FC&A December 2012

December 12 www.fca-magazine.com

Issue 34

Greenhouse Self-sufficient mountaineer base camp goes above and beyond for efficiency

Design & Desire Raw appeal for Giant’s Causeway landmark visitor centre facade systems

Floors, Walls & Ceilings Interface addresses its long term commitment to sustainability

Easy access for wheelchair users.

Contented customers.

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Editorial Comment Mixed Media Information Barham Court, Teston, Maidstone, Kent, ME18 5BZ Tel: 01622 232702, Fax: 01622 816874 www.fca-magazine.com www.mixedmediainfo.com

Magazine December 2012

Editor Hannah Frackiewicz hannah@mixedmediainfo.com 01622 232702 Managing Director Sam Ball sam@mixedmediainfo.com 01622 232702 Publication Manager Steve Gull steve@mixedmediainfo.com Account Executive Adam Barron adam@mixedmediainfo.com Design & Production Chris Lilly chris@mixedmediainfo.com Accounts Simone Jones simone@mixedmediainfo.com Terms and Conditons:

Contributions are invited and when not accepted will be returned only if accompanied by a fully stamped and return addressed envelope.

No responsibility will be taken for drawings, photographs or literary contributions during transmission or in the editors hands. In the absence of an agreement the copyright of all contributions, literary, photographics or artistic belongs to Mixed Media Information Ltd. The Publisher accepts no responsibility in respect of advertisements appearing in the magazine and the opinions expressed in editorial material or otherwise do not necessarily represent the view of the publisher. The Publisher does not accept any liability of any loss arising from the late appearance or non publication of any advertisement.

Front cover: © A La Verticale

Welcome

to Future Constructor & Architect...

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ow do we measure success? Some may assess it on financial growth, others may determine success on procurement values. Alternatively, it can be measured by customer satisfaction. As 2012 draws to a close, now is the opportune time to access the goals that may have been set and review how you strived to offer clients more this year. Aside from value for money, providing an efficient service is one way to be assured of gaining a competitive advantage.

Among the developing strategies is BIM – the data model increasingly gaining momentum, in part driven by the Government’s BIM mandate.

Autodesk’s annual BIM conference last month reflected on just how far the UK has come in adopting this model, but at the same time outlined that there is still far greater room for training. In a bid to help inform and educate prospective users of BIM, FC&A will feature several BIM forums throughout next year as the model becomes more integral to winning business. Contributors will include those behind the software, architects and contractors, and established drivers in the implementation. Among the discussion topics will be software (due to be featured next month), availability of training, perceived barriers and the future of BIM. If you wish to be part of the panel of experts, it is not too late to submit your comments – simply contact me at hannah@mixedmediainfo.com.

Meanwhile, in this issue, FC&A has put together an exceptional portfolio of projects to conclude the year. As illustrated on the front cover, Refuge du Goûter is a striking new build that is set to welcome mountaineers from all over the globe. Professing to be a highly-efficient and self-sufficient base for climbers on their way to Mont Blanc’s summit, the new refuge incorporates a number of renewable energy systems and locally-sourced materials. Despite claims of being a glorified, high altitude hotel, the build itself is an impressive example of technical construction, which from start to finish has had to overcome significant challenges. Readers can turn to page 6 for more details. Elsewhere, the Leadbitter Group reviews the introduction of the Fee for Intervention and discusses why all personnel should take greater responsibility on site and Saint-Gobain considers the future of Passivhaus.

I hope you enjoy this issue. On behalf of the FC&A team, I would like to wish you all a very happy Christmas.

France’s highest mountain shelter, located at 3835m on route to the summit of Mont Blanc, has now been replaced with the brand new Le Refuge du Goûter – a contemporary, highly sustainable and self-sufficient build.

Overlooking striking views, the new refuge will provide a welcoming and energy efficient base for up to 120 climbers who will then continue their ascent to the summit. See page 6.

Hannah Frackiewicz Hannah Frackiewicz Editor, Future Constructor & Architect

Respond online www.fca-magazine.com or using free reader enquiry card

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News 14

Voice of the Industry:

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Legal & Business:

The future of Passivhaus? Saint-Gobain considers the current adoption of Passivhaus construction and questions should it become an industry standard.

David Fussell, Leadbitter’s Health and Safety Director, reviews the recent Fee for Intervention policy, prompting more parties to take responsibility.

Features 22

Floors, Walls & Ceilings:

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Energy Management:

32

HVAC:

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2013 Preview:

36

Doors & Windows:

Achieving sustainability through long-term goals. Interface unveils its commitment to socio-economic values.

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Carlo Gavazzi explains why measurement is key to financial success when investing in renewable energy systems.

Incorporate fires/stoves early into the design stage. Stovax details how to calculate the best product to specify.

Along with BIM and new legislation, Ecobuild is also set to be a big talking point for the industry. FC&A highlights the latest news to come from the upcoming event.

Along with overall aesthetic benefits, timber windows can assist when planning in conservation areas. JeldWen discusses how authenticity can be retained.

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Portfolios 06

Greenhouse:

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Sustainability in Development:

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Design & Desire:

FC&A profiles an incredible, sustainable base camp for mountaineers, located on a precipice en route to Mont Blanc’s summit.

The sky’s the limit when sourcing a unitised, high performance facade solution as seen on Tower 185, Germany’s fourth tallest building.

Wheelabrator Impact Finishers outlines how its shotpeening system will stand the test of time at the Giant’s Causeway visitor centre.

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Online Enquiry 003

Greenhouse

© A La Verticale

Architecture at its peak France’s highest mountain shelter, located at 3835m on course to the summit of Mont Blanc, has now been replaced with the brand new Le Refuge du Goûter – a contemporary, highly sustainable and self-sufficient build. Overlooking striking views, the new refuge will provide a welcoming and energy-efficient base for up to 120 climbers who will then continue their ascent to the summit.

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very year around 25,000 climbers attempt the challenging climb to the summit of Mont Blanc – one of Europe’s highest peaks. For those that take the Couloir du Goûter route, groups make their final stop at Refuge du Goûter. In previous years, climbers may have experienced miserable memories of this stopover, however after a thorough assessment made by the French Alpine Club, as of next year climbers will have a new base awaiting them.

Situated 200m from the former site, this egg-shaped structure is a four-storey development measuring 16m high. Unlike

its predecessor the refuge will be warm and inviting and will boast a number of sustainable elements including six toilets utilising rainwater harvesting, solar thermal energy and locally-sourced materials.

The history of this plot is firmly intertwined with the history of the mountain and mountaineering.The original structure – a simple hut – was first built in 1854 and was positioned alongside the legendary ‘normal route’. Since then, the refuge has served an important role, being the last camp before the summit.

Before the current structure was erected, a 1960s build served an invaluable

refuge for climbers, however its dated look and inefficiencies did not meet standards.

The building experienced recurring hygiene problems and poor insulation meant icy temperatures at night for weary climbers.

The two outdoor toilets were inconvenient and became a source of pollution as waste was being emptied directly on to the mountainside.

After additional improvements in 1990, the existing building became too old to benefit from any further renovation so back in 2004 the decision was taken to build a brand new refuge nearby. Although the new Refuge du Goûter will act as the

The structure is placed on a precipice reducing risk of damage and fatalities from falling rocks and avalanches

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© Groupe H

Greenhouse main building, parts of the former building will be preserved and used in emergencies or as an overflow shelter.

The construction of the new Refuge du Goûter was a real human and technical challenge.The egg-shaped construction – designed to integrate technically and aesthetically into the constraints of a difficult setting where winds can often reach 300km/h – heralds a new generation of buildings.

As well as specifying durable materials to withstand the extreme weather conditions, the task was to source sustainable, lightweight products in order to transport them efficiently to the base.The human challenge, meanwhile, was for the building contractors to successfully deliver a project at an extraordinary altitude on the sheer Aiguille du Goûter cliff where the weather allows building activity for only five to six months a year.

From the offset, the project, delivered by

Product Fact Box

Situated 200m from the former site, this egg-shaped structure is a four-storey development measuring 16m high © A La Verticale

French Federation of Alpine and Mountain Clubs (FFCAM), received strong backing and ensured to provide the build with as many sustainable elements as possible.The original criteria detailed that all timber (spruce, white fir and larch) should be sourced from the French Alps, mainly from the Saint Gervais forest. All timber components were prefabricated in the valley to limit helicopter traffic.

Educational build

Throughout the construction of the sustainable development, representatives involved in the project were able to conduct educational talks to local schools and demonstrate how low-carbon projects, such as this, can be achieved.

School children were also responsible for harvesting some of the timber used as part of an environmental project.

In terms of the renewable energy systems, solar, photovoltaic and biomass, and innovative technologies such as remote

electricity management, cogeneration, snow melting and wastewater treatment systems have all been implemented.

These combined now offer the new build maximum autonomy for all power, heating and water requirements.

All energy is to be provided by solar panels and wind turbines (with the exception of propane gas used for cooking) and biomass energy will be generated by the incineration of rapeseed oil and wood pellets. Water used for cooking and washing will be redirected into the toilets where it will be reused for flushing; toilets will operate partially on a suction system that only requires 1.2l of water per flush, as opposed to the usual 5-6l. All water will then be treated and filtered before being disposed of.

The construction of the hut was put together in kit form. The preparation and intricate construction techniques took place in the valley in order to reduce carbon footprint. The space constraints

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Sika’s Sarnafil TU 222 is the only sub-roof membrane that offers the combination of thermal weldability, vapour permeability and continuous watertightness.These properties unite application, use and durability, while respecting the needs of architects, roofing contractors and tradesmen, into an overall concept.

Reliable thermal welding of the sub-roof membrane offers full watertightness through homogeneous welded seams – whether the roof is a simple gable or a complex rooftop with dormers and folds.

The trend toward more thermal insulation increases the requirements for vapour permeability of sub-roof membranes. With a low s-value, Sarnafil TU 222 ideally meets this requirement.

Continuous watertightness permanently protects the building, and is a decisive advantage especially before roof tiles are installed.

Helene Alonso, Sika France Marketing Manager, comments on the installation: “The products allow good waterproofing in pitch roofing in extreme weather conditions.

The membrane allows the wall to breathe – very important taking into account the thermal amplitudes. The proven Sika Sarnafil experience on the mountain was a real guarantee of success and safety for specifiers.”

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Greenhouse

© A La Verticale

The heating of the build is managed by insulated facades and a brushed stainless steel cladding that offers low reflectivity

at the refuge site also made the valley a more suitable venue to co-ordinate materials. Once the key structural elements reached installation point, they were hoisted by a helicopter and assembled on site.

Due to the location and nature of the build, the materials chosen had to consider the extreme snow and wind conditions while also taking into account logistics.

After components arrived on site, rods © Charpente Concept

Internal design elements took a sustainable approach by using lightweight, locally-sourced materials

The performance benefits of this type of insulation are it accumulates heat during the day and releases it slowly at night.The heating of the build is further managed by a brushed stainless steel cladding that offers low reflectivity.

Design realisation

Despite receiving criticism on its ‘sustainable’ motives and a set back to its intended opening due to a technical fault, the design concept and technical construction is an example of sheer aptitude in such a challenging location.

Aesthetically, the refuge might not be to everyone’s tastes however the build is one that is much anticipated by a vast majority of the mountaineering community.

Elzière George, President of the FFCAM, comments: “After three years of work at 3835m altitude, the new Refuge du Goûter is now a reality with the doors opening in 2013 to accommodate its first mountaineers on their way to the ascent of Mont Blanc.

“The Goûter and its technology is unique in the world, takes into account the exemplary environment and we remain focused on finalising the Goûter as soon as we have the green light from authorities.

The new Goûter is a strong symbol for all those who love the mountain.”

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© Charpente Concept

fixed the components together and were sealed with resin, free of formaldehyde and biodegradable – again reinforcing a complete weatherproof, durable ecofriendly build.

Internal elements also took a lightweight approach.The wood floors, for instance, were fitted using lightweight hollow box beams, which meant ease of transportation.

Meanwhile, the insulation of facades and roof featured lightweight fibreboard.

www.refugedugouter.fr

Fact File

The original criteria detailed that all timber should be sourced from the French Alps, mainly from the Saint Gervais forest

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Client: French Federation of Alpine and Mountain Clubs Architect: Architects Deca-Laage, Group H Structural Engineer: Betech Suppliers: Sika,Velux and Schneider Electric

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Sustainability in Development

Sights set high Ian Smith, Senior Manager for Wicona, looks at how a bespoke unitised facade solution was delivered for a sustainable landmark office scheme in Frankfurt – now Germany’s fourth tallest building.

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Only 50% of the high-rise facade is constructed from glass, saving heating and cooling energy, reducing operating costs and reducing carbon emissions

Tower 185 was constructed using materials with no negative impact on the environment and there was emphasis on using regional suppliers to reduce transport and carbon emissions

are planted.

The building was constructed using materials with no negative impact on the environment and there was emphasis on using regional suppliers to reduce transport and carbon emissions. What’s more over 90% of construction waste was recycled.

Reflecting the surrounding architecture, the tower rises above a six-storey sandstone-clad base building and comprises two halves with glass and aluminium facades that are joined by a central fully glazed tower.

The design of the 27,000m2 Wicona aluminium and glass facade had to take account of the structural requirements of a building that is over 200m tall and provide high levels of thermal and acoustic performance to meet the scheme’s stringent sustainability criteria and occupier comfort.

The building envelope also had to be installed on a very constrained city

centre site with no storage space for materials and to a fast track programme of just over a year which would include working through the harsh winter months.

Off-site approach

Two specially-designed unitised facade solutions were developed by Wicona to meet the specification criteria and the site and programme challenges. Part of the facade had to use radar absorbing technology because of the scheme’s proximity to Frankfurt Airport. This was achieved with special glass and construction detailing.

The glazed panels use a repetitive design to maximise efficiency and were prefabricated off site in a controlled factory environment which was not subject to the weather and so maintained consistently high quality standards and no risk of delays. Highly efficient ‘justin-time’ logistics were then planned

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esigned by project architect Professor Christoph Mäckler, Tower 185 is an oval-shaped commercial development located in the heart of Frankfurt’s financial district. It provides 100,000m2 of office accommodation and an eyecatching new landmark in the cityscape.

Tower 185 heralds a new era in sustainable, eco-friendly and energyefficient office architecture and fulfils the strict criteria for LEED Gold certification.

Other sustainability features of project include rainwater harvesting whereby 2.3 million litres of rainwater will be collected each year and used for toilet flushing, plus charging stations for electric vehicles in the basement car park. In addition, more than 25% of the site and the flat roof of the building at the base

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Sustainability in Development opening vents installed in the facade naturally ventilate the building.

The Wicona facade solutions for this project exceeded the thermal performance specification for the project, achieving a Ucw value of 1.3W/m2K. The acoustic performance requirements for airborne sound were also exceeded in both the glazed rotunda (37dB) and the two aluminium and glass facades (38dB).

Fast track success

Tower 185 heralds a new era in sustainable, ecofriendly and energy-efficient office architecture and fulfils the strict criteria for LEED Gold certification

to accommodate the delivery and installation phases without the need for material storage on site.

A significant innovation for the facade was its method of installation without the need for scaffolding – improving safety, accuracy and speed.

An assembly robot was specially developed for the project which moved each unitised panel through its structural opening to the exterior of the building, turned it to the correct position and then installed it on to pre-prepared fixings. This allowed up to 20 facade panels, each measuring around 7m2 and weighing half a tonne, to be installed every day despite difficult wind and weather conditions. As an additional safety measure during installation, each panel was secured from above on a separate system.

The installation solution meant all

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fixing was carried out from the inside of the building, it was not affected by bad weather or high winds, there was less risk of material damage during the process, and the programme was reduced. It also achieved more consistently high quality.

Positive outlook

Only 50% of the high-rise facade is constructed from glass, saving heating and cooling energy, reducing operating costs and reducing carbon emissions. However, full height glazing keeps the offices well lit and helps to create a pleasant working environment. On each floor, there are eight corner offices and more than 50 desks that are positioned at a window.

The glazed tower is oriented to the north so there is no direct exposure to sunlight, further reducing energy for cooling, and more than 3000 Wicona

Whilst unitised facades are still relatively new to the UK, the approach is widely used in Europe and internationally. This is a purpose-designed solution, based on established facade technology, but using framing sections that are designed specifically for each project.

This lends itself very well to technically challenging projects, and to more complex and bespoke facades. But it can also be used for fast track schemes, as well as both new build and refurbishment projects – and as with Tower 185, it is ideal for city centres where sites can be highly constrained.

Unitised facades comprise prefabricated units, which are typically the width of a glazing bay and one or two storeys high. Each panel is fully glazed and sealed off site, allowing the units to be moved to site for fast installation on to pre-prepared fixings to either steel or concrete frames.

The unitised panels can use any combination of profiles, infills, external feature caps and glazing to give building designers complete aesthetic flexibility.

Variations can include stone cladding; metal, composite or polycarbonate panels; windows, doors and fixed light glazing; solar shading, and photovoltaics.

Taking a unitised approach to facade design and choosing aluminium as a building material offer sustainability benefits. In the case of a Wicona system, these include: The aluminium curtain wall profiles are manufactured using environmentallyresponsible processes to minimise wastage of materials, and to be highly durable and recyclable.

The components are engineered to maximise the use of natural light and ventilation, and their construction is designed for longevity but also to be easily dismantled at the end of the product’s life cycle.

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Sustainability in Development •

The use of additives and composite materials are minimised to facilitate the recycling of the aluminium when the building reaches the end of its life.

The units are installed using a platform, hoist or robotic assembly, reducing the need for scaffolding and for work at height, which has important site safety benefits.

There is less wastage during fabrication and installation because material use can be more efficiently controlled in a factory environment compared to a building site that is exposed to the elements and with no protected and secure storage space. The result is significantly reduced material wastage, loss and damage.

The Wicona production process uses 68% of its energy from hydroelectric power sources.

The nature of aluminium means that it can remain in use for a long period of time without the need for additional protection against weathering, corrosion or fungal infestation. When the aluminium systems need to be replaced after many years, the profiles will not end up as hazardous waste, but will become a valuable source for recycling. Just 5% of the original embodied energy is needed for the recycling of aluminium.

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Addressing change

There has been a lack of innovation in facade design in the UK – but if the

The tower rises above a six-storey sandstone-clad base building and comprises two halves with glass and aluminium facades that are joined by a central fully glazed tower

aesthetic requirements are balanced with cost, an innovative, bespoke and sustainable design can be produced to a budget.

The biggest challenge for unitised facade specialists is to overcome the resistance to change among many

building designers and contractors, and the misconception that unitised solutions have to be more expensive and are only suited to the very largest of schemes.

www.tower185.de www.wicona.co.uk

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A significant innovation for the facade was its method of installation without the need for scaffolding – improving safety, accuracy and speed

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Voice of the Industry

Saint-Gobain pioneered the ‘Spot the Difference’ project, where two ‘pods’ were constructed – one in accordance with Passivhaus standards and the other to current Building Regulations – and then monitored

The path of Passivhaus

Passivhaus has come a long way since it was developed in 1988 by the German Professor Doctor Wolfgang Feist and his colleague, Swedish Professor Bo Adamson. On behalf of Saint-Gobain, Mark Allen examines what the future holds for Passivhaus in the UK.

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addition, the considerable attention paid to the design detailing, build process and continuity of thermal and air barrier means Passivhaus properties are far more likely to perform as designed, offering a practical solution to help address the gap commonly seen between the theoretical and actual performance of buildings constructed to current Building Regulations.

commonplace and there is still a lot more work to be done if the UK construction industry is to get to grips with the working practices and techniques needed to

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ince the first Passivhaus building was constructed in 1991 in Germany the concept has spread globally, making it the fastest growing energy performance standard in the world.The concept can be used in any climate, and this is perhaps one of the key reasons behind its international success.There is now a Passivhaus building in every European city and the construction technique has reached places as far afield as Canada, Russia, Australia and the USA.There’s even a Passivhaus research centre in Antarctica, offering proof of its suitability for any climate or region.

There are four main principles to Passivhaus standard: a good level of insulation with minimal thermal bridges; passive solar gains and internal heat sources; an excellent level of airtightness and good indoor air quality provided by a whole house mechanical ventilation system with highly efficient heat recovery.

The simplicity of Passivhaus construction is a big part of its attraction, with its ‘fabric first’ approach capable of delivering higher levels of efficiency than the Code for Sustainable Homes, BREEAM and LEED. In

Call for action

The quality assurance Passivhaus offers and the energy savings it delivers make widespread adoption of the concept an attractive proposition for the UK, particularly if we are to combat rising fuel costs and tackle CO2 emissions from the built environment. Fuel poverty in the UK is a growing concern as the average household pays £1200 per year for its energy bills and a shocking one in four are living in fuel poverty.This figure is expected to rise to one in three by 2016, meaning urgent action needs to be taken and a Passivhaus approach to construction could offer an achievable solution to this growing problem.

However, despite this, building to the Passivhaus standard is far from

Mark Allen joined Saint-Gobain Isover as Technical Development Manager in 2011, bringing with him a wealth of experience. He has a number of professional qualifications including a Masters in Architecture, an MSc in Sustainable Architecture and a BA (Hons) in International Architecture. He is also a RIBA Chartered Architect, ACIAT and Passivhaus Certified Designer – ISOHH / CSCS accredited.

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Voice of the Industry

The quality assurance Passivhaus offers and the energy savings it delivers make widespread adoption of the concept an attractive proposition for the UK

Challenging convention

Contractor training, workshops and onsite toolbox talks are just some of the techniques that can be used to help ensure that Passivhaus construction methods are adhered to in practice. Close monitoring throughout the build process is also essential, as this will highlight any potential issues with workmanship and eliminate the risk of specified products being substituted for alternatives, which may not meet the required performance criteria.

Although product manufacturers and contractors have an instrumental role to play, responsibility for the success of Passivhaus extends far beyond this, with end users playing an important part in the longer-term. A property is only as sustainable as its occupants, so it is essential to engage end users when it comes to understanding their Passivhaus building so

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they can live in the most comfortable and energy efficient way possible. It’s important that when handover takes place, formal instructions are prepared in order to give the occupants guidance on how to optimise their building’s performance.

Here in the UK, interest in the Passivhaus concept is growing rapidly, with around 75 projects underway and 47 completed so far.There are also currently 200 certified Passivhaus designers and consultants, with Passivhaus being increasingly taught at universities. Recent results from various projects are providing conclusive evidence that this construction approach delivers significant advantages to homeowners and the country as a whole.These include a two-year monitoring project on the pioneering Denby Dale Passivhaus and our ‘Spot the Difference’ project, where two ‘pods’ were constructed – one in accordance with Passivhaus standards and the other to current Building Regulations – and then monitored.

The Denby Dale project was led by Leeds Metropolitan University’s Centre for the Built Environment and concluded that the cavity wall Passivhaus had performed well, with its energy consumption close to the predicted in the Passive House Planning Package (PHPP). Early readings from our ‘Spot the Difference’ project clearly demonstrate that the energy consumption

was significantly different, with the average energy consumption level of the Part L 2006 pod being 180kWh/m² and the one constructed in accordance with Passivhaus principles being 50kWh/m².

As we look ahead to 2016 and beyond, I believe the UK should be investing in steps to facilitate the widespread adoption of Passivhaus on all new construction projects. As energy costs rise and the deadline for the Government’s target to halve carbon emissions (relative to 1990 levels) by 2025 draws closer, Passivhaus buildings are a weapon in the fight against climate change and fuel poverty that we can’t afford to ignore.

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ensure the successful widespread implementation of this low energy standard.

Communication and collaboration throughout the supply chain is vital to the success of Passivhaus, as a joined-up approach really can make all the difference.

The concept often challenges conventional views of construction, so ensuring the workforce is fully trained regarding the design detailing and techniques required of the Passivhaus standard is vital.

www.saint-gobain.co.uk

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Contractor training and workshops are just some of the techniques that can be used to help ensure that Passivhaus construction methods are adhered to

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HVAC on a leasehold basis, with floors 4,5 and 6 being occupied by the same tenant.The 7th floor was unoccupied.The issue for the landlord was that the leasehold agreements were due for renewal.The tenant was made aware that the existing VRV systems were operating on R22.The position regarding the phase out and eventual ban on R22 were explained in detail and the tenants together with the landlord were offered a number of options for renewal or replacement. In addition, the landlord decided to completely refurbish the 7th floor with a new design and layout.

Thorough replacement service

An impressive nine-storey, glass-fronted office building in Holborn Gate, central London offers easy reach of the West End and the City of London. Space Airconditioning, the Guildford-based Daikin Distributor, was specified to supply what is probably the UK’s largest installation of Daikin’s R22 replacement VRVQ air conditioning systems as part of a recently-completed major refurbishment.

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pace Airconditioning had been closely involved with the building’s original R22-based Daikin VRV systems and held comprehensive data on the original installation. This information greatly assisted M&E Consultants BWS of Epsom, acting on behalf of the client, when it came to considering replacement air conditioning system designs.

Initially the client favoured a complete replacement system including removing all existing pipework, however as the project progressed, Daikin’s unique VRVQ system, specifically designed to enable existing interconnecting pipework to be retained, became an increasingly attractive proposition from operating efficiency cost saving and expediency aspects.

The existing VRV equipment scheduled for decommissioning and removal in

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stages included 35 No. R22 Heat Recovery Condensing Units serving seven floors, 300 floor mounted FXYL Indoor Units each with a BS Box and remote controller and 2 No. Centralised Controllers per floor.

The building was let to various tenants

Daikin’s unique VRVQ system became an increasingly attractive proposition from operating efficiency cost saving and expediency aspects

Improved air distribution The unoccupied 7th floor was the first part of the project as this was completely refurbished and allowed new bulkhead design in the central core areas.This meant that slim ducted units (FXDQ) could be selected and air distribution could be improved throughout the floor.

VRVIII-Q was put forward as the best option because of the potential to re-use large amounts of the existing refrigeration piping and thereby creating minimum disruption for the occupiers of the offices.

Space Air carried out comprehensive surveys of the existing systems to ensure feasibility of the VRVIII-Q product.The subsequent detailed survey reports were submitted.

The design of the new layout was made and the VRVIII-Q systems meant that the consultant was able to increase the capacity delivered for the building.This overcame the problems previously experienced with temperature control in many areas.The overall increase in capacity whilst still using the same piping systems was in the region of 100kW in total.The work to replace the Condensing Units was carried out during normal daytime hours out of site of the occupiers in the roof plant areas.

The indoor work to replace the fan coil units, BS Boxes and completion of pipework changes was all carried out overnight to minimise disruption for the occupants.

On completion of the project, the client elected to order Space Air’s optional extended (5 year) warranty to take advantage of annual system health checks which will be conducted by Space Air technicians to verify the suitability of the maintenance regime, the condition and performance of the equipment.

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VRVIII-Q was put forward as the best option because of the potential to re-use large amounts of the existing refrigeration piping

marketing@spaceair.co.uk

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Renewable Energy

Towering success for renewable solutions

Twelve brand new apartments on the 24th floor of a group of 1960s tower blocks near Shepherds Bush, West London will soon be enjoying heat and hot water provided by air source heat pumps and solar thermal panels, designed and supplied by Nu-Heat.

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he Edward Woods Estate comprises three 75m tall tower blocks, built in 1967, with a total of 528 apartments between them. Breyer Group is currently carrying out refurbishments to existing apartments with overcladding and environmental improvements and, at the same time, creating the 12 new apartments.The tower blocks originally had 23 floors, but with the use of lightweight steel frames the four new apartments are being built on the roof of each tower block, exploiting the available space around the service core.

Stephen Moore from building services consulting engineers, David Miles & Partners, specified Nu-Heat for the design and supply of the solar thermal and heat pump element of the build. “We knew NuHeat had a great deal of experience with integration, and could supply everything, including controls,” says Stephen.

The apartments are approximately 100m² with two bedrooms, including one en-suite.

Breyer Group is currently creating the 12 new apartments across the three tower blocks

Household savings The hot water is supplemented by the solar thermal, comprising a single solar thermal panel per apartment. The single solar thermal panel at 2.52m² is the larger of the two panels in Nu-Heat’s range, with approximately 15% more output than the smaller panel. Where a household uses about 100 litres of hot water daily at 50°C, this panel is likely to produce an average of half of the annual demand, with around 90% of the demand

met in July and 10% in December.

This was the first project to incorporate Nu-Heat’s new hot water cylinder, the Energymaster HP 255S, which has been developed specifically for use with the Yutaki-M ASHP and solar thermal.The stainless steel hot water cylinder has additional volume at the bottom of the cylinder that contains a solar coil.The cylinder sits on top of Nu-Heat’s Bufferbox 100, a cuboid 100L buffer tank that is structured to be able to bear the weight of a DHW cylinder.This means that the two components only have a single footprint between them, saving space.

The refurbishment programme for the Edward Woods Estate includes the installation of 9m high wind turbines on the roof, solar panels on the south-facing facades and insulated cladding to keep the heat in.

These measures will deliver reductions in energy consumption, a reduction in bills for the tenants of up to 72%, and improvements to CO2 emissions.

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The heating system for each apartment is via a single fan 7kW Hitachi Yutaki-M air source heat pump (ASHP)

The heating system for each apartment is via a single fan 7kW Hitachi Yutaki-M air source heat pump (ASHP) located on the roof, and integrated with underfloor heating for optimum efficiency.The Yutaki-M can achieve an output of 8.2kW at typical UK design temperatures of -3°C outside temperature and +45°C heating flow temperature.The single fan unit has a CoP of 4.43 (at A7/W45) and a typical seasonal performance factor of between 2.5 and 3.5.

marketing@nu-heat.co.uk

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PREMIER LOFT LADDERS Industrial and commercial businesses, public organisations and homeowners are doing their utmost to make the very best and most cost-effective use of their finances. Often, this motivates them to find practical and economical ways of optimising the space in existing properties by moving upwards rather than moving out.

For instance, homeowners are making better use of their lofts for storage and businesses are increasing storage space through the use of mezzanine floors and by utilising the space afforded by flat roofs to locate such things as plant, motor and boiler rooms.

The market leader in this area is Premier Loft Ladders. The preferred choice of architects and building industry professionals throughout the UK, Premier leads the field in design, technology, energy efficiency and quality and is recognised as being the foremost supplier of concertina style aluminium and folding or sliding style wooden loft and access ladders.

Prices are extremely competitive, in fact the company will match the price of any like for like product found at a lower price elsewhere!

For further details plus advise and quotations, please contact Premier Loft Ladders by any of the following: T: 0845 9000 195 F: 01394 214413 E: sales@premierloftladders.co.uk W: www.premierloftladders.co.uk

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Floors, Walls & Ceilings the impact of the raw materials used in a product and consider the impact of every action throughout the supply chain.

Sustainability cannot be achieved in isolation, to paraphrase a popular saying – no company is an island, and to reach the point where we do put back in what we take out, we need to radically evolve our processes and change the way we think about things.This requires collaboration between everyone in the supply chain.

Mutual benefits

Fotosfera is Interface’s first ever truly commercial carpet tile made from plant (or bio) based nylon

Enriching communities Kelly Grainger, Sustainability Manager (UK and Ireland), at Interface talks to Future Constructor & Architect about the socio-economic benefits that can be gained from operating as a sustainable commercial carpet tile manufacturer.

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n the building and construction industry, the pressure to deliver sustainable products and solutions has intensified considerably in recent years.

This has given rise to a wave of companies stamping labels on themselves and their products – claiming everything from ‘ecofriendly’ to ‘recyclable’.

Statements like ‘environmentally-friendly’ are extremely vague and we need to question what impact a product actually has.

However, with companies under pressure to deliver sustainable solutions in the short-

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term, it’s easy to forget that achieving true sustainability is actually a long-term goal that needs to deliver real solutions to real issues.

Ultimately, sustainability in its truest form requires us to reduce our impact on the environment as far as possible and actually ‘close the loop’; putting back into the environment what we take out.

It’s important not to lose sight of this and become blinkered by labels and tags that profess ‘green credentials’. As a manufacturer, we understand that, while it’s important, we need to look beyond

At Interface, we believe that innovation has to be a collective responsibility and it is important to encourage all employees and stakeholders to participate in finding creative solutions to sustainability challenges. If we want to achieve true sustainability, we need to proactively build inter-business relationships in order to stimulate new idea generation.

Co-innovation can be beneficial to all parties within the collaborative process. Interface has recently developed the NetWorks partnership with the conservation charity the Zoological Society of London (ZSL), looking at a number of initiatives to deliver socio-economic and business benefits across the globe.

One of the projects undertaken as part of this partnership, has seen us work with a small fishing community in the Philippines, where nylon fishing nets have historically been discarded and replaced when they can no longer be used, at great financial and environmental cost.We have established a community-based supply chain for the discarded nets, which helps to clean up the area, improve the livelihood of the local fishing community and provide Interface with an innovative source of raw materials for our carpet tiles. For example, the recycled yarn in our Biosfera I products consist of 30% post-consumer recycled raw materials from a variety of sources; including reclaimed commercial fishing nets.

Interface believes that collaboration through strategic partnerships, such as these, will ultimately help the company to continue to push boundaries and create practical solutions to real issues.

Part of the Interface ethos is to look beyond the immediate environment and develop ‘global communities’, fostering relationships which benefit both the environment and the people within it. Interface evidenced this with the launch of Fotosfera, its first ever truly

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Floors, Walls & Ceilings

70% of the world’s castor oil plants are grown in India, in hot, arid conditions and they require water as little as every once in up to 25 days

socio-economic benefits, but helps to satisfy demand for a commercial product.

Being sustainable is about much more than ticking a box, it’s about thinking carefully about your overall environmental footprint and looking for ways to reduce this at every opportunity. By shifting our

working practices and the way we do things, there are significant socio-economic benefits to be had, while still delivering the same level of quality and services that is expected by customers and end users.

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commercial carpet tile made from plant (or bio) based nylon.

With Fotosfera, Interface has not only reduced its reliance on virgin petrochemical raw materials, but also delivered significant socio-economic benefits.The innovation is a true breakthrough for an industry which is traditionally reliant on oil-based materials.

The primary component of the yarn in Fotosfera is castor oil, which is derived from plants that are fast growing and therefore readily renewable.The plants are also resilient and exceptionally lowmaintenance. In fact, 70% of the world’s castor oil plants are grown in India, in hot, arid conditions and they require water as little as every once in up to 25 days.

www.interfaceflor.co.uk

Supporting farmers It is equally as important that the plants also act as an excellent soil stabiliser in areas prone to erosion, and that castor bean plants actually grow on marginal land where other crops struggle, which provides farmers with much-needed income. In some circumstances, this can lead to revenue of up to ten times the cost of planting the crop.Therefore, with Fotosfera, Interface has not only developed a carpet tile which relies on a sustainable, natural source of raw materials, but which also supports the farmers who grow the crops.

One of the most interesting aspects of this kind of collaboration is that is helps to create the long-term conditions that are necessary for the reduction of poverty through building sustainable livelihoods.

Again, it comes back to addressing a real issue with a solution that not only offers

The primary component of the yarn in Fotosfera is castor oil, which is derived from plants that are fast growing and therefore readily renewable

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Legal & Business

A sensible approach to health and safety, with everyone in construction taking joint responsibility, is not only vital to reduce accidents, but is being driven by Government policy, says David Fussell, Health and Safety Director of the Leadbitter Group.

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he Health and Safety Executive’s Fee for Intervention cost recovery scheme was introduced on 1st October, as part of the Health and Safety (Fees) Regulations 2012.

Under the new regulations, those breaking health and safety laws are now liable for recovery of the HSE’s related costs, including inspection, investigation and taking enforcement action.

The HSE says the fee charged will be based on “the amount of time that the inspector has had to spend identifying the breach, helping you to put it right, investigating and taking enforcement action.” The Fee for Intervention hourly rate for 2012/13 is £124.

This move clearly demonstrates to the construction industry that both the HSE and the Government believe it is reasonable and fair for businesses found to have broken health and safety laws to meet the costs rather than the public bearing the cost.

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Like many other public organisations, the HSE has experienced funding cuts as part of the Government’s spending review and has reviewed its strategy to adopt first Lord Young’s recommendations on the growth of the compensation culture (Common Sense, Common Safety, October 2010) and then those of Professor Lofstedt (Reclaiming health and safety for all: An independent review of health and safety regulation, November 2011).

The clear message from HSE is that others need to be part of the solution – not just in terms of improving the health and safety system. The entire industry needs to help draw the distinction between real health and safety risks threatening serious harm to workers and other risk-averse behaviour (often mistaken for health and safety) that is much more to do with the ‘compensation culture’.

For example, does a roofer really

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Reducing risk

need to wear a hard hat when up on a roof? A radical concept, perhaps, but the construction industry needs help from the HSE to extol sensible health and safety on-site, leaving firms to concentrate on the more hazardous, high-risk activities.

The good news is that the general trend in the number and rate of fatal injury from 2004/05 to 2010/11 is downwards. There has been a general reduction in the rate of major injury since 2004/05, and the number of reported injuries has also fallen (25% for rates and 38% for numbers) since 2007/08.

However, there is no room for complacency. Construction remains a high-risk industry and, although it accounts for only about 5% of the employees in Britain, construction still accounts for 27% of fatal injuries to employees and 9% of reported major injuries.

There is a good deal of change going on in the world of health and safety. While construction companies can examine their strategies and the ways in which they work, the ongoing regulatory changes only serve to emphasise the important role that everyone has to play in leading health and safety and being part of the solution, rather than being part of the problem.

www.hse.gov.uk www.leadbitter.co.uk

David Fussell is the Leadbitter Group’s Health and Safety Director.

He spent 11 years at the Health and Safety Executive (HSE), first as HM Inspector of Health and Safety and most recently as Acting HM Principal Inspector of Health and Safety for both the HSE Construction Group across Kent, Sussex and Surrey and the HSE Manufacturing Group across Kent.

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Energy Management

In addition to measuring the electrical output of a whole installation, it is essential to ensure that each string of PV cells is performing to its best at all times

Measuring performance Alan Hickman, Managing Director of Carlo Gavazzi UK, explains why measurement can be key to financial success when investing in renewable energy systems such as a solar installation.

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(Annex B+D). This standard replaces the old OFGEM standard. OFGEM meters can still be installed at the moment, but this will discontinue in 2016.

In addition to measuring the electrical output of the whole installation, it is essential to ensure that each string of PV cells is performing to its best at all times

â–

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he economics of photo-voltaic installations on commercial buildings have improved dramatically recently, following the reduction in the cost of the components. However, the financial returns available won’t be fully realised unless the output is measured correctly with a fiscal meter, and the installation itself is correctly monitored.

When commissioning an installation, building managers should bear in mind that monitoring the performance to ensure that the maximum output is achieved and feed-in is fully reclaimed is very much in their interests as the user. It provides a basis for them to hold the installer to account if the promised financial return is not achieved or the performance is not as expected.

Metering associated with fiscal billing, including reclaiming the Feed-in Tariff from the electricity supplier, requires a meter that complies with the relevant European regulation which is MID (Measurement Instruments Directive) certification

and realising the maximum output the environment will allow. Building managers need to understand the performance limitations of their installation, ensure that the system is working properly and confirm that it is delivering the anticipated electrical output.

Web-based data management systems are available which collect measurements and status information from individual PV strings and inverters and feed them to a management PC or a centralised online monitoring centre. Where wired or wireless internet is not available, data can be transmitted wirelessly via the cell phone network. Dependable and accurate data alerts system deliver promptly when photovoltaic modules are not performing.

This can be because they are not correctly connected or even on occasion because they have been removed and stolen. Common issues include shadows across parts of the panel. Even a small shadow or area of dirt can have a dramatic impact on the energy produced out of proportion to its actual size.

On occasion, components such as the inverter can fail. Focused control of every string of PV cells provides immediate localisation of any fault reducing the service time and the resulting missed yield.

A rooftop solar installation is a major investment for a commercial installation.

Typically, the impetus comes from publicfacing parts of the organisation, who are keen to present a good corporate citizen image to stakeholders. For the budget to be signed off, however, they need to convince the financial management that the installation will pay for itself in a realistic timeframe.

The withdrawal of government subsidy from commercial installations initially had a big impact on these returns, but subsequent reductions in component prices have once more made installations an attractive financial proposition. Carlo Gavazzi has seen a substantial increase in the level of enquiries from commercial bodies as a result. Accurate and effective monitoring using an MID compliant meter on the output associated with a data collection solution on each string will ensure that the financial returns promised in the financial case for the investment are achieved in practice.

Metering systems must comply with Measurement Instruments Directive certification

www.gavazzionline.com

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Design & Desire

A test of time The new visitor centre at the Giant’s Causeway in Northern Ireland is a bold architectural design that mirrors the dramatic basalt formations of the Causeway with its raw and minimalist aesthetic. To realise the architects’ vision of quiet monumentality, shot-peened stainless steel surfaces played a key role in the composition.

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UNESCO World Heritage Site, the Giant’s Causeway in Northern Ireland is a natural wonder – an area of around 40,000 interlocking basalt columns, most of which have a distinct hexagonal shape and are the result of a volcanic eruption 60 million years ago.

The tops of the columns, some up to 12 metres high, form stepping stones that lead from the cliff foot into the sea.

The most visited attraction in Northern Ireland, the Giant’s Causeway was without a visitor centre since the old building

burned down in 2000. The new centre finally opened its doors in July 2012 and is now set to become a landmark in its own right thanks to its stunning architecture.

The panel that awarded the project to Dublin architects Heneghan Peng described the winning design as “exuding simple and quiet monumentality”.The architects’ vision was to craft a building that nestles into the landscape, mirroring the bold material and geometric lines of the Causeway itself.

Inside, the building is dominated by concrete, glass, stainless steel and oak – all crafted with absolute precision.The result is a composition that looks simple and clean, yet was full of technical challenges.

One of these challenges was the creation of a raw, stainless steel finish on a number of dominant features across the open building – which had to be engineered to withstand the salty wet air of its coastal location.

To preserve the aesthetic of the column, the architects specified shot-peening as the preferred surface treatment process

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Design & Desire

The Giant’s Causeway visitor centre is now set to become a landmark in its own right thanks to its stunning architecture

The most striking of these stainless steel objects is a 5 metre high, 1.5 metre wide column in the entrance area of the centre. Half-exposed to the weather, it marks one end of a long glazed slit in the ceiling through which light pours in on the sculpture-like stainless steel structure.

Made up of six sheets, each 30mm thick and 5 metres long, the column weighs three tonnes and is made of duplex stainless steel, a material most commonly used for offshore structures due to its extreme-weatherproof qualities.

To preserve the pure stainless steel aesthetic of the column and achieve a delicate finish, the architects specified shotpeening as the preferred surface treatment process for this stand-out feature.

Authentic effect

Shot-peening hardens a metal surface by bombarding it with steel, glass or ceramic beads, mimicking the century-old method of working material with a hammer to compress the surface – but at a miniature scale and with thousands of tiny impacts at a time. This creates a subtle uniform finish with a distinctive dimpled texture.

In the case of the large stainless steel column in the entrance of the Giant’s

The architects’ vision was to craft a building that nestles into the landscape, mirroring the bold material and geometric lines of the Causeway itself

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Design & Desire

Causeway visitor centre, shot-peening was used to achieve an intriguing aesthetic finish, retaining the steel’s lustre while reducing its reflectivity, and maintaining the rawness of the material.

The shot-peening process delivers a lustre finish with a reflectivity that can be subtly varied to suit the individual environment.The process can also prevent the initiation of pitting corrosion, a huge benefit in the hostile saltwater environment encountered at the visitor centre.

Roisin Heneghan from Heneghan Peng explains: “The building is designed as a passageway to the Giant’s Causeway that becomes part of the landscape. It acknowledges and mirrors the outside letting in light and weather.

“The materials we’ve used for the interior are raw and robust: polished concrete, oak, stainless steel, glass. To achieve this very reduced aesthetic, colour nuance, reflectivity and micro-structure of surfaces are carefully considered.

High spec finish

“At the same time, the building just has to work. We wanted to create a structure that serves the landscape, without further demands. Where we’ve used stainless steel we wanted to keep that subtle lustre of the raw material that plays with the changing light outside. The shot-peening surfaces we specified do this beautifully, while patiently braving the weather.”

The particular challenge of this project lay in the sheer dimensions of the

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objects, the hardness of the stainless steel used, and in the high-spec finishes specified by the architects.

For example, stainless steel specified for external building elements – the stainless steel column and balustrades – was duplex grade 1.4462 rather than standard marine grade 1.4401. This was necessary in order to minimise the risk of staining in the costal environment, but added further complexity to the shot-peening process.

Chris Pallot, Business Development Manager for Wheelabrator Impact Finishers, who delivered the majority of the surface finishing at the visitor centre, commented: “Where surface finishes are specified as part of a large structure in high-traffic or exposed public spaces like the visitor centre, durability and straightforward maintenance are key. Shot-peening achieves a finish that will stand the test of time without further maintenance (apart from cleaning with soap and water) – it’s built to be around for the long-haul.That means the surface has to be absolutely perfect.

“We met with the architects early on to advise on specification and treatment needed for this application – especially considering the environment of the object in situ. We worked closely with a number of companies on the project, including the architects, to marry an ambitious aesthetic vision with what is technically possible.

“We are one of the few shot-peening experts in the UK who can handle objects of this size and to this specification.With large flat areas of material such as the

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The shot-peening process delivers a lustre finish with a reflectivity that can be subtly varied

stainless steel column and cladding sheets fitted at the Causeway, it is very important that the shot-peened finish is even and consistent right across the sheet.Any patchy areas would catch the eye immediately.

“In order to maintain a regular finish over wide areas, the shot-peening process has to be carried out in an automated environment. Here at Wheelabrator Impact Finishers we use the highest standard multi-functional automation to achieve the necessary standard of process control. The result is the extremely even lustre you can see across large sections of the stainless steel-cladded wall and the tall column in the entrance of the visitor centre. The effect is stunning but technically challenging to achieve.”

Another steel surface shot-peened for the Giant’s Causeway visitor centre, for example, was stainless steel wall cladding in two areas of high-traffic and exposure to open air, for which softer, cold-rolled steel in much thinner sheets could be specified. But here too, a uniform and even finish across a large area was key.

This required different parameters for the shot-peening process, as did the balustrades along the roof of the building.

All of these parts will retain their raw steel lustre against the natural elements of the Causeway.

www.wheelabratorimpact.com www.giantscausewayireland.com

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Shot-peening achieves a finish that will stand the test of time without further maintenance

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HVAC

Plan for heating comfort A top-end residential property deserves a visually striking and efficient fire or stove at its heart, but where do you start in the quest to specify the right model? Stovax’s Matt Beckenham talks to FC&A about how best to approach this key interior element.

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Today’s modern electric appliances can offer both contemporary and traditional fuel options

LED flame visuals, variable heat output and total ease of use and installation as well as minimal or zero installation costs.

Heating output is a primary element to take into consideration. There are some models that can emit a heat output of up to 19kW; much smaller stoves and fires can generate 2kW. It is wise to ask the installer for advice on how big the stove or fire should be but for starters Stovax offers a rough guideline.

Output calculations

For easy operation, an electric appliance may fit the bill

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Assuming that the room is reasonably well-insulated, a simple equation to bear in mind when choosing the appropriate heat output of a stove is to calculate the room’s volume (in metres) width x depth x height and then divide by 15.

The result will provide the average heating requirements for the room in kilowatts.

There are a number of double-sided appliances that can provide a visual and functional link between two rooms, but it is also worth considering the

other options on the market such as Stovax’s wood burning Riva Studios that can heat up to four additional rooms thanks to a clever warm air ducting kit developed specifically for this product range.

Another way to maximise the return from the fireplace is to have it augmenting the hot water supply for a central heating system. There are a number of solid fuel boiler stoves on the market that include discreet integral boilers within their design.

With so much to consider, it really is no wonder that a fireplace can often be an eleventh hour discussion point, but for those who plan ahead, the fire can be as instrumental in the build’s success as the foundations are to its longevity. With a wealth of styling options from wall hung fires to traditional cast iron stoves, give the fireplace its due priority and it can really make the difference in turning your dream ideas into your client’s dream home.

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ith rising energy prices and environmental factors to consider, selecting the right fuel source from either woodburning, solid fuel, gas or electric can be the most challenging task of all. Woodburning is now widely appreciated for its green credentials, with many homes enjoying the comfort of a real-fire ambiance and the warming feeling that comes from this carbon neutral heat source. Wood fuel is not just the preserve of the rural retreat, indeed with many products on the market suitable for use in Smoke Control Areas, even the most urban of homes can burn logs or smokeless solid fuels.

Fuel storage may need to be factored into the layout.

For those looking for the ultimate in ease, an electric appliance may fit the bill. Long gone are the days of simple bar heaters and lifeless fuel effects.

Today’s modern electric appliances can offer both contemporary and traditional fuel options, impressive controllable

www.stovax.com

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Galvanizing & Steel

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Preview 2013

Major investment from organiser UBM Built Environment will see a wealth of new features and content showcased at Ecobuild, the world’s largest event for sustainable design, construction and the built environment.

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esigned to inspire, educate and inform, the Ecobuild Arena returns to the exhibition floor, from 5-7th March at London’s ExCeL, showcasing the crème de la crème of Ecobuild’s prestigious conference programme. Back by popular demand, the arena will host key industry speakers, ministers, lecturers and academics as well as a sprinkling of celebrity speakers and hosts.

The Rt Hon Michael Fallon MP, Lord de Mauley; Parliamentary Under-Secretary for Resource Management, the Local Environment and Environmental Science and Rhian Kelly, Director for Business Environment at the CBI are amongst a plethora of top industry names signed up for 2013. Ecobuild also has commitment from The Department of Energy and Climate Change (DECC) to provide ministerial speakers to be announced soon.

Ecobuild 2013 is set to inspire, educate and inform with a number of trending seminar discussions

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Ministers and government officials will be joined by many expert speakers from leading organisations such as the Royal Institute of British Architects, the UK Green Building Council, Environment Agency, Arup and the Construction Industry Council, as well as academics from the leading UK universities driving the climate change debate from the US and beyond.

In response to industry feedback, Ecobuild will host new conference streams covering Property and International.

The first stream will have an exclusive focus on property issues such as investor and occupier considerations and will be held in partnership with Property Week.

Brand new features and attractions at Ecobuild include ‘The Green Deal Terrace’, a programme of seminars and a comprehensive advice clinic to help visitors understand the ramifications from the government’s showcase policy and how they can benefit.

Following significant investment into the green credentials of the show, the Working with Nature Zone will reinforce the importance of the natural environment in sustainable design and construction.This area of Ecobuild brings together the DEFRA backed, Green Infrastructure pavilion, Natural, Sustainable, which will comprise of daily interactive demonstrations covering a wealth of materials and techniques including straw bale construction, lime rendering, rammed earth, clay plaster and carpentry and the

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Build up begins

Biodiversity Pavilion, providing practical advice on how to create a rich bio-diverse environment, even in the grittiest urban environment.

Further new features include The Light Box, a showcase of the very best energy efficient lighting products and Global Clients, a major new initiative, facilitated by Building magazine, which brings together construction clients operating in different sectors and countries to understand, unite and showcase common challenges and opportunities.

Tom Broughton, Brand Director for Ecobuild said: “The launch of the Ecobuild conference programme is always an exciting announcement for the sustainability community and the wider construction industry and this year will not disappoint.

With nearly 70 percent of visitors quoting events as the key way they stay up-to-date with the latest information and changes to the sustainability agenda, Ecobuild’s conference programme will once again bring together over 1100 industry experts, ministers and VIPs from across the sustainable built environment to inform, educate and inspire.”

www.ecobuild.co.uk

Ecobuild at a glance: Making Sustainable Construction Happen Join the Rt Hon Michael Fallon MP and an expert panel to debate and discuss ‘Green for growth - reality check’ which will look at what and where should we invest in the construction industry to get the maximum benefit.

Beyond Construction: Achieving a Sustainable Future Discussing the importance of bringing nature into the urban city environment and fostering deeper connections with the natural world.

Design Architecture & Sustainability Covering hot topics such as ‘Sustainable design should be irresistible design’ hosted by RIBA president Angela Brady, ‘Is BIM the saviour of sustainable design?’ and ‘Water sensitive urban design’, headed up by Aecom’s Sustainability Director.

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Doors & Windows which can be made to buildings or an area. This includes the choice of doors and windows.

When new windows are required as part of a refurbishment, it is normally because the homeowner wants to reduce energy bills. However, it is easy to alter the whole character of a building through the installation of inappropriate windows and many homeowners have found to their cost the downside of doing so.

Old meets new

Planning for aesthetics Ian Purkis, Technical Director of Jeld-Wen UK, looks at why timber windows can have a major impact on securing planning in conservation areas.

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indows are fundamental to the design of a building and choice of window style can significantly change the appearance of a property.

There are several factors that can affect this – the proportions of the window, the thickness of the glazing bars, the material they are manufactured from and the glass itself can all play a part in the overall aesthetics.

Surveys by national estate agencies have shown that the unsympathetic replacement of windows and doors is the single biggest threat to property values in conservation areas. As a result of this, specifiers recognise that sympathetic replacement with timber windows can be a sound long term investment, ensuring they complement both the property and its surroundings.

Back in 1967 the Civic Amenities Act created 9600 designated

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conservation areas across England and Wales. The Act was designed to further protect and improve buildings of architectural or historic interest and the character of such areas. Within these conservation areas, local authorities have extra powers over the refurbishments or new builds that can be carried out.

Although the Act does not stop building from taking place, it does require that any developments ‘preserve or enhance the historic character of the area’.

This could include requiring newlyconstructed buildings to be of a specific authentic design.

It also meant that properties in conservation areas required special permission to be gained before any changes could be made in order to make sure that the works did not detract from its appearance. Under legislation introduced in 1995, local authorities can further restrict the type of changes

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Advances in factory finishing, double and triple glazing and enhanced security over the last 10 years have made the modern timber window an increasingly attractive option

For houses in conservation areas where replacement of windows is required, timber is a compelling choice.

Planning requirements often ask for the replacement of like with like, which has led to innovation within the window manufacturing sector to meet modern day demands within traditional styles.

Window styles like sliding sash, which became extremely popular in Georgian and Victorian times, are now available in authentic styles that have accurate reproduction of period features, but with improved energy efficiency and no loss of performance.

When upgrading homes in conservation areas, it is really important that the windows retain authenticity, including intricate details and characteristics of historic styles. This

Modern timber windows can be virtually maintenance free for many years

Get qualified and get recognised!

There are many personal and professional benefits of being a member of a professional body.

As well as holding a prestigious qualification, membership is an assurance of quality and a demonstration of your professional achievement that sets you apart from the crowd. Being a member means that you can attend a range of networking and CPD events, keep up to date with the latest developments in the industry and have access to professional opportunities and qualification.

In joining the Chartered Institute of Architectural Technologists provides you with the opportunity to qualify as a Chartered Architectural Technologist, MCIAT or a professionally qualified Architectural Technician, TCIAT; recognised building professionals of the highest standard and regarded as one of the best within the industry CIAT is a progressive, enthusiastic and proactive Institute and its members are at the forefront of Architectural Technology.

To consider your options please visit www.ciat.org.uk

If you apply to join quoting FCA12, you will be eligible for a 50% reduction in your first year annual subscription, which is a maximum saving of ÂŁ43. This offer is only valid until 31 December 2012 and is subject to the necessary membership registration approvals.

For further information about joining CIAT, please visit www.ciat.org.uk or alternatively email membership@ciat.org.uk.

To gain a further insight into the qualifying processes and the type of work our members undertake, visit our YouTube channel: www.youtube.com/ciatechnologist.

If you have any queries about membership or routes to attaining Technician (TCIAT) or Chartered (MCIAT) membership, please do not hesitate to get in touch - membership@ciat.org.uk.

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Doors & Windows

Long life assurance The right replacement solution in both conservation and non-conservation areas is one that meets both performance and aesthetic requirements.

With modern timber windows being highly engineered and having the benefit of factory finishes, which prolong performance and enhance their appearance, this means they can be virtually maintenance free for many years.

This is as important in conservation as in undesignated areas and is helping to enhance the popularity of timber windows.

Another reason why specifiers and developers choose timber windows is for their long service life. The BRE (British Research Establishment) has stated that the minimum service life of a quality timber window is 35 years.

The reality is that good quality timber windows should last much longer, up When upgrading homes in conservation areas, it is really important that the windows retain authenticity, including intricate details and characteristics of historic styles

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to 60 years or more in many cases, particularly those supplied by members of the UK Wood Window Alliance (WWA) where academic research has backed this up. It is still possible to find cases of timber windows that date back hundreds of years with very little loss of frame performance.

The BRE awarded timber windows made under BWF Timber Window Accreditation Scheme (TWAS) standards the highest possible A+ rating in the Green Guide to specification. These qualify under the WWA requirements and many also have the assurance of being chain of custody certified to one of the environmental reforestation schemes to ensure they originate from well managed forests.

It is important not to fall into the trap of thinking that all timber windows are the same. The Wood Window Alliance was established to promote timber windows that comply with the demanding standards of third party certification.

Only WWA members’ windows are sure to meet standards for energy efficiency, longevity and sustainability, providing further reassurance to specifiers and developers that they have chosen a quality, authentic product.

Whole life costings are important and timber windows represent very good long term value in comparison with alternative materials. Specifiers often consider the fact that timber windows may be more expensive up front, but they can last a lifetime, as well as helping to increase the appeal and add value to a home.

The aesthetics of timber are seen as being superior to other materials and this is helping to meet with planning approval. In a recent project, we supplied timber windows for a historic public house redevelopment in the picturesque village of Liss in Hampshire.

The developer had a keen interest in architectural conservation, so was determined to ensure that the pub could be restored to its former glory, as well as meeting planners and local conservationists’ approval.

Two stunning homes were created by converting the original pub and three further new Victorian-style cottages were built in the grounds. Our Regency Stormsure windows were specified with

Clever techniques can be employed, such as using internal spacer bars that give the appearance of individual panes, but without restricting light

an authentic vertical bar design to meet the planning conditions of the area, which now forms part of the new South Downs National Park. This is just one of many such examples where authentic-style timber windows were chosen for their aesthetics.

Property distinction And on projects where new homes are required to meet increasing sustainability requirements, timber windows can add credits to meet the higher levels of the Code for Sustainable Homes. Specifiers and developers also recognise how timber windows not only help to secure planning consent, but also ensure that properties are more distinctive and likely to attract buyers.

It can clearly be seen that timber windows are just as relevant today as they have ever been and increasingly so in conservation areas. Advances in factory finishing, double and triple glazing and enhanced security over the last 10 years have made the modern timber window an increasingly attractive option. The modern highly engineered timber window looks set to continue its growth and popularity for new builds and refurbishments where aesthetics are crucial.

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is why manufacturers offer timber windows with traditional profiles and some are available which have the appearance of single glazed but which is achieved within a modern energy efficient double glazed timber window.

Clever techniques are also employed, such as using internal spacer bars that give the appearance of individual panes, but without restricting light.

www.jeld-wen.co.uk

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Osmo’s PolyxOil Rapid, complete treatment in just one day!

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Disability upgrading washroom facilities, and adopting a more inclusive approach, be it providing equipment such as a hoist, changing bench, height adjustable washbasin, through to a ‘wash and dry’ toilet.”

1 in 6 of our population is registered disabled, and that figure is only going to increase

Provision of facilities

Growing numbers of commercial, municipal and retail establishments are responding to the need to be inclusive in their washrooms, reports Total Hygiene, the UK’s leading supplier of disabled toileting solutions.

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y law, and according to the Health & Safety Executive ‘Welfare at work’ guidance document, adequate toilet and washing facilities have to be provided for employees/users and the needs of people with disabilities have to be considered.The introduction of BS8300: 2009 which sets out accessibility good practice for buildings to which numbers of the public have access is also having an impact, believes the company.

“Commercially aware business people, and local government officials, are increasingly acknowledging the need to accommodate disabled people’s requirements – through to going to the toilet when away from home,” says Robin

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Inclusive washroom design

Total Hygiene has already put in place a raft of options to help, being the only British company to offer in-house design advice, supply, install, commissioning and importantly servicing, of disabled toileting equipment. Adds Robin: “Get the washroom right, and people will make a conscious decision to visit your premises.

But the washroom needs to be properly maintained so it consistently delivers, and people keep coming back.”

The Malls shopping centre in Basingstoke is a typical example. Peter Gunner,The Malls Project Manager, explains:“In our extensive public consultation, it was stressed to us the need for proper provision of facilities such as toilets, hence our decision to create new toilets by the lift for optimum access and to include a Changing Places toilet, supplied by Total Hygiene.

“There is already a Changing Places toilet in the town’s Discovery Centre, demonstrating our commitment to meeting the needs of the growing number of disabled people in the UK; the popularity of that reinforced the need for one to be included in The Malls too, to make our town as accessible as possible, to ensure its continuing vitality and viability.”

info@clos-o-mat.com

Tuffley,Total Hygiene Marketing Manager.

“There is a trend to provide facilities beyond conventional Document M toilets, to more encompassing hygiene rooms and Changing Places accessible toilets.

Research shows that for the average business, disabled customers may already account for up to 20% of the customer base, and that people make a conscious decision not to visit somewhere if they believe they cannot go to the toilet in clean and appropriate washrooms. Already, 1 in 6 of our population is registered disabled, and with our ageing population, that figure is only going to increase.

“Forward-thinking facilities managers are reacting to this when designing new or

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The washroom needs to be properly maintained so it consistently delivers

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Renewable Energy

A passive approach achieves excellence Dennis Bates, Passivent Product Manager, looks at how natural ventilation and daylighting can achieve excellence in BREEAM – and deliver lifecycle benefits.

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The lack of fans to drive the system means there is no distracting background noise

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levels depending on application.The lack of fans to drive the system means there is no distracting background noise as ‘machinery’ switches on and off, there are fewer moving parts to go wrong, wear out, need replacing, and less plant to house and maintain.

Adaptable systems As the forces driving the system are naturally present, natural ventilation functions 24/7.This also provides effective night cooling as internal and external temperatures have a higher variance at night, increasing convection and removal of surplus heat gain within the building, minimising energy consumption to bring the building down to the required temperature.

The latest technology is ‘mixed mode’ combining natural ventilation with an ‘as needed only’ air conditioning, enabling larger and deeper buildings to benefit from natural ventilation, where otherwise the simple distances involved might have made it impractical as an effective solution in extreme weather.

The system can be retro-fitted as well as incorporated into new build schemes,

and can adapt to the building’s changing use over time. Passivent and Mitsubishi have both retro-fitted the mixed mode system within their office headquarters, and yielded a reduction in energy bills of over 40% as a result.

Usefully, support systems have developed alongside the product technologies.

Dynamic simulation modeling software tools means designers can theoretically test the building before it is physically constructed or refurbished, to verify the impact of the natural ventilation and/ or natural daylight on the overall building performance.

Tesco is a prime example of how to implement such strategies.The chain aims to be zero carbon by 2050. It has already built new zero-carbon stores, and is now trialling modular building. At the first store to use the faster construction technique, at Southam,Tesco has used Passivent natural ventilation and natural daylight strategies to reduce the store’s energy consumption in line with its corporate target.

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oday, 50% of CO2 emissions in the UK derive from buildings.

Heating and cooling can account for more than 50% of a commercial building’s energy consumption.

The standards for reducing energy consumption continue to evolve, potentially putting greater pressure on building component manufacturers to develop new technologies to meet the criteria.

Natural ventilation is as old as the planet itself, utilising natural pressure differential to promote natural air movement.

Properly harnessed, it can help buildings achieve the highest possible BREEAM rating of ‘excellent’, an “A” rated energy performance certificate, and is already proven in practice to contribute towards a zero-carbon commercial building.

Natural ventilation reduces energy consumption over air conditioned buildings by up to 50%, can yield up to 15% savings on capital costs, 75% savings on maintenance costs, and can eliminate the need for a separate plant room. It thus has a positive impact on life cycle costs, another issue often overlooked in newbuild and refurbishment with the latest Energy Efficient Building (EeB) Initiative.

The savings come because the only electricity consumption is to occasionally actuate louvres to control inlets and extracts, and to power the control systems which enable precise adjustment depending on temperature, and/or CO2

projects@passivent.com

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Doors, Windows & Balustrades provide innovative design layouts.

Without compromising on performance, the partitioning system utilises the same head detail across glass and drywall elevations, enabling a consistent design deflection detail across the whole system.

A wide selection of head tracks can provide varying degrees of deflection, up to ±25mm, to suit specification requirements.

Acoustic demands

Realising architectural vision It is vital that solutions are driven by functionality and performance but they must also enable architectural vision to be realised. Partitioning allows premises to be flexible enough to allow for changing business requirements, which is a core consideration in today’s commercial environment.

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ecent figures from SAS International show a 21% increase in the demand for fully glazed partitioning systems for the commercial environment. The demand is being driven, in part, due to the popularity of open and transparent working environments.

SAS International understands that one size does not fit all and that ease of installation and future relocation of partitioning systems are important considerations. This thinking led to the design of its new fully glazed partitioning, System 8000. It enables integration with a variety of wall and ceiling systems providing a range of design options whilst

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System 8000 enables integration with a variety of wall and ceiling systems, providing a range of design options

Offering a modern, minimalist appearance System 8000 is available in traditional single and double glazed configurations, along with a new 50mm-wide double-glazing detail.

The workplace has changed considerably with many factors placing demands on acoustic performance yet what is vital is the key role that acoustics play to provide enhanced occupant comfort. Partitioning systems can provide high levels of sound attenuation – the reduction in sound between two spaces separated by a dividing element. Meeting the demands of privacy System 8000 offers acoustic performance up to 49dB. It also provides fire performance options up to FD60/60 (integrity and insulation).

System 8000 enables intrinsic design integration with a variety of wall and ceiling systems which provides specifiers with a range of design options whilst fulfilling complex demands for specification, performance and aesthetics.The fully glazed frameless partitioning system offers architectural specification across a variety of commercial sectors and meets the rigorous performance demands of today’s commercial building industry.

enquiries@sasintgroup.com

fulfilling demands for performance and aesthetics. It fully meets the architectural demands of integration and deflection that will be placed on a partitioning system, along with fire and acoustic performance.

System 8000 allows seamless integration with glass into drywall, as well as with suspended ceiling systems. To overcome the design challenge of blending glass with drywall partitions, System 8000 creates a fully integrated appearance using a range of aluminium pocket drywall trims enabling glass elevations to flow into solid with ease. Both glass and drywall modules are designed with the same head detail to create a neat single head track. The use of multiple junctions can also be used to

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System 8000 creates a fully integrated appearance using a range of aluminium pocket drywall trims

Doors, Windows & Balustrades Sapphire prescribes balustrade solutions A complex curved glass and stainless steel balustrade for a spiral staircase is among the solutions supplied by Sapphire Balustrades for a building complex in Cambridgeshire for one of the UK’s largest pharmaceutical companies.

Sapphire’s Crystal frameless structural glass system, uninterrupted by balusters (uprights), provides the perfect light-enhancing replacement for the stairway’s old balustrade. In addition, Sapphire’s Crystal balustrades are installed in the refurbished atrium, link bridges, dining areas and an outdoor terraced area which forms part of new landscaping around the building. sales@sapphirebalustrades.com

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Roto confirms consolidation strategy Specialist door and window technology supplier, Roto, is to reorganise its operation in order to serve its customers more efficiently. Following the first phase whereby it has centralised UK stock at its logistic centre in Belgium, phase two is to bring the internal sales department under one roof also in Belgium.

To implement this, Roto has employed Logistics & Internal Sales Manager, Laurent Wirtel, an expert with great experience in the optimisation of relevant processes. Roto products will continue to be available in the UK market via its distribution partners DGS Group,VBH GB and Westward Building Supplies.

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info.west@roto-frank.com

Berkeley Homes has selected Rehau systems for its landmark Kidbrooke development in south east London, one of the largest housing-led regeneration projects in Europe.At City Point, tilt and turn windows, sliding patio doors and Rehau Polytec 50S composite curtain walling have been fabricated and installed by specialist commercial fabricator Astraseal.A particular feature of City Point is that many of the apartments have glazed balconies which are accessed via sliding patio doors fabricated using Rehau S717 patio system.

These sliding doors have been fitted within frames in the Rehau Polytec 50S composite curtain walling system to benefit from the slim 50mm sight lines.

enquiries@rehau.com

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FAAC revolving door sales on the increase

PC Henderson gets moving PC Henderson’s most recent innovation is the new Evolve range of systems including the Evolve 60 Pocket Door system – ideal for use on interior doors up to 60kg, in applications where space is at a premium. Henderson’s Evolve 60 Pocket Door is an easy to fit and programme system available with wired or wireless sensors and a choice of fascia options on soffit and face fix installations. It functions using only low voltage and incorporates obstacle detection to guarantee a smooth and convenient operation.The Evolve 60 Pocket Door kit comes complete with track, hanger, floor guide, track stop, drive unit and remote control as standard. sales@pchenderson.com

Housing scheme has clear view

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FAAC revolving doors are bespoke and specifically manufactured to meet the client’s functional and dimensional specifications. A new addition to their manual revolving door range was recently installed at The Hydro Hotel, Eastbourne. Kathy Taylor, Hydro’s Business Development Manager, comments: “The revolving door was chosen to replace automatic sliding doors that caused a continual draft through the hotel. Through its sleek design and ease of movement, the new door allowed us to retain the classic character of the hotel, while providing a safe, smooth and draught free entryway for our guests, which has also resulted in a reduction in sales@faac.co.uk our heating bills.”

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Reynaers completes Georgian restoration Designed to meet modern day needs,The New Inn visitor centre at Stowe’s National Trust site incorporates a restaurant and shop housed within a contemporary re-interpretation of the traditional timber framed barn that once stood on the site. Reynaers CW 50 curtain walling was installed which offered unlimited creative freedom and allowed seamless integration of window, roof and facade systems within the construction of the centre.

The system provides good ventilation and thermal insulation throughout the visitor centre, whilst allowing the maximum level of light to enter.With sustainability a focus, high performance, aesthetically pleasing Reynaers Eco System windows were installed, fitting the design of the building perfectly. reynaersltd@reynaers.com

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Doors, Windows & Balustrades Schueco provides vital elements Schueco UK systems are being used in the construction of a 27-storey residential towerblock at Maple Quays, South East London.The £8m contract was awarded to facade specialist and Schueco network partner, M Price, based on the use of Schueco’s USC 65 insulated unitised facade system.The contract involves the fabrication of over 1000 2.5 x 3m unitised sections, which are being constructed off-site at M Price’s factory.

A second Schueco system, ASS 70 FD, an aluminium, thermally insulated folding/sliding door system, is also being installed in apartments with balconies.The doors offer excellent water-tightness and can accommodate door leaf sizes up to 1200 wide and 3000mm high.

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mkinfobox@schueco.com

Classic elegance for Baronswood Shanly Homes has chosen doors from Vicaima’s Classic range for its prestigious new development at Englefield Green, Surrey. Shanly Homes prides itself on the quality of its design and its attention to detail. Every element of the build was carefully selected and Vicaima doors were a natural choice. Shanly used doors from Vicaima’s elegant and traditional Classic range, selecting glazed oak and walnut finishes. Peter Johnson, Managing Director of Vicaima, comments: “These doors are the perfect complement to any high quality interior.

They are an extremely effective combination of a traditional design using state of the art technology to achieve high performance.”

Sapphire Balustrades has manufactured and installed a complete package of high quality balustrades for a new eight-storey apartment block in Watford. Design elements from Sapphire’s versatile Crystal, Onyx and Opal balustrade systems were cleverly combined to create bespoke solutions throughout Rainbow House, from the central atrium and communal stairways to apartment balconies and penthouse terraces. Sapphire’s design and fabrication expertise ensured specific requirements were met, including high wind loadings on complex corner balconies and customised fixings to complement external cladding.

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Design benefits with walk-on rooflight

Service ensures safety and style

sales@sapphirebalustrades.com

VBH has added the Yale Keyless Digital Lock to its range to sit beside the successful Yale Keyfree as the company’s main electronic door access solutions.

Access is gained by entering a 4-12 digit Family PIN code into the weather resistant touch-screen key pad. As well as the Family PIN, it is possible to set temporary Visitor PINs, making Keyless ideal for those relying on home visits, such as the old or infirm. Keyless is completely stand-alone, with no wiring, and is powered by 4 standard AA batteries that will operate for approximately 10,000 functions before signalling that replacements are due. sales@vbhgb.com

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info@lundie.co.uk

VBH adds Yale Keyless Digital Lock

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Glazing Vision has designed a walk-on rooflight to exacting standards for three prestigious new Berkeley Homes developments in Surrey. A recent development is the impressive 4/5 bedroom houses at Terrace Yard, Richmond. Apart from the obvious clean looks of the frameless, specially designed walkon rooflight, other design features can also be of great benefit when trying to hide unsightly concrete pillars or lintels. In this instance the toughened and sealed glass frames were screen printed a contemporary black colour with a ceramic dot matrix anti-slip pattern around the boundaries to conceal a concrete surround and the associated damp proof membrane. sales@glazing-vision.co.uk

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Everglade goes greenteQ London-based trade fabricator and VBH customer Everglade Windows has recently switched to greenteQ for its door and window furniture and profile cylinders.

Everglade’s installer customers have welcomed the new hardware and have been very impressed by the fact that they now receive fully-suited furniture across all its doors, casement and tilt & turn windows in a wide choice of matching finishes.

VBH Managing Director Peter Rowlands states: “We’re delighted that a well respected company such as Everglade has joined the ever-growing ranks of fabricators, both large and small, to have made the switch to greenteQ. They do it for the right reasons; those of improved product quality and features.” sales@vbhgb.com

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Kitchens, Bedrooms & Bathrooms Fashionable furniture Hansgrohe offers Mereway Bathrooms sleek, organic design for Mereway Bathrooms offers a collection of iconic

The new Axor Starck Organic bathroom collection combines unique design with a responsible way to handle water.

Developed by Axor, the designer brand of Hansgrohe, and Philippe Starck, the organic-minimalist design and harmonious lines, reminiscent of shapes seen in nature, characterise Axor Starck Organic.

Two handles, which seperately control water volume and temperature, blend in visually with the body of the mixers. No matter what position the handles are in – they reflect a perfect image and use just 3.5 litres of water using a new spray type which consists of 90 individual outlets to produce countless gentle drops of water. enquiries@hansgrohe.co.uk

modular pieces and highly practical ‘fitted runs’ of cabinets that offer designers scope to create a stylish and functional bathroom. Mereway Bathrooms’ three vibrant textured finishes, Zebra, Snake and Crocodile, have hit the market by storm. As more interesting shapes continue to emerge, and bathroom elements become more varied, the collection of new ‘Lustre’ cultured marble worktops add a real individuality to a bathroom. Available in 14 luxurious finishes with integral moulded basins and tops for fitted runs or vanity stations, these new surfaces can be specifically cast to order for a streamlined and elegant look.

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info@merewaybathrooms.co.uk

Roman scoops Project award Leading UK shower manufacturer, Roman Limited, has taken home the Gold Award for Marketing at this year’s annual Designer Kitchen and Bathroom Awards, for its new Project Specification Guide. The Project Specification Guide is a brand new idea within the showering market, where a specifier, architect or developer can pick and choose every part of their showering design to create a totally bespoke shower enclosure. The Project Specification Guide was launched by Roman earlier this year, in both a printed brochure format and as a dedicated website which can be found at www.roman-showers.com/psg.

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brochures@roman-showers.com

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Mereway Kitchens launches Premium Partners programme Mereway has launched a Premium Partners programme for dealers that will support and reward those retailers selling the Mereway Kitchens portfolio. According to Mereway’s Sales & Marketing Director Graham Jones, the move will strengthen relationships and provide retailers with an unrivalled range of benefits.The trading partners, Blanco UK Ltd, Caple Appliances, Marble Building Products and Westag & Getalit have been selected because they already have strong relationships with Mereway and its dealership base.Three levels of membership are available, Bronze, Silver and Gold with additional Premium Partner benefits available to those that are eligible to join the programme at the highest level. info@merewaykitchens.co.uk

New look website for Beko To coincide with the launch of its latest TV advert, Beko, one of the UK’s leading appliance manufacturers, has updated its UK website (www.beko.co.uk) to give consumers an even better experience, featuring easier navigation and an integrated look and feel with the brand’s on-going marketing initiatives. The cleaner layout features clear visual clues such as product imagery to guide consumers through the site. In addition to product specifications and information for existing customers, the website will host the brand’s latest news as well as videos of current ad campaigns and advice to help consumers choose their perfect appliance. amanda.castle@beko.co.uk

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The comfort seekers Responding to the significant figure in the UK registered as disabled, Impulse Bathrooms has identified a potential market for products which can improve accessibility and which can be more comfortable or easy to use. The Impulse Bathrooms range includes elevated WC and washbasins with a WC height of around 485mm compared to a current standard height of around 425mm, with the extra 60mm of height providing a more comfortable seat position.

Washbasin pedestals have an extra 65mm height dimension to overcome the aches which can be caused by having to bend lower. sales@impulsebathrooms.co.uk

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Roofing, Cladding & Insulation

Flashing functionality – an important consideration Responding to market demand and extending building performance, Cavity Trays – a long-established specialist in its field – has now incorporated flashing options across its range of approved cavity trays.

There are now a number of BBA flashing materials from which to choose including lead, synthetic, copper and aluminium.

This extends the client’s options

pending the adjacent roof type and finish, location and aesthetics. But, Cavity Trays has announced it is not reducing the dimensions of its flashings, despite alternative manufacturers offering trays with flashings that do not match the length of the tray.

“Our approved trays are accompanied with a performance undertaking, and our Type X tray for gable abutments has highexposure rating,” comments a company spokesperson.

“Adequate flashing laps can be critical especially in locations of variable exposure – a view promoted by the LSA. “We have experimented with varying

flashing dimensions but having identified the adequacy of our current flashing dimensions in relation to tray size and flashing interfacing, we do not wish to reduce the intended cover margins.

“Exposure tests have highlighted the extent by which wind-driven rain can challenge the leading edge of stepped flashings. Penetration behind and beyond the leading stepping edge must be anticipated.

“By ensuring the relationship between trays – and thus between flashings also – extends sufficiently to arrest wind-driven rain, dampness can be prevented from permeating inwardly below the abutting roof-line.

“But there are accompanying considerations such as the tail of our flashing being shaped to permit transitory drainage and the flashing/tray union being bonded within a bosem jaw.”

Further information about the Type X trays can be found in Gable Abutments, volume 21, which is available on request.

enquiries@cavitytrays.co.uk

Defying the elements

Dow extends Xenergy range Dow Building Solutions has extended its range of Xenergy extruded polystyrene (XPS) products in response to industry interest.

Initially available in single extruded thicknesses of 100, 120, 140 and 160mm, two more thicknesses have been added to the Xenergy SL range – 180 and 200mm.

With a declared U-value of 0.032 W/ mK, 4mW thermal conductivity gains are possible at 140, 160, 180mm and 200mm thicknesses, an 11% improved insulation performance compared with ROOFMATE SL-A. Xenergy XPS is blown with CO2, giving it a Global Warming Potential (GWP) of less than five. It offers low water absorption and excellent freeze/ thaw performance – important attributes in inverted flat roof applications. xenergyuk@dow.com

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The new RNLI Lifeboat Station at The Lizard is protected by a curved skin of Nordic Standard copper from Aurubis Architectural to withstand the aggressive coastal environment of its unique location on England’s most southerly point. The copper will continue to develop a natural green patina, taking on a blue hue in this exposed coastal location. In addition to Nordic Standard, other Aurubis Architectural surfaces include Nordic Green and Nordic Blue factory-applied patinas – developed with properties and colours based on the same brochantite mineralogy found in natural patinas all over the world. g.bell@aurubis.com 059

NBT reorgansies product offering Natural Building Technologies (NBT) has reorganised and simplified its ranges of building envelope systems to ease the process of system selection and specification.

NBT’s move to simplify its product and system ranges has been underlined by the creation of a new, easy to navigate website offering detailed systems information and performance data, case study applications and easily accessible technical support.

The new, streamlined product ranges now encompass Pavawall breathable wall systems, Pavaroof breathable roof systems,ThermoPlan clay block construction systems, and Pavacare retrofit insulation solutions. Across three decades Natural Building Technologies has been dedicated to offering simple, robust and effective systems for better building. s.honey@natural-building.co.uk

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Roofing, Cladding & Insulation Trainees go for gold with Kingspan

The finals of SkillBuild, the largest multitrade competition for construction trainees and apprentices in Britain has been held in Preston. Kingspan Insulated Panels was one of the few manufactures to get actively involved, working with the National Federation of Roofing Contractors (NFRC) to offer training and guidance to finalists. Paul Grimshaw, Regional Sales Manager at Kingspan Insulated Panels comments: “The day was a great success and both trainees and assessors came away with a greater understanding of how different panel types are installed.

We’d like to congratulate all the finalists for their efforts, and in particular the gold medal winner Craig Owens.” info@kingspanpanels.com

Zinc focal point for leisure club The Hurlingham Club’s new outdoor pool and buildings have replaced facilities which were over 80 years old. Olympic water polo arena architect David Morley Architects’ created a distinctive, undulating standing seam system in pre-weathered VM Quartz-Zinc to create the illusion of hulls of upturned boats. The roof is lifted clear of the changing room facade in a series of elegant, metal-clad vaults which ‘float’ at a constant height providing a focal point above blue-painted clapboard changing room walls and white cubicle doors. The project also involved construction of a new children’s pool, cafe and remote water treatment store. vmzinc.uk@umicore.com 062

Dura cladding specified for longevity When Ashford Borough Council looked into regenerating Gerlach House, a sheltered housing scheme comprising 33 self-contained flats, Dura Cladding was identified as an environmentally-friendly and value-for-money solution. Dura Composites supplied 600m2 of charcoal Dura Cladding boards and trims and the result was transformational. Simon Lees, Building Surveyor at Ashford Borough Council, chose Dura Cladding above other, perhaps more traditional timber alternatives, primarily because of its long life expectancy plus its low maintenance upkeep, and therefore its lower life cycle costs.The product was also found to be competitively priced, robust and ‘through coloured’ rather than decoratively coated.

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info@duracomposites.com

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Shackerley launches new resource website Shackerley, a market leading supplier of ceramic granite ventilated cladding systems, has launched a new website at www.shackerley.com featuring a wealth of resources for all specifiers of external and internal facades.

Registered users may explore the online database of completed Sureclad ventilated facade projects using search criteria such as style, colour and finish of cladding panel, geographical region and market sector.They can use the new ‘Pictureboard’ facility to create bespoke project reference sheets, and view Shackerley’s product literature, technical downloads, FAQs and animated presentations about the Sureclad range, patented undercut anchorage system and facade installation methods.

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info@shackerley.com

Products for the people Over 1000m2 of Kingspan Insulated Panels’ products, including Polycarb Rooflights and Safetraxx height safety solution, have been installed on the latest project from Tustin Developments. The six new commercial units on the Red Scar Business Park in Preston deliver high quality commercial space; designed to make maximum use of natural light. Unlike standard GPR daylight systems, Kingspan Polycarb Rooflights feature UV resistant layers on both faces; this protects them against UV degradation which causes systems to go yellow and crack over time. As a result they can provide an excellent light transmission level of over 60% (NEN) – EN 410: 1998. info@kingspanpanels.com

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Working together Green roofing products from Delta Membrane Systems have already been well received by the industry, and a new working arrangement with ‘one-stop shop’ Grey2Green promises to bring Terraxx, Floraxx and Floraxx-Top to more and more projects.Most popular of these is Delta-Floraxx-Top. This water-retaining drainage sheet features an integrated geotextile to help provide perfect green roofs. Innovative octagonal dimples give high levels of compressive strength, and a fused-on geotextile offers add performance.

The combination of these parts ensures Delta-Floraxx-Top brings effective drainage, water storage and filtration to the finished green roof construction. info@deltamembranes.com

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Floors, Walls & Ceilings

Military precision from Dulux Trade Weathershield Dulux Trade Weathershield Exterior Gloss System (WEGS) has recently been specified to provide long-lasting protection to the Royal Military Academy Sandhurst (RMAS) in Surrey.

As part of a major refurbishment of the iconic officer training facility at Sandhurst, Dulux’s three-part system was applied to over 300 sash windows.

The extensive refurbishment project – which included the installation of a new lead roof, replacement of exterior masonry and guttering, as well as the refurbishment of the building’s window trim – was completed by Interserve, the international support services and construction group.

Painting sub-contractors Jorgenson recommended the Dulux Trade range to the client, and the Weathershield Exterior Gloss System (WEGS) was specified for the interior and exterior sash windows

due to its long-lasting, high gloss finish and because it offers up to eight years’ protection.

Before it was applied, the window frames were stripped back and the rotten timber was cut out and replaced. Once this was complete, Jorgenson re-decorated all of the frames with WEGS, a system comprising a Preservative Primer, Flexible Undercoat and Gloss.

Over the Primer, the Flexible Undercoat was applied, which contains unique technology to give superior flexibility and prevent cracking and flaking, providing the perfect solid base for the gloss topcoat.

For the final stage, Dulux Trade Weathershield Exterior Gloss was applied.

The high performance solvent-based gloss has been designed to deliver outstanding durability, ensuring that the woodwork will remain in excellent condition.

Commenting on the finished result, Andy Meachen, Project Manager at Interserve comments: “The high quality work undertaken by Jorgensen coupled with the use of premium products has resulted in a brilliant finish. By using quality, durable products we can guarantee that it will continue to look impressive for years to come.”

duluxtraderesponse@tangerinepr.com

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celebrates consecutive award wins Moduleo shortlisted Kährs For the fourth consecutive year, Kährs has been voted for design award Best Solid/Engineered Wood Manufacturer by readers Moduleo is proud to announce that it has been shortlisted for both the Outstanding Newcomer of the Year and the Best Flooring Collection of the Year in the Northern Design Awards 2012. The company prides itself on producing environmentallyfriendly luxury vinyl flooring for both commercial and residential use. David Bigland, MD of Moduleo UK and Eire comments: “We are thrilled to have been shortlisted in two categories for the Northern Design Awards 2012 and were also honoured to hear that we received a commendation on our entry for the category of Best Product of the Year 2012.”

salesuk@moduleo.com

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of Interiors Monthly magazine. The decoration follows an earlier award, in which Kährs range was voted Hardwood Flooring Product of the Year for the 11th time – in the 2012 CFJ/CFA Flooring Industry Awards.

Kährs award-winning formula is based on a myriad of design options, combined with a high performance construction and strict eco principles. Numerous wood species, patterns and formats are represented throughout Kährs ranges, in thicknesses from 7 to 22mm. All floors are offered with a choice of durable lacquer or nature oil prefinish, in a spectrum of shades. sales@kahrs.com

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Improving air quality Plaster and drylining manufacturer, British Gypsum, has unveiled a new range of ceiling solutions specifically designed to improve indoor air quality.The move follows the introduction of ACTIVair, a mineral additive that converts and stores volatile organic compounds (VOCs) and prevents their re-emission back into the atmosphere.British Gypsum has developed ACTIVair after recognising the potential harmful effects of impurities and pollutants, such as VOCs, on health and wellbeing.ACTIVair technology – which initially will be available across the company’s Gyptone ceiling tiles and boards – works by capturing and neutralising VOCs, and turning them into inert, non-toxic compounds. bgtechnical.enquiries@bpb.com

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Floors, Walls & Ceilings

Forbo evolves its Tessera Mix range In line with current interior trends, Forbo Flooring Systems has refreshed its best selling Tessera Mix random lay, batchless carpet tile range with eight new contemporary colourways.

This attractive and innovative floorcovering combines tone and shade with a subtle geometric design, creating a distinctive and attractive flooring solution. Individual tiles are laid in a completely random fashion to deliver an attractive, multi-layered and seamless aesthetic that enhances floor spaces of any scale.

The new colourways include black and charcoal Obsidian, teal Glacier, the rich jewel hues of Ruby, Amethyst and Jade, and the natural earthy shades of Sahara, Husk and Stone.These are presented alongside seven existing, timeless references, resulting in a completely refreshed and confident modern colour offer.

Designed in accordance with Forbo’s green design principles, Mix is manufactured in the UK using advanced tufting technology to create a high performance, durable product at an economical pile weight. The use of solution dyed yarns ensures long lasting colour fastness and resistance to fading.

A true random lay tile, Mix generates less

than 2% fitting waste, as almost every last off-cut can be used, and speed of installation is increased as there are no directional rules to follow. Being batchless, future workspace expansion and reorganisation can be accommodated without concern over

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info.flooring.uk@forbo.com

Waterproofing a historic building on the Scilly Isles Triton approved contractor, ISCA Preservation, has installed waterproofing systems from Triton to protect a historical stone building on the seafront at Porthcressa on the Isles of Scilly.

A 150-year-old granite and lime mortar building is being converted to a public library as part of the Porthcressa Regeneration Scheme.Triton approved contractors were asked to recommend a method of protecting the new dry lined interior from the invasion of sea salts, rising damp and lateral penetration from high external ground levels.

Working in conjunction with Triton, ISCA proposed using a combination of BS 8201 Type A and Type C waterproofing systems. The solution comprised Platon cavity drain membranes sealed with butyl rubber products and a liquid applied membrane that together provided a fully sealed system to the building and required minimal preparation or disturbance to the original substrate.

colour matching, and as there is no need to order and store spare stocks, wastage is reduced further still.

Forbo’s random lay, batchless carpet tile portfolio also includes the newly introduced Tessera Circulate collection.

completely sealed system behind the insulated dry lining.

In the entrance foyer, the new slab was sealed with Triton’s liquid applied water and gas barrier, TT Vapour Membrane, a BS8102 Type A waterproofing system that will form a traditional water and gas proof tanking layer.

Platon P5 cavity drain membrane was installed to the full height of the walls, and linked to the internal drainage channels. Cavity drain membranes work by allowing moisture to continue to penetrate the substrate but then control it in the air gap formed by their studded profile and direct it down to perimeter drainage channels.

The floor area was protected by Platon Multi membrane, a deeper studded, BBA certified product which is impermeable to water, gas and water vapour. Platon Stop membrane was then laid over the insulation layer and sealed to the wall membranes with Triton’s Corner Strip, providing a info@tritonsystems.co.uk

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Floors, Walls & Ceilings

Jaymart makes a Big 5 entrance

At the recent Big 5 exhibition in Dubai, Jaymart demonstrated its capabilities as a specialist producer of bespoke matting systems. Alongside providing a corporate logo service, the company has positioned itself to work with architects, meeting exact requirements for unique applications.

Family-owned Jaymart Rubber & Plastics produces specialised aluminium entrance matting systems for commercial projects worldwide. The company’s most recent marketing efforts included showcasing its prestigious ranges in Dubai at the Big 5

exhibition, whereby a very special logo mat was produced for display.

Sales Director, Paul Macfarlane, says: “We are very project-specific, as well as being specified architecturally, with bespoke matting systems that are

created for a specific installation.

“Our entrance mattings focus on dust and sand removal for the Middle Eastern market and dust and water removal for the European market, so that they do not get trafficked into the building. Our products have been tried and tested, and come in any shapes and sizes from traditional rectangular to circular.”

The company is also commissioned for corporate logos for airports, schools and hospitals, as well as for military bases in the UK and abroad.

Alongside entrance mats, Jaymart produces commercial and industrial safety floorings and specialist mats. In addition to creating its unique range of products, it works as advisor and researcher into new and innovative flooring systems in order to cater for the requirements of designers and architects. sales@jaymart.co.uk

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Conren unveils WRAS approved Aquasol

Yeoman Shield ticks all the boxes Yeoman Shield, a leader in wall and door protection, has been voted an outstanding success by Old Trafford Community School, Manchester. Jane Walker, the school’s caretaker, explains: “We first used Yeoman Shield wall protection over three years ago in the large main dining hall and had no hesitation in choosing it once again to protect vulnerable areas in our reception class dining area.” Yeoman Shield Wave top pattern FalmouthEx in multi colours have been fitted to the walls of the dining area along with MDF Core skirting in Smooth White. sallyann@yeomanshield.com

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Conren’s Aquasol has passed the tests of effect on water quality – BS 6920 under the Water Regulations Advisory Scheme (WRAS). The Aquasol two-part water-based epoxy coating is suitable for use with potable water and will be included in the materials section, Part Two of the Water Fittings Directory online. Aquasol is extremely versatile, for use on walls, floors, concrete tanks or anywhere there is a need for a low odour, taint free, easy to clean coating.

The product is easy to apply with a roller or brush and comes in a wide range of colours.

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info@conren.com

Sika 1 puts seal on hall renovation For the renovation of City Varieties Music Hall for Leeds City Council, complete waterproofing of the building’s basement was required. Specialist contractor VA Crookes (Contracts) specified the use of the BBA approved Sika 1Pre-bagged Waterproofing System. In total, some 1000m2 of Sika 1 Pre-Bagged Waterproofing System was applied to all basement surfaces. Sika 1 Pre-bagged Waterproofing System is hand-applied and incorporates a specially developed admixture which is mixed with blended pre-bagged mortars.When applied to the walls and floors, it reacts with water to turn into a jelly-like substance, blocking all gaps and capillaries, to provide an impenetrable and invisible seal. flooring@uk.sika.com

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Floors, Walls & Ceilings

A&G launches new specification brochures

Acheson & Glover (A&G), a leading supplier of premium hard landscaping products, has launched a series of stylish new brochures for architects, specifiers and developers to illustrate its wide range of innovative products.

The new brochures, which cover Acoustic Block, Retaining Walls and Novabrik, include all the relevant technical information for construction professionals combined with stunning photography to demonstrate each product.

A&G’s unique Acoustic Block meets the criteria recommended in the new ‘Acoustic Design for Schools Performance Standards’ published by EFA (Education Funding Agency) on its website.This makes it an essential element in the building of schools, sports halls and gyms. It offers significantly higher levels of sound absorption and sound reduction than standard masonry

block. In addition, it comes with excellent fire resistance properties, a maintenancefree finished surface, and is available in a wide range of colours.

The Retaining Wall range is mortarless for quick and easy installation, and capable of retaining anything from 0.5m to 15m in height. A&G’s Novabrik is a brick finish to cladding, suitable for residential housing, apartments, commercial projects and extensions. Its versatility means the mortarless brick system is suitable for timber and steel frames, concrete panels

and conventional block walls.

Stuart Cook, A&G’s Commercial Director, says: “These three brochures show how A&G’s range will satisfy the most demanding design brief. Each product within our range has its own distinctive qualities, allowing designers and architects to match the character and technical demands of any project. Our wide choice is backed by the expertise of our technical team who is at hand to offer customers a design and advice service, if required.”

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christine.ferguson@acheson-glover.com

Milliken launches Build-It! Following the successful launch in the Spring of its Urban Collective range, Milliken has announced the latest addition to its portfolio of designs with Build-It! The new collection applies the same design research that inspired Urban Collective, but in a more graphical way.The new Build-It! Collection uses Milliken’s proprietary Millitron high definition pattern technology and a palette of warm and cool weathered greys to create a variety of pieces, from which you can compose a unique image, suggesting the paradoxical structured and chaotic elements that are apparent in a modern urban landscape. carpetenquiries@milliken.com

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Dual development at James Jones James Jones Timber Systems announces two major product developments – preservative treated JJIs for NHBC hazard class applications and deeper, slimmer JJI-Joists for insulated roofs and walls.The treated JJIs are the only UK manufactured I-Joists, low pressure treated for projects requiring UC1 and UC2 protection, complying with BS EN 331-5.They are FSC or PEFC certified, and their strength is TRADA assessed.The deeper, slimmer JJIs are available up to 450mm and are ideal for high thermal performance roofs and walls. A datasheet for the treatment can be found on the company’s website. jji-joists@jamesjones.co.uk

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Rapid renovation with Uzin Uzin products were used to install the new floors at Joseph Swan Academy, Gateshead after the school was damaged by a flash flood. FPL Flooring was able to complete the flooring installation on time using Uzin L3 Gold Moisture Control system.The system was ideal for use in the academy because the products are ammonia and latex free. FPL Flooring then just had to prime the floor with one coat of UZIN L3 Gold System Primer which dries within one hour and then apply the UZIN L3 Gold Moisture Control levelling compound which is used in areas of high moisture, up to 90% RH. info@uzin.co.uk

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HVAC

Baxi systems deliver for college refurbishment Baxi Commercial Division has recently supplied Potterton Commercial boilers and a Baxi-SenerTec multi-module Dachs mini-CHP system for a refurbishment of the heating system at St Aidan’s College, Durham University.

When the existing heating system reached the end of its operational life, the university was keen to ensure that the replacement equipment should

employ renewable energy and low carbon technologies.

The Baxi Commercial Division equipment, selected by consulting engineers TG Armstrong & Partners, fulfilled this requirement admirably as the new system not only provides space heating for the college in an energyefficient manner but, at the same time, generates electrical power. The Dachs mini-CHP system comprises three units, each with an electrical output of 5.5kW and, due to their exhaust gas condensers, a heating output of up to 15.5kW per unit. All are connected to a single buffer vessel which is recommended in installations where heat demand is

variable. The constant demand that the vessel provides keeps the units running, maintaining the electricity supply as well as avoiding wear and tear on the engine due to unnecessary shut-downs.

Supplementing the combined heat and power system are three Potterton Commercial 440kW NXR4 sectional cast iron boilers, each with eleven sections. The heating pipework distribution within the plantroom consists of a primary heating circuit which supplies the college’s hot water system, as well as separately controlled heating circuits which feed perimeter radiators and underfloor heating.

The NXR range of sectional, cast-iron boilers is exceptionally robust and incorporates a specially designed heat exchanger with multiple flue-ways and fins coupled with a large chamber which ensures environmentally sound combustion, reducing both CO and NOx emissions. Boilers in the range achieve up to 89% gross seasonal efficiency, 98% net. For ultimate peace of mind, the heat exchanger carries a lifetime guarantee.

jeff.house@baxicommercialdivision.com

Smart metering for high rise refurbs

Tenants on the Hickman estate are benefiting from a £12m investment as part of the Wolverhampton Homes Decent Homes programme. The two high rise blocks, Wodensfield Tower and William Bentley Court, now benefit from the installation of an Evinox communal heating system in each block, which is more energy efficient than individual boilers. The Evinox communal heating systems include ModuSat heat interface units providing accurate metering of energy consumption for each tenant and a billing facility. Units are powered by central boiler plant equipment located in plant rooms sited adjacent to the blocks. info@evinox.co.uk

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Underfloor heating system sets new standard A new ‘all-in-one’ underfloor heating system that utilises the very latest in micro-screed technology to deliver high performance combined with major environmental benefits has been launched

by Thermoplane. Available through a select ‘pro-network’ of partners, the new system features a high strength conductive Gyvlon Thermoplane screed, which combined with the very latest in high specification manifold design and Pex-a and Multilayer pipe, gives specifiers the ultimate in responsiveness and performance. Ideal for timber suspended floors commonly used in the majority of new builds, it is suitable for both domestic and commercial buildings. enquiries@thermoplane.com

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Remove the need for Estates A pioneering low surface temperature (LST) radiator guard which includes a unique full access front door, delivering cleaning staff quick and complete access to every internal surface – without the assistance of Estates personnel, is now the established solution for healthcare environments throughout the UK. The radiator guard, developed by LST heating specialist Contour Casings, is also the only LST solution that incorporates BioCote anti-microbial technology into the paintwork. This natural silver-based additive reduces levels of harmful bacteria and infection such as E.coli, MRSA and H1N1 by up to 99.99% inside a two-hour period. sales@contourcasings.co.uk

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HVAC

EMSc launches HV MAX Following on the success of its existing Star range of energy saving solutions, EMSc (UK) is proud to announce the launch of an innovative new system into the Powerstar collection, particularly relevant to new build developments.

Powerstar HV MAX is a low-loss amorphous core HV transformer with the award winning Powerstar Voltage Optimisation combined that allows for 11,000V input and electronically regulated 380v (or user regulated) output. The new innovative product will allow companies to save costs and reduce carbon

emissions in both the High Voltage as well as the Low Voltage areas.

The Powerstar HV MAX combines a low-loss transformer with the intelligent electronic-dynamic technology that has been successfully used on the Powerstar MAX. Managing Director Dr Alex Mardapittas

comments: “By utilising the electronicdynamic technology of our MAX systems, Powerstar HV MAX ensures that voltage is supplied to a site at a constant level regardless of the input instability.This guarantees that when the grid voltage varies the HV MAX technology is able to hold the site voltage at the optimum level and maintain a higher level of savings.”

The new solution is particularly relevant for new build developments, where it can help achieve sustainability marks and high energy efficiency ratings through accreditations such as LEED. Powerstar HV MAX is also ideal for sites with older transformers, and those that have previously been faced with physical space restrictions that make voltage optimisation installations difficult to implement.

In addition to reducing standing losses and energy consumption, Powerstar HV MAX – which is wholly designed and manufactured in the UK – boasts a number of additional benefits, including simple installation and a payback period of less than 5 years.The product has also been designed to be over 98% recyclable. info@ems-uk.org

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Ventilation that looks right Rytons’ LookRyt is the new range of core ventilators, suitable for wallpapering or painting in any colour for a discreet appearance.The revolutionary design of Rytons’ new LookRyt panels has angled openings around the rear of a flat face plate.This gives a multi-directional air flow allowing air to disperse evenly into the room – a fantastic improvement on the look and performance of standard grilles.There are eight new LookRyt AirCores with fixed open louvre panels for ventilating boilers, stoves and fires and a further eight sets with a controllable panel for adjustable background room ventilation to meet Part F of the Building Regulations. jackie@rytons.com

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Continuous ventilation with Vectaire Vectaire continues to develop low energy, high performance products reducing energy consumption and cost. The Heatrec Mini DC, with multiple choice trickle speed, provides low level, continuous ventilation in one- and two-bedroom apartments, hotel rooms or student accommodation, with up to 92% heat recovery. The Elegance EL1003 is one of a range of stylishly-designed, continuous-running, 3-speed fans incorporating EC motors for economical efficiency. The trickle speed is set (from a choice of two) at installation. In both fans, the boost speed can be activated by the user – or automatically via various remote switches. sales@vectaire.co.uk

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Elta Fans selected for services refurb

When Cherwell Valley Services reopened following a fire, the new amenity centre included four Elta Fans Heritage SCHT roof units. Heritage SCHT is the range of roof-mounted centrifugal fans from Kingswinford fan manufacturer Elta Fans and is designed to handle clean, grease-laden or contaminated air, whilst providing easy access for cleaning. The allmetal cowls are robust and long lasting, manufactured from galvanized steel and powder-coated after forming. With motors outside the airstream, the SCHT is suitable to cope with difficult operating conditions, ranging from contaminated air to elevated temperatures in a wide variety of applications.

mailbox@eltafans.co.uk

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Drainage & Landscaping

A&G’s TerraPave used for iconic health centre

Acheson & Glover’s (A&G) TerraPave hard landscaping flags were used to create a unique DNA theme for an iconic health centre community development in Frodsham, Cheshire. The new £8m Princeway Health Centre is designed to showcase traditional materials in a striking contemporary design.

A subtle theme of ‘DNA genetic fingerprinting’ is a key part of the building design, using opposing colours of black and white.The theme runs through the entire building and external paving, creating a link between the inside and outside spaces.

AFL Architects, who designed the centre, were looking for a cost effective hard landscaping solution, without compromising on quality or the design’s aesthetic

appearance.They also wanted to ensure the DNA theme was reflected within the flag design. A&G’s high quality and attractive Terrapave flags fitted the criteria.

TerraPave flags are hydraulically pressed concrete manufactured with a base of conventional durable concrete and a thick surface layer of reconstituted granite and other attractive natural aggregates. Its exceptional appearance is achieved by using state-of-the-art manufacturing and finishing equipment, with only the natural aggregates themselves providing the surface colour and not concrete dyes.

The flags’ top course of reconstituted granite is sufficiently thick to allow engraving of the flags with the DNA coding illustrations, a key part of the overall design theme.

AFL’s project architect, Antony Swann, comments: “A&G’s TerraPave flags provide a striking entrance to the building and satisfied our design brief entirely.A&G was extremely helpful in undertaking trials and providing samples which enabled us to make the right choices with respect to colours and finishes.We would certainly consider specifying TerraPave on future schemes.”

christine.ferguson@acheson-glover.com

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Be prepared this winter

ACO is top of the class

ACO has provided a series of functional and subtle drainage solutions for Archbishop McGrath Catholic High School in Bridgend, Wales. Seven changing areas were required for the leisure and sports facilities. Here, ACO shower gullies proved to be an ideal solution, providing compact and attractive capacity drainage in corrosion-resistant stainless steel. Meanwhile, the open plan design of the toilets required a channel in between the boys’ and girls’ units but the concrete slab into which the drainage channel needed to fit had already been cast.

Tim Growdon,ACO Building Drainage’s Regional Specification Manager, visited the school and the Modular 125 Channel system was specified. buildingdrainage@aco.co.uk

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Severe weather conditions can cause widespread operational difficulties for transport networks, public services, amenities and local economies.

The major problem faced by anyone needing salt is that when it’s most urgently required, prices are invariably at a premium and availability may well be restricted. The only answer to avoid such hurdles is to get supplies in early. At Long Rake Spar, the company has sufficient stocks of bagged salt available to meet the inevitable winter demand. The Pure Rock Salt is not diluted by mixing with sand or grit – it is 100% salt and provides no doubts to the ultimate performance of this product.

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admin@longrakespar.co.uk

ABW Plastics launches new pipework solutions Pipework distributer ABW Plastics has extended its relationship with leading plastic pipework manufacturer Durapipe UK and is now supplying its building services range of plastic pipe and fittings through its website (www.abwplastics.co.uk). Durapipe UK’s building services portfolio offers a range of specially designed pipework solutions that cater for the wide variety of applications within modern buildings. Durapipe HTA is a C-PVC pipework system that offers a cost effective alternative to copper for domestic hot and cold water services. The system offers excellent corrosion and limescale resistant properties, increasing the lifespan of the pipework and avoiding costly maintenance and replacement work. enquiries@durapipe.co.uk 092

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Building Elements

Hochiki Europe takes the university challenge Currently home to over 28,000 students, Teesside University has become renowned for the quality of its facilities and it has made a £120m investment to provide a top-class learning environment.

One of the oldest buildings on the Teeside University site is currently undergoing a phased refurbishment, the first phase of which has now been completed. The building’s previous emergency lighting system had been in place since the late 1960s and for the

University’s Electrical Services Manager, David Newton, it was time to upgrade this important part of Middlesbrough Tower’s life safety infrastructure.

David was introduced to Hochiki Europe’s new emergency lighting solution by its installation partner, TCS Fire Safety

Services Ltd, based in Middlesbrough, and he quickly realised that it would meet all of his selection criteria.

Manufactured in the UK, it is an EN50172 compliant intelligent low voltage system which utilises light emitting diode (LED) technology. It comprises an addressable emergency lighting control panel with battery back-up, and features addressable, self-contained LED luminaires and signage connected via low voltage (40V) cabling.

The luminaires are also equipped with battery back-up, making sure they will function in every situation, while the units fit directly onto a standard Hochiki sensor base (YBN-R/3), making installation simple.

120 LED luminaires were installed during phase one and these were linked to an addressable controller using existing cabling. With maintenance being a major problem with the old system, Teesside University’s onsite team is now able to comply with EN50172 legislation.

The system’s long life LED technology also means that it requires less than 5% of the lamp changes compared with traditional fluorescent lighting. emarketing@hochikieurope.com

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JS Air Curtains provides vital ingredient JS Air Curtains has supplied and installed a stylish, electricallyheated Zen air curtain at the luxury, boutique Town Hall Hotel in Bethnall Green, London.The hotel’s facilities team approached JS Air Curtains when staff highlighted cold draughts were affecting comfort in the restaurant and bar area.The Zen is offered with electric or water heaters, and as an air only model.The discharge vents have airfoil shaped vanes to direct the airflow creating a tighter seal across a doorway. Low noise, double inlet centrifugal fans with external rotor motors provide up to 6,475m3/h airflow, making the Zen ideal for doorways up to 3.5m high. sales@jsaircurtains.com

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Technal enhances light-filled college Casement windows from architectural aluminium systems specialist Technal have been specified to create an elegant and contemporary facade solution for a new campus building in south west France. The window systems feature slim sight lines to reduce the reliance on artificial lighting and were able to accommodate the full height facade with an elegance and purity of design.Technal’s casement window suite uses a technicallyadvanced framing system with unobtrusive narrow sight lines. It is available in a range of versatile module sizes to give architects and contractors the flexibility to deliver enhanced thermal efficiency and to meet project-specific requirements such as aesthetics, performance and cost. info@technal.co.uk

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Boost interior with Amina sound system Amina’s patented technology provides the perfect room filling audio solution with minimal visual interference allowing you to focus on the styling elements within a room.The all new AIW750E is the most powerful invisible loudspeaker from Amina to date and takes invisible sound to new levels. Learn more about the AIW750E along with the rest of the Evolution Series by attending the Amina CPD seminar – Understanding and Specifying Invisible Sound Solutions. inspired@amina.co.uk

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Building Elements

Crown Trade Clean Extreme Scrubbable Matt has been applied across a Primary Care Trust Unit, located in the heart of Salford, Greater Manchester. The new Ordsall Health Centre brings together a range of patient services including doctors, dentists, speech and language therapy, podiatry and community mental health services.

A

lmost 900L of paint have been applied across the new unit by Prestwich-based C&D Painting & Decorating Contractors, who worked on site under a nine-week programme of works.

Crown Trade Clean Extreme Scrubbable Matt was used throughout the building and the paint was supplied by Manchester Crown Decorating Centre.

The health centre is the second successful job for C&D Painting & Decorating Contractors at the £50m Radclyffe Park development in Salford. Earlier this year they completed decorating works on 79 new affordable homes in the mixed-use scheme which also comprises retail and leisure facilities. Russells Construction were appointed main contractor for the scheme by regeneration developer, LPC Living, which sits at the heart of a £150m

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regeneration programme of the area.

Colin Hill, owner of C&D Painting & Decorating Contractors, says: “The building has been carefully designed and built to create a sealed environment, capable of supporting infection control and achieving stringent hygiene performance.

“The specification of Crown Trade Clean Extreme has supported that design.The end result looks clean and crisp, with two shades of off white applied.These were colour matched to work in with the entire design of the building, blending in well with the floors and doors, and the end result looks superb.”

Crown Trade Brand Manager Debbie Orr, adds: “This major project showcases Crown Trade’s strength in providing the right paint for the job in healthcare environments, and in particular the value of our Clean Extreme Scrubbable Matt.

“In tests the system has achieved a Class

■

Crown Trade prescribed for care unit

1 ‘scrub’ rating when tested according to ISO 11998. Less than 5 microns of film thickness were lost after painted panels were subjected to 200 cycles on a scrub test machine, which represents a 400% increase in resistance to wet scrubbing compared to conventional vinyl matt.

“This level of performance and durability ensures Clean Extreme Scrubbable Matt is compatible with NHS cleaning regimes and also extends maintenance cycles.”

Specifiers can enhance their selection of functional products such as Clean Extreme with a powerful new online resource launched by Crown Paints, PaintSpec Finder.

Available at www.crownpaintspec.co.uk the facility delivers instant and technicallydetailed specification plans for exterior and interior projects, through a user-friendly format that allows the user to filter through a great deal of technical information to pinpoint exactly what products they need for their chosen projects.

PaintSpec Finder then pulls together the specifications into a report, with a personalised cover sheet showing the customer’s name, the project and the user’s own details, which is then all ready for specifiers to hand to their client or add to their tender or reference documents.

Clean Extreme is also featured in Crown Trade’s Right Paint For The Job video, available to view at www.youtube.com/ crowntradetv The video demonstrates the scrub test in action and also explains the science behind the formulation of Clean Extreme.

It also features other premium Crown Trade products including Steracryl Anti Bacterial paint.

Clean Extreme Scrubbable Matt is compatible with NHS cleaning regimes and also extends maintenance cycles

info@crowntrade.co.uk

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Building Elements

Timberplay adds high quality MUGA’s to portfolio Timberplay has bolstered its offering for urban spaces and public places by incorporating Multi-Use Games Area’s (MUGA’s) from French-owned Transalp into its portfolio of products.

Having a strong reputation within Europe for creating MUGA’s which work in harmony with the environment, Transalp use selected high quality, natural materials to create aesthetically-pleasing sports areas. The design-led ethos complements Timberplay’s and sits well alongside its other new partnerships; skate parks from Concrete; lighting and street furniture from Santa & Cole.

Timberplay have witnessed a growth in enquiries for MUGA’s over the last twelve months and have been keen to find a suitable partner to introduce to

their UK client base. In Transalp they have found a partner in which they share a knowledge based approach and have confidence in.

Joanne Sheridan, Marketing Manager at Timberplay comments: “Sport, like play, is all about creating opportunities to increase activity. In both urban and rural settings, finding the space to engage in team sports can be challenging. Transalp offer a well-thought out selection of MUGA’s and sport pitches, in a variety

of sizes, to suit different needs and spaces. The quality of their products and service has made them a great success in their native market and we are very much looking forward to introducing them to existing and new customers.”

Transalp’s MUGA’s are designed with several sports in mind, including basketball, tennis and football. The product templates are available in different sizes with different markings.

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info@timberplay.co.uk

Carlo Gavazzi extends networking options Carlo Gavazzi has extended the networking options for its smart power analysers, with the introduction of a communications module providing BACnet MS/TP over RS-485.

The new communication module is the latest option for the company’s innovative WM30 and WM40 smart power analyser family, providing interoperability with many small and inexpensive devices via this popular building automation protocol. Introduction of the new module recognises the growing importance for BACnet for integrating energy management features in building automation systems. Using MS/TP over EIA-485 enables small local networks to be configured up to 1200m long using shielded twisted pair wiring. alison_stevens@carlogavazzi.co.uk

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Titan Products launches wireless range The TPZ-Net range of wireless environmental sensors, repeaters and co-ordinators is a new product range from Titan Products.The TPZ-Net range is designed to wirelessly monitor temperature, CO2, humidity, light and occupancy levels and transfer this information back to the Titan Products co-ordinator where the information can be transferred on to a BACnet network or to other Titan Products controllers or IO Devices.When used in conjunction with Titan Products BACnet controllers the TPZ-Net range creates the opportunity of wirelessly sensing for fan coil, natural ventilation and other HVAC applications. admin@titanproducts.com

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Driving work excellence forward In addition to Dickies’ Worker of the Year award held last month, this year saw an added dimension to the award ceremony.

Dickies and the MCE Insurance British Superbike Championship (BSB) have come together to recognise excellence among Britain’s Bike Racing Marshals with a new award for the MCE BSB Marshal of the Year. “We are proud to be associated with BSB and of what Racesafe represents,” explains Maurice Morton, Marketing Director of Williamson-Dickie Europe.

“This new award is a small additional way that Dickies is putting something back into the sport and also ties in very much with our drive for working excellence.” gary@chicanemarketing.co.uk

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Building Elements Dulux Trade helps lighthouse to shine Dulux Trade Weathershield All Seasons Masonry paint has been used in a project to provide a long-lasting bright and striking finish to Withernsea Lighthouse, one of the few lighthouses built inland in the UK.The durable exterior coating has been applied to the entire building, in the traditional Trinity House lighthouse colours of Pure Brilliant White and Buckingham Green. As well as its ability to provide a lasting finish in a harsh coastal environment, the Weathershield coating was selected to meet several other distinct challenges. Dulux Trade Weathershield All Seasons Masonry is a flexible, smooth, masonry paint which is ideal for use all-year round on exterior walls. duluxtraderesponse@tangerinepr.com

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Portakabin rapidly delivers ‘surge’ ward As a result of unprecedented increases in demand for emergency care, the existing wards at Watford General Hospital were put under severe pressure and so a requirement for a ‘surge’ ward was identified to provide additional ward capacity. A Portakabin hire solution was developed and an HTM-compliant modular ward building was delivered in just four months.

The specification for the ‘surge’ building at Watford was developed by the Trust in partnership with Portakabin and comprises two separate wards to achieve same-sex compliance and to meet all relevant HTM guidelines. Facilities include clean and dirty utilities, kitchen, reception, toilets and showers, with two spacious nine-bed wards. information@portakabin.co.uk 103

Fila extends maintenance range Surface-care specialist, Fila has introduced a new rising damp protector to its maintenance range. Fila PW10 is a waterbased solution designed for the professional treatment of absorbent materials, including stone and terracotta.

Like all Fila products, it provides high performance protection without altering appearance or forming a surface film.

Applied to the back of tiles before installation, Fila PW10 permanently stops salts, tannin and metals from rising through the substrate to the tile surface, whilst allowing the material to breathe.This prevents the formulation of unwanted streaks and stains. Fila PW10 is suitable for natural stone, granite, marble, agglomerates, terracotta and other absorbent materials. filauk@filachim.com

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Dickies reveals UK Worker of the Year Di Mayze an entrepreneur from Nottingham has been crowned UK Worker of the Year for 2012, in the Dickies competition sponsored by SEAT to recognise and reward excellence in the British workforce. In the gala awards finale, at Marlow’s Crowne Plaza hotel, Di picked up the keys to a SEAT Exeo S Ecomotive 2.0, worth more than £20,000.

Di’s company called Ippee Design was launched in January last year. A year on and the popular product BuggyTug is sold by some of the leading retailers. She has since launched a new product TugTrio that is a pack of three buggy straps. gary@chicanemarketing.co.uk

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A bright future for research centre A range of Dulux Trade paints has been used in a pioneering project that has turned disused industrial space into an innovative new education research centre.

The interior of the former industrial site in Corby, Northamptonshire, has been transformed with the help of the Dulux Trade Light & Space colour range, while Dulux Trade Cladshield and Woodstain coatings have added colourful finish to the building’s exterior. The Light & Space colour range uses Lumitec technology to better reflect available natural and artificial light.

The technology incorporates optical brighteners and cleaner tinting recipes to reflect more light back into a room – making it appear bigger and brighter. duluxtraderesponse@tangerinepr.com

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Hirst Footwear crowned UK Distributor of the Year Hirst Footwear based in Oldham has scooped the top award at this year’s UK Distributor of the Year awards for world-renowned workwear manufacturers, Dickies. Leading distributors for Dickies products from around the country all came together for a gala awards dinner, at Marlow’s Crowne Plaza hotel, hosted by Dickies and SEAT under the guidance of TV presenter, Quentin Willson. Hirst Footwear was established in 1983 the business has grown with the product range, experience and the team of experts. Huge growth over the past three years is mainly due to its dedication to the Dickies brand and therefore deserves further recognition as Distributor of the Year. gary@chicanemarketing.co.uk 107

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Building Elements First contract for new Yorkon system

First modular facility for primary school Portakabin has handed over the first complete primary school in England to be built using modular construction.

The scheme at Carr Manor Community School, Leeds is also the first project to be constructed using the brand new Portakabin modular building system.

The scale and shape of the building features details such as an inclined roof and a palette of colours for the facades that reflect the design of the secondary school. Large picture windows ensure high levels of natural light and opening roof lights naturally ventilate other areas of the building. The new system also now has the benefit of a 30-year structural warranty and five-year product warranty. information@portakabin.co.uk

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Yorkon has been awarded the first contract to be built using its revolutionary new building system.The scheme for Kier Construction will provide three two-storey curriculum wings for a new secondary school in the village of Cambourne in Cambridgeshire.The new Yorkon steel-framed building system will reduce the number of modules needed for the teaching areas by around half, to just 60 large 18m long units.This revolutionary system, which has thousands of configurations and permutations, offers the widest range of building modules currently available from any off-site manufacturer in the UK – giving architects, contractors and construction clients the unrivalled design flexibility contact@yorkon.co.uk to meet almost any building footprint.

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Foremans helps school offer addtional places

In Sutton, the Ofsted ‘outstanding’ Avenue Primary School needs to increase its capacity by around 30%, from 682 to 892 pupils by 2016 to meet the growing demand for reception places. In order to accommodate additional pupils for the 2012/13 academic year, Foremans Relocatable Building Systems has supplied two teaching blocks at the school.

Foremans successfully delivered the buildings to a very tight timescale.The buildings were refurbished Portakabin buildings – two double classroom blocks purchased from a school in the North West. They were broken down to their modular components, reassembled and refurbished at the Foremans production centre in East Yorkshire, before being installed at Avenue Primary School. info@foremansbuildings.co.uk 110

GEZE UK’s Managing Director departs GEZE UK’s managing director, Andrew Hall, has decided to resign from his position and will be leaving the company on 31st December, after 13 successful years at the helm.

Commenting on his decision, Andrew Hall says: “I joined GEZE on 1 January 2000 and since then we have been fortunate enough to have enjoyed continuous sales growth.

This has been possible because I have worked with a dedicated and professional team that has always remained loyal.” GEZE GmbH has appointed Kaz Spiewakowski as his successor, and he will start on 1st January 2013.

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info.uk@geze.com

Portakabin launches WardSpace Portakabin, the UK’s leading modular building specialist, has launched WardSpace, a new range of options for standardised hospital buildings to help healthcare providers rapidly expand facilities to reduce patient waiting times and meet more stringent Government targets. Constructed to the latest healthcare standards, WardSpace features a central core that accommodates a nurses’ station, dirty and clean utilities, reception, waiting area, toilets and showers, and any other essential facilities. A choice of spacious open-plan single-sex wards, individual en-suite bedrooms or a suite of consulting rooms – or any combination – can then be added according to specific project requirements. information@portakabin.co.uk

Marigold range enables high precision Marigold Industrial has used the very latest hightechnology synthetic fibre to create a new super lightweight ‘second skin’ range of protective gloves that provide extremely high levels of dexterity and sensitivity. PX118 and PX218 are ideally suited for workers who are handling small components requiring detailed work.The new PX118 uses 18-gauge yarn technology to create a super thin and lightweight glove – reflected in its weight of just 9 grammes per glove.Where higherlevel protection is required, the all new PX218 is manufactured from a 18-gauge polyamide high tenacity textile green liner with a grey flat dipped PU palm fit coating. ukenquiries@marigold-industrial.com

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Building Elements

The Project Management service offers the financial security to carry out large contract projects

Flowcrete expands Project Management service Flooring manufacturer Flowcrete UK has developed a project management service for main contractors and clients, drawing on 30 years experience in the flooring industry and its extensive network of approved flooring contractors.

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socrete Project Management offers a single source route, extending from the initial project consultation process, through to warranty and aftercare. Just months after its introduction, the service is already proving to be of major appeal to both main contractor and end user client.

Operating throughout the key stages of a project, the management process offers a bespoke service from initial consultation, product specification, product manufacture and logistics management, through to product installation from a trained Flowcrete approved contractor – and all backed by a comprehensive product and installation warranty.

Isocrete Project Management is led by Kevin Storey, who is Managing Director of the business. He says: “Isocrete Project Management enables us to act as a principal contractor, dealing directly with the main contractor or client, when this is the preferred route.

“Over the last 18 months, Isocrete Project Management has carried out approximately £4m of contracted works across the UK and we are gaining real momentum within the marketplace due to our expertise and reputation.

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“The service offers the financial security to carry out large contract projects and provides a single point of contact for both the manufacturer and installation team.

“In addition, Isocrete Project Management only employs the services of Flowcrete UK’s highly skilled and well established approved contractor network, offering our applicator partners more project opportunities in addition to the financial peace of mind that comes with a business model like this.

One-stop solution “In commercial environments such as schools, hospitals and large scale residential developments the service includes our one-stop Floorzone solution, building up the surface of the floor from substrate through to final floor finish, including energy-saving Isowarm Underfloor Heating, Isocrete floor screed, damp proof membrane, acoustic layer and Flowcrete floor finish, as well as a soft floor covering if required.

“The service is also beneficial for industrial clients, particularly in the food and beverage sector where the complete service includes the repair, restoration

or re-laying of the concrete slab, the supply and installation of a damp proof membrane and Isocrete Floor Screed.

“The works are completed with the design, supply and installation of a stainless steel drainage system in addition to an antimicrobial polyurethane resin floor finish. The highest quality materials are used, and the process operates within the quality standard ISO EN 9001 and the environmental standard ISO 14001.

“Professional indemnity insurance is also available and Isocrete Project Management is a full member of the Underfloor Heating Manufacturers’ Association (UHMA).”

Flowcrete can provide energy-saving Isowarm Underfloor Heating

uk@flowcrete.com

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Structural www.firmanglass.com www.firmanglass.com www.firmanglass.com

Glazing Excellence Excellence Glazing

For more information contact sales@firmanglass.com For For Formore more moreinformation information informationcontact contact contactsales@firmanglass.com sales@firmanglass.com sales@firmanglass.com or visit www.firmanglass.com orFirman or orvisit visit visit www.firmanglass.com www.firmanglass.com www.firmanglass.com Glass,19 Bates Road, Harold Wood, Romford, Essex RM3 OJH Tel: 01708 374534

Firman Glass,19 Bates Road, Harold Wood, Romford, Essex RM3 OJH Tel:Tel: 01708 374534 Firman Firman Glass,19 Glass,19 Bates Bates Road, Road, Harold Harold Wood, Wood, Romford, Romford, Essex Essex RM3 RM3 OJH OJH Tel: 01708 01708 374534 374534

www.firmanglass.com www.firmanglass.com www.firmanglass.com www.firmanglass.com Online Enquiry 115

If only they’d fitted Yeoman Shield

3 steps to improving the quality and safety of your fire doors

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■ More cost effective than replacement fire doors ■ Ideal to protect both new doors and existing ones ■ Full fire reports available.

Yeoman Shield Wall & Door Protection - the quick, simple and cost effective solution for damaged walls and doors.

Available in a choice of materials, styles and colours.

Yeoman House, Whitehall Industrial Estate, Whitehall Road, Leeds, LS12 5JB T: 0113 279 5854 F: 0113 231 0406 E: sallyann@yeomanshield.com W: www.yeomanshield.com Online Enquiry 116