FC&A January 2023

New build development becomes highly desirable

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Rebecca

A new year invariably calls for new goals, and for most working in the construction industry, these fresh objectives mean working even harder to achieve those allimportant low-emission, or even early zero-carbon, figures. With the emissionreduction-by-2030 and net-zero-by-2050 deadlines encroaching, the sector, particularly in the UK, is on the hunt for more sustainable practices that will blow these targets out of the water.

The eco-conscious habits of one Scandinavian country are widely known to pique the interests of the less eco-savvy individuals of the UK, and its building techniques, specifically its zero-emission sites, remain to inspire the British construction sector. Norway has been universally praised for its high quality of living, world-leading status in renewable, green technologies and sustainability when it comes to resources. For years, the Norwegians have voluntarily taken on this position as Earth's caretakers, considering the environmental impacts of everything they do. Unlike many, Norway has a long-held instinct to respect its natural surroundings and adhere to more environmentally-friendly practices – all without the eye-opening emergency calls for lowering emissions and thinking more sustainably.

With so much to learn from Norway's mindset and methods, who best to explain its zero-emission demeanor than a Norwegian design specialist? In this month's issue, we talk to Gina Dinesen, a member of Boyer's design team, about the country's zeroemission sites and neighbourhoods. Turn to page 26 to read the full article.

What's more, on page 14 , we look at Montreal-based architect practice, Atelier L’Abri's take on a 'Nordic farm' design that is set against Quebec's picturesque Mont-Tremblant National Park and nestled within the Devil’s River valley.

I hope you enjoy this issue. Don’t forget, you can also access all of the magazine’s features, product news and supplier information on FC&A’s user-friendly and engaging website. Fully responsive, the website allows you to read all the latest stories on-thego either on your phone or tablet. Simply search www.fca-magazine.com.

REBECCA KEMP

Editor, Future Constructor & Architect

ON THE COVER:

VOID+, a residential scheme developed by Studio Pousti, strives to offer an alternative to the conventional model of living in dense urban spaces.

SEE PAGE 10.

INDUSTRY UPDATES :

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

VOICE OF THE INDUSTRY:

Here, Ben Midwinter, Technical Director at Flex-R, looks at the EPDM advantages for refurb projects.

LEGAL & BUSINESS:

HAVSPRO’s Managing Director, Russ Langthorne, is both knowledgeable and passionate about hand arm vibration syndrome (HAVS) in the workplace. Here, he talks about how best to identify, measure and monitor risk within the workplace.

THE SURFACE DESIGN SHOW:

The Surface Design Show is returning to the Business Design Centre from 7 to 9th February this year. Here, FC&A runs through everything you can expect from the event.

FEATURES

COST-OF-LIVING CRISIS:

Glenigan’s Economics Director, Allan Wilen, anticipates continued inflationary pressures impacting the construction industry through most of 2023 as the market enters a recession. Here, Allan explains what he predicts we'll witness in the industry this year.

FLOORS, WALLS & CEILINGS:

For the conversion of Victorian railway arches, viaducts and warehouses into an award-winning shopping and dining district in southeast London, the architect required a series of brickwork solutions that reflected the site’s heritage whilst infusing the buildings with an attractive, contemporary aesthetic.

SUSTAINABILITY:

Gina Dinesen, Boyer Design (part of Leaders Romans Group), uses Norway as a model of sustainability and looks at what we can learn from its eco-conscious ethos.

SURFACING:

Here, Anthony Millington, Creative Director at Amron Architectural, explores surface trends to look out for in 2023.

TECHNICAL FOCUS:

Paul Barrett, Head of Product Management at ROCKWOOL UK, addresses the common questions the company receives about stone-wool insulation.

PORTFOLIOS

VOID+, STUDIO POUSTI:

VOID+, a residential scheme developed by Studio Pousti, strives to offer an alternative to the conventional model of living in dense urban spaces.

FAROUCHE AGROTOURISM SITE, ATELIER L’ABRI:

Set against Mont-Tremblant National Park and nestled within the Devil’s River valley, the Farouche agrotourism site, designed by Atelier L’Abri, offers a singular and unique concept for the Laurentians region of Quebec.

NEWS IN BRIEF:

BOWMER + KIRKLAND AND NBS JOIN FORCES

Construction and development group, Bowmer + Kirkland, has been announced as the first contractor partner working with Newcastle upon Tyne-based construction technology firm NBS. Innovative functionality developed by NBS on its Chorus platform will allow design managers to better collaborate with their design partners and manufacturer supply chain, speeding up the design process and reducing defects in construction.

Bowmer + Kirkland is set to make the most of these developments, using NBS Chorus to work more efficiently with design partners and better manage the design and construction phases of projects. Also included will be improved features to help contractors work with their approved suppliers.

JESSUP PARTNERSHIPS OPENS NEW SHOW HOME AT TELFORD DEVELOPMENT

Jessup Partnerships has opened its Beech show home at its new development in Lightmoor Village, Telford. The Beech-style home at the Woodlands development in Lightmoor Village is perfect for families, with the open-plan kitchen/ dining area taking the best of modern living and pairing it with a traditional exterior. Downstairs, the threebedroom home offers a large living area with French doors opening to the rear fenced and turfed garden, as well as a handy downstairs cloakroom. The development, located on Wellington Road, features a mix of two-, threeand four-bedroom homes, which are perfect for families and young professionals. Each is built with ecological and environmental living in mind and to a generous specification.

INDUSTRY UPDATES

FC&A ROUNDS UP THE LATEST INDUSTRY NEWS AND UPDATES.

THERME GROUP REVEALS PLANS FOR ICONIC TORONTO DESTINATION AND

PUBLIC PARKLANDS

Therme Canada has unveiled new visuals and updated plans as part of the project to redevelop Ontario Place as a world-class, year-round destination for all.

THERME GROUP

Mark Lawson, Vice President, Communications & External Relations at Therme Canada, explains: “Having signed a long-term lease at Ontario Place, we are delivering on our commitment to create an iconic, global attraction along with new privately-funded and maintained public space that will allow everyone to enjoy Ontario Place year round.”

T herme Canada | Ontario Place will include shoreline restoration, 11.8 acres of freely-accessible public space, enhanced trails, a public beach, new wetlands and aquatic habitats, 4.1 acres of green roof that connect the building to the surrounding natural landscape, restored existing heritage gathering areas.

T herme Group was selected by the Government of Ontario through an international

Ontario Place

bidding competition held in 2019 and has subsequently signed a long-term ground lease at Ontario Place.

T herme Canada | Ontario Place will be a family-friendly experience focused on fun, relaxation and wellbeing.

There will be indoor and outdoor pools, waterslides and a wave pool, natural spaces to relax, sports performance and recovery services and botanical gardens.

www.thermegroup.com

Ontario Place

PERSONNEL

The latest appointments from the construction and architectural industries.

HENRY BROTHERS CONSTRUCTION APPOINTS DIRECTOR

Henry Brothers Construction has appointed Peter Commins as Director for the company’s northern region. The move follows the opening of a Henry Brothers office in Manchester after a number of successful contract wins in the region, including the refurbishment of the University of Manchester’s Chemistry Building, Glossopdale School and work for the Defence Infrastructure Organisation (DIO). Peter has a wealth of experience in both construction and civil engineering and has previously worked for a number of leading tierone contractors, including Mansell, Balfour Beatty and Kier. He has been a Director or Regional Managing Director for some 30 years, predominantly working in the North, and is a past chairman of the Construction Confederation.

NEW ASSOCIATE DIRECTOR JOINS DMWR ARCHITECTS

Gary Wolstenholme has joined DMWR Architects as an Associate Director based in the Manchester practice. Gary has over 20 years’ experience working for UK practices, including DLA Architects, Aedas/AHR, 3DREID and Falconer Chester Hall across a wide range of sectors, predominately focusing on residential, student accommodation, leisure, education and commercial sectors. He is passionate about architecture and the wellbeing and mentoring of the team. Gary comments: “I am very excited to be joining DMWR at an important time in the further progression of the company. I am eager to play a key part in the continued expansion of the Manchester office, building on the good work that has been done to date and increasing our presence in Manchester and the Northwest.”

CHQ ARCHITECTS APPOINTS DIRECTOR OF SUSTAINABILITY

CHQ Architects has appointed Aart Koning as Director of Sustainability. Aart, who has over 30 years’ experience working in the UK for awardwinning practices, joined CHQ as a Director in July. He will be heading up the sustainability side of the business, working across CHQ and DMWR Architects. Aart comments: “As a group, we have a strong commitment to sustainability and the protection of the environment, both through the buildings we design and the environmental impact of our business. Making sure this is part of our holistic approach to design, we are expanding our architectural design skills with the in-house expertise in energy and environmental engineering required to ensure that our architectural designs are informed by sustainability from the early design stages, through to delivery and completion.”

NEWS IN BRIEF:

HENRY BROTHERS ACHIEVES PLATINUM STATUS IN SURVEY

Henry Brothers has been awarded Platinum status, the highest accolade available, in Business in the Community, Northern Ireland’s (BiTC NI) Environmental Benchmarking Survey. Recognising businesses that go above and beyond to reduce their impact on the environment, the survey benchmarks companies that drive change by integrating sustainable practices into corporate strategies. CSR Director at Henry Brothers, Ian Henry, was also named the Silver winner of BiTC NI’s George Dawson Award, which celebrates individuals that champion sustainability within their organisations. Speaking of the esteemed recognition, Ian said: “We recently made our biggest commitment to sustainability yet with the launch of our Journey to Net Zero by 2050 strategy, outlining how we will halve our CO2e emissions by 2030.”

CPW WINS INVESTORS IN PEOPLE AWARD

International M&E consultancy CPW is celebrating winning the UK Employer of the Year ‘Silver’ category at the prestigious Investors in People awards. In a record-breaking year for entries, with more than 300 submissions, CPW won the 250+ employees Silver category and beat seven competitors to the top spot. CPW, an international MEP consultancy that specialises in sustainable design solutions for the built environment, has more than 250 staff based across 12 offices throughout the UK, as well as India and Poland.

Dee Pardoe, Operations Manager at CPW, said: “We are so pleased to have won this award as we care about our staff and pride ourselves on giving them the time and resources to develop and upskill.”

Ontario Place

SCHÖCK BOLE – A FAST, COST-EFFECTIVE SOLUTION FOR MANCHESTER PROJECT

Sitting adjacent to Manchester Victoria station, the £185m New Victoria mixed development is a two-phase scheme, which will initially provide two residential towers of 20 and 25 storeys comprising 520 one-, two- and three-bed apartments.

SCHÖCK

An e ight-storey, 150,000ft² office block is scheduled for the second phase. The residential structures are solid in appearance, with profiled panel facades, which run at regular intervals from top to bottom. The panels also extend and wrap around the top of the buildings, providing shelter for the rooftop terraces. The layout of the two

structures has been driven by a need to maximise the number of apartments with dual-aspect views. As a result, there is one central core with three wings of accommodation. These are concrete frames using reinforced flat-slab construction – and, as always, with flatslab construction, the risk of punching failure is a critical issue.

S chöck Bole up to 10 times faster

T he Schöck Bole shear rail system has been incorporated to prevent any such risk – and enable cost-effective installation that is up to 10 times faster than traditional loose links. The dramatically-reduced fixing time far outweighs any additional material costs that may be involved with a prefabricated system. Also, when compared with a typical stirrup reinforcement system, an increased shear force resistance of around 70% is achievable with the Schöck Bole. It is a widely trusted and popular solution consisting of doubleheaded studs and anchors with spacing bars, which enable installation after the bottom reinforcement and before the top layer. Two spacer bars are welded to the vertical studs, which ensure the correct distance between uprights. The forged stud heads guarantee a perfect finishing bond with the concrete.

O ther variants in the range

I n addition to the standard Bole solution, Schöck has developed two other punching shear reinforcement variants. The type U, designed for installation before the lower mat, and type O, for installation after the top reinforcement layer. All products in the range are supplied ready for installation. There is downloadable, userfriendly Schöck design software available too, which enables fast and simple dimensioning of the product to British Standards and the export of CAD drawings with DXF format.

The two residential towers. Courtesy of Muse Developments.

Graphic of the product in situ

Typical Bole onsite layout

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A SOLUTION FOR DENSE URBAN LIVING

Through drastic rebuilding over four decades, Tehran has gone from a city of infinite gardens with single-family dwellings to a city of infinite apartment blocks. In a purely economically-driven construction process, the relationship between buildings and their urban fabric are lost. As memories of place are wiped out, a metropolis with no stories left to tell takes shape. This is Tehran’s current cityscape. VOID+ is a residential scheme developed by Architect Maryam Pousti that challenges the city's environment.

STUDIO POUSTI

The building is located in the northern part of Tehran, Iran. It strives to offer an alternative to conventional models of habitation and dense urban living, which has resulted in closed-up building envelopes that lack a dialogue with their context. Situated on an extremely narrow site, VOID+ consists of 10 units on five floors. The striking feature of the project is an intimate void strategically carved into the north facade in an attempt to engage the building with its periphery. The massing of the void creates a vertical flow between the skyline of the building and its feet.

T he main entrance is defined by the particular moment when the verticality of the void turns into a horizontal plain stretched 20m along the length of the building. This horizontal platform connects the street level to the back garden. The aim is to redefine the building’s territory and to assimilate a single-family house that expands into its surroundings without the interference of rigid borders.

T he interior layouts of the building reveal a deep structural and volumetric connection to the facade, a vocabulary that is used throughout the project. The juxtaposed volumes of the void offer

playfulness through shifting perspectives and views, allowing the interior and exterior boundaries to be experienced simultaneously. The ‘hide and seek’ between inside and outside takes place through the interplay of solid and void, challenging notions of exposure and privacy.

T here are two units on each floor, rendering noise and privacy as driving forces in the positioning of a rectangular stairwell, which acts as a buffer to prevent sound and direct visual contact between the units. Each unit sits around an intimate balcony, which is perceived as an interior garden.

SCAN ME TO BRING THIS PROJECT TO LIFE

FACT FILE:

Architect: Maryam Pousti

Project manager: Maryam Pousti

Design team: Melika Dezvarei, Sepehr Jafari, Amir Bakhshi and Soheil Shadi

Structural engineer: Sajadian Engineers

Electrical and mechanical engineer: Azmayesh Consulting Engineers

Photographer: Parham Taghioff (Persia Photography Centre) and Deed Studio

There is an arrangement for materials and a hierarchy of finishes and textures, which celebrates the value of working with artisans. This is evident in the combed vertical cement pattern of the facade, which also acts as a conductor of rainwater, keeping the building’s skin clean. Door handles, railings, lighting fixtures and cabinets have been skilfully integrated into the architectural detailing of the building. Collaboration with makers of different backgrounds in this project is a reminder that buildings are a product of intense engagement and time. www.studiopousti.com

DIS C OVER A WORLD OF C OLOURFUL WO OD FINISHES INSPIRED BY NATURE...

NORDIC DESIGN

Set against Mont-Tremblant National Park and nestled within the Devil’s River valley, the Farouche agrotourism site, designed by Atelier L’Abri, offers a singular and unique concept for the Laurentians region of Quebec. Making the most of the natural and untamed qualities of the territory of almost 100 acres, the project combines a Nordic farm, a cafe-bar, four-season micro-refuges and an outdoor basecamp.

ATELIER L’ABRI

On the north side of the Chemin du LacSupérieur trail, a barn serves as the headquarters for the farm's activities. The route that leads to the small organic vegetable farm goes through a tunnel greenhouse, flower fields and fallow land. The hiking trails begin behind the agricultural building and allow visitors of the Farouche site to explore the mountains of the Devil’s valley.

O n the riverside, to the south of the road, the cafe is at the heart of the activities offered on the site. Guests enter this welcoming building through the small market, which offers visitors seasonal products from the Farouche vegetable farm, as well as other goods such as cheeses, beers and wines from local producers. The dining area and its kitchen offer passing visitors and cabin guests the opportunity to taste meals from the farm’s production. The cafe lounge opens towards the river; its large west-facing windows offer unique views of Mont-Tremblant and sunsets behind the Laurentian mountaintops. At its centre, the wood stove’s fire invites patrons to gather together and observe the ever-changing silhouette of nature.

Nestled in the cathedral roof, a mezzanine space offers a quiet, set-back living room. The building’s materiality is sober; the charcoalcoloured steel roofs and the natural hemlock siding are reminiscent of vernacular farm buildings.

T he cedar shingle microcabins' camp stands south of the cafe. Organised organically and connected by a winding path, the four small A-frame shelters each contain a king bed, sofa and gas stove within their compact plan.

Minimalist in essence, the buildings recede in the landscape and allow guests to fully immerse themselves in the wild beauty of the Devil’s River.

T he Farouche project was documented by photographer Raphaël Thibodeau over a 24hour period in order to capture the evolution of the site, from the sunrise over the river, to the nocturnal observation of the cabins illuminated by the moonlight. www.labri.ca

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OVER PROTECTIVE

For those approaching a flat roof refurbishment project, utilising a reinforced EPDM membrane overlay can provide a cost-effective and sustainable alternative to replacing the roof as a whole.

As budgets and margins continue to tighten, the pressure is on for specifiers and contractors to find the quickest and most cost-effective solutions to common refurbishment challenges. When a flat roofing installation fails, it’s worth considering whether a whole replacement is necessary or whether an EPDM membrane can be overlaid on the existing roof to provide the same waterproofing effect.

Years of exposure to the sun, frost, rain and snow, combined with diurnal temperature variations, will eventually take their toll on even the most resilient of bitumen-based roof membranes. There will come a point when patching is no longer sufficient to maintain watertightness, and a more significant intervention is required.

Typically, re-roofing is seen as the default option. This would see the removal and reinstallation of the existing roofing covering. Particularly with bitumen-based roofs, this might include the removal and replacement of any damaged timber decking in order to create a suitable flat surface onto which the membrane can be laid.

Efficiencies from the top down

A quicker and more cost-effective alternative is to use a fleece-backed reinforced EPDM roofing membrane, such as RubberBond FleeceBack, which can be laid over the top of the existing roof system. The fleece backing provides many benefits, including resilience, increased bond strength and acts as a separation layer allowing the membrane to be bonded to bitumen waterproofing materials, which would adversely affect some membranes.

I nstallation simply requires the contractor to clean the existing roof – jet washing and brushing may be sufficient. When the roof is dry, adhesive is applied directly to the existing roof surface, and the new membrane is placed on top; there is no need to remove the existing roof or replace the deck. The result is a cost-effective solution to re-waterproofing a roof, requiring less time on site, fewer materials and involving considerably less disruption to the building users.

A n overlay solution is, of course, only suitable where the roof’s supporting structure is sound. It is, therefore, advisable to carry out a comprehensive roof survey to establish the condition of the various elements that make up the roof before specifying an overlay solution. A site visit is also required to establish whether the existing roof covering is suitable for this treatment.

Asphalt and bitumen roof coverings, along with most liquid-applied roofing systems, such as GRP, are generally suitable for overlay, providing the existing build-up has been installed correctly.

The survey should also evaluate the existing thermal insulation and whether moisture is present. The extent of this may require isolated areas to be replaced or render the roof unsuitable for overlay. It will also establish whether the degree of thermal insulation is sufficient to comply with the current requirements of Part L of the Building Regulations.

W here the survey shows the existing insulation is insufficient to meet minimum Building Regulation requirements, it must be increased. If this is the case, the existing waterproofing can often be incorporated into the new roof as the air and vapour control layer, with additional insulation placed on top

FLEX-R

BEN MIDWINTER, TECHNICAL DIRECTOR AT FLEX-R, HAS BEEN WITH THE BUSINESS FOR OVER 13 YEARS AND PROVIDES VITAL TECHNICAL DIRECTION AND UNDERSTANDING FOR FLEX-R AND ITS CUSTOMERS.

to create a warm roof. The fleece-backed reinforced EPDM is then bonded directly on top of the new insulation to form the new waterproof layer.

I t is an approach that can minimise disruption and the cost of a major thermal upgrade to the roof while also maximising the lifespan of the existing roof components instead of sending them to landfill prematurely.

Strong on sustainability

T he appropriate overlay system, installed correctly, will provide a service life to equal an entire roof replacement. EPDM, which has UV resistance, has proven durability across its lifespan. There are projects in which the product has been installed for over 60 years that are still providing effective waterproofing.

P utting its sustainability credentials to the test, fleece-backed reinforced EPDM was specified for Cwm Mawr, an awardwinning architectural development at the heart of the Pembrokeshire Coast National Park.

T he EPDM solution offered superior protection from the coastal weather, long-term durability and was BBA certified as a waterproofing membrane suitable for green roofs. The membrane’s long lifespan, combined with the broader sustainable elements of the project, set it apart as a shining example of how futureproof EPDM can be.

O ne final consideration that is particularly relevant today is that EPDM flat roofs are suitable for use with photovoltaic (PV) systems. PV panels either be mechanically fixed or held in place with ballast, and the only additional consideration with this type of installation is the need for structural checks to ensure the roof system can withstand the weight of the PV panels

Cwm Mawr, an award-winning architectural development at the heart of the Pembrokeshire Coast National Park

SO, WHAT’S YOUR EXCUSE?

Across an extensive range of commercial sectors and, in particular, construction, more than two million workers are exposed daily to the risk of contracting a debilitating, life-limiting and permanent condition, hand arm vibration syndrome (HAVS), writes Russ Langthorne, Managing Director at HAVSPRO.

HAVSPRO

Hi dden in plain sight, the effects of HAVS, sometimes known as ‘White Finger’, and its associated health conditions, such as carpal tunnel syndrome and Dupuytren’s contracture, is a debilitating and permanent condition that causes significant pain and impacts on even everyday tasks.

I t already affects thousands of employees every year. Workers who use any form of hand-operated tooling –drills, electric saws, sanders, grinders, nail guns, mowers; the list is endless – run the risk of being overexposed to this danger each and every day; just six months of overuse can lead to the contraction of HAVS.

A ‘fixable’ problem?

To be clear, complete elimination of this risk should always be considered in the first instance, but it is a tough ask. In reality, it is impractical without widespread automation – and the level of investment required to achieve it is beyond most organisations. However, an analysis of working practices, and the use of more modern and efficient tools, as presented in the Hierarchy of Controls model, can minimise exposure to as low as reasonably practicable (ALARP).

I ndeed, The Health & Safety Executive’s (HSE) Control of Vibration at Work Regulations 2005 (aka L140) and its 2019 revision states: “The only

way to substantially reduce the risk of somebody developing vibration-related ill health is to eliminate, or significantly reduce, their exposure to vibration.”

N evertheless, The HSE continues to fine companies that expose workers to hazardous and excessive levels of vibrations. Yet, the organisation’s own guidance does not require businesses to continually monitor workers to assess and manage their risk of overexposure.

H owever, section 149 states: “There is no legal requirement under the Vibration Regulations for continual monitoring and recording of vibration exposure. Using logbooks and tooltimers, and continual monitoring, can distract you from your duties to eliminate or reduce vibration risks.”

S o, what can be done?

C learly, the ideal solution is to remove the risk completely. Equally clearly, given that this is not always possible, surely the next best solution is to be able to identify, measure and monitor those who remain exposed to it, providing businesses with constant, accurate and real-time data, with which to minimise overexposure of its workers.

T he HSE advice just does not cut it in this respect. Its main reason for its guidance not to continuously measure and monitor vibration levels is the impact of time and money on a business.

RUSS LANGTHORNE

IS A LONG-TERM SUFFERER OF BOTH HAVS AND DUPUYTREN’S CONTRACTURE IN BOTH HANDS AFTER AN EARLY CAREER IN THE BRITISH MINING INDUSTRY AND EXPERIENCES DAILY THE PAIN AND THE DEBILITATING EFFECTS THAT THESE CONDITIONS CAUSE.

TODAY, AS MANAGING DIRECTOR OF SIXIS TECHNOLOGY, HE AND HIS TEAM HAVE DEVELOPED A TRULY INNOVATIVE AND HIGHLY EFFECTIVE SOLUTION, HAVSPRO, WHICH PROVIDES ACCURATE DATA SURROUNDING WORKFORCE EXPOSURE TO THE RISK OF EXCESSIVE VIBRATION IN THE WORKPLACE.

But if a cost-effective, automated and timesaving solution is available, why wouldn’t you avoid HAVS incidences with continuous measuring and monitoring of vibration exposure, especially if this technology is available at an affordable cost in terms of time and money?

H AVS risk management – a changing landscape

Today, I believe there is now no excuse for firms to ignore the ever-present risk to their workforce of overexposure to excessive vibration and take a proactive approach, whatever the HSE advice suggests. Effective, continuous monitoring systems now exist (such as Sixis Technology’s ground-breaking HAVSPRO system) that are cost effective and require only minimal managerial time commitment.

T hey provide continual and accurate vibration, measuring and monitoring by simply clicking the operator’s sensor onto whatever tool they are using. Then, when finished, they take it with them and click it onto the next tool, and so on.

S o, as is often the case, knowledge is power, and accurately identifying the risk is the first – and best – step to reducing its impact on both workers and their employers. Now the gateway to this knowledge exists, what’s your excuse?

THE COST-OF-BUILDING CRISIS

De spite confidence in the construction sector remaining relatively resilient, it’s been clear for some time the industry is entering a period of decline, with a slowdown in project starts echoing the UK’s general downward economic trend.

P ost-pandemic project-starts recovery lost considerable momentum during the second half of 2022, with ongoing material, labour and energy supply chain disruption continuing to hold back construction activity.

These external events have resulted in rocketing inflation, rising interest rates and stalled economic growth, affecting the pipeline of future work. This has been further compounded by the promise of higher taxes, utility bills and rising mortgage costs, which have constrained consumer-related construction, including private housing, retail and hotel and leisure.

According to the Department of Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy, construction materials inflation has risen 31% in 12 months, reaching a 40-year high.

T he situation has prompted clients, contractors and developers to either pause or scale back on planned investments, further stagnating businesses' output. For example, intelligence in Glenigan’s latest UK Construction Industry Forecast has highlighted that the value of projects securing detailed planning consent during the first nine months of 2022 dropped by 5%, with main contract awards falling by 8% against the same period in 2021.

GLENIGAN

Glenigan’s Economics Director, Allan Wilen, anticipates continued inflationary pressures impacting the construction industry through most of 2023 as the market enters a recession.

Housing market cool off

P rivate residential activity slackened in 2022 and is predicted to slow further in 2023 as developers respond to weakening market conditions.

G lenigan forecasts that project starts will drop 4% in 2022, with a further 5% decline in 2023, as lower household incomes, higher mortgage rates and a lack of affordable homes continue to afflict the wider housing market.

T he end of the Government’s Help to Buy scheme has removed direct support for new builds. This, coupled with the end of Stamp Duty relief and mortgage providers significantly raising rates in reaction to the current rate of inflation, has disincentivised potential buyers and has had a knock-on effect on housebuilders and developers.

G oing forward, the Government’s commitment to a 15% reduction of energy consumption from buildings by 2030 will likely have a further impact on project timelines as firms scramble to stay compliant, although it will provide an opportunity for green construction and retrofit specialists.

I n the public sector, despite improved funding for social housing, increased construction costs have significantly constrained development activity, with planning approvals falling back over the past 12 months, according to Glenigan’s data. Despite a robust 16% project-starts recovery in 2021 as housing associations pressed on with schemes delayed during the pandemic, we forecast that social housing starts will continue to slip back in 2023.

A drop in shops

Industrial construction has enjoyed a strong rebound post pandemic, a rise that has been largely driven by logistics. Whilst weak domestic and overseas demand has tempered manufacturing investment in facilities, warehousing and logistics premises are predicted to remain a growth area.

T his has been due in part to a long-term shift towards online retailing, resulting in continued demand for logistics space and accounting for the majority of industrial project starts’ 25% growth in 2022.

Recently, however, demand for both logistics and retail space has been dampened by weak sales as consumer confidence has fallen in response to higher inflation and reduced earnings.

I n the short term, an overhang of empty retail premises, weak consumer spending and the growth in online sales’ market share are predicted to constrain retail construction starts in 2023.

Work, rest and delay

T he squeeze in household budgets is likely to curb consumers’ discretionary spending in the hospitality and leisure industries. The hospitality sector is still recovering from operational restrictions during lockdown, as well as reduced revenues due to fewer overseas visitors.

C ombined with spiking energy costs over the last 12 months, as well as a potential fall-off in domestic custom over 2023, the hospitality sector will be under considerable pressure. This is predicted to result in retrenchment, causing further delays to project starts as asset owners wait for confidence to return.

W hat’s next for the industry?

T he UK construction sector will face a challenging environment in the coming year as the Russia-Ukraine war continues to hinder post-COVID recovery, exacerbating supply chain disruption, resulting in materials and energy shortages and leading to cost inflation and dented market confidence.

G oing forward, it will be crucial for firms to be responsive and adaptable in order to mitigate risks in the current marketplace and exploit new opportunities as they emerge. With the construction industry working towards an ambitious net-zero carbon goal by 2050, investment in sustainable construction practices and green skills will be critical for firms looking to remain competitive for future projects.

T he Government’s commitment to greater investment in the built environment, with a huge £600m package for public works – the largest backing in 40 years – should provide a boost in infrastructure as a priority area of UK growth. This will lift construction activity, supporting job creation and underpinning economic growth.

S ignificant investment in offshore wind, carbon capture and nuclear energy will also help to increase the UK’s energy security, softening rampant construction costs inflation for the long run. The COVID-19 pandemic proved that the construction industry is highly resilient, and there’s light at the end of the tunnel if firms can continue to adapt to challenging circumstances.

BESPOKE BRICKWORK SOLUTIONS MEET AESTHETIC DEMANDS OF STUNNING CAPITAL DEVELOPMENT

For the conversion of Victorian railway arches, viaducts and warehouses into an award-winning shopping and dining district in south-east London, the architect required a series of brickwork solutions that reflected the site’s heritage whilst infusing the buildings with an attractive, contemporary aesthetic.

IG MASONRY SUPPORT

Bo rough Yards, which also includes five new buildings, as well as mixed business and cultural facilities, such as a cinema, art gallery and offices, neighbours a landmark for the capital’s food and drink enthusiasts, Borough Market.

For the new development’s complex prefabricated brickwork elements, IG Masonry Support, working in conjunction with brickwork contractor Lesterose, designed and supplied a solution in the form of its prefabricated product range that included Welded Masonry Support (WMS), Brick Slip Masonry Support and

its industry-renowned B.O.S.S.+ (Brick on Soffit System).

B uilt by Wates Group for developer MARK and designed by London-based architect SPPARC, Borough Yards is an area that resonates with the blended work/play lives of modern urbanites.

S PPARC created an architectural typology, which started from the principle that there should be pedestrian lanes within the block linking the river to Borough Market through a series of connecting yard spaces and streets weaved through an impressive Victorian brick, arched railway viaduct.

The challenge

I n this landmark conservation area, the brickwork for the new buildings needed to complement the repurposed viaducts and warehouses’ existing brickwork whilst presenting a unique character.

To meet these challenging design requirements, IG Masonry Support manufactured and supplied a range of prefabricated components that met the wider considerations around planning in this conservation area and all Fire and Building Regulations.

A s part of the complex design for building four, the architect and design team required a bespoke ‘floating’ brick feature presenting a jagged design. The use of IG Masonry Support’s brick slips helped achieve the distinctive angled soffit design, offering a flawless and historic aesthetic in a modern, easy-toinstall solution.

T he distinctive spearheads featured on building two were a separate challenge, but thanks to close collaboration with the contractors and architect, it enabled an accurate and sufficient design. Installed over the building’s four level points, these innovative, never-seen-before spearheads were manufactured with glass-reinforced concrete in between.

C ustomisable to the architect’s design wishes, the Brick Slip Systems and Masonry Support are prefabricated units manufactured off site and delivered complete with bricks mechanically fixed and bonded to them. Weight and size enabled the spearheads to be installed as one unit directly from a scaffold on site.

D ue to the type of brick being used on buildings two, three and four being of weaker composition, it necessitated prepointing the brick slips in dry, controlled conditions to create a high-quality, finished surface.

Trevor Morriss, Principal at SPPARC, explained: “The use of masonry to realise our vision was a fundamental part of our design ethos. It was essential that the new buildings successfully cohabited with the heritage fabric. We wanted to ensure that each of the buildings had its own unique character whilst also harmonising with the surrounding area. Working with IG Masonry Support and their range of products allowed us to realise these features. The detailing around the masonry is the fundamental part of this scheme. We found their technical advice and can-do attitude essential to realising our ultimate vision.”

The solution

B uilding one Featuring the luxury EVERYMAN cinema, this building required Welded Masonry Support and B.O.S.S.+ (Brick on Soffit System) for the head of each window situated at the building’s level. This achieved a floating brick effect, blending seamlessly with the surrounding traditional brickwork with an easy-toinstall solution.

B uilding two T his proved a particular challenge due to the distance between the point of brickwork and the primary structure. Significant design time and client liaison were required to create and engineer a cantilevered solution that featured on the building’s four levels. Known as the ‘Spearheads’, each comprised IG Masonry Support’s B.O.S.S.+, which was designed and bolted to its Welded Masonry Support system. Also requiring a solution was the standout cantilevered brick soffit

at the front of the building. These high-quality, bespoke prefabricated systems offered a 70% weight saving against an equivalent concrete product, negating the need for mechanical handling and onsite labour. These benefits proved particularly significant in this mixeduse development.

B uilding three T his was the first and smallest building in this development. It featured B.O.S.S.+ bracketry to support the soffits and fix back to the structural steel frame. Brick Slip Sills also formed the external brick facade, thus negating the need to build traditional brickwork walls. From street to roof level, the building features new interventions utilising brick construction to reference the site’s historic architecture. Being the first building undertaken by IG Masonry Support on the development, a lot of product development was completed, providing a solid foothold for the design and engineering required for the rest of the buildings. The solutions developed for this building were ultimately scaled up to feature in building two.

B uilding four

Featuring a complex structural steel frame, thorough technical collaboration was required to design and engineer the jagged design features, which were achieved with Brick Slip Masonry Support. This ensured a solution that met the architect’s specific requirements. Due to the complex steel frame, there were many junctions and bolt connections. As a result, Brick

Slip Masonry Support Systems were designed and engineered with two courses of brickwork, which easily bolted together and blended seamlessly with the surrounding brickwork.

C arl Vulgar, Project Manager at Lesterose, said: “IG Masonry Support designed, manufactured and delivered products on site to the highest of standards, offering solutions to the most technical design ideas and working collaboratively to ensure expectations were not only met but exceeded.”

B orough Yards is proof of innovative design and products being put to exemplary use to reinvigorate long-standing, long-neglected infrastructure. Since its opening in spring 2022, the development has quickly established itself as a visitor experience par excellence, fully living up to the architect’s vision for a mixed-use site comprising “beautiful, rawbrick, cathedral-scale spaces”. IG Masonry Support’s bespoke brick solutions were essential to making good that vision.

NORWAY’S APPROACH TO ZERO-EMISSION THINKING

Here, Gina Dinesen of Boyer Design (part of Leaders Romans Group) uses Norway as a model of sustainability and looks at what we can learn from its eco-conscious ethos.

No rway, the skiing-obsessed country somewhere close to the North Pole, usually arouses little global interest – but in relation to its long-term practice of sustainable development, there is much that other countries can learn from Norway. In fact, the term ‘sustainable development’ was invented back in 1987 by my country’s then-Prime Minister, Gro Harlem Brundtland, when the Brundtland Commission defined sustainable development as “development that meets the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs”.

S ince then, Norway has been focused on sustainable development and, more specifically, zero-emission research.

Zero-emission construction sites

I n 2020, the construction industry contributed 23% of the world’s CO 2 emissions across its entire supply chain, with approximately 5.5% coming directly from construction sites. These emissions are predominantly a result of the combustion of fossil fuels to power machinery and equipment. As the energy efficiency of building use has been ambitiously tackled over the past decade, the focus increasingly shifts to embodied carbon; the emissions footprint of material extraction, production, transport and construction works.

O slo was the first city to launch a zeroemission construction site, using only electric machinery to complete street

renovation works. In 2020, fully-fossilfree construction sites were introduced in Trondheim, Norway’s third-largest municipality, Copenhagen in Denmark and Helsinki in Finland.

O slo achieves something similar through its Business for Climate Network. Today, over 130 businesses work towards Oslo’s climate goals, which includes zero-emission construction sites. The businesses actively take part in the creation of strategies, toolkits and monitoring within the field of emission, reduction and adaption. The network also acts as an arena for dialogue, where the Climate Agency can inform the business community about priorities and policies, and best practice can be shared. Oslo Municipality has also developed standard climate and environment regulations for practitioners in the construction industry, which measure any violations of environmental regulations as a proportion of the contract value.

Zero-emission neighbourhoods

Norway also specialises in zero-emission neighbourhoods (ZENs), which aim to reduce direct and indirect greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions, ideally to zero. This takes into account lifecycle modules, building and infrastructure.

T he priorities for the ZEN neighbourhoods are:

Plan, design and operate buildings and associated infrastructure towards zero GHG emissions

Become highly energy efficient and powered in large part by renewable energy through a neighbourhood energy supply system

Manage energy flows (within and between buildings) and also exchanges with the surrounding energy system in a smart and flexible way

Promote sustainable transport patterns and smart mobility systems.

BOYER DESIGN

Plan, design and operate with respect to economic sustainability by minimising total lifecycle costs and lifecycle system costs Plan and locate local amenities to provide good spatial qualities and stimulate sustainable behaviour

Continue to develop the area through innovative processes based on new forms of cooperation between the partners, leading to innovative solutions.

D esigning and planning a ZEN is an interdisciplinary task and is achieved by conveying knowledge and skills within a larger societal and historical context and understanding. It concerns physical science, energy efficiency, selecting the right low-carbon building materials, calculating energy storage capacity, designing energy-producing buildings and planning for green mobility and zero waste. Most importantly, creating a ZEN involves winning the hearts and minds of local residents and landowners, future residents, politicians and decision makers, developers, architects, engineers and builders; communicating the potential transformational benefits of a zeroemission neighbourhood is paramount.

The importance of research

It follows, therefore, that achieving a ZEN means following the research and acting upon it. FME Research Centre, part of SINTEF at the Norwegian University of Science and Technology, researches zero-emissions areas in smart cities. It participates in the development of modern solutions and has identified how a futurefocused relationship between people, their homes and the environment can be established. Specifically, its vision in relation to ZENs is: “To develop solutions for future buildings and neighbourhoods with no greenhouse gas emissions and thereby contribute to a low-carbon society.”

Together with public and industry partners, the FME Research Centre has developed nine test areas, which are spread across Norway, and research is tested through case studies.

O ne of these pilot projects is the ZEN living lab, Ydalir, in Elverum, Norway. Ydalir is a residential development of approximately 1000 homes, with a nursery, school and additional services. Ydalir School, completed in 2020, uses wood as a construction material, for cladding and for interior surfaces. This was the primary tool in reducing the project’s total carbon footprint.

Research into sustainability isn’t limited to low emissions; social sustainability is of equal importance.

A n important objective in the research being carried out at Ydalir is to understand what constitutes a ‘good life’ in Elverum. This involves collecting stories from Elverum’s population, and research has been conducted with a variety of groups within the population on their experience of Elverum.

At Ydalir, arrangements are made for a sharing economy, such as car sharing, guest apartments and communal living rooms, as well as housing for a diverse mix of inhabitants. Considerable attention is paid to external surroundings, both from a social and practical point of view.

O ne of the early conclusions of FME ZEN is that sustainable neighbourhoods are so much more than a collection of homes constructed of four walls and a roof. Instead, they are good places to live, where a sustainable lifestyle is possible.

W ith a change in mindset clearly motivating a large number of stakeholders, the construction industry has a big responsibility to ensure solutions that ‘lift’ neighbourhoods in terms of both zero emissions and social sustainability. Research bodies,

such as FME ZEN, demonstrate the importance of an external organisation responsible for driving the research and development of net-zero initiatives. An organisation that sets the benchmark and identifies the principles, and provides guidance on how other businesses could start to implement these changes into their projects, is imperative to its successful implementation.

Lessons learnt

S candinavian projects have demonstrated the benefit of research, shared between the private and public sector, and that this is so much more than a tick-box exercise. It also demonstrates the importance of lifecycle thinking; from construction to everyday living.

T he real benefit of the work conducted by these bodies has been sending a signal to the market; around the world, there is a lot that we practitioners could learn from Norway’s example.

www.boyerplanning.co.uk

KEEPING UP WITH THE NEXT GENERATION

The Instagram generation is leading the way on how to capture the beauty of design. More so than ever, we are appreciating more eye-catching interiors for sharing on the gram. It’s simply the place to be to get noticed. Visual content is particularly popular with architects and designers and the perfect place to share designs, materials and finished projects. Here, Anthony Millington, Creative Director at Amron Architectural, explores surface trends to look out for in 2023.

AMRON ARCHITECTURAL

As a leading metal mesh specialist for architecture and interior design, we are continuing to ensure our product offering is keeping up with the latest trends and innovations to influence choice, engage and inspire.

C reative mesh solutions

Metal mesh has a long tradition of outdoor use spanning hundreds of years. Over time, metal mesh has earned a reputation as a practical, durable yet surprisingly versatile product thanks in part to its uncanny ability to meet a wide range of specifications.

W ith a variety of practical exterior applications, including vent panels, cages and baskets, it is little wonder that metal mesh was eventually introduced to the world of interiors. Its inherently superior performance properties led to its adoption as the go-to material for radiator grilles the world over.

Fast forward to the present day, metal mesh is an invaluable material asset, its reach permeating every industry from agricultural to automotive. Yet, despite metal mesh’s popularity and prevalence in industrial markets, both architects and

interior designers alike continue to probe its potential for architectural and creative applications.

Metal mesh works well as a safety element, including balustrade infill panels and radiator grilles, but also for decorative purposes like ceilings, wall panels and partitions. It is also a great solution for smaller applications like cabinets, bars and shop displays. Metal mesh is being seen as an alternative to replace bulky, opaque materials in functional areas of restaurants, lobbies and office spaces without making the space look smaller.

Colour and texture

W ith an extensive range of metal mesh and working closely with customers, we are noticing a demand for more finishing options to help create more bespoke spaces – something we know from an architectural and interior design view that colour is still a strong focus, especially when it comes to the finishing of metal mesh. And, in particular, how the mesh is coloured without it corroding. Having researched a number of finish processes that work well with the commonly-used

architectural meshes (woven, expanded and perforated), powder coating is the most cost-effective way to apply an almost unlimited range of colours. Powder coating uses an electrostatic charge to attract a fluidised powder evenly across all surfaces of the mesh. The electrostatic charge holds the pigmented powder until it passes through an oven, where it melts and adheres permanently to the mesh. After curing, the mesh has a colourful and durable coating that adds to the desired aesthetic of the project.

To further educate ourselves and to deliver what our customers are asking for, we worked closely with powder coating specialist, Powdertech Corby to understand what the demand is for our metal mesh finishes. We collaborated with them on the launch of the Satellite range, which offers a metallic depth of colour, including shades of deep bronzes and golds, which give an ‘outof-this-world’ finish to the products. The collection provides a deep, long-lasting colour with a lustrous metallic sparkle and hard-wearing finish – meaning the colours are suitable for both interior and exterior applications. And, in turn, making them compatible with aluminium, mild steel, galvanised steel and cast metals.

N ot only is the range suitable for facades, signage and other applications alike, but they are also a great design solution in bringing texture to life – a trend that we are continuing to see evolve in applications such as wall features and other surfacing panels.

Amron Architectural wall panels. Duke Street, Norwich University.

Wall panelling, in particular with metal mesh, can help bring character to a space and shift proportion. And, with clever positioning, it can help give the appearance of taller ceilings.

Copper and brass in their natural form will always have their time; however, we are also seeing an increase in monochrome tones, with lots of black on white –making it a popular choice to make a bold statement.

Shape

A rchitects and designers are always looking at more inspirational approaches to the interiors of a space. The demand for creating more inviting spaces and the inclusion of a variety of different applications can completely transform the character of a room. Amongst these approaches, we are seeing an increase in the use of castellated square profiles. However, due to its challenging manufacturing technique, we are ensuring we are among one of the few companies that can meet the demands of customers.

O ne of the main reasons why we are seeing this specified is due to its natural light shade properties it holds. And, with natural tones also being a key theme for 2023 – this is also becoming a popular choice.

W hat comes next?

How the world communicates has become so simplified. Technology is forever evolving, and platforms, such as Instagram and Pinterest, have become a daily form of communication simply by generating and capturing images. What comes next is anyone’s guess. So, for us, as long as we are constantly evolving our product offering and continue to keep up with our customers’ demands, we can, in turn, keep up with the next generation. This is why it’s so important for us to understand what our customers’ needs are.

www.amronarchitectural.co.uk

Amron Architectural wall panelling. The Londoner, Leicester Square Hotel.

PAUL BARRETT IS HEAD OF PRODUCT MANAGEMENT AT ROCKWOOL UK

STONE WOOL – SOLID AS A ROCK

Wh at is stone-wool insulation?

S tone wool is manufactured from naturally-occurring volcanic rock, which is a vastly abundant material. Stone-wool insulation is created by spinning molten rock and minerals with steel slag to create a cotton-candy-like wool product. Pressed into rolls and sheets, stone wool creates effective insulation with soundabsorbing and fire-resistant properties.

How can stone wool positively impact thermal performance?

Temperature maintenance can dramatically reduce heating, cooling and ventilation costs and reduce a building’s carbon footprint. This ultimately helps make the space more comfortable to live in and reduces pressure on heating systems. As well as meeting building standards, ensuring a home has good thermal performance also directly impacts its occupiers, who stand to benefit from energy savings and reduced household bills.

B uilding materials naturally expand and contract over time, which can lead to the formation of gaps and voids. Stone wool maintains its shape and properties over time across a wide range of temperatures and has the resilience to accommodate building movement when fitted under compression. It has a proven ability to provide consistent performance – even up to 55 years 1 – without a drop in its thermal properties.

Isn’t stone-wool insulation thicker than other solutions? Won’t that impact the footprint of a building?

S ome stone-wool solutions might have a slightly higher thickness than other materials in order to reach the same R-value. The most important aspect, however, is that its thermal performance does not decrease over time. The R-value of stone-wool insulation will remain stable over the lifetime of the building.

ROCKWOOL UK

Paul Barrett, Head of Product Management at ROCKWOOL UK, addresses the common questions the company receives about stone wool.

E xciting new innovations also mean that some stone-wool products are available with a lambda value as low as 0.032W/ mK, along with delivering all the key strengths of stone.

How does stone wool perform when it comes to moisture?

Stone-wool insulation does not promote corrosion, and is resistant to mould and mildew. A water-repellent agent is mixed with the fibres during stone wool’s production process, making it able to repel water. The inherent water-repellent properties of these ingredients provide stone wool with an excellent ability to resist water absorption and moisture effects.

I t is also a non-hygroscopic material, meaning it does not take up and retain moisture from the air. As a result, moisture has no influence on the product’s thermal and structural performance. At the same time, there is no influence on the product’s durability either.

S tone wool is a 98% porous material, meaning it is an open material, unlike a closed-cell structure. This is why it is defined as vapour permeable and is practically almost as permeable as still air. This is similar to wearing a breathable and waterproof jacket instead of a regular plastic raincoat. The difference lies in the fact that if you sweat, the fabric will allow the vapour to pass through and dry out. With a regular plastic raincoat, however, you will remain sweaty unless you take it off.

Is stone wool a sustainable choice?

Stone wool can be recycled infinitely without affecting its quality. By recycling stone wool, the consumption of primary materials is reduced and replaced by recycled wool, and the waste going to landfill is also reduced.

Furthermore, stone wool does not contain any greenhouse gases or ozone-depleting gases – such as CFCs or HCFCs. Stone wool has an open structure, which means that there is simply air and no gases in between the fibres.

How does stone wool fit with health and safety compliance?

S tone-wool insulation does not contain any Substances of Very High Concern (SVHC), such as certain flame retardants or plasticisers. In fact, there is no health or environment-related classification for bio-soluble stone-wool insulation, which means these stone-wool products are completely safe to manufacture, install and live with.

S tone wool has been scientifically tested and studied more than almost any other building material anywhere in the world. Considering the experts’ conclusions, including the World Health Organization (WHO), architects and specifiers can be sure that stone wool is safe and poses no risk to human health.

D oes stone wool offer any acoustic benefits?

S tone wool has excellent sound absorption characteristics, owing to an improved ratio of fibres to trapped air pockets due to their high density. The random orientation of stone-wool fibres means soundwaves get absorbed by friction, moving back and forth between individual fibres as they try to pass through the air trapped within the structure.

W hat other benefits does stone wool offer?

I nsulation products can have a significant impact on the fire safety of a construction, and it is, therefore, important that the fire protection properties of insulation do not deteriorate over time. Non-combustible stone wool will improve the fire resistance of construction elements, which can result in extra time for a safe escape in case of a fire.

From a fire-resistance perspective, stone-wool insulation is non-combustible, can withstand temperatures in excess of 1000°C and some manufacturers’ products can be classified as Euroclass A1 – meaning that the insulation will not contribute to a fire. Beyond non-combustibility, if exposed to fire, stonewool insulation will not emit any significant toxic smoke.

Is there a difference in mechanical performance between stone wool and other insulation products?

W hat is unique about stone wool is that its mechanical performance can be designed to fit different types of applications. High compressive strength can only be an advantage in certain types of constructions, whilst in others, it can lead to poor fit-ability. As an example, there are many stone-wool products that are designed and certified for flat roof applications. In this application, the product can be subjected to higher loads from plant equipment, terrace areas or PV arrays. www.rockwool.com

FOOTNOTE:

1FIW (German test and research institute), Durability Project Mineral Wool, 2016

SURFACE DESIGN SHOW 7-9TH FEBRUARY 2023

DISCOVER THE LATEST MATERIAL INNOVATIONS AT SURFACE DESIGN

SHOW 2023

Held from 7 to 9th February 2023, the Surface Design Show will once again be showcasing the best in material innovation. A well-established part of the design calendar for nearly 20 years, the show returns to London’s Business Design Centre. It provides the perfect opportunity for material experts and the architectural and design community to come together under one roof.

Vi sitors to the Surface Design Show 2023 will be inspired by over 150 exhibitors, many of whom will be launching new products, plus diverse displays of surface-based installations and a comprehensive speaker programme featuring accomplished industry professionals who are passionate about the future of surface design.

S upporting emerging material designers has always been important to the Surface Design Show. That is why the New Talent section will, for the fourth year in a row, be held in partnership with Trendease International. Its Chief Creative Director, Jennifer Castoldi, will be curating over 30 ‘New Talents’ this year. The section will inspire and excite visitors with the ‘class of 23’ showcasing a fascinating mix of biomaterials, natural materials, digital print, textiles, furniture, wallcovering, weaving and biopolymers.

L ocated right in the heart of the exhibition, the Surface Design Show welcomes back Surface Spotlight Live (SSL). This area gives visitors a chance to touch and compare the latest material prototypes. Centred around this year’s theme, ‘Shaping Communities’, SSL will highlight the importance of new exchanges between surfaces, people and environments. This section of the show will again be curated by leading trend and colour expert, Sally Angharad.

T he talks programme is always a particular highlight of the Surface Design Show. The Main Stage, designed by Emily Skinner of recycling pioneer Smile Plastics, will host 18 different presentations and feature more than 40 speakers, inspiring a professional audience of architects and designers.

Setting the tone for the live events programme will be the Opening Night Debate, hosted this year by Jonathan Smales, Executive Chairman of Human Nature, a leading proponent of sustainable development.

The debate, which has CDUK as the official partner, will question how architecture and interior design professionals are dealing with the show’s theme of Shaping Communities.

Over the two and a half days, the Main Stage will host a range of debates, panels, trend forecasts and insights into the latest surface design innovations. It will also be the venue for the Legends Live series of ‘in conversations’ in partnership with Mix Interiors, where industry leaders interview someone they admire.

Another popular element of the show is the Surface Design Awards. Now in their 11th year, they continue to set a benchmark for architectural and design achievements

www.surfacedesignshow.com

across the world. More than 110 projects were entered into the 2023 Surface Design Awards, coming from an impressive 24 different countries. The BAFTA headquarters in London by Benedetti Architects, which scooped the Supreme Winner award in 2022, set the standard for excellence in surface design. Following the success of its debut last year, the Architectural Photography category returns once more for 2023.

S urface Design Show 2023 builds on the success of the event, which has been running for over 15 years, as a place to encourage a meaningful exchange of ideas between manufacturers and the marketplace to further material innovation.

THE SURFACE DESIGN SHOW

NEW CLEMENT STEEL WINDOWS SELECTED AS REPLACEMENT WINDOWS

AT WEST COUNTRY SCHOOLS

Clement Windows Group has manufactured and installed new steel windows at two West Country schools. Trent Young’s CE School in Dorset and St Mary’s Calne in Wiltshire both required replica steel windows to replace the original fenestration.

www.clementwindows.co.uk 01428 643393

DOOR HARDWARE IS IN THE FRAME WITH BROOKLYN

CRL

Sliding glass doors are a practical and attractive partitioning solution, particularly popular in open-plan rooms as a way of partitioning different areas. The hardware chosen for the glass can have a stylish impact too, with on-trend finishes, such as matte black, ideal for a sophisticated look in the contemporary or classic setting. CRL Brooklyn is an innovative matte black framing system for sliding doors that taps into this trend, suitable for residential and commercial use. Allowing practical room partitioning while still retaining a sense of space, Brooklyn combines the minimalistic style of the frame with a door design that makes the very best use of natural light internally. Developed with classic lines, the system complements a wide range of interior styles. It’s perfect for use in restaurants and office environments and is an ideal partitioning solution in locations where an inviting sense of light is key. Brooklyn has many practical qualities too, not least ease of installation. The system is suitable for dropped-ceiling and fixed ceiling applications and allows for a vertical adjustment of +/-3mm.

www.crlaurence.co.uk 01706 863600 crl@crlaurence.co.uk

Trent Young’s School, Grade II Listed and in a conservation area, was originally constructed by Reverend Turner and his wife in 1862 as the National School for girls and infants. The existing metal windows were not fit for purpose, and due to the school’s listing, it was imperative that the new replacement windows provided as close a match to the originals as possible.

T he Clement Brooking range was specified because the slim, strong frames could replicate the wonderful shaped heads of the existing windows and could be fixed directly to the stone. The 16mm krypton-filled units offer much-improved thermal performance, and it was possible to fit the frames with restrictors for safety.

S t Mary’s School is a leading independent boarding and day school for girls aged 11 to 18, which was founded in 1873 by local Vicar Reverend John Duncan and moved to its current site in 1907. Around 40 new steel windows were needed in this phase of work to replace the original steel windows on the front and gable ends of the Plumer Wing, which comprises classrooms for music, computing, religious education and art. Clement EB20 windows were chosen and painted RAL 7016 (Anthracite Grey) instead of white, like the original windows.

info@clementwg.co.uk

SEALING THE ENERGY CRISIS THIS WINTER

ISO CHEMIE

In the midst of the current energy crisis, the need for more effective insulation and sealing of windows and doors must be an urgent priority, says Andy Swift, Sales and Operations Manager for foam sealants specialist, ISO Chemie. “With 25% of the heat leaking from around windows, it’s now even more important to effectively seal around the window to wall gap. Even before the current energy crisis, it was always an area requiring urgent attention, but now it has become paramount because millions of people are struggling to heat their homes and stay warm this winter. However, by using modern foam sealants to create a thermal and airtight seal around the window, the amount of heat loss around frames is significantly reduced. Indeed, after only a few years against a leaky joint, investment in new sealing tapes will have paid for itself. Retrofitting properties with products like Winframer, Vario SD and BLOCO ONE has become a direct focus for property developers and housing associations and is a cost-effective way to insulate existing properties very quickly. As they say, the greenest home is one already built.”

www.iso-chemie.eu/en-gb/home 07837 337220 a.swift@iso-chemie.co.uk

CLEMENT WINDOWS GROUP

Trent Young’s School

TORMAX OPENS THE DOOR TO WORK

TORMAX

Allowing clear and easy access for all jobseekers, TORMAX was contracted to install an automatic sliding entrance to a new Dundas Job Centre that opened during the pandemic under the Government’s Plan for Jobs. With an external frontage located on the main thoroughfare within the local shopping centre, the Job Centre needed to be as welcoming as possible to every possible user. The bi-parting sliding doors are powered by the in-house-designed TORMAX Win Drive 2201 operator, delivering smooth operation, even on the busiest days. Housed in a casing that measures just 142 x 100mm, the Win Drive is neat and compact, helping create a professional and contemporary aesthetic. Further encouraging jobseekers to enter, the entrance is fully compliant with current legislation, offering a wide-open doorway for the less able, as well as for those with buggies and prams, for example. Simple two-key programming allows Job Centre staff to quickly adapt door opening and closing speeds to reflect the volume of foot traffic and weather, helping minimise heat loss from the reception area.

www.tormax.co.uk 01932 238040 sales@tormax.co.uk

SENIOR PRESCRIBED FOR UNIVERSITY’S NEW CLINICAL SKILLS FACILITY

SENIOR ARCHITECTURAL SYSTEMS

Senior Architectural Systems, the aluminium fenestration solutions manufacturer, has seen its popular SF52 aluminium curtain wall system specified for use at Nottingham Trent University’s new purpose-built Health and Allied Professions (HAP) Centre. The impressive building has been designed by architect firm Pick Everard and incorporates a number of sustainable features to achieve an ‘Excellent’ BREEAM rating. Senior’s fenestration systems, which offer cradle-to-cradle recyclability, were the ideal choice and the building’s striking main facade features both Senior’s thermally-enhanced SF52 aluminium curtain wall system and integrated SPW600 aluminium windows. Senior’s products were fabricated and installed by supply chain partner Logic Aluminium Systems for main contractor Henry Brothers. As well as creating a welcoming gateway to the university’s Clifton Campus, the new two-storey building has been designed to provide both visual interest and maximise the use of daylighting. The use of Senior’s slimline SF52 aluminium curtain wall systems floods the main atrium with natural light and provides each of the rooms with extensive views of the campus and surrounding areas.

www.seniorarchitectural.co.uk 01709 772600 enquiries@sasmail.co.uk

ASWS COMPLETES HERITAGE REFURBISHMENT WITHIN WOOLWICH ARSENAL

ASWS

SIDEY’S NEW STREAMLINED WEBSITE SIDEY

Sidey is delighted to have launched its new website. After listening to customer feedback, the website has been redesigned to make it easy to navigate the company’s four sectors and includes exclusive download areas, interactive software, innovation details as well as sector-specific product information. Sarah Mackintosh, Sidey’s PR & Digital Promotions Manager, said: “The new company website is part of the ongoing evolution of the Sidey brand. Our design is more modern and intuitive, and with this new look, we wanted to make the user experience as simple as possible. The site is easy to use and navigate; we have a clearer structure featuring dropdown menus on the top of the page for a streamlined experience.”

www.sidey.co.uk 01738 634803 sideyinfo@sidey.co.uk

While recent decades have seen Woolwich Arsenal transformed from a near-derelict munitions factory to become one of south London’s most iconic redevelopments, restoration and repurposing work continue apace, with a recently-completed contract involving steel window specialist, ASWS, highlighting both the challenges and the opportunities the complexity of the buildings can present. Within Buildings 19 and 41 of a truly historic complex that dates back to the end of the 17th century, ASWS was tasked with refurbishing over a dozen large steel windows, including 10 with semi-circular heads, and the removal of three others where the openings were to be blocked up or replaced by new doors.

www.asws.co.uk 0208 665 5335 info@asws.co.uk

KEYLITE ROOF WINDOWS BRIGHTEN THE NEWEST ADDITION OF SURREY’S PRIVATE WENTWORTH ESTATE

KEYLITE

The latest addition to the Wentworth Estate is a bespoke family home, designed and built by luxury homes specialist, EAB Homes. The property boasts 6500ft 2 of statement architecture, contemporary designs and stunning traditional interiors. Talking of the project, Peter Warren, Director at EAB Homes, comments: “Ultra-slim profile aluminium windows, doors and Keylite roof windows feature on all aspects of the property, maximising the light that flows throughout the space. The use of Keylite roof windows allowed our architects to let loose on the property design, without having to worry about whether the build would get the ventilation it needs or whether certain Building Regulations would be covered.”

www.keyliteroofwindows.com 01283 200158 info@keyliteuk.com

CAVITY WALL OPENINGS:

NHBC – BS 6515 AND BS 8215

On 1st January 2023, the use of conventional roll DPC to provide protection against wet ingress over window and door openings in cavity walls changed.

CAVITY TRAYS OF YEOVIL

The NHBC announced within its Technical Guidance 6.1/38 that Polythene Damp Proof Course made to BS 6515:1984 will not be accepted on all plots starting, or at DPC level, on that date.

The NHBC announcement aligns with the usage/ restrictions stated within the long-established British Standard, which qualifies such DPC as not suitable where

there is a downward movement of water. The announcement includes a reference to the code of practice – BS 8215:1991, which provides installation guidance for damp course in masonry construction.

Many will welcome this move, as the downside of any roll DPC is the necessity to cut and form on site, with the accompanying variances, errors and inconsistencies that can occur.

T he alternative way forward is to use a preformed Cavitray. When horizontal preformed Type C Cavitrays are used with lintels, one eliminates the variances of a site-fabricated approach. Preformed Type C Cavitrays are ready shaped to harmonise with the window head construction/lintel choice, so the build detail is always consistent and correct. Type C Cavitrays are

also self-supporting, which means they hold to profile and do not require building into the inner skin (unless you request otherwise). So, not seeking out a bedding joint at an appropriate height to hold up the protection. Full cavity width arrestment is provided by the preformed tray that is biased to take up the cavity width encountered. Both skins remain independent of each other. Adverse thermal bridging is not introduced.

Importantly, Type C Cavitrays have extended ends that project each side of the wall opening by 300mm. These extended ends serve two purposes. Firstly, they ensure adequate shelter of whatever reveal closing method is deployed. Secondly, the 300mm projection guarantees a brick perp joint beyond the opening is always located to accommodate the stopends in the optimum position.

Interestingly, if one looks at BS 8215, fig 15, it illustrates a perp joint naturally occurring to accommodate a stopend, 112.5mm beyond the opening. But if a whole standard 225mm brick occurs (there’s a 50/50 chance it will), the detail depicted is not possible.

U sing a preformed DPC tray with extended ends ensures appropriate perps are accessible, thus eliminating the problem.

NHBC 6.1 D6. B refers to window and door openings having an external turn-down drip lip. Whilst difficult to form using roll DPC, where a preformed tray is used, an external lip is one of many options available to the specifier/contractor.

Cavitray scheduling is straightforward – the company does it for you. Trays are delivered packaged per plot, so stock and cost are controlled. Importantly, a consistent build detail is achievable, every time.

There’s a CPD silent study tutorial that provides more information and some interesting data. You can access this access by visiting: www. directcontactexhibitions.com, selecting CPD academy and pressing Cavity Trays 3.

Type C cavity trays are available for all styles of openings

Extract from the silent study online CPD tutorial

ZENTIA RENAMES ONE OF ITS MOST POPULAR CEILING TILE RANGES

Zentia’s new Fission range will incorporate the former Tatra, Cortega and Fine Fissured tiles.

Leading UK ceiling manufacturer Zentia is bringing together and renaming three of its most popular mineral tiles.

The new Fission range will comprise Fission (formerly Tatra), Fission ND (formerly Cortega) and Fission FT (formerly Fine Fissured), which are all fire rated to Euroclass A2-s1,d0.

D espite the renaming, there are no changes to the products or their technical performance, and they are still warrantied for up to 30 years (when fitted with the Zentia grid system). Alongside this, they are manufactured with up to 51% recycled content and remain 100% recyclable.

F ission and Fission ND are white tiles available in two different edge details – Board (600 x 600mm and 1200 x 600mm) and Tegular (600 x 600mm) for greater design flexibility. The Board edges fully expose the suspended ceiling grid, while the Tegular tiles are rebated, creating a semi-bevelled visual.

Featuring directional and non-directional fissured patterns, they balance the need for sound absorption and sound attenuation in open-plan spaces, such as atria, libraries, storage facilities and warehouses.

T he premium product in the Fission range is Fission FT, which is available in black as well as white and in three different edge details (Board, Tegular and MicroLook). The MicroLook edge is designed for use with Zentia’s 15mm grid range, with a vertical edge creating crisp shadowed effects. Its ultra-fine, nondirectional fissured pattern offers an optimum balance between sound absorption and sound attenuation.

A ll three ceiling tiles are suitable for new-build and refurbishment projects in the commercial, industrial and retail sectors.

Z entia’s Sales and Marketing Director, Graham Taylor, said: “In 2020, we began our journey transitioning from Armstrong to Zentia. It is an exciting time that will deliver opportunities for us and our customers. As part of this process, we’re renaming our products and reshaping our ranges. But there’s no need for our customers to worry, their favourite ceiling solutions won’t disappear, and they can still rely on us to manufacture and deliver the same quality suspended ceilings we always have.”

ZENTIA

COLOURS INSPIRED BY

NATURE

Colour has a huge impact on how we feel, act and react. There are various psychological studies on how different colours evoke different moods, which can profoundly affect our happiness and productivity. Interestingly, the history of the first colour used in art dates back to 75,000 years, when red, from ochre, was used for caveman drawings –using colours inspired by nature.

Na ture provides us with everchanging beauty, the waves of the sea and the wildness of roaring rivers; these are all elements that Osmo UK has drawn upon for inspiration. With innovative design, Osmo UK has created a new product with nature in mind. Explore the colours inspired by nature, from the ocean floor to your home.

New Country Shades

C ountry Shades is a stunning new wood finish to join the Osmo UK exterior range, with 120 colours inspired by nature. Country Shades offers up to 26m² per litre with just one coat. The highperformance exterior wood finish doesn’t require sanding for future applications. A simple re-application is recommended when signs of wear become visible. Reduce your maintenance time and increase your wood’s longevity with Osmo UK’s quality wood finishes.

Inspired by the elements of nature

C ountry Shades’ new range of colours is inspired by the four elements of nature; air, earth, fire and water. Offering a collection of 120 bespoke colours, which have been carefully selected by Osmo UK’s experts. Each colour has been given a unique description that allows you to connect to the colours on a deeper level. Whether you’re looking for a bold, bright and strong colour or a subtle, calm and neutral colour, Osmo UK’s new range provides a shade for every colour preference. Give wood the colour it deserves with Osmo UK.

G et in touch with Osmo UK by using the contacts below to pre-order your colour card.

EARTHBORN COLOUR OF THE YEAR 2023

EARTHBORN

If you’re looking for warmth and sophistication in a paint finish, look no further than Earthborn’s Colour of the Year 2023, Lady Bug – a rich, jeweltoned burgundy. As we enter the new year, interiors are moving away from the everpopular soft neutrals and leaning towards cocooning colour and statement spaces. A dramatic yet cosy hue, Lady Bug adds endless warmth and timeless style to both contemporary and traditional homes alike. Lady Bug is available in Claypaint, Lifestyle, Eco Chic and Eggshell No.17 finishes. For a sustainable, environmentally-sound specification, check the paint is Ecolabel approved. Earthborn paints have achieved this demanding standard, which covers every aspect of a product’s manufacture, use and disposal. Because they are virtually VOC free, they do not give off any toxic emissions, so rooms can be brought into use more quickly and are much healthier for the building and its occupants.

www.earthbornpaints.co.uk 01928 734171 sales@earthbornpaints.co.uk

ROCKSILK FLEXIBLE SLAB ACHIEVES FIRE RESISTANCE ‘FIRST’

KNAUF INSULATION

Knauf Insulation’s Rocksilk Flexible Slab is the first mineral wool insulation solution in the UK to have been tested to provide one hour of fire resistance to EN 1365 at both 400 and 600mm centre widths within the separating floor of a loft conversion. “Insulation is critical in providing fire resistance within the separating floor of a loft conversion, but other manufacturers have only tested their products for this application at one centre width – 400mm,” said Luke Davies, Product Manager – Rock Mineral Wool, at Knauf Insulation. “Our product is the only one in the UK to also be tested to provide one hour of fire resistance within joists of 600mm centre widths, which will give homeowners reassurance that it will perform as expected if a fire does occur. One hour is double the fire resistance stipulated by the Building Regulations, giving residents valuable extra time to detect the fire and escape.” Rocksilk Flexible Slab is a non-combustible, rock mineral wool product with the best possible Euroclass A1 reaction to fire classification.

www.knaufinsulation.co.uk 01744 766766 sales.uk@knaufinsulation.com

GOLDEN GIVEAWAY FOR 50TH RAG ANNIVERSARY

F. BALL CO

CTD ARCHITECTURAL TILES GETS TO WORK ON LATEST OFFICE REFURBISHMENT

CTD ARCHITECTURAL TILES

CTD Architectural Tiles has curated a bespoke tile package for the refurbishment of Birmingham’s landmark 54 Hagley Road shared office building. CTD Architectural Tiles supplied several tile collections for the scheme, including the Aspenwood porcelain floor tile for 54 Hagley Road’s cafe space as well as part of the building’s entrance. The limestone-inspired Flodsten collection was also installed throughout the refurbished communal spaces, including the reception area, to complement Aspenwood’s modern take on natural materials, with both collections used together. Scala & Step completed this commercial tile package, with the collection’s matte black Metro-style wall tile used behind the cafe counter for a sleek finish.

www.ctdarchitecturaltiles.co.uk 0800 021 4835 info@ctdarchitecturaltiles.co.uk

F. Ball and Co. is celebrating the launch of the 50th issue of its industry-acclaimed Recommended Adhesives Guide (RAG) with a golden giveaway. Golden tickets have been hidden inside 50 copies of the 2023 edition of the guide, with the lucky recipients entitled to claim one of a range of prizes. Copies will automatically be sent to members of F. Ball’s Ball Rewards scheme and can also be requested for free. The RAG enables contractors and specifiers to quickly check the compatibility of F. Ball adhesives with over 6000 branded floorcoverings from over 200 leading international floorcovering manufacturers –offering flooring professionals the most comprehensive guide to floorcovering-adhesive compatibility available.

www.f-ball.co.uk 01538 361633

STO INSULATION AND RENDER SYSTEM MAKES ITS MARK ON THE BOURNEMOUTH SKYLINE STO

mail@f-ball.co.uk

One of the tallest new buildings recently added to the Bournemouth skyline has been completed with a combination of external wall insulation and render products supplied by Sto. The company’s StoTherm Mineral M system, with Sto-Rotofix Plus mechanical fixings and StoSilco exterior render, were all used on the new Skyline student accommodation building, which achieved a BREEAM ’Very Good’ rating. The major 17-storey, 430-bedroom project by Gilltown, which was acquired on completion by a major investment company, delivers a combination of purpose-built accommodation and recreation facilities for its residents. StoTherm Mineral is a highly-durable external wall insulation system, which uses mineral-fibre boards that provide outstanding thermal performance and unrivalled fire protection.

www.sto.co.uk 0141 892 8000 info.uk@sto.com

Photo courtesy of Intersect Architects

OPTIMAL COMFORT FROM GILBERTS

GILBERTS

An intelligent decision to utilise an intelligent spring could help improve occupant health and performance and save energy and manufacturing time. The ‘super spring’ is a core component of Gilberts’ latest GSJ adjustable thermal swirl diffusers. Utilising an advanced thermally-reactive spring as a core component of Gilberts’ latest GSJ adjustable thermal swirl, the diffuser now has a reaction time and, therefore, temperature adjustment –occurring within seconds versus other thermally-actuated diffusers, which use wax technology and can take up to 60 minutes. Triggered by the temperature of the incoming air (usually when it varies by 2ºC from pre-set boundaries), the intelligent spring instantly adjusts the omni-rotational diffuser vanes, delivering warm air vertically and cooler air horizontally. This process ensures rapid initial warm up and avoidance of uncomfortable draughts. Quickly controlling the airflow direction to maintain a comfortable environment in the internal space below, it only takes seconds to restore the equilibrium – whether through exposed ductwork, ceiling grids, clip-in ceilings or perforated ceilings. The diffuser requires no external power or control, reducing material and installation costs. It operates without human intervention, enabling occupants to focus on their activities. The maintenance-free diffuser’s excellent rapid operation optimises the fuel efficiency, embodied energy and sustainability of the swirl.

www.gilbertsblackpool.com 01253 766911 info@gilbertsblackpool.co.uk

VENT-AXIA CELEBRATES LUCKY NUMBER THREE AT H&V NEWS AWARDS

VENT-AXIA Vent-Axia is celebrating winning the ‘Domestic Ventilation Product of the Year’ award at the prestigious H&V News Awards for the third year in a row. The company scooped the award for its pioneering VentAxia Lo-Carbon Multivent MEV range, which has set the mark for domestic ventilation by winning this category for two consecutive years. This year, the Lo-Carbon Multivent MEV range literally broke the mould for domestic ventilation as the first MEV manufactured from recycled plastic, offering more sustainable choices for customers and keeping plastic in the circular economy rather than landfill. The Sussex-based company received the accolade on 24th November at the Hilton London Metropole.

www.vent-axia.com 0344 856 0590

TRITON SYSTEMS' SOLUTION SUCCESSFULLY TANKS BASEMENT POOL ROOM

TRITON SYSTEMS

BASTION HOUSE STANDS OUT THANKS TO LIMA BRICKS

FROM VANDERSANDEN

VANDERSANDEN

An imposing boutique scheme of nine luxury apartments in Hackney, London, Bastion House is a modern take on a castle-like structure with its multi-faceted walls, tiered form and various-sized openings. The choice of Vandersanden’s Lima facing brick enhances this robust look, while the brick’s light colour contrasts with the black mortar joints and recessed jet-black window frames and balcony soffits. Goldrose Sharpe, the developer of Bastion House, embraced the challenge of carefully detailing the brickwork which, along with the building’s unconventional form, helps it stand out. Specially-cut bricks were employed to achieve the different angled corners – most corners of the building are not at a right angle.

www.vandersanden.com

When the owner of White Cross Farm decided to build a new property on his land – consisting of a swimming pool – keeping water out of the underground structure presented more technical challenges than keeping it in. ProTen Services and Triton Systems jointly designed and supplied an integrated package of waterproofing products to successfully tank the external perimeter wall forming the basement, which will house the subterranean spa in very challenging ground conditions. Triton and ProTen considered the most dependable solution would be to apply the TWS EX100 self-adhesive HDPE membrane across the primed outer face of the Stepoc blockwork and then protect it from damage and static pressure using the Triton Platon Double Drainage membrane.

www.tritonsystems.co.uk 01322 318830 info@tritonsystems.co.uk

VENT-AXIA PROVIDES ADVICE ON PART F OF THE BUILDING REGULATIONS FOR COMMERCIAL AND INDUSTRIAL BUILDINGS

VENT-AXIA

Vent-Axia is offering advice on Part F changes for commercial and industrial clients. With Part F focusing heavily on health and wellbeing, a key addition to the document is a new section on monitoring indoor air quality (IAQ). Other key points include designing ventilation systems to minimise external pollutants entering indoor spaces and assessing ventilation requirements when installing energy-efficiency measures to ensure good IAQ. “Amended Part F recognises the role of low-carbon ventilation in the health and energy efficiency of buildings. To help consultants, contractors, developers and facilities managers understand and comply with the new regulations, at Vent-Axia, we can offer guidance and advice, including offering a new certified CPD”, says David Cook, Technical Product Manager at Vent-Axia.

www.vent-axia.com

THE POWER OF COPPER: AN ESSENTIAL MATERIAL FOR EVERYDAY LIFE

Copper is one of the most versatile materials on the planet and has played a key part in bringing about change, inventions and new opportunities across society.

THE COPPER SUSTAINABILITY PARTNERSHIP (CUSP)

It has long been praised for its natural beauty and inherent material properties, yet most of its uses remain hidden throughout our homes, hospitals, public transport, offices and in renewable energy sources.

S o, just how essential is copper to everyday life?

Homes and transport

In your home, copper runs through your walls, supplies water from your boiler to your bathroom and kitchen, powers your shower and provides hot water to your taps and radiators.

Copper is also found in the wiring of household electronics and appliances such as your kettle, microwave, oven and television.

A s a superior conductor of heat, copper is key to efficiently heating homes and is used in both traditional heating systems and sustainable heating alternatives, such as airsource heat pumps.

Outside of the home, it can be found supporting all modes of transport. You can find it in the wiring of electric cars and their chargers, vehicle brake lines and train and tram lines, to mention a few.

Office spaces

C opper piping is just as essential in our office spaces as it has the capability to effectively heat or cool large spaces. When supplying hot water to offices, copper is chosen because of its durability and ability to reduce the risk of plumbing problems. In fact, copper is so durable that it is used in Sweden’s nuclear waste-handling technology.

Furthermore, copper is used in the wiring of computers, printers and other devices that are vital in offices. Put simply; we wouldn’t be able to work without it!

Hospitals

W hat’s more, copper is trusted to supply medicalgrade gases, such as oxygen, to patients’ bedsides with no leaks or contamination. It has anti-microbial properties, which help to protect the health of patients, with studies showing that it can reduce infection rates by 58%.

O ur hospitals use medical-grade copper to prevent contamination and bacterial growth, and, at a time when hospitals are facing unprecedented demand to ensure patient safety, its use is vital to keeping patients safe in our places of care.

What makes copper an everyday essential?

C opper’s widespread usage is thanks to its ability to be infinitely recycled, which ensures it will continue to be an everyday essential for generations to come.

C opper has been recycled and reused for as long as we have depended on it, boasting a fullydeveloped scrap-collecting infrastructure, which has existed for centuries. As a result, almost half of Europe’s copper demand is being met by recycled materials, and at least 65% of all copper ever produced is still in circulation today.

From homes and hospitals to transport and offices, copper is the material of the future. Thanks to its superior quality, safety and ability to be infinitely recycled, it is playing a vital part in our everyday lives, creating a more sustainable future for everyone.

DELTA MEMBRANE SYSTEMS LAUNCHES NEW BASEMENT DRAINAGE DISTRIBUTION HUB

De lta Membrane Systems has invested in a new Pump Distribution Hub close to its Epping headquarters to enhance the company’s ability to serve its nationwide customer base.

D elta Membrane Systems has grown rapidly over the last five years, and launching the new Pump Distribution Hub will transform key elements of its business to consistently deliver on the business’ values of being customercentric and constantly moving forward, innovating and adapting.

H aving explored plans to create a new, dedicated pump and drainage warehouse, the company has now unveiled the new facilities, which are now stocked full of pumps, package pump stations, bespoke foul, surface and groundwater chambers, along with associated fixings and pipework, offices and bespoke training facilities.

T he warehouse comprises 3500ft 2 of space dedicated to basement drainagerelated products, from package pump stations, high water level alarms, control panels, battery backups to pipework and fittings, supporting the team’s ability to meet the growing demand for quality basement drainage items. In addition to the increased space, the warehouse features modern staff facilities and a dedicated training and breakout space.

MEMBRANE SYSTEMS

K evin Dodds, Managing Director, said: “The investment will create new opportunities for Delta, our customers, and the local area. Our UK head office has been based in the area for 25 years, and we are delighted to find the perfect space to accommodate our basement drainage division just around the corner. Delta is committed to helping customers and we’re thrilled to be able to take the lead on increasing our customer services in all things below-ground related.

“ In addition, moving our basement drainage section to its own dedicated hub allows us the ability to closely monitor deliveries and improve logistics. There is also space to further expand our training facilities to meet current and future demand and to ensure our commitment to encouraging best practice in the industry is being met.

“ The new basement drainage distribution hub gives us better visibility of stock and truly represents the scale of the business to both staff and customers.”

W hatever the needs of your project, you can rely on Delta’s technical team to ensure you get the right advice, support and practical help at exactly the right time it’s required. Call the company today using the contact details below.

DELTA

“NOTHING BETTER” CLAIMS FOR NEW VENTILATION WITH HEAT RECOVERY

Bu ilding on Gilberts’ pioneering MFS hybrid ventilation unit, the first of its kind to be developed in the UK, the combined hybrid unit can achieve up to 75% heat recovery.

T he exceptional and market-leading heat recovery performance means that, when employed as part of a sustainable strategy, including photovoltaic arrays, MFS-HR could achieve energynegative status.

A s with the original MFS and other alternative hybrid ventilation systems, MFS-HR is a standalone unit installed through the facade to ventilate, cool and warm the interior. Initial tests indicate each MFS-HR will provide up to 4kw heating and 2kw cooling capacity whilst still delivering an airflow rate of up to 470l/s. It could cost as little as £10/ annum/zone to operate.

M anufactured by Gilberts in the UK, the whole MFS range makes optimal use of recyclable materials, making it low on embodied carbon. MFS attains air leakage better than legislative requirements – 3m 3 /HR/m 2 – and a U-value of less than 1W/m 2 /°C, all combining to enhance the green credentials further.

UNIT

In the drive towards reduced net zero, Gilberts Blackpool claims its new MFS-HR surpasses the performance of anything comparable on the market for commercial and public sector applications.

www.gilbertsblackpool.com 01253 766911

“ When we launched the original MFS, there was nothing else like it in terms of performance,” says Gilberts' Sales Director, Ian Rogers. “MFS-HR will build on that, taking hybrid ventilation with heat recovery to new heights in the drive towards energy and carbon reduction and re-affirming Gilberts’ position as a technological leader.”

info@gilbertsblackpool.co.uk

Whatever the space, divide it with style. The Origin Internal Door provides a sleek and stunning solution for creating functional footprints within a home.

With endless configurations, hardware options and colours to choose from, let Origin help you create spaces that change the way people live.