FC&A August 2019 by Red Hut Media Ltd

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August 19

Issue 114

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Reaching new heights

Safe working conditions

Reduce the risk of balcony fires

SAS International unveils the potential of

How principal designers can influence

Sapphire urges the industry to design

metal ceilings in architecture

safe working at height

in balconies that minimise spread of fire

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Editorial Comment FC&A is a proud supporter of the Chartered Institute of Architectural Technologists.

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Magazine August 2019

Editor Hannah Woodger hannah@crossplatformmedia.co.uk Print & Digital Advertising Sam Ball sam@crossplatformmedia.co.uk Jim Moore jim@crossplatformmedia.co.uk Print Design Manager Jack Witcomb jack@crossplatformmedia.co.uk Digital Design Manager David Perry david@crossplatformmedia.co.uk Production Assistant Philip Coyle philip@crossplatformmedia.co.uk Accounts/Credit Control Jackie Dearman jackie@crossplatformmedia.co.uk Sales Support & Administrator Klare Porter klare@crossplatformmedia.co.uk Managing Director Sam Ball sam@crossplatformmedia.co.uk

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Front cover: How architects and specifiers can reach new heights with metal ceilings. See page 40.

Welcome

to Future Constructor & Architect...

n urban environments, people do not always have access to public parks or natural areas close to home. So, when the industry is forever building ‘up’, the obvious solution is to situate these high-in-demand areas on top of our rooftops. Not only do roof gardens create a place for ultimate relaxation, they also enable wildlife to thrive. To keep these landscapes flourishing, it’s essential to have high performing Sustainable Drainage Systems (SuDS) in place from the outset.Without these, problems can occur later down the line and the gardens won’t receive the benefits. In this issue, FC&A highlights a compelling project, where a series of roof gardens and patios have been sensitively developed by Blackdown Greenroofs, catering to the large number of young families and working parents in the community at The Old Vinyl Factory,West London.Turn to page 13 to find out more. In order to continue to create these much-loved rooftop spaces, it’s important that we consider the fundamentals in the construction process.Working at height has become an increasingly important subject, with the risks endless if best practice is not followed. In this month’s issue, our contributors from HCL Safety and NASC offer their top tips and list the important role of principal designers to influence safe working at height. Elsewhere in this issue, Proteus Facades explores how modern rainscreen cladding materials are helping to bring older buildings into the 21st century, Sapphire Balustrades explains how balcony fires can be avoided by specifying balconies that minimise the spread of fire and SAS International reflects on how architects can reach new heights with metal ceilings. I hope you enjoy this issue. Don’t forget, you can also access all of the magazine’s features, product news and supplier information on FC&A’s user-friendly and engaging website. Fully responsive, the website allows you to read all the latest stories on-the-go either on your phone or tablet. Simply search www.fca-magazine.com.

Hannah

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

Hannah Woodger Editor, Future Constructor & Architect

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Contents

News 10 Industry Updates:

FC&A rounds up this month’s industry news, including awarded contracts, completed projects and much more.

24 Voice of the Industry:

Stephen Allen-Tidy, NASC Health and Safety Advisor, explores how principal designers can infuence safe working at height.

26 Legal & Business:

Matthew Bailey, Divisional Manager, Inspection and Certification, at HCL Safety, offers his top tips to consider before working at height.

Features 22 Build Focus:

Refurb & Retrofit: Simon Gregory, Sales Director at Proteus Facades, explores how modern rainscreen cladding materials are helping architects to bring older buildings into the 21st century.

28 Technical Focus:

Failure to install compliant highway ironwork could lead to costly rework and in the worst-case scenario, dangerous conditions on busy carriageways explains Barry Turner, Technical Manager at Wrekin Products.

30 Virtual Reality:

KI has teamed up with Soluis at its London Headquarters to showcase the latest immersive technology for architecture and design visualisation.

32 Drainage & SuDS:

Alumasc’s Ben Green explains how Sustainable Drainage Systems including green roofs can be part of the climate change solution.

34 Stairs, Lifts

& Balustrades: Balcony fires can largely be avoided by educating residents in fire safety and by designing buildings with balconies that minimise the spread of fire, as Sapphire Balustrades explains.

36 Doors & Windows:

Nick Cowley, Managing Director at leading manufacturing of PVCu windows and doors, Euramax, explains the different ways in which modular building can be used.

42 The Flooring Show Preview:

From the 15th to 17th September, the Harrogate Convention Centre welcomes visitors to the 57th edition of The Flooring Show. Here, FC&A previews the highlights of the event.

Portfolios 13 The Old Vinyl Factory, West London:

A series of roof gardens and patios have been sensitively developed by Blackdown Greenroofs, catering to the large number of young families and working parents in the community at The Old Vinyl Factory,West London.

16 Panorama, Quebec:

ACDF Architecture, a firm recognised for its seamless integration of iconic structures into formidable landscapes, is proud to unveil Panorama, a 30-storey retirement complex on the banks of Rivière des Prairies in SainteDorothée, Quebec.

40 Floors, Walls & Ceilings: John Spicer, Technical Manager at SAS International, discusses how architects and specifiers can reach new heights with metal ceilings.

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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’.

Industry Updates

NEWS

FC&A rounds up the latest industry news

Center Stage

In Brief

In a nod to the ground floor’s original purpose as a Model T showroom, Rockwell Group has created Center Stage, a two-tier, 250-seat flexible live performance space with wood bleacher-style seating as a showcase for WMG’s extensive roster of recording artists. Center Stage can be configured for small or large concerts, as well as for presentations and meetings.

Armstrong ceiling businesses to be acquired by AURELIUS

AURELIUS Equity Opportunities SE & Co. KGaA has announced the signing of binding contracts for its acquisition of the Armstrong ceiling tiles and grids businesses in Austria, Estonia, Germany, Ireland, Italy, Latvia, Lithuania, Portugal, Spain, Turkey and the UK from Knauf International GmbH. The transaction follows Knauf ’s agreement to acquire Armstrong World Industries Inc’s EMEA and Pacific Rim business in 2017. In order for this deal to complete, Knauf is required by the European Commission to sell the businesses Aurelius is acquiring, which consist of two production facilities situated in Team Valley/UK and business operations and sales capabilities across 11 markets.

DV8 Designs to put Southport Market back on the map DV8 Designs has announced that it will partner again with Dawnvale Group, working alongside Sefton Council to transform the historical Southport Market in the popular North West seaside town. Plans are already underway and the project is set to return the site to its former glory and re-establish Southport as a cultural destination for the future. Southport Market sits in the heart of the town’s market district and with the original food hall burning down soon after its grand opening in 1857. The present building is the second version of the design and retains its classic Victorian form. Following on from a major renovation more recently, the new market operation has been in steady decline and so a radical new approach was urgently required.

Submit your news and comments to: hannah@crossplatformmedia.co.uk @fcamagazine

Rockwell Group designs new Warner Music HQ Rockwell Group’s design concept for Warner Music Group’s new headquarters celebrates the record company’s history, its vast catalogue of work, music making, and performance. Bright, contemporary, and concise work spaces span across the five-story main building and an adjoining twostory annex. The contrast of old and new, hard and soft, and warm and cool materials creates a dynamic, futureforward base for WMG’s 800 employees.

Living Room

The Living Room is a coworking space located on the ground floor. Minimal furniture, including lounge seating, communal tables, and bar height seating along the windows accommodates different types of work. Bleached white oak millwork and neutral fabrics with accents of blue and purple create a warm contrast to the building’s original

Personnel BW: Workplace Experts appoints Commercial Director

Key appointments for Muckle LLP’s construction team

BW:Workplace Experts (BW) has announced the appointment of Steve Tucker as Commercial Director. Steve will join newlyappointed Managing Director, Max Steward to collaboratively lead a team as part of BW’s agreed strategy for the growth of the business. Steve joins from a regional contractor, and previous to that spent 5 years with ISG as Senior Commercial Manager. Steve brings with him approximately 18 years of industry experience. Steve is from a practical background, starting his career in the construction industry on site, then moving on to serve an eight-year apprenticeship with a contractor as a traditional quantity surveyor.

The North East’s leading independent law firm for businesses Muckle LLP has promoted specialist Adam Aston to partner and recruited solicitor Sophie Crosby to its growing construction team. Adam, who joined Muckle as a trainee in 2006, advises on a diverse range of regional, national and international construction and engineering projects, as well as regularly running legal workshops and presenting legal updates to the construction industry. Sophie Crosby, a Northumbria University law graduate, joins the firm as a chartered legal executive and qualifies as a solicitor in September.

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New appointment to head Australian operation for NBS Construction giant Stepnell has appointed a new Operations Manager at its south coast offices after a successful year in the region. With more than 20 years of experience in the construction industry, Steve Higgins has joined the team to manage all operational construction-based activity for Stepnell’s offices in Southampton and Poole. In his new position, Higgins will be working to gain and maintain strong client relationships, support site teams and contribute towards business development initiatives, particularly through innovation and technology.

Industry Updates

Commissary

WMG’s 110-seat dining area has layers of blue, white, and black materials, concrete, and bold, contemporary, angular white tile. The space’s flexible design accommodates different types of food vendors. A kiosk with sliding doors opens to reveal a bar, which serves coffee in the morning. A large WMG logo is folded across the ceiling and wall above the grab n’ go food kiosk, as well as an artist mural.

Offices

WMG’s seven groups occupy spaces that reflect their individual cultures, creating mini-communities within the building. While each space is unique, they all feature open floor plans, clear sightlines, and a variety of communal spaces. Highlights include:

Warner Bros. Records (Floor 2) – Visitors are greeted by a largescale video wall in the reception area.An artist’s lounge has a plush, residential feel with velvet drape, acoustical fabrics, and kilim rugs.

In Brief

Warner/Chappell (Floors 4 & 5) – A colour palette of black, white, beige and navy and modern furniture will create an elegant environment for the publishing arm of WMG.

Balfour Beatty, working in partnership with Thames Water, has saved over one million plastic bags from landfill by utilising a waste plastic asphalt on a key London cycle lane in Stratford, through the Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park. For the first time on a UK cycle lane, traditional asphalt has been replaced with a greener alternative.The new material uses waste plastic which would otherwise have gone to landfill or incineration to replace part of the bitumen used in asphalt production. Provided by MacRebur, the new material is more flexible and adaptable under temperature changes which reduces the chances of cracking and potholes forming over time.

Atlantic (Floor 3) – The space features custom dyed rope installations behind the reception desk and stage.All furniture is completely custom with custom fabrics and lighting.A stage at the back of the space for their artists to perform. ADA & WEA (Floor 1) – ADA and WEA, which share the 1st floor (with Rhino), will have a similar palette of dark wood, white, black and grey, with pops of colour.

Balfour Beatty’s innovative approach to sustainability

catalogue of recordings from the 20th century. The office features a custom vinyl display wall designed by Rockwell Group.

TODD Architects to transform shopping centre car park

Rooftop

Niches create a park-like outdoor retreat with pathways that encourage people to meander. Covered terraces create more private areas for meetings and gatherings. Rockwell Group created custom outdoor furniture for the space.

Rhino (Floor 1) – A colourful and playful, midcentury influenced space reflects Rhino’s artist back

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poured concrete flooring. Clean, graphic black lighting punctuates the design. Center Stage’s bleacher seating leads people to the mezzanine level of the Living Room, which features more seating as well as a pool table, a ping pong table, and other games.

Trending on Twitter #HS2

“So a scheme that would actually help loads of people is being delayed by one that won’t #HS2 - West Midlands Metro extension ‘delayed by HS2'” – @frances_cutler “The unbelievably lightweight Grant Shapps is saying he wants a review into #HS2 to ensure that the taxpayers’ interests are safeguarded. This against the background of billions being poured into #NoDealBrexit measures.” – @DavidHeadViews

“#HS2 What do Balfour B and others know that the public don’t? The big construction companies have always supported the Tories and I would bet they have been given the heads up on the non future of HS2” – @NTI26637228 “It says a lot about #HS2 if contractors are not interested in bidding for contracts to build the line” – @Rakeend

TODD Architects has submitted plans to redevelop an underused car park above a shopping centre in Waltham Cross, Hertfordshire, into 119 apartments.Totalling approximately 8800m2, the mix of one- and two-bed units, alongside a number of three-bed family homes, will sit above The Pavilions Shopping Centre in the heart of the town.The homes will be contained in two blocks connected by exterior walkways, with internal amenity space and a landscaped roof terrace and garden, accessible to all residents.

GRAHAM wins British Museum contract “@grantshapps California’s high speed train to nowhere. So many parallels with #HS2. Broken promises, huge cost overrun, delay, bosses keep changing. Contractor problems. Descoped. Money running out. Unlikely to be completed” – @HS2theTruth

GRAHAM has won the contract to build the new research and storage facility for the British Museum.The facility will be a partnership with the University of Reading and will be located in Shinfield,Wokingham.The 16,000m2 new-build facility will adjoin the University’s Thames Valley Science Park and house ancient artefacts from the museum’s Archaeological Research Collection, including ancient sculptures, mosaics, archaeological assemblages and historic cast collections. Many of the objects will be moved from the museum’s current storage site at Blythe House in London, which is due to close in 2023.

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The Old Vinyl Factory, West London

A haven of calm and tranquillity A place that seeks to find the perfect balance between work and relaxation, The Old Vinyl Factory is home to a large, young community and provides them with commercial and leisure facilities, restaurants, shops, cafes and bars.

ut this isnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t all. Far above the ground, a series of roof gardens and patios have also been sensitively developed by Blackdown Greenroofs, an Alumasc company, catering to the large number of young families and working parents in the community, while ensuring that more Sustainable Drainage Systems (SuDS) are put in place for the good of the wider environment. The core aim of SuDS is to manage rainfall in a way as similar to the natural process as possible, making use of landscape and vegetation to control the volume and flow of surface water.

The Old Vinyl Factory is home to a large, young community

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The Old Vinyl Factory, West London

The Old Vinyl Factory is a special place with an incredible architectural, cultural and industrial history

Encouraging local natural wildlife and aiding biodiversity, the gardens are not only there for the benefit of the residents

The Material Store is one of two sites owned by Hub Group at the Old Vinyl Factory, the other being Boiler House

It’s now mandatory in Wales that all new developments of more than one dwelling or where the construction area is 100m2 or more should feature SuDS.The rest of the UK may not be far behind in the race to meet our crucial Climate Change Challenge target. To achieve this and more, Blackdown Greenroofs installed an intensive green roof, and integrated bespoke intensive planters containing a variety of wildflowers, sedums and shrubs, alongside paved areas, benches and decking. An intensive green roof features a substrate of increased depth, so that planting can be similar to that on the ground: planters, lawns, trees and shrubs all have a healthy home here.

The four main blocks that constitute the development rise above a central podium area, hiding their private oasis from the general public. A haven of calm and tranquillity, each space is designed around the idea of extending indoor living space into the outdoors. Each garden features seating areas and places perfect for picnicking. Small trees and shrubs provide privacy, while playground apparatus set in specially designed areas complete the area. Rob Beswick at B D Landscape Architects, who designed the space, said: “I have been really impressed with the completed development. The podium

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landscape and roof terraces are well installed and it’s great to see a project where the quality of the soft landscape hasn’t been compromised.” Having a recreational green area is a huge and often rare benefit to urban and city dwellers, who may not have access to nearby public parks or natural areas close to home, leading to the vast majority of time being spent indoors, or travelling up to an hour to reach day trip destinations. Research has shown that those who regularly spend time in a natural environment have improved mental, emotional and physical health, as just having regular access to a safe outside space encourages social interaction

The Old Vinyl Factory, West London Blackdown Greenroofs installed an intensive green roof, and integrated bespoke intensive planters

A haven of calm and tranquillity, each space is designed around the idea of extending indoor living space into the outdoors

to ensure the gardens’ longevity and that this area in particular doesn’t flood, keeping it safe and useable for young children. The green roofs have the added insulation benefits of absorbing sunlight and heat, helping to keep the interior spaces below cool in the summer and warmer in the winter. Meanwhile, vegetation and soil substrate absorb excess water from heavy rainfall events, helping to prevent flooding and extend the life of the waterproofing membranes beneath. With providing the utmost health and safety in mind, gates and fencing were also installed, all using specialist fixing methods to ensure the integrity of the waterproofing membrane below the green roof was not compromised.

Blackdown Greenroofs is part of Alumasc and is a specialist in supply, installation and maintenance of green roof systems, balcony finishes and podium landscaping solutions. Alumasc Roofing offers an unrivalled choice of waterproofing and green roof systems, suitable for every roofing application for both new build and refurbishment projects. With BBA certified systems, technical expertise and full warranty packages, Alumasc ensures engineered solutions are available for projects of any scale.

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and physical exercise – both things that can reduce stress, improve mood and attention and even raise productivity at work. Encouraging local natural wildlife and aiding biodiversity, the gardens are not only there for the benefit of the residents. Planted with various carbon absorbing plants and bee-friendly flowers, they ensure that the green space, that may have occupied the plot at ground level, is replaced, ensuring local wildlife and biodiversity have a future here. The children’s play area includes large pebble seats, model bears, large 3D resin play models and active play equipment. Permanent irrigation systems are installed

www.blackdown.co.uk

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Panorama, Quebec Panorama is a 30-storey retirement complex on the banks of Rivière des Prairies in Sainte-Dorothée, Quebec

Rising to the challenge Panorama is a balanced beacon of sophisticated architecture and performance criteria.

CDF Architecture, a firm recognised for its seamless integration of iconic structures into formidable landscapes, is proud to unveil Panorama, a 30-storey retirement complex on the banks of Rivière des Prairies in Sainte-Dorothée, Quebec.

The first of four senior residences being developed in collaboration with Group Sélection, Panorama is a 286-unit retirement complex consisting of three overlapping components, including 206 apartments, 48 condominiums and a 32-room patient care unit integrated into the tower’s two-storey horizontal podium.

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While residents enjoy panoramic views of the adjacent river, and Montreal’s landmark Mont-Royal to the distant south, Panorama is itself a landmark, rising above a landscape otherwise devoid of high-rise buildings. That majestic presence presented a duel challenge for ACDF, who embarked on a mission to build a tower that would respectfully represent the region externally, while ensuring interior affordability, comfort and elegance for its residents.

Panorama, Quebec Panorama is a 286-unit retirement complex consisting of three overlapping components

ACDF’s expertise and optimal construction choices provide Panorama with a balance of optimal building efficiency and elegance

Residents enjoy panoramic views of the adjacent river and Montreal’s landmark Mont-Royal to the distant south

Inside out and outside in

Art through contrast Panorama’s contrasting facade is a visual magnet, transforming simplicity into perceptions of a three-dimensional tower. The building’s east and west facades,

composed of precast concrete panels in three different shades, create a sense of movement through staggered window positioning from one floor to another. With the addition of contrasted lateral panels, the tower invokes a visual interpretation of a cloudy sky hanging above the landscape. To the north and south, Panorama is marked by linear balconies, concrete panelling and darkened windows, providing further contrast to the clear windows of the east and west facades.

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“With visibility comes responsibility,” explains Maxime Frappier. “The challenge was to build an eye-catching signature tower through a quiet approach in terms of massing, financial structuring and architectural strategies.”

Wrapped in anthracite granite, Panorama is anchored by a two-storey podium steeped in comfort and amenities. The podium houses a generous offering of common spaces and activities, including a pool, a spa, a gym, a yoga classroom, a bowling alley, a golf simulator, a pétanque terrain, a coffee shop, a library, a kid’s room and common and private dining areas. From large gathering spaces facing outward towards the river, to intimate café settings focused on Panorama’s interior courtyard, the common spaces are designed to ensure that all residents can find a space for the time of day or the emotion that they are experiencing.

Panorama, Quebec The walls separating Panorama’s common spaces include six feet of glass partitioning, providing both a sense of containment and an open window on adjacent spaces. Rich materials and floorto-ceiling windows add contemporary touches within the podium, while soft fabrics and carefully selected furnishings address the needs and well-being of the building’s residents. As opposed to Panorama’s exterior focus on contrasts, the tower’s interior was organised and designed around the concept of seamless flow, and creating connections between the building’s tenants to encourage a break away from solitude. Accessible and unpretentious, its rounded corners and soft fluidity provide stark architectural contrasts to the tower’s sharp, rectangular appearance. A horizontal, double-height atrium serves as the podium’s gateway, where a theme of natural elements pay homage to the surrounding landscape. Natural wood flows from the ceiling into the walls, while organic shapes, two-tone stones, gradient carpeting and blue velvet drapes harmonise with the adjacent river and shoreline.

One plus one

The tower’s interior was organized and designed around the concept of seamless flow

The podium houses a generous offering of common spaces and activities, including a pool, a spa, a gym and a yoga classroom

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Standard in size, yet well-designed and equipped, Panorama’s apartments embrace the global trend of ‘Plus One’, which focuses on a building’s common spaces, amenities and surrounding environment as significant value-added enhancements to its private living spaces. By ensuring affordable rent and a huge ‘plus one’, ACDF’s expertise and optimal construction choices provide Panorama with a balance of optimal building efficiency and elegance. The third and most delicate of Panorama’s components, the 32-room care unit incorporates small design shifts that deliver enormous well-being impacts. As opposed to traditional institutional layouts, Panorama’s care unit features a looped circuit that allows for perpetual forward movement, as opposed to the finality of dead-end linear corridors. Built horizontally across two floors and ringing the podium courtyard, the care unit is infused with substantial natural lighting courtesy of expansive windows and via the courtyard below. “We wanted to avoid the trap of institutional designs and, with Panorama, we have built a warm and welcoming environment for autonomous, sophisticated seniors,” says Frappier.

The common spaces are designed to ensure that all residents can find a space for the time of day or the emotion that they are experiencing

www.acdf.ca

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Roofing, Cladding & Insulation

The updated, massive, glazed entrance atrium incorporates feature walls – including inset doors – faced with horizontal copper panels

Inside and out with Nordic Copper

A strong, decorative approach to copper cladding for both internal and external surfaces – combining three different Nordic Copper products from Aurubis – defines the redevelopment of Onslow House, a prominent commercial headquarters building in the heart of Guildford.

esigned by architecture firm AWW, interior design and external alterations sought to add value to letting space and bring the 90,600ft2 building up to date.The updated, massive, glazed entrance atrium incorporates feature walls – including inset doors – faced with horizontal copper panels, alternating in three different surfaces: Nordic Standard bright ‘mill finish’, Nordic Brown Light and Nordic Brown pre-oxidised copper.The Nordic Brown range offers lighter or darker colour shades determined by the thickness of oxide layer.

Continuity with diversity

Structural columns are similarly enwrapped with alternating finish copper bands and the copper detailing is even continued into elements of bespoke furniture.The internal copper cladding had a post-lacquer finish applied to arrest further oxidisation, so retaining the three colours and protecting the surface.This creates a reflective surface, mirroring and enhancing the lightness of the atrium space.

The same horizontal copper panel composition of three surfaces continues past the external glazing to the outside. Here, the building’s entrance has been transformed with new copper-clad canopies to create a strong, easily recognised identity, with minimal work to the existing building envelope. Fabrication and installation of the Nordic Copper panels was carried out by specialist CGL Facades.

Surface development

Externally, the copper has not received a lacquer finish, as AWW explains:“We consider copper’s natural surface development outside, reflecting the local environment, to be one of the material’s key attributes.An attractive, gradual weathering and softening of the differentiation between the three Nordic Copper surfaces on the canopies has already begun – and will continue over time – as we anticipated.” Modern factory-applied surface treatments can provide straightaway oxidisation and patination of copper surfaces to a selected level. Essentially, they bring forward the

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The building’s entrance has been transformed with new copper-clad canopies to create a strong, easily recognised identity

environmental changes without taking away the integrity of copper as a natural, living material. They form an integral part of the copper and are not coatings or paint, and on-going changes will continue over time depending on the local environment. In addition to Nordic Standard and Nordic Brown, extensive Nordic Green, Nordic Blue and Nordic Turquoise ranges have been developed with properties and colours based on the same brochantite mineralogy found in natural patinas all over the world. Nordic Copper alloys include Nordic Brass – which can also be supplied pre-weathered – and Nordic Bronze, an alloy of copper and tin initially with a similar colour to Nordic Standard, which gradually changes to a stable, dark chocolate brown.The innovative Nordic Royal, an alloy of copper with aluminium and zinc, enjoys a rich golden through-colour which remains very stable. 8 www.nordiccopper.com * g.bell@aurubis.com ( 01875

812144

Discover Discover Nordic Copper Nordic Copper for Architecture for Architecture Copper: Nordic Blue Living 1, Project: Royal Academy of Music, London Architects: Ian Ritchie Architects, Photo: Adam Scott

Copper: Nordic Blue Living 1, Project: Royal Academy of Music, London Architects: Ian Ritchie Architects, Photo: Adam Scott

Architectural Copper Surfaces and Alloys Copper is a constantly evolving, natural and durable material with an indefinite design-life. It is fully recyclable, safe to use, non-combustible and requires no maintenance. Nordic Copper is an impressive portfolio of surfaces and alloys for architecture, including Nordic Brown pre-oxidised copper. The Nordic Blue, Nordic Green and Nordic Turquoise pre-patinated ranges share properties and colours based on the same brochantite mineralogy found in natural patinas. Alongside Architectural Copper Surfaces and Alloys traditional Bronze and Nordic Brassand alloys, the innovative Nordic retains its rich golden colour over time.safe Nordic Copper offers limitlessand possibilities Copper is aNordic constantly evolving, natural durable material with an Royal indefinite design-life. It is fully recyclable, to use, non-combustible requires for no innovative contemporary architectural and interior design. Discover Nordic Copper now. maintenance. Nordic Copper is an impressive portfolio of surfaces and alloys for architecture, including Nordic Brown pre-oxidised copper. The Nordic Blue, Nordic Green and Nordic Turquoise pre-patinated ranges share properties and colours based on the same brochantite mineralogy found in natural patinas. Alongside traditional Nordic Bronze and Nordic Brass alloys, the innovative Nordic Royal retains its rich golden colour over time. Nordic Copper offers limitless possibilities for innovative contemporary architectural and interior design. Discover Nordic Copper now.

NordicCopper.com g.bell@aurubis.com

Build Focus: Refurb & Retrofit The round holes of the perforated panels creates a contrast with the right angles of the surrounding cityscape

Fresh facades that make history Simon Gregory, Sales Director at Proteus Facades, explores how modern rainscreen cladding materials are helping architects to bring older buildings into the 21st century.

he enduring appeal of rainscreen cladding panels is due to a number of factors including increased choice of materials and finishes, hanging systems that make installation easier and advances in bespoke manufacturing capabilities that result in shorter schedules on site. It is a fact not lost on many that rainscreen cladding works particularly well when fitted alongside older structures. When combined with perforated, coloured, ceramic or any of the other multitude of finishes it can set off an existing building to great effect. There are many existing buildings in the UK that are in need of an upgrade, with architects tasked with repurposing them in order to create a design that appeals to a new generation of owners or occupiers, whilst still retaining elements of its heritage. With the advances that have been made in external facades over recent years

however, architects can give old buildings a completely new appearance through over-cladding or erecting new structures alongside. More often than not, rainscreen cladding materials that offer some historical context are specified so that even if contrasting colours or materials are used, the building still manages to retain a link to the past – with copper being a good example. In fact, having been used on buildings for centuries copper is proving extremely popular for regeneration projects. Take the refurbishment of Spanish City in Whitley Bay for example.

Magnificent facades Spanish City is a collection of grade II Listed, Edwardian seaside pleasure buildings with a Renaissance-style frontage, and outdoor social spaces. Built in 1910, the iconic structure, which once included a concert hall, restaurant, tea room, ballroom and funfair, attracted thousands

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of people from across the UK until it fell into disrepair in the 1970s. Although the building closed in 2002, it has remained a local beacon and so became the focal point of North Tyneside Council’s £36m seafront masterplan, undergoing a £10m restoration and regeneration to bring it back to its former glory. As a listed building protected by English Heritage, it was essential that the redesign by ADP architects retained as many of the building’s original features as possible, including the copper Terpsichorean female figures or ‘dancing ladies’, which were restored and positioned on top of two redeveloped Cupolas. Alongside this was the addition of a bold new extension featuring Proteus SC perforated TECU Patina. ADP Architects specified our TECU Patina for Spanish City, a copper material that features the natural green patina from the outset, as it created a beautiful aesthetic that is distinct and contrasts with the white of the original structure, whilst still complementing the ‘old’ copper finish of the dancing ladies. The homogenous pattern featured on the perforated cladding covers the entirety of the facade on the new extension, making it difficult to discern the position of the different floors and giving the structure a monolithic, colourful presence that is able hold its own against the imposing white dome on the original building. A design which was applauded by the judges when ADP architects secured a RIBA North East Award 2019.

Build Focus: Refurb & Retrofit The homogenous pattern featured on the perforated cladding covers the entirety of the facade on the new extension

The perforated copper cladding panels were fixed over extensive glazed areas at Spanish City, so both sides were visible by people inside the building and those outside

Working with ADP architects, we devised a rear supporting aluminium PPC framing system that was discrete and avoided having to increase the thickness – and cost – of the copper material.The outcome was that it enabled the panels to be designed to meet the maximum optimisation of material, whilst meeting the challenging geometry of the project – the perforated cladding was over large glazed areas, meaning people could see outside from inside and vice versa.That meant the supporting framework could not interrupt the sightlines. After more than two years of redevelopment work by the Robertson Group the magnificent building is back to its former glory, transformed into an impressive mixeduse leisure venue that once again acts as a hub for tourists and members of the community.

The natural green patina creates a beautiful aesthetic that is distinct and contrasts with the white of the original structure

Keeping the contrast

In fact only four rooms have walls in a square format, every other space is curved or a polygon, including the impressive rotunda which the panels were designed to meet. The perforated copper cladding panels were fixed over extensive glazed areas at Spanish City, so both sides were visible by people inside the building and those outside.This presented an engineering challenge because the architects envisaged large perforated panels due to the sheer size of the facade (larger cladding panels on large facades can look more visually striking), which can require thicker gauge metal.

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The redevelopment project was also named winner of the Tourism and Leisure category at the RICS Awards 2019 for the North East. RICS judges said the regeneration of Spanish City has brought the heart back to Whitley Bay, transforming a declining waterfront building into a shining beacon of hope and prosperity. As well as a juxtaposition of colour, the round holes of the perforated panels also creates a contrast with the right angles of the surrounding cityscape, whilst mirroring the internal layout as a defining feature of the building is its extremely complex geometry.

Spanish City shows that advances in rainscreen cladding materials enable architectural designers to satisfy our desire to retain culturally significant spaces, yet still create buildings that inspire the next generation of people that use them. By combining old and new, Spanish City remains an iconic part of Whitley Bay’s heritage and a striking example of how contrasting architectural styles and materials can work together. Proteus Facades offers a wide range of TECU copper and copper alloys in the UK. This includes TECU Copper,TECU Bronze, TECU Brass,TECU Gold, and TECU Zinn. Some of these materials are also available pre-patinated, which bypasses the gradual weathering process, so that the cladding panels take on the beautiful earth tones from the day the facade is installed.

www.proteusfacades.com

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Voice of the Industry

How can principal designers influence safe working at height? Working unsafely at height can lead to serious harm, both to an individual employee and on a reputational level to a company. It is therefore essential that projects are managed as safely as possible. Stephen Allen-Tidy, NASC Health and Safety Advisor, explores further. The principal designerâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s role in removing and reducing hazards on site should not be overlooked

Stephen Allen-Tidy, NASC Health and Safety Advisor, is a certified member of the Institution of Occupational Safety and Health (IOSH). He has 16 yearsâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; experience of working in the construction industry and provided guidance to principal contractors, developers and clients.

hen working at height is required, hazards are sadly inevitable. However, steps can be taken to eliminate, reduce and control them. Of course, the best way to ensure a hazard does not lead to an incident and injury is to remove the hazard altogether at design stage. Failing that, the hazard should be reduced and controlled throughout the lifetime of the project. This hazard reduction is usually the responsibility of the principal designer and their team.

Design out The purpose of the Construction (Design and Management) Regulations 2015 (CDM 2015) is to design out hazards wherever possible at the design and planning stage of a project. As such, principal designers have a duty under CDM 2015 to make their client aware of what is required by the legislation, taking into account their level of knowledge and experience of the type of project being undertaken. This could involve the principal designer assisting in developing a clientâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s brief with key requirements and expectations for the project, including any limitations or restrictions such as health and safety expectations, highlighting safety in design and the use of risk registers, all of which are key at the planning stage of any project. In some cases, clients have chosen to appoint the principal designer to work with the architect at the design stage, enabling hazards to be designed out or reduced with planned for controls to prevent injury throughout the lifetime of the project. It is at this stage the principal designer can have a significant impact on the design by reminding the architect and the client of their health and safety duties.

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Voice of the Industry When working at height is required, hazards are inevitable, however steps can be taken to eliminate, reduce and control them

The principal designer can also advise the client to stipulate the need to use specialist contractors for working at height such as those that make up the Access Industry Forum (AIF), formed of organisations who specialise in working at height of which the NASC is a member. In the event that the principal designer and the principal contractor have already been appointed, and the project is at its design or pre-construction stage, the principal designer can include the principal contractor or their specialist working at height contractors into the design team as soon as possible. Doing so will enable the design team to identify working at height hazards, and design them out for each stage of the project where scaffold or other specialist equipment maybe required. The early engagement of specialist contractors will prevent incidents and will add further benefits in savings in construction time and costs for each project.

Ongoing hazard management

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The early engagement of specialist contractors will prevent incidents and will add further benefits in savings in construction time

The other key role of the principal designer is to develop and update the Design Safety Hazard Register by arranging Design Safety Review meetings throughout the planning and construction phase to identify, eliminate and control significant risks, thereby ensuring designers meet their duties. The principal designer should make the client aware of these hazards and the means to eliminate, reduce or control them. The Design Safety Hazard Register and Design Safety Reviews will assist the principal designer in helping the client understand their duties under CDM 2015, that to ignore advice being given can result in the client being held responsible if an incident were to take place from a hazard identified in the Design Safety Hazard Register. Decisions not to carry out recommendations given in the Design Safety Hazard Register can be traced back, in the event that a serious incident was caused by design, years after the project’s completion. Needless to say, the principal designer has a key role within all projects ranging from day to day maintenance term contracts through to civil engineering projects and new builds that are all subject to CDM 2015. The principal designer’s role in removing and reducing hazards on site should not be overlooked. It is their input at both design stage and throughout the construction phase that will best ensure serious incidents – those that can result in fatalities and/or long-term commercial reputation harm – are avoided.

www.nasc.org.uk

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Legal & Business It is vital to recognise that a ‘one-sizefits-all’ approach will often not improve employee wellbeing or safety

Matthew Bailey has been assisting in the delivery of HCL Safety’s wide range of fall protection solutions for last seven years. For the last two years, he has been HCL Safety’s Divisional Manager for Inspection and Certification, focusing on the annually required inspections of height safety equipment across the UK for HCL’s clients.

Top tips to consider before working at height Matthew Bailey, Divisional Manager, Inspection and Certification, at HCL Safety, offers his top tips to consider before working at height, and explains why professional inspection and certification can contribute to safer working.

check whether all relevant certification is in place.This is essential.Annual inspections and formal checks should also be carried out by third party suppliers (such as HCL safety) on a regular basis.

Pay attention to legislation

Mitigate the risks

There are many ways to mitigate these risks but first and foremost, they must be implemented from a deep understanding of all relevant legislation. Doing so will not only help to mitigate potential risks but help ensure that those responsible for the safety of those that work in height are acting in accordance with HSE guidance.The HSE states, for example, that those in control of any work at height activity must make sure that work is properly planned, supervised and carried out by competent people.

Follow the hierarchy of control for working at height which means, if at all possible, eliminate the risk entirely. If it’s unavoidable, then select collective measures to help prevent falls (such as guardrails and working platforms). If this isn’t possible, then minimise the distance and consequences of a fall by working in fall restraint.Working in fall arrest should be a last resort.

Always carry out a comprehensive pre-use inspection Those that work at height who have received quality training will be competent and wellequipped to carry out a thorough pre-use inspection of all equipment before any work at height takes place.They will also be able to

Select the right equipment for the right job For work to be carried out safely and efficiently, the absolute right equipment for the job must be in place, whether that be permanent or temporary guardrails, fall restraint or fall arrest equipment.All equipment must also be compatible with each other, such as PPE and engineered systems. It is vital to recognise that a ‘one-size-fits-all’ approach will often not improve employee wellbeing or safety.

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Make sure it’s high quality All equipment used should be designed and manufactured in compliance with essential health and safety requirements. Achieve peace of mind that this is the case by partnering with a quality, reputable manufacturer and choose equipment based on the job at hand: Can it be done from ground level? What space is available? What are the risks? Asking pertinent questions will help when selecting equipment and ultimately, help mitigate risks.

Have a rescue plan in place Importantly, when working within fall arrest, together with all relevant PPE, a rescue plan, in accordance with section seven of the Working at Height Regulations 2005, must be in place. It is not just the responsibility of the emergency services. Furthermore, any delay in the emergency services arriving on site could be critical for the worker. Assistance in the development and implementation of a comprehensive rescue plan is a typical byproduct of top-quality training.

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he potential risks associated with working at height are plain to see, but thorough preparation and close attention to detail has and will continue to help reduce this figure.

www.hclsafety.com

It takes a long time to create perfection.

Once in a while a product comes along and changes everything, from the way itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s crafted to the way it works. Products are often copied and many are great ideas that never really see true success in their application. Many years are spent searching for a product that will ultimately surpass expectations, stand the test of time and become recognised as the leader in its field. We created one of those successful products nearly two decades ago and still today it has never been equalled. Why? Because we have never compromised on quality.

UNIFOLDÂŽ Unrivalled excellence in gutter lining technology. Find this issue plus much more on the fc&a app and fca-magazine.com www.gutterliners.com

Technical Focus Failure to install compliant highway ironwork could lead to costly rework and in the worst-case scenario, dangerous conditions on busy carriageways

Don’t assume HA104/09 compliance Failure to install compliant highway ironwork could lead to costly rework and in the worst-case scenario, dangerous conditions on busy carriageways. Barry Turner, Technical Manager at Wrekin Products and Chairman of the BSi BSEN124 Standard committee, discusses the dangers of assuming highway ironwork meets HA104/09 and the best practice to guarantee that it does.

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’m commonly approached by highways authorities and civil engineering contractors to ask about manhole cover compliance with HA104/09. Highways England issued the advice note which outlines the procedures and materials that they believe provide the best performance from road chamber top and gully top installations on trunk roads and motorways. However, it’s clear that there is still some confusion about which covers do and don’t comply, and, when in doubt, how to check for their conformance.As this is a safety-critical product area, there is no room for uncertainty. I strongly believe that if compliance to HA104/09 is specified, it is ultimately the responsibility of the authority or contractor to be 100% sure that the product chosen meets the required criteria. I would encourage independent checking to provide total reassurance.

Technical Focus So, how can you be sure of cover compliance to HA104/09?

600 X 600 X 150MM HIGHWAY FRAME EXPLODED

WREKIN PRODUCTS HA104 09 COMPLIANT FRAME VS NORMAL EN 124 FRAME

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There are several requirements demanded of HA104/09 compliant products. One of the key ones relates to the bearing pressure of the manhole cover frame. This normally means the underside area of the frame flange is greater than that of products that just comply to EN124. This is because HA104/09 is seeking to reduce damaging compression forces on bedding materials. Reducing the bedding stress helps in addressing the fact that failure in the bedding material has been proven to be one of the main factors contributing to poor performance of chamber top and gully top installations. To check the intended manhole cover bearing pressure calculation yourself, you need to divide the BS EN124 test load in Newtons (for D400 that’s 400,000) by the underside flange area in mm2.The resultant bearing pressure should be less than or equal to 2.1N/mm2. Your manufacturer should be happy to supply its calculations or to give you the figures to enable you to do the maths for yourself. Looking at other ways of checking if manhole covers comply to HA104/09, a few simple measurements help. Flange width should be between 50mm and 120mm and must be at least 5mm in thickness. Frame Flange Gussets should conform to BS7903, which means they should be, ostensibly, triangular in shape. Additionally, BS7903 also states: ‘Access covers & gully gratings are advised under the BS7903 recommendations to have a depth of insertion (depth of cover/grating immediately adjacent to the frame) of not less than 80mm.’ Further recommendations are that manhole covers installed in trunk roads and motorways should have a 150mm deep frame and, to pay important regard to the health and safety of maintenance operatives, any frames weighing more than 15kg must have provisions to allow balanced lifting. There are many other design considerations covered by the HA104/09 Advice Note, but the ones described here are the easiest to check for yourself and provide a good indication of likely compliance. It’s clear that the risk of installing uncompliant highway ironwork is not worth the potential consequences, from the negative financial implications to the reduced safety of road users. Through a simple calculation, as well as using highway ironwork from a reputable manufacturer with a proven track record of excellence, authorities and contractors can guarantee compliance with HA104/09 and a highperformance installation. We should also bear in mind that although gully gratings are not subject to the same HA104/09 requirements as manhole covers, they are subject to exactly the same traffic. Hence, there is a strong argument that they should also adopt similar HA104/09conforming characteristics in order to minimise the likelihood of premature service failure.

600 X 600 X 150 HIGHWAY DTRI MHC

www.wrekinproducts.co.uk

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Virtual Reality

Immersive visualisation showcase with KI & Soluis KI has teamed up with Soluis at its London Headquarters to showcase the latest immersive technology for architecture and design visualisation.

oluis CEO Scott Grant presented the latest visualisation techniques that can transport your audience to your future environment, whilst improving work performance and engagement. The short introductory presentation also allowed participants to experience first-hand the potential for immersive visualisation for architecture & design applications via the use of their interactive stations. Virtual and augmented reality (VR and AR, respectively) present architects and their clients with unprecedented opportunities to refine and perfect their projects. From master planning to interior design concepts, the latest visualisation techniques transport viewers into a future environment, allowing improvements to be made before work commences in real life (IRL).This improves outcomes, work performance and client engagement. Immersive viewing is not a gimmick but potentially the difference between misinterpretation and complete alignment on agreed design. By using immersive, interactive digital media deployed into these innovative technologies our industry can bring the future to life, improving understanding and successfully communicating project details for all stakeholders.

For the past 20 years, Soluis has refined a unique, co-ordinated approach to visualisation for architecture and interior design. By using the latest technology, the Soluis team helps architects immerse audiences in designs with a range of interactive solutions allowing them to bring any digital media into real-world views to aid engagement & understanding. Here, they share a few types of visualisation options and how they can enhance architecture today and into the future: The latest games engine technology can be used for high-profile projects for major clients. Cutting-edge VR environments are a more efficient production process for more familiar forms of computer-generated imagery and digital media.This enables designers to walk their audience through a proposed future environment – be it a hotel lobby, a school, a community or city – at any stage of the process to ensure faster, better decision making. Virtual environments are not solely used as representations of future spaces, they also allow for immersive configuration and interactive decision-making tools in the design process. Immersive design configuration gives clients and key stakeholders a life-like experience in proposed spaces, allowing them to virtually perfect a proposed future.

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Users can explore each interpretation of the plans in the present, from fixtures and furnishings, to interior layouts, lighting and colour schemes. They are able to make key, influential decisions on direction and design of the final environment, providing a smooth project timeline and a clear, unified end vision. Whilst VR headsets have their place for solo experiences, there is often the need for more dynamic and shared experiences of spaces. Using AR applications also gives designers the opportunity to present spaces without the need for lots of equipment. Bringing a project to life with “Magic Door” immersive walk-throughs, or overlaying content on table-top interactive floorplans, these presentation assets provide the perfect platform for visual engagement whilst on the move and in groups. Shared immersion allows a group of people to simultaneously experience a virtual environment. Traditional VR is a solitary experience requiring a headset that isolates us from our environment, often making us feel self-conscious and vulnerable. By using a Reality Portal there is no barrier between the person and the experience, or with other people. By using a screen specifically formed to map the form of the human eye, the installation offers a unique central position that aligns the viewer’s perspective with the immersive media being displayed to offer the most compelling and believable simulated reality. The Reality Portal offers the ultimate collaborative review and presentation experience. Whether the aim is to present detailed environments, interactive media or project models, an experiential approach to visual engagement will elevate interaction and deliver new levels of efficiency. This is key during the design process to accelerate audiences’ understanding and improve decision making, with unparalleled levels of clarity.

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Virtual and augmented reality present architects and their clients with unprecedented opportunities to refine and perfect their projects

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STAINED GLASS GOES DIGITAL

Marries traditional styles with new 3D printing techniques. Period influenced contemporary design styles including Georgian, Victorian, Art Nouveau, Art Deco to Modern Digitally printed glass is more cost-effective than using traditional stained glass methods. We can print on toughened, laminated and security-rated glass

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Drainage & SuDS

Green roofs can be simple layers of plant life, purely in place for the positive environmental impact they will have

Rising to meet the challenge Alumasc’s Ben Green, Divisional Marketing Manager (Alumasc WMS & Alumasc Roofing), explains how Sustainable Drainage Systems including green roofs can be part of the climate change solution.

he UK has been challenged with bringing carbon emission levels to zero by 2050. So far, the UK has been a leader in the on-going fight against climate change, and has managed to reduce carbon dioxide emissions by over 40% since 1990 – over a period when the economy also grew by 70%. However, the target is moving – at a pace set by persistent carbon emissions despite the best intentions, and a distinctly ‘start-stop’ approach by the Government so far. But now, the Government’s Committee on Climate Change’s goal is for the UK to reach net-zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2050. An ambitious target, yes. But theoretically achievable if industries across the UK collectively help forge the path forward. So far, it’s power generation that has been responsible for 75% of the reduction in emissions. Construction still has a way to go, especially considering that about 80% of our current building stock will be in use by 2050.

Two solutions that often come up when exploring climate change solutions are regenerating forests and developing green spaces that will absorb CO2 in the atmosphere and finding more efficient ways to use water. Great news: the construction industry can have a direct impact upon this, starting right now.

What can we do to meet the challenge? It’s no secret that there are acres and acres of space high above ground level that, more often than not, sits unused or under utilised. Making the most of this space could be a huge contribution to the climate change challenge we are faced with. Green and blue roofs, as well as specialised waterproofing membranes that have the ability to absorb and neutralise CO2 are examples of the technology of Sustainable Drainage Systems (SuDS) that is ready and available to us now, for exactly this purpose.

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Wales has already taken positive steps in the fight against climate change by making SuDS mandatory on all developments of more than one dwelling or over 100m2. The rest of the UK may not be far behind.

Join the green roof revolution Blackdown Greenroofs, an Alumasc company, specialises in green roofs and a range of bespoke landscaping solutions for roof installation that can provide a natural, CO2 absorbing carpet, with bespoke features. Green roofs can be simple layers of plant life, purely in place for the positive environmental impact they will have such as CO2 absorption, helping to insulate the building below and therefore reducing energy consumption and cost, or for the added mental, physical and emotional health benefits often enjoyed by those who have regular access to green spaces such as roof gardens. This is a real benefit in dense urban environments where green spaces are scarce and people spend many hours indoors, for lack of any outdoor green recreation space. In today’s environmentally conscious society, it should also be acknowledged that green roofs provide vital replacement of animal habitats that have been lost through urban development, through the reintroduction of natural vegetation. In areas with falling bee populations, the introduction of a green roof can be a new natural haven, that can be left human-free, purely for the positive impacts on biodiversity.

Drainage & SuDS

Blue roof systems apply an internationally adopted sustainable drainage technique that can be combined with green roof systems

In to the blue (roof) Blue roof systems apply an internationally adopted sustainable drainage technique that can be combined with green roof systems to create an ideal solution for any project. There can be a blue roof solution for any new build project, from warm to noninsulated. A blue roof drainage outlet works by using specially designed flow restrictors to control the maximum permissible discharge of water, temporarily storing water at roof or basement level. Grey water harvested in this way can be re-used within the building for applications such as air conditioning or toilets after filtering. This results in less water consumption by the building, and less rainwater discharge into sewer systems: both more environmentally friendly and more economical. On large commercial schemes this can also create client cost savings in the £100,000s per annum.

Green roofs provide vital replacement of animal habitats that have been lost through urban development

The carbon question

The olivine grains within the membrane decrease in size with each reaction, however the grains are large enough to last 30 years before having completely reacted. They are 100% recyclable and BBA approved with a life expectancy in excess of 40 years. 1kg of olivine granules have the capacity to neutralise 1.25kg of CO2, meaning over

its lifetime, the average roof fitted with Derbigum Olivine may absorb and neutralise an average cars lifetime’s worth of carbon dioxide.

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Finally, new technology has also now seen the creation of waterproof roofing membranes that have the ability to neutralise CO2. Using a naturally occurring mineral upper layer that neutralises CO2 via an irreversible chemical reaction when it comes into contact with rainfall, Alumasc Derbigum Olivine roofing membranes were developed with the objective of contributing to the on-going challenge that climate change poses.

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Stairs, Lifts & Balustrades The new, post-Grenfell regulations mean there is now a requirement for fireproof construction for all balconies on buildings taller than 18m or on a site boundary

Balconies add architectural interest to the exterior of apartment buildings and give residents a reasonably private ‘outdoor’ space

Designing to minimise balcony fires

A fire starting on an apartment balcony can lead to significant damage to the apartment itself and adjoining units. Balcony fires and their all-too-common outcomes can largely be avoided by educating residents in fire safety and by designing buildings with balconies that minimise the spread of fire.

atest Government regulations on fire safety in residential buildings taller than 18m ban the use of combustible materials in cladding and balconies. The new ban – confirmed in Parliament on 29 November 2018 by the Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government, James Brokenshire – flows from Dame Judith Hackett’s review of the Grenfell tragedy. The ban is not retrospective but it does apply to all buildings where work starts after 21 February 2019. Designing to minimise fire risks in high rise living is a challenge for all designers/ specifiers. Market leading balcony manufacturer, Sapphire, has invested considerable effort in developing balcony products to meet this challenge and dramatically reduce the spread of fire.

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Containing an outbreak

It’s estimated that some 45,000 London apartments have balconies, and with another 450 ‘tall’ residential buildings in the pipeline, balcony numbers are set to grow considerably. Demand for similar apartments in other big cities will raise the total still further. Balconies add architectural interest to the exterior of apartment buildings and give residents a reasonably private ‘outdoor’ space, despite close proximity to neighbours.And while some people might see it as anti-social – even dangerous – behaviour, for others the balcony is the perfect place to enjoy a cigarette or a barbecue.

Safe balcony use

London Fire Brigade has expressed serious concerns about ‘balcony barbecues’ – many of which are sold online and with apparently

Stairs, Lifts & Balustrades

A system designed for safer living: the solution

Sapphire Balconies has pioneered a solution that ticks all these boxes – and more.As a result, if there is a balcony fire – whether caused by a resident’s irresponsible actions or any other event – there is a greater chance of containing the fire and limiting damage. The Sapphire solution stems from ongoing research into fire performance. Sapphire also looks at more precise specifications to restrict the spread of fire and reduce the risk of more extensive damage to buildings and their contents – and the danger to life. Much of Sapphire’s knowledge on this subject is available to architects and developers in a concise and downloadable 15-minute CPD presentation on balcony fires.The advice that Sapphire can offer at the design stage is designed to promote informed choices that balance the demands of safety, aesthetics and economics. It is part of Sapphire’s proactive approach to a problem that might in some cases also damage the reputations of developers and their contractors.

sapphire.eu.com

KEY 01. Traditional balconies: No soffits and timber or WPC decking means that fire spreads quickly above and below the source of the fire

04. Sapphire balconies: Class A rated balconies including soffits and decking minimise the spread of fire and increases safety

02. Fire spreads to the balcony above

05. Smoke damage to balcony above

03. Embers drop to the balcony below

06. Embers contained within the balcony. Not falling onto balcony below

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SAPPHIRE BALCONIES 

The new, post-Grenfell regulations mean there is now a requirement for fireproof construction for all balconies on buildings taller than 18m or on a site boundary. Designers may also choose to apply the stricter regulations to buildings of less than 18m for ‘peace of mind’. The core problem in ‘traditional’ balcony design is the need for a lightweight, bolt-on construction, often with exclusive use of timber for components such as joists, flooring, soffits, railings and privacy screens.All of these increase the risk of fire spread – especially during hot, dry weather. So the real challenge for architects and developers is finding a balcony solution that meets the new standards and minimises the risk of fire spreading – whatever the cause – but without compromising design, complicating construction or increasing costs.

COMPARISON OF BALCONY FIRE SAFETY

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New regulations

Lessons from the past are incorporated in the evolving design of Sapphire’s balcony systems which already promote the use of Class A components to minimise fire risk.The Sapphire Cassette system, for example, has been independently assessed by Dr Gordon Cooke, a chartered civil engineer and fire safety consultant. His view:“The construction can be considered of low fire load.” All Sapphire Cassette system balconies are based on Class A-rated metal joists.The company has for some time recommended the use of aluminium soffits.Aluminium soffits have been shown in practice to reduce the possibility of rising or falling embers affecting balconies above and below a fire. Through specialist decking company MyDek, Sapphire developed a Class A-rated ribbed aluminium decking solution for maximum safety. Sapphire continues to offer Enjura decking options, such as Class B wood plastic composite, for installations where a full Class A rating is not required.Whilst Class B WPC decking does not burn easily, and expert opinion is that fire does not usually spread across floors, even where WPC is allowable below 18m (under the combustible cladding ban), we would still strongly recommend considering the use of Class A decking and soffits. Experts also say that balcony fires are more likely to spread when other combustible materials, such as soft furnishings, are ignited. A balcony fire in Greenwich is believed to have been caused by a cigarette igniting a beanbag seat. In this instance, the fire damaged only a small area of WPC decking – and the aluminium soffits above and below the fire prevented vertical spread. Sapphire says the danger of balcony fires could linger in many existing apartment buildings for many years unless curbed by legislation or widespread replacement projects. Systems such as Sapphire’s Cassette can contribute significantly to a safer lifestyle in buildings now on the drawing board.

TRADITIONAL BALCONIES 

no fire safety guidance.An uncontrolled flare-up from fat could be disastrous in the confines of a balcony. Fire brigade advice is not to barbecue on balconies – and certainly not to leave one to burn out, unattended. But other sources of fire – such as cigarettes and scented candles – can also be dangerous on balconies if used without due caution. In some countries, balcony barbecues are actually illegal but, despite the additional burden they place on fire brigades, the damage they cause to other people’s property and – potentially – their danger to life, there is no such legislation in the United Kingdom.

Doors & Windows Modular builds are an incredibly flexible and fast method of production that can reduce build times by up to 50%

topping the current housing crisis means that in the UK we need to build three million new homes over the next 20 years. As a result, we must embrace a method of manufacturing that is quick, effective and produces highquality results â&#x20AC;&#x201C; modular construction. Modular builds are an incredibly flexible and fast method of production that can reduce build times by up to 50% and the cost of construction by 30%, all while maintaining high levels of quality.There are three main methods in which they can be used.

Kit homes

There is no place like a modular home Here Nick Cowley, Managing Director at the PVCu windows and doors manufacturer, Euramax, explains the different ways in which modular building can be used.

Kit homes are the most basic use of modular builds.This is when home buyers purchase the modules themselves, which can then be installed on the ownerâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s land and allows them to control the location, position and even tilt of the property. Kit homes are generally very small, made of only one or two modules and it is normally up to the owner to wire and connect the module up to the grid. However, the lower price, low wait time and space efficiency of kit homes are proving to be increasingly popular, especially when paired with a Scandinavian or minimalistic aesthetic design.

Modular homes

Modular homes are different from kit homes as they are often larger and are already connected to the grid. Modular homes are quickly shedding the negative connotations of days gone by, which stemmed from the prefabricated builds from the 1940s that, due to the post-war rehousing rush, did not always have the quality home owners desired.

Large projects can extract major savings from using modular builds, while maintaining high levels of quality

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The world leader in timber preservation technology

Fire-X

THE PROVEN LEACH RESISTANT FIRE PROTECTION TREATMENT FOR TIMBER AND SHINGLES ENHANCED PERFORMANCE FOR EXTERIOR TIMBER FOR MORE INFORMATION Visit: www.kopperspc.eu Email: kpc@koppers.eu Call: +44 (0)1628 486644 Fax: +44 (0)1628 476757 Protim Solignum Limited, Fieldhouse Lane Marlow, Buckinghamshire SL7 1LS ™ Protim Solignum Limited trading as Koppers Performance Chemicals. Koppers is a registered Trademark of Koppers Delaware, Inc. Whilst every attempt has been made to ensure the accuracy and reliability of the information contained in this document, Protim Solignum Limited gives no undertaking to that effect and no responsibility can be accepted for reliance on this information. Information will be updated when the need arises. Please ensure you have an up to date copy. All products are produced by independently owned and operated wood processing facilities. All other trademarks are trademarks of their respective owners. Koppers Performance Chemicals, Protim Solignum Limited, Fieldhouse Lane, Marlow, Buckinghamshire, SL7 1LS. Visit: www.kopperspc.eu, Email: kpc@koppers.eu, Call: +44 (0)1628 486644, Fax: +44 (0)1628 476757. Registered in England 3037845. © Copyright 2018.

by Appointment to Her Majesty The Queen Manufacturers Of Wood Preservatives Protim Solignum Ltd Marlow, Buckinghamshire

The world leader in timber preservation technology

Protim

TRIED AND TRUSTED METHOD OF PRESERVING TIMBER AGAINST FUNGAL DECAY AND INSECT ATTACK, FOR INTERNAL AND EXTERNAL TIMBER THE ORIGINAL WOOD PRESERVATIVE AND STILL THE BEST

FOR MORE INFORMATION Visit: www.kopperspc.eu Email: kpc@koppers.eu Call: +44 (0)1628 486644 Fax: +44 (0)1628 476757 Protim Solignum Limited, Fieldhouse Lane Marlow, Buckinghamshire SL7 1LS ™ Protim Solignum Limited trading as Koppers Performance Chemicals. Koppers is a registered Trademark of Koppers Delaware, Inc. Whilst every attempt has been made to ensure the accuracy and reliability of the information contained in this document, Protim Solignum Limited gives no undertaking to that effect and no responsibility can be accepted for reliance on this information. Information will be updated when the need arises. Please ensure you have an up to date copy. All products are produced by independently owned and operated wood processing facilities. All other trademarks are trademarks of their respective owners. Koppers Performance Chemicals, Protim Solignum Limited, Fieldhouse Lane, Marlow, Buckinghamshire, SL7 1LS. Visit: www.kopperspc.eu, Email: kpc@koppers.eu, Call: +44 (0)1628 486644, Fax: +44 (0)1628 476757. Registered in England 3037845. © Copyright 2018.

by Appointment to Her Majesty The Queen Manufacturers Of Wood Preservatives Protim Solignum Ltd Marlow, Buckinghamshire

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Doors & Windows Euramax provides PVCu windows for modular builds in a range of colours and styles

Modern modular builds, on the other hand, uphold a high level of quality and flexibility. Though mass produced they can easily be customised to suit the customer’s preferences. For example, at Euramax we provide our PVCu windows for modular builds in a range of colours and styles, allowing customers to choose exactly what they want. This flexibility doesn’t have to be just for modular homes – modular apartments can benefit from high levels of customisation too. With the scale of the housing crisis concentrating on higher density construction, modular apartment builds could be a central pillar to quickly and effectively house everyone.

Large constructions

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Modular apartment builds could be a central pillar to quickly and effectively house everyone

Large projects can extract major savings from using modular builds, while maintaining high levels of quality. The widely reported 30% cost saving, though already a great figure, doesn’t explain the entire potential of cost reduction. Modular builds also streamline construction processes as fewer processes are completed on site, and with a simpler site there is a lower chance of construction bottlenecks due to equipment breakdown. For large residential projects, because the modules arrive in a near-finished state, move in dates are less likely to be delayed and due to faster build time, there will be more viewable marketing suites earlier on in production. This means that property developers will have more tools to show off their product while also delivering the new home on schedule. Commercial builds, such as hotels, can greatly improve their financial outlook with modular builds too. For example, if a hotel is made using modular building techniques, it has the potential to be ready for use up to 50% faster than traditional construction methods. Meaning for a build that would usually take 12 months to complete, clients could avoid numerous months’ worth of interest payments on loans, while also meaning that they can open their doors earlier. The prospect of quickly manufacturing three million high-quality homes may seem like a daunting task, but modern modular building methods can achieve this level of speed as well as the desired quality. The technique has come a long way since its first use in post-war era Britain and is now on the cutting edge of quality, aesthetic and comfort.

www.euramax.co.uk

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Wire Rope

Stainless Handrails

Frameless Glass

Stand-Offs

Pro-Railing stainless steel handrail component system requires no welding. Simply cut, glue & screw on site to create stunning handrail & balustrades, that will look great for years to come. Whatever the project we have a cost effective solution.

01708 25 35 45 sales@brundle.com www.fhbrundle.co.uk

SETTING THE STANDARD FOR SCAFFOLDING The NASC is the national trade body for access and scaffolding in the UK and has been setting the industry benchmark for nearly 80 years. Our full contracting members are among the best in the business, accounting for the vast majority of the UK’s scaffolding spend – with a total annual turnover in excess of £2 billion – and are independently audited every year. For demonstrably safe, skilled and compliant contractors it has to be NASC. www.nasc.org.uk

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Floors, Walls & Ceilings

For SAS’ Special Projects team, this was a truly collaborative project and one that saw the company deliver 24,000m2 of SAS product

Reach new heights with metal ceilings Metal ceilings are a thing of functional and aesthetic beauty. Offering designers full flexibility – whilst still attaining the necessary fire, thermal, acoustic and light requirements – metal ceilings are quickly becoming the mainstay in modern buildings; from commercial offices to airport terminals, railway stations to shopping centres. John Spicer, Technical Manager at SAS International, explains more.

he malleability of metal means that even the most ambitious of designs can be made a reality. Metal ceilings allow the designer curved, trapezoidal, waveform and even multi-faceted options. Offering cool, sleek designs which can be shaped to reflect, complement or heighten a building’s identity, metal is a go-to ceiling material for developers wanting to put their unique stamp on a project.

Made to measure

Metal ceiling systems can be designed with millimetre increments in terms of tile sizes so this can meet any building modules that a design might be working to. It’s therefore possible to integrate with light fittings, grills and any other services that will go into the ceiling. For example, leading metal ceiling manufacturer SAS International can provide a pre-determined cut-out made in the factory.

This cost-effective solution eliminates the need for cutting on site or alternatively they can help with the integration so it can be cut on site. Many fit-out companies prefer the finished article straight out of the box, so they can simply drop a light into it. In some cases, the lights are already integrated so it will simply be a plug-and-play ceiling system. The biggest challenge occurs when designers push the boundaries with unusual and odd building shapes. This puts the onus on the manufacturer to invent new ways of making a rectangular product fit, such as a curve. They will then have to come up with new ways of achieving this through curved metal panels or faceted panels. Colour is also having a dramatic impact on ceiling design. Changing gloss levels of paints, and different colours are frequently being used to identify certain areas within interior spaces. SAS ceiling systems are typically finished in polyester powder

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coating. However alternative finishes such as anodising, as well as custom effects and more industrial looking finishes are also available to the designer.

Expose those soffits

There is also a big push for open soffits, and feature areas are becoming increasingly attractive.While the grid system remains metal, there are aluminium or mesh tile options and even trends for fabric and wood tiles, as designers become more playful with ceiling design. The days of the conventional ceiling tile are quickly vanishing. It’s now about breaking up areas and playing with the open soffit. In the past, there wouldn’t have been a solution, but SAS Systems often combine with or discretely hide otherwise unsightly M&E services. The open soffit lends itself to activating thermal mass. Baffles and rafts are examples of metal ceiling solutions which expose the concrete soffit to encourage heat absorption. Chilled ceilings have also emerged as an alternative to traditional air conditioning systems and are one of the most efficient ways to cool a building.

Boundary-breaking design

Metal allows architects the freedom to work in a material that offers performance and durability alongside aesthetics. For example, take the petal leaf ceiling in the Foster + Partners designed Bloomberg building – the world’s most sustainable office. The Integrated Ceiling Panels (ICPs) combine acoustics, lighting and ambient temperature control. This played a crucial part in the building achieving a BREEAM Outstanding rating.

Floors, Walls & Ceilings

The stunning petal-shaped ceiling is aesthetically striking and plays a significant part in a building that pushes the boundaries of sustainability

3916 Integrated Ceiling Panels (ICPs) were manufactured and installed with an impressive 2.5 million petals attached to them

Metal allows architects the freedom to work in a material that offers performance and durability alongside aesthetics

The ceiling is a first for the UK, if not globally, and unlikely to be achieved in any other material. Commenting on the project, Foster + Partners’ Michael Jones said: “Without the ceiling, the sustainability wouldn’t be what it is.” With metal ceilings, the design possibilities are endless. There is no limit to the shape, colour, design or concept that can be achieved. By working closely with leading manufacturers such as SAS International, there is an opportunity to turn an ambitious idea into a complete reality.

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Sustainability was an overarching objective for Michael Bloomberg from day one. He insisted on a considerate design from an architectural and performance perspective. For SAS’ Special Projects team – which oversaw the design, manufacture and eventual installation of the scheme onsite – this was a truly collaborative project and one that saw the company deliver 24,000m2 of SAS product. The stunning petal-shaped ceiling is aesthetically striking and plays a significant part in a building that pushes the boundaries of sustainability. In total, 3916 Integrated Ceiling Panels (ICPs) were manufactured and installed with an impressive 2.5 million petals attached to them. In terms of lighting, the role that LED lighting takes is a lesson in efficiency and sustainable design. The ICPs feature 500,000 LED lights and use 40% less energy than a typical office design. Due to the number of LEDs used, they run significantly below maximum output for the required light levels. They are even more efficient when cooled and operate with an increased life expectancy. The cumulative effect is an incredibly efficient design, consuming significantly less energy than is typical in office space. Acoustically, the design of the metal ceiling performs exceptionally well. The slotted petals and the perforations mean that the surface is sufficiently open to allow enough sound to come through to the mineral wool behind. Tested to Class A absorption levels, the ceiling impressively and precisely manages acoustic reverberation across the open plan offices.

www.sasintgroup.com

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The Flooring Show Preview

Visit the Seminar Room just off the Kings Suite this year and sit in on the live talks programme

The UK’s favourite national flooring event is fast approaching. From the 15th to 17th September, the Harrogate Convention Centre welcomes visitors to the 57th edition of The Flooring Show.

his year over 180 exhibitors are preparing for the show and this preview is designed to give you a taster for what you’ll find on offer when you come along. In 2018 over 3000 visitors attended and their feedback confirmed that, even in this online and digital age, you can’t beat the face to face experience that this show has to offer. Of course, the organiser be covering all the latest retail ideas, showing attendees the upcoming consumer and design trends and demonstrating best practice products and finishes – but the key to all of these is putting a face to an email address and talking to the thinkers behind the brands. The Flooring Show is delighted to present over 50 new exhibitors this year, creating more buying opportunities and choice than ever before! As well as all of the fantastic exhibitor stands to spend time on, The Flooring Show also creates some great show features to help inspire and update all of its visitors.

The Trends Hub

Curated by trend forecasting agency Scarlet Opus, the Trends Hub visualises three global consumer and design trends and how they will affect the flooring market. Products and samples from exhibitors are showcased enabling anyone with an interest in design, merchandising and display and how to appeal to different audiences the opportunity to pick up some handy ideas and styling options.

Rooms sets

Over in the Kings Suite, visitors can look at inspiring rooms sets created by industry experts, giving them the opportunity to see what the latest trends look like in one specific area.

Demo zones

Hosted by the CFA, NICF and FITA, the two Demo Zones are bound to draw the crowds. Zone 1 in Hall B will focus on Subfloor and tool demonstrations, whilst Zone 2 in Hall C will present different floor finishes. Both zones will be busy across all three show days.

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Are you on trend?

Pick up some great merchandising and showroom dressing ideas from the show’s roomset display this year.Working closely with trend forecasters Scarlet Opus, the show will present three roomsets reflecting the trends selected by the Scarlet Opus team as most likely to affect the flooring industry in the coming months. Come and take a look to find the ones you think your customers will respond to the most.

Wool Carpet Focus Group

This is the 6th year that the WCFG will be attending the show and it is probably the most important one yet.They are co-exhibiting with the Campaign for Wool in Hall C. With environmental concerns at the top of everyone’s agenda it is hardly surprising that the benefits of wool are being rediscovered!

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Leading flooring show returns to Harrogate

The UK’s high streets are not dying, people still love shops,‘greige’ is not the only colour, the right technology really does free up teams to sell more and a fresh pair of eyes in store might just make the difference to sales. Visit the Seminar Room just off the Kings Suite this year and sit in on the live talks programme – or volunteer to take part in one of the Flooring Forum panels and share views of the industry with peers.Visitors will be able to listen to respected commentators, who can tell them exactly what is happening in town centres up and down the UK, get some tips and advice on how to make new technology work for them, and hear more from their fellow suppliers, retailers and designers about the future of flooring.

www.theflooringshow.com

Don’t just dream of a better home Build one

Discover how at The National Self Build & Renovation Centre The UK’s only Self Build Visitor Centre

www.nsbrc.co.uk J16, M4 - Swindon free entry • free parking • free impartial advice

Roofing, Cladding & Insulation

A Bauderflex system incorporating vapour control layer, 120mm PIR FA-TE insulation and two-layer bitumen waterproofing, with a brown finish was installed

Bauder selected as trusted supplier for facility upgrade

The building was occupied by employees during the works with multiple trades on site

Hexagon Tower is a specialist science and technology facility located in North Manchester. The roofs of the laboratories were experiencing water ingress due to poor original detailing and aged interfaces.

hilst looking to replace the failing roof, the client also wanted to upgrade the insulation to increase the U-value and improve the appearance of the rooftop using a trusted system. Bauder was selected as the supplier due to its comprehensive service offering, which includes a detailed report, bespoke specification, project advice and ongoing inspections to ensure a full system guarantee can be issued. The building was occupied by employees during the works with multiple trades on site. Bauder provided a system and installation methodology, to keep disruption to a minimum for both the employees within the building and the residents of the surrounding areas.The sensitive nature of the work being carried out within the building meant that mechanical and electrical equipment could not be switched off for more than a few hours at a time.

Elements of the existing roof surface were removed, details modified and then a Bauderflex system incorporating vapour control layer, 120mm PIR FA-TE insulation and two-layer bitumen waterproofing, with a brown finish was installed. BBR Roofing installed the system, finishing the roof area with expertly installed complex detailing around columns, windows and the area protected with a new free-standing guard rail. Tom Frankel, Director, IF Building Consultancy was delighted with the finished result. His words to Bauder personally were: “Thank you for making this project as seamless as possible.Your continued support has reaffirmed my position that you are the ‘go to guys’ for flat roofing. A job well done.”

Fact File: Project name: Hexagon Tower Location: Manchester Roof size: 6000m2 Waterproofing system: Bauderflex Client: IF Building Consultancy Roofing contractor: BBR Roofing

8 www.bauder.co.uk ( 0845

271 8800

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Model photography: CreatAR Images

Roofing,Cladding & Insulation

Bradite protects iconic Portmeirion A unique ‘Mediterranean’ village in North Wales is maximising its appeal to tourists while protecting itself from the elements, thanks to Bradite’s specialist paints. Portmeirion was designed by visionary architect Clough Williams-Ellis after the First World War but it really achieved widespread iconic status when it starred as ‘The Village’ in the 1960s psychological thriller The Prisoner. Devotees of the television series and the tourists who have flocked there ever since

will recall the brightly painted buildings in their many pastel hues. Bradite, whose factory is located some 35 miles away at Bethesda, Gwynnedd, has been supplying Portmeirion with specialist coatings for a range of tasks since 2000. Although the Italianate-style buildings were always captured on film in perfect,

sun-drenched conditions, the village’s North Wales location on the Dwyryd River, east of Ceredigion Bay, necessitates year-round, allweather protection. Most recently, a variety of locations have been treated with products from the Bradite catalogue. “The quality of the paint stands up well against the elements” says Portmeirion’s Head Painter and Decorator, Martin Couture.“It is used on the sea wall and is exposed all year round. Clough started off with mineral paint” says Martin, who has helped maintain the village for the past 40 years.“This Bradite paint is the nearest we can get to that, keeping as close to Clough’s vision as possible.” The most recent work has included the sea defence wall, the walls leading back to the village from the swimming pool, the pool itself and the wishing well. The outdoor swimming pool and surround has been protected with Bradite CC24 Chlorinated Rubber in Eggshell finish.The pool surround has been given Bradite’s SA12 LowSlip Aggregate for improved safety. 8 www.bradite.com * info@bradite.com ( 01248

600315

Beautiful table-top balconies: Low maintenance and durable Phoenix Park is a new residential development in Dunstable, Bedfordshire, offering a range of two-, three-, four- and five-bedroom properties. Many of the apartments have ‘table-top’ balconies, constructed in galvanised steel for strength and longevity. Galvanized steel requires a series of additional pre-treatments in order for the final coating to offer full protection for the metal from corrosion and abrasion. The client recognised the advantage of Powdertech Corby’s one-stop-shop service for galvanized mild steel, with galvanizing, fettling, pre-treatment and final coating all handled by the company. Richard Besant, Director at Powdertech Corby, comments: “We worked closely with the client, ensuring that their exacting standards were met at all times. “We use a chrome-free 8-stage silane process with all processes separated in an 11-tank system. De-ionised water rinses separate each of the three critical stages.

Our preparation process also includes specialist ‘degassing’ before powder coating, which forces out any moisture within the zinc layers that could cause pin-holing. This ensures that all surfaces are covered smoothly and evenly.” In total, 30-tonnes of steel – as balcony bases, balustrade and support posts – was fully prepared and powder coated in RAL 9005 satin black, a Valspar/Sherwin Williams powder. The high-quality finish will enable the metal to withstand all weather conditions, maintaining a smooth and attractive appearance and requiring minimal maintenance. 8 www.powdertechcorby.co.uk * pcl@powdertech.co.uk ( 01536

400890

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Doors & Windows

CRL Posiglaze is ideal to align glass panels easily when a handrail is not required in commercial projects

Getting a handle on frameless glass systems

Minimalist, frameless glass creates a modern, clean impression on building exteriors and in interior design, in line with the trend for ‘less is more’ and creating a neat, minimal and uniform design.

iving an uninterrupted view from high-rise buildings and achieving a minimal, visually appealing finish whenever and wherever it is specified, frameless glass systems are very much in demand and many designs now even involve a system that doesn’t require a handrail to meet the legal loading requirements. While the end result unarguably meets expectations in terms of visual impact, this doesn’t reduce the installation challenges involved, particularly when working at height. Tapping into the latest fitting solutions and

getting to grips with how they work and the advantages they offer can pay dividends in the long run. Minimising installation times, helping installers to work more efficiently and putting safety first for the installer and end user, CRL has introduced a selection of new systems due to the demand for frameless, handrail-free design. All three ranges have been tested to BS6180:2011 standards. Ideal for residential projects and small commercial applications, CRL Spig-Lite Pro is a fully adjustable glass balustrade system with a unique clamping design featuring individual spigots that removes the need to

Spig-Lite from CRL is fully adjustable and includes individual spigots that are suitable for smaller commercial and residential projects when a handrail is not required

hold the glass with locking pins.The elongated holes allow for easy adjustment of the glass panels, ensuring the top edge of the glass is equal when a handrail is not required.The system achieves 0.74Kn loading and features individual spigots that raise the glass to 32mm above floor level creating a natural drainage solution that ensures no water can get trapped inside the balcony area. Offering the same level of adjustability thanks to the same clamping system making alignment of glass panels when a handrail is not required a simple process, CRL Posiglaze features a 1m length base shoe that helps achieve up to 1.5kN loading required in larger commercial applications.The system has been designed to be installed without the need of ensuring the fitting surface is totally level. Excellently engineered, Posiglaze is manufactured from extruded aluminium, saving weight yet keeping strength with an anodised finish that increases protection against the elements. Both systems are designed for use with 12mm toughened monolithic to 21.52mm toughened laminated glass and have been tested to BSi standard 6180:2011 for complete peace of mind that safety regulations are being met. A further time-saving, safe solution for installing glass balustrades to a building’s exterior comes in the form of TAPER-LOC. The fastest, easiest way to install glass balustrades with a handrail,TAPER-LOC is a dry-glazed railing system that reduces fitting time by more than 50%.This is due to its unique design that uses precision tension to secure the glass in the aluminium base shoe without the use of cement. Available for toughened laminated and monolithic glass between 12 and 25, 52mm, the system can also be chosen in a range of finishes including satin adonised and brushed nickel. 8 www.crlaurence.co.uk * crl@crlaurence.co.uk ( 01706

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863600

Doors & Windows

Advanced glazing helps new Slimming World HQ achieve healthy energy performance With its newly-extended headquarters in Alfreton, Derbyshire, weight-loss organisation Slimming World wanted to create a landmark building for the brand that would both, provide an ideal working and training space for its people and deliver excellent environmental performance. Glazing plays a key role in the £8.5m scheme, both aesthetically and in terms of its use of energy. At the heart of the building is a large atrium with a full-height glass front elevation and a glazed roof running right to the back of the space. Meanwhile, one of the wings connected by the lobby area features large ‘picture windows’ that deliver views over the facility’s attractive, leafy grounds. Because much of the building’s envelope is glazed, the designers faced the challenge of avoiding the need for an energyintensive climate-control system to create

a comfortable environment for users all-year-round. To solve this challenge, double-glazed units manufactured by Pilkington were used, incorporating Pilkington Suncool 60/31 T solar-control glass and Pilkington Optitherm S1 Plus, a low-emissivity product. The solar-control glass features a state-ofthe-art coating that transmits only 31% of the sun’s energy, while still allowing for 60% light transmittance, so that occupants still get a clear view outward. The low-emissivity glass meanwhile, features a coating that reduces outward

radiation of heat, so that less is allowed to leave the building on colder days. Lee Shaw, Business Development Manager at Pilkington UK, explains: “The combination of products we supplied to this project use advanced coatings cleverly to minimise these two effects, helping to smooth out the peaks and troughs that can lead to uncomfortable temperatures, expensive heating and airconditioning bills and wasted energy.” 8 www.pilkington.com

* pilkington@respond.uk.com ( 01744

692000

Timber doors exceed performance requirements

Added protection where needed from Crittall MW40

Timber fire doors have been given a major safety endorsement after every single one aced stringent fire tests that were ordered by the Ministry of Housing, Communities & Local Government (MHCLG) following London’s Grenfell Tower tragedy. One of the UK’s leading suppliers of timber and construction materials,Arnold Laver, provided a wide range of door sets for furnace testing between October 2018 and March 2019, and they were all found to exceed the minimum burn time requirement of 30-minutes.The testing of 25 timber doors, from Arnold Laver along with other leading industry suppliers, came after it was discovered that many glass reinforced polymer foam filled fire doors were failing the tests after approximately 15 minutes. David Oldfield, Director of Joinery at Arnold Laver, said:“We were confident that all the doors that Arnold Laver submitted would exceed the minimum 30-minute burn time requirement and perform exceptionally well. Fire door safety is of paramount importance to us and these results are a testament to the work that we put into ensuring that our doors are made to the highest standards.”

Crittall’s Corporate MW40 steel windows can be specified where superior air, wind or water resistance and greater sound attenuation are required. Offering the same high-quality appearance as the company’s successful Corporate W20 range, the MW40 variant can accept glass up to twice the thickness as its stable mate. Either double, or triple glazing up to 32mm thick can be installed with a consequent higher level of thermal or sound insulation.This is achieved while retaining the same slender steel profile for which Crittall products are renowned thereby ensuring maximum light ingress. Corporate MW40 features a high performance, double weather seal and is supplied hot dip galvanised, with a low maintenance Duralife polyester powder coating in a range of RAL and BS shades. The windows can be installed with solar control, laminated security or sound control glazing and the window has found favour with architects for both new build and heritage style replacement windows.

8 www.laver.co.uk

8 www.crittall-windows.co.uk

* enquiries@laver.co.uk

* hq@crittall-windows.co.uk

( 0843 382 1920

( 01376 530800

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Doors & Windows

Comar launches the ECO LT window and door systems Designed specifically for the British, market and offering a truly British engineered solution, Comar profiles have thicker walls, providing extra strength and durability. Comar ECO LT is a newly-launched aluminium window and door system designed for the trade and installer market, where a competitive price yet the highest installed performance is required. Sightlines have been minimised whilst not sacrificing product performance. Large sizes come as standard from the same range of profiles. With low U-values, energy ratings of A++ and Document Q compliance with Secured by Design status, this is a feature rich system which guarantees a quality installation. Comar ECO LT is a lightweight version of the ECO range, but the aluminium profiles wall thickness has not been sacrificed, ensuring guaranteed long-term performance. Due to its robust British design, the size and weight limitations surpass the competition on a size-by-size basis.

5P.I ECO LT – Aluminium Window System Comar 5P.i ECO LT Aluminium Casement window system has both internally and externally glazed options. The square chamfered profiles are a distinctive feature of this system, keeping the square look of a truly aluminium solution. 7P.i ECO LT – Aluminium Door System Comar 7P.i ECO LT Aluminium door system has both inward and outward opening options in single or double door combinations. There are two thresholds available; high weather performance and low-rise for seamless balcony terrace integration. Utilising Comar’s trademark P.i. (Polyamide Insulation) thermal break technology, it delivers superior thermal performance with an aesthetic edge.

8 www.comar-alu.co.uk

* projects@parksidegroup.co.uk ( 0208

685 9685

Open up new possibilities with Senior’s aluminium doors

Senior Architectural Systems is helping specifiers get a handle on selecting the most appropriate door system for their project thanks to its recently extended product range and technical support packages. Benefitting from the recent launch of the new PURe Commercial Door, Senior’s largest and strongest door system to date, the manufacturer’s product portfolio includes a wide range of flexible solutions for both residential and commercial contracts. Offering single, double and emergency door systems and a choice of swing, folding sliding, lift and slide and automatic opening options, Senior’s aluminium doors have been designed to offer exceptional aesthetic appeal and excellent performance. * info@sasmail.co.uk

( 01709 772600

8 www.seniorarchitectural.co.uk

Corridors refreshed with Yeoman Shield Wall and Door Protection Yeoman Shield products were chosen as part of the refurbishment of the Northern General Hospital’s Firth C & D floor corridors. Corridor doors were fitted with Yeoman Shield Door Edge Protectors and PVCu clad glazing beads, both in a graphite colour. Contrasting mid grey Door Protection Panels were installed to both sides of the doors where vulnerable architrave and framework were also protected by Yeoman Shield products.Yeoman Shield Guardian Handrails were fitted along the hospital passageways with FalmouthEx Wall Protection Panels below. For more information on Yeoman Shield Wall & Door Protection products suitable for refurbishment projects, visit its website. * sallyann@yeomanshield.com

( 0113 279 5854

8 www.yeomanshield.com

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A warm welcome at the National Army Museum JS Air Curtains has supplied two Zen air curtains for the recently-refurbished National Army Museum in Chelsea, London, to provide a warm welcome to visitors in its reception foyer and gift shop.The air curtains seal the entrances while the doors are open with an invisible barrier of air, preventing cold air entering in the winter and cool air escaping in the summer. The Zen air curtain was selected to architecturally fit in with the design of the interior and, in the case of the foyer, match the colour of the doorway.The Zen air curtain is offered with front and rear panels that can be made in a variety of materials and colours. 8 www.jsaircurtains.com * sales@jsaircurtains.com ( 01903 858656

Image: Comar Chamberlain Comar Architectural Aluminium Systems designs, extrudes and distributes over 700 integrated profiles to a nationwide approved fabricator network for use in aluminium curtain walling, window, door and ground floor treatment applications.

www.comar-alu.co.uk

HVAC

Rinnai hot water: Instant, continuous, limitless and sensibly economic for every type of commercial site.

Continuous flow water heater capable of producing hot water in excess of 820L per hour at a 50°C rise

Rinnai delivers hot water at Scarborough care home Rinnai hot water: instant, continuous, limitless and sensibly economic for every type of commercial site.

innai continuous flow hot water heating units have replaced a vastly oversized, and close to redundant, traditional style of system at the Coombe Hay Care Home in Scarborough. Coombe Hay is situated in large, attractive and tranquil gardens on the outskirts of Scarborough, only minutes from the town centre and seafront. Coombe Hay offers accommodation which is fully en-suite and suitable for male and female residents, with some larger apartments available for two people. Coombe Hay began in 1958, when money bequeathed by George Edward Smart established the Charitable Trust which now owns and runs the Home. Nowadays the Board of Trustees ensure that the benefactor’s vision for a home providing excellent care for its residents continues to develop, incorporating all that anyone would want from their new home. As a registered charity, all money is reinvested into the home to deliver excellent services and to keep fees and costs affordable. Comgas Heating advised on the replacement system and chose two Rinnai HD55i units: heavy duty, high efficiency, gas fired, continuous

flow water heating units with optimal fuel consumption. In like-for-like comparison to more traditional methods, the continuous flow system is proven to be more cost effective over a lifetime. Rinnai is an acknowledged global leader in the manufacture of tankless hot water heating units with group sales approaching £2bn. The Rinnai HD55i is an internal wall hung, gas fired, continuous flow water heater capable of producing hot water in excess of 820L per hour at a 50°C rise.The HD55i has a 125mm concentric flue which can be extended up to 15m, less 1m per 45° bend.As with the whole of the Rinnai range the HD55i is ErP A-rated. The unit is compact, reliable and combines industry standards with innovation and quality. The HD55i operates between 1-10 bar pressure, which is suitable for mains cold water supply and systems with booster pumps. It reaches water temperatures of up to 85°C, making the HD55i suitable for secondary return systems. Rinnai heavy duty, continuous flow, gas fired, water heaters feature outputs up to 58kW and water can be delivered at very precise, high volume temperature control.The smart digital controller regulates to within +/- 1ºC

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Rinnai continuous flow hot water heating units have replaced a vastly oversized, and close to redundant, traditional style of system

The system can and will meet any hot water demand at all peak times, no matter what the demand

without any variation of temperature even with additional outlets.All models have full electronic ignition with no pilot light and operate on demand only, consuming no gas when not in use. The Rinnai HD55i is a fully modulating 52.6kW unit that can also be installed in a manifold arrangement. This ensures that the system can and will meet any hot water demand at all peak times, no matter what the demand. Typical applications include major restaurant chains, industry offices, hotels, sports centres, schools, sports clubs and shower blocks in holiday parks – anywhere with a need for extremely reliable supplies of hot water delivered economically and at energy efficiency levels, which surpasses all building regulations and European standards. 8 wwww.rinnaiuk.com * info@rinnaiuk.com ( 01928

531870

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HVAC

Rinnai’s HDC1600i/e low NOx, gas-fired continuous flow water heater, delivers commercial qualities of hot water, up to 37 litres per minute on demand to any site

Rinnai – ‘E’ before ‘I’ or vice versa? Rinnai offers big performance, heavy duty, diminutive appliances that offer virtually limitless volumes of hot water at useable temperatures – all through engineering design and excellence. And both ‘E’ (external) – and ‘I’ (internal) versions are offered. Here Chris Goggin, Rinnai Operations Director, explains the why and the where of using either model to suit the application.

as fired appliances such as hot water heating units or domestic or light commercial boilers tend to be wall hung on the interior of a site. Having a unit sited internally on a kitchen wall or a plant room is convenient for the end-user and for the installer or contractor in terms of installation, maintenance or servicing. However, external models of hot water heating units have become increasingly popular. We are seeing more and more units sold as installers seem to be favouring external siting for a variety of reasons.

Firstly, having a gas fired unit internally has its own restrictions – lack of internal space, flueing restrictions and impediments, exact siting for installer convenience, inspections etc. On external units a whole stack of advantages come into play – starting with the fact that it is a gas fired appliance and it is outside habitable space; and with no need for a flue there’s greater flexibility on exactly where you place the unit; it is easier to service and maintain; all units have robust casings and comprehensive weather controls, for example a Rinnai external appliance is frost protected down to minus 25ºC.

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All these factors add up to possible economies for the end user and ease of installation for the installer. Rinnai offers several units in both external – ‘E’ – and internal – ‘I’ – models.They are in the more heavy-duty part of our product range – 1600, 1500, 55 but also at the smaller end – the 17e. Rinnai’s HDC1600i/e low NOx, gas-fired continuous flow water heater, delivers commercial qualities of hot water, up to 37 litres per minute on demand to any site and application.And they are ErP ‘A’ rated. The Rinnai external version HDC1200e gives end users 105.5% net efficiency because the condensing process delivers up to 95% thermal efficiency, translating to significant energy savings when compared to standard tankless water heaters. All of which makes the HDC continuous flow hot water range by far the best option for all types of applications.With a continuous flow water heater you can never run out of hot water no matter how many individual baths or showers or delivery points are being used simultaneously. The only time the unit is using energy is when there is a demand, in other words it is only burning gas when a tap or shower is being run and, design improvements by Rinnai have increased the lowered NOx levels and increased efficiencies to market ready levels. The Rinnai 17e is designed for use directly off the mains, with no need for large, ungainly storage vessels.Weighing just 17kg and measuring 503mmH x 355.6mmW x 181mmD the Rinnai 17e has been developed to allow maximum flexibility as it can be easily mounted on an external wall thereby eliminating the need for flueing and freeing up valuable interior space.This feature gives greater flexibility at the design stage and can offer an alternative solution where flue runs are problematic or internal space is not available. A range of external ancillary items including a pipe cover box and security cage are available where necessary. Capable of flow rates of up to 510 litres per hour at a 50°C rise, the 17e is suitable for multiple applications, such as cafes, small restaurants and kitchen facilities. 8 wwww.rinnaiuk.com * info@rinnaiuk.com ( 01928

531870

www.firmanglass.com

Established in 1975 Firman Glass is one of the leading independent glass processors in the UK, manufacturing toughened glass, laminated glass and specialist sealed units. Based in Harold Wood Essex within 5 minutes of junction 28 of the M25 and half an hour from Central London we are ideally situated to service our ever growing and diverse customer base. Manufacturing all forms of processed toughened glass, with comprehensive stocks of clear float, low iron, satin, body tinted, mirrors, laminated glass, acoustic laminated and fire rated glass. With some of the most advanced capabilities in place Firman Glass is able to manufacture high quality products for all markets sectors including architectural, retail, leisure and domestic.

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Toughened glass Processing CNC shaping Laminated glass Toughened and laminated constructions • EVA and Vanceva coloured interlays • Fabric and decorative interlays • Structural interlays

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Further information is available from our sales and technical offices or visit www.firmanglass.com Firman Glass,19 Bates Road, Harold Wood, Romford, Essex RM3 OJH Tel: 01708 374534 Fax: 01708 340511 Email: sales@firmanglass.com

www.firmanglass.com

Floors, Walls & Ceilings

Specify with Schlüter: electric undertile heating Looking for the perfect solution for electric undertile heating for tile and stone? Try the award-winning system with assembly heights starting from just 5.5mm. Why use electric?

Electric systems are ideal for providing additional comfort in specific areas or rooms. There are a couple of reasons why electric systems are best used in this way, namely the cost of electricity and the characteristics of the heating experience. An electric system is designed to raise the temperature of the surface rather than the room, so is an enhancement to as opposed to a replacement for a primary heat source.They are generally cheap to install, quick to warm up and easy to retro-fit.

Specify this: Schlüter-DITRA-HEAT-E

Schlüter-DITRA-HEAT-E is the perfect integrated electric solution for the heating and protection of tile and stone coverings. The uncoupling matting prevents cracks in the

finished installation and eliminates the need for self-levelling, and its unique studded design means that the cable is easily pressed into place with no need for tape, glue or measurement. Provision of the mat and cable as separate elements means that the heating system can be custom designed around the features of a room, ensuring the most efficient use of materials and saving on running costs. DITRA-HEAT-E is available in kits or as individual components, for maximum flexibility, and can be used to heat both walls and floors for that added touch of luxury. Dependent on your project requirements, the system can be specified with standard DITRA-HEAT or with DITRA-HEAT-DUO matting, the latter of which offers an integrated thermal break and impact sound reduction of up to 13dB (perceived as a 50% reduction by the human ear).

8 www.ditra-heat.co.uk * pr@schluter.co.uk ( 01530

813396

Designer Contracts promotes team

Designer Contracts – one of the UK’s largest flooring suppliers – has announced five senior promotions across the company. Lee Hassett, who recently joined the business as Projects Executive has been promoted to Divisional Director, taking control of four of the company’s 15 regions. Regional Managers, Jason Doyle from the North East region and Paul Slade from Thames Medway, have both been promoted to Regional Directors. Area Managers, Kevin Hounsome from the South Midlands region and Matt Timmins from the West Midlands, have been promoted to Regional Managers. Designer Contracts MD, Peter Kelsey, comments: “I’m delighted to have made five senior promotions across the business.” * enquiries@designercontracts.com

( 01246 854577

8 www.designercontracts.com

Mipolam Symbioz – a sustainable future-proof flooring for hardworking places The Mipolam Symbioz homogenous range is Gerflor’s first flooring to contain a 100% bio-based plasticiser made of corn and wheat. The range now includes 38 stunning colours overall, with 14 brand new colours supplementing Mipolam Symbioz and a further seven added to the new Mipolam Symbioz Nova collection. Nav Dhillon, Marketing Manager, Gerflor UK commented: “The refreshed palette of colours now on offer with Mipolam Symbioz and the new Mipolam Symbioz Nova collection is aimed at giving designers more freedom to creatively express themselves, whilst at the same time delivering outstanding performance that is synonymous with our Mipolam range of * contractuk@gerflor.com

( 01926 622600

8 www.gerflor.co.uk

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Designer Contracts wins big at recycling awards Designer Contracts has been named ‘Take Back Partner of the Year’ for the fourth time by Carpet Recycling UK (CRUK), at the annual awards and conference held at Edgbaston Stadium, Birmingham. Its National Distribution Manager, Glen Mitchell, who made a presentation to the conference about the company’s recycling initiatives, was also named ‘Recycling Champion of the Year’. Said Designer Contracts MD, Peter Kelsey: “We are absolutely thrilled to be regarded so highly by Carpet Recycling UK for both our recycling efforts – and for Glenn who works tirelessly to ensure the systems are in place to divert over 250 tonnes of waste from landfill each year.” 8 www.designercontracts.com * enquiries@designercontracts.com ( 01246 854577

Floors, Walls & Ceilings

Kalwall rockets away Aerospace company Blue Origin’s vast new 70,000m2 factory in Kennedy Space Centre’s Exploration Park in Florida is now manufacturing ‘Glenn’ rockets for launches at Cape Canaveral 10 miles away. In addition, it is expected that the factory’s upper-level spaces will be used as launch control for the space vehicles including those recently announced for the new manned missions to the moon. Owned by Amazon founder Jeff Bezos, the Blue Origin building features speciallydesigned Kalwall translucent cladding which has been used across the top of the building in a clerestory design. Manufactured with a bespoke face sheet to match the corporate colour

scheme, 100s of square metres of Kalwall transmits high-quality diffused daylight into the structure whilst also solving the twin requirements of privacy and security. Interestingly, the use of a bespoke coloured face sheet does not affect the quality of light internally.

Kalwall offers complete line-of-sight protection, maintaining privacy for building occupants and operations while throwing diffused daylighting deep into the interior space. It also eliminates shadows and glare and the stark contrasts of light and shade making it safer for within.The system also enhances simplicity in external design by negating the need for blinds, curtains or solar control. In the United States, Kalwall is accepted as one of the core materials for the construction of secure locations. It can be configured to exceed Large Missile D hurricane compliance for wind-borne debris protection making it suitable for facilities needing enhanced protection or serving critical national defence functions. It can also be manufactured for blast resistance and is compliant with ASIAD, DoD, GSA anti-terrorism, ATFP and UFC. The exterior face is colour stable and includes a UV resistant, self-cleaning surface. This means that normal rainfall helps to keep the surface free of dust and dirt while at the same time retaining its original colour during the weathering process. 8 www.structura-uk.com/kalwall * mail@structura.co.uk ( 01233

501504

New collection of large format herringbone flooring by Kahrs New textile diffuser panels improve interior climate New from KE Fibertec, the specialist in textile ducts for HVAC systems, is a textile diffuser for suspended ceiling systems.The new diffusers known as FBS panels have been developed to provide draught-free air distribution for suspended ceilings and a better alternative solution to the normal ceiling grilles which generate draughts and accumulate huge amounts of dust. Ideal for schools, offices, healthcare and other high comfort environments the system operates at a lower pressure than that of standard ceiling diffusers thus optimising energy efficiency. Fresh air is evenly distributed across the entire surface of the panel which results in a healthy indoor environment without problems of draught. 8 www.ke-fibertec.co.uk * info@ke-fibertec.co.uk ( 0238 074 0751

Kährs has extended its wood flooring portfolio with a new collection of large format, herringbone engineered wood designs, in styles described as ‘Modern Classic’.These designs are suitable for both residential and commercial applications. Kährs herringbone collection consists of seven engineered wood floor designs, in a range of on-trend colours and calm and lively grades. The board size for each design is 600 x 120 x 11mm, striking the perfect balance between showcasing a classic design, but with a modern aesthetic. Each design utilises an engineered construction with a T&G locking system, and up to 30-years warranty. * sales@kahrs.com

( 0239 245 3045

8 www.kahrsflooring.com

Affinity255 propels bar into 1960s with stylish nostalgic finish Delivering a luxurious and bespoke design, Ark Interiors, were able to create a high-end bar and restaurant setting for staff and customers to enjoy at The Propeller Bar & Grill, Humberside Airport. The objective to provide a nostalgic 1960s aircraft impression in-keeping with the history and location, was enhanced with the installation of Polyflor’s Affinity255 in the shades Dappled Oak, Flamed Chestnut and Seasoned Grey Oak. This beautifully engineered collection of high design luxury vinyl tiles is developed for heavy traffic environments and is an eclectic mix of authentically reproduced wood plank designs, incorporating contemporary and recycled timber patterns. * info@polyflor.com

( 0161 767 1111

8 www.polyflor.com

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Floors, Walls & Ceilings Helifix adds to its vast portfolio of Masonry Repair Details Structural repair specialist, Helifix, has recently made an addition to its extensive range of over 100 Repair Details, which give full technical and installation information on how to overcome a wide variety of structural faults. The new Repair Detail, RD WT35, gives guidance on how to connect a new timber frame to an existing masonry wall, when the new timber stud is erected within an existing masonry building and there is no access to install wall ties from the outside.This Helifix repair detail can accommodate large cavity width variations by using stainless steel RetroTies.These fixings produce a secure mechanical connection in the masonry wall and are bonded into the timber frame with CrackBond TE resin – resulting in no external work or scaffolding required and the outer face of the wall left unmarked. Every repair detail features drawings and provides details of the required products and tooling, specification notes and a step-by-step guide on how to undertake each repair using concealed installation techniques.

Ancon’s technical seminars now available in bite size webinars

Ancon has extended its technical services offering with the addition of webinars to complement a highly successful CPD-approved seminar programme of over 30 years. The first webinar available in the series is entitled The Correct Use of Wall Ties in Brick-to-Block Construction. This webinar provides viewers with information on the various types of cavity wall restraints and their design considerations, including how to limit heat/sound transfer. The webinars are delivered by Ancon technical staff who have considerable technical experience of applying seminar content in practice and answering questions from both Specifiers and Contractors. The webinars are available on demand from the ‘Resources’ section of the Ancon website.

8 www.helifix.co.uk

8 www.ancon.co.uk

* info@helifix.co.uk

* info@ancon.co.uk

( 0208 735 5200

( 0114 275 5224

New 3D BIM service launched by ISO Chemie

Antislip Plus decking delivers a safe solution at Bainland Lodge Park

Foam tape sealing company, ISO CHEMIE, has extended the scope of its specialist services with the launch of new 3D BIM (Building Information Modelling) technology. The move will enable architects and designers to integrate high quality scaled digital information around window and door sealing solutions, as part of their 3D visualisations and client presentations. BIM is playing an increasingly significant role in the design and delivery of large and complex fenestration projects and installations in the UK. Product information and specification data from the company’s joint sealing tapes, multi-function joint sealing tapes and in-front-of-wall installation systems, such as Winframer, will be available initially for downloading free as BIM-ready items via www.portal.iso-chemie. eu or an external database. It can also be used in CAD software, such as Autodesk Revit, while an electronic CAD product catalogue will be available as a supplement to this as more products are at the planning stage.

Bainland Lodge Park is a rural escape, housing over 70 lodges and glamping tents, each with its own decking area, integrated hot tub, BBQ, and seating facilities. Marley Antislip Plus decking was chosen for the refurbishment and upgrade of the lodge decking areas, which are a hub for social gatherings and a key draw for anybody staying at the park. Marley’s Antislip Plus decking was specified to maintain the park’s natural aesthetic, whilst also providing a hard wearing solution with safety in mind. The decking provides visitors with both improved grip under foot and low-slip potential, to minimise the risk of accidental slips and falls. Marley Antislip Plus deck boards have been independently tested by the Health & Safety Laboratory in accordance with BS 7976 and significantly exceed the minimum slip requirements. In addition, the Antislip Plus decking installed at Bainland Lodge Park is treated to achieve a 30-year service life. This treatment does not need to be reapplied after initial application.

8 www.iso-chemie.eu

8 www.marley.co.uk

* a.swift@iso-chemie.co.uk

* info@marley.com

( 01207 566867

( 01283 722588

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FIFTY SHADES

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29/04/2019 14:58:59

Testing in progress...

From Durability and Aesthetics, Structural and Mechanical testing to Weather Resistance and Fenestration Security assessments, BBA experts test products to make sure they meet the highest industry standards. When testing construction components and systems as safe and fit-forpurpose, donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t cut corners. Go to the experts. Works of passion. Built on integrity. Tested by the best. Contact our dedicated team on testing@bbacerts.co.uk, T: 01923 665300 or visit our website www.bbacerts.co.uk/test-services to learn more.

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Building Elements

Cygnus alarm system heightens fire safety at 22 Bishopsgate Bull Products, a manufacturer of life-saving fire protection equipment, is protecting the tallest tower in the heart of London with over 150 of its Cygnus alarm units. 22 Bishopsgate is a 62-storey skyscraper that has now reached its highest point. Once complete, it will house 12,000 workers and include a range of restaurants and shops. Bull has installed its Fire Call Point and First Aid Alarm and the Cygnus Detector Interface Unit. The Fire Call Point and First Aid Alarm provides a cost-effective and reliable solution for construction sites. By having a first aid alarm on site, workers can ensure first aiders are notified immediately of any incident and its location, thus providing maximum protection in an emergency. Bradley Markham, Director of Bradley Markham, says: “This large-scale project required an alarm system that could work

effectively across several floors to provide maximum safety and protection to workers. Our wireless fire alarm system is the ideal solution as it can connect up to 480 individual units in 15 different zones.” For heightened out of hours protection, the Cygnus Wireless Alarm System combined with 3G Auto Dialler has also been installed. The Auto Dialler ensures that the site manager is notified if an activation or intrusion has occurred onsite. When the system is triggered, the recipients will get a notification to state when the system was activated, what type of activation has triggered the system, and if it initiated from a unit or the control panel.

8 www.bullproducts.co.uk

* sales@bullproducts.co.uk ( 01432

806806

Ravago insulation at heart of Bloomberg HQ

Bloomberg, London, is believed to be the world’s most sustainable office. Behind its handsome sandstone exterior and bronze window fins are a number of products working hard to maintain the building’s sustainable ambitions and Outstanding 98.5% BREEAM rating. These include Ravago Building Solutions’ XENERGY and FLOORMATE thermal insulation, supplied to main contractor Sir Robert McAlpine by Radmat, whose Divisional Manager Gary Sutton says: “The extensive range of XPS products and the versatility of their insulation materials made it ideally suited to this landmark project.” A number of thicknesses were selected to achieve the end result, including 140mm XENERGY SLP, 50mm FLOORMATE 300-AP and 150mm FLOORMATE 500-AP. * technical.uk.rbs@ravago.com

( 0330 060 6015

8 www.ravatherm.com/uk/en

Yale sets the standard by upgrading to stainless steel Yale has announced that it is upgrading to stainless steel on all of its multipoint lock faceplates as standard, providing new user features and benefits in terms of durability, aesthetics and reduced carbon footprint. Stainless steel is instantly associated by the consumer with its anti-corrosion properties; is more durable in transportation and fabrication and is less susceptible to surface damage and corrosion, ensuring a longer lasting and sturdier locking solution. Yale’s shift to stainless steel supports the ASSA ABLOY group’s sustainability initiatives, tackling industrial processes that are present and challenging throughout the hardware industry today. * info@yaledws.co.uk

( 01902 366800

8 www.yaledws.co.uk

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Landmark specification for Marmox Multiboard An iconic new residential development by Barratt London is including the use of Marmox Multiboard for its outstanding physical performance with two walls around the 20m swimming pool being lined with the moisture resistant backing board. The ground floor pool and spa is being fitted out by a specialist sub-contractor consuming close to 100 of the 2500 x 600mm Multiboards for the work, as well as six boxes of dowels to secure them and 30 rolls of Marmox Jointing Tape. Marmox Multiboards are manufactured from extruded polystyrene or XPS and offer a range of positive physical characteristics, including good thermal insulation and being fully waterproof. 8 www.marmox.co.uk * sales@marmox.co.uk ( 01634 835290

Building Elements Slovenian manufacturer installs Advanced at state-ofthe-art head office

Vibrant new student accomodation in Norwich

Advanced – a global company in the design, manufacture and supply of intelligent fire systems – has been specified in the head office of a leading European manufacturer. Situated in Slovenia’s capital, Ljubljana, is Pirnar’s 47,000ft2, state-of-the-art facility. At the centre of the building’s active fire protection is an Advanced Axis EN fire system linked to 230 devices.The industry-leading Axis EN system, which was recently certified by FM Approvals to the EN54 standard, communicates with the site’s BMS, third party CO detection system, Access Control system and third-party Heating Ventilation and Air Conditioning (HVAC) system for the purposes of smoke control, enabling the fire services to operate smoke vents, fans and dampers in cases of emergency. Responsible for the design, installation and commissioning of the fire system was Advanced’s partner, Bildos. Mr. Damjan Birk, Managing Partner at Bildos, said: “With Pirnar’s reputation for quality and perfection we knew that only the best would be good enough. It’s for these reasons that Advanced was specified to protect their head office.”

Pablo Fanque House is part of a rejuvenation of Norwich’s city centre and provides brand new state-of-the-art accommodation to over 244 students. Wanting to reach the highest standard of fire safety by using non-combustible insulation,Alumno Developments and HG Construction were determined to push the boundaries and approached ROCKWOOL to see if the stone wool manufacturer could provide a solution. ROCKWOOL’s Technical Specification Manager, Hedley Thompson, worked with structural building components manufacturer ACS to develop a fully tested solution that would allow ROCKWOOL RAINSCREEN DUO SLAB to be used in conjunction with ACS ROCKWOOL Framefix. ROCKWOOL SP Firestop was installed alongside 125mm ROCKWOOL RAINSCREEN DUO SLAB. Specifically designed for high rise buildings, ROCKWOOL RAINSCREEN DUO SLAB is a dual density insulation board that is manufactured from volcanic rock and comprises of a robust outer surface and a resilient inner face. By compressing the primary fleece onto the top 15mm of the insulation, the product can be used, unprotected, in conditions of severe climatic exposure, including strong wind and rain as experienced at high altitudes.

8 www.advancedco.com

8 www.rockwool.co.uk

* jmountain@advancedco.com

* customersupportcentre@rockwool.co.uk

( 0345 894 7000

( 01656 868400

Award winning UltraScape paving grout for use within ‘Outside/In’ paving designs Outdoor furniture refreshed in time for summer with Osmo When a Horsham-based company was looking for a product that would revitalise, protect and enhance its outdoor furniture, it turned to Osmo UK to provide it with a hardwearing, weather resistant and aesthetically pleasing wood finish. Chosen for the task was Natural Oil Woodstain. Natural Oil Woodstain reduces the risk of swelling and shrinkage by allowing the wood to breathe.The oil is water repellent and extremely weather and UV resistant, making it an ideal choice for use on exterior furniture with constant exposure to the elements. Suitable for all kinds of climatic conditions, the formula contains active ingredients to slow the growth of mildew, algae and fungal along with delivering professional results. 8 www.osmouk.com * info@osmouk.com ( 01296 481220

UltraScape flowpoint smooth mortar paving grout is helping merchants and landscapers keep up with the big demand for porcelain tiled, inside to outside, living spaces. The key factors to making this look good is choosing a grout that complements the tiling, is robust enough to withstand differing internal and external temperatures and provides exceptional bond strength.The grout is suitable for large- or small-scale domestic, landscaping and public realm projects and is available in the ontrend colours of charcoal and natural grey. Rapid setting, it’s ideally suited to smooth paving stones and slabs with joints as small as 3mm, withstanding foot traffic within only an hour. * ultrascape@instarmac.co.uk

( 01827 254400

8 www.instarmac.co.uk

Magply boards in harmony with technical demands of HMV store conversion The elevations to a five-storey former record store on the South Coast are being finished using a proprietary render system, applied across 12mm Magply boards, secured to the refurbished fabric of the building. Given the exposed location of the building and aggressive marine climate, the specification for the exterior cladding had to be both very durable and suitable for application in all but the most challenging of weather conditions. The solution decided on by the project team features a proprietary two-coat reinforced render system – K-Rend – spray applied to the Magply panels, which were easy to cut and fix, and takes the HP12 base coat very well. * gmp@intpetro.com

( 01621 776252

8 www.magply.co.uk

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Surface360.co.uk formerly The Deck Tile co. has 50+ ranges of Levato MonoTM 20mm porcelain paving and now with coordinating internal tiling, oﬀering seamless visual transition between internal and external spaces.

LEVATO MONO

Porcelain paver system and coordinating internal tiling Low cost ongoing maintenance/fade and wear resistant • High slip resistance (R11C) & load bearing Vast choice for any Design scheme • Support system enabling a ‘floating’ floor installation over delicate waterproofing • Ideal for balconies, roof terraces, garden decks and piazzas