FC&A June 2012

June 12 Issue 28 www.fca-magazine.com

Greenhouse PassivHaus development leads the way for future community living

Sustainability in Development Concrete evidence – rewriting the rule book for sustainable construction

Design & Desire Titanic Belfast takes the world on a voyage of discovery

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Front cover:

Welcome Magazine June 2012

to Future Constructor & Architect...

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hat makes a building iconic? Is it the design, the materials it’s constructed from or the architect? Some would say it’s a combination of all three, as well as the building’s sense of place. Landmark buildings have, of course, been around for centuries, most with a religious basis such as St Paul’s, the Taj Mahal and Angkor Wat in Cambodia. And then there are iconic structures, such as the Eiffel Tower, the Statue of Liberty and our very own Angel of the North.

Is a definition of an iconic building, one that people will travel miles to see? But does a burning desire to see a landmark in situ rather than in a book or on TV, make it architecturally brilliant? Of course not, because a building may not be a tourist attraction yet a wonderful example of unique architecture.

A major problem for defining and classifying iconic buildings, is that it simply comes down to individual taste. But one thing that does appear to surround architectural iconicism is controversy. Whether it be on an intellectual level as to the merits of the overall design within the framework of the landscape or purely on aesthetics, a building with ‘iconic status’ courts debate.

Iconic architecture depends mainly on the ‘idea’ or the ‘concept’ behind it and there can be no more current conceptual building than Titanic Belfast. Built as part of the Titanic Quarter regeneration, this building celebrates the life of the world’s most famous liner, and it’s rippling aluminium façades dramatically rise out of the ground like a ship cutting through the waves. For a building to have a lasting effect on society, it needs to be aesthetically pleasing and fulfill a function. To be iconic, it needs to be memorable. I’ve booked my flight to Belfast.

Dawn Frosdick-Hopley Built as part of the Titanic Quarter regeneration – Europe’s largest urban regeneration scheme – the £76m Titanic Belfast is the world’s largest Titanic visitor attraction. See pg 28.

Dawn Frosdick-Hopley Editor, Future Constructor & Architect

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News 14

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Voice of the Industry: Marcus Bicknell, Partner at Rainwater Harvesting, discusses why it’s time to take seriously the need to use more sustainable means to supplement increasing water demands.

Legal & Business: Steve Coe, Assistant Director at FT Finley, explains why the construction industry cannot sustain the practice of ‘cut throat pricing’.

Features 22

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Modern Methods of Construction:

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With enhanced construction developments and outstanding sustainable benefits, interest in green roof installation continues to grow.

Disability: Flexible bathroom design can save you money in the future, as well as provide the best facilities for today.

Heating: How a Kent school achieved its sustainability and energy efficiency objectives with the installation of an under floor heating system.

Insulation: A new European Standard is set to reduce confusion for specifiers and restore the reputation of reflective insulation.

CIH Housing 2012:

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The leading event for housing, is set to speak to the Government on the challenges faced by the UK housing sector.

Portfolios 06

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Greenhouse: Standings Court in Sussex – the first development of super-energy efficient PassivHaus homes to be built in the South East of England.

Sustainability in Development: Concrete evidence – tackling the green agenda with a fabric first approach to housebuilding.

Design & Desire: Voyage of discovery – the world’s largest Titanic attraction opens in Belfast.

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Greenhouse

Standings Court in the heart of Horsham, West Sussex, is the first affordable PassivHaus development in the South East of England

Passiv progression Horsham-based housing association Saxon Weald has built the first development of super-energy efficient PassivHaus homes in the South East of England. FC&A examines the construction of this groundbreaking development and how the 38 households can look forward to annual fuel bills a tenth of those in standard homes.

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he PassivHaus is already well known in the private housing market for its energy efficient design. But with more pressure than ever on household budgets, forward looking housing associations are starting

to draw on the new technologies in place and adapt this model for their own developments, helping to cut household bills for residents who need it most.

Standings Court in the heart of Horsham, West Sussex, is the first

Saxon Weald will record residents’ experiences and the buildings’ respective performances for two years

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affordable PassivHaus development in the South East of England. A collaboration between social housing provider Saxon Weald, family-owned contractor Osborne and Miller Hughes Architects, and an important contribution to Horsham District Council’s affordable housing targets, the scheme of 38 new homes consists of 17 three or four-bedroom houses and 21, one or two-bedroom apartments.

As part of the team’s strategy to analyse the effectiveness of different levels of sustainable housebuilding, 12 properties have been built to PassivHaus standards, with the remaining 26 homes built to Code for Sustainable Homes Level 5. This approach relied on specialist consultants Innovaré Systems and Warm to meet the high standards required, drawing on their technical expertise to make the new homes as energy efficient as possible.

PassivHaus is the world’s leading

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Greenhouse

energy efficiency standard in housing. A PassivHaus home is 90% more energyefficient than the average home, making the average PassivHaus family’s heating fuel bill just 10% of what would be expected elsewhere.The key to such remarkably low running costs is the extraordinary thermal performance.That performance is achieved without compromising on comfort and health for occupants; in fact according to the BRE, even in the depths of winter, with no heating running, a PassivHaus home will never drop below 16°C. Air-tightness and increased insulation in the walls, floors and roof are of course intrinsically important in such impressive levels of temperature control.

At Standings Court, Innovaré Systems’ bespoke structured insulated panel system (i-SIPs) was specified to build all the homes on site. Innovaré’s i-SIPs offered a range of advantages over traditional

building methods. The product is used for walls, floors and roofs, all of which are prefabricated off-site on a streamlined assembly line at the company’s factory, speeding up build times and cutting site waste dramatically. More importantly, these panels aren’t just made for the purpose – they are an integral part of the design process.

Setting standards Innovaré’s involvement from the beginning of the project was critical; early adoption of the i-SIP system established the thermal envelopes for the scheme, which in turn, informed design considerations that affected the planning requirements. Innovaré worked closely with the architects to define the exact requirements for the panels, developing a specific product that met PassivHaus air permeability requirements of 0.6m3/m2/

hr at 50pa as well as providing U values at 0.10 W/m2K with minimal cold bridging.

Innovaré’s managing director, Pete Blunt, said: “This is the first time these i-SIPS panels have been used in the construction of homes certified to the PassivHaus standard but the outcome has been very encouraging. By providing large format panels to exacting tolerances of +/-2mm that could be quickly assembled on site, we have been able to help Osborne deliver high quality affordable housing for Saxon Weald and its residents.”

There were still design issues to resolve however, including cold bridging and air leakage. Specialist consultant Warm, working in conjunction with Innovaré, used thermal modelling to design out cold bridges. Air leakage was tackled by developing new details and training a workforce of carpenters, electricians, plumbers, dry-liners, MVHR installers and renewable energy specialists. Osborne nominated a ‘PassivHaus Champion’ for the construction process, whose role was to ensure the workforce was suitably trained in this specialist area and that the site specific detailing was adhered to throughout in order to achieve the stringent requirements of creating PassivHaus homes.

Paul Ensch, Director of Osborne’s Homes team, said: “This scheme is an exemplar development and we have demonstrated here that it is possible to build homes of this standard on a large scale and to a tight budget and hope this will help more housing associations meet higher sustainability targets while also fulfilling demand from residents for new homes.”

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Standings Court has sent a strong statement to Britain’s housebuilders, and a proud offering to social housing

The buildings at Standings Court have been orientated to make the most of solar gain with solar hot water units installed on the roof

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Greenhouse

Realistic comparison Other sustainable elements have also been built into Standings Court. The buildings have been orientated to make the most of solar gain. There are solar hot water units on the roof, heat recovery and ventilation units, triple-glazed windows and doors and low-energy light bulbs fitted throughout. Outside, residents have cycle storage and parking areas. The team has even fitted a satellite television dish to each property before handing it over to residents – after all their hard work, the risk of the building’s air tightness being compromised by an external contractor putting up the dish, was a risk not worth taking.

It is all yet more confirmation that truly sustainable design can only be achieved when the entire construction team is involved from the outset, a common goal clearly identified at the start, and a holistic approach taken to overcoming challenges.

In addition, to properly chart the impact of the PassivHaus homes, the team has developed properties to Code for Sustainable Homes Level 4 and Level 5 standards in the same location. This will allow a realistic comparison between the designs so the team can really understand

how construction to different standards affects their residents. The 26 units built to the Code for Sustainable Homes Level 5 standards were built using a slightly different i-SIP system, whereby the U values are 0.13 W/m2K and the thermal bridging is less of an issue, and photovoltaic roof panels were used for the CSH Level 5 homes.

Saxon Weald’s chief executive, David Standfast, pointed out the Association’s pride in Standings Court, and made the important point that “building PassivHaus and Code Level 5 homes may cost more than conventional housing initially, but energy efficiency is key to keeping people out of fuel poverty in years to come.” It’s an absolutely critical acknowledgement.

The more widely these standards and construction techniques are used, the more affordable these developments will become.

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Standings Court has sent a strong statement to Britain’s housebuilders, and a proud offering to social housing; Saxon Weald has set the weekly rent at just £160 for a three-bedroom house, which in combination with those vastly reduced fuel bills makes ‘affordable’ more than just a buzzword.

Five homes are for adults with learning disabilities, with one apartment for an on-site carer, allowing them to live independently in a mixed community. The remaining properties are for individuals and families to rent, a mix of houses and apartments.

Residents have moved in and Saxon Weald will record their experiences and the buildings’ respective performances for two years.

www.saxonweald.com www.osborne.co.uk www.mharchitects.co.uk www.innovaresystems.co.uk www.peterwarm.co.uk

Other sustainable elements have been built into Standings Court including heat recovery and ventilation units, triple-glazed windows and doors and low-energy light bulbs fitted throughout

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Sustainability in Development

Concrete evidence

In January, the Government announced proposals to tighten up the building regulations once again as an intermediate step towards achieving zero carbon by 2016. Here, Emma Hines, Sustainable Construction & Development Manager for Lafarge Readymix, takes a look at the construction solutions that are already more than capable of tackling the toughening green agenda, and discusses the importance of developing an aptitude for sustainable thinking in the housebuilding industry. in its operation, depending on building types.

The second challenge is to provide materials with a lower embedded energy footprint.The energy within the materials that are used to construct a typical building only account for around five per cent of its footprint. However, when specifying, it is often a matter of considering the energy used by a product when it is in situ versus that utilised throughout its production.

During its life, a structure will use considerable energy, but it’s important to remember that the lifetime of the structure

has a direct impact on its sustainability.

The durability of the construction materials used on a project are vital if the structure is to have a long lifetime and continue to perform sustainably, long into the future.

However, this will become more important as the Government’s focus on reducing energy use in buildings begins to have an impact.The percentage of a building’s energy footprint derived from use and operation will reduce and other components of a building’s energy footprint, in percentage terms, will increase.

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he changes, set to come into force in 2013, could result in new houses and apartment blocks having to meet an overall CO2 reduction on 2010 targets of another eight per cent.This is no mean feat by any stretch of the imagination, but developers should not be overly concerned.With a culture for creative thinking and product innovation currently rife in the industry, many will find that they are able meet these new targets on time, if not sooner.

When we consider the challenge set out by the Government, it is very clear that sustainable construction is becoming more and more important. Research and product innovation needs to play a vital role in meeting these targets, and this needs to be done on two levels.

Firstly, we need to produce building materials that enable us to live more efficiently in homes, offices or schools, especially in terms of constructing buildings that require less heating and cooling and lead to significantly reduced energy consumption. In the immediate term, this is the most important priority. Between 60 to 80 per cent of a building’s carbon-footprint over its life cycle comes from energy used

The Waterford Hamel development will be the UK’s largest concentration of naturally heated and naturally ventilated homes using concrete and other innovative building materials and techniques

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Sustainability in Development Sustai

Historically, the carbon content of building components has been a prime focus for those monitoring environmental performance during the construction phase. However, the idea of lifecycle assessment is increasingly significant to the construction process as it can accurately map the efficiency of a building not only throughout the build process, but long after the property has been inhabited.

The energy used for heating and cooling a building can account for a third of all carbon emissions from UK buildings, so is an integral consideration within the planning process. Finding ways to reduce the amount of energy waste is also important for any developer, particularly as Part L of the Building Regulations demands greater levels of insulation, as well as reduced air leakage. At present, there are a number of ways to sustainably monitor and control energy, with a growing commitment to product development within the industry driving the creation of more and more methods every day.

However, rather than relying on costly bolt-ons to reduce consumption, developers need to be looking at the bigger picture to combat energy efficiency.

Following extensive research into the environmental impact of a building’s life cycle, one of the most important conclusions is that by incorporating materials that maximise thermal mass properties, the energy efficiency of a building can be improved all year round.

Careful design that positively utilises the thermal mass properties of materials can significantly reduce the energy required for heat and cooling.

The thermal mass of a material depends on several factors – its specific heat capacity, density and thermal conductivity. Concrete,

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for example, is a material that has a high thermal mass because it is able to absorb a great deal of the heat generated during the day-to-day operation of a building. Once the temperature starts to drop, the concrete is exposed to cooler conditions and the stored heat is subsequently released.

The key to success for thermal mass is for it to be built into the shell of a building from the outset to optimise the capacity of the building as a whole. It is important to remember that in order for concrete to perform as an energy efficient material through thermal mass, the building design must be futureproof.

By harnessing the inherent high thermal mass in concrete with the inclusion of ample passive ventilation, a building is able to regulate its own temperature and respond to the changing weather conditions.Within the correct building design, concrete has the ability to absorb thermal energy from any appliances or people in the building and radiate this back to provide an effective heating system.

Equally, because concrete is capable of maintaining thermal equilibrium, it is

also feasible for it to prevent a structure overheating in the warmer months.The overall result of this? The potential for lower heating costs, and a vastly reduced carbon footprint.

Thermal Mass in Practice Concrete has already begun rewriting the rulebook for sustainable construction in the housing sector, having been used in some of the most groundbreaking green building developments that the UK has seen to date.

In 2009, Lafarge joined forces with Dr. Jerry Harrall of SEArch Architects to create Unity Gardens – a social housing development of six affordable, concretebuilt homes, capable of generating more energy than they actually use.

Located in Long Sutton, Lincolnshire, the concept of the properties was to show it was possible to conceive and create a house that required zero heating, had natural ventilation and could generate all of the householder’s energy requirements with none of the environmental impacts of using fossil fuels. Not only did the completed properties meet these objectives, but they

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At Ecobuild 2012, Lafarge unveiled ‘Cool Concrete’, the company’s suggested blueprint for easily scalable housing solutions capable of exceeding the Government’s carbon targets by 2016

Sustainability in Development

Concrete is a material that has a high thermal mass able to absorb a great deal of the heat generated during the day-to-day operation of a building

The project seeks to combine the 20 Rules of Sustainable Construction, which Lafarge developed to underpin its ethos for placing sustainability at the heart of the business and its operations. Looking at every stage in a structure’s life, this plan offers the guidelines for bespoke green construction, taking into consideration everything from passive design, to active renewable energies.

Although final plans for the scheme are still currently under development, the concept itself should spark a resurgence in innovation as the construction industry starts to consider a future beyond 2016.

If the target of an 80 per cent carbon reduction by 2050 is to be achieved, the industry will require the support of innovative and environmentally responsible companies in the fields of architecture, construction and property management alike.The Government must also start to recognise this level of innovation in housebuilding and seek to offer greater backing to groundbreaking projects such as that proposed for Waterford Hamel.

It is fair to say that the characteristics of an energy efficient home will always vary according to the climate, the building’s size, and its function or spatial organisation, so there is no single ‘ideal’ sustainable building design. However, by connecting critical aspects of the UK construction chain from leading sustainable design, building materials innovation and quality construction, Waterford Hamel has the potential to lead the way in showing how intelligent passive design and the inventive use of heavy and creative building materials can provide new solutions to low impact, fossil fuel-free living.

In fact, it could very well be the answer the entire industry is looking for, and finally provide a workable solution to exactly how it is we reach a true zero carbon future.

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also succeeded in achieving the highest recorded standard assessment procedure (SAP) ratings, and were confirmed as being the most energy-efficient homes in the UK by an independent environmental audit.

The reason behind this success is because the basic design of the properties relied solely on natural resources.They each benefited from rainwater harvesting and natural ventilation, and, because they all featured large glass walls on their south side, the thermal mass efficiency of the concrete structures was maximised and resulted in there being no central-heating requirement. Couple this with the PV panels and wind-generated electricity, and in the three years since moving in, residents have enjoyed a near-autonomous existence in terms of fuel, water and food production.

The homes are in fact so energy efficient, that residents each earn an average of £40 a month by selling electricity back to the National Grid.

A great success for all concerned, but Unity Gardens was very much only the beginning of the story for Lafarge and SEArch Architects. Having proved the science behind the use of concrete in sustainable construction, focus has now switched to commercially viable large-scale housebuilding, the kind of which will not only meet the zero carbon standard, but also offer a realistic solution to the UK’s housing deficit.

At Ecobuild 2012, Lafarge unveiled ‘Cool Concrete’, the company’s suggested blueprint for easily scalable housing solutions capable of exceeding the Government’s carbon targets by 2016.The life-sized family home aimed to showcase how ‘low impact living’ could become a reality, and acted as the ideal platform to promote the company’s hopes to build a mainstream sustainable housing project at Waterford Hamel, in Hertfordshire.

With a proposed scheme of 11 exceptional homes, the idea behind the Waterford Hamel development is to construct the UK’s largest concentration of naturally heated and naturally ventilated homes using concrete and other innovative building materials and techniques. Utilising clever design and smart siting to maximise energy efficiency, plans for the development see minimal use of finite natural resources during construction and a significant reduction in fossil fuel consumption when in use, saving an expected 27.42 tonnes of CO2 year-after-year.

www.lafarge.co.uk

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Voice of the Industry Installing a rainwater harvesting system is not complicated and is inexpensive in comparison to some other sustainable options

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Elemental decisions Climate change, population growth, plus our hunger for water-greedy appliances in the home, have put great strain on our aged mains water supply network. Even with modernisation, our mains water supply will not be able to fulfil our future needs.

Marcus Bicknell, Partner at Rainwater Harvesting Ltd., discusses why rainwater harvesting could be a key way to supplement our increasing water demands.

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is not complicated and is inexpensive in comparison to some other sustainable options.To harvest rainwater productively it is essential to invest in a large capacity storage tank. Most people now realise how quickly the typical 200 litre butt they have in their garden will run out in dry weather (20 watering cans’ worth). Conversely, this same butt will overflow in a few minutes in a torrential downpour such as we tend to have in the summer nowadays. 10,000 litres of rain can fall on an average family home roof in a short storm.

Government initiatives Obviously the bigger the tank, the less likely the rainwater is to run out in a dry spell. However, the amount of collectable water is limited by the surface area of the roof draining into it. The tank size is estimated according to roof size, geographical location and the uses to which the rainwater will be put. For homeowner use, tanks will typically range

from 2000 litres to 7000 litres.

For garden and other outdoor use, above ground tanks are a cheaper and easier option than below ground tanks, mainly because installation is cheaper as there is no hole to be dug. In hot weather, the rainwater will go off, but this is not a concern for irrigation. Underground tanks have two great advantages over above ground models: the rainwater stays cool and fresh (no bacterial action takes place under 12 degrees) and the tank is both out of view and frees up space.

The Code for Sustainable Homes was the first government initiative to target water consumption. Introduced in April 2007, it set a target of reducing drinking water consumption per person per day from the current average of 150 litres to an optimum 80 litres. In the public sector, Code Level 3 (maximum consumption of 105 litres a day) was adopted as the current ‘Best Practice’ standard and since May 2008, all social housing has been

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ith hosepipe bans in place from April by seven water companies in South East and Eastern England, the time has come to invest in large capacity rainwater storage tanks.To promote saving on mains water use, the official stance currently places great emphasis on changing our water use behaviour by, for example, taking shorter showers and not leaving the water running while we wash our teeth.

We are also encouraged to install water efficient appliances such as slow running taps and low-flush WCs.This is all very commendable but it is a pity that not more incentives are taken to encourage the takeup of rainwater harvesting as well.

30% of mains water goes down the toilet, and by using rainwater not only for WCs but also for the washing machine and outdoors, we can save 50% on mains water.

Rainwater can be used for any use that does not require drinking quality water.

Installing a rainwater harvesting system

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in reducing power use by the pump is in the development of a special header tank equipped with electric float sensors so that the pump is activated to refill the tank only when it is completely empty rather than every time water is drawn. In this way, much less electricity is used. In fact, power costs with this Rain Director® management system are estimated at only 1p per person a day.

Storage tanks made of polyethelyne (PE) tend to be used now rather than GP and concrete tanks. Furthermore, many PE tanks do not need to be concreted in.

Some tanks are now delivered in halves and assembled on site. This reduces transport requirements.

The Environment Agency Report also says: “There are often trade-offs and conflicts that need to be considered in sustainable design…. Rainwater systems should be considered both in terms of water management and energy and carbon implications.”

Surely the trade-off in terms of water management is positive against the energy and carbon implications. Another recent study (Rainwater Harvesting: Environmentally Beneficial for the UK? CM Way, DB Martinson, SE Heslop, RS Cooke), calculates that a standard rainwater harvesting system (without the advantages of a smart header tank or solar power), has lifetime emissions (30 years) equivalent to a 3.5 hour flight

Marcus Bicknell is a marketeer in high tech products and is a founder partner of Rainwater Harvesting Ltd., which launched in 2006. He managed Genesis and worked for CBS and A&M Records in the 70s, then with Luxembourg-based satellite ASTRA. He was MD Europe for TV channels BBC World and BBC Prime, and President of CMGI Europe (AltaVista, Geocities, Lycos &c.).

Storage tanks made of polyethelyne (PE) tend to be used now rather than GP and concrete tanks and some tanks are delivered in halves and assembled on site

or 2050 miles of driving. These are not significant over 30 years, and already will be considerably reduced with newer systems.

Payback time There are many variables to take into account to make accurate assessments of payback periods. Water company charges vary considerably, and so will the amount of rainwater used. The figure used is a 50% reduction in mains water consumption. Payback periods are estimated between 6 and 20 years, but with water bills already set to rise by 8.8% next year, this time will lessen.

Viewed purely in financial terms, this payback may seem long. But the initial investment cost and payback period is less than most of the other sustainable options.

Currently there are no tax incentives, although a commercial installation can recoup the capital and installation cost with the Enhanced Capital Allowance.Water is ultimately our most precious resource.

With official pressure placing much more emphasis on using water efficient appliances to reduce water consumption, the consumer may be antagonised by the fairly dramatic change in lifestyle required.

Encouraging consumers to use waterefficient appliances in conjunction with rainwater harvesting will make using less mains water a more attractive proposition and achieve the ultimate aim of reducing mains water use.

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required to meet Level 3 as a minimum.

Although the Code became mandatory in May 2008, private builders and developers could just apply for a nil rating and not attempt to reach the targets set out by the various Code levels.

However, building regs now force the private sector to take water consumption into consideration as well. Building Reg Part G, 17K which came into force in April 2010, “requires that for any new dwelling the potential wholesome water consumption by persons occupying it must not exceed 125 litres per person per day”. For the first time, water is divided into wholesome and unwholesome categories, and rainwater is listed as suitable for flushing WCs, laundry and irrigation. The 125 litre limit is clearly not as stringent as the Code for Sustainable Home targets, but at least now water consumption is on the agenda.

The Environment Agency report (Environment Agency Science Report 090018 Energy and Carbon Implications of Rainwater Harvesting & Greywater Recycling 2010), suggested that treating and transporting mains water to the home has a less negative overall environmental impact than installing a rainwater harvesting system. However, many of the criteria used were based on older systems and now great improvements have been made in reducing the carbon footprint, in particular with regard to pumps and tanks.

Rainwater is taken from the main storage tank to where it is needed from a choice of two distribution methods. With ‘direct feed’, a pressure sensitive pump in the storage tank maintains pressure on the rainwater pipes typically to toilets, washing machines and for outdoor use.

The pump will be activated whenever water is drawn. Furthermore, the pump will try to maintain pressure in the pipe network even when no water is drawn and will therefore activate itself from time to time. These start-ups obviously use power and this continual activity shortens the life of the pump.

With an indirect gravity feed system, instead of supplying directly, the pump in the main storage tank supplies a header tank in the roof space and keeps it full using a classic ball cock and float. The advantage of this is that water is assured should there be a power cut. However, the pump works whenever water is drawn.

Where progress has really been made

www.rainwaterharvesting.co.uk

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Heating

Simplifying UFH in refurbishment projects Nu-Heat has launched a new floor construction designed to help the installation of underfloor heating in a variety of refurbishment properties with minimal build-up to the existing floor height.

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nderfloor heating (UFH) is an energy efficient heat emitter and also an unbeatable product for design freedom and overall comfort. It is a popular choice

LoPro10™ features

15mm depth before floor •coverings are fitted; Rapid heat up in comparison to •traditional screed UFH; High thermal output due to low •thermal resistance on top; 10mm ultra flexible PEX-c •pipework is easily laid in the grooved panels in lengths of up to 60m; Provides airborne acoustic reduction on timber upper floors by adding mass –15.5kg/m2

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in new build houses and apartments, but is sometimes considered a less practical system for retrofit properties due to the issue of floor height build-up.

During its 20 years as a supplier and designer of UFH systems, Nu-Heat has delivered over 30,000 UFH systems for all types of properties. With the growing need to improve the energy efficiency of existing housing stock, Nu-Heat has been working hard to develop more solutions for the retrofit market.

Nu-Heat has previously offered a number of floor construction options where UFH can be fitted between the joists if the existing floor deck is taken up, but the new floor construction, LoPro10™, can be installed without needing to remove the deck, allowing a wider variety of older properties to utilise the system.

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LoPro10™, can be installed without needing to remove the deck, allowing a wider variety of older properties to utilise the system

Where a property has sufficient insulation in floors, exterior walls, loft and glazing, UFH, with good system design and an experienced installer, will achieve optimum performance and energy efficiency, with flow temperatures at between 40°C and 55°C. When airtightness is enhanced to the necessary levels, it may also be possible to integrate the UFH with a heat pump, enabling flow temperatures potentially as low as 30°C. With a height of just 15mm (plus the floor covering), the new floor construction LoPro10™ is perfect for retrofitting into properties able to accommodate this build-up with minimal adjustment to fittings. LoPro10™ can also be overlaid with 4-6mm plywood for direct carpeting, laminates and natural timber. Engineered wood floors can be ‘floated’ directly over the panel without the need for battening. Tiles can be laid directly onto the dense rigid gypsum board with no requirement for a ply layer, making it quick to install.

Installation is straightforward, as the 10mm ultra-flexible PEX-c pipework is easily laid in the grooved panels in lengths of up to 60m. Fastrack™ clips assist a simple run back to the manifold with pipework laid closely, up to 10 pipes side by side.

To meet robust acoustic criteria, the new floor construction provides airborne acoustic reduction on timber upper floors by adding mass, so it feels more solid underfoot than many lightweight floating floors.

LoPro10™ has a high thermal output, making it an ideal partner for heat pump installations in refurbishment projects where insulation levels have been increased to the required levels. marketing@nu-heat.co.uk

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No comparison! Installation of LoPro10™, is straightforward, as the 10mm ultra-flexible PEX-c pipework is easily laid in the grooved panels in lengths of up to 60m

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Building homes for the future?

Better build in Sky±HD

Talk to Sky about the digital entertainment buyers want Whoever your new builds are aimed at, your buyers will be looking for digital entertainment that keeps pace with technology. Increasingly, that means Sky±HD.

Our Specialist Installation Team can work directly with you, or your chosen contractors, to fit this future-proof solution. So arrange a free survey today.

By integrating a ‘5 cable IRS’ system and having 2 signal feeds to each satellite point (the only way of getting all the features Sky±HD offers), your residents will be able to enjoy TV the way they want it. And that makes your properties even more attractive to potential buyers.

Go to sky.com/newbuild or call 08442 411 335 Sky TV: Sky box and Sky TV subscription required for customers to receive Sky digital programming. Only compatible with digital satellite. Two satellite feeds required for full Sky±HD functionality. You must get all consents required (e.g. landlord’s). General: Minimum Sky TV, Sky±HD subscriptions are 12 months. Further terms apply. Calls cost up to 5.1p per minute and up to 13.1p connection fee for BT customers. Calls from other providers may vary. Information only applies to residential customers in the UK, Channel Islands and Isle of Man. Information correct at 5 January 2011.

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Paints, Coatings & Finishes

Sunrise to Sundown,’ – different shades from dawn to dusk have been introduced across 75 individually painted Bournemouth beach huts

A premium choice for external woodcare, Sadolin Superdec offers specifiers an inspired colour palette, an opaque, paintlike finish and outstanding protection against the elements.

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uaranteed to keep its looks season after season, Sadolin Superdec is formulated to last for the long-term, safeguarding wood and maintaining its colour integrity for up to eight years.

The freedom to specify a wide range of colour is assured, with 45 tinted and three ready-mixed shades available.

This depth of colour choice saw Sadolin Superdec achieve global recognition recently, with a commendation in the World Architecture News (WAN) Colour in Architecture awards.

Judges gave the accolade for a stunning project involving the use of the product at Bournemouth, entitled ‘Sunrise to Sundown,’ where different shades from dawn to dusk have been introduced across 75 individually painted beach huts.

Out of an original pool of 79 entries from destinations worldwide – including the US, China and Australia – the beach huts project was one of just two entries given the title ‘Commended’, along with the Garnier Opera’s restaurant in Paris.

The colour scheme takes inspiration

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from the range of colours and hues found in the surrounding landscape, sea and sky at different times of the day and seasons of the year.

Described by one of the award judges Paul Monaghan as a ‘sophisticated selection of colours,’ each of the 75 huts was allocated a precise shade, formulated in the hardwearing system.

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Long-term colour and protection

Now specifiers can find out more about Sadolin Superdec in a video in the ‘This Is Sadolin’ series, available to view on the Sadolin Woodcare YouTube channel at www.youtube.com/user/SadolinWoodcare Entitled ‘The Sadolin Colour Palette – Great Shades and Wood Protection as Standard,’ the video is the third episode in the ‘This Is Sadolin’ series, which is designed to help specifiers make the most of the premium woodcare brand’s product range.

Sharon Smith, Sadolin Brand Manager, said: “Sadolin Superdec has superior colour retention qualities, achieved by the use of specially selected light-filtering pigments to ensure longer-lasting shades.

“It also offers up to eight years’ protection against the elements, and superb flexibility – achieving a solid, paintlike finish that won’t flake or peel.

“The system requires very little preparation, is self-priming on new timber and can also be applied over existing woodstain or paint.” info@crownpaintspec.co.uk

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Specifiers can find out more about Sadolin Superdec in an online video

KLP® - sustainable solutions from recycled plastics!

Case study with KLP® recycled plastic at Fegen Road, Plymouth

BEFORE

The case study involved the replacement of the existing wooded bridge crossing an inlet from Kiln Bay, Plymouth, Dorset. The reason the existing bridge needed to be replaced was the fact the wood had, pretty quickly, become slippery and several of the decking boards were rotting away. This created a dangerous situation.

The local city council contacted Marine & Civil Solutions in mid 2011 and after several site visits the council granted the tender project to MCS and the manufacturer Lankhorst Recycled Products.

Lankhorst in tandem with their R+D team designed an environmentally friendly KLP® bridge using 100% recycled plastic materials, which is rot resistant, vandal proof and maintenance free. In fact you could say ‘fit and forget’.

Early December 2011 the MCS Ltd fitting team had taken down and disposed of the old bridge, and quickly built and installed the new foot bridge. MCS Ltd have confirmed that everyone from Plymouth City Council is extremely happy and that the council is currently looking at other projects as well.

AFTER

Marine & Civil Solutions Ltd Contact: Gavin Drew Tel: 0845 3666521 Email: info@marinecivilsolutions.co.uk Web: www.marinecivilsolutions.co.uk

Lankhorst Recycled Products Contact: Alexander Bragg Tel: 0800 0430880 Email: a.bragg@lankhorst.co.uk Web: www.lankhorst.co.uk

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Modern Methods of Construction

The 2200m2 green roof at the British Horse Society in Kenilworth comprises a spectraplan membrane with a standard sedum blanket finish above Sky Garden’s bio water retention and drainage layer and 40mm growing medium

Green benefits The last 10 years have seen a sea change in the ideas that uphold building design, driven in part by our increasingly unpredictable climate. With enhanced construction developments and outstanding sustainable benefits, green roofs are gaining in popularity. Here, FC&A looks at the new partnership between IKO and Sky Garden, which offers an all-encompassing solution to green roof design and installation.

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rban development over the last 50 years has led to the paving over of large areas of countryside with cities and supporting infrastructure. High-rise development in major cities reduces the natural airflow, adding to dirt and pollution, higher temperatures and lower humidity levels.

Green roofs improve air quality by attracting particles to the vegetation and soil. Plants also absorb airborne pollutants through the leaves, removing them from the environment and during photosynthesis, plants convert carbon dioxide to oxygen which improves the immediate air quality.

In addition, cities and industrial areas are increasingly impervious to water, reducing permeable ground to absorb rainwater run-off. Green roofs retain a very high percentage of rainwater

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and provide slow, controlled water run-off, thereby reducing the load and allowing much faster evaporation of accumulated moisture.

What is a green roof?

A green or living roof is a roof or deck onto which vegetation is intentionally grown or habitats for wildlife are established. There are different types of green roof and it is important to understand that each type looks and functions differently. This is because each green roof is unique and provides a different type of habitat, water storage capacity and energy saving potential.

Green roofs can be extensive, planted with simple plants such as sedum, or allowed to seed naturally, where they are called biodiverse roofs, or intensive, planted with shrubs and even trees.

At present, there are no specific

British Standards relating to green roofs. However, most, if not all elements of green roof materials, are covered by either a BSI standard or a German DIN standard.

Historically, turf roofs were common in northern Europe, but decreased in popularity as the industrial revolution progressed. Roof gardens became popular on multi-storey buildings in Berlin in the late 19th century and continued to be constructed on large city-centre structures throughout the 20th century.

However, modern extensive green roof practice was stimulated by improvements in roofing and waterproofing technology emerging from Germany in the 1970s and 1980s. Legislation was introduced to encourage the installation of green roofs, and, by 2001, 43% of German cities provided incentives for green roof installation (Lenart 2001 Lenart, Claudia.

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Modern Methods of Construction

2001, ‘Garden in the Sky’, Utne Reader, (104): 20 – 21).

Other countries in Europe such as Switzerland and Austria also have a long tradition in using green roofs. More recently, Canada, parts of America, Japan and Singapore, have experienced a growth in green roof uptake.

In terms of statute and policy, the UK lags behind continental Europe, however individual cities are championing green roofs. Sheffield City Council is leading the way with its Planning Conditions requiring all new building in excess of 1000m2 or 10 dwellings, to have 80% vegetated cover.

The UK has seen a rise in the interest

Green Roof Benefits

• Enhances the environment; slow down the rate of rainfall • Can run-off, act as part of a sustainable • • • • •

urban drainage system and reduce the risk of low to medium-term flooding; Helps to reduce the production of ozone by reducing the heat island effect and improve air quality by absorbing particles; Protect the roof from the elements and prolong its life; Can help reduce delays in the planning process if installed for biodiversity reasons; Installation can reduce the requirement for downpipes, installation of heating and cooling plant; reducing capital expenditure on these items Thermal insulation properties of green roofs can reduce on-going energy use for cooling systems and CO2 emissions.

Green roofs are becoming increasingly popular for residential applications

– wildflowers, sedums, trees and shrubs.

David Rutherford, Executive Chairman for Sky Garden explained: “Working with IKO gives Sky Gardens the opportunity to expand our presence in the bitumen and asphalt market.”

Sky Gardens has successfully launched an innovative wildflower blanket system called Verdant BlanketTM, which offers regional and national variants as well as introducing a range of regional substrates to reduce carbon miles, enhance BREEAM ratings and which are sympathetic to local plant communities.

From providing energy efficiency and removing CO2 from the atmosphere, to providing much needed green spaces that aid urban drainage and improve human wellbeing, green roofs can deliver enormous benefits.

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Just one of the green roof build ups offered by Sky Garden

and implementation of green roofs over the past decade due to increasing awareness of sustainable development and the need to adapt the built environment to mitigate the effects of climate change.

Other factors include the desire to preserve green spaces in the face of progressive urbanisation and targets to conserve urban biodiversity. It is estimated that there is at least 200 million m2 of roof space in the UK which could be greened with little or no modification to the roof structure. This consists of mainly flat roofs on offices, schools, hospitals, other public buildings and housing blocks.

Every successful green roof system is built upon a sound waterproofing foundation. Selecting a waterproofing manufacturer and roofing system you can trust are essential to giving long-term, guaranteed performance. IKO has a rich heritage in the design and installation of waterproofing systems dating back over a century and now offers a comprehensive range of selected waterproofing systems compatible with green roof finishes.

At Ecobuild in March, IKO announced a partnership with green roof specialist Sky Garden, to offer a ‘one-stop-shop’ for all aspects of green roofing including products, installation and continued maintenance of intensive, extensive and biodiverse roof systems.

Also announced was the launch of a quick and easy to install retrofit ‘cassette’ system specifically aimed at the refurbishment market. The new ‘RetroGreen’ system consists of a 500mm x 500mm ‘cassette’ which retains 33 litres of water and weighs 50kg per m2 (fully saturated). The cassettes are delivered in pallets ready to install onto the roof, with sedum and substrate included, reducing installation time. Should there be a waterproofing failure once installed, the cassettes are easy to remove to gain access to the deck beneath.

Craig Smith, Commercial Director at IKO said: “With over 100 years in designing and waterproofing roofs, the new IKOgreen range is a portfolio of green roofing and waterproofing products that we believe is the most comprehensive on the market.”

Working throughout the UK, Sky Garden has many years experience in every facet of living roof and urban greening development.

Specialising in British native and local provenance plants, vegetation choice is vast

www.ikogroup.co.uk www.sky-garden.co.uk

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23

Legal & Business

Bidding for trouble?

A 2011 RICS survey revealed that some 20 per cent of tenders submitted during 2010-11 were priced at ‘sub-economic level’, with some bids as much as 40 per cent below cost.

This worrying trend, known as ‘cut throat pricing’ or ‘suicide bidding’ appears to be escalating. Steve Coe, assistant director at FT Finley, explains why the practice cannot be sustained – not only for individual companies, but for the construction sector as a whole.

Steve Coe, Assistant Director at FT Finley Ltd., has over 30 years’ experience in construction, mostly in social housing. He spent the first 10 years of his career as a quantity surveyor in private practice, before a 10-year stint with a general building contractor. Since 1999 he has focused on social housing maintenance, firstly with Mears Group as Commercial Director and then as a business development director with north-west construction firm, Jackson Lloyd. He was appointed as assistant director at FT Finley in 2011.

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December 2010 and December 2011, with the prices of some products increasing as much as 15.7 per cent.

As contractors are expected to absorb these additional costs, they must ensure that their initial quote remains sustainable and allow for fluctuations in the price of raw materials.

Check out the figures One emerging trend is of national contractors bidding for small, regional contracts. Often, these big players are in a position to make a loss on one or more contracts, simply to win business. Not only is this trend detrimental to the company carrying out the work on a financial loss, it’s also not helpful to smaller, regional contractors who lack the ability to compete for the bigger contracts.

Historically, if a company put in a lessthan-cost or very low margin bid, it was usually based on the principle that extra costs could be recovered through additional works. However, with budgets limited, there is very little scope for this now.This means that when a contractor wins a tender bid based on an extremely low bid, they are likely to make a loss. And in some cases, the contractor gets half way through a project and goes bust without even finishing the work – leaving the client to fall behind schedule and budget, and facing additional costs for completing the work.

The price of added value While clients themselves are under financial constraints and looking for the lowest prices possible, there are other factors to consider which may not be as easily measurable in financial terms.

Across the sector, there was traditionally an emphasis on the quality of service and workmanship, but this has shifted recently to price. If contractors are making a loss, then it is likely that they will have to cut corners to get the work done with the limited resources available.

Reputable contractors take pride in their staff training and development, as well as the broad breadth of services they can offer.

If work is awarded on rock bottom prices alone, this can devalue and undermine the skills, experience and knowledge that should be the bedrock of the industry.

Established contractors who are able to generate at least some profit are vital to the local economy, as they help to create jobs and maintain employment levels. What’s more, many have CSR programmes, enabling them to continue to benefit the local community and possibly other businesses.

The solution?

Contractors need to have confidence in where their strengths lie and communicate the added value services they can provide to clients. They also need to be careful when it comes to bidding for tenders, and create a pricing structure they can feasibly make a profit out of. It’s also important for contractors to know to decline bid opportunities if they are not feasible for any reason.

From a client’s perspective, they should ask contractors to prove the sustainability of their bid. It is becoming more commonplace for organisations to check prospective contractors’ financial records before awarding the work, to ensure that they can carry out the work within the budget set.

It’s unlikely that the practice of cut throat pricing will be stamped out of the industry altogether, but it’s time for contractors to realise that it is neither a short-term fix nor a long-term solution for remaining commercially viable. If the industry is serious about surviving the economic downturn, then it needs to stop undermining its skills, knowledge and experience and ensure that its pricing structures are sustainable.

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ndeniably, the construction industry has become much more competitive since the start of the economic downturn.There is less work to go around, so contractors are having to find ways to stand out from their peers to win new business – and all too often this comes down to price.

Construction businesses may well have witnessed competitors bidding for contracts, with prices of 30-40 per cent below the levels that a few years ago were entirely standard. Some of these bids may well have been in respect of four or five year term maintenance contracts where prices are fixed, save for annual uplifts linked to factors such as the Retail Price Index.

So what happens when the contractor incurs additional costs, such as more expensive building materials? A report published by the Department for Business Skills & Innovation revealed that the ‘All Work’ Construction Material Price Index rose by 6.8 per cent between

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25

Disability

Flexibility in a bathroom futureproofs against the need for further adaptations

The freedom of flexibility Andrew Lowndes, UK and Ireland Sales Manager of Pressalit Care, discusses why flexible bathroom design can save you money in the future, as well as provide the best facilities for today.

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alue for money – that’s something we are all keen to achieve in these days of economic austerity and belt-tightening. Yet when it comes to planning an accessible bathroom, it’s important not just to think of what a suitably equipped bathroom that meets your needs will cost you now – but to consider how your installation can work for the user, or users, over years to come.

By thinking ahead, and considering how a flexible bathroom can work in the future, then value for money becomes more a case of return on investment.

In our experience, we are confident that developers and architects will be rewarded for their long-term investment in a well thought out accessible bathroom, which offers the flexibility to meet the changing needs of the people who use them.

For example, the use of a horizontal track system together with height adjustable features, such as those designed by Pressalit Care, makes it so easy for both users and carers to adapt the bathroom layout according to their specific requirements.

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The detail that comes from over 30 years of designing accessible bathroom products at Pressalit Care, makes it straightforward to furnish a functional and cost-effective bathroom without compromising on either quality or comfort.

Toilet support arms, shower chairs, handrails and wash basins – all can be adjusted to the specific needs of the user and to make life easier for the carer. Their ergonomic design means work positions can be adopted that reduce back strain and other related injuries.

Flexibility in a bathroom futureproofs against the need for further adaptations – especially with multiple and/or unknown users. Many institutions say they now look after people with different needs compared to five or 10 years ago, and so flexibility is key, avoiding unnecessary adaptations in the future when user requirements change.

A flexible bathroom is space and time efficient. By moving track mounted products out of the way on a horizontal track creates work space for carers or mobility equipment where none

would otherwise be found when using fixed equipment in smaller room sizes.

And promotion of independence for users means carers are not carrying out unnecessary tasks, so allowing them to use their time more efficiently.

When specifying an accessible bathroom by using movable products, duplication can also be avoided, thus saving money. Movable products can be used for more than one task, or used in different locations. For example, a hinged arm could be used by the toilet and then moved to the shower.

Or a larger scheme could have a smaller number of movable shower seats specified.

In Scandinavia, the home of Pressalit Care, height adjustable products are the norm across society. In offices for example, workers have both height adjustable chairs and desks to ensure that their sitting position is correct. And in care homes, hospitals and public places, there’s an expectation that accessible bathroom facilities will not only be effective, but will meet their high standards of ergonomic design too. Architects and specifiers play an integral role in ensuring that the design of such facilities provides the highest possible levels of service to those with special needs.

Here in the UK we have an ageing population – by 2033 the number of people aged 85 and over is projected to more than double to reach 3.2 million. And as well as our elderly, there are also some 10 million people living here with limiting long-term illness, impairment or disability.

With our Scandinavian heritage, design is key. We believe that to find the perfect balance between functionality and aesthetics, an in-depth knowledge of what is expected of a product is absolutely essential.This is particularly important when working in an area where dependence on the effectiveness of a product is crucial, yet where every user has the potential to have widely differing needs.

www.pressalit.com

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A flexible bathroom is space and time efficient

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Leisure Pu rsuits -a

The NPPF - will it be a friend or fo of the public e sector?

lasting community legacy for regeneratio n Achievem ent by desig n - the importa nc academic en e of vironments

Modular trium ph - innovativ e construct ion in the healt hcare sect or

Subscribe FREE at www.psbj.co.uk Keep up-to-date with the latest news, legislations, projects & building information with Public Sector Build Journal.

As a product information magazine PSBJ showcases the latest innovative building products as well as showcasing them in use within public sector building.

If you are an Architect, Building Contractor, Specifier, Developer, Local Authority, or work within building for Healthcare, Education, Housing or Leisure and have the power to purchase building products, subscribe now for free.

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Design & Desire

The £76m Titanic Belfast is the world’s largest Titanic visitor attraction

Titanic achievement Built as part of the Titanic Quarter regeneration – Europe’s largest urban regeneration scheme – the £76m Titanic Belfast is the world’s largest Titanic visitor attraction.

Interior architects, Kay Elliott, have created a staggering tribute to the Titanic and her sister ships RMS Olympic and HMHS Britannic, alongside executive architect Todd Architects and concept designers Eric Kuhne Associates.

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ne hundred years ago, on April 10th 1912, RMS Titanic left Southampton for New York, via Cherbourg in France and Queenstown in Ireland. On 14 April at 11:40pm she struck an iceberg, and took two and a half hours to sink. Only 710 of the 2,223 people on board survived.

One year previously, she’d been launched for the first time from Belfast’s docks, where she’d been built at the Harland and Wolff shipyard. The site of that same shipyard is now the home to Titanic Belfast, which opened in commemoration and celebration of the world’s most famous liner.

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The 14,000m2 building takes the shape of four ship’s hulls surging forth from the attraction’s centre, a jagged glass cube. The near-literal interpretation of Titanic Belfast, influenced also by ice and the White Star Line insignia, includes the height of the building, extending around 20m from the floor – a similar distance to the waterlineto-deck measurement of the Titanic itself – and angled at 25°; and 3,000 three-dimensional and geometrically asymmetrical silver-anodized aluminium panels are attached to the building to create a rippling wave effect across the vast 6,200m2 surface.

Inside, the visual experience continues.

Nine galleries over four floors bring together dark rides, full-scale reconstructions, interactive features and special effects to carry the visitor from the Titanic’s conception in the early 1900s, through her construction, launch, voyage and subsequent place in history. The story is brought up to the present day with the discovery of the wreck and ongoing marine research by Oceanographer Dr. Robert Ballard’s underwater exploration devices.

A multi-faceted full-height foyer is broken by various escalators and bridges and a 60ft, four-storey wall is coated in

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Design & Desire artificially oxidised sheet metal panels similar in size to those used on the Titanic’s hull.

Titanic Belfast takes the shape of four ship’s hulls surging forth from the attraction’s centre, a jagged glass cube

Voyage of discovery

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From there, the journey begins, taking in the longest freespan escalator on the island at over 25m and 124 steps, rides, stunning visual and experiential effects and a clever blend of education and entertainment. Where Titanic Belfast really comes into its own though is with the attention to detail, the authenticity created in various exhibits and interior architectural features. After all, in its time, RMS Titanic was the most opulent ship in the world, replete with detailed wood panelling, furniture and fittings of the kind one might find in leading hotels and country homes. Gallery four provides visitors with a CGI virtual tour, exhibits and models representing life on board the Titanic, including precise replicas of the first, second and third class cabins.

One of the Titanic’s grandest features was the Grand Staircase. Perhaps the grandest statement of the Titanic Belfast’s interior is a replica of that tremendous work of craftsmanship – or as near a

Virtually every part of the near-replica Grand Staircase has been handcrafted in the traditional way and is made up of 10,000 individual parts

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Design & Desire

In the foyer, a 60ft. four-storey wall, is coated in artificially oxidised sheet metal panels similar in size to those used on the Titanic’s hull. A compass rose has also be inlaid in the welcome atrium

replica as current building regulations and design constraints allow. Here in the Titanic Belfast, the staircase is the centrepiece of the Titanic Suite, a 1,000seat conference suite which is Belfast’s largest dedicated banqueting space.

Stunning centrepiece The new Grand Staircase is 23ft high and 24ft wide, has 23 steps and weighs almost four tonnes. It was built in six separate sections by carving red oak, the same wood which was used for the Titanic’s Grand Staircase, and is made up of 10,000 individual parts, with details including etched crystal and gilt edging.

Six joiners worked on the project, which took around 1,500 man-hours over a four-month period from August 2011.

A specialist joinery company from Bellaghy in Co. Londonderry, was brought in to try to emulate the detailed craftsmanship of the original staircase designers, Harland & Wolff, using materials and techniques similar to those used in the shipyard a century previously.

Describing the process of recreating this iconic work of theatre, art and craftsmanship, architectural practice Kay Elliott’s project director, Mark Muir, said: “A major challenge was the lack of complete drawings of the original

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staircase. We developed a detailed 3D technical model based on photographs of the original staircase onboard Titanic’s sister ship Olympic – a job which involved painstaking detective work over several months so we could be as true to the design as possible. The result is a stunning centrepiece of the Titanic, located on the top two floors of the attraction, that itself offers a journey

through history, showcasing key points in the Titanic ship’s life. It is also testament to the skills of the many designers and craftsmen involved.

Tim Husbands, Titanic Belfast’s CEO, added: “Titanic’s Grand Staircase is one of the most well-known focal points of the world’s most famous ship and is synonymous with the grandeur of Edwardian society. Titanic Belfast is the

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3,000 three-dimensional and geometrically asymmetrical silver-anodized aluminium panels are attached to the building to create a rippling wave effect

FCA 1-2 landscape May_Layout 1 25/04/2012 12:38 Page 1

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Online 24/01/2012 Enquiry 020 16:25 For a faster response visit www.fca-magazine.com or use the free reader enquiry card

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Design & Desire

Nine galleries over four floors bring together dark rides, full-scale reconstructions, interactive features and special effects to carry the visitor from the Titanic’s conception in the early 1900s, through to the present day

turning a 185-acre plot into what is anticipated to be a thriving work, life and leisure area, introducing new vitality and investment to the area. Titanic Belfast looks set to play a majestic part in that revival and is already well on its way to meeting the projected number of 400,000 visitors in its first year. The first international business gathering in the grand banqueting hall, the Titanic Suite, hosted more than 140 tour operators from around the world, preparing to

promote Titanic Belfast and the city’s many other tourist attractions. As an architectural marvel and a historical tribute, it’s a magnificent success; it’s now on its way to fulfilling its greater promise in the context of Northern Ireland’s economic and tourism revival.

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world’s largest Titanic visitor attraction and we want to bring the Titanic story alive for our visitors and guests from all over the world and replicate the timeless elegance that was designed to impress the first class passengers onboard. Kay Elliott and Oldtown Joinery have done a superb job on an extremely intricate and detailed process – virtually every part of the near-replica Grand Staircase has been handcrafted in the traditional way.”

The Titanic Quarter masterplan is

www.kayelliott.co.uk www.toddarch.co.uk www.civicarts.com www.titanicbelfast.com

Titanic Belfast at night

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Create a tiled floor with no mess in hours not days Refurbishment & Renovation

Nicobond Steelker Slim & Strong Reinforced Porcelain Tiles

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Online For a faster response visit www.fca-magazine.com or use the free reader enquiry card 33021 Enquiry

Heating

Three different heating systems were installed at the Harris Academy in Falconwood, Kent – all specified to cater for each room’s purpose and to accommodate the school’s unique layout

Heating up efficiency With the Government’s Priority Schools Building Programme due to be announced, delivering energy efficient and sustainable schools is riding high on the national agenda. FC&A looks at how the Harris Academy in Falconwood, Kent, achieved its sustainability and energy efficiency objectives with the help of Warmafloor.

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chools are responsible for a quarter of the UK’s public sector energy costs and over half of their carbon emissions, and now, more than ever, the pressure for change is firmly in place. Regulatory

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and legislative changes, such as the forthcoming updates to Part L of the Building Regulations are indicative of this.

The pressure is not just policy related but also financial. With a squeeze on school budgets, it has never been more important

for local authorities to identify low cost ways to deliver high financial savings.

Reducing energy consumption is one of the quickest and simplest ways to achieve this. Heating contributes to as much as 60% of an individual school’s energy expenditure so the methods used to heat and ventilate schools is a critical factor when considering the overall energy performance of a building. Whilst traditional temperature control systems such as radiators and air conditioning units have long been considered the norm in the building sector, the high energy waste of such systems, have prompted the industry to consider alternatives.

The project team at the Harris Academy in Falconwood, Kent, considered all these factors when putting together a brief that not only strived for sustainability but also cost efficiency.

As such, they appointed Warmafloor to install a bespoke underfloor heating system. Surface heating and cooling systems are natural partners for renewable heat sources and the system at the Harris Academy was no exception.

Utilising photovoltaic production of energy, solar thermal heating and ground source heat pumps, the system is able to optimise both energy consumption and distribution, and dramatically lower the building’s carbon footprint. This decision undoubtedly helped the school to achieve a BREEAM ‘Very Good’ rating.

The connection to the ground source heat pump is particularly effective.

Whilst surface heating systems require a 35°C flow temperature in heating mode and 14°C in cooling mode, the ground source heat pump uses steady ground temperatures of just 10-12°C and operates at a coefficient of performance (COP) of 5.4. A system that utilises a heat pump therefore enables a great reduction in energy consumption, as it provides ideal temperatures in heating mode, and almost ‘free cooling’ in cooling mode.

Spread over two floors and covering nearly 60,000sq.ft., the surface heating system provides a consistent level of comfort across all areas of the building.

A combination of 16mm and 20mm polybutylene pipes were used to ensure maximum heat distribution across even the smallest floor areas. Three different systems were installed, all specified to cater for each room’s purpose and to accommodate the school’s unique

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Heating

per year can be saved in energy by using such a system, and CO2 emissions can be reduced by up to 23%.

Surface heating and cooling strategies, such as that installed at the Harris Academy could help to lower national CO2 emissions and reign in energy expenditure in the budget-conscious school sector. Mike Lamb, Managing Director of Warmafloor, concludes: “Governmental pressure has certainly upped the ante in promoting a more

sustainable built environment and a practical approach is now needed to address our buildings’ energy usage.

Underfloor heating systems do not require any manual operations and are able to run more efficiently as a whole-life solution.

With traditional heating methods failing to deliver the necessary energy and cost savings, underfloor heating systems offer a reliable alternative.”

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layout. The sports hall and drama studio for example, feature a timber floor sprung batten system, which is ideally suited to high and low-impact activities as it helps to absorb shock and enables a high ball bounce.

The internet café, IT rooms, business suites and staff rooms feature a raised access floor, which enables a safe and tidy finish by providing a void below the pipework and floor structure in which all wires and electrical services can be stored. The rest of the building uses a tacker floor system, which offers a short installation time and minimum material requirements to ensure cost efficiency.

No matter how much effort is poured into the design and construction of HVAC systems, it is the controls in schools that ultimately determine whether they run as the designer intended. Ineffective controls result in both poor comfort and wasted energy and Warmafloor’s usable and accurate controls were a prime reason why their solution was selected.

As the different areas of the school require varying temperatures throughout the day and night, the heating system is split into 40 different zones to control energy consumption.This boosts efficiency by delivering the heat exactly where and when it is needed. An average of £17.85 per pupil

www.warmafloor.co.uk

The heating system at the Harris Academy is split into 40 different zones to control energy consumption

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35

Insulation

Reflecting on change Mark Seddon from insulation specialist, Web Dynamics, explains why a new European Standard will reduce confusion for specifiers and restore the reputation of reflective insulation.

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eflective insulation saves space, cuts installation times, boosts the thermal efficiency of a building and reduces air leakage; despite this the products have endured a bad press from many architects and specifiers.

Manufacturers have made impressive claims about product performance based on seemingly credible research but often the insulation’s actual performance has fallen short of their promises. Inevitably, many specifiers have become sceptical about the efficacy of any reflective insulation, preventing the potential benefits of reflective insulation from being fully exploited in the UK built environment.

The new European Standard for reflective insulation could mean all that is about to change. BE EN16012:2012 stipulates a standard test procedure for reflective insulation which will end the longrunning stand-off between manufacturers about the most valid way to assess product performance. From here on in, reflective insulation products will have to prove they can meet the required performance standard using the testing methods outlined

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in the European Standard or they will not be passed by building controls.

The new standard is great news for specifiers who have been confused in the past by the ostensibly credible performance test data. Because there were three schools of thought on how best to demonstrate reflective insulation performance, comparing different products was extremely difficult.What’s more, the data used to support the performance claims of some products was sometimes far-fetched;

Mark Seddon from insulation specialist, Web Dynamics

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Reflective insulation products will have to prove they can meet the required performance standard using the testing methods outlined in the new European Standard or they will not be passed by building controls

indeed, in one case, the performance data was challenged by the National Physics Laboratory as being impossible.

The disparity in testing methods came about because reflective insulation was a whole new classification of insulation, so some manufacturers didn’t feel it was necessary to follow the traditional insulation test methodology. This proven and respected methodology was to use hot plate testing and to measure emissivity (the ratio of radiation emitted by a surface) to provide an accurate measure of thermal performance. Some manufacturers, including Web Dynamics, have continued to use this testing method, providing specifiers with both credible data on which to base their decisions about reflective insulation but the basis for a like-for-like comparison with traditional insulation. Some manufacturers, however, took the view that, because the performance of reflective insulation is so dependent on its emissivity, traditional test methods did not fairly represent the potential benefits of their products.

To enhance their claims, some manufacturers opted to design their own laboratory tests to demonstrate their products’ efficacy and commissioned independent laboratories to carry out the tests to their specifications.This third party endorsement gave an appearance of credibility to the performance claims but many have had to reduce their claims following the mandatory use of traditional test methodologies brought in by the new European Standard. Others went to considerable trouble and expense to show their reflective insulation products in their best light, setting up in-situ comparative tests.While, on the face of it, this may seem like a sensible and thorough approach to demonstrating product performance in a post installation context, the design, location and interpretation of these in-situ tests and the fact that they were not comparing likewith-like, made their results misleading.

As the need to build energy efficiency into both new build and refurbishment projects gathers pace, thanks to both legislation and client priorities, the building products sector must ensure that product claims are both transparent and comparable.The new BS EN EN16012:2012 is a major step forward in this regard and will, hopefully, restore specifier faith in reflective insulation.

www.webdynamics.co.uk

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Top

Notch The new and enhanced Elegance range...

The Polypipe cast iron effect Elegance range is a stylish traditional looking rainwater, ring seal soil and vent system that has none of the degradation drawbacks of cast iron installations.

Recently enhanced and extended with a new system profile, the addition of soil & vent products and the introduction of a revolutionary new patented* notched gutter concept.

• Notched Gutter design provides a more secure fit to help eliminate the risk of leaky joints • Comprehensive range of Elegance products covered by a 10 year guarantee (see website for full details) • Quick to install, no need to paint with lower maintenance costs than traditional cast iron installations

*Patent pending

For more information visit www.polypipe.com/elegance or email bp.promotions@polypipe.com 732 Polypipe FC&A Elegance Ad v1 AW.indd 1

Online 23/05/2012 Enquiry 022 11:49

INNOVATIVE, ECO-FRIENDLY SOLUTIONS THAT PROTECT

Water repellent, oil repellent, stain-resistant and graffiti repellent Total protection of all porous building surfaces

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See more information about our range of protection on www.guardindustry.com

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CIH Preview

The CIH Annual Conference and Housing Exhibition is the leading event for the UK housing sector. The event brings the whole of the housing sector together – not for profit, local authority, private sector, commercial partners and suppliers – to learn, improve and influence.

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une 12th-14th will see thousands of housing professionals from across the sector come together to find and share solutions to the challenges facing the sector at a time of enormous change, and to speak with a collective voice to Government.

Housing 2012 will be held at Manchester Central, the award-winning venue at the heart of Manchester’s thriving ‘convention quarter’. After 25 years in Harrogate and following extensive research among conference delegates, exhibitors and visitors, the move has been designed to take advantage of the stateof-the art venue facilities and better meet the needs of the thousands of housing professionals who attend each year by significantly reducing costs and time away from the office.

More than 70 speakers including housing leaders from Housing Associations, Local Authorities, ALMOs, Government, housebuilders, banks and think tanks will be taking part in over 50 sessions covering the key issues for the sector in a wide range of keynotes,

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interactive panel discussions, debates and workshops. Delegates will again have direct input into the ‘Housing Pact’ generated throughout the event, as well as getting a chance to choose this year’s ‘Rising Star’ in the housing world.

The three-day conference not only provides the best national platform for senior professionals to debate and influence the current strategic and policy landscape, but is also a great development and learning opportunity for ‘rising stars’, chairs, board members, councillors and tenant representatives.

The CIH Annual Exhibition is the UK’s ultimate housing exhibition focusing on the provision of affordable housing and the development of sustainable communities. CIH Housing is the biggest and best attended event in the UK’s housing calendar as it brings together over 4,000 housing professionals and over 300 of the sector’s leading providers, partners and suppliers all under one roof. The exhibition showcases the latest products and services in the housing and regeneration sector with many

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Learn, improve & influence

www.cihhousing.com

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The CIH exhibition showcases the latest products and services in the housing and regeneration sector

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More than 70 speakers will be taking part in over 50 sessions at the CIH annual conference covering key issues in the housing sector

dedicated features and workshops running throughout the show.

A new feature for 2012 is The Green Room which will be situated in the centre of the exhibition hall and will be the place to discover the latest sustainable solutions. Get your questions answered by experts in the field in the one-to-one consultation area, explore and discuss the latest issues in the networking zone and learn from organisations leading the way in sustainability with a range of presentations.

Also new for 2012 is The Care and Support Station. With the UK’s ageing population and concerns over availability and funding, care and support has never been so important to the housing sector.

The Care and Support Station will showcase the work of housing providers, and highlight the innovations, services and products available. Most importantly it will provide visitors with the opportunity to network, discuss and learn from the experts in this field.

“We’re really excited about Housing 2012,” said Grainia Long, CIH Chief Executive. “The great new venue in Manchester offers new opportunities and possibilities, and I’m confident that this year’s conference will be bigger and better than ever before. I‘m looking forward to the whole housing sector joining up in Manchester so we can shape our future together, by engaging with those that matter, renewing our focus on learning and development, and finally by getting our message across through a lively and valuable debate with the Housing Minister.”

CIH Preview Ventilation to tackle fuel poverty

Comprehensive service solution Sentinel Performance Solutions Ltd., will be exhibiting at the CIH Housing Conference for the first time this June.The company will be present to not only showcase its awardwinning water treatment product range but to launch its SystemCare service to the social housing market. For registered social landlords signing up to work with Sentinel, SystemCare offers a comprehensive, failsafe method of ensuring system water in its heating systems gives those systems the best possible opportunity to run problem-free.

Danny Knight, Sentinel’s UK Contracts Sales Manager, comments: “Supplying solutions for the benefit of social housing clients was something we identified as a key area of activity many years ago – this was what initiated the development of SystemCare.

“We’re extremely pleased to be exhibiting at CIH Housing as it not only allows us to meet our key customers but it’s also a fantastic platform to launch SystemCare to the industry – which we hope will be recognised as the best possible water treatment service solution to the market.”

Visit Sentinel at Stand G48 to learn how Sentinel can reduce the risk of water related component damage and lower the life cost of heating systems.

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info@greenwood.co.uk

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Download supplier brochures, videos & testimonials Download the latest building product brochures and technical videos from the likes of Monodraught, CMD, Polyroof, Armstrong, Dow building & Linak directly from the FC&A library

www.fca-magazine.com ▼

sales@sentinel-solutions.net

Greenwood Airvac will be showcasing its comprehensive ventilation offer for both new build and refurbishment projects at the CIH 2012 Conference and Exhibition.

Helping local authorities ensure the best investment for long-term ventilation specification, Greenwood products have been designed with both the landlord and the tenant in mind.Visitors to the stand will be able to see Omnique – a brand new 6 in 1 fan that can replace any fan in any room – kitchen, bathroom, low voltage, intermittent or continuous. A one fan specification which facilitates cost management by simplifying installation and making products adaptable to the changing needs of the property, it only costs the equivalent of two cans of baked beans to run for the entire year!

Online Enquiry 026 For a faster response visit www.fca-magazine.com or use the free reader enquiry card

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Roofing, Cladding & Insulation

Xtratherm’s technical team first to be awarded individual BBA certification

team. Accreditation for individual team members is based on our ability to work with a variety of software packages available in the construction sector and gaining a widespread understanding of each, so we can meet the needs of all customers, including those with a preferred choice of software. Our advice and support is geared to the needs of specifiers, builders and contractors who look for accurate, expert help and advice and can rely on the advice and calculations they get.”

Xtratherm, a leading manufacturer of high quality PiR and phenolic insulation, supplies a wide range of high performance, innovative insulation products. This is coupled with comprehensive training support through collaboration with construction colleges and training organisations such as the CIOB (Chartered Institute of Building) so installers acquire the training, skills and knowledge they need on site to meet today’s higher insulation standards.

Achieving BBA accreditation for each member of the technical team completes the loop. It means Xtratherm can provide architects, specifiers and contractors with the best insulation products, the most effective application and a high level of expertise.

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Xtratherm’s Technical Manager Danny Kearney

Each member of Xtratherm’s in-house technical team has been awarded BBA competency certification for U-value and condensation risk calculations - a first for the insulation sector.

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ommenting on the BBA certifcation, Xtratherm Technical Manager Danny Kearney, says: “Achieving BBA status for each individual in our technical team is a great achievement and reinforces our commitment to delivering the best technical advice to architects and specifiers. Everyone in the team

who liaises directly with customers on technical matters is fully trained to deal with each enquiry and it puts us in a leading position.

“Usually it is just the Technical Manager or one individual that is BBA accredited,” continues Danny, “but we wanted our customers to get the same high level of expertise from every member of our

BBA competency certification presented to one of Xtratherm’s Technical Advisors, Mark Magennis, pictured on the left

gemma.hynes@xtratherm.com

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For a faster response visit www.fca-magazine.com or use the free reader enquiry card

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Roofing, Cladding & Insulation

Roof-Pro goes for gold at leisure centre Roof-Pro has designed and manufactured the support system for the roof-mounted building services at a new leisure centre, which will host training events for this year’s London Olympics.

The £23m Becontree Heath Leisure Centre has been built to provide world class sport and leisure facilities including 25m and 13m swimming pools, a 95-station fitness suite and three workout studios, for local residents in Dagenham, East London.

When the state-of-the-art facility required a free-standing support system for its complex array of roof-top building services equipment, the design team at S&P Architects turned to Roof-Pro for a flexible and efficient solution.

Roof-Pro’s design specialists put together a bespoke roof-top support system to support the building’s new

air handling units (AHUs), condensers and dry air cooler. Crucially, Roof-Pro’s support systems are non-penetrative and avoid Part L and cold bridging issues as well as any difficult roof detailing. The supports allow all building services to be installed quickly and simply, while also providing building clearance and allowing future access for maintenance and renewal to the roof’s waterproofing membrane.

The support system also included high level ductwork and cable tray supports, designed for installation on the leisure centre’s single-ply membrane roof, which has a 1:60 slope, rigid insulation and a lightweight metal deck. The latter required Roof-Pro’s design team to position the support bases to target above the building’s internal roof beams at 3m centres.

Roof-Pro’s design team provided detailed load management calculations to ensure the support system was appropriate for the Becontree Heath building’s structure and roof build-up.

info@roof-pro.co.uk

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Solar installation is cream of the crop

Energy efficiency at Olympic Park Thousands of STYROFOAM-A insulation boards made at Dow’s manufacturing site in King’s Lynn have been installed on several structures within the London 2012 Olympic Park as well as the neighbouring Westfield Stratford City shopping centre. The insulation is designed to help make the buildings on the Olympic Park more energy efficient and the roofs more durable; which will be particularly important as they transform from temporary to permanent use.

Structures insulated with STYROFOAM materials include the Olympic Stadium, the International Media Centre, the Copper Box (Handball Arena) and more than half of the roofs on the London 2012 Olympic and Paralympic Village.

FKLMAIL@dow.com

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At the £2m expansion of the National Farmers Union (NFU) HQ in Stoneleigh Park,Warwickshire, ICB (Solar) Ltd., has completed the installation of a 36kWp solar PV system. ICB (Solar) installed a total of 288 Inventux ThinFilm modules – efficient even in low light – onto the flat roof of the new single-storey, steel framed conference suite.To waterproof the new roof, whilst providing the ideal base for a solar installation, specialist contractor Stoneleigh Services Ltd applied approximately 800m2 of alwitra’s EVALON® V roofing membrane.The use of the ultra-light ICBSOLAR fixing system then made it possible to attach all 288 solar panels without any penetration of the high performance membrane. info@icb.uk.com 030

BURilliant new roofing system Sika Liquid Plastics has announced the launch of its new and improved Cold Bonded Built-Up Roof System.The new system has all the inherent advantages of its predecessor including completely flame and heat-free installation, and system guarantees of up to 25 years.The roofing system is completely cold applied and has been tested in accordance with BS EN 13501-5 and BS 476-3.The full system includes S-Vap 5000E SA which utilises self-adhesive technology and can be used as a temporary waterproofing layer, helping to protect the building from water ingress during installation.The premium liquid waterproofing membrane – Decothane – has also been re-launched and now offers a more aesthetically pleasing finish. clj@Liquidplastics.co.uk

For a faster response visit www.fca-magazine.com or use the free reader enquiry card

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Roofing, Cladding & Insulation

Xtratherm invests in new Business Development Manager Xtratherm, a leading supplier of high quality PiR and phenolic insulation, has appointed Allan Dewfield as Business Development Manager. Allan will be responsible for the business development of ‘building envelope solutions’, with a prime focus on flat roofing and rainscreen markets.

The new Business Development Manager at Xtratherm, Allan Dewfield, is keen to communicate the key benefits of Xtratherm’s products to the market. He explains: “I joined Xtratherm because I was extremely impressed with its extensive certifications and wide product range. Xtratherm’s quality, technical expertise and innovative products are miles ahead of competing brands.

“I’m very familiar with the insulation market having worked previously for 11 years with a national insulation

distributor”, Allan continues. “I’m aware there are a lot of ‘me too’ products in the market but Xtratherm’s products and services are uniquely differentiated.

Other companies invest in manufacturing the product. Xtratherm does that too very effectively, but it also does a lot more. The company has invested in engineered products, in new methods of application, in helping the industry upskill and in comprehensive technical support

and advice. Xtratherm understands that the way in which products are applied can make a huge difference to the energy performance of a building.

“The flat roofing and rainscreen markets have huge potential, driven by the changes in building regulations. My role is to ensure the market gets to learn more about Xtratherm, the unique benefits of its products and the expertise it brings to the building process.”

gemmahynes@xtratherm.com

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Nordic brass townscape

Ready for anything At Metrotile, we ensure our roof profiles are pressed from the highest quality steel and tested against the most extreme weather conditions. Our standard 450mm thick system is one of the most secure roofing systems around, however we also offer the double-thick 900mm Metrotile Secure Solution for rooftops that are in areas prone to vandalism, or where heavy rooftop foot traffic is unavoidable. A ‘highest-quality’ ethos is echoed throughout our entire product line, including a full range of bespoke accessories and every Metrotile roof also comes with an industry-leading 40-year guarantee. sales@metrotile.co.uk

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The new Domkyrkoforum visitor centre, facing the Cathedral in the Swedish city of Lund, uses Aurubis Architectural’s Nordic Brass panels to create a series of contemporary forms, generating new vistas and public spaces within its historic setting. Designed by architect Carmen Izquierdo, the brass and glass intervention links together several old buildings to form a unified complex.

Nordic Brass was chosen by the architect for the new building’s external skin as “a natural material that gives a rich, vibrant surface. As the material mellows with age, the building will gradually blend in with the townscape.” Other copper alloys are also available including Nordic Bronze and the innovative Nordic Royal – an alloy with a long-lasting golden colour.

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g.bell@aurubis.com

Monumental facelift Curtain walling from leading UK architectural aluminium systems supplier Kawneer, features prominently on the £7m redevelopment of 80 Mosley Street in St Peter’s Square, Manchester. Kawneer’s AA®100 zone/mullion drained curtain walling, with 50mm sightlines, has been used alongside terracotta rainscreen panels to re-clad the office block.

Robinson Architects’ redesign comprised the retention, reinforcement and refurbishment of the existing primary concrete frame structure to allow for a complete facelift and recladding of the exterior, together with the addition of four storeys giving panoramic and unobstructed views across Manchester’s cityscape. Approved specialist sub-contractor APiC installed the Kawneer curtain walling panels, onto which the terracotta tiles had already been fitted, over a 12 month period. kuk.kawneer@alcoa.com 035

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Roofing, Cladding & Insulation

SkanDek – super solution for supermarket roofs An independent study has been undertaken to assess the suitability and economic advantages of using SkanDek elements for the roof of a typical single storey supermarket.

The study, by the Steel Construction Institute [SCI], highlights the benefits that arise from using SkanDek for a supermarket roof rather than the built-

up cladding with purlins option. Savings can be made in construction cost and programme.

A SkanDek solution offers slender

construction, stunning overhangs, increased floor grids, open space and light – all things that should appeal to the modern retailer.

The system is fully tested and is the first lightweight roof system to have gained CE Mark status. Eurobond-SkanDek has developed special design programs and an extensive detail library, all with the backing of independent assessment by the Steel Construction Institute and award of its SCI Assessed standard.

The SkanDek structural element can be installed with a single ply roof membrane, metal standing seam or a wide range of other waterproof layers. Ceiling constructions can deliver the required fire and acoustic performance together with a range of ceiling finishes. Installation rates of over 2000m2 per day of finished roof and ceiling have been achieved.

Eurobond-SkanDek offers a full technical and design service to help clients, designers and contractors maximise the features and benefits of a SkanDek Solution.

David.Wallach@eurobond-skandek.co.uk

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Online Enquiry 037 For a faster response visit www.fca-magazine.com or use the free reader enquiry card

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Roofing, Cladding & Insulation

Making the right connections Lindapter’s new Façades & Cladding brochure, tailored to architects and engineers working on building envelope design and construction, demonstrates the diverse range of connections for securing almost any cladding material to structural steel frames and hollow section.

Lindapter products are specified for the connection of glazed façades and precast cladding panels, foremost for their ease of installation and on-site adjustability, as Stephen Maddalena, Charmain of the Marble Mosaic Company describes: “Given the project’s construction and programme constraints, the use of Lindapter’s connectors provided an

eminently practical means of attaching the precast cladding panels to its structural steel frame and the helpful support of Lindapter’s team proved to be especially valuable in developing this solution.”

The brochure highlights the Lindapter

connection systems for various architectural applications using quality 3D renders and clear line drawings, with innovative assemblies drawn from Lindapter’s wealth of project experience. The 28-page brochure is available now.

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enquiries@lindapter.com

Eco hub benefits from Marley sheeting

Lightweight fastening system Axter’s new GENERAL FIX lightweight fastening system secures roof-mounted equipment such as PV amorphous ‘thin film’ modules, crystalline panels and other plant, without penetrating the waterproofing system or compromising the structural integrity of the building.

GENERAL FIX® applies the VELCRO® hook and loop fastening principle and tolerates heavy-duty stress in a few square centimetres. It is easy to install and is designed to anchor all types of plant securely without ballast on retro-fit and new build projects. GENERAL FIX® eliminates the need for expensive, heavy array support systems and allows easy removal of the plant for maintenance. info@axterltd.co.uk

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Marley Eternit has supplied a complete fibre cement envelope solution for Gamlingay Eco Hub in Cambridgeshire. Profiled sheeting in Laurel Green was specified by Civic Architects for the roof and Cedral Weatherboard in Red and Cevennes Green for the walls. The project involved extending and refurbishing the existing single-storey 1970’s community centre, which had been closed because of its deteriorating flat roof. Profile 6 is a high strength fibre cement profiled sheeting that is available in a range of eight colours. It can be used for roofs of 5° pitch and over, and at Gamlingay Eco Hub, incorporated 200mm rigid insulation clipped in between rafters to achieve a U-value of 0.15 W/m2K. info@marleyeternit.co.uk 040

Updated certification Saint-Gobain Weber, has announced the replacement British Board of Agrément certification for the weber. therm XM External Wall Insulation (EWI) system.

The updated certification applies to new build and refurbishment projects, encompassing various types of construction methods; low rise, traditional or nontraditional construction, or high-rise multi-occupancy buildings.The certificate, number 91/2691, covers all main types of insulation boards in a range of thicknesses, including the recently introduced super-efficient lower lambda grey EPS boards, and all varieties of low maintenance, decorative finishes including dry dash, synthetic renders in a wide palette of colours, and scraped render. mail@netweber.co.uk 041

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Roofing, Cladding & Insulation

Innovative new website launched by Eurobond Following 12 months of intensive work, Eurobond is pleased to announce the launch of it’s new website. Behind the fresh and clean appearance, the new site is designed to seamlessly respond to both customer and specifier requirements.

The new Eurobond website: www. eurobond.co.uk delivers a more refined visitor experience, enabling swifter navigation to the required information.

In addition, the site content has been totally reviewed and updated. One of the innovations is a new project gallery with a navigable map to pinpoint the location of

projects supplied across the UK. A registration page, via the product sites, provides access to detailed technical information and visitors can be kept up-to-date and informed of the company’s latest developments through subscription to its e-newsletter ‘The Core Issue’.

The new main website, also acts as the hub to quickly direct visitors to the most appropriate Eurobond product micro sites, should this be needed.

These micro sites are also new and have been sequentially rolled out over preceding months. They include, a brand new Eurobond Doors website, a sister company of Eurobond Laminates, and a supplier and manufacturer of complimentary door and ancillary products to the Eurobond panel range.

The site is dynamic and provides open access for future enhancement by the Eurobond marketing team. The company’s aim is to keep the information up-to-date and accessible and it hopes you will find time to visit the site and it welcomes your feedback.

S AD D L S S R C R Y A Y A E H LA BO TR N T T E R E E A N DE ON UN ST E S E A H R N TI CO FA S LT RY R B B U C C FE LA O R EM S & TE TS ING PV G CIL LP M E RO EE F X IN N A O U N A S P SH O L OF A D V R R O RO S & B VE ED S G N T M E EA AT IN S gs E E G M X G H U AS IN ixin SH T X R F O R FL FI d F NC I O O R . C S & RS ze Z V E DE nis AD A G a L IL LE G RID U lv B a ED G L IL M B

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L RO D A R AV M LP ID . C OF E T M R G O X B B E R M OB U S R E R E IL A A G & U M D V N M RE B IL alv E FL GA E S ES R AT LE a RS A T A H P S D nis F H ED R & U N A B LE z IX IN S OT N E LE A ed ING GS HE E DE C D F R E R S T i Z IN xin N OO TS IO LA N Y C g OV F IN CO B S S s H R LU G U OA E O X F N R E T OF PV AS TR D S I C T Y & NG S E N CL A N FE HE ER C E IL LT T S LA S R Y

Roofing Products

ALL UNDER

ONE ROOF

FROM

Tel: 0845 372 1839 www.mcarthur-group.com

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HVAC/HVP

Compact solutions

The swimming pool at Cocks Moors Woods Leisure Centre in Birmingham, is now being heated utilising recovered energy, which is proving to be an extremely energy efficient and cost-effective alternative.

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n line with Birmingham City Council’s ‘spend to save’ loan scheme – and looking at ways of reducing total energy consumption and carbon emissions within their commercial buildings; following a detailed air conditioning inspection, required under the EPBD (Energy Performance Buildings Directive), a case was made to replace the old and inefficient R22 operating system at Cocks Moors Woods Leisure Centre with a modern, more energy efficient, cost-effective alternative.

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to the swimming pool to increase the water temperature and further reduce energy waste.

The Heat Pump VRV condensing units are extremely compact and this enabled them to be positioned at high level in the plant room allowing for the swimming pool plate heat exchanger to be positioned underneath. This created sufficient space for future service and maintenance. The condensing units were connected to Daikin’s 360° airflow discharge round-flow ceiling cassette fan coil units. Time clock controls were included in the installation, which was carried out by the Space Air Daikin approved dealer, Cool Comfort.

Initial estimates for Return on Investment was less than five years, however since the system has been completed, it has exceeded all expectations and the recovered and redirected heat rejection has heated the pool entirely at certain times. Daikin’s RWEYQ also attracted tax breaks in the form of enhanced capital allowances.

Tim Hager from Cool Comfort commented: “This was a very interesting project because of the unusual concept of heating the swimming pool utilising recovered energy that otherwise would be dumped to atmosphere. I am very familiar with Daikin equipment and it is easy to install, but this project involved system adaptations in a way I have never come across before.”

The ECA allowance and free heating of the pool water makes this an outstanding installation for our industry to showcase.

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The normal heat rejection was redirected to the swimming pool at Cocks Moors Woods Leisure Centre to increase the water temperature, further reducing energy waste

marketing@spaceair.co.uk

Consultant Eddy Halliday, identified Daikin’s Heat Recovery inverter, water-cooled R410A VRV system, supplied by Space Air – Daikin’s independent UK distributor for over 30 years, as the ideal solution. Daikin’s RWEYQ water-cooled units are well suited in applications where limited external plant space is available and where buildings require cooling in some areas and heating in others. Taking this a step further, the Halliday design redirected the normal heat rejection

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A Daikin RWEYQ water-cooled unit

HVAC/HVP

Bespoke ventilation system for Hilton hotels Xpelair Ventilation Solutions has been specified by Thermatic Engineering Ltd., for two new Hilton group hotels based in Birmingham and Lincoln.

Xpelair’s Customvent team for bespoke solutions worked in partnership with Thermatic Engineering to develop an energy efficient system, which would meet and exceed the ventilation requirements of each Hilton hotel. In total, 419 units have been installed to

improve the indoor air quality of the hotels’ bedrooms and public areas.

Graham Egerton, National Projects Manager for Thematic Engineering, comments: “The structural limitations of the two hotels meant that a central ventilation system was not plausible, as there wasn’t enough space for the unit and its ducting. Therefore, we decided to install individual mechanical ventilation with heat recovery (MVHR) units in all of the rooms, as it was the most effective approach. Xpelair’s bespoke units had the ability to exceed our client’s ventilation requirements.”

Steve Mongan, head of marketing at

Xpelair, explains: “The bespoke systems designed, exceed the criteria required

by Thermatic, offering easy to install and highly energy efficient ventilation solutions.

Lightweight in construction, they can be wall or loft mounted by one person using the fixing brackets provided.The energy efficient design also means they could save up to 278kg of carbon per year compared to traditional AC heat recovery systems.”

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daniela.martino@redringxpelair.com

Balancing ventilation requirements Passivent has responded to the continuing growth of brownfield redevelopment with additions to its range of natural ventilation acoustic solutions, which ensure a properly ventilated and quiet interior, and a strategy of working with clients to develop solutions to specific issues. SoundScoop is the result of an issue encountered by one of Passivent’s customers, where they often needed a means of naturally ventilating a large building but needed to prevent noise transfer from one area to another. The new tricklevent system was initially developed for a hotel adjacent to Heathrow Airport, where Passivent devised a solution that delivered adequate airflow without under- or overventilation and sound attenuation of up to 37dB. projects@passivent.com

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Kingspan heats up its solar offering Following the success of Varisol, the world’s first modular solar thermal collector with no manifold, Kingspan Renewables has launched Varisol HP – an exciting new design, which uses advanced heat pipe technology to deliver sustained, top quality performance matched with a lifetime of energy savings.Varisol HP includes a temperature limitation device in the condenser for system protection along with dry tube connections for ease of installation and maintenance. Suitable for both domestic and commercial markets,Varisol HP collectors do not degrade in performance levels, allowing end users to benefit from long-lasting, optimum energy capture and savings along with low cost of ownership. sales@kingspansolar.co.uk

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Timoleon system offers double efficiency The Timoleon Staple System was specified to supply below floor warmth evenly throughout two underused farm buildings which have been used to create the EaRTH centre at Bicton College in Devon.The Timoleon Staple System is simple and can be rapidly laid even in awkward areas.When in use, heat from the pipes is reflected upwards from the insulation sheet, optimising warmth for the room above.The Timoleon system also acts as a Surface Cooling System, a far more energy efficient alternative to air conditioning.When the outside atmosphere demands it,Timoleon’s sophisticated controls switch the system from heating to cooling modes. samantha.perry@timoleon.co.uk

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Floors, Walls & Ceilings

Harmonic installation

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The atrium in the new building at Chetham’s School of Music where products from Schlüter-Systems have been installed

Schlüter, comments: “To have a number of our market-leading products working in harmony to ensure that the tile installations around this fantastic new building don’t fall flat, is great news.

Many of our products really strike a chord with architects, tiling professionals and specifiers, thanks to their ease of installation and suitability for almost any occasion with the Schlüter®-SCHIENE, Schlüter®-RENO and Schlüter®-TREP ranges particularly appropriate for busy locations such as this which experience a large footfall.”

Schlüter®-SCHIENE is the original finishing threshold strip and offers the perfect protection. It finishes tiled surfaces and protects the outer edges of ceramic and natural stone floor coverings from mechanical impact.

The threshold profiles of the Schlüter®RENO series create a smooth transition before adjoining floor coverings at different heights, protecting the exposed tile edge. All profiles are available in a range of heights and finishes such as brass, aluminium, anodised aluminium, stainless steel and brushed stainless steel and contribute to the aesthetic and lasting appearance of the floor covering.

Stair nosings and stair profiles from the Schlüter®-TREP range are designed to improve safety on stairs, protect the edges of the stairs from chipping and cracking and provide an aesthetically pleasing finish.

These are available in a wide variety of styles, heights, materials and finishes.

With over 7,000 products in its range, Schlüter-Systems has an essential role to play in every professional tiling project. sales@schluter.co.uk

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hetham’s School of Music is the largest specialist music school in the UK and the only such facility in the north of the country. This £20m project has seen a new, six-storey building constructed adjacent to the existing campus in the heart of the city, providing a mix of music and academic facilities for around 300 pupils.

Protecting tile installations in the

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atrium and a recital room are threshold profiles from the Schlüter®-SCHIENE and Schlüter®-RENO ranges of edge profiles whilst stair nosing profiles from the Schlüter®-TREP range have also been installed on a prominent feature staircase in addition to several other staircases around the building. All this was carried out by tiling contractors,The Tiling Company.

Carl Stokes, Divisional Manager for

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A trio of products from Schlüter-Systems are proving instrumental in the success of tiling installations within a brand new state-of-the-art facility for a world class school of music in Manchester.

A recital room at the new Chetham’s School of Music building in Manchester

Floors, Walls & Ceilings

An Array of possibilities Bring in Ancon reinforcements!

Having conducted successful site trials, representatives from Carillion and Reussir are full of praise for AMR-X, the innovative masonry reinforcement from Ancon. Unlike standard ladder-type reinforcement,AMR-X features shaped cross wires which elevate the outer longitudinal wires to ensure they are located in the desired location at the centre of a bed joint.The trials have proven that the AMR-X is a simple, cost-effective way to ensure reinforcement is fully surrounded by mortar. Paul Walmsley, a Masonry Advisor at Carillion, was delighted to find: “whether laid post or pre mortar, AMR-X ensures adequate mortar coverage is attained which provides a significant aid to ensuring structural compliance on sites.” info@ancon.co.uk

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Heckmondwike has expanded the design and creative possibilities offered by its various carpet ranges with the introduction of its new Array fibre bonded carpet tiles. Offering a choice of six different colourways, the new Array tiles combine the aesthetic and visual appeal of a tufted carpet with the rugged construction and outstanding performance only available from a fibre bonded product.

“The new Array carpet tiles are part of our Creative Flooring range and represent another opportunity for specifiers, designers and flooring contractors to create individual designs for all types of commercial flooring applications,” says Heckmondwike Marketing Manager, Abby Chandler.

Each of the new Array tiles features a mid-width rib design, with a charcoal background enhanced with a subtle linear pattern in either red, blue, purple, lime, magenta or black. The fibre bonded Array tiles can be cut onsite without the risk of fraying and this allows individual flooring designs to be created and installed with ease. These designs can also be enhanced with other contrasting colour and texture options from Heckmondwike’s Broadrib range.

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sales@heckmondwike-fb.co.uk

Knightsbridge showcase for Mapei A system of products from Mapei’s Resin & Cementitious Flooring line has been specified in the major refurbishment of the Benetton Knightsbridge retail store. Its 1,200m2 existing tile floor has been replaced with Mapei’s Mapefloor System, to create a concrete look epoxy finish.The Mapefloor System has a number of distinct benefits which were ideal for this installation, such as good abrasion resistance, a very strong bond to most substrates, impermeability to liquids and a highly decorative finish.

Available in a wide choice of colours, Mapefloor system offers a modern, aesthetic solution for a wide range of installations including public, private, domestic, industrial and commercial applications. info@mapei.co.uk 053

Taking centre stage As Mapei celebrates its 75th anniversary this year, the company can look back at its many prestigious projects including the Grade II listed Royal Shakespeare Theatre in Stratford. A full system of Mapei products were utilised from mortar repair and priming through to the adhesives.

Mapei supplied products used to prepare the refurbished flooring for the theatre’s heavyweight bearing and high footfall conditions. Fireclad carried out the installation of the final floor finishes throughout the dressing rooms using Ultrabond Eco VS90 adhesive to install vinyl flooring and impact rubber matting. Ultrabond Eco Tack was utilised to install new carpet tiles throughout the central core areas over five floors, back of house, auditorium and seating areas. info@mapei.co.uk

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Attractive option A new toy warehouse in Exeter has recently been completed with over 9500m2 of Knauf AMF’s Thermatex Mercure ceiling tiles in AMF Ventatec Grid, to meet the demanding fire protection requirements of the extensive two-tier mezzanine storage area.There was also a requirement to fire protect the recessed lights, so 1000 AMF 600x600mm light boxes were used to cover the luminaires.

Thermatex Mercure is an attractive option for mezzanines, offering time and cost savings in installation as the tiles do not have to be clipped down, and the main runners are installed at the standard 1200mm centres.Thermatex Mercure ceiling tiles can provide fire protection to mezzanine floors, timber joists, steel beams and other types of structure. sales@amfceilings.co.uk

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Floors, Walls & Ceilings

The benefits of modularity

Offering more floor coverings in a convenient tile format than any other manufacturer, Forbo Flooring Systems is celebrating the benefits of ‘modularity’, encouraging customers to exploit the concept to create fully integrated, beautifully colour co-ordinated floor schemes.

Modular flooring is ideal for projects with multi-application areas. Specifically colour co-ordinated for integration, Forbo’s textile and resilient floor tiles can be mixed and matched across a

Smooth finish for outdoor surfaces Leading manufacturer of flooring adhesives and subfloor preparation products, F. Ball and Co. Ltd., has launched Stopgap 850 Exterior, a frostresistant, smoothing compound for outdoor areas. It is the first exterior floor smoothing product F. Ball has launched, and is a result of the company’s ongoing product development programme. Non-structural, exterior grade Stopgap 850, is formulated to smooth rough or mechanically damaged external concrete or sand/cement screeds such as walkways, balconies and patios. It is ideal for preparing exterior concrete surfaces prior to the application of a non-slip coating or external covering such as artificial grass. Stopgap 850 Exterior is a self-smoothing product with a walk-on hardness time of two hours at 20°C. mail@f-ball.co.uk

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floor scheme, with colours and patterns selected to blend or contrast as desired.

Multiple tile sizes and formats offer further design flexibility.

Modular floor coverings are a logical choice for the modern working environment with access flooring, which has to be lifted periodically. They allow refurbishments to be carried out with the minimum outlay and fuss. Compared with sheet floor coverings, tiles usually generate less installation waste and can be fitted rapidly. They can easily be replaced in isolation.

Where a textile floor covering is required, Forbo offers design-led tufted and cut pile carpet tiles in its Tessera and Westbond ranges. Where a smooth resilient finish is needed, Forbo’s Marmoleum tiles, Flex Design loose lay vinyl tiles and Allura LVT tiles and

‘planks’ are offered in styles, colourways and technical specifications to meet all requirements.

Completing Forbo’s modular offer is the Flotex tile range – a unique range of flocked floor tiles combining the attributes of textile flooring with the benefits of a resilient.

info.flooring.uk@forbo.com

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Tasteful design Dulux Trade Diamond Eggshell has been used in the stylish refurbishment of The Cedar restaurant based within Ashorne Hill, a Grade 2 listed conference and training venue in Leamington Spa. Award-winning interior designers, Heterarchy, specified the robust Dulux Trade Diamond Eggshell, which is 10 times tougher than standard water-based eggshell finishes and vinyl silk emulsions, and was the ideal choice to ensure a fresh, hardwearing, premium quality finish.To complement the design of the room along with the limestone feature walls, bespoke tree ceiling designs and luxurious carpet and furniture, the paint was specified in Bleached Lichen 3, a soft beige shade, to create a light and airy feel. duluxtraderesponse@tangerinepr.com

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Bespoke flooring A bespoke Kährs wood floor has been specified at two John Lewis department stores. Featuring a one-strip design and distinct grey toned prefinish, the exclusively-designed floor has been installed at John Lewis Oxford Street and at its Norwich shop.

Designed to create a natural, tactile look with a contemporary edge, Kährs bespoke floor has a robust, wide board format and rustic grain. A grey-wash prefinish provides a distinct look, complementing the stores’ design and corporate signage colour scheme. All floors specified throughout the chain feature Kährs award-winning format. Based on the original design, patented by Kährs in 1941, the eco-friendly multi-layered construction uses sustainable hardwood down to the joint and fast-growing sustainable timber below. sales@kahrs.com 059

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Floors, Walls & Ceilings

Ceilings follow the curve at police HQ Metal and mineral systems from Armstrong Ceilings were specified by architects the Weedon Partnership, for a new Central Motorway Police Group HQ in the West Midlands.

Some 260m2 of Armstrong’s RH 215 metal micro-perforated planks with a factory-applied acoustic fleece were used on the first floor of the new police

headquarters to follow the curve of the shallow barrel vault roof, while a total of more than 600m2 of Ultima dB and OP mineral tiles with a variety of edge details

and acoustic properties were used on the ground floor.

The project incorporated the refurbishment of an existing garage block, with the steel-frame, rainscreen-clad build by main contractor Bullock Construction completed on deadline in 50 weeks. The Armstrong ceilings, which feature Sound Absorption Class up to A, were installed throughout over two months by a team of four from Drewmore Interiors.

The Weedon Partnership said: “The Armstrong products were specified at design stage for tender purposes. We have used them before on many and varied schemes as they are the market leader, with a proven track record and wide portfolio of products to suit differing situations.

“They were used throughout this project other than plasterboarded areas, with the ceiling fitted at first floor, designed to complement and follow the curve of the steel roof members. The client is very pleased with the appearance and suitability of Armstrong Ceilings.” sales-support@armstrong.com

Play it safe with the CFA!

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Is it eating away at your project?

Flooring is a major element in most contracts.

Architects, Specifiers and Main Contractors require quality of service, installation support and guaranteed results, all of which CFA members can provide.

Initial investment into hot-dip galvanizing offers an economic method of steel protection against corrosion.

Why choose Wedge Group Galvanizing?  14 plants across the UK  Galvanize 1.5mm to 29m long

CFA members include contractors, manufacturers, distributors and consultants and are here to make your project run as smoothly as possible.

All members are established businesses, are aware of current British, EU and International Standards and the latest technical information and are provided with business support and access to high quality training through our training organisation FITA, a joint venture between the CFA and NICF. Call, email or visit us online to source a CFA member for your next flooring project.

 Collection & Site Delivery Service  24hr Turnaround on Request  Unrivalled Customer Service  Design & Technical Advice

For an information pack or to discuss your next project please contact us: Email: corrosion@wedgegalv.co.uk Tel: 01902 600704

Visit www.cfa.org.uk or call 0115

941 1126 ISO 9001 FM 00382

The Contract Flooring Association 4c St Mary’s Place, The Lace Market, Nottingham NG1 1PH. Fax: 0115 941 2238

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51

Kitchens, Bedrooms & Bathrooms A winning combination On The Level has designed and developed a range of special formers to complement the new Geberit Duofix drain system, resulting in an ultra smooth wetroom design. The Duofix from Geberit is a new shower element which integrates the drain neatly and unobtrusively into the wall, removing the need for a drain in the standing area of the wetroom. The former, designed by On The Level, has a specially designed three-way fall to ensure that the wetroom functions perfectly. This special former is manufactured from top quality birch plywood in the UK and has a PEFC certification.

It is available in a choice of six sizes to complement any wet floor shower area.

Commercial fireclay range Shaws has an extensive range and vast experience in providing heavy duty white glazed commercial fireclay for use in schools, hospitals, laboratories, public buildings, institutions and nursing homes, to name but a few. Fireclay is a traditional, robust material, which can be used in many areas and is designed to withstand heavy use. Products include heavyweight Butler sinks, eight sizes of Belfast sinks, lab sinks, practical floor or wall mounted cleaner’s sinks with stainless steel bucket gratings, plus many other sinks. lharber@shawsofdarwen.com

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sales@onthelevel.co.uk

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Contemporary vanity units Offering the very latest in contemporary design, the innovative and extremely flexible modular bathroom furniture from Mereway Bathrooms is now available in three brand new stylish modes.With clean lines and tidy combinations, the new stand alone modular vanity unit range has been designed to make the most of any sized bathroom.These 600 or 900 wide units are available in all infinity finishes and incorporate single drawer and cupboard design, three drawer option or two door cabinet. All host the integral slimline Linea gel cast basin, matching plinth, and an individual look can be achieved with a choice of brassware and handle options. info@merewaybathrooms.co.uk

Stylish shower portfolio With two-in-one functionality, showerpipes are the fastest growing product type within Hansgrohe’s shower portfolio. With five models to choose from, the new Croma 220 Showerpipe is versatile and offers an attractive price/performance ratio. All models feature the generous 220mm diameter shower head and the Croma 100 Vario hand shower with four settings, from gentle rain shower to a stimulating massage spray. Customers can choose from single lever mixer, thermostatic, a version with spout for above the bath, EcoSmart version with reduced water and energy consumption and the Reno version, which allows connection to existing pipe work by means of an extra connection hose. enquiries@hansgrohe.co.uk

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Improved accessibility RAK Ceramics has introduced a series of extended projection WC’s to its new RAKRIMLESS™ range.

Offering improved accessibility and a hygienic rim-free design, the new range includes both extended close coupled and extended back to wall WC’s, in a variety of formats. All models are HTM64 compliant and suitable for wheelchair users and healthcare settings. They are also compliant with the Water Regulations Approved Scheme and feature a dual 4/2.5 litre flush, which reduces water consumption by a third. Designs include extended projection close coupled WC’s with a 45cm comfort height and reinforced ring seat/chrome hinge or soft close wrap over seat. marketing@rakceramics.co.uk

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Comfort & light The Delos range of bathroom furniture from Duravit, features a reduced design but introduces a particularly comfortable atmosphere and new lightness into the bathroom.

The apparently floating console

by EOOS has no visible supports thanks to an invisible wall fitting that enables the straight-lined design by EOOS to be showcased to full effect. This visual impression is due partly to the mirror, which is also fully reflective on the sides.

As with all Duravit mirrors, a sensor light switch is integrated discreetly at the side. Delos is available in two real-wood finishes and in a fresh high-gloss white. info@uk.duravit.com

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March 12 Issue 25

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FrAmeLeSS GLASS SHoWerS deSiGned For your SPACe Glasstrends provides a customised design and fitting service for frameless glass showers, steam room and sauna doors.

Surveyed and installed to your complete satisfaction.

Come and visit our newly refurbished flagship showroom to experience the beauty of our frameless glass products first hand.

celebrating in business

Greenhouse Going Dutch – a villa built from 70 per cent recycled materials

Sustainability in Development

CALL 020 7223 4017 to receive our brochure or visit www.glasstrends.co.uk/future

The Radisson Blu East Midlands – one of the greenest hotels in the UK

Design & Desire From Art Deco technical college to iconic Coventry landmark

Please quote ‘FCA850’ when calling.

Visit www.glasstrends.co.uk/trade for our Trade Loyalty Scheme.

Subscribe For Free at

www.fca-magazine.com Keep up to date with the latest news, legislations, projects & building product information with FC&A Magazine.

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53

Drainage & Landscaping

Vertical landscaping Designers and specifiers are meeting the challenges of restricted urban green space by looking at the vertical option for landscaping. Traditional, often uninspiring concrete retailing walls, are slowly being replaced with vertical landscaped walling with planting, shape and colour.

Grass Concrete’s retaining wall range, Betoconcept, provides a popular living wall option, bringing together both structural integrity and landscape options.

The Betoconcept retaining walls consist of individual interlocking blocks made from high strength machine pressed concrete, with dry-build interconnectivity to free-form any wall layout. A patented walling range incorporates; Betoatlas, Betoflor, Betotitan, Leromur, Betojar and Betonap products.

Retaining walls may demand all sorts of curves and angles to avoid all sorts of obstructions on site. Betoatlas can be simply constructed into a long sweeping concave curve or built to cater for severe slopes or difficult ground conditions. The flexibility of Betoconcept (pictured) means different styles are

often used in combination on a single site, to cope with complex curves, ground embankments, changes of height and site obstructions. With individual interlocking blocks and dry-build interconnectivity the range offers the ability to free-form wall layouts in single or terraced wall format.

Betoconcept offers designers a wide choice of shape, colour and styles to accommodate planting on high or low walls. Sustainable planting is maintained with adequate soil pockets for all types of plants, shrubs and climbers. Good drainage and water capture with the stepped bank also helps keep landscape maintenance to a minimum. Using the depth of the retaining wall for planting, sees a significant sound suppression across a wide walled area.

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info@grasscrete.com

Showing off with style

Fexible FastTrap FastTrap, a one-piece drain ideal for wetrooms on timber, in solid floors and also for installation in screed, is now available from Dallmer Ltd. While this latest addition to the extensive Dallmer product list is suitable for new-build situations, the FastTrap, with a height of only 100mm, has proved particularly popular for installation in older properties where lack of build up height has to be overcome. Tested to a flow rate of 45 litres per minute, the new trap is specifically designed for use with the latest high-powered showers.

FastTrap has a height adjustability of up to 46mm for the floor finish. info@dallmer.com

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Yeoman Rainguard has supplied zinc guttering and pipes for the Kingspan Potton show barn. A spokesperson from Kingspan Potton said: “We have worked with Yeoman Rainguard for years and recommended its products to hundreds of self builders. The company’s black aluminium guttering perfectly complements our Tudor-style Gransden Show house. We chose zinc guttering and pipes for our new sustainable barn style show home. They look fantastic, blending traditional and contemporary styles perfectly, and are maintenance-free.” The Yeoman Rainguard zinc and copper range offers a contemporary feel. The products are self-finished and natural oxidisation will protect the product, delivering an almost unlimited service life. sallyann@rainguard.co.uk

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Advanced pressurisation unit A compact, wall mounted pressurisation unit offering Fluid Category 5 backflow protection, has been developed by Arrow Valves Ltd. The ‘Midi-Fill’ Digital is designed for both filling and top-up of ‘non-house’ heating or chilled systems. The ‘Midi-Fill’ Digital features a lockable digital display for ease of setting controls and self-test monitoring, anti-seize pump and daily pump pulse.

Comprehensive BMS controls report faults prior to heating system shut down and excess water usage (e.g. leaks) making the unit ideal for multiple building management and facilities dependent on reliable heating such as schools. info@arrowvalves.co.uk

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Drainage & Landscaping KEEP GRAVEL IN ITS PLACE

Alumasc creates green space at Belfast college

NO SINKING • NO MOVEMENT • NO WEEDS • NO

Gravel is one of the most Hydrotech MM6125 Structural Waterproofing and a ZinCo Green Roof system from COREgravel Alumasc, is the so attractive, economical and It creates a naturally have been successfully used on the new £44m campus of Belfast Metropolitan The base into versatile surfaces on earth. College. stabilising Butatwithout help, it’s inclined gravel2011. sits – and STA project recently won Environmental project of the Year the Sustainable Ireland Awards The impressive 20,000m2 Belfast Metropolitan College facility, designed by Todd Architects, is set around an inner courtyard and roof garden. 4,000m2 of Hydrotech was installed on the concrete podium of the courtyard which is situated above a basement car park.

Hydrotech is a high performance bituminous rubber blend that provides a seamless waterproofing membrane. It’s unique formulation guarantees lifetime performance and it is manufactured using 10% post-consumer recycled material.

Hydrotech is fully warranted, BBA accredited and has European Technical Approval ETA-05/0152.

Landscape architects, Paul Hogarth, specified Hydrotech as part of the

to move around, creating green roof package as it canridges be and ending up where It’s easy to lay, inexp installed with zero falls, thereby keeping it shouldn’t. and very, very effect podium height as low as possible.

Combined with Hydrogard protection layers and root barriers, Hydrotech offered the ideal waterproofing solution for use beneath Alumasc’s ZinCo Intensive Green Roof.

ZinCo Intensive Green Roof systems enable virtually any type of ‘garden’ landscape to be created and the deep substrate can support a range of plants, trees and shrubs. The College courtyard, where the ZinCo system was installed, offers the benefits of a small urban park, providing a welcome habitat for wildlife as well as additional recreational space for the students. info@alumasc-exteriors.co.uk 076

COREglow

KEEP GRAVEL IN ITS PLACE!

GLOW IN THE DARK AGGREGATE NO SINKING

COREglow pebbles are the The phosphorescenc bright choice for eco-friendlyNO MOVEMENT

by COREglow is not lighting that requires no powerNO WEEDS toxic, making it idea tanks and aquariams source.

NO PROBLEM and driveways, flowe When exposed to natural or and pots.

Gravel is an attractive, and versatile artificial light,economical the stones emitsurface, but without help it’s BECOME APPROVED INSTALLER inclined to move around -AN creating ridges and ending up where it shouldn’t. a magical glow in the dark.

COREgravel naturally stabilising base which the gravel sits Do creates you fitathe bill?porous To join our list ofinNationwide and STAYS! It’s easy tovisit lay, inexpensive and very, very effective.or Approved Installers www.coregravel.co.uk/nai call us onwww.coregravel.co.uk freephone 0800 118 2271

Freephone:

Ask at your trade counter • Available at builders merchants nationwide

0800 118 2278

Woodend Freephone: Online Enquiry 078 Horseshoe Hill 0800 118 2278 Littleworth Common www.coregravel.co.u SL1 8QE For a faster response visit www.fca-magazine.com or use the free reader enquiry card 55 Online Enquiry 077

THE RESULT IS A BEAUTIFUL DRIVE

Drainage & Landscaping

Heritage Rainwater System chosen for historic Luton Hoo Alumasc’s Heritage Cast Aluminium Rainwater System has provided a high performance solution for Luton Hoo in Bedfordshire – an 18th century mansion now in use as a five star hotel, golf and spa.

The original Grade I Listed Mansion House at Luton Hoo was designed by Robert Adam, with gardens created

by Capability Brown. The estate was acquired by the Elite Hotels Group in 1999.

Alumasc Heritage Aluminium 125mm half-round gutter profile and 102mm downpipe has been used on the most recent phase. This work involved the refurbishment and construction of a number of buildings including the Parkland Wing, the Garden Wing and Stables conversion.

Clague Architects specified the Heritage system as it was in keeping with both the new and refurbished areas which have been designed to carefully respect the setting of the historic estate. It was also important

that Alumasc was able to offer technical and on-site support throughout the installation.

The Heritage range is ideal for traditionally designed buildings and can be used as a direct replacement of cast iron while offering all the benefits of modern aluminium casting techniques and factory finish. The system has minimal maintenance requirements and is lightweight, durable and easy to handle and fix.

The half-round profile in PPC Black chosen for Luton Hoo, is one of five profiles that are available in the range, alongside a choice of imperial sizes and RAL colours to suit all projects.

Heritage Cast Aluminium is also available ex-stock with the popular textured black PPC finish, in Half Round

4”, 4½” and 5” profiles and Circular Pipe in 2½” and 3” diameters, offering an unrivalled lead time of three days.

info@alumasc-exteriors.co.uk

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Recycled plastic planks reduce landfill Sir John McAlpine called Kedel Ltd., to supply recycled plastic planks for the ArchelorMittal Orbit Tower at the London Olympics. Recycled plastic reduced its carbon footprint and saved a lot of household plastic waste from landfill. Greenbuild has come and gone, but sustainable issues are still high on everyone’s agenda, as Government is legislating that new and refurbishment projects are to be carbon neutral by 2016. At Greenbuild, Kedel found strong interest in its ‘Zypave’ drainage and ground reinforcement grids, and maintenance-free recycled plastic wood (not composite), for tongue and groove gates, as well as assorted styles of cladding in various UV stable colours. info@kedel.co.uk 080

Gates offer security with speedy access Frontier Pitts’ extensive portfolios of gates, including security bi-folding speed gates, are designed to provide a high degree of security, controlling access for vehicles through a site’s fence line perimeter. Bi-folding speed gates are ideal for sites where speed of access through the perimeter line for authorised personnel is essential, i.e. delivery entrances, car parks, and industrial and commercial premises. Bi-folding gates are also ideal for sites with limited space to open hinged and sliding gates. All Frontier Pitts security gates are available in a wide range of styles that complement both contemporary and traditional architectural designs, and can be custom designed to match any fence line or company branding. sales@frontierpitts.com

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Clean water pumping services Boasting over 50 years experience in the pumping industry,T-T is committed to delivering service and maintenance for all types of clean water pressurisation and boosting systems. Skilled T-T engineers with fully equipped vehicles are based around the UK, and endeavour to carry out work onsite to all makes of systems.

The team is dedicated to working exclusively on clean water pressurisation and boosting systems avoiding any cross contamination. Services include: Breakdown service for minimal disruption • Servicing of hot and cold systems • Chlorination of water tanks • Water testing with fully independent certification • Pressurisation of vessels • Remote monitoring for around the clock support. response@ttpumps.com

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Online Enquiry 083

Perfect Permeable Paving

For an attractive and extremely durable surface solution, use SureSet速 permeable resin bound paving. Ideal for driveways, access roads, pavements, pathways, tree pits & SUDS projects.

Choose from natural gravel, crushed rock, marble and recycled products.

SureSet permeable resin bound paving is now covered by a 15 year guarantee.

For more information contact us today.

Tel: 0800 135 7026 Fax: 01985 841260 mail@sureset.co.uk www.sureset.co.uk

Online Enquiry 084

Online Enquiry 085

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Doors, Windows & Balustrades

New HST side sliding sectional door Smooth, quiet and safe, the new Hörmann HST side sliding sectional door features the world’s first handle actuated, automatic wicket door function.

A simple press of the handle or handset will open the Hörmann HST side sliding sectional door to a predetermined point. Whether it is access for a bicycle,

motorcycle, wheelbarrow or just a person, the wicket door function can be set to any width to suit you.

Precise and easy door travel is

achieved with Hörmanns’ unique twin rollers that add to the stability and longevity of this door. The open-ended aluminium floor rail guides the door panels securely yet is easy to keep free from leaves and dirt, essential for both the manual and automatic versions.

Double automatic safety cut-outs on the opening and closing cycle, plus the designed-in finger trap protection, on both the inside and outside, add to the safe operation of this door.

42mm thick polyurethane insulation adds to the strength and rigidity of each panel and combined with the flexible weather resistant seals, keeps the elements out.

It is available in three styles, one panelled and two ribbed options, and three finishes – Woodgrain, Silkgrain and Decograin. There are 15 preferred colour options as well as the standard white and a Golden Oak Decograin finish. To add to the styling detail, there is a range of seven coloured handles required for both manual operation and for the handle operated wicket door function. info@hormann.co.uk

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Larger casement window meets demand A heavy-duty window vent believed to be one of the largest on the market, has been launched by Kawneer.

Introduced to meet specifiers’ ever-increasing demand for larger opening vents and larger areas of glazing, the new AA®601 HDV falls within Kawneer’s AA®601TE and AA®601TEPlus window ranges which feature U-values as low as 1.5 W/m2K. The new 102mm profile is approximately 25% larger than its 82mm predecessor and enables the AA®601 systems to achieve vent sizes with friction stays of up to 2,300mm wide and 2,500mm high for top-hung applications with a maximum vent weight of 160kg and 890mm wide and 1,900mm high for side-hung applications with a maximum vent weight of 55kg. kuk.kawneer@alcoa.com 087

New addition to Scheuco partner network Building envelope and solar products specialist Schueco UK Limited, has announced that Booth Industries of Bolton, a leader in the design and construction of high-integrity doors, windows and modular wall systems, is joining the Schueco Partner Network. Barry Gregson, Director, Commercial Doors at Booth Industries, comments: “I had been planning to add a range of glazed steel fire doors and screens to our steel fire-door portfolio and was extremely impressed by the comprehensive nature of the Schueco Jansen fire and security offering. It was obvious that it would complement and enhance our own product range and would enable us to extend our marketing reach with specifiers.” mkinfobox@schueco.com

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Off to a flying start McLeod Glaziers in Perth, Scotland, is fast becoming one of Sash UK’s key accounts since signing up with the leading UK fabricator in January to supply all its PVCu windows, residential doors and conservatories. McLeod chose Sash UK after initially buying conservatories from Sash, but they were so impressed by the service and quality, that the decision was made to put all McLeod’s eggs in Sash UK’s basket. “Here at McLeod we put huge emphasis on Window Energy Ratings (WER). Sash UK offers the flexibility and range of energy ratings we need, and the quality of the product is excellent,” explained Derek, Managing Director of McLeod Glaziers. marketing@sashuk.com

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Doors, Windows & Balustrades Levolux tastes success at Dominos’ HQ

Top eco windows from AsTec If you are a professional seeking the very best high performance eco windows you need look no further than AsTec Window Systems. A leading provider for both new installation and refurbishment schemes AsTec offers the UK market two outstanding eco systems: the tried and tested Geneo eco window system, with high R values and U values typically as low as 0.70 W/m2K, and Pultec GRP very long, high tensile units with equally good performance and high acoustic values.

To find out more, check out www.astecwindowsystems.co.uk to download the Geneo and Pultec brochures. info@astecwindowsystems.co.uk

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No matter how hot it gets outside, employees inside Domino’s Pizza Group’s new headquarters building in Milton Keynes will remain cool, thanks to natural ventilation and a comprehensive Solar Shading solution, courtesy of Levolux.The solution comprised external sliding Timber Fin panels, with integrated timber decking and internal motorised blinds. In total, Levolux designed, manufactured and installed 36 Timber Fin panels, formed from Western Red Cedar, sandwiched between aluminium side plates.The panels are arranged in 12 groups of 3, distributed between the third and fourth floors, to protect the building’s full height glazing.The Timber Fin panels, each measure 60mm deep and 1.9m wide, with a height of up to 3.5m. info@levolux.com 091

Comar 7 Commercial Door passes security tests

Comar Architectural Aluminium Systems has announced that its Comar 7 Commercial Door has passed LPS 1175 SR 2 and the new security standard BS EN 1627 Class 3. Comar is also the first company to gain Loss Prevention Certification Board (LPCB) approval to EN 1627 (Pedestrian doorsets, windows, curtain walling, grilles and shutters. Burglar resistance. Requirements and classification). BS EN 1627 is the new European security standard that has recently been ratified by all member states.These security standards ensure that in commercial applications, as far as is reasonable, the security features are tamper resistant on the nonattack side from tools such as soft body impactors, screwdrivers, knives or glass cutters.

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projects@parksidegroup.co.uk

Softbrakeconcept

High quality soft close braking mechanisms for top hung straight sliding timber and glass doors. For domestic or light / medium duty commercial timber or glass partitions and pocket door applications.

Unit 89 Hartlebury Trading Estate Hartlebury Worcestershire DY10 4JB 01299 250824 sales@williams-ironmongery.co.uk www.williams-ironmongery.co.uk

Online Enquiry 093

Doors, Windows & Balustrades

New wicket door option from Hörmann Combining form and function, a sectional garage door with an integral wicket door is the latest example of engineering excellence from Hörmann.

Available as an option with both automatic and manually operated doors, this hinged door, within the garage door, allows easy access without the need for a separate side entrance.

Sales of sectional doors continue to rise as more homes benefit from the added insulation and security they can provide. The wicket doors add to their convenience and reduces the need to fully open the door, helping to minimise heat loss.

The attention to detail includes Hörmann’s unique trip-free threshold.

This stainless steel threshold strip is only 5mm high at each edge rising to 10mm in the centre and features adjustable double seals to compensate for uneven

floors. Innovation continues with patented finger trap protection across the wicket door, its frame and the entire sectional door.

Colour choice is not restricted when a wicket door is specified, with 15 standard colours to choose from, along with the choice of any RAL colour as an option.

The wicket door frame can be supplied as anodised, in a neutral colour, or to match the main door panel. Additionally, all six Decograin finishes can be chosen.

To further complement the insulation values, when choosing the wicket door, you can add Hörmann’s ThermoFrame.

info@hormann.co.uk

PassivHaus rooflights Following independent assessment by the PassivHaus Institute in Darmstadt Germany, DVS is delighted to report the launch of the first PassivHaus certified flat roof skylights. The FEenergysave is a highly energy efficient rooflight designed for flat roofs and has achieved the top efficiency class: the Advanced Component phA category. For larger area roof glazing DVS now also offers the PR60 System, which is the first sloped glazing component to achieve PassivHaus certification, another phA Advanced Component. The addition of the PassivHaus certified products compliments DVS’s existing range of energy efficient rooflights and demonstrates the company’s commitment to sustainable construction. mail@dvsltd.co.uk

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Student-proof balustrades A new landmark university building in Essex, architectdesigned to BREEAM Excellent standards, has selected high style, student-proof solutions from Sapphire Balustrades for all interior balustrading. Structural glass balustrades from Sapphire’s Crystal range with stainless steel handrails are installed along central staircases and around light wells at the University Centre Harlow, a modern addition to the Anglia Ruskin University campus. In addition to Crystal balustrades for the main building, Sapphire has also installed matching stainless steel handrails in the 96-seat lecture theatre, and provided balustrades for escape stairs using its Opal powder coated steel balusters and handrails with glass infill panels. sales@sapphiresouthern.com 096

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Dramatic conversion

High performance Conservation™ box sash timber windows, entrance doors and French doorsets, designed and manufactured by sash window specialist Mumford & Wood, have been specified in the renovation and extension of the Grade II listed MOD Officers’ Mess at the Shoebury Garrison.The replacement windows, made from clear grade engineered timber, have been approved by local conservation officers for the renovation of this very important piece of British heritage.These bespoke fenestration products are double glazed and factory finished, have BSI ‘A-C’ energy ratings, advanced acoustic and security performance and achieve an overall frame U-value of 1.4 W/m2K which exceeds current Part L Building Regulations. sales@mumfordwood.com

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Doors, Windows & Balustrades

Henderson goes for glass Expert door fittings manufacturer and solutions provider, PC Henderson, has launched its first-ever range of glass door hardware systems suitable for commercial and residential applications.

The new glass systems available from PC Henderson are a natural progression and perfectly complement the company’s well-established and popular systems for timber, aluminium and composite doors.

Henderson recognised the need for quality glass door fittings as the current trend for lighter more airy spaces continues to grow in both the residential and commercial sectors.

This robust and elegant glass door hardware range is suitable across all applications, from bookcases through

to top-hung glass doors up to 500kg including sliding, folding, and multidirectional configurations.

PC Henderson can also supply a large range of accessories designed specifically for glass doors including locks and lock accessories, flush pulls, handles and fascias.

The launch of the new range, combined with the company’s established products, enables Henderson to offer specifiers a one-stop shop for all door furniture where ease of use, durability and

reliability are equally as important as aesthetic design.

Full details of the glass hardware range can be found in the company’s new 36-page product brochure which clearly illustrates the many different glassware door fitting, as well as details of how to get in touch with Henderson’s Expert Service – a dedicated team that is available to provide free help and advice on any aspect of door hardware fittings.

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marketing@pchenderson.com

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Online Enquiry 099

Online Enquiry 100

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Building Elements

You’ve never seen a floor like this before…

As easy to fit as carpet tiles, stronger than porcelain tiles, as beautiful as natural stone – N&C Nicobond introduces the outstanding Nicobond Steelker.

C

reated to be a floating floor, Nicobond Steelker can be fixed in virtually any area with ease. Due to the laminated construction fusing porcelain tiles, steel and resin fibre, it can be placed on non-rigid subfloors or over existing hard floor coverings such as ceramic or natural stone. The unique lamination process creates floors that have incredible impact resistance and the disconnected installation system means floors can be installed or replaced quickly and efficiently.

Easy to lay, Nicobond Steelker has the ability to compensate for small gradients and undulations in the subfloor

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Nicobond Steelker was considered the perfect solution for the luxury spa resort, Champneys, situated in Henlow.

The magnificent building has been a centrepiece in the area for centuries and as a historical site, required a solution that would prevent any damage to the existing building. The client required a solution that mirrored their image, ‘tradition derived from their heritage, combined with innovation of the new’.

Nicobond Steelker has the appearance of a contemporary tile with a classic edge

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Nicobond Steelker is a new generation of porcelain tile

but is constructed like no other. It does not out of necessity need to be glued to the subfloor, nor does it need to be supported by a cement-based screed, because the tile is already reinforced. As a result, Nicobond Steelker provided the client with a solution that offered speed of installation that prevented any disruption to their commercial activities.

Nicobond Steelker can be set practically anywhere, residential and commercial buildings, temporary commercial areas or events, as temporary shops, exhibitions, artistic installations, renovations, with no demolition, providing the opportunity to upgrade older buildings to current regulations for sound insulation between floors and can also be used on top of old floating floors in offices, etc. Installation is completely dry-fit with the use of the Nicobond self-adhesive ‘repositionable’ underlay mat.

Easy to lay, it has the ability to compensate for small gradients and undulations in the subfloor making it ideal for DIY or for use by professional installers. For those who prefer a more traditional installation method, this can still be accomplished using Nicobond Rapidflex Adhesive with Nicobond Starlike Epoxy Adhesive/Grout.

As well as speed of installation, the Nicobond self-adhesive underlay matting allows for further important features to the new floor such as: reduction in the sound transmission through the structure; reduction of step noise inside the room and is an optimal solution for under floor heating due to good heat transmission because its patented laminated structure improves the radiant heating performance of the floor. Nicobond Steelker has a very low thermal resistance when fixed using self-adhesive underlay, as the materials from which it is made, are able to withstand temperatures exceeding 100°C. One of the most impressive characteristics of this unique new floor tile concept is the ability to survive impact that would crack and destroy normal porcelain three times it’s thickness or granite 30mm thick. Nicobond Steelker has been submitted to shock resistance tests, according to International (ISO-EN), American (ASTM) and more strict French (CSTB) regulations. The tiles passed these tests conclusively proving their versatility on varied backgrounds. info@nichollsandclarke.co.uk

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Building Elements

Safe and restful retreat on Skye Lonza Wood Protection’s DRICON fire retardant treatment is protecting the oak lining used in a beautiful award-winning home at Boreraig, on the Isle of Skye.

The building, inspired by the blackhouse, a traditional style of Highland architecture, was designed by architect Neil Stephen of Dualchas Building Design to reflect the local landscape and heritage and to be a quiet and restful retreat for its Buddhist owner.

The house, facing a lochan and with views across the island, is lined throughout with oak-faced ply, vacuum-impregnated with the DRICON fire retardant, creating a clean, minimal and attractive finish. The oak-finished panels spring open to reveal concealed shelves and storage areas to maintain the minimalist feel of the design.

The wood was supplied by the timber contractors and shipped to Lonza Wood Protection for pressure-treating with the DRICON treatment before being returned to the site, ready for use.

A water-based fire retardant applied by vacuum-pressure impregnation in factorycontrolled conditions, Lonza’s DRICON

product is the only BBA-certificated fire retardant treatment for timber and plywood. It also offers a high level of resistance to humidity, vital in the weather conditions found in the Scottish Highlands.

Dualchas Building Design architect

Mary Arnold-Forster, who also worked on the project, said: “We specified the use of Lonza’s DRICON fire retardant treatment for the project as it meets the required building regulations, and is easy to work with.”

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david.law@lonza.com

Makita tools aid Morgan construction Since 1910 the iconic Morgan sports car has been carefully assembled by the skilled staff at the factory in Malvern Link, Worcestershire. Production today is being increased annually and the newly introduced 3-wheeler model is again stretching factory capacity.

To assist with production expansion aims and to enhance production standards, Makita tools are now used exclusively in the 3-wheelers production zone. The Makita tools specified for the Morgan 3-wheeler workshop includes the BFL200FZ and BFL400FZ 18volt torque shut off production angle screwdrivers. These tools have anti-tamper torque setting adjustment and visual and audible warning of correct/incorrect fastening and auto stop facility. leads@makitauk.com

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App allows sharing of creative vision Interior designers will be able to share their creative vision with clients in an instant with a new, free iPad app from Dulux Trade paints.The Dulux Trade Colour Concept app allows professional designers and architects to bring their ideas to life by quickly and effortlessly creating concept boards.Via the application, designers can choose from an array of shades in the Dulux Trade Colour Palette, explore co-ordinating colours and draw inspiration from a gallery of images to bring together their concept on screen.What’s more, designers can upload and incorporate their own images into a mood board and match them up with existing Dulux Trade paint colours. duluxtraderesponse@tangerinepr.com

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Matting helps keep Selfridges clean

Frontrunner Plus entrance matting, manufactured by Plastic Extruders Ltd., is playing an important role at two major Selfridges stores. At the entrance to the stores, one in Birmingham’s famous Bull Ring and the other in Manchester’s Trafford Centre, the high performance matting helps keep the interiors clean and dry by wiping, cleaning and drying the shoes of shoppers as they enter.

Frontrunner Plus can be trimmed easily on site to fit any shape, such as within revolving doors. Fully compatible with security tagging systems, Frontrunner Plus is manufactured with integral absorbent inserts within a vinyl grid, is available in 75 different colour combinations and supplied in 10m rolls in 60, 90 or 120cm widths. pos@plastex.co.uk

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Building Elements

Deadline extended for Wood Awards The Wood Awards – the UK’s premier award scheme for the world’s only naturally sustainable material – has extended its deadline for entries for 2012.

As Britain’s premier architecture and furniture competition celebrating excellence in design and craftsmanship using timber, the aim of the Wood Awards is to recognise, encourage and promote outstanding design, craftsmanship and installation in wood. Over the last nine

years since its re-launch, the projects entered in the Wood Awards have ranged from exquisitely designed and executed staircases, furniture and timber frame buildings, to iconic public buildings from the UK’s leading architectural practices.

The categories for the Wood Awards

Fifth healthcare contract for Yorkon Off-site construction specialist Yorkon has been awarded its fifth contract in the healthcare sector by Interserve Construction. The project is also Yorkon’s second scheme at Harrogate District Hospital. Designed by AFL Architects, the single-storey building is being craned into position in only two days using a 350-tonne crane as this is a highly constrained site enclosed on three sides. The steel-framed modules will arrive on site complete with first fix mechanical and electrical services, partitions, doors and windows. The facility will accommodate three maxillofacial treatment rooms, one consulting/examination room, reception, waiting area, storage and offices. It will be partially brick-clad and linked to the main hospital ‘street’. contact@yorkon.co.uk 107

Kingspan supports Snowhill development 32,000m2 of Kingspan Structural Product’s Multideck 60-V2 have been installed as part of the new office and retail building,Two Snowhill, currently being constructed in Birmingham city centre. Kingspan Multideck 60-V2’s unique profile allows it to save up to 20% concrete volume compared with typical re-entrant profiles.The 60mm high trapezoidal profile of the system also creates an excellent union between the steel and concrete, allowing spanning of up to 4.5m without props. Multideck 60-V2 has a guaranteed minimum yield strength of 350N/mm2 and its one meter standard cover width also means it requires fewer panels and sidelaps, helping to reduce overall installation time. marketing@kingspanstructural.com

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have been updated for 2012. They are now Commercial & Public Access, Private, Structural, Small Project, Repair & Adaptive Reuse, Bespoke Furniture and Production Made Furniture.

Canada Wood, the joint initiative between the Canadian government and timber industry association partners representing producers in Canada, and the timber industry’s sustainability and promotion campaign Wood for Good, have both this year become lead sponsors of the Wood Awards, alongside long-standing supporters the American Hardwood Export Council and the Carpenters’ Company. Other sponsors include TRADA and American Softwoods.

The Wood Awards is a flagship for wood in the best of British architecture, furniture and design, and with the enthusiastic commitment of its sponsors, the Wood Awards, and excellence in design and craftsmanship using wood, is thriving.

The competition is free to enter, and entries can be made via the website www.woodawards.com. The extended deadline is 15th June. woodawards@trada.co.uk

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GGF publishes new window film brochure

The GGF Window Film Group has published a new brochure called Window Film – Application and Solutions.The brochure is a definitive publication that will help consumers and businesses fully understand the benefits and qualities of window film. At a time when social and environmental issues and policies are on the agenda,Window Film has a very important part to play in the future of glass and glazing in construction. Window Film - Application and Solutions is an easy-tonavigate, reader-friendly guide to window film that covers key areas such as energy efficiency, safety, security, protection from sunlight and privacy.To read or download the new publication please visit the GGF website www.ggf.org.uk/publications.

info@ggf.org.uk

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Building Elements

Tile collection makes top design impact The Cookhouse Impact collection from British Ceramic Tile’s newly extended range has taken top honours at the 14th annual Tile Association (TTA) Awards, winning ‘Wall Tile of the Year’.

An inspiring collection of glass tiles created to make a style statement in the kitchen, Cookhouse Impact from British Ceramic Tile, offers an extensive range of 18 different colours along with a number of co-ordinating borders and décors that take their inspiration from the latest trends in interior design.

Each colour is available in five different sizes including 10x10cm, 7.5x15cm, 10x30cm and a large format 15x45cm tile together with a 10x20cm metro tile.

Jayne Adamson (centre), Product

Manager for British Ceramic Tile, comments: “With Cookhouse Impact, our design team wanted to create a collection of glass wall tiles like no other, that offered a wide spectrum of colours and size formats, together with stunning décors inspired by fashion shades and interior design trends. Each plain glass tile can be used alone or accessorised with the décors to create a truly stunning wall covering, all within a competitively priced budget.

“We had a fantastic reception from our customers on its launch and this award win really is the icing on the cake for all of us, especially our designers and the product development team who worked so hard on its creation.”

Highlights of the range include the Zebrano wood effect tiles, Word décors in four punchy shades of black, red, orange and lime and the urban-inspired Cityscape décors.

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marketing@britishceramictile.com

Fibreglass Grating

Low Energy Housing from Honka As sole UK importers of Honka log homes from Finland, Logwise offers outstanding bespoke solutions for sustainable dwellings that are at one with the environment.

Honka buildings are highly insulated and airtight whilst breathing and naturally controlling inside air humidity for a healthy environment. www.logwise.co.uk 01271 325516

Online Enquiry 111

Corrosion · Superior Resistance Resistant · Fire High Strength · to Weight Ratio Easy to Install · Low Maintenance · Non-Conductive · Impact Resistant · Exceptional Slip · Resistance · Minimal Scrap Value

Tel: 01206 396446 email: sales@steponsafety.co.uk website: www.steponsafety.co.uk Step On Safety Limited 122 Station Road Lawford, Manningtree Essex, CO11 2LH

Online Enquiry 112

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Building Elements

Central Arcade in Leeds, features striking Stainless Steel column casing systems

Transforming the face of retail Central Arcade is the re-development project currently transforming the face of retailing in Leeds City centre.

It has utilised a number of robust, striking Stainless Steel column casing systems, to fuse Leeds’ heritage for Victorian arcades with a clean, contemporary aesthetic.

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he column casings at Central Arcade, supplied in a range of shapes by architectural fabrication specialists Contour Casings, were specified to complement the latest architectural trends in this major designled commercial scheme. Contour’s column casing solutions have been developed to make transforming exposed building structures an integral component of building design, serving not just a functional, but highly-aesthetic purpose.

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The 100% sustainable square and circular column casing systems at Central Arcade are located in a bright, doubleheight atrium, capped with an expansive glass roof

The 100% sustainable square and circular column casing systems are located in a bright, double-height atrium, capped with an expansive glass roof which floods the sleek lines and contemporary space with natural light.

Contour’s column casings range has been carefully assembled and developed over many years to provide architects, designers and contractors with the pallet they need to realise their visions, combining truly inspirational concepts

with practical product features.

Fabrication specialists at Contour employ advanced British manufacturing techniques to deliver a product pure in form and dimensional consistency, with inherent low-maintenance qualities and fast-fix technology. Contour can offer the most comprehensive column casing range available, capable of yielding either a striking visual statement, or a product which disappears effortlessly into the building aesthetic.

Design consultants at Contour, which offers a nationwide service, conduct a complimentary site survey before adopting a client-facing approach to identify the most suitable column casing solution, which sits comfortably within the scheme parameters.

A professional service package includes short lead times, a 3D CAD facility used for client approval and dedicated technical and delivery teams. Contour’s approach delivers projects on time and on budget, taking responsibility from concept through to installation. This philosophy has resulted in an industry reputation for accurately creating unique and innovative designs, with an impressive client portfolio of corporate brands regularly specifying the Contour range.

Leigh Simpson, Managing Director at Contour Casings, said: “We are delighted to be involved in re-developing the commercial heart of Leeds City centre.

The experience and expertise that we have built up as a result of operating throughout all sectors, allows us to create modern and practical column casing solutions for today’s challenging public environments.” enquiries@contourcasings.co.uk

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Innovative thinking in practice

Designed by architects Stanton Williams, the elegant freestanding glazed extension to the Grade II* Listed offices of Wiltshire Council, Bourne Hill, was designed to achieve an ‘excellent’ BREEAM rating thanks in large measure to its highly insulated Schueco FW 50+ SG façade.

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