FC&A July 2018 by Red Hut Media Ltd

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July 18

Issue 101 www.fca-magazine.com

The Upward Spiral Daniel Libeskind unveils phenomenal spiralling design for French city’s first skyscraper

Making Connections The infrastructural considerations house-builders need to keep in mind when planning new-build developments

Protect Your Legacy Why many architect firms are gravitating towards employee ownership structures to future-proof their practice

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

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

Editor Rebecca Kemp rebecca@mixedmediainfo.com Editorial Assistant Paige Smith paige@mixedmediainfo.com Print & Digital Advertising Sam Ball sam@mixedmediainfo.com Adele Mason adele@mixedmediainfo.com Print Design Manager Jack Witcomb jack@mixedmediainfo.com Digital Design Manager David Perry david@mixedmediainfo.com Production Assistant Sofia Franchi sofia@mixedmediainfo.com Accounts/Credit Control Jackie Dearman jackie@mixedmediainfo.com Managing Director Sam Ball sam@mixedmediainfo.com Terms and Conditions: Contributions are invited and when not accepted will be returned only if accompanied by a fully stamped and return addressed envelope. No responsibility will be taken for drawings, photographs or literary contributions during transmission or in the editors hands. In the absence of an agreement the copyright of all contributions, literary, photographics or artistic belongs to Mixed Media Information Ltd.The Publisher accepts no responsibility in respect of advertisements appearing in the magazine and the opinions expressed in editorial material or otherwise do not necessarily represent the view of the publisher.The Publisher does not accept any liability of any loss arising from the late appearance or non publication of any advertisement.

Front cover: Daniel Libeskind’s sculptural masterpiece, the Occitanie Tower, is set to be the first skyscraper in the French historical city of Toulouse. See page 19.

Magazine July 2018

Welcome

to Future Constructor & Architect...

ast month marked the first anniversary of 2017’s destructive Grenfell Tower blaze, resulting in over 71 fatalities. A year on from the tragedy, the independent public inquiry is underway which seeks to establish the unfortunate happenings on the evening of 14th June. The investigation is currently exploring how the blaze spread and the safety equipment existent within the establishment that night. London’s firefighters from the first crew at the scene of Grenfell were called upon at the end of last month to offer evidence regarding the spread of the fire. The end of the month saw Charles Batterbee, from North Kensington Fire Station – one of the first firefighters on the scene at the Grenfell fire – paint a picture of a “war zone” and narrate a scene of “hell”. The evening of the Grenfell anniversary saw survivors of the fire and members of the public lamenting at the foundation of the Grenfell site to pay their respects to those who lost their lives, family and friends one year on since the tragedy. The whole site was illuminated in green, a colour that’s come to denote June 2017’s unfortunate event. To read some of the tributes and reservations from members of the public and industry bodies, turn to page 10 of this month’s issue for the UK’s Grenfell tribute Tweets. Elsewhere in this month’s issue, FC&A talks to German-based Martin Reuter of ingenhoven architects – the firm responsible for Singapore’s awe-inspiring Marina One – in an exclusive interview where he discusses his career as an architect and project inspirations; turn to page 12 to find out more. Meanwhile, on page 34, Thomasons looks at the requirement for additional infrastructure within the built environment for new-build housing developments. I hope you enjoy this edition. Don’t forget you can also access all of the magazine’s features, product news and supplier information at your fingertips via Future Constructor & Architect’s state-of-the-art app.To download your version free of charge, simply search ‘fc&a’ on Google Play or the App store.

Rebecca

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

Rebecca Kemp Editor, Future Constructor & Architect

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Contents News 10 Industry Updates:

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

26 Legal & Business:

Gary Davie, Partner and employee ownership specialist at Shakespeare Martineau, explores the employee ownership structure that many architect practices appear to be following in a bid to protect and sustain their legacy within the realm.

32 Voice of the Industry:

The house-building industry is ever-changing and, with housing in demand, the realm is set to evolve even further. Here, Epwin Group delves into the minds of British architects and specifiers to discover what’s in store for the market in the next few years.

Features 28 Openings:

Doors & Windows: Ian Chubb, Managing Director at bespoke door manufacturer Deuren, describes how opting for tailor-made entry solutions for new builds and renovations will provide show-stopping centrepieces for residential projects, and explains why to adopt early collaboration with a manufacturer.

34 Build Focus:

Public Infrastructure:

Xavier Martinez from Thomasons discusses the importance of building connectivity between newbuild housing developments and surrounding areas.

36 Technical Focus:

Adjacent to Wandsworth’s latest architectural phenomenon, the US Embassy, sits a large pond that acts as a defence barrier similar to a moat. Here, Firestone Building Products talks through the installation of its EPDM membrane.

38 Facades &

Curtain Walling: AluK has proved that collaboration is crucial when it comes to the success of a project.Working with partners and key stakeholders, AluK has provided Berkeley Homes with an energyefficient, elegant facade for its new prestigious West End Gate complex.

42 Acoustics:

With the World Health Organisation (WHO) labelling noise pollution as an underestimated threat that can cause adverse implications to our health, specialists are increasingly turning to noise control specialists to employ control measures. Here, Wakefield Acoustics explains the analysis and diagnostics of noise preventative equipment for plant rooms.

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44 VR:

This month, McAvoy’s David Clark explores the latest techniques for digitising construction and what the future has in store for digitalisation within the off-site manufacturing sector.

Portfolios 14 Morpheus, Zaha Hadid Architects (ZHA):

The infrastructural development of China’s prosperous region, Macau, has come on leaps and bounds; with four new eye-catching buildings to the energetic hub. Here, FC&A explores the ZHA-designed Morpheus.

19 Occitanie Tower,

Daniel Libeskind:

Discover the innovative high-rise from Daniel Libeskind for the French historical city of Toulouse.

22 Yiwu Cultural Square, UAD:

Meeting the needs of its citizens’ passion for iconic architecture and public spaces, the city of Yiwu – located in the Zhejiang province, China – has opened a new cultural square for residents, bolstering its steps towards becoming an international metropolis.

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

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Industry Updates

NEWS

FC&A rounds up the latest industry news

In Brief

House-builders covered with updated roofing guidance

Submit your news and comments to: editor@mixedmediainfo.com @fcamagazine

Designs for DJI’s new HQ in Shenzhen revealed Foster + Partners has unveiled its vision for the new headquarters for DJI, the world-leading robotics company, currently under construction in Shenzhen.

New roofing guidance for housebuilders has been published by the Trussed Rafter Association (TRA).‘How to Build Compliant Spandrel Panels’, which is endorsed by the NHBC, has been updated to include information about single-skin cladding for spandrel panels.The guide now has a page featuring fermacell gypsum fibreboard as an example of how single-skin cladding can replace two sheets of plasterboard either side of a spandrel panel, without compromising fire and acoustic requirements. Jonathan Fellingham, TRA Chairman, said:“The first version of the guide we published last year proved to be very useful to house-builders.We decided to update the guide to add more useful information for housebuilders on single-skin cladding options for spandrels.We take our collaboration with the installers of our products seriously and are committed to offering guidance to increase quality and accuracy wherever possible.”

Apprenticeships reveal perceptions of construction are improving Leading UK house-builder Redrow’s second annual research report,‘Building better apprenticeships: Delivering skills to drive UK productivity’, has discovered that the perception of construction as an apprenticeship pathway has improved with a 14% increase (62%) of young people considering a job in the sector this year. Following on from its first apprenticeship report in 2017, Redrow again canvassed 2000 parents and 15 to 21-year-olds and 167 of its own apprentices and benchmarked the findings against last year’s responses.The results this year show an 8% increase in young women (24%) considering a career in construction compared to just 16% in 2017.This coincides with a 19% fewer young people believing that the industry is dominated by men with only 36% of young people saying this was true compared to 55% in 2017.

As the ‘heart of innovation’ for the company, the new building defies the traditional idea of office space to form a creative community in the sky. The twin towers combine sensitive research and development spaces with office and other public functions. The floors are arranged in floating volumes cantilevered from central cores by large steel mega-trusses – creating large, column-free spaces throughout, with unique quadruple-height drone flight testing labs. The towers are linked by a sky bridge, which will become another platform for showcasing the latest drone technology. The ground floor of the state-of-the-art new HQ features a public exhibition space that pays tribute to DJI’s extraordinary reputation for technological

Personnel Perkins+Will makes senior appointment

NFB welcomes new national chair

Helen Gowland has been appointed as Associate Principal and Workplace Consulting and Change Management Leader in the London office of global architecture and design firm Perkins+Will, as it continues to strengthen its workplace consultancy team. A specialist in spatial design strategy, estate strategies, workplace consulting and change management, Helen will lead the European consultancy team out of the London studio. She joins from CBRE where she worked in supporting GSK’s worldwide real estate and facilities group to plan how the UK research and development sites should be developed over the next five years to support business demands.

Neil Walters became National Chair of the National Federation of Builders (NFB) on Thursday 14th June at the NFB’s annual general meeting (AGM) which was followed by a celebratory gala dinner. Construction industry professionals and guests gathered at the Birmingham Botanical Gardens for an evening of dinner, entertainment and networking. The NFB’s AGM which took place earlier in the afternoon saw the outgoing NFB chair, Clare Watson, Director of Preston-based construction company Bernard Watson, hand the ceremonial chains of office over to Neil and mark the beginning of his 12-month term.

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BSRIA appoints new training development manager BSRIA is delighted to announce the appointment of Mike Lee as its new Training Development Manager in its membership team. The appointment of Mike demonstrates BSRIA’s continued commitment to expanding the training business; introducing new courses and a portfolio of e-learning modules. Mike joins BSRIA having had a vibrant career – most recently at Carillion Training Services – where he was responsible for apprentice training in London and SE England. He is a highly professional Training Manager with commercial experience and excellent people skills.

Industry Updates

In Brief Caledonian meets campus milestone for Hinkley Point C Caledonian has completed the construction of the first phase of a major campus development for Hinkley Point C workers. The Bridgwater Campus is the larger of the two developments, with Caledonian providing 29 accommodation blocks, each offering en-suite rooms for 34 workers. A further 15 buildings will be located on the Hinkley Point C site providing direct access to the construction zone. Nigel Cann, Hinkley Point C Delivery Director, said: “The campus construction supports our workforce mobilisation strategy and allows us to minimise any negative impact on the local rented and bed and breakfast sector; the campus arrangements will also allow us to optimise our workforce transportation plans.”

Updated BREEAM UK New Construction 2018 development, alongside a new theatre for new product launches and a wide variety of staff facilities from stateof-the-art gymnasiums to robot fighting rings.

Grant Brooker, Head of Studio at Foster + Partners, said: “Our aim is to create a unique workplace environment that embodies the spirit of

invention and innovation that has allowed DJI to lead the world in robotics and technology.” www.fosterandpartners.com

Trending on Twitter GRENFELL ANNIVERSARY

“Today across the Brigade, we will mark the anniversary of the #Grenfell Tower fire. At midday, we will fall silent in memory of all those who died or lost loved ones, their homes and possessions.” – @LondonFire

“As parts of the right-wing media try to scapegoat firefighters for the #Grenfell tragedy, Jeremy Corbyn thanked the heroes who went into the tower to save lives” – @D_Raval

“Never forget #Grenfell was preventable. Never forget that the residents had repeatedly raised concerns with their elected council and were ignored. Never forget the community took care of its own. Never forget the people lost and the people who lost them. #JusticeForGrenfell”

“What is a decent home? Where our children can play safely. Where our families can live together, share together, rest together. Where our elders can reflect on their lives in peace, comfort and security. Social housing is a necessary good not an evil. #Grenfell” – @_lesliethomas

“#undc18 Liz about Grenfell. ‘The real criminals wear suits.’”

“LFB firefighter Michael Dowden tells inquiry he was given no training on when to evacuate high-rise tower blocks like #Grenfell Tower”

– @KarenReissmann

– @SkyNews

– @newburyphoto

The updated BREEAM UK New Construction scheme went live in March, following BREEAM’s most comprehensive industry consultation to date.The revision of the world-leading sustainability assessment method for real estate addresses key industry challenges around the performance gap as well as lifecycle assessment, offering benefits for developers, investors and users. It also adopts fresh approaches to sustainable travel and ecology to reflect evolving best practice. BRE worked with industry to align the updated scheme to today’s sustainable development priorities.The learning from that collaboration has driven a string of improvements.

Radical overhaul needed says IET Dr Joanna Cox, the Institution of Engineering and Technology’s Head of Policy, said in response to the Grenfell fire safety review: “The IET was greatly saddened by the tragedy at Grenfell, and is determined to support the inquiry in identifying all the causes and issues that must be addressed.We believe that knee-jerk responses do not save lives and can hide greater systemic and underlying issues.We welcome a new regulatory body for higher risk residential buildings.The choice of cladding and foam material used to insulate high-rise buildings is only part of what needs to be considered in maintaining safety.”

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Industry Updates

Architect in Profile As an Architect and Managing Director at ingenhoven architects’ head office in Düsseldorf, Martin Reuter is jointly responsible for the practice’s architectural language. As one of the leading pioneers of sustainable architecture, the firm is an inspiring place to work, as Martin explains in his interview with FC&A below.

Had you always wanted to pursue a career in design? I have always had a great interest in design and at the same time in mathematics and computer science. My initial desire was to complete a degree in automotive design; however, this seems to be segment from a previous life. Architecture seemed to be more future-oriented and a great compromise between engineering and design. What was first a compromise soon became a passion.

Martin Reuter is an Architect and Managing Director at ingenhoven architects

www.ingenhovenarchitects.com

What has been your greatest influence and source of inspiration? I have always found cities like Paris to be very interesting with their eclectic architectural styles. I am thinking of the coexistence of Gothic cathedrals, Haussmann’s 19th-century avenues, parks and squares as well as contemporary buildings. The Centre Pompidou, for example, is so inspiring to me because it

What has been your most notable project to date? My most notable project is ingenhoven architects’ most significant project to date; Marina One in Singapore. With this high-density building complex, we successfully made an innovative contribution to the discourse on megacities. The outcome of our reflections for Singapore was creating an enormously large centre – the ‘Green Heart’ – amidst a group of four highrise buildings. It serves as a three-dimensional green oasis. Considering the sheer size of the project and the complexity of the task, we were proud to have met the economic parameters. It is exciting when all the components of an architectural vision blend into a finished project. How do you approach your projects? Being an architect means having a lot of responsibility. First, I am trying to understand the specific location of each project. What are the decisive criteria regarding the environment, urbanism or even politics? I aim to create architecture that responds to each respective location in a particular way. It requires extensive research to make something complicated look

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easy and natural. In the end, my experience is that a lot of right decisions in the planning stage will lead to a beautiful solution with longevity. What do you think is the greatest challenge for designing in sustainability? The challenge is to top the minimal standards required. My team and I have realised buildings all over the world according to the highest certification standards. We do not only want to do superficial ‘green-washing’ but to think of highly complex energy concepts in combination with green roofs and vertical gardens. Form follows green building. What is your favourite building and why? Because of the phenomenal outcome of the planning process of the 1 Bligh Street tower in Sydney’s financial district, I would say that this is my favourite building. We had a lot of restrictions there, and we did not stick to any of them. That said, we did respect the building setback lines, but otherwise, we decided to give something better to the city than just a podium and a tower. Luckily, the planning board agreed to our proposal. We’ve created a fully public ground floor with public steps that have become an intensively used seating area. The building gained the ‘6 Star/World Leadership’ certification in the Australian Green Star system. It was the first office tower in Sydney to do so.

■

shows how technological and constructive considerations can lead to timeless beauty. I find it fascinating when rationality becomes aesthetic. Renzo Piano and Richard Rogers truly created an icon of 20thcentury architecture.

The outcome of ingenhoven architects’ reflections for Singapore was creating an enormously large centre – the ‘Green Heart’ – amidst a group of four high-rise buildings

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©Virgile Simon Bertrand

Morpheus, Macau, China

Conquering architectural typologies Over recent months, China has been stealing the spotlight of FC&A’s portfolio pages. This month, the light beams radiantly on the south coast of the east Asian country on a region that’s echoing the vibrancy and neon-lined streets of Las Vegas. Macau, sited on the western side of the Pearl River, is hitting the headlines both here in the UK and across the globe as Asia’s answer to America’s ‘sin city’; however, it’s not only the wealth of casinos bordering the kitsch streets that’s pulling in the attention of tourists, it’s also the redefined Macau skyline.

orpheus, a new flagship hotel for a resort in Macau, is just one of the sky-soaring structures that’s reinventing the horizon for this tourist hotspot. Asia’s most popular entertainment destination, Macau welcomed more than 32 million tourists in 2017, with visitor numbers increasing every year. Located in Cotai, Macau, City of Dreams is a leading integrated resort including a casino, two theatres, shopping district, 20 restaurants and four hotels. Informed by the fluid forms within China’s rich traditions of jade carving, the Morpheus’ design combines dramatic public spaces and generous guest rooms with innovative engineering and formal cohesion. Conceived as a vertical extrusion of its rectangular footprint, a series of voids is carved through its centre to create an urban window connecting the hotel’s interior communal spaces with the city and generating the sculptural forms that define the hotel’s

public spaces. Linked at ground level with the surrounding three-storey podium of the City of Dreams resort, the Morpheus houses 770 guest rooms, suites and sky villas, and includes civic spaces, meeting and event facilities, gaming rooms, lobby atrium, restaurants, spa and rooftop pool, as well as extensive backof-house areas and ancillary facilities. The design resolves the hotel’s many complex programmes within a single cohesive envelope. Zaha Hadid Architects (ZHA) was commissioned to build the hotel in 2012. At that time, foundations were already in place of a condominium tower that did not progress. ZHA designed the Morpheus as a simple extrusion of the existing abandoned foundations; using this rectangular footprint to define a 40-storey building of two internal vertical circulation cores connected at podium and roof levels where the many guest amenities were required.This extrusion generated a monolithic block making best use of its development envelope that is restricted to a

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160m height by local planning codes.This block was then ‘carved’ with voids.The underlying diagram of the hotel’s design is a pair of towers connected at ground and roof levels. The central atrium in between these towers runs the height of the hotel and is traversed by external voids that connect the north and south facades.These voids create the urban window that links the hotel’s interior communal spaces with the city. Three horizontal vortices generate the voids through the building and define the hotel’s dramatic internal public spaces; creating unique corner suites with spectacular views of both the atrium and the city.This arrangement maximises the number of hotel rooms with external views and guarantees an equal room distribution on either side of the building. In between the freeform voids that traverse the atrium, a series of bridges create unique spaces for the hotel’s restaurants, bars and guest lounges by renowned chefs including Alain Ducasse and Pierre Hermé.

Morpheus, Macau, China The atrium’s 12 glass elevators provide guests with remarkable views of the hotel’s interior and exterior as they travel between the voids of the building. As one of the world’s leading hotels, the Morpheus’ interior spaces necessitated a high degree of adaptability to accommodate the many varying requirements of its guest amenities. The building’s exoskeleton optimises the interiors by creating spaces that are uninterrupted by supporting walls or columns. The world’s first freeform high-rise exoskeleton, its rich pattern of structural members at lower levels progresses upwards to a less dense grid of lighter members at its summit. Morpheus draws on ZHA’s 40 years of research into the integration of interior and exterior, civic and private, solid and void, Cartesian and Einsteinian. Space is woven into the structure to tie disparate programmes together and constantly make connections. Viviana Muscettola, ZHA’s Project Director, explains: “Morpheus combines its optimal arrangement with structural integrity and sculptural form. The design is intriguing as it makes no reference to traditional architectural typologies. “Macau’s buildings have previously referenced architecture styles from around the world. Morpheus has evolved from its unique environment and site conditions as a new architecture expressly of this city. “The expertise of all members of the Morpheus team has created new possibilities for architecture,” continued Muscettola. “The comprehensive parametric model combined all of the hotel’s aesthetic, structural and fabrication requirements and will radically change how our built environment is planned and constructed.” Lawrence Ho, Chairman and CEO of Melco Resorts, said: “From the very beginning, we shared ZHA’s vision and determination to push boundaries. Morpheus offers a journey of the imagination. From the curved exterior to the dramatic interior spaces, it pleases the eye and excites the senses: a contemporary masterpiece to be enjoyed by many generations to come.”

The use of high-performance glazing minimises solar gain. The building’s exoskeleton provides additional screening from the sun. Air conditioning does not serve the atrium’s middle areas, only zones used by guests and staff – such as lobbies, bridges and restaurants – are air conditioned.

Environmental engineering

©Ivan Dupont

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Morpheus, Macau, China

©Virgile Simon Bertrand

Melco Resorts has applied long-life specification throughout the Morpheus Hotel to limit requirements for maintenance and replacement strictly. All the hotel’s exterior panel fabrication was procured locally to the highest international standards, reducing unnecessary transportation and making full use of local expertise and equipment. Additional active solutions have been implemented to increase energy efficiencies including the air handling units with highefficiency variable speed water-cooled chillers and thermal wheel energy exchangers to recover energy from exhaust air. A waterto-water heat pump pre-heats domestic water, while the hotel’s intelligent building management system responds in real-time to usage and environmental conditions to minimise energy consumption.

City of Dreams

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City of Dreams is an integrated entertainment resort owned and operated by Melco Resorts and Entertainment, a leading developer, owner and operator of gaming and entertainment resorts in Asia. Located in Cotai, Macau, City of Dreams combines entertainment, diverse accommodation, regional and international dining, shopping and a casino with 475 gaming tables. The resort brings together renowned brands including Grand Hyatt and Dragone to create an exceptional entertainment experience for visitors from around the world.

www.zaha-hadid.com

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©Virgile Simon Bertrand

Morpheus, Macau, China

ÂŠVirgile Simon Bertrand

SECTION 01

ÂŠVirgile Simon Bertrand

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Occitanie Tower, Toulouse, France

Wrapped up in wonder

Sited in southwestern France, near the Pyrenees, the city of Toulouse is steeped in history with 16th- and 19th-century structures, Gothic churches and Medieval villages. Known as France’s fourth-largest city after Paris, Lyon and Marseille, the ‘pink city’ – as Toulouse is informally known, due to its abundance of terracottabricked buildings – has it all; the pleasant, picturesque towns and villages, UNESCO World Heritage Sites and a university dating back to 1229. One thing that remains missing, however, is a modern-day, sky-reaching tower that rises above the historical streets of the city looking out across the charming views of the Pyrenees. Thanks to American-Polish Architect, Daniel Libeskind, this is set to change with the addition of a curvaceous design enshrouded in flora, known as the Occitanie Tower.

©LUXIGON

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January 2016 Download the fc&a app for iPhone, iPad and Android. Search ‘fc&a’

January 16 Issue 71

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American white oak helps achieve seamless spatial flow

Sustainability in Development Conran and Partners completes 20 hectare regeneration in Tokyo, Japan

Greenhouse An innovative screen solution prevents residential property from overheating

Design & Desire Regional showpiece in Azerbaijan hosts the nation’s cultural programs

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©LUXIGON

Occitanie Tower, Toulouse, France

et to be the first skyscraper in the city, the Occitanie Tower’s curvaceous form is interrupted by a spiral of greenery that rises from street level up to the 40th floor. The 150m mixed-use tower includes 11,000m2 of office space, a Hilton hotel, up to 120 apartments, a restaurant with panoramic views, commercial space for shops, and offices on the ground floor for the railway company SNCF. Integrated into the overall form of the building, the facade and public platform is a continuous vertical landscape.This vertical green ribbon referenced the lush waterway of Canal du Midi that winds through the city. Trees will line the platform of the building and a ribbon of gardens will curl around the glass facade to its full height.

City of Dreams The tower will be built on the site of the former postal sorting centre at Gare ToulouseMatabiau. Situated east of the city centre, and away from the Garonne River, the building will have views towards the Pyrenees, that are less than 100km away.The project is projected to become the gateway to the city’s growing business sector.

libeskind.com

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ÂŠMORPH

Occitanie Tower, Toulouse, France

Structural engineer: Arcadis

Plumbing engineer: Arcadis

Location: Toulouse, France

Mechanical engineer: Arcadis

Landscape architect: Nicolas Gilsoul

Architect of record: Kardham

Electrical engineer: Arcadis

Lighting designer: 8'18''

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Fact File:

All Images: ÂŠZhao Qiang

Yiwu Cultural Square, Zhejiang, China

A stage for cultural activity Yiwu is famous for small commodities. Small- and medium-sized enterprises are densely concentrated in this environment where the private economy is highly developed. In terms of urban construction, this means that the city is filled with a large number of homogenised and small-scale buildings featuring high densities.

ordinary buildings in the city. Its centre is not a grand indoor hall, but a three-dimensional courtyard where a sunken square is linked with a rooftop garden through ramps and big steps.The space is organised with circulation and transforms step by step, and the landscape presented to people can be changed as they walk around this place. Such a design technique follows the space organisation of a traditional Chinese garden and builds on it. At the main entrance, the large roof represents the clouds in the sky, and the significant grey space under the entrance is derived from the traditional public space model from Jiangnan regions, such as the stage and ancestral hall. This meets the needs of public cultural activities

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of Jiangnan regions. The design of combining the sunken square and the audience area is suitable for organising public cultural activities with Chinese characteristics. When people walk across the long, big steps and reach the rooftop, which is open and wide, they are able to see the beautiful views from the distance;Yiwu River, Diaoyu Rock and Lion Mountain. The minimalist facade along the river can change into a huge screen after nightfall, and this changing screen can be even more glamorous with the gleaming reflection of Yiwu River, becoming stunning scenery of the city.

ocal citizens have a desire for iconic city architecture and open places for public activities. After being included in the central city planning of the Zhejiang province,Yiwu has begun to take firm steps toward becoming an international metropolis and hoped to take constructing Yiwu Cultural Center as an opportunity to declare to the public its cultural confidence featuring openness to the international society and the future. Yiwu Cultural Square is a large-scale cultural complex combining various functions of culture and entertainment, education and training, sports and fitness, etc. Its design, which is minimalist with a large building volume, differs from that of

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Yiwu Cultural Square, Zhejiang, China

NORTH-WEST SECTION

SOUTH-WEST SECTION

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Yiwu Cultural Square, Zhejiang, China

Project Information: Project name: Yiwu Cultural Square Project location: The intersection of Xinke Road and Xijiang Road, Economic and Technological Development Zone, Yiwu City, Zhejiang province, China Design company: The Architectural Design & Research Institute Of ZheJiang University Co Principle designer: Danshen Dong Design team: Chen Yu, Qiu Wenxiao, Zheng Mao’en, Zhang Jiachen Project type: Cultural architecture Site area: 29,362m2 Gross floor area: 82,360m2 Interior space area: 77,950m2 Green rating: 16.4% Contractor: Zhejiang Xiao Jiutian Structural engineer: Shen Jin, Ding Lei, Bao Kanyuan, Ni Wenhao, Cheng Ke, Li Shaohua, Chen Gang and Jin Zhenfen MEP consultant: Yang Yi, Chen Ji, Zheng Guoxing, Ren Xiaodong,Yang Wenzheng, Sun Dengfeng, Fang Huoming, Chen Zhoujie, Shao Chunting,Yang Guozhong, Lin Hua and Li Xiangqun Lighting consultant: Cui Zichuang

Photographer: Zhao Qiang.

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Quantity surveyor: Sun Wentong and Zhou Yongjie

Legal & Business

As well as finding the right successor, owners often want to protect the legacy and ethos of the business, to which many years has been dedicated

Sketching out a practice for the future

uccession planning for many business owners in this specialist field can be fraught with challenges. For a number of architect practices, there is not always an obvious succession route via a trade buyer, particularly if the majority of value is held in personal relationships, rather than brand value. Additionally, new talent may find it difficult to enter the partnership due to the large capital injection needed to join, unless the practice is of a size which affords it readily available bank loans for new partner capital contributions.As such, this may be another barrier to finding a suitable succession option. As well as finding the right successor, owners often want to protect the legacy and ethos of the business, to which many years has been dedicated. Encouraging members of staff to take on an active role in the running of the organisation and allowing owners to relieve some of the pressures of succession can form a mutually-beneficial solution. While aligning the interests of a company and its employees can help the whole practice to focus on long-term sustainable

growth, other evidence has shown that EO can also increase wellbeing and productivity amongst the workforce. As well as some of the softer benefits, business-critical issues can be enhanced. Retaining and attracting top-quality talent is an area which has gained a lot of attention, and employee-owned benefits provide a way for architects’ practices to distinguish themselves from the competition. Being able to offer employees real ‘ownership’ and a level of responsibility that is not commonly available, can be a real unique selling point when attracting new candidates. Many practices are partnerships and LLPs, so there may be some preliminary work to move the organisation to limited company status and take advantage of the benefits of EO. Part of this process will also include convincing all levels of seniority of the longterm benefits of the transition. EO models can also bring financial benefits too.The disposal of shares which result in a controlling interest in a company being transferred to an Employee Ownership Trust are exempt from Capital Gains Tax, and

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Gary Davie is Partner and Employee Ownership Specialist at Shakespeare Martineau and Trustee Director to a number of employee-owned businesses, including architects. income tax breaks are available on future profit-related payments to employees.The transition to an employee ownership model can be managed in stages, or by way of deferred payments, to relieve any pressure on cash flow or bank finance. Business owners must think carefully about how much they want to stay involved going forward.Although employees indirectly may have a controlling interest in the company, boards and senior management teams will still be responsible for making nearly all businessrelated decisions. Contrary to some opinion, this is not management by committee, and should not interfere with management’s decision-making powers. However, it does bring with it a level of accountability to the wider workforce which was not present before. With talent attraction, improved productivity and significant tax exemptions just a few of the benefits of adopting an employee-owned business structure, it is no wonder that more practice owners are going down this route.

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An architect’s practice thrives on the skills, creativity and knowledge of its workforce and empowering employees to keep delivering top-quality work is important. For practice owners who may be thinking about succession plans, finding a structure which allows the business to continue to grow and develop can be difficult. Seeking alternative solutions to the traditional sale route is now becoming more popular, and the trend towards employee ownership (EO) structures is quickly gaining pace in the industry.

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Openings: Doors & Windows

For doors to become real centrepieces in an interior project, they must be given the right treatment

Five ways enlisting a bespoke manufacturer can transform a door into a centrepiece Choosing doors may not be renowned as the most inspiring phase of a new-build or renovation project. But, when it comes to sleek design and seamless architectural integration, the freedom afforded by tailored solutions is practically endless. Ian Chubb, Managing Director of Deuren, explores how collaborating with a bespoke door manufacturer can help with really making an entrance.

Integrating doors into a wider interior project from the offset means they become part of the bigger picture

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So, here are five key ways that collaborating with a manufacturer can be a brilliant avenue for architects, specifiers and designers to transform a door into a centrepiece.

1. Integrated design It’s natural to think that features like doors, windows and flooring only need to be considered in the later stages of a development, but that’s not the case. Integrating doors into a wider interior project from the offset means they become part of the bigger picture.This way, non-standard sizing and exciting mechanisms can be incorporated seamlessly and more time can be dedicated to matching the final finish to the interior.

he function of a door is obvious. It is ultimately there to act as a passage from A to B. But, that makes walking through a home or commercial space a visual journey in itself – admittedly a short, self-contained one. And it’s precisely this combination of aesthetics and ergonomics that makes style such an important consideration in the door specification process. For doors to become real centrepieces in an interior project, they must be given the right treatment. And, as is often the case with anything design-led, creating an impactful entrance is something that’s best left to the experts.

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Openings: Doors & Windows

Moving or widening a doorway does require more effort than simply fitting a new panel or upgrading the handle, but can have a huge impact on the overall feel of a room

Where new builds are concerned, whilst it might seem extreme to start planning entryways before the walls even start going up, such forward-thinking makes it far easier for exciting concepts to take shape.Working with a manufacturer to design a one-of-a-kind door means they can calculate the exact size of opening needed – as well as any additional structural features, such as the required cavity depth for a pocket door – which can then be factored in when the build begins. Although not as straightforward as starting from scratch, for renovations or redecorations, the benefits of minor structural alterations shouldn’t be overlooked. Moving or widening a doorway does require more effort than simply fitting a new panel or upgrading the handle, but can have a huge impact on the overall feel of a room.

design stage enables the architect – or even the end customer – to have a real input into what the finished product will be. Working directly with a manufacturer can also be helpful when it comes to keeping to a wider project schedule. Most tailored door solutions have lead times of around eight to 10 weeks, so the earlier this planning stage is factored in, the better. Once the design has been agreed, the supplier will ordinarily take care of everything – from procurement of materials all the way through to installation – meaning one less thing to worry about. European-style doorsets are becoming increasingly popular in this respect. As most of the finishing happens in the workshop rather than on-site, not only is the optimum level of precision and finish quality achieved – the installation timescales are significantly reduced too. Most can be fitted in 90 minutes.

2. Freedom and flexibility

3. Expert engineering

As stylish as some contemporary off-theshelf doors are, a ready-made product doesn’t offer close to the same level of flexibility as a bespoke solution can. From sizing and style to mechanisms and materials, the possibilities when it comes to bespoke doors are practically endless. Such freedom early on in the product specification and

As with any project, each stage is best left up to the experts – a builder wouldn’t want an architect laying any bricks, and an architect would probably prefer not to let a builder scribble on their plans. So, why shouldn’t the same level of expertise be sought when it comes to doors? If there’s no room for compromise when it

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4. Innovative solutions The last thing any architect or designer wants is to have a wider project let down by mediocre fixtures, fittings and finishes. Working with a bespoke manufacturer empowers architects and designers to play around with sizing – room dimensions can be taken into account so that optimum proportions are achieved, whilst increased opening heights or oversized widths can be incorporated into the design to create a striking effect. There are an array of different opening styles to choose from with a bespoke door – from traditional hinged and sliding configurations to more advanced pivot and pocket mechanisms. Plus, especially unusual specifications can also be expertly fulfilled with one-of-a-kind products – think curved doors, half-and-half opening solutions or carefully matched finishes to fit in with the rest of the interior. It’s these unique, specifically tailored conceptions that can really take centre stage in a property.

5. Unparalleled craftsmanship It’s true that there are other options out there – doors can be cheaply bought online or from a local hardware shop, and easily fitted on a DIY basis. But the degree of thought, creativity and care that would be delivered by a skilled manufacturer simply isn’t there. Bespoke doormakers are masters of their craft and typically have many years’ experience behind them. For an entryway to become a real centrepiece of a room, the design needs to be seamlessly aligned with the surroundings, and the materials, craftsmanship and finish must be of an excellent standard. Ultimately, the overall effect has to be striking. From a sleek finish to an impeccably engineered opening and closing action, the perfect door is the culmination of many different factors. And that can’t be pulled from a shelf.

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comes to quality and style, then architects should be looking for specialist suppliers to deliver this level of care. That’s not to disregard the importance of collaboration.Where new builds and renovations are concerned, the best outcomes are usually those that have incorporated creative partnerships throughout. So by enlisting a specialist manufacturer and working together, visually striking and expertly engineered door solutions can become a reality.

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Voice of the Industry

One respondent commented that technological advances are allowing the design community to design houses to be more efficient and have a lower environmental impact

Building for the future – what’s driving change in UK housing design? Epwin Group, a leading manufacturer and supplier of PVC-U windows, doors and fascia systems, has announced the launch of a research project examining what factors are driving change in UK housing design and build.

he research, named Building for the Future, surveyed British architects and specifiers asking them what they feel is influencing the design and build of the homes we live in, and how these factors will affect new-build housing over the coming decade. Building for the Future focuses on the nine most significant findings, which include climate change, BIM and skills shortages in the UK construction industry. Here, Andrew Reid, Commercial Sales Director at Epwin’s Window Systems division – which includes leading brands such as Profile 22, Swish and Spectus – discusses the research. “Looking to the future and anticipating design trends is important to us as a business, so we thought it would be interesting to see what the design community feels will affect the design and build of British homes over the coming decade.

“Obviously the way our homes look and perform changes over time, but why? The reasons for these shifts are ever-changing and evolving, so what will be having a significant impact in the near future? We asked British architects this very question in 2017. “A wide range of factors came up, however, for the purposes of this project we concentrated on the nine most significant; those which were viewed by the design community as being the most influential. “Some 70% of the architects we spoke to raised the issue of increasing urban populations, and it will mean for properties being built in our towns and cities. A number of respondents commented that demand is driving down quality and this is a situation which is only going to get worse. “One respondent said that they can see a time when properties are built like student accommodation, where those desperate to get on the housing ladder can purchase a space which would include shared facilities.

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“Some view the pressure on space in our urban areas as one of the great challenges facing the design and build community; how to service demand whilst retaining design integrity and creating spaces that are both pleasant to live in and affordable to purchase. “It has been acknowledged for some time that access to green spaces in urban environments improves the mental and physical wellbeing of residents, and 30% of survey respondents feel that this will be a significant factor in housing design over the coming years. “One architect commented that the push for increased density is having an adverse effect on open spaces in our cities, but that this must be balanced against the critical need for access to green spaces.This may require shrewd thinking and intelligent design, but it is not impossible to achieve. Some designers are starting to build greenery into developments, such as vertical gardens and

Voice of the Industry

It has been acknowledged for some time that access to green spaces in urban environments improves the mental and physical wellbeing of residents

large urban roof gardens, whilst biophilic design, the concept of bringing nature into the built environment, is an interesting emerging design trend. “Almost 50% of respondents mentioned advances in technology, and innovation in sustainable building materials and products, as potentially having a significant impact on the way our homes look and perform in the near future. “Green technologies are already becoming commonplace within homes, with architects designing the likes of solar panels, ground source heat pumps and rainwater harvesting systems into some new-build housing. “One respondent commented that technological advances are allowing the design community to design houses to be more efficient and have a lower environmental impact, and these homes are also more pleasant places to live, creating warmer environments and saving residents money on heating bills. With homeowners and architects becoming more

Some designers are starting to build greenery into developments

environmentally aware, this is an already significant trend which is set to gather pace. “The potential impact of skills shortages on the construction of our homes cropped up time and time again, with nearly a fifth of respondents raising it as a significant issue. The construction sector may be extremely important to the UK economy, but it’s an industry in crisis as it is not receiving the necessary investment to plug a skills gap that looks set to widen over the next decade. “Many construction workers are of retirement age, and it’s an industry with a poor image, not attracting enough new workers into the sector.With an ageing workforce and a poor pipeline of young people, the construction industry looks certain to face a skills crisis in the near future. “But what will this mean for new-build homes? Some believe that the lack of a skilled workforce will inevitably limit construction options, and could lead to more basic and less diverse housing.A number of respondents

also mentioned the possible impact of Brexit and the discontinuation of freedom of movement. “Just over 15% of respondents raised technological advances in architecture as having a significant influence on the industry. In fact, many believe that technology is changing architecture.The world of computational design means that architects are pursuing new frontiers, and BIM is creating its own digital revolution in UK construction. Currently half of all architectural practices are using BIM, but in the years to come, undoubtedly, everyone will be using it. “The research has unearthed some real concerns from the design community, and it seems that challenges lie ahead, but these are framed against innovation and technological advances and a definite sense that good design will always be at the heart of delivering successful communities.”

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One respondent commented that technological advances are allowing the design community to design houses to be more efficient and have a lower environmental impact

buildingforthefuture.epwin.co.uk

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Build Focus: Public Infrastructure

Civil infrastructure and new-build housing People often talk about the journey and the destination, stressing the importance of the former. For many, where housing is concerned, it is often the other way around, writes Xavier Martinez, Associate and Head of Civil Engineering at Thomasons.

hen planning and development are not prioritised and given adequate thought, however, the implications can be costly and far-reaching. During these processes, civil infrastructure is a key consideration that has a significant impact on the rest of a project.

Shops, bus stops and automobiles

While infrastructure is a single word, it comprises numerous aspects. First and foremost, how will future residents get to and from home? Locally, connectivity between the housing and other areas needs to be in place, whether roads, cycleways or pathways. Dimensions should be appropriate to the size of the development and location. Bus stops and train stations should be within a reasonable distance to encourage the use of public transportation. Where commuters might drive or cycle to

a station, parking spaces should be planned for. At home, there should be appropriate space for private vehicles to prevent poor parking practices. For the buildings to be liveable, utilities – electricity, gas and telecommunications – are needed. Water supply, foul water and surface water drainage are greatly impacted by other key players in new developments and early planning for these is crucial. Few people have everything they need at home, so consider what services are on offer nearby. Are there places for shopping, sports, leisure and health services? This can reduce the transport needs of the local population. Future space requirements should also be planned for. Always assess the development area for safety risks, in case specific infrastructure is needed, as is the case in flood zones. While it is better to avoid these areas, this is not always possible.

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To err is human, but avoidable When you’re working with so many other disciplines, coordination and communication can become confused, leading to mistakes which necessitate redesign, preventing the optimal design being achieved.Tardy communication risks disrupting programmes and budgets which have already been set, causing delays as parties try to amend agreements which have already been reached. It’s happened a few times in my career that finished floor levels (FFL) are set at an early stage, prior to the completed development of a drainage strategy or a consideration of driveway levels. As a result, surface water runoff could not be managed in the best way possible, causing unnecessary disruption. By talking frequently from the outset, working together and allowing enough time for an optimal design to be developed, everyone involved can prevent careless mistakes from happening.

Build Focus: Public Infrastructure Rising to the challenge Civil engineering, in particular, faces challenges of stringent fees and tight programmes.While these are not ideal ingredients, it requires us to be resourceful and creative. Perhaps a less obvious hurdle is that of inexperience. This has been the case working with some local authorities. Achieving an agreement with people early in their careers can be difficult, requiring a lot of design reviews and resulting in no real change being introduced. Along with encouraging nascent professionals to seek advice and not necessarily delay or prevent viable developments happening, I would also suggest that those with more experience make the effort to provide more support to them.

Location, location, location Some projects are especially challenging as a result of their location. I worked on one in a Flood Zone 3 area that was located above an unconfined aquifer. At the time, the Environment Agency’s river model was not up-to-date, so we undertook an update of the model ourselves to prevent delays. This allowed us to establish FFLs for the development and to define a suitable drainage strategy. Additionally, more footpaths were required at a high level, making it complicated to provide dry access and egress routes. At the same time, vehicle access had to be included, which could not cross the latter. It was an extremely complex situation. Another project was located in a steep and uneven plot, requiring a significant effort to define the development’s levels. A number of retaining walls were required to provide terraces where the new buildings would go. To help absorb the high gradients on site, some buildings have access to varying levels from different sides.

Innovative infrastructure

Looking forward

To help builders and developers meet ambitious new home targets in the capital and across the country, the Government would benefit from identifying opportunities for improving and shortening the planning process. There are some systems in place already that are helpful in developing projects, such as

useful data, provided by organisations like the Environment Agency or the British Geological Society. Improvements and support don’t always require great reform. Just as newbuild housing developments are made up of smaller parts, help given can be targeted and built up to effect desired change.

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Innovation often evokes a sense of the immediate and drastic. While change is happening across all areas of construction, it is gradual and continuous. Where materials are concerned, the specifications being offered are better and the amount of recycled materials used is growing. Surveying is seeing an increase in laser scanning point cloud technology and flying drones, which are available at a reasonable cost and provide accurate information in a very short timescale. Projects are also more frequently developed with BIM, allowing better coordination of the designs and encouraging a collaborative environment. These are all exciting developments, but none of them are happening overnight.

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Technical Focus Lining selection and training

Firestone makes a splash at US Embassy John McMullan, Commercial Manager of EPDM lining specialist at Firestone Building Products, discusses the installation of the company’s GeoGard EPDM Membrane at the new USA Embassy Building in London.

ew buildings garner such publicity and admiration as the recently completed US Embassy, constructed at an estimated cost of $1bn in the London Borough of Wandsworth. Described as a crystalline “sugar cube” and a “Modernist museum”, the New London Embassy (NLE) has the accolade of being the most expensive embassy building ever built. Alongside its stunning architecture and environmentally-responsible building services installation, the NLE also boasts an impressive security specification.The extensive pond adjacent to the building both enhances the public realm around the embassy and provides a defensive border in the form of a moat. The pond was designed by the project’s American Architect, Kieran Timberlake, and the practice also specified the use of Firestone’s GeoGard 1.5mm EPDM lining membrane, which was installed on site by the construction and civil engineering contractor responsible for the pond, PJ Carey.

Style and shape Located to the south side of the NLE building, the 6000m2 pond is largely semicircular in shape, abutting the embassy along its straight

edge, with a dog’s leg bend at 90˚ creating a waterfall at a right angle to the main wall, followed by a further 90˚ bend before it continues along a parallel route. In these areas, the retaining wall is 5m high and borders a walkway around the building perimeter, creating an impactful 5m drop for the waterfall, which is fed by pipework that takes water from the curved wall to the rear of the building. From each end of the straight 5m walls, the pond curves out into the landscaped gardens. It has been constructed with three terraced dwarf walls along the curved edge, creating a stepped area for planting below the waterline and enabling pedestrians to walk around the pond edge at ground level. Thanks to the rainwater harvesting infrastructure built into the building, much of the water used to fill the pond will be recycled rainwater, adding to the sustainability of the project.The landscaping around the pond has also been designed to enable water to drain through permeable paths into pipework that leads into the pond. A series of 44 ornamental scuppers act as an overflow to manage the water level in the pond, and any excess water will simply drain into the sewer system.

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The Firestone GeoGard EPDM membrane was selected for its durability, long service life and flexibility. While the membrane is just 1.5mm thick, its chemical resistance and permanently elastic synthetic rubber structure provide excellent resistance to UV, heat, ozone, microorganisms and extreme weather conditions. With formidable puncture resistance and elongation of up to 300%, the membrane is at low risk of tearing or puncturing, either during installation or due to heave post-completion. The level of complexity required for the NLE pond lining required an expert approach. Consequently, every member of the PJ Carey installation team was trained by Firestone’s technical team and technical representatives visited the site several times during the course of the project to troubleshoot specific detailing challenges.The Firestone technical team also aided optimisation of the GeoGard EPDM material, calculating the most efficient layout for the project.

Installation For all the vertical substrates, Firestone Bonding Adhesive was roller-applied to the prepared concrete surfaces, and the GeoGard EPDM membrane was applied directly onto the substrate. At the top of each vertical section, the GeoGard EPDM was terminated using a stainless steel termination bar.The GeoGard EPDM was then folded back down over the termination bar, and Firestone’s Lap Sealant was applied onto the exposed edge. For the terraced walls on the curved edge of the ponds, the installation used 3m sections of GeoGard EPDM to lap the membrane up and over the dwarf walls. The base of the pond was levelled out by the contractor, and a 50mm layer of bedding sand was installed onto the level surface, followed by a geotextile layer and finally the GeoGard EPDM membrane. Concrete coving was installed around the perimeter of the pond basin and the PJ Carey team lapped the GeoGard EPDM membrane over the coving, bringing it down from the vertical surface and adhering it to the coving.The GeoGard EPDM was also lapped up the coving and a third layer of GeoGard EPDM was applied over the 500mm lap to create a very robust seal. The east and west sides of the pond each contain two outlets where the water is supplied into the pond from the building’s mains and rainwater harvesting systems.To form these penetrations, the PJ Carey team used Firestone’s QuickSeam FormFlash, an uncured EPDM membrane factory-laminated to QuickSeam tape designed specifically for challenging details. The team also used QuickSeam FormFlash to create 15 drainage outlets of various sizes

Technical Focus EPDM GEOMEMBRANE, STANDARD SEAM USING 76MM (3")TAPE:

KEY: 01. FIRESTONE EPDM GEOMEMBRANE 02. QUICKPRIME PLUS 03. 150MM (MIN) 04. 5 TO 15MM (MAX. 22MM) 05. 76MM (3") QUICKSEAM SPLICE TAPE 06. FIRESTONE EPDM GEOMEMBRANE

3 4

1 2

6 SLOPE

EPDM GEOMEMBRANE, FLASHING OF SMALL PENETRATIONS EXPOSED TO LOW WATER PRESSURE:

KEY:

01. LAP SEALANT 02. STAINLESS STEEL CLAMPING RING

W/PROTECTION STRIP IN GEOMEMBRANE

WALL FLASHING TERMINATION ABOVE MAXIMUM WATERLINE KEY: 01. HIGH GRADE SEALANT 02. CONTINUOUS WATER BLOCK 03. TERMINATION BAR ANCHORED WITH APPROPRIATE FASTENERS 200MM

04. BONDING ADHESIVE 05. FIRESTONE EPDM GEOMEMBRANE 06. MASONRY OR CONCRETE WALLS

2 3 6

4 5

around the pond’s internal perimeter, to seal the apertures for the scuppers and form all the complex corner and step details. In addition to these details, the pond installation team also had to prepare 6000 penetrations for the cladding system used to conceal the concrete substrate and connect the pond aesthetically to the building.The PJ Carey team worked closely with the cladding specialist, and the penetration locations were marked out on a grid, prior to installation of the first fix.With the first fix bracket in place, the PJ Carey team sealed each penetration using QuickSeam FormFlash and the penetrations were checked by Firestone’s technical team, using compressed air to verify the seal.The second element of the bracket could then be installed in preparation for installation of the cladding panels.

Attention to detail Due to the size and complexity of the pond, the project took more than 18 months to complete, and additional planting was still ongoing when PJ Carey handed over the site. As images of the official opening were broadcast around the world, the effort and attention to detail involved were clear to see.

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03. QUICKSEAM FORMFLASH 04. QUICKSEAM FORMFLASH/SA FLASHING 05. QUICKPRIME PLUS 06. FIRESTONE EPDM GEOMEMBRANE 07. 75MM (MIN) 08. 50MM (MIN) 09. 25MM

www.firestonebpe.co.uk

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Facades & Curtain Walling

Some 14,000m2 of AluK’s AW86 unitised curtain wall was specified, along with 241 two-pane, single-track, lift and slide SC156 sliding doors, 750 concealed vents and 58 77ID swing doors

Collaboration proves key to West End Gate development success Commercial aluminium systems specialist AluK has demonstrated that collaboration is the key to success by working with a range of partners to deliver a comprehensive tender package for a striking and energy-efficient facade solution at a high-profile Berkeley Homes development.

worked closely with key stakeholders including MSP, facade consultant Cladtech and structural engineer WSP to design and develop the envelope solution from tender stage. AluK’s technical team designed more than 14,000m2 of unitised curtain wall, among other systems, to provide the envelope of a 29-storey residential tower – one of the tallest under construction in the capital. Other companies working as part of the collaborative project team included BuroHappold as the thermal and acoustic consultant, Exova Warrington as the fire consultant and Martfier as the envelope contractor.

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he extensive West End Gate complex in Central London, which was designed by Michael Squire & Partners (MSP), boasts a mix of more than 700 apartments, penthouses and luxury housing. By working collaboratively with project partners and key stakeholders from the very early stages of the design process, AluK provided Berkeley Homes with a facade design it could be confident in, while meeting the architect’s desire to mix contemporary architecture with performance, within the final de-risked tender package. As a facade systems supplier and part of the project’s consultancy team, AluK

The extensive West End Gate complex in Central London boasts a mix of more than 700 apartments, penthouses and luxury housing

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Facades & Curtain Walling By working collaboratively with project partners and key stakeholders from the very early stages of the design process, AluK provided Berkeley Homes with a facade design it could be confident in

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The design met the thermal requirements of the building at 0.95W/m2k as a weighted average across the facade

The value-engineered design devised by AluK, in collaboration with the project partners, involved a faceted design with 72 different angles around a curved building, without compromising MSP’s design intent. Some 14,000m2 of AluK’s AW86 unitised curtain wall was specified, along with 241 two-pane, single-track, lift and slide SC156 sliding doors, 750 concealed vents and 58 77ID swing doors for a full envelope and fenestration solution. The design met the thermal requirements of the building at 0.95W/m2k as a weighted average across the facade. No renewable materials were required to supplement the facade’s performance, and external noise was minimised through the use of RW43+ CTR acoustic glass. Russell Yates, AluK Managing Director, said: “Very early on, the importance of AluK playing a lead role in developing the design of the unitised facade for this flagship project was recognised. Our dedicated team works with partners from the design stage to ensure the exact project needs are met. “West End Gate has thrown up challenges on the way, but through early involvement and collaboration, I believe we have played a pivotal role in assisting the design team to deliver in providing an exceptional, de-risked, tender package for Berkeley Homes.” The first phase of the West End Gate complex has an expected completion date of summer 2020.

uk.aluk.com

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Create a good sound environment Design flexibility for your internal space

Photographer: Gordon McAvoy

Saint-Gobain Ecophon, is a global supplier of acoustic ceilings and wall panel systems which contribute to good room acoustics. Our systems support a healthy indoor environment, and are used within offices, education, healthcare, retail and industrial manufacturing premises. With a deep understanding of the impact of sound on people and specialised knowledge in how best to implement our systems for maximum effect, we are confident we offer a product range that will help you create a space with optimal room acoustics while exploring almost endless design possibilities.

For further information or for acoustic advice for your internal space, please contact our specification team on 01256 850977, alternatively email info@ecophon.co.uk or visit www.ecophon.com/uk

Acoustics

Noise reduction has become a key focus for the construction sector, with building contractors, developers, specifiers and architects keen to address issues with excessive noise emanating from modern commercial buildings

Combating noise pollution in modern cities Rob Lomax from Wakefield Acoustics, one of the UK’s leading manufacturers of advanced industrial, commercial and environmental noise control systems, takes a closer look at how acoustic technologies are helping to reduce noise pollution in the modern commercial building market.

hilst much of the focus on environmental noise concentrates on high noise levels emanating from vehicular traffic, construction work or even aircraft movements, the continued development of commercial and residential buildings in modern cities raises concerns with regards to the potential disruption to neighbouring properties, along with the continual rise in ambient noise across our cities. Fixed plant items which provide heating, ventilation and power to offices, hospitals, manufacturing facilities and other commercial buildings often present additional issues with impulsive or tonal noise, which is intensifying noise pollution problems even further. The potential negative impacts of such unwarranted noise levels should not be underestimated, especially in highly-populated urban environments. At the lower end of the scale, excessive noise emissions may be deemed as disruptive and unpleasant for

nearby residents; however, they can also pose more serious health impacts. Such is the scale of the issue, that the World Health Organisation (WHO) has described noise pollution as an underestimated threat that can cause health problems including hearing loss, cardiovascular problems, cognitive impairment, stress and depression. In addition, with the WHO stating that “one in five Europeans is regularly exposed to sound levels at night that could significantly damage health”, it is clear this is a widespread issue. Faced with a public less tolerant of noise, and against a backdrop of increasingly stringent environmental noise targets, noise reduction has become a key focus for the construction sector, with building contractors, developers, specifiers and architects keen to address issues with excessive noise emanating from modern commercial buildings. Within the UK, noise from fixed plant items is generally assessed through the guidelines given in BS 4142:2014 ‘Methods for rating

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and assessing industrial and commercial sound’.The standard is used to determine the likelihood of noise complaints from such systems and aims to quantify noise levels in relation to underlying background noise levels, during operational hours of the plant. In the majority of cases, an assessment to BS 4142:2014 is required in order to satisfy the local planning authority that any proposals will not have an adverse effect on local residents and the surrounding environment. In instances where plant items are required to be in operation during the night, this is particularly crucial, as noise emissions are likely to be more prominent against a quieter backdrop of background noise – especially during the early hours of the morning. Whilst the British Standard is a very useful tool for determining the potential impact from noise sources, control measures for fixed plant items can sometimes be difficult to determine, especially where high levels of noise reduction are required.

Acoustics

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Add to this, the fact that it is common for planners to insist upon new plant installations being attenuated to noise levels as low as 10 dB below background noise, and the challenge facing today’s specifiers and building contractors becomes even greater. Addressing excessive noise from plant items can be a complex task.Whilst full acoustic enclosures offer the best level of noise reduction; these can often be impractical in many applications given the need for high air movement for chillers, condensing units, air handling and power generation plant. In many instances, therefore, a combination of noise control products is usually required in order to provide suitable noise reductions, as well as to ensure the required airflow to allow the plant to operate effectively. Potential noise control solutions can include acoustic panel screens with absorbent linings to the internal face, acoustic louvred screens, attenuators and acoustic enclosures, but determining the best solution, or indeed solutions, for specific applications often requires expert knowledge. Increasingly, leading specifiers and construction companies are turning to noise control specialists, such as Wakefield Acoustics, to accurately analyse, diagnose and put in place noise control measures to address issues with excessive noise from plant items. In one recent installation,Wakefield Acoustics was commissioned to design, supply and install a full acoustic housing for a number of externally mounted condensing units and chiller items.The client wished to reduce excessive noise originating from fixed plant items on a commercial building which was affecting nearby residents. To effectively mitigate noise, a series of acoustic louvres were positioned around the side elevations of an acoustic enclosure which housed the plant items. The acoustic louvres contained a series of absorbent horizontal steel blades, allowing air to be drawn into the plant area whilst also reducing noise. Efficient plant operation was an essential requirement for the project.With this in mind, a number of acoustic baffles were also installed to allow warm air from the equipment to be discharged up through the ‘roof’ of the enclosure, with separation plates to prevent air recirculation. Due to the overall size and weight of the plant, a support steelwork structure – designed and installed by Wakefield Acoustics – was installed in conjunction with the noise control items.

Potential noise control solutions can include acoustic panel screens with absorbent linings to the internal face, acoustic louvred screens, attenuators and acoustic enclosures

In many instances, a combination of noise control products is usually required in order to provide suitable noise reductions

Within the UK, noise from fixed plant items is generally assessed through the guidelines given in BS 4142:2014 ‘Methods for rating and assessing industrial and commercial sound’

www.wakefieldacoustics.co.uk

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VR Decision-making for the project at West Hill School in Surrey was facilitated by the use of 3D models and virtual reality

Digitising construction In this article, David Clark, Head of Manufacturing and Innovation at off-site specialist the McAvoy Group, looks at the latest techniques for digitising construction and how the new technology is taking off-site construction to the next level. Shorter design periods are critical for off-site construction.We need to start manufacturing buildings as soon as the ground is broken on site.To achieve that, detailed design information has to be released to our manufacturing teams at a much earlier stage than with site-based construction – and that necessitates earlier decision-making on the part of the client. BIM allows a building design to be coordinated more efficiently and facilitates better quality decisions earlier in a project. There is better client engagement with the use of 3D models – teachers or healthcare professionals; for example, are not trained to read 2D construction drawings. If we use data-rich, fully-detailed 3D BIM models and

Advances in virtual reality (VR) have allowed us to actually put our clients and end-users into their virtual building

Building Information Modelling (BIM)

Our experience of BIM is much more than the creation of 3D models of buildings. It is about the process of how we deliver projects to our clients in the most efficient way possible. Harnessing the latest technology has allowed us to streamline processes at the earliest stages of a project, to deliver shorter design periods and buildings that exceed our clients’ expectations. It allows us to collaborate more effectively internally, with our supply chain and with the client.

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walkthroughs, we can communicate a building design much more effectively, and present design options for discussion in a far better way.

Virtual reality in construction Advances in virtual reality (VR) have allowed us to actually put our clients and end-users into their virtual building as part of the design process. They can feel and experience their working environments and are now able to validate instantly whether the layouts work for them. VR takes client engagement to another level and works alongside BIM. It is another way to communicate with clients and stakeholders, allowing them to engage and review the design as it develops. It removes the potential

IM has been the subject of much debate in recent years but the aim of driving greater collaboration across the disciplines of architecture, engineering, manufacturing and construction has to be the right approach. Digital transformation is happening all around us, and the developing technologies, such as global connectivity, and new advances such as drones, satellite images, robotics and electric cars are set to accelerate and will continue to change the way we live. The construction industry, however, has been much slower to adopt and benefit from the digital transformation. McAvoy’s view is that there is tremendous synergy between off-site construction and the latest digital techniques, which give us the opportunity to radically improve the way we design and produce buildings for our clients.

The school could see each room and experience the space, allowing decisions to be made at an earlier stage

Award-winning VR in practice McAvoy recently won a RICS award for ‘Best Virtual Reality BIM’ for its application of VR

for a complex project to extend a special needs school. Decision-making for the project at West Hill School in Surrey was facilitated by the use of 3D models and virtual reality. The school could see each room and experience the space, allowing decisions to be made at an earlier stage. The technology also gave teaching staff the opportunity to assess how a training centre could work located as a second storey of the new classroom block, rather than as a freestanding building which was originally envisaged, adding further value to the project.

VR in manufacturing McAvoy is now looking at building a VR experience for training manufacturing teams in the most efficient and safest processes. With off-site construction, there are many repeatable operations to produce bespoke buildings in our factories.We can now take the highest risk activity – such as moving large modules – and build a VR programme around that process to help us continually improve health and safety.

BIM is about the process of how we deliver projects to our clients in the most efficient way possible

Augmented reality – the next development

Augmented reality (AR) allows the projection of CAD data onto the world around us. For example, we could take AR onto a site and superimpose the building. This would be an excellent planning tool and offer a new level of client engagement. It could also allow us to deliver 3D data to manufacturing, potentially cutting out 2D drawings, which we are exploring and believe has huge potential for off-site manufacture. As part of our commitment to digitising construction, McAvoy is now working with the Manufacturing Technology Centre (MTC) on an advanced visualisation project to use AR in construction. This is a 12-month programme to develop constructionrelated engineering skills to address the needs of digital construction. Our aim is to cut out the resourceintensive processes of 2D information. By removing the reliance on manual processes, there is less data loss and more informed decision-making, all driven by BIM. As a business, McAvoy sees tremendous opportunities for digitising off-site construction. We were the first offsite specialist to achieve BIM Level 2 accreditation, and it is transforming the way we work with our clients. As advances in digital technology continue to improve, we can only see even greater benefits to our customers, building users and stakeholders in the facilities we design and construct off site.

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for misinterpretation of drawings and data loss. Using a headset, you can be in the space in a building. Our customers simply love this. We used it for a recent project at Dublin Airport where the client wanted to assess ceiling heights. It provides instant and more informed decision-making. In the US, VR is being used for planning, for example, allowing authorities to check if a building visibly overpowers a streetscape or not. Mobile VR can now easily be set up, and remote multi-user sessions can be created. Permanent VR can be installed on site for our major projects, hosted at our head office. Our CAD designer can then be linked to the client who can tour the building in a collaborative but remote design workshop.This really enhances the way our clients and users visualise a building. Its design and functionality can be assessed with a view to producing better building designs, more quickly.

www.mcavoygroup.com

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CPDs & Seminars

SE MINA

New Schueco seminars will address compliance issues

SIMONSWERK launches Specification of Hinges CPD SIMONSWERK’s RIBA-approved CPD on the Specification of Hinges will provide architects with the technical knowledge for specifying the correct hinge for the right application.

Schueco UK has announced that it will be running a series of free seminars designed to address compliance issues in the aluminium facades, windows and doors market in the UK. Schueco UK believes that following the publication of the final report of the Hackitt Review, compliance is a topic that every responsible company needs to address urgently.The seminars will take place on a quarterly basis in Schueco UK’s new London office in Great Portland Street. The first seminar, scheduled for September, will address regulations and compliance issues relating to aluminium and steel fire systems, Schueco’s own range of such systems being the most comprehensive currently available in the UK. * mkinfobox@schueco.com

( 01908 282111 8 www.schueco.co.uk

he presentation offers guidance on door specification, legislation, Building Regulations, fire and safety in use, CE Marking – MANDEC and the Equality Act. SIMONSWERK has over 35 years of experience in the manufacture of high-quality brass, aluminium and stainless steel hinges for doors, windows and conservatories. The company’s ranges include the outstanding fully concealed TECTUS system and the increasingly popular TRITECH solid brass hinge with concealed bearings and load capacity to 160kg. For further information on SIMONSWERK’s RIBA-approved CPD on the Specification of Hinges or any of the company’s products, please visit the website below. * info@simonswerk.co.uk

( 0121 522 2848 8 www.simonswerk.co.uk

Learning could be a lifesaver GEZE UK has revised a piece of lifesaving learning – its popular RIBA-approved CPD on specifying, installing and maintaining ironmongery for fire doors.The 40-minute seminar explains what fire doors are, identifies their various components, how they work, the

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standards and regulations which surround them and why smoke is so dangerous. It is intended for chartered members of RIBA but is also suitable for facilities managers, property managers and architectural ironmongers and completely updates the 2016 version. It incorporates the latest statistics for England,Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland, including the number of people that die from smoke inhalation every year. It also highlights the latest regulations. * info.uk@geze.com

( 01543 443000 8 www.geze.co.uk

New RIBA CPD app covers subfloor preparation and adhesive selection F. Ball and Co. has made its RIBA-assessed CPD tutorial available to download as an app. The tutorial covers all aspects of subfloor preparation, including the varying requirements of different subfloor types, moisture testing and providing effective moisture protection, and the installation of a suitable levelling compound to create a smooth, blemish-free finish. The CPD module also details how to specify the correct adhesive, taking into account the floorcoverings being installed and the environment in which they will be situated.The tutorial can be completed in one go or in sections until it has been fully completed, upon which a certificate of completion is issued.The tutorial is worth one hour of CPD points. * mail@f-ball.co.uk

( 01538 361633 8 www.f-ball.com

HVAC/HVP

ErP; are you ready for the next milestone? The September deadline for the ErP Directive for warm air heaters 2018 (Lot 21) is fast approaching. New legislation has changed the way that the seasonal efficiency of heating equipment is calculated. Danny Packham, European Product Manager – warm air and radiant – from Nortek Global HVAC, outlines the key points.

rP (Energy-related Products) is part of the Ecodesign regulation (EU) 2015/1188 which, along with the implementing Directive 2009/125/EC, is an EU policy aimed at improving the energy efficiency and other environmental performance criteria for Energy-related Products (ErP), such as radiant and warm air heaters.

How equipment is categorised For ErP, products have been divided into product groups or ‘Lots,’ with warm air heaters using gaseous or liquid fuels contained within Lot 21 and radiant heaters within Lot 20.

What are the requirements? Each Lot provides the minimum energy efficiency and environmental values for each heating technology. Any product that does not comply with the requirements cannot be marketed and sold within the EU – including the UK. Following the referendum in the UK to leave the EU, the requirements of Ecodesign will still have to be complied with as it could take up to two years to finalise the process. Even then, unless new UK legislation is introduced, ErP will continue to be one of many methods employed by the Government to reduce the environmental impact of heating technology. Lot 21 (warm air) has a max NOx emission of 100mg/kWh input plus a minimum seasonal efficiency of 72%. Seasonal efficiency is calculated from airflow temperature rise,

thermal efficiency and electrical power consumption. Lot 21 also applies to AHUs and includes the performance of any heating/ chilling coils, where human comfort is the primary heating purpose. Essentially, other than outdoor units (heating an outdoor space), air curtains or ambient units, all products need to comply with either Lot 20 or 21, plus the motor efficiency ErP regulation.

Implementation date Lot 21 (warm air heaters) Minimum seasonal efficiency came into force 1st January 2018, with the maximum NOx levels applicable September 2018. The second tier for ErP will be 2021, whereupon seasonal efficiency will increase to 78% and maximum NOx emission for gaseous fuels will be <=70mg/kWh input. Crucially, the minimum criteria for Lots 20 and 21 are applicable for new installations and when replacing existing products. As a result, customers can be assured that the heating equipment they are purchasing is highly energy-efficient and emissions of harmful environmental pollutants are constrained. Unlike other products, warm air heaters and other commercial heating appliances are directly planned and purchased by HVAC professionals; the regulation 2015/1186 excludes warm air heaters and other commercial heaters from mandatory energy labelling. However, product literature and free access websites of manufacturers must indicate the seasonal efficiency and NOx emissions for each product or system.

seasonal efficiency calculation, however, when these minimum thermal and radiant efficiencies are added into the ErP seasonal efficiency calculator, the approximate results are as follows: Gas-fired warm air heaters (atmospheric) = 70% (2% below) Radiant (unitary) heaters = 71% (3% below).

To summarise Seasonal efficiency will be calculated differently (to include electrical power consumption). The current minimum seasonal efficiency would be 70% for warm air and 71% for radiant if we applied this calculation to our existing Building Regulations requirements. ErP Lot 21 (warm air heaters) max NOx levels comes into effect September 2018.

Danny Packham is European Product Manager – warm air and radiant – at Nortek Global HVAC

How does ErP seasonal efficiency differ? On initial appearance, the ErP seasonal efficiency looks to be a lot lower than the current Building Regulations

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8 www.nortek.com * erp@nortek.com ( 01384

489700

HVAC/HVP

New online tool helps designers with HIU specification Evinox is excited to announce the launch of the ModuSat Heat Interface Unit Online Selector. Available via the Evinox Energy website, this intuitive tool recommends the ideal HIU(s) for a district or communal heat network development, based on project parameters entered by the user. With over 15 years of experience in the design and manufacture of interface units for heat network systems, Evinox created the selector with M&E consultants in mind, aiming to provide a tool that is easy to use, and can help with sizing and selection whilst saving time for the specifier. Helen Gibbons, Evinox Technical and Design Manager, comments: “This unique new tool is an extension of the Evinox Heat Network Design Guide that is used by many M&E consultants in the UK. It draws on Evinox’s experience sizing HIUs for numerous communal heating projects, and also recommendations from

the Swedish District Heating Association Technical Provisions F:101, Danish Standard 439 and the CIBSE CP1 – Heat Networks: Code of Practice for the UK.” Helen continues: “In addition to the heat interface unit sizing and selection functionality, our new tool provides heating and hot water technical performance information specific to the user’s project, complete with Low Temperature Hot Water (LTHW) calculations for the whole heat network, which can act as a useful guide for the design and specification process.”

As well as all the functionality detailed, the user can also save unit selections and calculations for each project and come back at any time to access or edit them or to create a new selection, making this a really useful resource for consultants. 8 www.evinoxenergy.co.uk

* technical.email@evinox.co.uk ( 01372

722277

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HVAC/HVP

Underfloor air conditioning fit-out at Hanover Street AET Flexible Space has completed a Cat-B fit-out of the first floor at 11-12 Hanover Street for incoming tenant, Canadian property investor, Quadreal. The underfloor system at the prominently positioned Mayfair offices was originally installed in 2000 for Japanese construction company, Teisei, and has proved to be an adaptable services solution for the building. The system is the CAM-C with underfloor supply air and underfloor return air. Each

floor is effectively one zone, with a single CAM downflow unit supplying conditioned air to the underfloor plenum.This conditioned air is supplied into the workspace via fan terminal units, known as Fantiles, which are recessed into the floor plenum. Approximately 80 standard size TU4 Fantiles are located over

Evinox team of CIBSE-certified Heat Network consultants expands

the building’s five floors, and a fully stringered Nesite raised access flooring system supplied by AET is installed throughout. The original refurbishment of the property was specified to a high standard, designed by architect firm D.E.G.W, offering a large, openplan floorplate, a generous floor-to-ceiling height of 2.7m, featuring full-height glazing, 600mm2 carpet tiles for added flexibility and a high-specification metal tile ceiling. M&E consultant, Roger Preston & Partners, specified the underfloor services solution to permit this high specification and offer maximum flexibility for future change and reconfiguration according to tenant demands. AET engineers worked with fit-out contractor Think Inside on the recent Cat-B works. The space had been returned to Cat-A status after the previous tenancy ended, leaving a blank canvas for new firstfloor occupier Quadreal. An initial validation survey of the UfAC system on the first floor identified repairs required to the underfloor baffle and a number of damaged return air grilles to be replaced. 8 www.flexiblespace.com

* lucy@flexiblespace.com ( 01342

310400

DANLERS’ range of popular Outdoor Security Switches just got better

Evinox has added to its CIBSEcertified technical and design team, with Design Engineer Arturs Kokins becoming the latest to successfully complete the CIBSE Heat Networks Code of Practice course, passing his final exam with flying colours. The CIBSE Heat Network qualification is recognised across the industry and covers a broad spectrum of considerations for communal and district heating systems, demonstrating the depth of knowledge Evinox can offer to its customers in the design of heat network systems. Arturs joined Evinox in early 2017 as a Graduate Engineer and has since developed his skills and gained valuable experience working on a number of key projects. These include managing bespoke testing with BSRIA for a large development in London where Evinox is supplying heating and cooling units.

DANLERS’ Outdoor Security Switch range is neat and compact and now benefits from an IP66-rated polycarbonate enclosure and, therefore, can be installed across a greater range of challenging environments. Included in the range is: an IP66 Compact Person Detector with improved time lag options and upgraded photocell range of 10-1000 lux, the IP66 Twilight Switch which turns lights on from dusk to dawn, a new IP66 Twilight Switch featuring DANLERS’ ‘Intelligent’ photocell which reduces the risk of hunting and over-illumination. And, lastly, the IP66 Dusk Switch with new ‘Intelligent’ photocell and LED feedback for determining time on duration from two to 16 hours. The IP66 Dusk Switch turns lights on for a timed duration and resets itself when enough light is available ensuring lights are not left on unnecessarily.

* info@evinoxenergy.co.uk

* sales@danlers.co.uk

( 01372 722277 8 www.evinoxenergy.co.uk

( 01249 443377 8 www.danlers.co.uk

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HVAC/HVP

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Landscaping & Water Management

Award-winning Newton celebrates 170 years of excellence Newton’s 170th anniversary celebrations got going in style this June, as the historic waterproofing company hosted over 70 contractors, architects, engineers and specifiers aboard the ‘William B’ Thames cruiser.

uests were treated to a cruise from Westminster Pier all the way to Putney, providing a rivers-eye view of some of the London buildings that Newton has designed and installed waterproofing and damp proofing solutions for. Chairman Christopher Newton (greatgrandson of the founder John Newton) also provided guests with a warm welcome, and a reminder that the 21st century Newton Waterproofing has not lost sight of the values instilled by its family beginnings and independence – in fact, it is this autonomy that allows the company to continually stand out from its competitors. “I have always been proud to say that Newton is a family-run company, with a strong ethos that provides the foundation for our modernday business.This, alongside our independence, grants us complete impartiality and a valuable freedom, allowing us to grow and improve whilst consistently offering the highest levels of service and sourcing new and innovative solutions.” – Christopher Newton, Chairman.

Times Local Business Awards Rather fittingly, on the very same night as the 170th celebrations, Newton was also presented with the Family Business of the Year Award at the Times Local Business Awards. Open to entries from all local businesses, the award recognised the initiative and talent that has frequently been displayed by Newton throughout its long tenure.

Property Care Association Best Practice Awards Just two days later, more celebrations were in order as Newton also took home the Sustainability Award at the Property Care Association Best Practice Awards, which reward the best UK businesses in the specialist property care industry. Newton, in particular, was recognised for its industry-leading Membrane Recycling Service, which is unique not just within property care, but within the construction industry as a whole.

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Kent Excellence in Business Awards Finally, Newton rounded out a quadruple set of award wins in June with not one, but two prizes at the prestigious and rigorously judged Kent Excellent in Business Awards (KEiBAs). The team attending the ceremony were ecstatic to bring home both the Commitment to the Environment and Medium Business of the Year Awards at a spectacular gala awards night, which recognised both the significant steps being taken by the company to improve the environmental credentials within the construction industry, and also the product range, service levels and family culture within the company as a whole. “All of the Newton family are proud to be part of this hardworking and fun-loving team, and these awards are a wonderful recognition of the contributions that every single team member has made towards our achievements over the years. I think the original John Newton would have approved.” – Warren Muschialli, Managing Director. 8 www.newtonwaterproofing.co.uk * info@newtonwaterproofing.co.uk ( 01732

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Landscaping & Water Management

Hauraton high capacity channel system drains extensive car park at Skypark, Exeter The Skypark Business Park is located just north of Exeter International Airport, Devon, and east of the M5 off junction 29. The park is a joint venture partnership between St. Modwen, a UK-leading regeneration specialist, and Devon County Council. The development, when complete, will cover 130,200m2 (1.4 million square foot) and comprise office, industrial and manufacturing premises. Ancillary retail development and a hotel are also planned as part of the scheme. Set in landscaped grounds, it includes numerous car parks requiring effective surface water drainage. In this phased development, three sizes of the Hauraton RECYFIX MONOTEC high capacity surface drainage system have so far been installed in the extensive asphalt car parks servicing Skypark units 10 and 20; 145m of MONOTEC 100/230mm, 136m of 100/280 and 45m of 100/380. 100mm is the channel

grating width and the internal dimension. The 230mm (overall height) channel model has a cross-section of 190.5cm2, the 280mm, 245.5cm2, and the 380mm, 355.5cm2.The 326m of channel supplied provides a total hydraulic capacity of just over 7717 litres. Hauraton introduced the MONOTEC system just over two years ago. Skypark joins the numerous installations successfully completed in the UK. The MONOTEC 1m-long channel component is of a sturdy monolithic design where the HEELSAFE grating and the tongue and groove linking system are integral to the channel moulding.The whole unit is made of

tough, virtually unbreakable polypropylene (PP) formulated to be very resistant to daily temperature fluctuations from frost conditions to strong sunlight, including the ultraviolet (UV) spectrum. PP is naturally resistant to de-icing salt. Complying with the requirements of EN 1433, the PP is given its UV resistance by adding just sufficient stabiliser so that the structural strength of the material is unaffected and a consistent appearance is maintained.The MONOTEC channels have a loading category of up to Class D400. 8 www.hauraton.co.uk

* sales@hauraton.co.uk ( 01582

501380

T-T Pumps specified at Doncaster Inland Port The IPort, located in Doncaster, is a 337-acre greenfield development site. The site features up to six million square foot of warehouse space and three million square foot of detailed planning consent. The site also includes a 35-acre dedicated strategic rail freight terminal. Once the permission for development had been granted, T-T received a call from a senior engineer at BWB with an urgent enquiry for a foul pumping station. Following this, T-Tâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s area manager followed up the call to clarify requirements; BWB needed a foul pumping station to service Doncaster Inland Port, a commercial site. The pumping station also needed to be compliant to Severn Trent sewers for adoption of the 7th Edition. Once the main contractor had been chosen by the developer, T-T was confirmed as the pump supplier. T-T then provided detailed pump design and surge analysis, ordered by BWB. Following confirmation of this mechanical and

electrical installation, commissioning was ordered by the main contractor, Buckingham Group. Additionally, another pumping station was ordered to pump to the original to ensure correct drainage is taking place on the site. Sean Green, Senior Design Engineer at BWB Consulting, commented: â&#x20AC;&#x153;As part of our drainage design we required an S104 FW pumping station. We contacted T-T Pumps who were more than helpful from the start. The sales team particularly was a great asset to the whole process, and their skills and advice were extremely valued. I would highly recommend T-T Pumps for future projects given the level of service received during our time working together.â&#x20AC;?

T-T supplied pumps complete with 22kW motors with a pump duty of 44.8l/ sec at 25m total head, control panel housed in a GRP kiosk, valves and all necessary pipework. 8 www.ttpumps.com

* response@ttpumps.com ( 01630

647200

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Landscaping & Water Management

As a company with over 70 years of experience in the design, manufacture and installation of security fencing and access control solutions, Jacksons Fencing is able to offer unique insights throughout the guide

Your comprehensive guide to SR ratings To offer specifiers and architects a definitive guide to security ratings, their implications and why they’re so important to design and construction, Jacksons Fencing has released a free-to-download guide explaining each rating in detail.

The guide, ‘A Guide to Security Ratings: Perimeter Standards Explained’, also explains the role of industry bodies such as BRE Global’s Loss Prevention Certification Board (LPCB) and the importance of industry-wide certifications

ecurity ratings represent an industry standard for grading fencing, with five possible levels of resilience to intruder attack ranging from SR1 to SR5. The guide, ‘A Guide to Security Ratings: Perimeter Standards Explained’, also explains the role of industry bodies such as BRE Global’s Loss Prevention Certification Board (LPCB) and the importance of industry-wide certifications. As well as offering an understanding of how differing attack times and tools can be used to compromise security-rated fencing, the guide also offers invaluable guidance on how multiple layers of security can better protect your site. Jacksons Fencing Company Director, Peter Jackson, draws on decades of industry knowledge to explain how carefully-selected extra features strengthen perimeter security, adding both durability and value to your project. As a company with over 70 years of experience in the design, manufacture and installation of security fencing and access

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control solutions, Jacksons Fencing is able to offer unique insights throughout the guide. Its expert knowledge of security ratings and certifications makes the guide an unmissable resource for architects and specifiers looking to incorporate flawless design and unsurpassable strength to any project. The guide offers a comprehensive overview of the solutions available for any professional involved in specifying security fencing or access control solutions, to ensure a site or project is appropriately protected. It is available as a free downloadable PDF from the Jacksons Fencing website. To download your free copy of ‘A Guide to Security Ratings: Perimeter Standards Explained’, visit Jacksons Fencing’s website. 8 www.jacksons-security.co.uk/secu-

rity-ratings-guide.aspx * security@jacksons-fencing.co.uk ( 0800 408 4757

Landscaping & Water Management AWMS new partnership speaks volumes Alumasc Water Management Solutions (AWMS) and AquaSpira have signed a new collaboration agreement that will realise a new generation of adoptable rainwater attenuation solutions focused on optimising performance while minimising installation and maintenance costs. In bringing together AWMS’ range of Gatic linear drainage systems and AquaSpira’s innovative large diameter Composite Steel Reinforced (CSR) pipe, engineers and contractors will benefit from significant breakthroughs in material technologies and a wealth of design and on-site experience. Offering a 95% weight saving over an equivalent concrete pipe, AquaSpira’s large-diameter CSR pipe system significantly reduces installation time and costs. Marrying the benefits of CSR pipe with Gatic’s established range of high-capacity slot drainage technologies gives a comprehensive and versatile solution package for surface water attenuation across all applications.

Central Saint Giles takes control with Keraflo’s Tanktronic One of London’s most vibrant developments has retrofitted Keraflo’s advanced electronic tank management system,Tanktronic, to help it take more precise control of its cold water storage and usage. Central Saint Giles includes 408,000ft2 of office space, restaurants, cafes,‘green’ roof terraces and a public piazza. Its substantial water use and cooling needs are managed through four huge tanks, each holding between 65,000 and 75,000 litres. Retrofitting Keraflo’s Tanktronic has not only resolved a flooding issue, but it is also enabling ABM Technical Solutions to maximise the system’s operational effectiveness while furthering sustainability goals.Tanktronic comprises a simple-to-set-up control unit, which can control and monitor water and temperature levels in up to four individual tanks, a connection box and a sensor assembly.

* info@alumascwms.co.uk

* info@keraflo.co.uk

( 01536 383810 8 www.alumascwms.co.uk

( 0118 921 9920 8 www.keraflo.co.uk

FROM THE SMALLEST TO THE LARGEST PUMPING SCHEMES T-T manage the whole pumping station project from concept to completion. As industry experts T-T understand both the requirements for PRIVATE PUMPING STATIONS and ADOPTABLE PUMPING STATIONS, with a vast knowledge of Sewers for Adoption regulation.

T-T now have a RIBA Approved CPD! Get in touch to find out more! Our BIM objects are now live on the NBS BIM library, available in IFC and Revit formats!

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Floors, Walls & Ceilings The Wellness Space is one of seven inspiration pods in Schlüter-Systems UK’s Application Gallery. Architects and specifiers can now explore this and more with the company’s new Google 360 Virtual Tour.

VR provides accessible introduction to tiling systems Thanks to a new Virtual Reality (VR) initiative by market-leading tiling systems manufacturer, Schlüter-Systems, architects and specifiers can now tour the company’s state-of-the-art UK headquarters from the comfort of their own chair.

esigned by Lewis and Hickey Architects, Schlüter-Systems’ current UK offices opened in 2015.The 3480m2 premises routinely receive an enthusiastic reaction from visitors and are packed full of the company’s innovative solutions in-situ. Recognising the power of the facilities and the ideas they inspire, the team at Schlüter-Systems set about producing a visual introduction to the company, utilising the immersive experience of a Google 360 Virtual Tour. A new way to get to know Schlüter-Systems, this unique asset aims to give architects and

specifiers across the UK an innovative insight into the company.Through use of a VR headset, individuals can engage at will, delving in and out as they wish and coordinating their own experience of the premises and products. The tour was developed in conjunction with specialist photographers and leading providers of Google 360 Virtual Tours, Striking Places, who have previously produced tours for the RSPCA, Kwik Fit and Westminster Abbey amongst many others. “Architects are courted by hundreds of manufacturers a year, many of whom take similar approaches to attract their Through use of a VR headset, individuals can engage at will, delving in and out as they wish and coordinating their own experience of the premises and products

attention,” says Joachim Backes, Managing Director for Schlüter-Systems UK. “We wanted to explore a more engaging avenue, knowing that these creative professionals like visuals, product interaction and to explore a company at their own convenience. Our VR tour addresses all of these concerns and allows them to gain a more rounded and accessible impression of what Schlüter is about than they would from standard digital resources.” Schlüter-Systems’ portfolio consists of waterproofing and wetroom, underfloor heating, profile and balcony and terrace solutions – the majority of which go unseen within a finished tile or stone project. The company’s on-brand UK premises are designed to bring these often-invisible products to life through images, displays and semi-concealed installations. Amongst other applications, the VR version of the tour is anticipated to add a new interactive facet to Schlüter’s CPDs. By gaining virtual access to Schlüter’s Application Gallery, which contains ‘pods’ simulating various rooms, CPD attendees will quickly be able to put Schlüter’s solutions into context.With one of Schlüter’s expert advisors on-hand to answer any questions, this should lead to an enriched learning experience, not to mention a welcome break from the norm. A TourDash interactive overlay version of the tour, providing extra information on its different elements, can be accessed via desktop, laptop, tablet and phone. Schlüter-Systems would love to share its VR experience with architects and specifiers and is keen to gain their feedback on this new experience. 8 www.schluter.co.uk/

360-degree-tour.aspx * pr@schluter.co.uk ( 01530 813396

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The i-build app

i-build www.i-buildmagazine.com

www.i-buildmagazine.com

for iPhone, iPad & Android Free download available now! PROJECTS | PRODUCTS | INSPIRATION | INFORMATION The smarter way to plan, design, and decorate self-build homes. With its easy-to-navigate format, users can benefit from a variety of useful tools, such as the magazine’s latest issue, digital archive, suppliers and newsbank. The App is also synced with SBP Library (sustainable-buildingproducts.com) providing an essential specification portal.

swipe to see more!

To download the app, search ‘i-build’

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Floors, Walls & Ceilings In the office, we know that some people like to work in quiet, while some feed off the buzz, so we should also explore the effect of personality on the way our bodies and minds respond to the noise that surrounds us

A Sound Effect on People – Ecophon’s acoustics podcast Acoustics, sound and noise. All impact our lives every day. Yet, it is not a subject that is often discussed. Until now. Welcome to ‘A Sound Effect on People’, a podcast series that explores how we are affected by sound and how poor acoustics can be harmful to your wellbeing.

e all know that certain sounds can change the way we feel, but can we improve our lives simply by improving the acoustics of the rooms we are in? Our hearing is the one sense we can’t turn off, yet in evolutionary terms, it is tuned for outdoor environments. But with many of us now spending up to 90% of our time indoors, we struggle when excessive noise and reverberant echo trigger our ancient fight-or-flight response. The physiological response to constant loud noise causes fatigue, stress and elevated heart rates, quite the opposite of what is needed for successful healing or productive work. And if we cannot communicate effectively in schools, teaching will be ineffective and

children’s attainment may suffer. In the office, we know that some people like to work in quiet, while some feed off the buzz, so we should also explore the effect of personality on the way our bodies and minds respond to the noise that surrounds us. Ecophon is building a series of podcasts to follow discussing acoustics in healthcare, education and office environments; as well as broader topics including biophilia, physiological and psychological factors in office design, silence, creativity and the use of technology. A new podcast is released every month, and available via iTunes, SoundCloud or wherever you prefer to listen. Alternatively, they can be listened to at www.ecophon.com/uk/podcast.

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The physiological response to constant loud noise causes fatigue, stress and elevated heart rates, quite the opposite of what is needed for successful healing or productive work

8 www.ecophon.com/uk * info@ecophon.co.uk ( 01256

850977

Floors, Walls & Ceilings

Heradesign works out at 1Rebel 1Rebel is a new chic boutique brand of gyms in London. 1Rebel promises that every class feels like a night out. To achieve this, each gym is designed as a mix of contemporary industrial chic with luxury and theatrical glamour. Specified in all five locations by 1Rebel’s architect Studio C102, Knauf AMF Heradesign acoustic ceilings and wall absorbers help the architect fulfil this vision. Studio C102 Principal, Kyriakos Katsaros, explains why: “I like Heradesign for two reasons. Firstly, as a practice, we prefer to use building materials in their raw state, and Heradesign with its naturally textured surface creates a tactile finish and fits with our ethos and the gym’s industrial aesthetic. Secondly, I wanted to make the environmental footprint as low as possible for the client. Heradesign helps us accomplish this because it’s produced from sustainable wood-wool.” In recent years, materials with a visible textured appearance have become very popular. Architects particularly like the contrast of textured ceiling or wall absorbers alongside smooth surfaces; for

example, tiles, glass and exposed concrete. Heradesign’s woven surface helps to soften these, adding warmth to any interior, making them feel more human. Heradesign is installed on the ceilings and walls of the exercise studios. These studios are designed as black rooms with dramatic lighting to create industrial spaces with chic club glamour. Heradesign, in its standard black RAL colour, creates the desired dark background needed to achieve the intended effect and prevent any unwanted glare from spotlights distracting gym-goers. Heradesign’s Class A sound absorption plays a key role in the studios where 1Rebel instructors offer high-energy

classes. Workouts are accompanied by music either through speakers or from the occasional live band playing. Heradesign controls the level of reverberation, ensuring speech and the music are heard comfortably for 1Rebel’s clients.

8 www.knaufamf.com

* info@knaufamf.co.uk ( 0191

518 8600

Sto helps to keep things quiet for new landmark building The StoSilent Distance A2 110 acoustic system has been installed to assist with the acoustic challenges of attenuation and reverberation and also enhance speech clarity within this major new London landmark building. The acoustic system has been installed at One New Ludgate, as part of a project to transform a 1980s city building into a contemporary new mixed-use development. The project was built on an island site. The twin-height, multi-storey refurbished building now offers over 179,000ft2 of busy office and retail space, and so excellent acoustic design and balance formed an important part of the project. The StoSilent Distance system was the perfect option. * info.uk@sto.com

( 0141 892 8000

8 www.sto.co.uk

Data centre suspension system launched by Armstrong Ceilings The new Prelude 24 Max grid optimises load carrying and minimises air leakage. A suspension system specifically designed to meet the exacting requirements of data centres has been launched by Armstrong Ceiling Solutions. The new Prelude 24 Max grid provides excellent load carrying capability and adaptability, with an extremely efficient method of suspending cable trays, bus bars and other mechanical elements to avoid air leakage through the ceiling tiles. In an environment where a constant, carefully calibrated temperature is a non-negotiable factor, the engineered system components provide the optimum conditions to avoid air leakage that could lead to overheating or spiralling cooling costs. * sales-support@armstrong.com

( 0800 371849

8 www.armstrongceilings.co.uk

ClicWall offers enhanced assurance for projects needing an FR rating For projects where an FR rating is needed, ClicWall, the innovative decorative wall panelling product from Unilin, can be specified with confidence. Available exclusively from IDS in the UK, ClicWall is available on a standard or fire-retardant MDF core and comes in 93 decors ranging from plain white and other contemporary plain colours to fashionable woodgrains and minerals. When installed to manufacturers’ guidelines, ClicWall can achieve a guaranteed fire resistance of 60 minutes using a metal substructure and 30 minutes using a timber substructure, both achieving the relevant European certificate for non-bearing partition walls. 8 www.idsurfaces.co.uk * solutions@idsurfaces.co.uk ( 08457 298298

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Floors, Walls & Ceilings Superior sound The new building is designed to create a comfortable and welcoming environment. Rockfon’s ceiling plays a pivotal role here. The large showroom is fitted with floorto-ceiling glazing and tiled floors which could make the open-plan area prone to reverberation. The Class A sound absorption of Rockfon Tropic controls the ambient sound level in this space, reducing echo and improving speech intelligibility.

Exceptional light reflectance It is important for Rockfon’s ceiling to enhance the clean, minimalist interior designed to display BMW cars to best effect. Rockfon Tropic ceilings have a smooth, white surface that offers 86% light reflectance helping create the optimum lighting conditions for the showroom, allowing the cars to shine.

The large showroom is fitted with floor-to-ceiling glazing and tiled floors which could make the open-plan area prone to reverberation. The Class A sound absorption of Rockfon Tropic controls the ambient sound level in this space.

Rockfon turning heads and driving performance Rockfon Tropic ceilings are installed in Europe’s largest car showroom, Sytner BMW, Sheffield.

esigned by AT Architects, the three-storey, 18,500m² BMW and Mini dealership can display up to 872 cars. Its impressive facilities are arranged to offer the very best service and convenience in luxurious surroundings. There are customer lounges, which include Europe’s first dedicated M lounge which displays all BMW M models,

with a barista serving complimentary refreshments in the bar cafe. The 42-bay workshop, with drive-in reception, is quick and convenient. The ground floor is home to the complete BMW range, where 7500m² of Rockfon Tropic ceilings were chosen to provide outstanding acoustic control and contribute to the light, open interior design.

Smooth installation Tudorharp Contractor, Rob O’Dell, has worked on many projects with Rockfon and installed the showroom ceilings. He commented: “We worked closely with Rockfon to ensure we produced the finished result the client wanted. We installed a mix of 600 x 600mm tiles with 1200 x 600mm to avoid cuts and achieve clean, tidy edges. We used Chicago Metallic T24 2890 grid to install these lightweight tiles. The job ran smoothly, and we met our deadline with ease.” Minster Insulation and Drylining, Sheffield, supplied the Rockfon Tropic E edge ceiling tiles and Chicago Metallic grids. Minster stocks a wide range of Rockfon’s products in branches across the country. Rockfon Tropic is a robust, easy-to-clean ceiling. It’s available in a range of standard sizes and installation options including visible and semi-concealed grids, giving architects the freedom to produce open-plan environments that can be configured to any design.The ceiling tiles and grid offer the highest fire safety classification A1, which is a must for all buildings which are open to the public.

Client feedback Sytner Group’s Group Project Manager, Peter Huxley, said: “I am delighted to welcome visitors to this truly world-class facility.The showroom oozes luxury and prestige. Being able to have private conversations in a large open space is a huge benefit, and one our customers and staff value.” The ground floor is home to the complete BMW range, where 7500m² of Rockfon Tropic ceilings were chosen to provide outstanding acoustic control

8 www.rockfon.co.uk * info@rockfon.co.uk ( 0208

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222 7457

Floors, Walls & Ceilings Weber targets off-site construction Interface offers carbon neutral flooring solutions

Interface is the first global flooring manufacturer to declare that all its products – including all carpet tile and luxury vinyl tile (LVT) – are carbon neutral across the entire product lifecycle. Now offering its Carbon Neutral Floors programme as standard to every customer at no extra cost to help them meet their own sustainability goals, Interface estimates it will offset 400,000 metric tons of carbon emissions in 2018 as part of the programme – equivalent to the carbon absorbed annually by nearly half a million acres of forest. Interface is committed to reducing carbon emissions from building materials and products, known as ‘embodied carbon,’ which contribute significantly to greenhouse gas emissions. 8 www.interface.com * interface.uk@interface.com ( 01274 690690

Saint-Gobain Weber has launched weberend LAC rapid, a super-fast drying version of the established and successful weberend LAC. This basecoat render with mesh cloth reinforcement plays an essential role in a number of Weber insulation systems including webertherm XM lightweight External Wall Insulation (EWI), and weberend MT, a multi-coat render system. The substantially reduced drying time of this new and improved formulation also makes weberend LAC rapid ideal for off-site construction. Similar in specification and coverage to weberend LAC, a product used extensively by key contractors and render applicators, the rapid drying characteristics of weberend LAC rapid typically reduces drying time from 72 to 24 hours. * mail@netweber.co.uk

( 0870 333 0070

8 www.netweber.co.uk

Remmers exhibits at Hayward Gallery The world-renowned Hayward Gallery is a contemporary art gallery within Southbank Centre, London. As part of a two-year restoration project, Remmers’ restoration products were selected by Cemplas to complete extensive concrete repair and renovation works to the internal architectural concrete elements of this prestigious major arts venue. Remmers’ Arte Mundit was applied to remove the decades of superficial dirt that had built up on the concrete walls and ceilings. Arte Mundit is a self-vulcanising cleaning paste that dries into a peelable natural latex. It provides thorough water-free removal of residues to varied substrates, and there is no development of dust making it the ideal product for specialised restoration projects. * sales@remmers.co.uk

( 01293 594010

8 www.remmers.co.uk

Armstrong launches ultimate ceilings and walls guide

The ultimate guide to ceiling and wall solutions is now available from Armstrong. The company’s new Main Line brochure makes it even easier for architects and designers to specify ceiling and wall solutions thanks to a simplified but inspiring layout. The catalogue illustrates with stunning architectural photography and technical drawings; the interior solutions that help to enhance comfort, save time, improve building efficiency and overall performance, and create beautiful spaces for office, education, health, retail and transport applications. Available in 14 languages to reflect the company’s recently-launched global website, the brochure guides specifiers through the myriad of design solutions available. * sales-support@armstrong.com

( 0800 371849

8 www.armstrongceilings.co.uk

Helifix launches BIM object library Helifix has launched a BIM object library to support the industry’s transition to digital building modelling. Available to download from www.helifix.co.uk/downloads/bimobjects or from the NBS National BIM Library, these Revit-format BIM objects allow Helifix products to be easily incorporated into a 3D building model and its associated component database. Offered as part of the NBS portfolio, each file has been quality checked by the Helifix and NBS teams. BIM objects are available for masonry repair products HeliBar, SockFix, DryFix and CemTie. Alongside new-build wall ties, TimTie and TurboTie. * sales@helifix.co.uk

( 0208 735 5200

8 www.helifix.co.uk/downloads/bim-objects

Experts choose Rockfon Ceilings

Rockfon Mono Acoustic is installed to create unique acoustic ceiling designs in the refurbished headquarters of both building services engineers Max Fordham and A+DP Architects – both long-established expert practitioners in the field of construction and interiors. As part of Max Fordham’s office refit, it chose Rockfon’s monolithic ceiling for meeting rooms and relaxation areas. Rockfon Mono Acoustic brings together the seamless, clean lines associated with traditional plastered surfaces and the performance characteristics thought only possible with modular suspended ceilings and wall systems.The ceilings in A+DP’s office required a bespoke solution to create the clean lines and minimalist aesthetic. An acoustic raft is fitted in each area, finished with Mono Acoustic’s Elegant render. 8 www.rockfon.co.uk * info@rockfon.co.uk ( 0800 389 0314

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Doors, Windows & Louvres Schueco London opens new showroom and office Top marks for GEZE UK duo When it comes to “knowing their stuff’’, GEZE UK staff always give 100% which has been proven by the results of recent professional exams. Rachel Cox, Project Design Team Leader, and Matt Lovatt, Field Operations Supervisor, have joined the ‘100% club’ by achieving maximum marks in their Automatic Door Suppliers Association (ADSA) BS EN 16005 Authorised Technician exam.They are two of just nine people who have achieved 100% in the history of the ADSA exam. Other members of this set include fellow GEZE UK colleagues Dan Stack, Stephen Maynard and Nat Stanswood who all achieved maximum marks in previous years. This means that more than half those who gained 100% are GEZE UK employees. 8 www.geze.co.uk * info.uk@geze.com ( 01543 443000

Schueco has opened its new London showroom and office, previously in Islington, which is now in impressive new premises at 153 Great Portland Street, W1. The move has been prompted by the need to expand Schueco’s London operation and to make the Schueco product range and technical support services even more accessible to architects, main contractors, fabricators and end-users. The new premises – which are also home to the London office of Schueco International – include a spacious showroom on the ground floor with meeting rooms and a further display area and conference facilities on the lower ground floor. The upper and lower mezzanine floors are occupied by offices. * mkinfobox@schueco.com

( 01908 282111

8 www.schueco.co.uk

Senior brings a positive outlook to Hope Street Xchange

Aluminium glazing solutions from Senior Architectural Systems have been specified to create a light and spacious design and meet the thermal, acoustic and aesthetic requirements of a new commercial development in Sunderland. Led by the University of Sunderland and designed by GSS Architecture, Hope Street Xchange mixes distinctive modern architecture with the sensitive refurbishment of a Grade II Listed building to provide a contemporary new workspace. The glazing package for the building was installed by Hadrian Architectural Glazing Systems for main contractor Clugston Construction and features Senior’s slim profile SF52 aluminium curtain wall, SD and SPW500 aluminium doors and the patented thermally-enhanced PURe aluminium window system. * info@sasmail.co.uk

( 01709 772600

8 www.seniorarchitectural.co.uk

Smart launches UK’s first PAS 24 tested auto slide door

VMZINC corrugated facade for Hackney apartments

Smart Architectural Aluminium has introduced a PAS 24 option to its autoslide Smart Wall door system. Featuring standard and fire escape door variants, the new auto-slide door is the first in the UK to be fully tested to the latest PAS 24 standards. Representing the latest security upgrade to Smart’s established Smart Wall system, the new auto-slide door provides architects, designers and facilities managers with even more flexibility when working on both new-build and refurbishment projects. Meeting the requirements of BS EN 16005, the door is ideal for use in both light commercial applications and public buildings such as schools, hospitals and leisure centres and is available in both single- and double-door configurations.With the correct gearing set-up, the system is also suitable for installation as a fire escape door. The door is available in a wide range of colour options from Smart’s extensive range of standard and non-standard finishes.

gpad london’s design of eight apartments over a doctor’s surgery in Elsdale Street, Hackney, features VMZINC curved and perforated Sine Wave cladding in dark ANTHRA-ZINC. The Art Deco building extension has been named ‘Zinc House’ and is the first project to feature a curved element using zinc in such a profile. Sitting at the convergence of two streets, the use of yellow inset balconies gives added visual distinctiveness to the project. An expanding mesh element of the facade also allows natural light to flood into the stairwell. The Sine Wave zinc has a corrugated profile and can be fixed either vertically or horizontally on a wooden or metal framework. In addition to ANTHRA-ZINC, it is available in QUARTZ-ZINC, five standard and bespoke PIGMENTO colours and AZENGAR, the first engraved zinc to be used in construction.

* sales@smartsystems.co.uk

* vmzinc.uk@vmzinc.com

( 01934 876100 8 www.smartsystems.co.uk

( 01992 822288 8 www.vmzinc.co.uk

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Doors, Windows & Louvres

The Clement W20 range was specified for its ability to provide an almost exact match to the existing metal windows while offering modern advantages

Clement steel windows preserve beauty of historic buildings in Birmingham The Clement Windows Group has manufactured and installed steel windows from its W20 range for the Comet Works in Birmingham’s Princip Street.

he original warehouse buildings in the city’s former Gun Quarter have been converted by building reanimator Javelin Block into 20 impressive residential units, including lofts, apartments and mews houses.The Clement W20 range was specified for its ability to provide an almost exact match to the existing metal windows while offering modern advantages such as double glazing and a very long-lasting polyester powder paint coating requiring minimal maintenance. The Comet Works comprises five buildings, one of which is Grade II Listed, constructed

in the 1830s, which were home to a variety of trades such as gun and pistol makers, a manufacturer of bullet clips for spitfires and motorbike manufacturer, Haden. Nigel Birch, Owner of the contractors on this project – Springworth (Building & Interiors) – commented: “The Comet Works is a striking set of buildings that stand as a testament to Birmingham’s industrial past. Clement’s steel windows were the perfect product for the reinvention of these buildings, providing a strong heritage look as well as sound 21st-century innovation and performance.”

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Clement’s steel windows provided a strong heritage look as well as sound 21st-century innovation and performance

Clement W20 suite of steel sections with genuine T bars Clement manufactures an innovative range of steel windows, doors, screens and rooflights for both private residences and commercial projects. It provides a complete service – from the provision of technical drawings through to manufacture, installation and after-sales support – whether your project is a traditional restoration project, one involving listed buildings or conservation areas, or a new build. Clement also manufactures a selection of conservation rooflights, available from stock in either a tile or slate profile. 8 www.clementwindows.co.uk * info@clementwg.co.uk ( 01428

643393

Doors, Windows & Louvres Premium workspace accessed by TORMAX invisible automation Creating a contemporary entrance befitting the transformed Power Road Studios in Chiswick,TORMAX worked with IDF Aluminium to provide invisible automation to two sets of automatic glass swing doors. Located in sealed casings beneath the floor, the TORMAX iMotion 1401 operators deliver unparalleled reliability, requiring minimal maintenance to ensure a long and trouble-free lifespan. Power Road Studios is a creative campus that comprises five, multi-let studio buildings.The remodelled entrance creates a new gateway into the scheme.The space between the two sets of swing doors acts as a functional lobby that helps maintain the ambient temperature of the staffed reception area. In-house-designed at the TORMAX HQ in Switzerland, the complete range of advanced iMotion door operators have none of the parts that usually wear out, such as gears and brushes.This unique design feature significantly extends the lifespan of the operator and delivers outstanding reliability, even in busy locations.

HINGE TECHNOLOGY

TECTUS® THE COMPLETELY CONCEALED HINGE SYSTEM

* sales@tormax.co.uk

( 01932 238040 8 www.tormax.co.uk

SYSTEMGLAS Ligna provides assured fire protection Designing, specifying and installing firerated, timber-framed butt-jointed glazing is now easier with the assurance of a fully traceable supply chain with the launch of SYSTEMGLAS Ligna by Promat UK. Joining the existing ‘frameless’, paintable, metal-clad and steel frame options to complete the SYSTEMGLAS range, Ligna gives designers the ideal balance of assured fire protection and maximum light transmission in all kinds of timber-framed glazed partitions and screens. Ideal for offices, healthcare, education, retail and public sector applications, it has been tested (CERTIFIRE CF5452) to provide integrity and insulation (EI) fire protection from 30 minutes up to 60 minutes (EI30 to EI60). All the options are explained in Promat UK’s comprehensive new ‘Specifiers Guide’, available to download via the website. * sales@promat.co.uk

( 0800 588 4444 8 www.promat-glass.co.uk

TECTUS® 〉 high load values up to 300 kg 〉 maintenance-free slide bearing technology 〉 three-dimensional adjustability 〉 opening angle 180° 〉 wide variety of finishes

t: +44 121 522 2848 e: sales@simonswerk.co.uk

www.simonswerk.co.uk

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Building Elements

Bespoke powder coating recreates characteristic tones of Jura limestone Powdertech Corby has just completed coating over 4500m2 of aluminium cladding panels for Westfield White City Shopping Centre’s £600m refurbishment and extension. An extensive coating job in itself, the project was one of particular satisfaction for the company. “We created a bespoke powder coating in our Landscape™ range for this flagship project,” said Powdertech Corby Director, Richard Besant, “and we and the customer alike are delighted with the result.” The design intention for the Westfield extension, now a premier shopping and social venue, was for Jura limestone to surround a significant part of the exterior of the building and small sections of the interior. Rather than use the stone itself, Powdertech’s expertise, combined with the flexibility and design freedom of aluminium and powder coating, enabled the vision to be quickly realised.

A sample of Jura limestone was sent to Powdertech where tests of different powders and effects were compared against the limestone which has natural veins of quartz and fossils appearing against a beige background. Test samples were sent back to the client and within four weeks ‘Ballycastle Stone’ was ready to be applied to the panels. It was essential to achieve colour consistency between batches and powder coatings excel in this aspect. The overall effect on the finished building is a homogeneous appearance of stone, across the whole, but with variations in flecks of colour against the background, just as in the stone itself.The powder coating will provide excellent corrosion protection and has an external life expectancy of up to 40 years.

“We were delighted to demonstrate our expertise for colour and texture matching, and the final result vindicates our passion for this aspect of our work,” concluded Richard Besant. 8 www.powdertechcorby.co.uk * pcl@powdertech.co.uk ( 01536

400890

Professional Timantti portfolio from TeknosPro

Connecting crosslaminated timber To support the growing use of crosslaminated timber (CLT) in the UK and Europe, leading connector manufacturer Simpson Strong-Tie has released an updated version of its ‘Connectors for CLT’ catalogue. Featuring a host of new products including heavy-duty angle brackets, holddown connectors and structural screws, this edition represents a complete set of solutions for the assembly of CLT buildings, as well as steel and chemical mortar products designed specifically to connect the entire structure to concrete.To further support the design and construction of CLT structures, Simpson Strong-Tie also has a team of engineers based at its manufacturing plant in Tamworth, offering technical support and assistance. 8 www.strongtie.co.uk * sgreenway@strongtie.eu ( 01827 255600

Designed to give interiors the professional touch, the Timantti portfolio from TeknosPro comprises long-lasting, sustainable waterborne coatings which are mildewresistant with low VOC making them the perfect choice for indoor surfaces. It includes Timannti Clean containing antimicrobial technology which preserves the coating’s surface preventing bacteria build-up. This makes Timantti Clean ideal for schools, hospitals and nurseries, while the mildew-resistance of the whole range makes it the ideal choice for walls and ceilings in humid spaces such as kitchens and bathrooms. The Timantti special acrylate coating means that the walls and ceilings can be washed without damaging the paintwork. * sales@teknos.co.uk

( 01608 688925

8 www.teknos.co.uk

Cordless FEIN drilling takes another leap forward for UK users

FEIN started innovating in the late 19th century combining the power of an electric motor with a manual drill to develop the world’s very first power tool. Last September that innovation led to the launch of 10 new cordless drill/drivers.The ASCM 12 and 18 represent the hero machines of the 10. Offering four-speed capabilities, ‘Power Drive’ settings, quicker changes of accessories for application work, and supported by a new battery range. FEIN is also proud to launch its new rotary hammer drill – the ABH 18.The new drill enables the enduser to drill up to 20mm in concrete, combines drilling, chiselling and hammer drilling in one tool. * sales@fein-uk.co.uk

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( 01327 308730

8 fein.com/en_uk

Building Elements

Oak-framed garage kits by Round Wood of Mayfield If you have a project requiring a traditional oakframed garage, you may want to consider the range of ‘Chippy’ kits offered by Round Wood of Mayfield. Kit frames are particularly suited to tradespeople (as well as accomplished DIYers) as they are predesigned, available on short lead times and go together easily. All buildings are preassembled in the workshop, with posts being numbered, to ensure ease of fit once on site.

They also represent excellent value, given the economies of scale Round Wood has been able to achieve by investing in significant machinery. Prices start at just £2395 for a one-bay garage kit, which includes the 150mm oak post frame, as well as softwood studwork, rafters and weatherboard.

The range of ‘Chippy’ kits comprises 47 standard designs, from one to four bays, in a variety of roof profiles. Additional options for half-bays, log stores and side aisles allow for most requirements to be catered for (although modifications are possible). As the ridge heights are below 4m on all designs, permitted development rights are granted for many projects (exempting them from planning). The smaller frames in the range are also exempt from Building Regulations (having an internal footprint of under 30/m2), providing certain site criteria are met. Round Wood of Mayfield also offers groundwork, assembly and roofing services. Whilst, however, it already has nationwide teams, it’s looking for new contractors to aid its ongoing expansion and will consider regional exclusivity arrangements. If you believe you could assist in this area, contact jason@roundwood.com in the first instance. For more information on Chippy kits, visit Round Wood of Mayfield’s dedicated garage kit website. 8 www.oakframedgarages.co.uk * sales@roundwood.com ( 01435

860260

Bathroom pods installed for Offsite Solutions’ timber-framed residential scheme Offsite Solutions has supplied the final batch of bathroom pods for its first timber-framed residential development.The project for Renaissance Retirement at Sandhurst in Berkshire is one of three luxury retirement schemes for the developer that are using Offsite Solutions’ high-specification, factory-built en-suite shower rooms. Under construction by the Hackwood Group, the Fleur-de-Lis development in Sandhurst will provide 42 spacious retirement apartments set in landscaped gardens. Offsite Solutions has manufactured 44 steel-framed bathroom pods for the project. Each en-suite shower room features ceramic-tiled finishes, walk-in raindance showers with digitally-controlled thermostats, premium sanitaryware and fittings, and a mirrored cabinet – all fully fitted-out off site for a consistently higher standard of finish and quality. * info@offsitesolutions.com

( 01278 780807

8 www.offsitesolutions.com

IKEA fins look ‘wonderful everyday’ The IKEA Southampton multi-storey car park is looking better than ever thanks to a new external screening solution from Levolux. Located to the south of the store is a five-storey car park, with two prominent, circular ramps providing access to vehicles entering and exiting the site.To soften the visual impact of the ramp structures, a screening system was applied, in the form of vertical timber fins. Levolux was given the go-ahead to refurbish the steel support structure in addition to swapping out the timber fins for an aluminium equivalent.The fin ends were finished with profile cut, aluminium end-caps, which close the fins and allow them to be attached to custom L-shaped brackets. * info@levolux.com

( 0208 863 9111

8 www.levolux.com

McAvoy completes off-site construction at Dublin Airport The McAvoy Group has handed over a new passenger facility at Dublin Airport which was built off site and, at over 19m wide, is believed to be the largest single span modular building delivered to date in the UK and Ireland. The new €22m South Gates passenger boarding area has been developed to meet the huge growth in passenger numbers at Dublin Airport. It provides seven boarding gates to serve nine aircraft stands and is designed to accommodate around 8000 passengers a day. The 2200m2 facility was constructed off site at the McAvoy production centre in Lisburn, Northern Ireland, to reduce time on site. It was craned into position in 16 days as 77 steel-framed modules. 8 www.mcavoygroup.com * info@mcavoygroup.com ( 0288 774 0372

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Building Elements The shortlisted design features a modern twist – an engineered plank format which improves install time and efficiency in comparison to a traditional ‘French pattern’ floor

Kährs’ French Pattern shortlisted in International Design & Architecture Awards Kährs’ newly-launched French Pattern wood flooring design has been shortlisted in the 2018 International Design & Architecture Awards, within the ‘Hard Flooring’ category. The awards, held by ‘design et al’ magazine, celebrate some of the best design schemes, product launches and innovation from throughout the world.

he shortlisted design features a modern twist – an engineered plank format which improves install time and efficiency in comparison to a traditional ‘French pattern’ floor. With the modern engineered format, the new designs can be installed more quickly than a traditional French patterned floor, ideal for efficient installation in both domestic and commercial projects.The classic pattern can also be specified over underfloor heating, due to the environmentally-sound and long-lasting multi-layer construction of sustainable oak and poplar within the boards.

Joining Kährs’ design-led European Renaissance collection, a range of unique and inspiring wooden floors based on the magnificent floor styles of bygone periods, the new design is available in two distinct colour tones – a golden natural brown ‘Castello Rovere’ and a rich, smokey tone ‘Castello Fumo’. Winners for the ‘International Design & Architecture Awards’ will be announced in September 2018 at The Hurlingham Club in London – a private members’ club adjacent to the Thames, with leading designers and architects flying into London from all over the world to attend.

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With the modern engineered format, the new designs can be installed more quickly than a traditional French patterned floor, ideal for efficient installation in both domestic and commercial projects

Online voting for the ‘International Design & Architecture Awards’ commences on 22nd August 2018, and closes on 19th September 2018. Shortlisted projects and products will be presented online at thedesignawards.co.uk, with voting open to industry professionals, as well as design et al readers and clients.

8 www.kahrs.com

* sales@kahrs.com ( 0239

245 3045

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