FUTURE CONSTRUCTOR & ARCHITECT
ISSUE 130
DECEMBER 2020
Protects with a Natural Look 3062 MATT Natural Ingredients Highly water repellent Extremely hardwearing Natural look, light reflections are defused.
EDITOR’S NOTE Cross Platform Media LTD
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Barham Court, Teston, Maidstone, Kent, ME18 5BZ Tel: 01622 232725
FUTURE CONSTRUCTOR & ARCHITECT MAGAZINE EDITORIAL Rebecca Kemp rebecca@crossplatformmedia.co.uk Hannah Woodger hannah@crossplatformmedia.co.uk P R I N T & D I G I TA L A D V E R T I S I N G Sam Ball sam@crossplatformmedia.co.uk Jim Moore jim@crossplatformmedia.co.uk PRINT DESIGN MANAGER Jack Witcomb jack@crossplatformmedia.co.uk D I G I TA L D E S I G N M A N A G E R Matt Morse matt@crossplatformmedia.co.uk ACCOUNTS/CREDIT CONTROL Rachel Pike Rachel@crossplatformmedia.co.uk
DECEMBER 2020
What a year it’s been. In March, when we were under strict instructions to ‘stay home’, little did we know that, come Christmas, normality still would not be restored. That said – and in a more positive light – what the past year has taught us is that the construction and architectural industries are undoubtedly resilient to substantial change, and design is more critical than non-creatives thought. As the world slowed its pace and we all had time to contemplate, there was a widespread consensus that today’s buildings are simply ‘unhealthy’, and homeowners far and wide became highly critical of their previous disregard for their wellbeing in their own properties. Of course, within the modern-day architectural sector, many are switched on to the importance of healthy buildings, towns and cities as we strive to build ‘greener’ and more ‘sustainably’, and we’re more than aware of the proven benefits offered. However, with the layman now acutely conscious of wellbeing deficiencies, there’s an even greater pressure for us to come together as a sector and get the healthy building movement right.
PUBLISHER Sam Ball sam@crossplatformmedia.co.uk Te r m s a n d C o n d i t i o n s : Contributions are invited and when not accepted will be returned only if accompanied by a fully stamped and return addressed envelope. No responsibility will be taken for drawings, photographs or literary contributions during transmission or in the editor’s hands. In the absence of an agreement the copyright of all contributions, literary, photographics or artistic belongs to Cross Platform Media Ltd. The publisher accepts no responsibility in respect of advertisements appearing in the magazine and the opinions expressed in editorial material or otherwise do not necessarily represent the view of the publisher. The publisher does not accept any liability of any loss arising from the late appearance or non-publication of any advertisement.
CROSS PLATFORM MEDIA
SALES SUPPORT & A D M I N I S T R AT O R Klare Porter klare@crossplatformmedia.co.uk
In this month’s issue, we’ve placed a focus on going green – a hue that goes beyond the festivities and traditions of December and has a much more profound, long-lasting connotation of a more environmentally-friendly and considerate industry. Mark Brown from TG Escapes explains how biophilic design, using natural building elements, is helping to improve the education of pupils within classrooms across the nation. In this article, Mark describes how cleverly-designed spaces that make full use of nature’s offerings – something we’ve all come to appreciate of late – such as air quality and daylight, can improve our moods and, therefore, enhance our productivity. Turn to page 22 to read the full article. Finally, on behalf of FC&A’s publishing house, Cross Platform Media, I’d like to wish you all a very merry Christmas and a prosperous and happy New Year!
Rebecca
REBECCA KEMP
fcamagazine fcamagazine fcamagazine FC&A Magazine
Editor, Future Constructor & Architect
ON THE COVER: To bring regenerative collective habitation to all scales of development, Amsterdam architecture practice GG-loop is developing Mitosis.
SEE PAGE 16.
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FC&A – DECEMBER – 2020
DECEMBER CONTENTS
NEWS
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INDU STRY U PDAT E S :
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LEGAL & BU SINE S S:
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VOICE OF THE I N DU S T RY:
FC&A rounds up this month’s industry news, including awarded contracts, completed projects and much more.
Just how important is building pre-construction into the main contractor’s package? To find out, we’ve talked to James Brett, Director of London-based construction contractor, Edgeley Construction.
A timber-framed classroom with biophilic design features can have a significant impact on a student’s learning experience. Here, TG Escapes’ Mark Brown runs through the benefits of biophilia within the classroom and looks at the paybacks of building with natural materials.
FEATURES
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FLOOR S, WALLS & C E I L I N G S :
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WATERPROOFI N G :
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BU ILD FOCU S: Public Realm:
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TECHNICAL FO C U S:
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GLASS & GLAZI N G:
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K BB:
Keystone Lintels highlights the benefits of a one-piece, thermally-efficient lintel – which includes low thermal conductivity performance, buildability and improved SAP calculations.
There is a growing urgency for efficient infrastructure and sustainable strategy when it comes to lowering the impact of construction. In this article, CCL runs through the three primary considerations you should examine for a sustainable wetroom.
Polypipe Civils & Green Urbanisation explains how we can use storm- and rainwater to keep housing developments and city centres green.
Spacious and airy, Paxton House is a far cry from the usual commercialto-residential conversion in London. Here, we discover how Graphisoft enabled architecture firm alma-nac to work in a new dimension when renovating the derelict 1960s Post Office building.
Tracey Jackson of Howells Patent Glazing investigates the importance of natural light and explains why rooflights are an essential architectural tool in designing the happy, healthy buildings of the future.
Matt Hollis from Commodore Design discusses the role of future trend analysis in aligning kitchen specification with style influences that appeal to buyers when properties are ready to market.
PORTFOLIOS
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ASTR AL TOWER, S TA RH :
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MITOSIS, GG-LOOP:
Designed by STARH, Astral Tower is the highest building in Varna, Bulgaria, reaching up to 140m. Locked between two main boulevards of the city, the tower is within walking distance of public and institutional buildings, as well as the historical centre.
To bring regenerative collective habitation to all scales of development, Amsterdam architecture practice GG-loop, sharing the vision with Arup, is developing Mitosis – a modular building system created by a parametric design tool following biophilic and user-centric design principles.
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FC&A – DECEMBER – 2020
INDUSTRY UPDATES
NE W S I N BR I E F: MODERN LUXURY EPITOMISED Located in one of the East Midlands’ most sought-after villages – Colston Bassett in the Vale of Belvoir, Nottinghamshire – is award-winning developer Guy Phoenix’s latest creation, The Knoll. The five-bedroom The Knoll, which is being marketed by award-winning agent FHP Living, under its ‘Distinctive Homes’ brand through its Nottingham and West Bridgford offices, is a unique and distinctive design, featuring clean, sharp lines with a Californian influence. Set within 1.4 acres in a secluded clearing, hidden behind mature trees, the property’s woodland setting runs throughout the home, with its interior styling featuring subtle accents of nature. A major feature of The Knoll is its impressive lower ground floor entertaining space, boasting a floor-to-ceiling home cinema. The home boasts a 94% thermal efficiency performance, achieved through state-of-the-art products and installations.
FLEXIBLE WORK BEYOND A CRISIS Building and civil engineering company Sir Robert McAlpine is backing flexible working for all and has funded the research into the ‘Forever Flex: Making flexible working work beyond a crisis’ report, commissioned by flexible working campaigner Anna Whitehouse, aka Mother Pukka, and conducted by Claremont. The Forever Flex report is based on a survey of 1420 employers and indepth interviews with leaders and decision-makers at 32 companies, spanning a wide range of sectors and sizes. The research, conducted during lockdown, aims to provide employers with something more than just stats on flexible working. It is a study of real-life success stories and evidencebased advice that will resonate on a human level. This report provides the first examples of how flexible working can be managed successfully across all sectors of industry, resulting in a happier and more efficient workforce.
FC&A – DECEMBER – 2020
INDUSTRY UPDATES FC&A ROUNDS UP THE LATEST INDUSTRY NEWS AND UPDATES.
All images: ©Biotope
BREATHTAKING VIEWPOINT IN NORWAY OFFERS VISITORS STUNNING VIEWS OF ARCTIC LANDSCAPE Located in the northeast corner of Norway overlooking the Barents Sea, the new Domen Viewpoint has just opened to tourists visiting the unique destination. KEBONY
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ffering unparalleled views of the vast untouched area, the sustainably-designed building, comprising hard-wearing Kebony wood, provides much-needed shelter from the harsh Arctic climate, and has already become a landmark for adventurers on their journey to
discover the natural beauty of the Norwegian countryside. At the peak of a mountain, the rest and viewpoint building is drawing crowds of adventurers largely due to the magnificent views it offers of Arctic land, fjords and the sea – perfect for nature enthusiasts to enjoy
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the amazingly rich wildlife and stunning landscape. Designed by Biotope Architects, the dome consists of three small buildings designed with a steel frame, clad with whitewashed pine panel and Norwegian-made Kebony wood on the inside, with a light pink tinge in the glass.
INDUSTRY UPDATES
Situated in Vardø, the only community in Norway to still sit within the Arctic climate zone, the surrounding area is characterised by long, cold winters and short, cool summers. Built by local company, Finnmark Entreprenør, and commissioned by the National Scenic Routes of Norway, the viewpoint has been stylishly designed in white to blend with the winter landscape experienced for half of the year, while the interiors are sustainably clad with Kebony wood. Commenting on the use of Kebony, Architect, Tormod Amundsen, said: “The warm colouring of Kebony contrasts the cold, white landscape and exterior cladding very well. Kebony itself is a supreme material, and we look forward to seeing how it will gain a nice patina over time.” Mette Valen, Sales Manager Norway at Kebony, added: “We are delighted to be used so extensively in this stunning viewpoint, which really sets a new standard for environmentally-friendly construction. It was a pleasure to work with the team to realise the vision for the innovative project.”
NEWS IN BR IEF: SGP EXPANDS LONDON OFFICE Stephen George + Partners LLP (SGP) has added two new Studio Directors to its London office in response to a growing workload in the South East. Muhammad Khan and Kevin Kelly joined the AJ100 architectural practice as part of its continued expansion into the region and an ongoing commitment to deliver quality projects within the London and South East markets. Says Michael Barker, Senior Partner of SGP: “We are delighted to welcome Muhammad and Kevin to our London office. Both bring valuable additional expertise to support existing sectors such as industrial, transport and healthcare, as well as developing new sectors, such as data centres and historic buildings.”
NHBC LAUNCHES 2021 STANDARDS FOR UK HOUSEBUILDERS
www.kebony.com/en
PERSONNEL The latest appointments from the construction and architectural industries
PICK EVERARD STRENGTHENS TEAM
TRITON RESTRUCTURES TEAM
PLAYER ROBERTS BELL GROWS TEAM
National property, construction and infrastructure consultancy Pick Everard has strengthened its top team with the announcement of two senior promotions across its design and architecture departments. Steve Cummings, who joined the firm in 2008 as a Project Architect, will take over as National Director for architecture. David Shaw has been promoted to National Design Director – a strategic appointment with a focus on further enhancing design quality across all of Pick Everard’s disciplines. The promotions form part of the firm’s ambitious plans for continued growth.
Triton Construction has announced a restructure to its senior team in the North West. Steve Bolton is stepping down from the business for retirement after dedicating the last five years to building the business and profile of Triton across the North West. Chris Quinn, who has already served Triton for over two years, has been promoted to take over as Regional Director. Mark Burns has also joined Triton as Operations Director. He brings more than 40 years’ industry experience in the North West from the ground up as a Tradesman to Managing Director at Cruden Property Services.
One of the East Midlands’ top emerging architecture practices has expanded its team with the addition of two new staff members. James Cunnington and Claire Johnson have joined as a Senior Architectural Technician and Studio Manager respectively, further adding to the company’s talented team. The hires follow on from the firm’s relaunch as Player Roberts Bell earlier this year, reflecting the business’ continued expansion and the growth of its client base. James arrives from internationally-renowned Benoy, and Claire has spent the past decade in business management roles. 7
NHBC, the UK’s leading warranty and insurance provider for new homes, has launched the 2021 edition of its technical standards. The new standards will be effective for every new home covered by an NHBC warranty, where foundations are begun on or after 1st January 2021. NHBC’s dedicated standards team have spent the last year developing fresh technical content and updates to form the new standards, working with stakeholders from across the industry. Updates to the new version include a full review of Chapter 7.1 ‘Flat Roofs, Terraces and Balconies’, to reflect its extended scope which now includes terraces and podiums; updates to Chapter 6.1 ‘External Masonry Walls’ to reflect requirement changes; and a technical update to Chapter 10.2 ‘Drives, Paths and Landscaping’.
FC&A – DECEMBER – 2020
CLADDING
INNOVATIVE CLADDING COMBINES THE BEST IN MODIFIED WOOD, TIMBER ENGINEERING AND SURFACE PROTECTION A new range of cladding brings together the best of modified wood, timber engineering and protection in one product. JAMES LATHAM
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he Finish Line collection from James Latham is the result of an exclusive partnership between the firm and Accoya Timber, timber engineering company Dresser Mouldings and Canadian coating specialist Sansin. The manufacturing process sees the Accoya wood profiled, surface finished and coated by the team at Dresser Mouldings. This specialist process creates a key on the timber’s face, with tiny variations in texture allowing Sansin’s ultra-low-VOC coating to penetrate beneath the surface of the timber. This helps to bind it to the cells and prevents peeling and cracking. Accoya is well known for its durability due to the natural modification process (acetylation) that delivers performance to rival hardwoods. With a warranty of up to 50 years for exterior use, the product has been favoured for cladding for some time. However, this factory-finished option takes its performance to the next level. Richard Mosson, Group Cladding and Decking Manager at Lathams, said: “By combining the highest quality timber, coatings and surface treatment technologies, the Finish Line cladding collection is built to last. “One of the key features of the product is the way the surface is sanded and brushed. It allows for much better penetration of Sansin’s water-borne system, which effectively waterproofs the timber in a breathable envelope. “This results in a factory-finished wood profile that is better protected from the elements and will not peel and crack – perfect for a cladding product.” “We are pleased to partner with Lathams and Dresser Mouldings to bring this unique offering to the market. This exclusive Finish Line collection unveils a range of exciting
colours for Accoya timber in a penetrating, breathable formula that lets the natural grain and beauty of the wood shine through,” said Sjoerd Bos, Managing Director at the Sansin Corporation. The Finish Line collection is exclusive to Lathams, including the 12 unique colour options. These range from traditional wood finishes like the Summer Oak option to more contemporary finishes such as Slate Grey, Apricot and Charcoal. The way that it is manufactured also creates a bespoke final finish when it comes to the colour, with brushed or sanded alternatives available. These processes, teamed with the matt, thin-film finish of the coating, allow the distinctive grain pattern to show through, unlike heavy finishes that sit on the surface and mask the texture. The specialist finishing processes can even create a distinctive two-tone effect with some colour options. The Finish Line collection also boasts environmentallyfriendly credentials. It uses non-toxic products and processes within the manufacturing, materials are sourced from sustainable sources and it is hard-wearing, offering great longevity. And, at the end of its life, it can be fully recycled. Finish Line cladding is available as a standard 145mm width at 15mm thickness in LT AC01 and LT AC02 profiles.
https://lathams-accoyacladding.co.uk/coatings-and-finishes/ 9
0207 288 6417
bdc@lathams.co.uk FC&A – DECEMBER – 2020
COATINGS & FIXINGS
Evolution Diamond Mine on perforated mild steel
The best metals and coatings for an island environment
Evolution Diamond Mine on galvanised steel canopies
EVOLUTION FORMS AN INTEGRAL PART OF AN ARTISTICALLY INSPIRED RESTORATION PROJECT The innovative Evolution range of coatings from Powdertech Corby is fascinating in that it is able to look both contemporary, meeting the current trend for realistic metal patination or an industrial look, as well as being highly appropriate for the restoration of a 13th-century abbey. POWDERTECH CORBY
Iona Abbey, Iona
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ona Abbey on the beautiful Hebridean island of Iona has a long history of welcoming guests and has been under refurbishment with a view to extending its hospitality into the winter months with improved heating, insulation and facilities to suit people with disabilities. This is a £3.5m project funded largely by donations from across the world to The Iona Community. The abbey has an artistic heritage as well as a religious one and houses Scotland’s finest collection of early medieval carved stones and crosses. It is also thought that the world-famous Book
of Kells was made here. Colin McNeish of WHAM Architecture has reflected this tradition by using the symbol of wild geese, which form part of the Iona Community’s logo, as inspiration for canopies over the entrance to the refectory, combining an artistic influence with the functional aspects of refurbishment. The architectural metalwork was constructed by Metalwork UK, a specialist in structural steel and heritage projects, and an authentically aged, weathered and welcoming appearance in both colour and texture was the design vision for this part of the restorative work.
pcl@powdertech.co.uk FC&A – DECEMBER – 2020
The designer’s original concept for the canopies and the mezzanine infills was to use Corten steel and Corten steel mesh. Metalwork UK advised that in an external environment, rainwater could cause run-off and staining of the tiles, wood, flagstones or anything else underneath the Corten steel structures. Aluminium and stainless steel were discussed, but both options were overly expensive and had their own disadvantages. The marine environment within which the abbey is located made it imperative to select a metal that could be well protected against corrosion and wind-borne particle abrasion; mild steel was the favoured option. The perforated steel manufacturer, RMIG, suggested that Metalwork UK contact Powdertech to discuss a highperformance coating which would give a rusted look on the mild steel substrate used for the internal mezzanine frontage in the refectory and the lift surround. Powdertech supplied a range of samples from its ‘Rust’ collection and Evolution/Diamond Mine was chosen, reflecting the natural rusting of steel with texture and sparkle whilst providing high-performance corrosion protection. Galvanised steel was chosen for the external canopies, and Powdertech could confirm that the Diamond Mine finish would produce the same effect on this metal, creating a harmonised feel for the building.
Design for full protection In order for the pre-treatment and powder coating process to fully protect the structures, particular design aspects are always critical, including the need to eliminate any sharp edges and water traps and to ensure that jigging points are correctly positioned. The mild and galvanised steel components were primed with a zinc-rich primer before coating to give added protection. The high-performance weather resistance afforded by the Evolution finish will protect the underlying metal for 25 years or more.
www.powdertechcorby.co.uk 10
01536 400890
The world is changing
We are Leviat We are Ready Leviat unites the expertise, skills and resources of CRH’s construction accessories businesses, creating a world leader in connecting, fixing and anchoring technology. Leveraging our global engineering resources and manufacturing footprint means we are more agile and responsive. Combining our extensive technical expertise
and market knowledge, and coordinating all our research and development activities, allows us to innovate more quickly and more effectively. Investing in digital engineering will continue to accelerate our design and service capabilities. Whatever the future demands of our industry and the world around us, We are Ready.
Leviat.com
Leviat is home to industry-leading product brands:
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FC&A – DECEMBER – 2020
ASTRAL TOWER, STARH
All images/drawings: ©STARH
FIRST SKYSCRAPER ON BULGARIAN SEASIDE Astral Tower is the highest building in Varna, Bulgaria, reaching up to 140m. The location of the building lot is chosen based on a thorough urban planning survey and solar analysis. Locked between two main boulevards of the city, Astral Tower is within walking distance of public and institutional buildings, as well as the historical centre. STARH
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s a mixed-use tall building, the project’s concept is to offer a way of inhabiting that is corelated with today’s ever-changing daily dynamics. Everyday activities are concentrated into a single building, which allows a person to preserve time and energy in such a way over the span of a single day, that could be channelled to their personal life, family and recreational activities. The programme consists of residential and office spaces, a four-star hotel, a shopping centre, supermarket, gym, restaurant and cafe, healthcare services and bank offices.
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The project design is developed mainly in two volumes of a similar size – a horizontal and a vertical one – that are connected to one another. The design concept is reached after many studies and design proposals for the most appropriate size and ratio that could fit in the context. The major priority is accomplishing a design that is delicate, as well as contemporary and distinctive. In this sense, rounded corners along with the full height and attenuated vertical tectonics give the illusion of a disappearing building silhouette. In this way, the building itself fits in the most unobstructed way into the context with its size.
ASTRAL TOWER, STARH
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FC&A – DECEMBER – 2020
ASTRAL TOWER, STARH
Building systems and technologies that are used aim to provide optimal comfort of inhabiting and to take into account the current global events. The HVAC system eliminates the need for positioning additional technical levels along with the tower. Using the VRF three-pipe system provides individual control of the temperature through the heat recovery process and allows delivery of additional fresh and clean air, that helps natural ventilation as well. Additionally, high-speed elevators and rubbish chute systems are included. Due to the everyday need for contact with nature and optimising visual comfort, a wide area of an extensive green roof and public green roof terrace between the two volumes are included. The building’s facade is integrated with LED lighting strips along with all vertical elements. Using light design and engineering, at night, they are turned into changing abstract animations and light shows. The classic structural scheme of ‘tube in a tube’ allows for a full 360º view from all 40 floors that opens a spectacular panorama towards the Black Sea and the whole city. The parking demand of inhabitants and visitors is completely satisfied with five underground levels.
VERTICAL VOLUME
OVERPASS VOLUME AND GREENERY
BUILDING LOT
HORIZONTAL VOLUME
BUILDING LOT
HOTEL FLOOR
www.starh.bg/en/
FACT FILE: Location: Varna, Bulgaria Design year: 2020 Built area: 111,000m2 Client: Astral Concept Architect: STARH, Svetoslav Stanislavov Design team: Petar Nikolov, Iva Kostova, Hristo Dushev, Dimitar Katzarov, Geogri Pasev, Borislav Stanchev, Desislava Geogieva, Vladimir Kavaev, Ivan Kovachev, Debora Dimitrova and Sanya Kovacheva
RESIDENTIAL AND OFFICE FLOOR
FC&A – DECEMBER – 2020
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2 MURRAY ROAD, ZHA ARCHITECTS
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FC&A – DECEMBER – 2020
MITOSIS, GG-LOOP
BIOPHILIC REGENERATIVE ARCHITECTURE BROUGHT TO LARGE-SCALE URBAN DEVELOPMENTS The need for healthy homes has hardly ever been more apparent than during the current global condition. The current efforts to reduce the negative impacts of buildings are inadequate. Therefore, the built environment must be designed in a different way. To bring regenerative, collective habitation to all scales of development, Amsterdam architecture practice GG-loop, sharing the vision with Arup, is developing Mitosis: a modular building system created by a parametric design tool following biophilic and user-centric design principles. GG-LOOP
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G-loop’s goal is to develop an architectural solution that “gives back” to the planet and can serve as a benchmark for the property and urban development sector. Mitosis’ vision is to deepen the understanding of its relationship with nature, to raise awareness and sensitise both professionals and the general public regarding the importance of biophilic architecture as an answer to the current climate condition. Sharing the same vision as Arup, GG-loop works to inspire and provide healthy, sustainable living communities and net-positive impacts on ecology and society. By working with the natural environments rather than against them, the natural balance and health of the planet can be restored.
FC&A – DECEMBER – 2020
Mitosis is the follow-up of a multi-awarded pilot project completed by GG-loop in 2019: Freebooter, a pair of prefabricated CLT (crosslaminated timber) apartments in Amsterdam, wrapped in a parametric timber louvred facade. The building was created using biophilic principles, connecting architecture with nature in order to improve the quality of life for the people who use the building. GG-loop’s ambition to bring these qualities to multiple scales has resulted in Mitosis. The name, Mitosis, refers to the biological process of a single cell dividing itself into two identical daughter cells. It represents the modularity and the long-term adaptation of the system and serves as a metaphor for a flexible co-living organism where each residential unit coexists in symbiosis with all the others and its environment.
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MITOSIS, GG-LOOP
The ‘Biophilia Hypothesis’ by Edward O. Wilson reveals why humans have an intrinsic need to connect with nature and other living systems. Mitosis adopts the 14 principles of biophilic design and articulates the relationships between nature, human biology and the design of the built environment. It builds an ecosystem where dwellers experience a unique way of living and fulfil their innate desire to reconnect with nature. Exposed to green shared areas, tiny forests and gardens that cascade up and down the entire building, dwellers can benefit from the direct and indirect connection with nature. Health and wellbeing are fostered through careful material choices, flexible layouts, organic interiors and large outdoor spaces.
Positive footprint ecosystems Mitosis creates regenerative ecosystems with a positive ecological footprint. It balances the technical benefits of an environmentally-conscious construction with the qualities of an organic and
healthy environment in which its residents coexist harmoniously. Mitosis generates urban clusters using prefabricated timber and biobased modules that are cost-efficient and flexible in its construction. By consciously choosing materials that capture carbon and using resources more efficiently, Mitosis constructs a net-positive built environment that produces more energy than it consumes and uses resources in a circular way. The enhancement of biodiversity in the urban fabric has a beneficial impact on the quality of life and the environmental education of the inhabitants. Mitosis integrates plant and animal life throughout the buildings, allowing its dwellers to coexist harmoniously with the biodiversity of local flora and fauna. Mitosis is designed to co-evolve with its surroundings, by recreating ecosystems appropriate to the climate, site and residents. In this way, Mitosis can facilitate the conservation and improvement of the biodiversity that exists on the site. 17
FC&A – DECEMBER – 2020
All images: ©Margot Krasojević Architects
MITOSIS, GG-LOOP
Social cohesion The distinct rhomboid shape of the individual design modules is integral to the functionality of Mitosis. Stacking these modules creates large areas for shared outdoor living, with each unit having at least one terrace. Mitosis’ vertical connections are placed externally to connect the units and terraces, creating a continuous ribbon of outdoor ‘cloister-like’ spaces, fostering a sense of openness, belonging, protection and privacy for residents. Mitosis’ construction is organic and flexible, providing large areas of urban and vertical farming, greenhouses, wildlife corridors and integration of habitat creation, that encourage shared outdoor activities among residents. By applying elements of nature and providing available renewable resources in shared facilities and infrastructures of community living, Mitosis encourages dwellers to engage in pro-environmental practices and share their expectations of sustainability. This helps create healthier environments and improve social interaction.
Project development Mitosis is developed by parametric and BIM 3D modelling software. It generates dwelling clusters composed of prefabricated CLT modules through a complex iterative process. The optimised volume and scale of Mitosis are based on the calculation and simulation of parameters related to specific stakeholders’ needs and conditions of a given site. The volumes and internal layouts derive from the calculation and simulation of parameters related to specific conditions of the site: solar radiation, wind impact, privacy, population density, common spaces index and vertical connections. With the parametric design tool, Mitosis explores how buildings can grow, evolve, heal and self-sustain, similar to human bodies, as well as use biological metaphors to design buildings capable of regeneration, resilience and self-sufficiency. Due to its flexible structure and grid formation, Mitosis is able to host a variety of typologies that are customisable to the resident’s needs. It is applicable to diverse urban scales, ranging from off-grid, single-family detached houses (30m2 up to a quadruplex 120m2) to high-density, mixed-use urban clusters that incorporate public functions such as education, leisure, wellness and retail. Mitosis generates experiential spaces that respect both the environment and its direct inhabitants, reconnecting both in a balanced ecosystem. By accommodating for all sizes, typologies and performance levels, Mitosis moves beyond the basic concept of sustainable design and shifts towards a design that focuses on producing netpositive impacts on the environment.
www.gg-loop.com FC&A – DECEMBER – 2020
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Change the Process...
...Not the Solution You’re always looking to improve. Every concept and design you produce is informed by the latest thinking. There’s always a better way to do things, and you’re determined to provide the best service you can for your clients.
It’s a shame, then, that when your project gets to site it’s the same old story. The delays, the cost overruns, the fight to keep the quality high. You can’t blame your clients for wondering when this project is going to start making them money instead of losing it, and even you might start to wonder how much of your design will make it into the finished building.
With a modular solution from Wernick® Buildings most of the construction is done offsite, and out of the rain, so the chances of delays are reduced. It isn’t just quicker, though. Building in a factory reduces waste, improves quality and reduces cost. So if you’re designing modern buildings, why not try a modern method of construction?
www.wernick.co.uk/healthcare 0800 18 18 22 buildings@wernick.co.uk Specialists in the design and build of modular buildings 19
FC&A – DECEMBER – 2020
LEGAL & BUSINESS
WHY THE PRE-CONSTRUCTION PHASE IS VITAL FOR AVOIDING UNFORESEEN COSTS AND DELAY James Brett, Director of London-based construction contractor, Edgeley Construction, discusses the importance of building pre-construction into the main contractor’s package. EDGELEY CONSTRUCTION
JAMES BRETT IS DIRECTOR OF LONDON-BASED CONSTRUCTION CONTRACTOR EDGELEY CONSTRUCTION
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elays and unforeseen costs are the nemesis of any project and all contractors. With financial penalties, squeezed margins and client relationships at stake, keeping the programme on time and on budget is a shared aim for all delivery partners. A meticulous preconstruction phase, delivered by a contractor’s integrated, multi-disciplinary team, is a sound investment for both the developer and the contractor. It provides an opportunity to smooth out potential issues before they become problems on site, and to add value with buildability improvements.
In-house design of any temporary works during the pre-construction phase ensures that they are aligned to the contractor’s method statement and enables sequencing to be coordinated around both temporary works as well as construction. Site investigations are also an important part of the pre-construction phase, even if there are no known contamination or remediation requirements. This includes gaining a clear picture of utility infrastructure, along with other buried considerations, such as archaeological remains. In London, we must even be mindful of unexploded bombs, as these are not uncommon and can cause a hazard and delays.
Design and buildability Even if a project has been expertly designed by an architect, there is usually an opportunity to make improvements at preconstruction stage that could help the developer save both time and money on their project. This includes identifying value engineering opportunities as well as checking for any potential buildability issues. FC&A – DECEMBER – 2020
Party wall agreements It’s essential that all precommencement planning conditions are met before a project begins on site to avoid any issues during the construction phase. This includes all party wall agreements, which can be a complex process for both congested and confined sites. 20
Early engagement with owners or occupiers of neighbouring properties is essential so that a schedule of conditions for the construction programme can be agreed. This will safeguard against any legal action that could be costly and potentially even put the project in jeopardy. It is hugely beneficial for the construction contractor to lead this process because it enables the project team to feed planning requirements and party wall restrictions into the construction method statement. In this way, all operatives on site have absolute clarity on how they will work around any local restrictions or sensitivities.
Logistics The pre-construction stage should also be used as an opportunity to anticipate any logistical challenges the project might involve so that these can be fully understood and addressed before the programme begins. This may include restricted access and storage, over-sailing limitations and working hours restrictions. Only by factoring these logistics requirements into project planning can the programme take account of any timing or sequencing impact they may have so that this is accounted for and unforeseen delays are avoided.
Avoid the unexpected The unexpected is never good news on a construction site because it inevitably means delays and increased costs. By working with a construction partner that takes a thorough, integrated approach to all elements of pre-construction, developers can protect themselves from time and cost issues for a smoother, more accurate build programme.
www.edgeley.co
LUX Manufacturer
of the Year 2018
Manufacturing Lighting for Education across universities, colleges and schools for over 50 years.
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VOICE OF THE INDUSTRY
BIOPHILIA AND NATURAL MATERIALS ENHANCE EDUCATION SETTINGS AND PROTECT THE ENVIRONMENT MARK BROWN CONSULTANT AT TG ESCAPES
Over recent years, there has been a significant rise in societal interest in, and commitment to, finding sustainable ways to live. More recently, in these pandemic-addled times, there has been a growing awareness of the positive impact of simply being outside and connected with nature. Using natural, ecologically-sound building materials and creating connections with the natural world outdoors are the two cornerstones of biophilic architectural design. These principles can be applied to create learning spaces that enhance the physical and mental wellbeing of today’s occupants while preserving the environment for future generations. TG ESCAPES
FC&A – DECEMBER – 2020
Biophilic design
Natural light
Before we discuss how a biophilic classroom can elevate the learning experience and enhance educational outcomes, it is probably worth outlining the key elements of biophilic architectural design. Essentially, the basic principle is to incorporate natural elements into any building (whether it be for living, recreation, working or learning) at every available opportunity, offering its occupants an opportunity to connect with nature. With specific reference to classroom design, a biophilic educational environment should seamlessly blend the work and pleasure of teaching and learning with the life-enhancing effects of the natural world. The classrooms should use predominantly natural materials, provide easy access to the outdoors, maximise penetration of and exposure to natural light, provide a healthy level of interior air quality and afford expansive views of the natural world outside. Incorporating deck areas, wide canopies and large external doors allows easy access to the outside, for both learning and play, and can be a helpful tool in managing social distancing.
One of the best-known benefits of exposure to natural light is its proven role in stimulating serotonin production. Serotonin is vital for several physiological functions including appetite, digestion and sleep regulation, whilst its psychological benefits are also significant. It plays a vital role in maintaining mood balance and promoting a sense of happiness: low levels are closely linked with depression. Direct exposure to sunlight tops up vitamin D levels (essential for healthy bones, circulation and the nervous system) and boosts melatonin production. In turn, this will regulate circadian rhythms and metabolism, which further aids weight management and sleep patterns. It is also believed to provide a degree of resistance to the COVID virus.
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Views of nature Views of nature are increasingly being shown to be a positive antidote to chronic, low-grade stress which has been identified by the WHO as one of the two leading contributors to premature death in developed nations. The second factor is low physical activity, an inevitable by-product of modern, sedentary, often screen-based, internal classroom environments or, indeed, online homeschooling.
VOICE OF THE INDUSTRY
Being outdoors A classroom design that encourages pupils to get outside into the natural environment, whether it be for play or learning opportunities, will have a positive impact on not only physical health but also mental wellbeing and socio-economic development. Several academic studies have shown that time spent outdoors and exposed to nature improves discipline and concentration; promotes risk-taking and creativity; generates a sense of freedom and adventure, and encourages positive social interaction. Similarly, it has been found to have a positive impact upon academic achievement in the core curricular subjects of reading, writing, maths and science (Sigman, A. Agricultural Literacy: Giving concrete children food for thought). Perhaps just as important during the current crisis; allowing children to try new things outside enhances their awareness of their physical ability and their capacity to assess and manage risk. This, in turn, bolsters self-confidence and self-reliance when confronted with change and challenging situations.
Sustainable, natural timber An ideal biophilic eco-classroom should combine the use of natural materials with floor-to-ceiling windows and glazed doors and covered decking areas to maximise exposure to nature. In addition, they should be designed to have inherently high insulation values, to be net-zero when in use and to have a light construction carbon footprint. Timber-framed classrooms have also been shown to relieve stress levels in students.
Mental health Weitzer Parkett ProHolz Austria and partners undertook a research study named ‘School Without Stress’. The aim of the project was to scientifically prove the long-term benefits to students being taught within timber classrooms and found that, on average, these children had 8600 fewer heartbeats per day than their peers taught in traditional bricks and mortar buildings.
Environmental health When our distant ancestors first ventured out of their cave dwellings and began building their own shelters, it is widely believed that they created simple structures from sticks, hides and the occasional mammoth bone. Of course, these early constructions have left no trace though, based on the shelters built by the few remaining indigenous hunter-gatherer tribes, timber is likely one of the oldest building materials known to man. Ethically sourced, it remains the most sustainable construction material, particularly when compared to steel and concrete. According to the Athena calculator, timber uses far less energy to harvest and 23
manufacture than its modern counterparts. It outperforms concrete and steel on many environmental measures including water pollution, fossil fuel consumption and smog potential. Furthermore, it is a carbon sink that actually releases oxygen and improves air quality during its 60-year lifespan. In addition, combined with a whole host of other energy-saving efficiencies, a wellconstructed modular timber frame system can result in a classroom that is net-zero carbon in use. In summary, a timber-framed classroom that has specific biophilic design features can have a significant impact on a student’s learning experience, both in the space and indeed outside of it. Healthier, happier and more engaged children (and their teachers too) are far more likely to make the most of the educational opportunities open to them. They can also take pride in their school choosing a building that is sustainable and ecologically robust and taking part in the effort to protect the environment for the next generation of school children.
www.tgescapes.co.uk FC&A – DECEMBER – 2020
FLOORS, WALLS & CEILINGS
THE TOP FIVE BENEFITS OF A ONE-PIECE, THERMALLY-EFFICIENT LINTEL The building envelope makes a significant contribution to overall energy usage – therefore, tighter U-values in walls, floors and roofs is absolutely key. It’s why getting the design right from the outset is far less costly than retrofitting later. Here, Ben Cheetham, Specification Manager at Keystone Lintels, looks at the benefits of a one-piece thermally-efficient lintel including low thermal conductivity performance, buildability, improved SAP calculations and why they are up to five times more thermally efficient than standard lintels. KEYSTONE LINTELS
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nsuring our homes are climateready has never been more important and is why limiting heat loss in buildings through improved fabric measures is, without doubt, one of the most effective and sustainable ways to reduce energy consumption. This fabric-first approach concentrates efforts on improving fabric U-values, reducing thermal bridging and improving airtightness. When compared to other options such as installing more costly renewable technologies, which have a limited lifespan and risk a significant increase in CO 2 emissions from a development once they reach end of life, fabric-first is the secret to improving thermally-efficient building envelopes.
Thermal efficiency Today, almost all lintels in domesticscale dwellings are made from steel for a number of reasons, such as providing more design flexibility and easier onsite handling than other alternatives. However, steel has a high conductivity FC&A – DECEMBER NOVEMBER –– 2020 2020
value, and with lintels typically spanning across long lengths when you add them all up in a building, it’s no surprise they are considered one of the most significant contributors to heat loss via thermal bridging. Therefore, considering the thermal performance of lintels at the design and specification stage is more important than ever. A lintel design which incorporates a thermal break will outperform and be much more thermally efficient than a standard lintel. In fact, it can generate up to 34% reduction in nonrepeating thermal bridging.
Improved SAP calculations The Standard Assessment Procedure (SAP) is adopted by Government as the UK’s methodology for calculating the energy performance of buildings and, ultimately, demonstrates compliance with Part L Building Regulations. By improving the lintel Psi value alone, this can, in turn, significantly improve the fabric efficiency rate within SAP and possibly negate the need for other more 24
expensive technologies or materials to be included in order to comply.
Low thermal conductivity A one-piece, thermally-efficient lintel has an impressively low thermal conductivity, with a typical Psi value of 0.03 to 0.06 W/m.K, making it the ideal low-cost and sustainable solution for specifiers aiming to achieve Building Regulations with the fabricfirst approach. Appendix R of SAP 2012 details the specification for a notional dwelling of identical proportions and dimension which provides the target for the CO 2 and the Fabric Energy Efficiency Standard (FEES). If a dwelling is built conforming to Appendix R values, it will achieve the CO 2 and Fabric Energy Efficiency targets to comply with Part L. Appendix R requires a lintel Psi value of 0.05 W/m.K, which a one-piece lintel such as the Keystone Hi-therm+ lintel is able to achieve. In short, it is five times more efficient than a traditional standard steel lintel.
FLOORS, WALLS & CEILINGS
Buildability Unlike a two-part solution, which can add costs and double installation time, the simplicity of a one-piece, structurally-superior top hat design assists stability between the internal and external leaves and throughout the building process. Separate lintels will also require propping during installation, which is an additional cost and process. Installing a one-piece lintel will, therefore, save time on installation and reduce the overall cost of the build.
Cost-effective Offering significant savings compared to other popular alternatives, a one-piece, thermally-efficient lintel is a costeffective solution to lowering carbon emissions with SAP. For example, in a comparative case study for a house type, using a one-piece lintel would incur less than 20% of the cost of increasing the cavity width by 50mm for the same saving in CO 2 . These CO 2 savings are important within SAP because they give flexibility for compliance in situations where other built details are not meeting the standards in Appendix R. Achieving a reduction in CO 2 emissions is not the only consideration when designing thermally-efficient housing. Improvements in thermal comfort can have a positive impact on the wellbeing of occupants, greatly increasing their health and productivity. The benefits are increasingly widely realised, and ongoing research continues to reinforce the significant positive impact this approach can have – economically, environmentally and socially.
www.keystonelintels.com
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FC&A – DECEMBER – 2020
WATERPROOFING
SUSTAINABLE WATERPROOFING PRACTICES FOR HOUSE-BUILDERS There is a growing urgency for efficient infrastructure and sustainable strategy when it comes to lowering the impact of construction on the environment by shrinking its footprint. It has become less of a buzzword and more of a shared responsibility amongst contractors, as urban construction becomes a common, fixed part of our everyday scenery – our homes, offices, marketplaces and coffeehouses. CCL WETROOMS
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owadays, innovation is compelling the industry to be better, bolder and smarter. Greener technologies, when it comes to ecological and sustainable solutions, have become a pillar in supporting environmental practice. But greener construction is something pulled through the whole process – from early planning to building and later maintenance. Sustainability should be featured in every room. For house-builders, the role of sustainable construction is equal parts about shrinking the impact on the environment and building homes that endure. Even for Governments, pledges to deliver greener construction as sustainable residential projects are becoming more commonplace. Green engineering is not some distant idea about construction, rather it’s something that house-builders can tap into. House-builds are a common example of where innovation can really make a difference. Wetrooms, in particular, are FC&A – DECEMBER – 2020
available as sustainable solutions and can help a family home live more efficiently over time. The marketplace is busy with ideas and resources to build sustainable wetrooms. A sustainable wetroom, however, has three major considerations.
1) Waterproofing Waterproofing is a major concern for sustainable building projects. Water damage can accelerate decay and shorten the life span of traditional building materials like concrete, causing structural weakness and failures. Certainly, greener wetrooms are about lowering environmental impact through energy efficiency and longer-lasting, non-toxic materials. But, it is also about delivering sustainable, durable homes that minimise utility and maintenance costs whilst maximising product performance through the decades. 26
When building a wetroom to last, consider using a heavy-duty waterproofing and decoupling membrane to trap runaway water and moisture and prevent leaking. A membrane is a waterproof layer, or barrier, that protects surfaces from water vapour – such as natural stone, porcelain or ceramic tiles. Waterproofing products are essential in building a safe, durable environment.
2) Water drainage A wetroom installation will require professional guidance. Your drainage solution will need to efficiently train and dispose of excess water to expertly avoid waste or damage through leaks, dampness or unwelcome moisture build-up. With proper drainage, you can limit your waste and make your wetroom immediately more cost-effective. Quality drainage is all about sustainability, but also ensuring water does not escape and cause damage immediately or in the future.
3) Consider the layout In the earliest phase of your planning, consult an expert for the layout of your wetroom. When planning a sustainable wetroom, consider prioritising safety and efficiency first. Experts often plan the placement of key features – the drain, for example, should be far away from the door. They will also advise about gradients, trays and tanking (or installing a watertight membrane).
WATERPROOFING
Another detail in ecofriendly design, underfloor heating in wetrooms can be greener than traditional heat sources like storage heaters or radiators. Underfloor heating is beneficial because it not only dries out wetrooms but also as it uses roughly up to 40% less energy than traditional heat sources. Initially, it may be costlier, but the longterm efficiency of underfloor heating is something that is often underestimated. Lastly, consider building a hazard-free environment. The likes of a non-slip floor, ventilation or accessibility can help with the sustainability of your project. The sounder the planning and resources, the more adept your solution will be at operating sustainability long into the future.
Benefits of green designs The sustainability of your wetroom solution is likely a high priority. Experts estimate that greener constructions encourage much better longevity, with your home lasting decades, rather than years. The legacy costs, as with the shrunken footprint on the natural environment, are two of the most cited and celebrated benefits. Yet, the rise of a new era of sustainable construction has also stimulated creativity and innovation in strong measure – by introducing the marketplace to new, exciting products that transform how contractors and architects alike design green homes. With a focus in the right areas, carefully planning the layout, drainage and waterproofing solution in your wetroom can transform a house into a sustainable, green home. This cuts costly waste, whilst being mindful of the footprint you leave on the natural world. Traditional methods and materials are spurring thoughtful change and pioneering a greener, more sustainable tomorrow.
www.ccl-wetrooms.co.uk 27
FC&A – DECEMBER – 2020
BUILD FOCUS: PUBLIC REALM
BUILD FOCUS:
PUBLIC REALM
This month, we shine a light on urban greening and how we can re-use storm- and rainwater to irrigate trees, plants and roofs, and keep city centres and housing developments green.
MICHAEL WHITE IS DEVELOPMENT DIRECTOR AT POLYPIPE CIVILS & GREEN URBANISATION
GREEN STREETS: A GROWING TREND Proposed changes to legislation will see more trees and planting in housing developments and city centres. Let’s re-use storm- and rainwater to keep them green, urges Michael White, Development Director at Polypipe Civils & Green Urbanisation. POLYPIPE CIVILS & GREEN URBANISATION
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n March this year, the Government set out its proposals for a reform of the planning system. As well as the prospect of speedier planning decisions and the promise of cash to pump prime brownfield developments, there is the promise of tree-lined streets and urban greening. “We will look to take forward… recommendations, which include calling for urban tree planting and giving communities a greater opportunity to influence design standards in their area,” says the Planning for the Future document outlining the proposals. “This will put tree-lined streets at the centre of future plans, so that they become the norm, not the exception.” FC&A – DECEMBER – 2020
The proposed planning reforms, which will be fleshed out later in the year in a white paper, are the latest in a series of planned new legislation – at national and local level – which aim to introduce more green assets into the built environment. Urban greening brings with it a raft of benefits: increased biodiversity, reduced heat island effects, lower pollution and a boost to health and wellbeing. There is a great opportunity here to think holistically, deploying systems that can re-use rainwater to irrigate 28
trees, plants and roofs. By storing surface water very close to where it falls, in underground tanks or in engineered structures just below the surface, it can be re-used when it is needed. As well as supporting urban greening, these sustainable drainage systems (SuDS) reduce the burden on sewers and lower the risk of flooding downstream.
Biodiversity net gain The inclusion of more greenery in new housing developments has long been on the Government agenda. The Environment Bill, which was first introduced at the end of 2018, includes a mandate that new housing developments must deliver a biodiversity net gain. This goes beyond current planning guidance, which says that new developments should increase biodiversity where possible.
BUILD FOCUS: PUBLIC REALM
Adding green, adding value
The latest version of the Environment Bill was reintroduced to Parliament in January this year, having been delayed by Brexit. The requirement for biodiversity net gain is expected to come into force two years after the bill receives royal assent. The principle of biodiversity net gain is that planning permission should only be given if a new development increases rather than decreases the level of biodiversity on a site. A postconstruction evaluation will assess whether a minimum of 10% of biodiversity gain has been achieved. Commercial developments will also be encouraged – and, in some cases, mandated – to include greenery. The draft New London Plan, which is currently in its final stages of revision, says that London boroughs will be expected to define Urban Greening Factors (UGFs) for different types of developments which define what proportion of space
should be green, with planting such as roofs, grass or trees all receiving different weightings. Other cities and regions are also considering similar approaches.
water close to source, with the possibility of introducing flow controls to direct the water when and where it is needed. Combining an engineered SuDS element such as this with nature-based SuDS components, such as trees, allows for optimal use of space – creating a green amenity without using vast tracks of ground-level space for water storage. Up until now, housing developers have been deterred from using SuDS more widely because they have had to retain responsibility for them once the development is complete, adding potential maintenance costs and complexity to a scheme. However, changes to laws regarding the adoption of sewerage systems, which came into force in April this year, mean that water companies can now adopt many elements of SuDS, as long as they are designed and installed in line with specific guidance.
Green, not brown One of the challenges of including trees and plants in the built environments is that a lack of rainfall can turn them from green assets to brown liabilities. The challenge of maintaining greenery requires a systems approach to SuDS and water management. For instance, a sub-base replacement – such as Polypipe’s Permavoid – which holds water beneath the surface and allows it to wick up to plants as required means that water is stored at source until it is needed. The voids could be located immediately underneath a garden, or below a road or pathway, feeding adjacent tree roots or gardens. Underground geocellular tanks, such as Polystorm, are another means of attenuating 29
Given the chance, most people would prefer to live among greenery and close to green spaces. This truism is reflected in house prices. Office of National Statistics (ONS) data published in 2019 shows that houses and flats within 100m of public green spaces sell for £2500 more than if they were 500m away. Some developers already recognise the value of green assets and green space in their new developments. Berkeley Homes, for instance, made a commitment back in 2016 to deliver net biodiversity gains with all of its new housing schemes. One of its flagship schemes for biodiversity gains is Kidbrooke Village in southeast London which boasts 86 acres of new parkland including waterways and wildlife areas. Few developments can boast such huge quantities of green space. However, by taking a holistic view of how the built environment, green assets and water management can all work together from the earliest stages of planning and design, every development has the opportunity to add value on an environmental, commercial and social level.
www.polypipe.com
SOURCES: https://assets.publishing.service. gov.uk/government/uploads/ system/uploads/attachment_data/ file/872091/Planning_for_the_ Future.pdf https://www.ons.gov.uk/economy/ environmentalaccounts/ FC&A – DECEMBER – 2020
TECHNICAL FOCUS
All photos: ©Jack Hobhouse
SHINING THE LIGHT ON PAXTON HOUSE Spacious and airy, relishing in light from both north and south aspects, and with private timber-clad balconies, Paxton House is a far cry from the usual commercial-to-residential conversion in London. GRAPHISOFT
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his sensitive renovation could have been a different story had the architect not exercised their creative license and if the developer had chosen to take the easy route. Architecture practice alma-nac was tasked with renovating the derelict 1960s post office building. Located adjacent to Norwood Junction in south London, the concrete frame office block had become overrun with pigeons and graffiti. Developer Joseph Homes approached alma-nac intending to convert the building into residential apartments under permitted development rights. However, after reviewing the proposals, alma-nac suggested taking a more innovative approach. This meant not only renovating the existing building but also adding some newbuild elements to enhance the design.
Letting the light in With its north/south aspect, a typical office-to-residential conversion would have been designed around a central corridor leading to apartments on either side, half of which would have been north-facing and dark. FC&A – DECEMBER – 2020
Instead, alma-nac cleverly created 43 dual-aspect apartments within the building. With access to the apartments running along the north elevation, the one- and two-bedroom homes are arranged in couplets with each one enjoying an angled south-facing balcony with a north-facing window on the other side. In addition, the building has a shared entrance hall, office space and rooftop garden. Together, with the couplet design of the apartments, these shared amenities deliver not only a sense of community for the residents, but also provide an enhanced sense of space. Paxton House embraces wellbeing principles through its enhancement of light and providing each home with outdoor space on their private balconies.
Working in a new dimension The apartments at Paxton House are narrow, but due to clever design, appear both light and airy. alma-nac had considerable experience of working with very narrow spaces and had designed the well-known Slim House in 2012. The idea for Paxton House stemmed in part from that project, which had made such good use of a confined site.
To assist in the design process, alma-nac chose to work in three dimensions. From the initial stages of the project, the client could fully appreciate the sense of light, air and space within the apartments straight away. For this, they chose architectural software Archicad from Graphisoft. Paxton House set a precedent for how Archicad is used within alma-nac, as Director Caspar Rodgers explains: “This was the first large-scale project that we designed using Archicad, and we learnt a lot about the software and how we use it today. We worked very hard to set up a new workflow in the early days, and now that we have an established process in place, the time savings are tremendous.” alma-nac modelled the existing building in Archicad and then used the inbuilt renovation filters to model the alterations and the newbuild elements. “Our client was very heavily involved throughout the design process, and by using the renovation filters, they could easily visualise the design and see exactly which parts of the building were going, which would be retained and which were new,” says Caspar.
Plans
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alma-nac
TECHNICAL FOCUS
Now, alma-nac frequently uses the renovation filters to show different options to clients at the early design stages, using the filter menu. “The power of Archicad’s renovation filters is endless. The advantage is that everything is saved in one file, and all elements are fully coordinated, so there are no nasty clashes,” continues Adam Shapland, an Associate at alma-nac.
Engaging the engineers
Layout Comparison
nt Couplet
LAYOUT COMPARISON
All drawings: ©alma-nac
Paxton House had limited space for running heating, electrical and plumbing services to the apartments, so alma-nac engaged very early with the M&E engineers to devise a workable solution. The space-saving result was that the apartment access along the north facade doubled as a route for the services which were fitted into the gantries. Meanwhile, due to the complex nature of the design, the team also shared the structural information early on with the structural team. “The angled balconies are self-supporting and were pre-fabricated off site. Specialist steelwork was also required. With the help of Archicad, we could export the data directly and talk through the model with the structural engineer and steelwork manufacturer in a clear fashion. “The structural engineers used Revit, and it was the first time we had exported information from an Archicad model into IFC. Graphisoft’s helpdesk team in Nottingham was great – and helped us to set up the import and export of IFC files,” says Caspar.
Freeing up more time for design 1.
1:
Typical residential layout indicating resulting north-facing single aspect units Section
TYPICAL APARTMENT COUPLET
alma-nac
2.
2:
Whilst working on the design for Paxton House, alma-nac simultaneously set up new templates for the practice, so it took more effort at the start. However, the benefits came later in the project with improvements in 1. Typical residential layout indicating resulting efficiency and consistency. North facing single aspect units. 2. As designed, with South/South Westerly living “When you start to use new software, spaces provided for all apartments processes initially take longer. We developed our template from this project which is now very robust – and we use the same principles on all our projects. We now find it much quicker to work in 3D – especially when we’re renovating an existing building and modelling directly from a survey,” says Adam. The ability for the whole team to work on the same file, using a set template and project standards has been very beneficial to the practice. When designing Paxton House, alma-nac had multiple architects working on the project, designing the different apartments which were all coordinated into the single model. “Now that alma-nac is using BIM, we are much more efficient. It means that we have more time to spend on design. Archicad provides a level of automation that we can 100% rely on. It makes the design process much more efficient and leaves much more time for the fun stuff,” concludes Adam.
As designed, with south/south-westerly
living spaces provided for all apartments
SECTION
Paxton House
Detail
DETAIL
Paxton House
TYPICAL FLOOR PLAN alma-nac
Typical apartment couplet
Section_ 1:200 @ A3
Paxton House
www.graphisoft.co.uk 31
FC&A – DECEMBER – 2020
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alma-nac Paxton House
Paxton House Typical Floor Plan _ 1:200 @ A3
Detail_ 1:50 @ A3
GLASS & GLAZING
THE NATURAL ARCHITECTURAL TOOL Tracey Jackson, Business Development Manager for Howells Patent Glazing, looks at the importance of natural light in combatting the ill-effects of the pandemic and how rooflights will be an important architectural tool in designing happy, healthy buildings. HOWELLS PATENT GLAZING
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midst the uncertainty and chaos of the pandemic, natural light is playing an important role in maintaining our equilibrium, never more so than since British summertime ended in October. It is important for our immune systems; it boosts our vitamin D levels and maintains our circadian rhythm. It is hugely beneficial for our physical and psychological wellbeing, and it helps us to focus and generally lead a happier and healthier life. With a greater emphasis on occupant and user wellbeing, natural light is going to be a powerful architectural design tool in the future. FC&A – DECEMBER – 2020
There are many products and technologies available to ‘collect’ light and direct it to key areas of the room, including windows, glazed doors, light tubes, mirrors and other reflective surfaces. Popular amongst architects, rooflights – or skylights – are particularly useful for bringing light to the centre of a building and rooms, where natural light from windows cannot ordinarily reach. They also work as design features to help delineate and highlight certain areas – above a kitchen island, for example.
Why choose rooflights? Letting in around twice as much light than vertical glazing, and up to three times as much as dormer windows, rooflights offer flexibility. They are particularly beneficial when designing a new-build extension where the vertical windows have been removed. Rooflights allow daylight to penetrate further into the building, illuminating areas that would otherwise be gloomy. The National Association of Rooflight Manufacturers (NARM) states that: “…the glazing is pointing directly at the light source with very little diffused or reflected light. Consequently, rooflights 32
and roof windows can supply a great deal more daylight into the heart of the home, thereby illuminating areas that might otherwise be quite dark.” Making a room feel bright and airy; rooflights can help cut the cost of energy bills by reducing the demand for electric lighting. And, of course, the greater the rooflight area, the greater the potential savings. NARM reports that: “The amount of energy needed to light a building artificially is often much greater than the amount of energy used to heat it and is often the greatest single energy use in operating the building.” The impact is both financial and environmental with “…electricity used for lighting being more expensive in terms of CO2 than gas used for heating”.
Glazing options Rooflights are also a practical way of boosting light levels and occupant wellbeing without increasing solar gains – a challenge for those architects and designers wishing to increase the number and size of glazed areas. Many rooflight manufacturers combat the issue of solar gains through highperformance glazing. Specifiers can
GLASS & GLAZING
choose from a wide variety of glass options, including coated and uncoated. Solar control glass, for example, can help retain heat in cooler months, with a leading glass manufacturer achieving a thermal insulation U-value of 1.0Wm 2K. While coatings can sometimes change the colour inside the building, there are options which are neutral in appearance and have a low internal reflection. Both of these factors help to give a clearer view to the outside, as does self-cleaning glass. Now widely specified, self-cleaning glass is a popular choice for vertical and roof windows, conservatories and rooflights. A unique coating breaks down the organic matter and even works on cloudy days and at night. Some glass manufacturers also combine self-cleaning properties with solar control performance.
Better homes Recent experiences, such as working from home, homeschooling and generally spending more time in our homes, have highlighted certain design flaws in UK housing. In our haste to build more houses, rooms sizes have decreased and daylight, ventilation and air quality are frequently compromised, while open-plan living/dining spaces are testing the patience of many home-workers and their families. In her housing column for Building Design, Head of Housing Research at Levitt Bernstein, Julia Park ‘considered what architects and policymakers should learn from the coronavirus crisis about housing design’. She wrote: “Many of my colleagues mentioned windows – not just for the obvious benefits of daylight and sunlight but also their ability to connect us to the wider world and remind us we’re not alone. In fact, windows seem to be second only to outdoor space in the what-really-matters list.”
As we learn to live with the virus and issues such as mental health and physical wellbeing are tackled openly and honestly, it will be interesting to see what impact this has on future building design. I believe that natural light, and indeed products such as rooflights, will be an important factor, ultimately helping to reduce energy costs, improving the sustainability and performance of our buildings and generally boosting the wellbeing of occupants and users.
www.howellsglazing.co.uk 33
FC&A – DECEMBER – 2020
KBB
CREATING KITCHENS THAT DRIVE SALES FOR RESIDENTIAL DEVELOPMENTS Matt Hollis from Commodore Design, the specialist in quality kitchens for residential developments, discusses the role of future trend analysis in aligning kitchen specification with style influences that appeal to buyers when properties are ready to market. COMMODORE DESIGN
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hether developers are targeting hipster buyers who devour new trends, or they anticipate a more traditional audience for their project, the first rule of kitchen design is that we are all influenced by trends. Buyers may not consciously look for a property that’s ‘on-trend’, but their tastes will be shaped by what they consume in all aspects of their daily life, including what they wear, what they drive, the tech in their pocket and the programmes they watch on TV. That’s why trend analysis is such an important part of kitchen design and such a powerful tool for selling more homes.
Using trend analysis to differentiate When we talk about trends, we are not referring to everyone jumping on a single bandwagon and responding with a homogenous product. It’s much more subtle than that. What we’re referring to is tapping into a shared consciousness of influences that affect us all. FC&A – DECEMBER – 2020
For homebuyers, the home environment makes a statement about who they are, with the food culture and social space provided by a stylish kitchen sitting at the heart of that philosophy. The challenge for specifiers and developers is to look beyond the consumer trends that excite people now and identify those that will define consumers’ sense of style and lifestyles in the future. Translating elements such as colour, shape, texture and technology from those trends into kitchen design ensures buyers can step into a show home and experience a kitchen that feels instantly in-tune with what they like and how they live. But lead times on residential developments mean that we have to do more than take design cues from current 34
FMCG trends. Kitchen designers that rely on what’s on-trend now may deliver something that looks modern and follows contemporary kitchen design lifestyle factors, such as open-plan living/dining, for example, but are likely to deliver a me-too, generic design, which will no longer be attractive to buyers when the development is completed. The only way to ensure a kitchen design is not outdated when the marketing suite showcases a development to buyers is to analyse future trends.
Where do we find future trends? The best way to understand how future trend analysis works is to take a step away from kitchens to consider how design trends migrate from sector to sector. A good example is the influence of iconic technology on the most popular colours of car. Back in 1999, the most aspirational car colour transitioned from blue to turquoise, echoing the turquoise of the ground-breaking iMac computer. By 2004, everything from cars to washing machines was silver, reflecting the explosion in consumer technology and, by 2010, this had changed again to black, influenced by the launch of the black iPad. The launch of the white iPhone in 2012 prompted another shift in popular car colours, this time from black to white. Now, the story continues with cars sporting matt grey, taken from the ‘Space Grey’ MacBooks, and colours referencing the shades used by Apple, giving us a new take on grey across everything from cars to PVC windows. There are no coincidences here. The shift in car colours hasn’t happened because manufacturers and consumers have independently shared the same epiphany, but because aspirational consumer goods trigger a response to similar design cues in other consumer categories, including property and kitchen design.
KBB
It’s just one example of how different aspirational and statusdriven products influence each other. Whether homebuyers see themselves as a trend-setter, a trend-follower or a trend-avoider, the extent to which a kitchen designer leverages those influences can dramatically affect a development’s sales potential.
What’s next for kitchen trends? Design cues from everything from architecture to technology will continue to influence buyers and must, therefore, also influence kitchen design. Understanding lifestyle and consumer agendas are also key, and it’s clear that the COVID-19 pandemic will be a factor in this. During lockdown, the experience of being in the home and isolated from green space and nature has reiterated the importance of the outdoors to consumers’ health, wellbeing and lifestyles. As the hub of the home, the kitchen is a key area for bringing the outdoors into a property and biophilia is set to be a major trend with the potential to create a sense of connection with nature in the use of colour, texture and natural light. Self-care, solitude and introspection have also become essential elements of our holistic wellbeing, and a serene home acts
as a detox from outside noise and distractions. The quest for a ‘quiet home’ which doesn’t overload the senses means that quiet, unobtrusive tech, soundproofing and zoning are on the rise.
How to spot kitchen design trends for your development Working with a kitchen specialist that can tailor design influences to the customer profiles of a specific project is central to creating a look, feel and layout that anticipates future trends while answering the lifestyle needs of target buyers. Trends determine much more than aesthetics, and 2020 has reminded us of the fact that a kitchen is often much more than a place to cook and eat; it’s the hub of the home which is often also the main family space, social space and, latterly, even an office space. The goal for residential developers and specifiers should be to aim for a kitchen design that is beyond anything their buyers can find on the high street, using future trend analysis to deliver an aspirational environment with an instant wow factor. In this way, the kitchen will play a central role in securing more sales.
www.commodoredesign.com 35
FC&A – DECEMBER – 2020
DOORS, WINDOWS & FACADES
STO HELPS CREATE STRIKING APPEARANCE FOR NEW UNIVERSITY BUILDING STO
The centrepiece of a £90m redevelopment scheme on Merseyside has been given a striking appearance thanks to a comprehensive facade solution supplied by Sto. The Roscoe building in the Greenbank Student Village at the University of Liverpool was completed with the installation of 5500m 2 of StoVentec R ventilated rainscreen cladding, and finished with the unique Sto Lotusan external render. The Sto materials chosen for this project had to perform reliably and effectively, but also be sympathetic to these surroundings, and to the fact that the site sits in a conservation area.
www.sto.co.uk
0141 892 8000
info.uk@sto.com
ALUK’S C70S 70MM WINDOW SYSTEM HAS ARRIVED ALUK
AluK has launched its brand-new C70S aluminium window system, designed with all the versatility required to suit low-, mid- and high-rise applications in both residential and commercial projects. Engineered to the highest UK standards, the C70S delivers what AluK is calling “a winning combination of high performance and impressively slim sightlines”. This new 70mm system offers market-leading U-values as low as 1.1W/m2K with triple glazing and 1.3W/m2K with double glazing, but it also comes with three different foam insulation options so that specifiers have the flexibility to design U-values either up or down to suit the specific performance and budgetary requirements of each project.
www.aluk.co.uk
01291 639739
info.uk@aluk.com
SENIOR BRINGS HOME THE BENEFITS SENIOR ARCHITECTURAL SYSTEMS
Senior Architectural Systems has delivered a stunning fenestration package for a new affordable housing development in north London. The Williamson Heights high-rise residential scheme in Wembley has been developed by Peabody and designed by Delta Architects. Comprising two buildings linked by a podium garden, each of the apartments features Senior’s thermally-broken SPW600 aluminium windows and co-ordinating SPW600 aluminium doors which provide access to the individual balconies. Daylighting has also been embraced thanks to Senior’s SF52 aluminium curtain wall screens, with the main and communal entrances made safe and secure with the use of SPW501 aluminium commercial doors.
www.seniorarchitecturalsystems.co.uk 01709 772600 info@sasmail.co.uk
FAAC GROUP’S UK DIVISION RE-LAUNCHES AS FAAC ENTRANCE SOLUTIONS
PC HENDERSON RELEASES NEW RUSTIC BYPASS SYSTEM
FAAC ENTRANCE
P C HENDERSON
SOLUTIONS
Sliding and folding door hardware manufacturer P C Henderson has announced the launch of a new sliding barn door system which caters for bypassing doors weighing up to 40kg. Available now, Rustic Bypass is the latest addition to the company’s wide range of sliding barn door-style systems. Suitable for two bypassing doors, the new product is ideal for wardrobes, cupboards, pantries and large openings which have insufficient clearance space for bi-parting doors. The system runs on one, 3m track, making it extremely easy to install – and is provided with all of the required components to hang two bypassing doors. Available in a stunning matt black finish, the system caters for doors between 700 to 1400mm-wide and 35 to 40mm-thick. The system sits within P C Henderson’s Rustic sliding barn door family of systems, which also caters for single and bi-parting doors in matt black and stainless steel.
Following the completion of the €100m acquisition by the Italian multinational FAAC Group earlier this year, seven European divisions of Assa Abloy Entrance Systems and Agta Record (also part of the ASSA ABLOY Group) are now being rebranded as FAAC Entrance Solutions. As part of the EU Commission-approved purchase, FAAC Entrance Solutions UK Limited will be the sole supplier of all ASSA ABLOY-branded automatic pedestrian door products in the United Kingdom, including swing, slide and revolving door systems and operators. The UK division (Auto Pedestrian Doors Limited Registration No. 1256207), based in Sunbury-onThames, has now been rebranded as FAAC Entrance Solutions UK Limited. The transaction doesn’t represent any operational changes to management, staffing, services or product offering. The legal entities’ registration number remains unchanged. The new identity rollout started on 30th November and will be completed in 2021.
www.pchenderson.com www.faacgroup.com FC&A – DECEMBER – 2020
0333 006 3443 36
0191 377 7345 sales@pchenderson.com
DOORS, WINDOWS & FACADES
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BRETT MARTIN DELIVERS A GOLD-STANDARD PERFORMANCE Brett Martin Daylight Systems’ Marlon Clickfix VF polycarbonate glazing system is delivering exceptional natural daylight inside Dublin’s new National Indoor Arena. The system has been used to create a bright, appealing interior that will help provide the perfect environment for sports whilst providing exceptional aesthetics. BRETT MARTIN DAYLIGHT SYSTEMS
www.brettmartin.com
0247 660 2022 37
uilt by contractor Buckingham Group, this 18,480m 2 multipurpose facility features 2300m 2 of the Marlon Clickfix VF glazing system for the roof gables and as part of the triangular-patterned facade on the front elevation, a key architectural feature of this multi-sport arena. With aesthetics, light and U-values a vital consideration for the design of the arena, Brett Martin’s daylighting solution offered optimum light transmission, minimal installation time and an ability to accommodate building movement. Specified in clear and blue glass polycarbonate, the Marlon Clickfix VF system ensured a fast and straightforward installation for roofing and cladding contractor, Roofscape. Commenting on the project, Peter Hanvey of Brett Martin Daylight Systems said: “Brett Martin was involved throughout the design, development and construction phases, ensuring design intent was translated with material use, along with appropriate and robust detailing. As part of this, the 17m-high gable elevations were designed to maximise natural internal diffused light, and allow a cross flow of air to ventilate the internal playing environment.” The design of both end gables featured a course of 2m light blue polycarbonate panels to the base, central 10m-long panels, and maximum 5m panels finishing to the ridge. The Marlon Clickfix VF glazing bar system has been specifically developed for vertical installations such as facades, partitioning, rainscreens and vertically-glazed northlights. Forming part of the 520acre Sport Ireland Campus in north Dublin, the National Indoor Arena comprises a national gymnastics training centre, national indoor athletics training centre and national indoor training centre. Brett Martin’s Marlon Clickfix VF system has ensured this state-of-the-art sports destination provides an exemplary sporting experience for fans and athletes alike.
daylight@brettmartin.com FC&A – DECEMBER – 2020
DOORS, WINDOWS & FACADES
PORTARO AND EASI-FIT DOORKITS, THE FAST WAY TO ACHIEVE EXCELLENCE Vicaima has just introduced a totally new door kit and set brochure, which opens the way to assembly solutions for an ever-increasing market diversity and performance criteria. In what has been seen as a dramatic extension to the Vicaima portfolio; these new kit and set solutions provide project specifiers with greater choice and flexibility to go beyond the realms of what was previously thought possible. With solutions in fire, security and acoustic performance, they present the fast way to achieve excellence. VICAIMA
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ith its striking yellow and black design, this new Vicaima technical guide contains 80 pages of inspiration and technical expertise for a wide scope of applications, ranging from residential living, hotel and leisure, together with education and medical situations among others. This handy and easy-to-reference technical brochure spotlights
two key brands from the Vicaima offering, to suit varying project requirements: Portaro Door Kits with their completely matching and finished, door and frame assemblies; together with the Easi-Fit Door sets which combines a choice of door with standard primed frames for on-site finishing. Throughout the new brochure, doorkit and set solutions are sub-divided
www.vicaima.com
into four main categories for ease of specification, and these include non-fire, fire, fire and acoustics and security solutions. Within these categories, an array of configurations are made possible, with inverse, sliding and pocket systems among them. With regulatory performance being a hallmark of Vicaima, products also provide third-party accreditation where applicable and are tested to BS and/or EN standards. And, as care for the environment is paramount, everything is covered by FSC certification.
01793 532333
info@vicaima.com
GROWTH FOR SEALANT TAPES IN 2021 DESPITE PANDEMIC Strong demand for airtightness and thermal sealing solutions will drive window and door foam tape growth in 2021, predicts Andy Swift, Sales and Operations Manager for ISO-Chemie. ISO-CHEMIE
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e says the market will remain buoyant over the next 12 months despite the continued impact of COVID on the economy and lingering uncertainty around any final Brexit trade deal with the EU. Despite a gloomy outlook in some quarters, construction and refurb projects are expected to press ahead with a strong focus on using cost-effective products that deliver improved energy performance and efficiency, driving opportunities for increased product specification and upselling. Andy Swift sees ‘business as usual’ in 2021, with “a steady expansion for energy-efficient sealant products. Also, any final Brexit deal will have little, if any, impact on the products we supply to house-builders and commercial property developers”. He added that the dual whirlwind of Brexit and COVID has created unprecedented conditions for trading, but ISO-Chemie will continue to operate in the UK as usual into 2021. He says: “With energy-rated and conservation products at the forefront of design and Building Regulations, we can be confident of the growth for our airtightness and thermal sealing products. “Indeed, we have completed an additional warehouse at our German factory to ensure production keeps up with expected demand. With innovative products and construction increasing, we look forward to 2021.”
www.iso-chemie.eu/en-GB/home/ FC&A – DECEMBER – 2020
07837 337220 38
a.swift@iso-chemie.co.uk
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FC&A – DECEMBER – 2020 sam@crossplatformmedia.co.uk
RCI & FACADES FLOORS, WALLS & CEILINGS
A TRUSTED HISTORY, A DIGITAL FUTURE It has been a story almost three years in the making, from 2017, with the initial sale by Armstrong World Industries, through to completion of its acquisition by Aurelius Equity Opportunities earlier this year. Now Armstrong Ceiling Solutions, the leading UK manufacturer of mineral fibre ceiling systems, has unveiled its new identity which will take it into 2021 and far beyond. Graham Taylor, Director of Sales and Marketing at the newly-renamed Zentia, reintroduces the business behind the brand. ZENTIA
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e are still the same people you’ve always done business with; we bring you the same products you’ve always trusted and specified; we will still manufacture in Britain, as we have since 1966; and we will provide the same support you depend on, and that you can continue to rely on with Zentia – a very positive base on which to build. Our vision is to take those positive traits you have clearly valued and add more agility and boldness to our approach. We will take bold decisions and act swiftly where required. We will respond to the changing environment and market, whilst fully embracing the digital world.
We were Armstrong; now we are Zentia. We’ve gone from A to Z, introduced a bright and dynamic colour palette and centred our business around our new brand AXIS – four key elements which underpin our new direction. In the process, we’ve created a new brand that marks a pivotal evolution for our business.
www.zentia.com
Our AXIS is what drives us. It differentiates us and makes us strong. The four components of the Zentia AXIS are value, solutions provider, responsibility and continuous improvement, and they’re the four things that we promise to live, breathe and promote in everything we do and for every customer.
0800 371849
HARLEQUIN LAUNCHES IMPROVED HARLEQUIN CASCADE DANCE VINYL WITH BIOCOTE ANTIMICROBIAL PROTECTION Harlequin has launched a new, improved version of its highly-regarded Harlequin Cascade performance vinyl. Harlequin Cascade is the ultimate heavy-duty dance floor and is the dance floor of choice for the world’s most prestigious dance companies, dance schools and studios, universities and colleges. HARLEQUIN FLOORS
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deal for many genres of dance including ballet, contemporary, modern and many others, Harlequin Cascade now comes with Biocote Antimicrobial Protection, an added ingredient that helps keep the floor hygienically clean so reducing the risk of crosscontamination and infection. In these difficult times, it is more important than ever to focus on improving hygiene and this new, improved Cascade with Biocote means that microbes, such as bacteria and viruses will not survive on the surface of the floor. Biocote integral antimicrobial protection uses silver
www.harlequinfloors.com FC&A – DECEMBER – 2020
ion technology which is manufactured into Harlequin Cascade and is proven to offer protection for the expected lifetime of the product; it will not wear out or wash off. The result is a floor which is easier to keep hygienically clean, therefore, reducing the risk of crosscontamination and infection by working constantly to reduce the presence of microbes on the floor.
01892 514888 40
Harlequin is a world leader in advanced technology floors for the performing arts, entertainment and display. Established in the UK over 40 years ago, Harlequin remains the industry choice for the world’s most prestigious dance and performing arts companies, theatres, venues and schools, production companies and global events.
architects@harlequinfloors.com
FLOORS, WALLS & CEILINGS
LEVIAT UNITES CONSTRUCTION ACCESSORIES COMPANIES UNDER NEW GLOBAL BRAND Leviat, the new global brand for CRH’s construction accessories companies, has launched. Under the Leviat brand, leading industry names including Ancon, HALFEN, Helifix, Plaka and Isedio come together as one global business, creating a world leader in connecting, fixing and anchoring technology. LEVIAT
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nown and trusted branded products, such as Ancon masonry support, HALFEN anchor channels, Helifix crack stitching, Plaka concrete accessories and Isedio floor joints, will form part of Leviat’s comprehensive global product portfolio and will continue to be marketed and developed by Leviat. Leviat employs almost 3000 people at 60 locations worldwide. As one global business, Leviat will offer customers greater technical expertise and resources, a larger and more agile supply chain and better, faster innovation. For more information, including the full suite of product brands and international contact details, visit the below website.
www.leviat.com
Leviat’s Managing Director, Mehmet Pekarun, said: “Today, we officially launch our new Leviat identity worldwide. It is a significant development which will further strengthen our business as we unite the expertise and resources of our existing construction accessories companies under one global brand. “By coming together as one global team, we are better equipped
01582 470300
KNAUF UK AWARDED BBA CERTIFICATE FOR THROUGHWALL SYSTEM
info.uk@leviat.com
ROCKWOOL DELIVERS SPECIALIST FIRE PROTECTION FOR GRANGE UNIVERSITY HOSPITAL
KNAUF UK
The Knauf ThroughWall exterior infill panel system has now achieved BBA certification (certificate number 20/S046). ThroughWall combines Knauf products into an entire exterior infill wall panel system, from internal wall lining to sheathing board and external insulation, allowing for the addition of exterior finishes such as rainscreen cladding or masonry. The BBA assesses manufacturers’ products and systems, and awards certificates as recognition for the product’s quality and reliability for application in the built environment. The Knauf ThroughWall system has passed the rigorous testing process, and the third-party certification will reassure architects and specifiers of the system’s safety. Knauf ThroughWall can be used in both concrete and steel-frame buildings in various sectors, such as residential, commercial, healthcare and education. It is also suitable for buildings in excess of 18m in height (11m for Scotland). The system comprises Knauf Plasterboards, Knauf Steel Framing Sections (SFS), Knauf Insulation OmniFit Slab or Stud, Knauf Windliner and Knauf Insulation RainScreen Slab.
www.knauf.co.uk
to leverage our full design and manufacturing resources, located across four continents, and ensure Leviat is even more responsive to evolving customer needs. Combining our technical expertise, market knowledge and R&D activities will enable Leviat to accelerate the launch of new, game-changing, construction innovations. “Whatever the future demands of our industry, at Leviat, we are ready!”
ROCKWOOL
A combination of ROCKWOOL’s noncombustible stone wool insulation and certified FIREPRO products have been specified to ensure the Grange University Hospital, a new specialist healthcare facility in Wales, can achieve the highest levels of fire protection. ROCKWOOL worked with main contractor, Laing O’Rourke, and passive fire protection contractor, Optimum, to ensure effective firestopping throughout the critical care centre. Approximately 25,000 penetration seals were installed throughout the scheme using certified products from the ROCKWOOL FIREPRO Range. ROCKWOOL supported Central Roofing South Wales in delivering non-combustible insulation for critical areas of the external envelope. While the facade benefitted from the installation of ROCKWOOL RAINSCREEN DUO SLAB in the through-wall build-up, ROCKWOOL HARDROCK Multi-Fix Dual Density was laid on the metal deck roof areas to ensure regulation compliance.
01795 424499 info@knauf.co.uk
www.rockwool.co.uk/sccc/ 01656 868400 customersupportcentre@rockwool.co.uk 41
FC&A – DECEMBER – 2020
BUILDING ELEMENTS
GEBERIT GROWS ITS OFFERING WITH TWO NEWLY-NAMED COLLECTIONS – SELECT AND ASPIRE Geberit has extended its offering to house-builders and developers following the launch of two newlynamed bathroom collections. GEBERIT
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he announcement marks the start of an exciting new chapter for Geberit in the UK. The new Geberit Select collection offers developers more choice across the mid-market and, with 11 ranges, the new collection embodies the very essence of Geberit – opening up a host of functional, affordable and on-trend design solutions including slim-rim basins, new furniture options, space-saving concealed cisterns and wall-hung technology. The collection includes several ranges that were formerly branded as Twyford, including the popular Twyford E100 and
E200, which will be rebranding as the Selnova bathroom series and will now incorporate a variety of different designs including Selnova Square S for a modern bathroom aesthetic. Geberit has also introduced the Renova Plan washbasin and furniture range to the collection, which is available in a wide range of finishes and a handleless design. Alongside the Select collection, the Aspire collection is now the new name
www.geberit.co.uk
for Geberit’s premium offering, formerly known as the Geberit Bathroom collection. This exclusive collection includes well-known ranges such as Smyle Square, Acanto and iCon – as well as additional ones such as the innovative Geberit One range, which integrates behind-the-wall sanitary technology with stylish ceramics to maximise space and create additional storage.
01926 516800
enquiries@geberit.co.uk
A NEW DISCOVERY IN SMOKE PROTECTION GILBERTS
MARMOX THERMOBLOCK UNDERPINS BROMLEY SCHOOL REDEVELOPMENT MARMOX
Both phases of the refurbishment and extension of the teaching and other facilities at a south London school are making full use of the insulating and load-bearing capabilities of Marmox Thermoblocks. The main contractor’s Site Agent, Nick Thomas, commented: “We have had experience of using Marmox Thermoblock on a number of projects in the past and find them very straightforward to incorporate into different types of construction.” In total, the rebuilding of the Bromley High Junior School has consumed 180 of the 140 x 600 x 65mm Thermoblocks – equivalent to 108m of wall – supplied directly to Nerilcoat Construction along with quantities of the special Marmox multipurpose adhesive for jointing the stepped overlaps.
www.marmox.co.uk
FC&A – DECEMBER – 2020
01634 835290 sales@marmox.co.uk
Gilberts’ “ first of its kind” Series 60 damper has been chosen by leading smoke control systems company Baiceir to protect the 14-storey Discovery Quay development at the University of Salford. Some 26 dampers – each capable of providing up to two hours’ fire integrity – have been incorporated into the common corridors to protect the two stairwells within the £24.5m building, comprising 400 student bedrooms and ancillary communal space. Manufactured from galvanised steel with intumescent material and gaskets within, Series 60 has passed all relevant smoke and fire tests (EN121018 and EN1366-10), retaining its integrity and performance when incorporated into evacuation shafts and risers.
www.gilbertsblackpool.com
01253 766911
info@gilbertsblackpool.com
OFFSITE SOLUTIONS AWARDED ITS LARGEST BATHROOM POD PROJECT THIS YEAR OFFSITE SOLUTIONS
Offsite Solutions has been awarded its largest bathroom pod contract this year – a £3.7m project to manufacture nearly 1000 pods for a £105m buildto-rent residential scheme in Leeds now under construction by Galliford Try. This latest contract is another indicator of the increasing demand for bathroom pods for build-to-rent projects and, in particular, for enhanced GRP bath and shower pods. Developed by Highline Investments and designed by Carey Jones Chapman Tolcher, Monk Bridge is set to transform the cityscape in Leeds. Offsite Solutions is manufacturing and fitting-out 700 bathroom pods, and 288 en-suite shower pods for the studios and one-, two- and three-bedroom apartments at Monk Bridge.
www.offsitesolutions.com/floorlessgrp
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01278 780807 info@offsitesolutions.com
BUILDING ELEMENTS
ICONIC LLOYDS BUILDING RECEIVES ADVANCED FIRE PROTECTION
CREATE LUXURY FLOORING WITH OSMO
ADVANCED
A network of 10 MxPro 5 fire panels from systems leader, Advanced, have been installed to protect London’s famous Lloyds building. Also known as the ‘Inside-Out’ building, the Lloyds building is located in the city of London’s main financial district and is a leading example of radical Bowellism architecture in which services for the building such as ducts and lifts are located on the exterior to maximise space in the interior. Built in 1986, the commercial office development became the youngest structure ever to obtain Grade I listing in 2011. The state-of-the-art Advanced fire panels, which were installed as part of a phased upgrade to the fire system, cover all areas of the 14-storey building, include BMS integration for graphics and are linked to over 3200 Hochiki devices, including wireless devices installed within the building’s towers. As part of the work for phase two of the upgrade, a custom-built annunciator for sprinkler, wet riser and plant status control will be designed and manufactured by Advanced’s AdSpecials department.
Give floors the treatment they deserve with Osmo Polyx-Oil. Polyx-Oil is a premium wood finish keeping wooden surfaces in top condition. Ideal for solid or engineered wood flooring, it is a high-quality, water-repellent and tread-resistant wood finish based on natural ingredients. Offering all the professional features of a traditional oilbased finish, PolyxOil allows the natural texture of the wood to still be apparent. Polyx-Oil’s natural components penetrate deeply into the wood to create a micro-porous finish. This allows the wood to breathe naturally. After treatment, the wood is nourished from within and retains its elasticity. It becomes water-repellent, stain-resistant and more hard-wearing. Osmo Polyx-Oil isn’t just great for wood; it’s the ideal finish for all of wooden projects.
www.advancedco.com
www.osmouk.com
OSMO UK
0345 894 7000 jmountain@advancedco.com
01296 481220 advice@osmouk.com
BMI SYSTEMS RAISE ROOFING PERFORMANCE FOR GRADE II LISTED APARTMENTS BMI
Market-leading guarantees and technical support, in addition to pitched and flat roofing requirements, made BMI the top choice when it came to refurbishing Crowngate Apartments in Birmingham. Built in 1912, the Crowngate building has a Grade II Listed facade and was originally a clothing factory before Midland Heart, one of the region’s leading housing associations, converted it into 120 residential flats in the 1980s. A BMI flat roofing system comprising areas of BMI Sealoflex liquid waterproofing and BMI Icopal bituminous waterproofing and insulation was specified for the flat roofs, and BMI Redland Cambrian tile on the pitched roofs.
www.bmigroup.com/uk
01908 015760
marketingukandi@bmigroup.com
TITAN LITE PROTECTING MOVEMENT JOINTS WITHIN UNIVERSITY HOSPITAL TBA PROTECTIVE TECHNOLOGIES
The fire protection of critical movement joints within the main floor slabs of the new Midland Metropolitan University Hospital in Birmingham has consumed some 1000 linear metres of Titan Lite 120/60. In this instance, the specification of the adaptable high-performance TBA Firefly system for passive fire protection has come about as the result of consultation between the main contractor, Balfour Beatty and IFC (International Fire Consultants), in conjunction with the NHS Trust’s senior fire officer. Manufacturer TBA Protective Technologies duly provided its standard details and other certifications to the project team and delivered on-site training for the specialist package contractor, Flynn Interiors.
www.tbafirefly.com
01706 758817
technical@tbafirefly.com 43
DEANESTOR ANNOUNCES £2M INCREASE IN SALES IN LATEST FINANCIAL RESULTS DEANESTOR
Deanestor, one of the UK’s leading furniture and fit-out specialists, has announced a 12.5% increase in turnover, which is a rise of £2m to £18m in the last financial year according to its latest report and accounts. The company has generated a healthy return for shareholders and remains one of the most financially robust fit-out sub-contractors in the construction industry. Originally established in 1948 to manufacture hospital furniture for the newly-established NHS, Deanestor now operates in diverse market sectors – fitting-out hospitals, schools, student accommodation and build-to-rent residential schemes with high levels of repeat business from some of the UK’s leading developers and contractors.
www.deanestor.co.uk 01623 420041 enquiries@deanestor.com FC&A – DECEMBER – 2020
FC&A – DECEMBER – 2020
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