei, facilitating the demanding fast-track requirements and intense program time frame.

The complete Mapei system included Mapetherm EPS+ expanded polystyrene insulation panels, which were bonded to the external walls using Mapei Mapetherm ARI GG one-component cementitious mortar. The polystyrene panels then received a leveling coat of Mapetherm AR1 GG which was reinforced with Mapei Mapetherm Net alkali-resistant glass fibre mesh, prior to the application of a water-repellent silicone base coat primer.

All surfaces received a protective and decorative coating of Mapei Silancolor Tonachino textured silicone finish, to the client’s individual specification.

8 www.mapei.co.uk * info@mapei.co.uk ( 0121

56

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508 6970

Floors, Walls & Ceilings Greek retail chain store opts for Frontrunner Plus Kotsovolos, one of the biggest retail chains in Greece operated by the Dixons Group, has recently chosen Frontrunner Plus entrance matting as part of a nationwide refurbishment project at all of its stores.Vassilis Beredimas, Plastex’s Greek distributor, started a cooperation with the company on this project last year. He mentions: “Especially for flooring contractors, the Plastex Frontrunner entrance flooring system has great benefits over other traditional entrance matting systems: it is easy to install being supplied in 10m rolls and, thanks to its flexible PVC construction, it can be cut on site around irregular shapes.” *

sales@plastex.co.uk

(

01268 571116

8 www.frontrunnerplus.com

TV chef has a taste for Granite Transformations

Colourful chef, writer and TV personality Rosemary Shrager has chosen top quality Granite Transformations materials for new kitchen worktops and resurfacing counters, tiled areas and floors at her celebrated Cookery School and nearby Patisserie shop. Rosemary selected elegant, mottled grey quartz Pietra Serena surfaces for the Chef’s Table worktop and splashbacks and Patisserie retail counters, the oversized slabs enabling full widths to be installed with minimal joins and bonded edge pieces giving a pleasing impression of depth. For the cookery school cloakrooms, Rosemary has specified Black Sapphire granite floor tiles, quartz Polar Ice liners for refacing the tiled walls and elegant Subway Pearl rectangular glass mosaic tiles as feature panels. *

gb@trend-group.com

(

01892 509680

8 www.trend-group.com

A high performance from Remmers

To complement its recently refurbished showroom, a new ‘high tech’ workshop has been constructed at Charles Hurst Ferrari, the official Ferrari dealer in Northern Ireland. Remmers UK was appointed to oversee the installation of a flooring system in keeping with the Ferrari brand and suitable for a workshop environment. The existing old concrete floor in the workshop was constructed in several slabs and therefore a high potential for movement existed. The system proposed by Remmers was a flexible 3mm visco elastic PUR resin system with a polyurethane seal coat. The seal coat has integral R11 slip rating and a high degree of chemical resistance.

8 www.remmers.co.uk * sales@remmers.co.uk ( 0845

373 0103

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57

Floors, Walls & Ceilings

Silent sports Sor Amfi in Norway is one of the best examples in Europe of a local authority sports centre. Designed by Asplan Viak architects for the Arendal Municipality, it is part of the Arendal sports park and located next to the Sam Eyde high school which also uses the facilities.

This 13,200m2 building is also one of the largest projects where Troldtekt acoustic panels have been specified to help create a high performance and comfortable environment. Attention to acoustics is very important in sports buildings which can easily suffer from the exaggerated echoes reflected off the hard wall and floor surfaces or off the water in swimming-pools.

Architect Vidar Myrnes from Asplan Viak says: “5350m2 of Troldtekt was chosen mainly because of its good acoustic performance and the design. We were looking for a product of high robustness against rough use and high humidity (in the changing area) and we wanted a ceiling that suited the massive space in the T-shaped middle building. We selected the coarse grey variant for the public open spaces and a fine white variant

for the smaller closed areas.”

This project is also interesting because the A2 panel has been used in the areas with stricter fire regulations, such as hallways and other means of escape. The advantage is that it looks exactly the same as the normal panel, which means that the two types could be installed without compromising the aesthetics or the acoustics.

Troldtekt panels are widely specified throughout the UK to improve acoustics in many different projects, such as schools, leisure facilities, swimming pools, commercial and public buildings.

The panels are made from 100% natural wood fibres. Their benefits include high sound absorption, high durability, natural breathability, low cost life cycle performance and sustainability.

8 www@troldtekt.co.uk

* am.carroll@skanda-uk.com ( 0844

811 4877

Kährs receives Best Of Houzz 2015 Award Kährs has been awarded “Best Of Houzz” for Design by Houzz, the leading platform for home renovation and design.The wood flooring brand was chosen by more than 25 million monthly unique users that comprise the Houzz community, including home building, renovation and design industry professionals. Featured Kährs products on Houzz include new patterned wood floors and Kährs’ award-winning Oak Arctic design, as well as recent projects in the hospitality, retail and commercial sectors.The new “Best Of Houzz 2015” award badge will help “Houzzers” around the world learn even more about Kährs business’ popularity and satisfaction rating among their peers in the Houzz community. *

sales@kahrs.com

(

023 9245 3045

8 www.kahrs.com

Mould-busting FILA ACTIVE1 launches in UK Fila has launched a new active mould remover – FILA ACTIVE1.

The new spray treatment is designed for internal walls, floors and cladding; it removes harmful mould allergens, irritants and toxins within minutes and leaves surfaces sanitised. As well as kitchens and bathrooms, FILA ACTIVE1 is ideal for swimming pools and saunas.

New FILA ACTIVE1 can be used on stone, terracotta, ceramic, marble and glass tiles, as well as bare plaster, painted walls, concrete and grout joints.To apply FILA ACTIVE1, spray directly onto the contaminated surface.The treatment is then left to act for 15 minutes, before the surface is wiped with a damp cloth. *

filauk@filasolutions.com

58

(

01584 877286

Door and wall protection prevents costly damage Yeoman Shield has recently supplied and installed wall and door protection in the new Urgent Care Unit at Halton Hospital Runcorn. Guardian Handrail was fitted to protect the walls along the corridors and waiting areas in Aqua Blue with an attractive contrasting insert strip in Mid Grey. Some of the doors in the unit required replacement and Yeoman Shield fire rated door protection panels and door edge protectors were fitted to all doors to protect from costly damage reoccurring.The addition of Yeoman Shield door protection helped to add uniformity of colour and style to the mixture of the new and old doors.

8 www.yeomanshield.com * sallyann@yeomanshield.com

8 www.filasolutions.com

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( 0113

279 5854

Floors, Walls & Ceilings

New range of flooring lands at Lathams James Latham has further enhanced its portfolio of premium quality, Bausen flooring with the first of three new ranges of engineered boards, which combine exceptional aesthetics, durability and structural integrity.

Embracing on-trend, contemporary designs, as well as a selection of colours, textures and finishes, the Henshaw series is available in 10 different boards, directly from stock and nationwide through James Latham’s network of 10 distribution sites, including Scotland.

A durable, timeless option that works well with all architectural trends, the Henshaw collection offers architects and interior designers working in either the commercial or residential sectors, the perfect basis for every style and every interior.

Supplied in boards sizes of 15 x 190 x 1900mm, the range includes a brushed and smooth finish as well as UV Oiled, Lacquered and Hardwax coating options.

In addition, the new collection is supported with a full range of merchandise including a bespoke, eye-catching display stand as well as complementary swatches, literature and a full range of carefully selected, top-brand accessories to ensure that the flooring performs to its optimum level.

Andy Duffin, James Latham Director, commented: “We’ve been really pleased with the reaction from the market to this new range of flooring and have already seen a lot of interest from both the commercial and residential sectors. The quality and finish of this premier grade flooring is exceptional and I’m confident that it will be a big success.

He added: “It’s a really exciting time for Bausen, in addition to this, we have two additional ranges being launched later this year so our collection will be significantly bolstered.”

8 www.bausen.co.uk

* flooring@lathams.co.uk ( 01708

681700

Interface takes Friends of the Earth around the world

Friends of the Earth has brought its brand identity to life with innovative modular flooring designs from global carpet manufacturer Interface to create a unique ‘around the world’ theme for its new London-based Head Office.

Interface’s biophilia-inspired Urban Retreat collection was used throughout the communal office space to create shifts of patterns and varied textures to mimic diverse elements of nature. Meanwhile, several colours from the Net Effect One and Two collections were used in each composition in the meeting rooms to capture the precise moment when sea foams onto the shore. *

interface.uk@interfaceflor.eu

(

0161 817 6600

8 www.interface.com

Anniversary celebrations for the original edge profile Schlüter-Systems is celebrating 40 years of providing second-to-none edge protection and the perfect finishing touch for ceramic and stone tiled flooring with its world renowned edge profile Schlüter-SCHIENE. Schlüter-SCHIENE original finishing threshold strip is made to last. Now in its third revision, it boasts features such as the 87° angle which improves edge protection, whilst its unique design also guarantees uniform grout spacing. These new features make the profiles stand out for their superior quality, whilst also ensuring they blend in to an overall design or act as an accent when a design calls for it. *

sales@schluter.co.uk

(

01530 813396

8 www.schluter.co.uk

Interface unveils new Microsfera

Global modular flooring manufacturer, Interface, has unveiled its latest product, Microsfera, an innovative, hybrid flooring solution with the smallest carbon footprint of any carpet tile in history. Microsfera sets a new low carbon record for carpet tiles, with just 3kg of carbon per m2 released during its production, including the processing of all its raw materials.This compares with a typical carpet tile which releases 12kg of CO2 per m2, while an 80/20 wool/nylon broadloom carpet releases 63kg of CO2 per m2.At 5kg of carbon per m2, Interface’s Microtuft products made with 100% recycled nylon held the previous record for lowest carbon contribution.

8 www.interface.com/microsfera * interface.uk@interfaceflor.eu ( 0161

817 6600

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59

Roofing, Cladding & Insulation

Alumasc roofing solutions chosen for Ebury Square An exclusive new housing development in the heart of London is the latest showcase for a range of waterproofing and green roof solutions from Alumasc.

Built by The Berkeley Group in the centre of Belgravia, the elite Ebury Square development offers a selection of one to four bedroom private residences.

Alumasc’s Registered Contractor Tilbury Contracts, installed a total of 3800m2 of Hydrotech monolithic membrane to the lightwell areas, podium roofs, individual balconies, wraparound terraces and penthouse balconies, which were all completed as inverted roof designs.A Hydrotech anti-root waterproofing system, inverted roof insulation, drainage boards, extensive green roof substrates and sedum mats were also installed to the main roof areas.

The project presented a major challenge in that it is situated directly over a London Underground route.The concrete slab at ground level was mounted on large antivibration springs, and isolated from the

surrounding construction to prevent damage to the building from the vibration of trains below.The resulting 50mm joint between the isolated and non-isolated structures, required appropriate waterproofing to prevent water entry into the basement below.

Working together, Alumasc and Tilbury Contracts strapped the joint using FlexFlash UN, an uncured neoprene rubber, with the full Hydrotech 6125 system abutting the joint edge on both sides to ensure it was watertight whilst also keeping the two slabs isolated. A brick upstand was built directly off the Hydrotech, and the full system was dressed from the previously waterproofed horizontal slab and up the face of the brickwork, and terminated with a cover flashing. This ensured successful waterproofing whilst not compromising the integrity of the specified system.

8 www.alumascroofing.co.uk

* roofing@alumasc-exteriors.co.uk ( 03335

771 500

Firestone hosts annual Commercial Kick-Off event RigiSystems CladScreen – Premier quality

RigiSystems CladScreen facade system has been used to create a strong visual statement on Premier Inn’s newest hotel, at Edmonton in north London.The CladScreen used 4mm ACM panels, finished in Smoke Silver and Pantone Purple 519 to match the Premier Inn corporate colours. Panels were face fixed using colour matched fixings, to provide a high quality yet cost-effective cladding solution. Panels were produced to a variety of different sizes, including a large number that were factory curved at RigiSystems Worcester headquarters. Many of the corner panels required additional support, which was accommodated during the in-house manufacturing process.

8 www.rigisystems.org * sales@rigisytems.org ( 01905

60

750500

The event, which took place in February, saw 20 of Firestone’s commercial contractors being invited over to Brussels. On the Monday evening there was a meal hosted by the Managing Director of Brussels at a local Belgium restaurant. On the Tuesday the Firestone contractors visited the head offices in Zaventum, Brussels. The day started with a tour of the recently refurbished offices followed by a presentation by John McMullan, Commercial Manager, outlining this year’s campaign “Drive It”. To emphasise the campaign, the contractors were treated to an evening of karting which was won by Licensed Contractor, Jeff Goodwin of Goodwin Roofing Limited. *

info@fbpl.co.uk

(

01606 552026

8 www.firestonebpe.co.uk

Green zinc for Lake District activity centre A standing seam VMZINC PLUS compact roof system in PIGMENTO Green has been used on the £2.9m accommodation building at Tower Wood Outdoor Education Centre. Situated on the eastern shore of Lake Windermere, the building is stepped over several levels and was subject to the strict requirements of the Lake District National Park.The subtle shade of green blends perfectly with the rural environment and will retain its appearance through natural patination.VMZINC PLUS can be installed on either cellular glass, mineral wool or PIR insulation without underside ventilation using either straight or curved profiles. *

vmzincuk@eu.umicore.com

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(

01992 822288

8 www.vmzinc.co.uk

Roofing, Cladding & Insulation

Regulations when tackling new and existing flat roofs Building Regulations now require that where feasible the extent of insulation within specified elements is upgraded as part of renovation works if the existing provisions are insufficient.

Accordingly when constructing or replacing a cold flat roof, both ventilation and insulation qualities are normally reviewed.

Despite the growing popularity of converting to a warm roof, there are commonly situations where this is not possible.This is often because the roof surface cannot be raised because of the proximity of external sills, openings, soil pipes etc.

Where a cold roof is the selected or default construction, there is an accompanying need to cross ventilate within it as well as ensuring any link from it to an external cavity wall complies with

Building Regulations.

The Type RAV-FL is a flat roof ventilator from Cavity Trays of Yeovil. It is fitted by opening it like a book so one edge can be secured into the top of a timber upstand vertically battened off the wall surface.

The Type RAV-FL is then closed until its adjacent edge is against the external wall masonry to which it is then secured.

The result creates a protected airflow route via which air can travel and cross ventilate the roof space. The opposing roof edge incorporates a ventilator in the soffit or fascia. Cavity Trays offers a

range of ventilator styles and ventilator colours from which to choose to achieve a balanced arrangement.

To arrest water gravitating within the external skin (above the Type RAV-FL) a preformed cavitray with an external flashing is located. The flashing is dressed down over the ventilator upper surface, ensuring protection against wind-driven rain.

8 www.cavitytrays.com

* enquiries@cavitytrays.co.uk ( 01935

474769

King’s Cross roof is guaranteed longer life CrysticROOF BBA Premier GRP flat roofing system has been specified for London King’s Cross Station Southern Colonnade Entrance.

The two flat roofs on either side of the central clock tower of the Southern Colonnade entrance at King’s Cross Station in London were refurbished due to extensive sagging and leakage problems. The old bitumen bonded felt roof that had been in place for many years was beyond repair and needed to be replaced. This refurbishment project was initiated by Network Rail, which set itself the objective of having a new flat roof installed which could be expected to last for at least 20 years.

Since even modern triple layer felt systems are typically only guaranteed for 10 years, Network Rail looked at alternative flat roofing systems to replace the bonded felt roofing.

The system finally specified by Network Rail was Scott Bader’s CrysticROOF BBA Premier, a seamless, cold applied, liquid resin GRP roofing system. The new Southern

Colonnade GRP flat roof at King’s Cross is guaranteed for 25 years by Scott Bader, since it was installed by fully certified, approved CrysticROOF installer.

The CrysticROOF Premier system meets BS476 Part 3 for all roof structures and shapes including: flat, valley and pitched roofs, walkways, roof-lights and balconies.When correctly applied, it provides long term UV resistance and weathering performance, remaining watertight and maintenance-free for many years. CrysticROOF ‘BBA Premier’ is only available from a fully trained and Scott Bader accredited CrysticROOF installer, and then comes with a 25 year materials guarantee.

8 www.scottbader.com

* enquiries@scottbader.com ( 01933

663100

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61

HVAC / HVP

Evinox Energy launches CIBSE accredited CPD seminar With the increasing focus on district heating Evinox Energy has launched a CIBSE accredited CPD seminar, providing the opportunity to explore the topic in depth and identify new ways to add value, performance and efficiency.

With over 13 years of experience in the Communal/District heating market, Evinox Energy has been involved in the design and supply of equipment for many projects for both private and social housing schemes.

Its seminar, entitled Modern Communal Heating Installations – Key Considerations for an Effective System, is accredited by The Chartered Institution of Building Services Engineers (CIBSE) and provides credits towards consulting engineers’ Continuing Professional Development (CPD).

The company offers an informative and educational 60 minute seminar, ideal for M&E consultants, contractors, developers and housing associations, and covers topics including: • Communal/District Heating Overview

• • • •

Central Plant – The Energy Centre Heat Interface Units System Design & Regulations Metering, Billing & Revenue Management

The seminar can be held at clients’ premises or at the Evinox Energy offices in Epsom, and at a time convenient to those attending. The speakers are highly experienced in communal heating with relevant professional qualifications. A certificate will be provided to all attendees for obtaining CIBSE CPD points.

8 www.evinoxenergy.co.uk * info@evinox.co.uk ( 01372

722277

Polypipe Ventilation launches new catalogues Euroheat plays vital role in renewables handbook Installers and property owners alike can now learn more about domestic renewable energy in a new easy-to-follow manual,The Renewable Energy Home Handbook, which was written in close collaboration with natural energy provider, Euroheat. Available now, the manual could prove a valuable sales tool for renewable installers looking to encourage customers to make the switch to ‘green’ energy, detailing the pros and cons of renewable energy products; from biomass and solar pv to wind turbines and insulation.The step-by-step guide enables readers to make an informed choice as to what system would prove best for their intended property.

8 www.euroheat.co.uk * enquiries@euroheat.co.uk ( 01885

62

491100

Polypipe Ventilation has announced the arrival of its new and informative 76-page Product Selector which covers the company’s comprehensive range of market leading, energy saving domestic and light commercial ventilation systems, accompanied by a concise 20-page Short Form Product Guide.

The two new brochures cover the full selection of Polypipe Ventilation’s Silavent mechanical extract and Domus duct product ranges, including its latest product releases such as: the brand new Silavent Sapphire bathroom and kitchen intermittent extract fans and Decentralised Mechanical Extract Ventilation (dMEV) units; as well as Domus high efficiency Green Line 90º Bends and a new inlet/outlet plenum with integral flow control. *

vent.info@polypipe.com

(

08443 715523

8 www.polypipe.com/ventilation

Polypipe unveils stylish Silavent Sapphire fan range

Polypipe Ventilation, manufacturer of market-leading domestic and light commercial ventilation systems, has launched the new Silavent Sapphire range of bathroom and kitchen intermittent extract fans and Decentralised Mechanical Extract Ventilation (dMEV) units in a contemporary and minimalist design, coupled with extremely quiet performance. The new Silavent Sapphire dMEV and intermittent extract fans boast excellent performance levels – as to be expected from Silavent products – coupled with very quiet operation down to 12dB(A) for dMEV and 32dB(A) for intermittent extract fans. They have been designed to be both discreet and contemporary, making them suitable for all interior design styles. *

vent.info@polypipe.com

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(

08443 715523

8 www.polypipe.com/ventilation

ed ed! lifi is ua gn t q co Ge et re g &

The MCIAT Professional Assessment

– a new qualifying route What is the MCIAT Professional Assessment?

The MCIAT Professional Assessment is a flexible, rigorous, robust and quality assured qualifying process, based on performance and designed to recognise the diversity of Architectural Technology.

Candidates must provide an in-depth critical analysis clearly summarising their professional experience. This should be a reflective report and should refer to challenges and successes encountered whilst working on projects and how any issues were resolved.

Applicants should also undertake a self-evaluation highlighting their strengths and weaknesses in relation to their area(s) of practice.

The Professional Assessment process is based on four core competencies: • Designing • Managing • Practising • Developing (self)

Who can apply for the MCIAT Professional Assessment?

Any applicant working in or on, for example, academia, general practice, component design, refurbishment, small residential projects, large commercial projects etc within Architectural Technology, should be able to apply their own experience to the Professional Assessment process, but they must hold one of the following membership grades: ACIAT, TCIAT or profile candidate.

Each application will be assessed on its merit. However, each applicant will need to demonstrate a sufficient level of knowledge and understanding and professional competence/experience in relation to their sphere/s of practice and demonstrate to the Institute they can meet the expectations of a Chartered Architectural Technologist, MCIAT.

How much does it cost?

To apply for the Professional Assessment, applicants are required to pay £300 for the assessment of the application and the Professional Assessment Interview.

For further information email our Membership Director, 63 Find this issue plus much more on the fc&a app and fca-magazine.com James Banks via james@ciat.org.uk or call us on +44(0)20 7278 2206

Building Elements

The need for reliable maintenance is paramount on this unique automatically operated rail network

Stannah sees the light Stannah Lift Services has begun a 6.6 year comprehensive lift and escalator maintenance programme for the Docklands Light Railway (DLR) network.

T

he contract was awarded through KeolisAmey Docklands (KAD), the DLR franchisee. A separate contract has also been awarded by CGLRail, who maintain the infrastructure from Mudchute Station, through Island Gardens, through Cutty Sark, Greenwich, Deptford Bridge and Lewisham.

Stannah, an independent national lift company, won the contract to provide lift and escalator maintenance for most of DLR network, through a competitive tender process, and are delighted to add the maintenance to a programme of lift refurbishment on the London DLR network won in 2014.

Jon Stannah, Joint Managing Director, Stannah Lift Services comments: “We have been working with DLR during 2014 and are delighted to extend our successful working relationship with the award of the rail operator’s maintenance portfolio. Of course, the need for reliable maintenance is paramount on this unique automatically operated rail network that, in the fiscal year 2013, carried 101.5 million passengers.”

The scope of the contract The maintenance contract value of more than £2.5m over 6.6 years (with a 2.5 extension available), currently covers 113 units; 87 lifts and 26 escalators and includes

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all maintenance, breakdowns and trap-ins.

The contract also includes all six monthly LOLER inspections, oil sampling every six months and escalator step cleaning every 12 weeks.

Dilapidation reports are to be undertaken before April 2015 to identify repair and replacement works. This will form the basis of an action plan to ensure the system has 99.9% availability of equipment – an essential requirement of the contract. Stannah will support Keolis-Amey Docklands KAD and DLR to meet their ambition of improving the lift and escalator service throughout the line by the use of intervention actions. The planned refurbishment/replacement of components will extend the units life to at least 25 years.

Lift refurbishments for CGLR are already scheduled at Cutty Sark, Island Garden, Deptford Bridge and Lewisham stations.

Engineering hours All maintenance has to be carried out during non-operational hours, these are between 01.00hrs to 05.30hrs and are strictly monitored to meet the Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) applied to the contract, these include a 30-minute reaction time for trap-ins and breakdowns.

The existing portfolio contains lifts and escalators that have been installed from the

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Lift refurbishments for CGLR are already scheduled at Cutty Sark, Island Garden, Deptford Bridge and Lewisham stations

original opening of the DLR in 1990, so no equipment is more than 25 years old. Since then the line has had many changes, most recently additional lifts being installed for the Olympics, 2012 and for Crossrail at Pudding Mill Lane, 2014.

Reporting Stannah’s Dartford Service Branch will oversee all maintenance requirements day to day and jointly report with the company’s Network Rail Office, who manage the nationwide maintenance of lifts on all Network rail stations. Stannah has a network of service branches right across the UK and more than 360 engineers who provide local service for more than 90,000 lift products.

8 www.stannahlifts.co.uk * liftsales@stannah.co.uk ( 01264

364311

Building Elements

Access all the benefits of Aritco 9000 In early 2013, Gartec launched its ground-breaking product – the Aritco 9000 Cabin Lift. Based on the highly successful Aritco 7000 platform lift, the Aritco 9000 Cabin Lift has a fully enclosed cabin, combining the feel of a passenger lift with the ease of installation and cost benefits of a platform lift.

Installing an Aritco 9000 works out to just 60% of the cost of a typical passenger lift installation.

The Aritco 9000 is also ideal for fitting into buildings where space is at a premium and where a conventional lift would simply not be possible, having a market-leading pit depth of only 75mm and a headroom requirement of just 2400mm. The Aritco 9000 takes just three days to install, largely due to being delivered within its own shaft enclosure and requiring only minimal building work.

Since 2013, Gartec has had an unexpected bonus of customers choosing to upgrade their existing Aritco 7000 open platform lift to the enclosed 9000 model.

A very inexpensive way to access all the benefits of an enclosed passenger lift experience, as the 9000 is based on exactly the same footprint, therefore allowing for a very quick transformation with minimal downtime.

The majority of new orders have come from retail – from Boots to Selfridges – followed by Secondary and then Primary schools who have been early adopters, upgrading for the enhanced sense of safety that the fully enclosed cabin provides.

8 www.gartec.com/aritco-9000 * sales@gartec.com ( 01296

397100

Kömmerling helps to restore historic ‘Libertas’ monument Kömmerling’s liquid composite partner in Estonia, Andrese Klaasi, is manufacturing and installing replacement panels for the famous War of Independence Victory Monument, located in Freedom Square,Tallinn, Estonia. Each panel is two metres long and varies in width between 650 to 950mm.The panels have a strict specification covering the thick, heavily-decorative, tempered and textured laminated glass and are manufactured in the Andrese Klaasi AS plant, where the Ködiguard liquid composite is applied.The passive curing and complicity with textured surfaces and asymmetrical substrates of the composite makes it the ideal product for this unusual project. *

enquiries@kommerlinguk.com

(

01895 465600

New DEWALT fixings save time and money on site

8 www.kommerlinguk.com

Products from DEWALT’s new fixings range are being put through their paces on a variety of high profile commercial, residential, education and health projects by Surrey-based building contractor, The DCP Group. As a longstanding user of DEWALT tools and accessories, DCP was confident these latest developments from DEWALT would be strong, reliable and fit for purpose. “Whether it’s drywalling and suspended ceilings or external and internal framework, fixings play a safety-critical role in everything we do,” says DCP’s Construction Director, Andrew Foster. “So we only use the best and for us that’s a complete construction fixing system backed by the market-beating DEWALT brand reputation.” *

fixings@dewalt.com 8 www.dewalt.co.uk/fastenings

Timber cladding in a class of its own Seddon Construction selected Canajere Classic timber cladding for its contract at the newly-constructed St Modwens Primary School in Burton. Supplied by the A. Proctor Group, Canjaere Classic in Golden and Brown was the product of choice thanks to its 30 year warranty against rot and decay, giving Seddon Construction peace of mind. The sophisticated oil treatment in Canajere Classic protects the timber by inhibiting moisture pick-up. The Canjaere Classic range combines the beauty of natural wood with preserved, pre-finished characteristics.

8 www.proctorgroup.com * ask@proctorgroup.com ( 01250

872261

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65

Building Elements

No. 38 The Park recently underwent major refurbishment

Learning lessons from the past Colin Jones, Technical Sales Advisor of Earthborn, looks at paint choices for listed building owners and specifiers.

M

ost modern buildings rely on a cavity wall and damp course system to keep damp at bay.

By contrast, most historic buildings were constructed of natural, breathable materials such as timber frames or solid masonry walls. These enabled moisture to permeate through them and evaporate naturally.

What happens when those breathable walls are suffocated by petroleum derived paints? We’ve all seen the results: blown paint and render, damaged walls, rotting timbers and condensation problems.

It’s a fact of nature. Moisture cannot remain trapped in a wall forever; it needs an escape route.

So, how did walls survive without such

damage in the past? The answer lies in the paint. The tradesmen of the day used locally available materials, mixing them on site to create paints such as limewash, casein paint or distemper. The materials, which included limestone, milk, gelatin and chalk, were all breathable, enabling damp to pass through without causing damage.

Breathability is the key. It is extremely important to look beyond the simple colour choice, to consider the paint’s effect on the fabric of the building, both internally and externally.

When specifying paint for a listed building, you can go down the totally authentic route, specifying historic, traditional paints.

However, an increasing number of owners and specifiers are turning to the new wave of alternative paint manufacturers who blend the best of the old and new.

They have produced a wide range of paints which combine all-important breathability with improved performance in terms of durability, aesthetics and, in the case of exterior paints, weather resistance.

The benefits of those paints go beyond performance on the walls, too.

They are very environmentally friendly, predominantly being water based and free from pollution causing VOCs. That also means they do not give off toxic emissions which are harmful to the health of building occupants and decorators.

No. 38 The Park is a Grade II listed townhouse hotel in Cheltenham. The hotel recently underwent major refurbishment including replastering all the walls in the original part of the building with lime plaster.

Its sumptuous, boutique hotel style was designed by joint owner Georgie Pearman, who said: “We opted for Earthborn’s Claypaint because it is ideal for lime plaster.

It is exceptionally breathable, easy to apply and has an outstanding colour range that is perfect for conservation work.”

Rod Jenner, Director of Dowdeswell Estates Building Contractors said: “Claypaint dries very quickly, which was useful considering the timescales on this project.

And it gives off no odours or harmful emissions, so we were happy for guests to occupy rooms within days of painting.”

Earthborn Claypaint is a unique, clay based emulsion with a distinctive, ultra matt finish. Its advanced technology maximises the natural properties of clay to create a high performance, highly breathable paint.

8 www.earthbornpaints.co.uk

The hotel’s owner opted for Earthborn’s Claypaint because it is ideal for lime plaster

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* sales@earthbornpaints.co.uk ( 01928

734171

Building Elements

Interpave launches new SuDS requirements guide The trade association Interpave has published a new edition of its ‘SuDS + Permeable Paving Today’ guide, reviewing the latest government measures for implementation of Sustainable Drainage Systems (SuDS) from April.

The move away from dedicated drainage legislation towards a planning approach to implementation signals a new opportunity for designers to take the lead in developing multi-functional SuDS as an integral part of good urban design. A wider understanding of SuDS is now important, so that drainage engineering can become a supporting function, rather than an end in itself.

Interpave’s guide is essential reading for all those involved with the development process – particularly architects, urban designers and developers, and local authority planning, flood risk, drainage, building control and highways officers. It

explores the latest thinking on SuDS as a fundamental part of urban design and initiatives to deliver them now.

The guide also focuses on concrete block permeable paving – a key tool in urban design with SuDS as a water collection and source control technique. But its real strength is an ability to remove water-borne pollution offering the important – and often missed – opportunity of a gradual supply of treated water that can be exploited for innovative urban design, harvesting and ecology. As the RIBA’s 2014 report ‘Building a Better Britain’ points out: “For too long, we have been designing water out of our

towns and cities when we should have been designing it in.” SuDS with permeable paving offer imaginative designers fresh opportunities to achieve this aim, rather than just technical problems to be solved.

‘SuDS + Permeable Paving Today’ is free to download from www.paving.org.uk where news of the latest developments in SuDS, technical guidelines and various case studies are also available.

8 www.paving.org.uk/water * info@paving.org.uk ( 0116

232 5170

Pegler Yorkshire launches new info hub website Leading manufacturer of plumbing and heating solutions, Pegler Yorkshire, has launched a website which offers much more than general product or technical data.

“With the plethora of information now available at the touch of button we wanted to offer our community of specifiers, installers and merchants a hub of information that would address important issues relevant to them,” said Phill Jackson Marketing and New Business Director at Pegler Yorkshire. The new look Pegler Yorkshire website features a dedicated area for specifiers, ‘Putting You in Control’ and another for installers/contractors ‘Connecting with Confidence’. *

uk.sales@pegleryorkshire.co.uk

(

0844 243 4400

8 www.pegleryorkshire.co.uk

KI’s new Toggle desk deserves a standing ovation

In the face of growing concerns around our modern, sedentary lifestyles, KI’s new Toggle desk offers a solution at the touch of a button. Toggle’s simple, electronic height adjustment transforms an individual’s workspace within seconds, allowing them to sit or stand at their desk as they see fit. Toggle is affordable, stable, quiet and easy to use. The strong T-base design and absence of a low-hanging crossbar allow the table to be used from both sides, promoting user comfort and enhancing collaboration. Its wide-ranging height adjustment from 660mm to a maximum height of 1320mm ensures it complies with the most stringent British & European Standard BS EN 527-1. *

sales@kieurope.com

(

020 7404 7441

8 www.kieurope.com

RAK exhibits at May Design Series RAK Ceramics is set to launch a new compact bathroom range and complementary surfaces at this year’s May Design Series, Stand A190. Exhibiting at the show for the first time, the new RAK launches will include the Origin 62 range of basins and sanitaryware, and polished porcelain tile collection, GEMS.The new Origin 62 range includes three basins and a WC, which each have a sleek, contemporary design and are WRAS-approved. Basin options include a hand basin, pedestal wash basin and a semi-recessed design, along with a close-coupled WC design.

The complementary GEMS tile collection includes four colour options in a variety of formats, for wall and floor installation.

8 www.rakceramics.co.uk * marketing@rakceramics.co.uk ( 01730

237850

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67

Building Elements

The Thermix Uw calculator is available free as an app in 11 languages

Ensinger offers Uw calculator in app form Ensinger, manufacturer of Thermix warm edge spacers recently launched an app version of its Uw calculator to determine the thermal transmission coefficient of windows. The app is available in both an android and iOS version, in 11 different languages.

W

ith the Uw app from Ensinger, users can now calculate the thermal transmission coefficient of windows in compliance with EN ISO 10077-1. The Ψ (in other words Psi) values of Thermix spacers taken into account in the calculation are based on representative frame profiles and glazing in compliance with the Data sheet of the German Flat Glass Association (within the scope of validity of Guideline WA-08/2 of the Institute of Window Technology (ift)).

“In just a few moments it is possible to tell how good a window actually is from the thermal insulation point of view,” explains Dr. Albert Lingens, Head of Thermix Sales at Ensinger. “To date, people have simply managed using table values, although the results were often poorer and less precise.

Using this app, architects, planners and window manufacturers can calculate the Uw value both quickly and correctly. This is

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a really useful aid, particularly when dealing with more complex windows, such as those with bars.”

The first thing to do when using the app is to select the calculation basis, then the required frame material and frame width.

There are a variety of frame types stored

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in the system: Wood, PVC, aluminium and wood-aluminium.The next stage is to choose the spacers, the glass and window geometry.

Double and triple glazed window units can be calculated. The information can then be supplemented by the number of sashes, the temperature range and the type and orientation of bars.

The Ψ values of the spacers are also included in the calculation, as are facts about the bars. After performing the calculation, a PDF document can be created for saving or printing out. The configured system is also graphically displayed.

The Thermix Uw calculator is available free as an app in 11 languages, the iOS version from the Apple Store and the android version from the Google Play Store.

8 www.ensinger-online.de * ebp@ensinger.co.uk ( 0049

7032 819 0

Building Elements

New ‘Thermal Bridging Guide’ available free from Schöck Minimising energy use in buildings, and thereby improving the thermal performance of building envelopes, has become increasingly important in the drive for sustainability and energy efficiency.

Schöck recognises this can be a challenging area and to help designers, specifiers and engineers deal more easily with the various complex issues involved, the company has produced a comprehensive new ‘Thermal Bridging Guide’.

The new Guide – which is free on request – aims to provide a better understanding of how heat moves through building assemblies, affecting surface temperatures and condensation. It demonstrates calculation methods to gauge the impact of thermal bridges on the energy flows, temperature and moisture performance of building enclosures. Examples show how the impact of thermal bridges can be mitigated during the design stage, both in general terms and by incorporating appropriate

Schock Isokorb thermal breaks.

It deals with performance requirements stipulated by the Building Regulations (Part L1 and L2 in England and Wales; and Section 6 in Scotland); and stresses how critical the surface temperature factor (fRsi) calculation is in identifying areas where there is a risk of condensation.

For over 30 years Schöck has been researching and developing product solutions specifically designed to mitigate or eliminate structural thermal bridges in commercial and residential building construction.

The information presented in the new publication combines that experience with stringent independent performance testing and guarantees “verifiable thermal break technology you can trust”.

8 www.schoeck.co.uk

* design@schoeck.co.uk ( 01865

290890

Portakabin Hire cranes final modules into position Portakabin Hire, the UK’s leading supplier of interim building solutions, has completed the first phase of construction of a major project to expand ward and theatre accommodation for orthopaedic services at Royal Stoke University Hospital.The £13.5m contract – the largest in Portakabin Hire’s 52-year history – is for the provision of a complex 4200m2, two-storey building.

124 steel-framed modules have now been craned into position in a complex operation which involved a 350-tonne crane on a highly restricted site immediately adjacent to fully occupied wards and close to a busy road.

The cranage phase took just 18 days and involved working through three weekends. *

information@portakabin.co.uk

(

0845 401 0010

8 www.portanews.co.uk

GPDA turns the spotlight on Design for Demountability The Gypsum Products Development Association (GPDA) has turned the spotlight on how and why we should be creating more resource-efficient buildings with its recent seminar on Design for Demountability at the Building Centre in London. As energy and material resources become increasingly scarce, the event considered the need to look more carefully into designing buildings for controlled deconstruction at end of life, rather than demolition which provides no opportunity to segregate and recover recyclable materials such as plasterboard waste. Four leading exponents from different areas of the industry explored the subject from their own perspectives, from trends in architecture and construction to using building materials more efficiently. *

admin@gpda.com

(

020 7935 8532

8 www.gpda.com

Galvanizing project an over-arching success

Merseyside Galvanizing has partnered with Wigan-based Versa UK, a street furniture specialist, to create an 8.5 tonne bespoke structure on behalf of Planit Architects, which forms a multi-functional canopy installed at Archbishop Beck Catholic Sports College in Fazakerley.The plant galvanized the steel for the ‘Encore’ canopy, which is 3.7m tall and 10.2m by 12.1m in width, and forms part of an upgrade project overseen

by Wilmott Dixon Ltd.The contemporary monopitch structure was commissioned specifically to create an alfresco dining area which can also be used as a covered amphitheatre for performing arts.

8 www.wedgegalv.co.uk * architect@wedgegalv.co.uk ( 01902

600704

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69

Building Elements Hauraton BIM family now online The most specified Hauraton surface drainage channels are now available as Building Information Modelling (BIM) objects for free download via www.fastrackbim.co.uk and www.hauraton.co.uk. The new BIM family includes FASERFIX KS channels, RECYFIX STANDARD, PRO, PLUS and SLOTTED channels. A full range of Hauraton Computer Aided Design (CAD) drawings are also available on www.fastrackcad.co.uk and www.hauraton.co.uk or email bim@hauraton. co.uk for further details. In addition, utilising the latest responsive technology software, a fully integrated DRAINAGE PROJECTS website featuring interesting Hauraton UK case studies, www.drainage-projects.co.uk, can be accessed via smartphones and tablets. *

tim.connolly@hauraton.co.uk

(

01582 501380

8 www.drainage-projects.co.uk

Add a touch of the Caribbean to your kitchen Following the successful launch of the Araya bathroom brassware range, from the iconic Francis Pegler brand, comes a brand new addition in the form of a stylish kitchen tap. The design led ‘Araya’ range shares its name with, and is inspired by, the dramatic landscapes of a Caribbean peninsula. Its full bodied pillar is emphasised by its curvaceous lines which flow effortlessly into an easy to operate lever handle, evoking images of the undulating shoreline. The eight-piece Araya collection offers sleek contours and minimalistic styling that will have endless appeal to design conscious consumers. *

uk.sales@pegleryorkshire.co.uk

(

0844 243 4400

Raise a glass to PV The new Hungry Horse pub in Brislington, Bristol achieves a ‘very good’ BREEAM rating and a reduction in carbon emissions from the notional building design having opted for Redland Ministonewold Solar PV tiles. Redland’s Ministonewold PV tiles are designed for performance and ease of installation and blend in beautifully with the built environment. 100m2 of PV was specified for the project. Craig Shepherd at King Associates, the Building Services consultant working for Hungry Horse explained: “Planning conditions stated a need for a 20% reduction in CO2 emissions from the notional building and this was nearly all achieved through the PV cells.”

8 www.redland.co.uk * dawn.proud@monier.com

8 www.pegleryorkshire.co.uk

( 08705

601000

More than just a staircase

Rinnai water heaters netted for Padel Nation

Rinnai, manufacturer of gas fired energy efficient continuous flow water heaters, is providing the hot water solution for the flagship venue of a new sports craze hitting the UK, Padel tennis. Padel Nation in Birmingham is the premier location for the sport. Guy Heathcote, shareholder and manager at Padel Nation, explains:“I wanted something that would provide continuous hot water whatever time of day or demand, coupled with low running costs and efficiency – all crucial points that our Rinnai system covers.” The decision was made to go for an Infinity HDC 1500i heater on secondary return, which would eliminate any need for storage and reduce energy bills significantly.

8 www.rinnaiuk.com * info@rinnaiuk.com ( 01928

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531870

British Spirals & Castings has helped create a stunning feature piece staircase during the refurbishment of a Victorian period home in the picturesque town of Market Harborough. Bryan Drew, the homeowner decided to include a three storey spiral staircase as part of the extensive refurbishment of his property. The traditional Victorian Cast staircase consists of three flights of stairs (39 steps) linking the cellar-kitchen-guest bedrooms on first floor, with three balusters per tread. This staircase is the first from British Spirals & Castings to feature a brass handrail. *

sales@britishsc.co.uk

(

01663 750716

8 www.britishsc.co.uk

Saracen Interiors completes refurb for Loma Systems Saracen Interiors has completed refurbishment work for global leader in the design and manufacture of metal detection, checkweighing and X-ray inspection systems, Loma Systems at its UK headquarters in Farnborough, Hampshire.The national workplace consultant is expected to manage any further maintenance work for Loma using its knowledge of the building, derived from the work it has carried out to-date.The refurbishment project covered the installation of new toilets on all floors, including disabled facilities, two shower cubicles, new lighting and security systems and work to the exterior of the building comprising of the installation of new safety barriers, signage, lamp posts and CCTV. * enquiries@saraceninteriors.com

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( 0208 226 2161

8 www.saraceninteriors.com

Nothing else compares...

The Evac+Chair has been independently proven to be the best form of building evacuation in an emergency.* Evac+Chair provide a universal solution for smooth stairway descent in an emergency evacuation, suitable for dual and multiple level buildings of any height.

DESIGNED AND MANUFACTURED IN THE UK

Can you evacuate safely?

Evac+Chair International are the world’s No.1 supplier of evacuation chairs. www.evacchair.co.uk

Emergency Solutions

INTERNATIONAL

*Independent study conducted at Ghent University Hospital by trained staff to evacuate people with mobility issues down 11 floors. The Evac+Chair was the fastest in horizontal evacuation at 1.5m/s and in vertical movement the evacuation chair was also fastest averaging 0.83m/s. The study highlighted the Evac+Chair as the only device that required no stopping by the operator as fatigue did not affect the operator. The Evac+Chair also performed best in the area of not blocking the stair as it only covers one lane and the fact it only requires one person to operate, with very minimal difference in speed of Find this issue plus much more on the fc&a app and fca-magazine.com evacuation when using the Evac+Chair if the operator is male or female. The study concluded the Evac+Chair is the best and only option to evacuate people down stairs with mobility issues, it is the fastest, easiest, least blocking, any gender can operate and only requires a single person to operate unlike any other evacuation method.

MONOCHROME DESIGNS

BY ARCHITECTS. BRICKS BY VANDERSANDEN. OUR BRICKS ARE SPECIFIED BY YOU FOR THREE SIMPLE REASONS. THEY ARE BEAUTIFUL, SUSTAINABLE AND AVAILABLE FOR IMMEDIATE DELIVERY. We manufacture natural, distinctive products. This helps us meet our obligations to future generations while offering limitless creativity to designers.

Visit youtube.com/vandersandengroup to learn more about our environmental philosophy and sustainable products, or request further information and product samples from our website.

Brick, 533 Morvan Architect, AR Design Studio Project, Four Views, Winchester Photographer, Martin Gardner

Tel: 01954 268075 Email: sales@hoskinsbrick.com

www.vandersandengroup.co.uk Hoskins Brick are the exclusive UK distributors for Vandersanden Bricks.