FC&A March 2012

March 12 Issue 25

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

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

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

The new Van Gogh collection Designflooring for commercial interiors: • Lower maintenance • Quicker to install • Faithfully replicates natural materials • Guaranteed for 10 years

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

Welcome Magazine March 2012

Editor Dawn Frosdick-Hopley dawn@mixedmediainfo.com 01622 232702

to Future Constructor & Architect...

Publishing Director Sam Ball sam@fca-magazine.com 01622 232702

L

ooking out of my office window I watched with interest as an estate agent took photographs of my neighbour’s house, to be closely followed by a man in a van hammering in a For Sale sign. A similar, threebedroomed property opposite, took nearly nine months to sell so I wasn’t holding out a lot of hope. But five days later a Sold sign was proudly being displayed, much to the surprise of us remaining residents.

Publication Manager Steve Gull steve@fca-magazine.com Account Executive Adele Mason adele@fca-magazine.com

Being a sceptic, I would suggest the buyers either have an impeccable credit rating allowing them access to a much-prized 95% mortgage or have laid their hands on a significant amount of cash - apparently 40 per cent of sales are now to cash buyers, up from around 15 per cent in 2005. A new report from upmarket estate agent Savills, suggests the cash buyer figure could be even higher.

It claims mortgages now fund just 46 per cent of purchases. If only! Either way, the lucky buyers will still be able to enjoy the Stamp Duty holiday which flies home on March 24th.

Design & Production Chris Lilly chris@mixedmediainfo.com Accounts Manager Vickie Crawford creditcontrol@mixedmediainfo.com 01795 509103 Terms and Conditons:

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

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

The desire to live in your dream home is stronger in some than others. I have friends who spent a six-figure sum refurbishing a 1930s property in the Kent countryside, that now wouldn’t look out of place in Notting Hill. House design is definitely a passion which has to be taken seriously if you are to achieve the long-term vision.

Front cover:

Take a look at our Greenhouse feature in this issue of FC&A, where 2012Architecten designed a house made from almost 70 per cent recycled materials for a contemporary art-collecting couple. It’s outstanding in its principles as well as its application. For me, I guess home is where the heart is, watching my neighbours pack!

Dawn Frosdick-Hopley

Wilberforce Health Centre, Hull – one of the many Sureclad ceramic granite ventilated facade projects featured in Shackerley’s new cladding brochure which is being launched at Ecobuild 2012. (Image by Karl Andre Photography). See page 51

Dawn Frosdick-Hopley Editor Future Constructor & Architect

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News 14

Voice of the Industry: Pete Redfern, CEO,Taylor Wimpey discusses the importance of team building in the construction industry.

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Legal & Business: SGH Martineau construction partner, Michael Craik, explains why the heat has gone out of the Government’s FiT scheme.

Features 22

Floors, Walls & Ceilings:

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How technology has improved the long-term viability of installing moveable partitioning systems.

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Rainwater Harvesting/SUDS: Awareness of rainwater harvesting continues to increase – can we service the demand?

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Kitchens & Bathrooms: High-performance plasterboards are cutting the cost of kitchen and bathroom installations.

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Disability: Addressing the inclusive nature of accessible design.

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kbb Preview: kbb Birmingham is set to provide specifiers with a multitude of innovative designs and concepts.

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Portfolios 06

Greenhouse: A Dutch villa shows how recycling can be developed into a unique and elegant architectural design.

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Sustainability in Development: Through considered, sustainable building practices, the Radisson Blue East Midlands, is one of the greenest hotels in the UK.

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Design & Desire: From a technical college to a landmark hotel – the detailed conversion of an amazing Art Deco building.

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Greenhouse

Circle of life

In the construction of Villa Welpeloo, 2012Architecten aspired to use as much surplus material as possible, resulting in a building that is approximately 70 per cent recycled

In Roombeek, a suburb of Enschede in the Netherlands, 2012Architecten designed a house mainly built out of demolition materials and manufacturing residues. The Villa Welpeloo is a smart example of how the topic of recycling can be developed into a unique and elegant architectural style that is completely open and certainly worth closer examination.

The windows are either cut out of the façade or disappear behind a curtain of wood

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or years, the 2012 team of three architects has been demonstrating great enthusiasm for experimenting with the use of second-hand materials in their installations which to date, have been temporary buildings. One example of this was the pavilion at Rotterdam’s ‘Parasite Paradise’ exhibition in 2003; it consisted of washing machine fronts, fridge doors, car tyres and a sailcloth.

It was later modified for use as a student cafeteria at Delft University of Technology. Wherever possible, the

architectural practice uses recycled building materials in their original form rather than melting them down and reshaping them.

With the construction of Villa Welpeloo, the architects embarked upon more challenging and, at the same time, permanent terrain. The villa can be summed up by the words “understated singularity”. In the suburb of Roombeek, which made painful headlines when a firework factory exploded in May 2000 and that is now being regenerated as an urban area,

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Greenhouse crane used to construct the house into the building itself, thus meeting the owners’ wish for a lift to transport larger exhibits to the first floor.

The Villa Welpeloo is made from approximately 70 per cent recycled

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When choosing their materials, the 2012Architects remained true to their philosophy of using demolition materials and manufacturing residues wherever possible, sourcing these materials from within a 15-kilometre radius of the building site so as not to add to the carbon footprint by using long transport routes. A steel frame construction forms the support structure of the Villa Welpeloo with beams sourced from a textile machine from a neighbouring factory.

Cable drums provided the wood for the façade; this was heat-treated to improve resistance to weathering.

Many of the windows are made from glass waste from a local glass factory, whilst polystyrene off-cuts from a neighbouring caravan manufacturer, were used for the façade insulation.

Interior philosophy

the cubic building stands out from the surrounding houses with their gable and hip roofs – a contrast that is muted by the pleasantly warm, red-brown tone of the façade.

Clear lines The two-storey building seems to have been constructed from several boxes of different sizes that have simply been pushed together and stacked. Its appearance is characterised by clear lines and the reduction to just a few materials. The closed façade areas are covered with a curtain-type construction comprising vertical boards and horizontal steel strips.

The windows are either cut out of this construction or, like the bathroom windows, disappear behind a curtain of wood.

The owners of this house have been collecting modern art for years. The couple were therefore particularly keen to have light rooms with large wall areas for showcasing their art. At the same time, their furnishing style comprising a colourful mix of furniture from different periods – ranging from Louis XVI to the beginning of the twentieth century – had to be placed in a simple setting. The interior of the building is therefore characterised by large windows and light surfaces that give a sense of proportion to the small dark areas or edges of the furniture.

The large living area is higher than the rest of the ground floor and forms the heart of the house. The open-plan kitchen and more private areas lead off from here; they are located on a slightly higher level and accessible via a couple of steps. An open floor plan offers views of, and through, the building in all directions.

At first glance, the kitchen appears to be a brilliant white, but all the built-in cupboards are made of erstwhile advertising billboards whose previous colourful existence is only revealed when opening the drawers or doors. The halogen lights have their own unique history: 2012Architects collected broken umbrellas from the surrounding neighbourhood and the lights are now suspended from their spokes. They integrated the sheer

Top: The Villa Welpeloo office; Centre: Lights are now suspended from the spokes of broken umbrellas; Above: The built-in cupboards in the kitchen are made of advertising billboards

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Greenhouse

The crane used to construct the house was integrated into the building itself

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materials. The new elements featured in the house include bathroom objects

by Duravit, a manufacturer that scores points for sustainability thanks to its green production, durable quality and timeless design. In the villa’s bathrooms, the colour concept is reversed – black is the predominant colour. The dark tiles and synthetic surfaces made of recycled coffee cups, create a strong contrast with the clear white lines of the Architec washbasins and the Starck bathtub.

The toilets were designed by Philippe Starck.

Although architects do not like to think of their work ever being dismantled, 2012Architects have even planned for this eventuality: the steel construction is bolted to facilitate later dismantling and perhaps also subsequent use in a further project, however, until then, it will hopefully be used for many years to come.

www.2012architecten.nl www.duravit.com

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Some of the new items featured in the house include bathroom elements by Duravit

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Sustainability in Development The Radisson Blu East Midlands is one of the UK’s greenest hotels, an accolade achieved through a range of construction systems and techniques

Go green, stay Blu Through considered, sustainable building practices, a piece of empty ground next to East Midlands Airport, has been transformed into a hub for passengers and a business destination for the airport itself. FC&A looks at the creation of the Radisson Blu East Midlands – possibly the greenest full-service hotel in the UK are aware that there can be significant commercial benefits too.

The hotel sector is an area in which eco-features can be delivered at a high level for optimum benefit and maximum effect. From an environmental perspective, the hotel sector can be relatively resource-heavy. A guest’s first thought may not always be to conserve resources but to maximise fulfilment, so any additional environmental features that can be added during the build process that operate to drive down environmental impact without relying on guest motivation and execution, can have a significant and positive environmental benefit.

This is why MAG Developments – the property and development arm of the Manchester Airport Group (MAG) – chose Bowmer & Kirkland to help it develop one of the UK’s greenest commercial hotel developments at the site of East Midlands Airport. MAG is

the largest UK-owned airport operator and owner of East Midlands Airport. The brief, in addition to providing a premier facility for the region and business travellers alike, was to meet the airport’s commitment to be carbon neutral by 2012. An independent market demand study and site evaluation was carried out prior to development to ascertain and confirm viability, which indicated that, following the completion of the Premier Travel Inn at East Midlands Airport, there was a requirement for a full service hotel development.

Comfort and conscience The construction element, designed by architects Leach Rhodes Walker, took place throughout 2011, completing in October. The £22m, five-storey development, features 218 bedrooms, full conference and meeting facilities, restaurant, bar, a swimming pool and health club. It has been designed to be

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he topic of sustainability, whether in the public or private sector is one that is only going to grow in importance, consumer interest and ultimately, demand. Without question, it is a central issue for everyone involved in the construction industry and something which all constructors, architects and developers need to investigate in terms of techniques, technologies and the construction methods and materials able to ensure sustainable construction.

As a leading UK construction group, Bowmer & Kirkland has been involved in a variety of construction projects that required great consideration in terms of sustainability, and across a wide variety of sectors; from those in the public sector such as education, healthcare and leisure, to private sector such as hospitality and retail. In addition to the inherent environmental benefits of a sustainable approach, developers

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Sustainability in Development A rainwater harvesting system is also integrated into the design of the hotel to serve the WC’s in the building

Fully finished bedroom pods were installed during the PCC frame erection programme

highly energy efficient, utilising a range of low energy technologies to reduce the energy demand of the building.

As well as providing excellent facilities, Radisson Blu East Midlands is one of the UK’s greenest hotels, an accolade that has been achieved through a range of construction systems and techniques.

On-site, a Combined Heat and Power (CHP) engine with a Pure Plant Oil (PPO) Tri-Generation Energy Centre has enabled the hotel to export electricity to the national grid outside of normal occupancy hours. This innovative system collects and stores

waste heat in a thermal store to heat and cool the whole hotel, delivering an 87% reduction in CO2 and supplying 90% of the consumed energy from a renewable source.

The build also incorporates a number of sustainable construction techniques. A sustainable surface water drainage system with porous paving in the car park; attenuation tanks and a rainwater harvesting system is also integrated into the design of the hotel to serve the WC’s in the building and provide water for the external landscaped areas.

The hotel structure design features a steel frame and transfer deck, upon which a fair-faced pre-cast concrete frame was erected to form the bedroom floors. Internally, fully finished bedroom pods were installed during the PCC frame erection programme. This method of construction, as well as being a quick installation method, has the advantages of providing a substantially weathertight construction to enable internal finishes to progress early, aiding sustainability.

This also means that the external envelope elements are taken off the critical path.

The hotel has been designed to be highly energy efficient, utilising a range of low energy technologies to reduce the energy demand of the building

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Sustainability in Development The Radisson Blu East Midlands is a premier facility for the region and business travellers alike

Eco-economics Although it has been a successful development, the construction wasn’t without its challenges. A key challenge (and a continual challenge when incorporating sustainable best practice within the construction sector) was to achieve an excellent environmental rating at an economically viable price point.

Fundamental to the successful delivery was a detailed understanding of all of the cost drivers in hotel construction ensuring value was maximised at every level. Key to this was the appointment of Edmund Shipway as cost consultants and

project managers, as its vast experience of delivering more than 3,500 rooms across many different hotel brands, meant they were able to secure the joint benefits of an efficient design in a competitive market, delivering build and FF&E for £85,000 per room –15% below benchmark costs for this product. From a construction point of view, one of the coldest winters on record also provided understandable challenges at various stages of the build.

Since handover, the hotel has been operated by specialist hotel investment firm Azure Property Group, under the Rezidor Hotel Group’s premium Radisson Blu brand. The hotel reaffirms Rezidor’s position as one of Europe’s leading airport hotel operators with 27 hotels (7,096 rooms) currently in operation and a further three hotels (938 rooms) in the development pipeline.

David Roberts, Property Development Director, MAG Developments, said: “This landmark hotel development represents a substantial investment in East Midlands Airport and we believe it is also the greenest full-service hotel in the UK, underlining our commitment to sustainable development. The project

was delivered on time and on budget, which is testament to the build team and reflects the strong relationship we had with our main contractor, Bowmer and Kirkland, which maintained a positive and responsive approach throughout.”

Through considered, sustainable building practices, executed by experienced practitioners at each stage of the project, a piece of empty ground located on the edge of a small business park has been transformed into a hub for passengers and a business destination for the airport itself.

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The use of local specialised subcontractors from a recognised supply chain ensured that a high quality product was delivered, and as Bowmer & Kirkland is an active member of the Considerate Constructors scheme, the project was undertaken in full compliance with the scheme with the project scoring a high level beyond compliance rating. Neighbours were kept informed of upcoming site activities by way of a newsletter and regular meetings were held with those affected by the construction works.

www.bandk.co.uk

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13

Voice of the Industry

© Muharremz

Pete Redfern, CEO, Taylor Wimpey, explains how team building makes sound business sense and is crucial for long-term success both for companies and the industry as a whole. He also shares his tales of the ultimate team building experience – COINS 3 Peaks Challenge.

W

e are a competitive bunch in the construction industry.

We strive to get the best results possible across all aspects of business, and therefore are always searching for ways to improve. One goal that many companies seek to achieve is to make teams more productive. Like most organisations, people are our most important asset, and productive teams of course make competitive businesses.

Currently there is significant pressure to boost efficiency and productivity. To help us achieve this benchmarking, justin-time, and team building are examples of the performance tools and techniques used to help produce results.

However in recent years, the purse strings have been tightened. Staff activities such as team building may have been cut back on as a result, and yet it has never been more important to instill team spirit and get everyone working as a cohesive unit.

Perhaps due to its fragmented and competitive nature, team building plays a vital role in construction, it is needed every step of the way. A simple illustration of this is house building. Many specialists

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are involved, and everyone shares a common goal; they strive for the same result. We bring together complex groups of professionals, with different skills, from a number of companies, with different values, opinions and aspirations. They all have an important role to play and it is the individual contributions of the architects, consultants, contractors, health and safety

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A team effort

specialists and so on that are vital to the success of the project.

However, we also face a unique challenge in so much as no two projects are the same. We often form new groups which require people to work as a team straight away, and this can create potential problems. For instance, it is possible that if there are conflicting and competing interests, a project may suffer from lack of teamwork. Furthermore, if the relationship between members becomes strained, or worse still breaks down, it can result in a number of problems and ultimately place the project at risk. Hence there is great emphasis placed on minimising the possibilities of such scenarios occurring.

Team building events build morale.

Employers pursuing this route are sending a clear message; they are prepared to invest in their employees.

There is an opportunity to unleash hidden potential as individuals often push themselves to the limits both physically and mentally during such an exercise.

Therefore it helps identify strengths and areas for improvement, and energises, motivates and inspires a workforce far beyond the event itself. This subsequently helps innovation; a key driver in construction.

There are a variety of methods and approaches to suit every taste from simple social activities and professional workshops to those with a more quirky element such as gladiator jousting! Others, for instance COINS 3 Peaks Challenge, are aimed at entire industries, which adds a further dimension by providing a Pete Redfern, CEO, Taylor Wimpey

Get wired up Sky Homes Specification guide helps future proof new TV systems Helping landlords and developers choose and install the best Communal TV Solution for new homes is the aim of the latest free guide from Sky. The Sky Homes Specification download provides straightforward advice on Communal TV Solution specification and all the elements needed to install a coaxial Integrated Reception System (IRS).

Paul Dickinson, Director of Sky Communal TV Solutions, understands that today’s tech savvy homebuyers expect new developments to have the latest in entertainment technology.

Having access to Sky TV in properties can be a great selling point, so installing the correct TV system, aerial and wiring is essential. For example, to provide Sky±, the ability to pause live TV and record two programmes at once, requires a ‘5 cable IRS’ communal solution with two signal feeds for each satellite point in the home – rather than a single feed. And if developers specify the correct wiring at the outset, buyers are also able to sign up to services such as Sky Multiroom, which allows them to watch Sky TV in different rooms.

By using the Sky Homes Specification document to choose the correct system at the planning stage, developers can ensure they’re installing a suitable TV system from the outset, and future proofing homes as much as possible. The guide has been developed to aid agreements between individual landlords and installation contractors and is intended to help during preliminary planning and tendering. It also provides an infrastructure for local security and information systems, as well as describing the procedures required for planning the individual systems.

In addition, it details processes for reporting and keeping records of work done, and for managing changes agreed while work is in progress. It contains all the information new build developers need to ensure they install the correct system from the very beginning – avoiding costly re-wiring at a later date.

Phoenix Square: Case Study Phoenix Square is a new, luxury development in Leicester. The developer, Blueprint, always specifies the latest Communal TV Solutions in its properties and for this development worked with Sky approved installers, DAS. Working to Blueprint’s detailed specifications, the DAS installation team worked alongside the electricians during the first and second ‘fix’ of the electric system wiring. The whole process was relatively straightforward and took around 12 weeks.

The result is that each apartment lounge now has the full range of platform neutral TV options including: Sky±, Sky±HD, Freeview, DAB/FM radio and freesat.

The Sky Homes Specification PDF can be downloaded free at Or call

sky.com/newbuild

08442 411 335 to talk to one of our communal TV experts

Believe in better General: 12 month minimum subscriptions. Non-standard set-up may cost extra. Sky± requires two satellite feeds. Boxes must be connected to a fixed telephone line and prices may vary if you live in a flat. You must get any consents required (e.g. landlord’s). Prices for Direct Debit payments only. Continuous debit/credit card mandate costs 50p per month. UK, Channel Islands and Isle of Man residential customers only. These offers are not available with any other offers. Further terms apply. Calls to Sky cost 5.1p per minute (plus 13.1p connection fee) for BT customers. Calls from other providers may vary. Correct at 1 February 2012.

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Voice of the Industry

COINS 3 Peaks Challenge: the ultimate team building experience Last year as part of our team building activities, four teams from Taylor Wimpey conquered the three highest peaks in the UK; Ben Nevis, Scafell Pike and Snowdon.Totaling 24 miles and 10,000 feet, we finished in just over 24 hours.

Our squad varied greatly in experience, age, fitness and personal objectives, and yet we soon discovered the best way to work together to complete the 3 Peaks Challenge against tight time constraints.

We decided that if we were going to complete this challenge, we were going to do it properly, with no cutting corners. A structured training programme ensued, which for our first session took us to the Balearic Island of Majorca. Majorca is home to Taylor Wimpey de Espana, and through the support of our colleagues from this division, we trekked the beautiful Tramuntana mountains.

It was during this training weekend that we uncovered our true team spirit.We discovered how to match different paces and attitudes, and that in the event of someone in the team needing support, everyone rallied round to

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invigorate and inspire the corporate social programmes of the construction industries and invites companies to take advantage of its co-ordinated framework for their CSR activities and charitable giving.

The most effective way to complete team building is in a fresh environment.

This helps break down political and personal barriers by opening up

communication channels and encouraging everyone, regardless of level, to work together.

Undertaking a team building event at the right level offers more than just a fun day out of the office, it can make a significant difference to your business.

Teambuilding is exciting, challenging, and with unlimited possibilities, it can be a winning formula.

help for the good of the team.

Prior to the walk, we secured the wider involvement and commitment of the entire workforce by keeping them up-to-date every step of the way. For instance sponsorship went sky high when it was announced that the senior team would shave their heads with the Taylor Wimpey logo. And yes, we did keep our word!

The objectives of completing the 3 Peaks Challenge initially ranged from recapturing past youth and fitness, to pushing personal boundaries and of course raising money for a good cause. As individuals we have recognised that we can do anything we put our minds to, an ethos that is conveyed throughout the business.

Not only has the workforce and company benefited, but through COINS Foundation, our fundraising efforts have supported development projects in sub Saharan Africa, which helps our CSR. CSR is an important aspect of Taylor Wimpey’s long-term business success, and is crucial for risk and opportunity management.

As the old saying goes; no pain no gain and the gain for the COINS Foundation projects was worth it. Last year the construction

industry pledged a massive £228,900 that the COINS Foundation is funding to change the lives of many people around the world. Recent projects include creating housing for 500 orphans and vulnerable children across Zambia, Uganda and Mozambique; solar powered IT centres supporting schools in Uganda, and supporting 40 young construction apprentices into work in Zambia.

It has been a unique team building event for Taylor Wimpey, and as it was such a resounding success, we are hooked. Last year we completed COINS 3 Peaks Challenge, and with the help of our generous staff and business partners, raised a staggering £50,000 placing us as the top fundraiser for COINS Foundation in 2011.This year we are signed up for the COINS 24 Peaks Challenge; that’s 24 peaks in just 24 hours!

This year COINS 3 Peaks Challenge, the largest fundraising team building event in the construction and related industries, celebrates its 10th anniversary. If you would like to join us on the 12th-13th May, please call 01753 501000, or visit www.coinsfoundation.org

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refreshing way to network with colleagues.

The advantages of certain team building activities extend far beyond a company and its staff, and reach a wider community. This is particularly true of fundraising events which commonly form part of a company’s corporate social responsibility.

COINS Foundation, organisers of 3 Peaks Challenge for instance, seeks to

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Water saving

Managing on demand To combat variations in water flow in a wide range of buildings, Flow Limiting Valves (FLVs) are an extremely efficient solution. FC&A looks at the technology offered by Flowco which manages water demand at the point of use, greatly simplifying design and installation.

A 15mm TopHat FLV being fitted into 15 mm Copper Tube

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ost of us can recall unpleasant these problems easily and at low cost. FLVs reduced to 12 LPM. One notable hotel had experiences with hotel are compact ‘Demand Management’ valves, showers flowing at 60 LPM and with Flowco plumbing.You turn on the tap which automatically adjust to changing Mariflo FLVs, reduced this to 32 LPM. Payback on the investment in each case was and get splashed down the pressure in the supply pipe, so that the less than 20 weeks, and can be much less. front; you are having a shower and suddenly maximum factory set flow always remains FLVs not only provide considerable savings the water turns very hot or shivery cold the same.When fitted to bath taps they can but also put the management in charge of a or slows to a trickle when the room next ensure that the inflow does not exceed the more even supply of service to all parts of door starts to run a bath.With simple Flow overflow capacity, so preventing some very the building.The end of a corridor or top Management, these unwelcome shocks can costly flooding. On hand basins, splashing floor will get the same quality of service as be avoided. can be controlled, saving water and energy the rest. Flowco Mariflo Limited is a supplier Service water pipework requires careful as well. Hotels are finding that FLVs on to industry and commerce of FLVs, proved design; installation needs careful supervision showers and basin taps will save water, in service for over 35 years.The unique otherwise ‘As Installed’ pipework may energy and waste water costs enough to single orifice rubber control ring which not deliver balanced distribution.Variable pay for the FLVs often in just a few weeks. contracts under hydrodynamic forces, is speed pumps compensate well for changes Flow selection virtually self- cleaning and maintenance-free. in demand and yet do not correct for differences in head to control flow. Pressure FLVs are especially made for: showers and Showers are especially sensitive to taps; screwed insert and TopHat types plus reducing valves may compensate, but need pressure. Over a typical pressure range of careful adjustment to balance distribution. wafer FLVs for flanged pipework. 15 and 2 to 4 bar, one shower type will have a flow Even then, they tend to drift away from the 22mm TopHat FLVs from Flowco Mariflo, fit range from 6 to 9 Litres Per Minute (LPM). setting and unless pressure is controlled into copper tube in a compression fitting.

Another over the same pressure range right down to the final point of demand, the FLVs are simple, compact automatic low will give from 16 to 24 LPM. In a hotel, the shower for example, the minor pipework in cost valves which self-adjust, instantly management will often chose the style say a hotel room, will not be balanced. responding to pressure changes, so of shower; why not also select the flow?

There are more unexpected and very that the set maximum flow remains the Well they can with suitable, easily installed, undesirable side effects when demand is same. Used for irrigation, fire sprinklers chromium plated FLVs for wall mounted not managed, particularly in tall buildings. and industry, for process control and or hose end types.Typically an unmanaged Some of these may be: protecting equipment,set FLVs are efficient shower flRATE owing at 12 LPMa canpercentage be reduced FLOW (as of factory flow) solutions to many design challenges.

Excess demand by lower floors causing to less than 9 LPM and another at 25 LPM starvation on higher floors Graph of typical Flow against Pressure. FLOW RATE (as a percentage of factory set flow) Air induction into the top floor piping caused by suction in the down pipes or RATED 140% storage tanks FLOW 120% Header tank fill valves need enlarging for ➞ 100% a higher fill rate Inadequate hot (and cold) water storage; 80% Inadequate boiler reserve capacity; 60% Inadequate mains booster pump capacity; Inadequate mains drainage capacity leading to basement flooding at PRESSURE DIFFERENTIAL (across the valve in kPa) PRESSURE DIFFERENTIAL (across the valve in kPa) peak periods Flow Limiting Valves (FLVs) can cure all of mariflo@flowco.co.uk 010

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RATED FLOW

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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.

AFTER

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.

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Air conditioning

Space Air aids energy efficiency targets Space Air has invested time and effort to raise awareness of current and imminent legal obligations affecting air conditioning and heat pump equipment installations. Here, FC&A looks at the solutions offered

by Space Air to address this important issue.

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he energy consumption of buildings has been highlighted as a major issue in the fight against global warming. The European Energy Performance in Buildings Directive introduced various new pieces of legislation including one demanding that building air conditioning systems are inspected every five years to determine if

VRVQ outdoor units - Daikin’s VRVQ from Space Air can provide the operating and energy efficiency benefits of a completely new air conditioning installation, at a fraction of the cost

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energy performance improvements can be achieved and thus potentially reduce their environmental impact.

In the UK this has meant that by law, where a building’s air conditioning system has a rated cooling output greater than 250kW, the first inspection should have taken place by 4th January 2009; if the system has a rated cooling output greater than 12kW but less than 250kW, the first inspection should have taken place before 4th January 2011. The only exception to this legal requirement is for systems greater than 12kW installed on or after 1st January 2008, which have until 1st January 2013 to comply.

Building operators unable to present valid inspection certificates on demand are liable to spot fines or even court proceedings, yet current estimates suggest that compliance with this legal requirement is very low. The Government is actively looking at tougher penalties. The pressure on building owner/operators to show their green credentials by acting on environmental responsibilities and legislation has never been greater.

There are definite cost saving benefits in ensuring that air conditioning systems are

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Office ceiling showing cassette units

operated to their optimum efficiency at all times, older inefficient equipment can be very costly to run and maintain compared with modern day systems and often fail to achieve required comfort levels that can have a negative impact on productivity and employee satisfaction levels.

Space Air shares these environmental responsibilities and has continually invested time and effort to raise awareness of current and imminent legal obligations affecting air conditioning and heat pump equipment installations.

The company offers assistance with the planning process and replacement strategy for older systems and advises on all environmentally acceptable, energy efficient alternatives available from Daikin’s extensive and worldleading range.

Daikin has developed an extension to its standard VRV range known as ‘VRVQ’, specifically designed to reduce the cost burden of needing to replace older systems. In simple terms,VRV comprises of one or more outdoor condensing units, connected to a number of indoor units, but, due to a high risk of damaging contamination, historically it has not been possible to replace older systems without also replacing all the inter-connecting pipework; pipework that often follows complex routes, is a semi-permanent fixture and therefore difficult and very costly to remove or replace.VRVQ provides a potential solution to this.

Daikin has developed a new technology to efficiently capture and contain any contamination in old refrigerant pipework.

Daikin’s VRVQ from Space Air can provide the operating and energy efficiency benefits of a completely new installation, at a fraction of the cost because, subject to survey, the existing interconnecting pipework can be retained in most cases.

Space Air’s long history as a Daikin Distributor means that the company would have supplied or supported many of the early VRV systems now coming due for replacement. As a result, Space Air can offer unrivalled experience and in some cases original project records that can assist in evaluating the installation as suitable for VRVQ. Space Air reports that it has supplied a number of VRVQ systems that have all proved to be highly successful and cost-effective solutions for the end-users.

R22@spaceair.co.uk

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Floors, Walls & Ceilings

Finished with an elm veneer coupled with coloured glass cut-outs, the law firm Maclay, Murray and Spens specified Style to install the DORMA Variflex for its new Glasgow office

Keeping it flexible Julian Sargent, Managing Director of moveable partitioning specialists Style, demonstrates how advances in technology have significantly improved the long-term viability of installing a moveable partitioning system.

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hether it is a school, commercial building, leisure facility or hospital being developed, with land in the UK at a premium, all properties must be designed to maximise the use of available space. Moveable partitioning systems have been available for many years but it is only with relatively recent advances in design that they have offered a long-term solution that delivers on all fronts – acoustic privacy, aesthetics, sustainability and usage.

Perhaps one of the most important advances has to be the innovative Skyfold Custom Powerlift Partition. An established brand in the U.S., Skyfold is a totally unique folding partition that stores in the ceiling cavity, automatically lowering to the floor at the touch of a button. In addition to making it possible for one person to reconfigure a room in a matter of minutes using the simple turnkey operation, with careful installation, Skyfold can deliver superior

22

acoustic performance, almost entirely eliminating the problem of flanking – where sound passes over the top, around or under the primary partition.

Successful installation Installed in a number of high profile commercial buildings in London, including the headquarters for Gensler, Moody’s in Canary Wharf and Henderson Global Investors, the benefits of Skyfold are now being recognised by a wider audience.

Underutilised spaces such as a large school hall can be quickly partitioned to dramatically increase usage as demonstrated by the successful installation of a 15m long Skyfold at a special needs school in Southwark.

By using the Skyfold it is now easier to divide a room with a stepped or sloped floor such as a lecture hall or theatre. As it is lowered from the ceiling the bottom edges of Skyfold panels can be custom

designed to perfectly match the floor below, making it a reality to hold a conference on one side of a stepped hall whilst a music rehearsal occurs on the other.

A traditional horizontal, sliding partition is first manually moved into place before a hand crank is used to expand seals around the edges of each panel.The effectiveness of the system to provide a firm, temporary wall that offers good acoustics relies entirely on the individual operating the crank, leading to potential for human error due to lack of strength or care and attention.

Delivering an infinitely more effective solution, semi-automatic partitioning systems such as DORMA Moveo, ensure a solid fixing is created and maximum acoustic performance delivered every time. As each lightweight panel is manual moved effortlessly into place, the automatic expansion of heavy-duty rubber seals is initialised. Pressure-sensitive, the seals

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Floors, Walls & Ceilings expand along all edges of the partition to exactly the required level, creating a strong dividing wall that offers an impressive acoustic barrier.

DORMA’s Comfort Drive is a fully automated system requiring no manual input at all, sliding panels into their preprogrammed positions to achieve the required configuration.

To be truly effective, any moveable partition has to provide a good acoustic barrier, allowing privacy to users on both sides of the wall.With the development of technologically advanced materials, moveable partitions deliver better acoustic performance than ever before, whilst remaining light and easy to manoeuvre.

The DORMA Moveo panels for example are constructed from a sealed composite material comprising of a light, sturdy outershell with a special micro-perforated surface with an acoustic core that ensures exceptional sound absorption and insulation of up to 55dB Rw. When specifying a partitioning system it is important to compare like with like, to ensure an appropriate level of privacy is achieved.The Rw performance of a partition refers to the ‘in-situ’ acoustic rating and takes into account flanking.

This is different to a product’s laboratory tested Rw rating, which is more relevant as a comparison tool but not necessarily an indicator of the final performance you can expect in a particular location.

Capable of delivering an outstanding acoustic barrier of up to 56dB Rw, Skyfold panels are constructed with a honeycomb cellulose core sandwiched between a covered steel plate on the outer face and a backer plate of sheet steel on the inner

face.The inside surface of each panel also has a layer of 38mm fibreglass duct liner.

Aesthetics are of course extremely important in any new build or retrofit project. Fortunately the range of standard finishes available for modern partitioning systems is considerable whilst bespoke designs are a reality in many instances.

Almost any finish is possible including laminate, glass and polished wood veneers but we have been also been asked to incorporate additional sound absorption boards, magnetic display boards, dry wipe markers and even projection surfaces.

Customised partitions For example, the law firm Maclay, Murray and Spens specified Style to install the DORMA Variflex for its new Glasgow office. Finished with an elm veneer coupled with coloured glass cut-outs, 22 panels were installed across three walls producing a stunning area that can be used for separate meetings or larger conferences.

A Skyfold partition can also be customised to reflect the interior environment and can incorporate textiles

or any material up a maximum of 3mm in thickness.

Glass partitions allow unbroken vision and sight lines allowing designers to create inspirational environments for any location where space division is required without the need for an acoustic barrier. Style’s Varitrans glass partitions from DORMA Huppe have been put to innovative use in retail outlets, restaurants, churches, airports and offices throughout the UK. Helping business communicate effectively with the customer, glass panels can be customised using screen printing, sand etching or logo placement. DORMA Moveo Glass allows individual glass panels to be incorporated into standard solid partition units, bringing daylight into a divided area whilst still delivering an effective acoustic barrier of 50dB Rw. Remote controlled blinds can be installed for privacy if required.

There is no rule to say that a moveable partition has to go in a straight line. In 2011, the Newcastle Students Union building in Haymarket underwent a refurbishment to modernise its facilities to include an Internet cafe, a Subway and a Costa Coffee outlet.

Style was appointed to provide a solution which could offer small breakout rooms which opened into larger areas for meetings and other gatherings and was also given the challenge of partitioning off the curved bar whilst not in use – which was previously housed behind shutters.

Dorma Variflex was chosen because of its wide choice of elements and stacking/ parking arrangements with its faceted track system successfully giving a rounded look to the wall when the bar was closed.

As technology has developed, a moveable partition is no longer seen as a compromise but as a genuine, valueadded alternative.

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A Skyfold Custom Powerlift Partition installed at NFU Mutual

Dorma Moveo insitu at Chill Factor, Manchester’s indoor ski venue

www.style-partitions.co.uk

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23

Legal & Business

What next for solar PV? SGH Martineau construction partner, Michael Craik, takes a detailed look at why the heat has gone out of the Government’s Feed-in-Tariff scheme.

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oof and ground mounted solar PV installations have been popping up like, well, poppies in a field. The widespread enthusiasm for solar PV in both the private residential and commercial sectors has been so great that the Government’s budget for this type of renewable energy proved insufficient.

Following a very public spat, the whole affair ended up in the Courts with the Government losing. How did this mess happen?

On 1 April 2010 the Feed-in Tariff (or FiTs) scheme was introduced by the Energy Act 2008. The purpose was to encourage organisations and individuals to invest in low carbon electricity in return for a guaranteed payment from an electricity supplier for the electricity they generated and an additional guaranteed payment for the electricity produced which was surplus to their requirements and would be exported back to the grid.

In effect, investors could see a real return (albeit long-term) in investing in such low carbon schemes.

In February 2011, the Government announced the first review of FiTs to assess how the scheme’s efficiency could be improved to deliver the millions of pounds of savings committed to in the 2010 Spending Review. The resulting recommendation involved reducing tariffs for schemes over 50kW. The government’s view was that the FiTs had not been intended for these large projects which were soaking up payments that had been intended for domestic

24

Left: Michael Craik is a partner at top 70 UK law firm SGH Martineau. A member of the firm’s construction team, Michael specialises in building and civil engineering law

and community buildings (e.g. schools and hospitals). This review took effect for installations which were accredited after 31 July 2011. However, last Autumn the government realised that the budget was still on course to be exceeded and embarked on a second review, this time for installations below 250kW. FiTs for installations up to 4kW in size have reduced from 43p/kWh to 21p/kWh. There were also lower rates introduced for schemes between 4kW to 250kW. Such reductions posed real problems to investors and resulted in a very public outcry.

Legal challenge There was also a ‘small’ legal problem.

The Government proposal was that the new tariffs apply to anyone who registered a PV installation on or after 12 December 2011. There was also a ‘transitional’ arrangement for schemes registered on or after 12 December but before 1 April 2012. The small legal problem (spotted by many including Friends of the Earth) was that the ‘consultation’ period on the new tariffs did not end until after the new tariffs came into effect. As such, many claimed the Government had put the proverbial cart before the horse and a legal challenge was declared.

The challenge to the Government’s decision was successful at the High Court but the Government appealed.

It lost again with the Court of Appeal deciding (on 25 January) that the Government had acted unlawfully.

The Government is now seeking permission to appeal further to the Supreme Court (formerly the House of Lords) so the saga is not yet over.

While the outcome is not certain, if one assumes that the Government loses again, then where does that leave the solar PV sector? The first answer is that the reduced tariffs do not apply as previously proposed. The second answer is that the Government has announced intermediate plans that the original higher tariff will apply to all installations registered by 3 March 2012. So, unless the Government obtains and wins its latest appeal, 43p/kWh will (by example) be the rate for schemes up to 4kW installed by 3 March 2012, with reduced rates from April for all PV installations installed from 3 March. The Government has already put before Parliament changes to the regulations that will bring the 21p/kWh rate into effect from April for such installations installed from 3 March 2012.

In conclusion, while there continues to be a future for solar PV schemes, the industry will (regardless of the outcome of the legal contest) need to review each scheme on the basis that the lower tariff will apply. That is, of course, unless you can register the scheme by 3 March this year.

Further guidance on solar PV and other renewable energy schemes can be obtained online from SGH Martineau at:

www.sghmartineau.com/ marketsectorspage/3/energy

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Online 24/01/2012 Enquiry 015 16:18

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25

Rainwater Harvesting/SUDS

Rainwater harvesting is still a relatively new industry in the UK, but with the demand for water rising and its associated costs, there is an increasing awareness of this growing technology. FC&A looks at why rainwater harvesting is on the increase, and how one company Wilo, is meeting the technology needs.

W

ith water shortages reported across the globe, we are increasingly becoming aware of the fragility of this planet’s future and our place within it. We have huge quantities of water on the ‘blue planet’, yet only 2% of it fresh water. We have a growing population, set to hit 9bn by 2042 – that’s 2.7bn more than now – so not an inconsiderable rise in numbers. Not unreasonably, they will all want drinking water, bathing water, better food and a better quality of life – all of which demand more high quality water.

For some, the answer to all potentially catastrophic situations is to rely heavily on currently non-existent technology emerging from somewhere in time to be the white knight that saves us from the horrors of the moment.

So first of all let’s ask the fundamental question: “why do we want to ‘harvest’

26

rainwater?” The answer: because it’s free and with the changing weather patterns, it often arrives in huge quantities that sees much of it wasted as it makes its way into the river network or worse, it results in floods that can damage crops and cause soil erosion – neither of which are helpful to a world that needs more food and more land to grow it on.

We currently collectively participate in a major waste of expensive, cleaned water. For years, here in the UK, we have happily ‘polished’ the water supply before flushing it down the toilet. Do we need to use potable, drinkable water to flush our toilets, to wash our cars, to water our gardens? The answer is no.

Rainwater is in the main clean and an excellent source of water for those tasks that don’t involve drinking, cooking and personal hygiene. It would make huge sense if all homes and businesses had two sources of water – one for

▼

Harvest festival

drinking, cooking and personal hygiene and another for flushing toilets and washing cars and arguably our clothes too. That might happen in time, probably not without legislation, but in the meantime, many people are looking at the option of voluntarily harvesting the rainwater that falls on their roofs, that then makes its way through a mesh filter into a holding tank, usually underground, before pumping it from that tank to be used in a number of non-potable applications. This can clearly reduce the demand on the potable water supply provided by the water companies and it can reduce water costs, particularly if you have a metered water supply. You need the facility to ‘top up’ your water needs from the mains should the supply in your harvesting tank fall short for any reason but that can be easily arranged.

There are practical limitations on rainwater harvesting. Any aerial photograph of a large town or city, even rural areas, will highlight immediately a wide selection of potential rainwater gathering surfaces. Large flat areas, usually roofs, will collect the largest quantities of water and that water, channelled into drainage systems where the clean rainwater can be stored underground in a large tank for future usage, can be used for a range of uses from irrigation on farms to toilet flushing in office buildings.

Rainwater is a clean and excellent source of water for those tasks that don’t involve drinking, cooking and personal hygiene

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Online Enquiry 017 Working towards a cleaner, healthier environment!

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27

Rainwater Harvesting/SUDS to be able to play a major part in this landmark project.

Wilo was selected to supply the project’s pumping hardware for contractors the Harvey Group, through merchant, BSS in Belfast. Wilo was proud to supply all the key pumps for the project including those for the heating and air conditioning systems, the potable water pressure boosters and a rainwater harvesting system that ensures the toilets flush throughout the building, utilising the huge quantities of rainwater that are captured from the roof of the building, stored underground in collection tanks and pumped around the building to save using expensive drinking water to flush the loos.

Wilo’s Ian Moore was responsible for Wilo’s input to the project: “It was excellent to be involved in a project of this importance and to be able to add

working in the Titanic Quarter to the list of major jobs Wilo has contributed to in recent years. It was particularly rewarding to be involved in all the different aspects of the building, and to make a serious contribution to energy efficiency and environmental concerns, utilising our high-tech heating and air conditioning pumps and the rainwater harvesting system, the latest of several high profile rainwater harvesting installations we’ve worked on in Northern Ireland. We have rainwater harvesting options available for all sized projects from individual homes up to major projects such as Belfast Met, and the far higher level of enquiries we are getting for rainwater harvesting systems highlights the raised awarenesss there is of this type of technology.”

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It is possible to harvest rainwater from surfaces other than roof areas but with this comes the problem of gathering sediment and whilst you will get some sediment in roof gathered rainwater, nothing like as much as from roads for example. Built-in filtration systems will remove the levels of sediment comfortably from roof gathered rainwater but much more robust filtration would be required for rainwater gathered from other surfaces.

When deciding on whether a specific roof is right for rainwater harvesting, you have to look at the roof area and its collecting ability in conjunction with the number of people in the property.

A tall, narrow office block with a relatively small roof area and huge numbers of people working in it, may not be ideally suited for a rainwater harvesting project. Typically in offices, around 60-65% of all water usage is to flush toilets and urinals. However, it might be ideal for a factory with a large roof area relative to the number of employees, or even on a smaller scale, a new home for example, where there’s a large roof area relative to the number of people living in the property.

www.wilo.co.uk

Seeds of change Across the world, rainwater harvesting technology is being considered much earlier in the planning and construction process. There’s no problem adding rainwater harvesting technology to an existing building, but if it’s planned into a new building as part of the construction process, it clearly makes storage of rainwater and distribution of that rainwater to the required outlets in the building far simpler.

Leading pump manufacturer Wilo has been offering rainwater harvesting solutions to its customers for many years and business is increasing. An excellent example of the technology in action is in Northern Ireland – a part of the world that gets its fair share of rain of course!

The stunning new Belfast Metropolitan College project at the Titanic Quarter is an exciting one with which to be associated. Wilo has developed an enviable record across Northern Ireland for the quality of its products and the expertise it can share with its customers, and it was pleased

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A diagram detailing how a rainwater harvesting system can work in a domestic property

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Design & Desire

Art Deco delight Earlsdon Park is a landmark building providing highly attractive hotel and ofďŹ ce accommodation

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Design & Desire The Leadbitter Group drew on its wealth of experience when it undertook a major conversion of an Art Deco technical college into a landmark hotel and future office complex in Coventry. Cliff Thomas, Regional Director of Leadbitter’s Central Construction division, explains the techniques used.

The lightwell is the focal point of the central foyer

in the 1960s and was not sympathetic to the original building. The four-storey structure had been used to join together the open sides of the ‘E’ layout, making a rectangular building. Great care and skill were required to demolish the annexe, especially where it adjoined the theatre, located in the central section of the ‘E’.

Specialist equipment was necessary to ensure that the two elements of the building separated successfully, before the two newly-exposed ends were rendered to complement the original building.

Attention then turned to restoring the stone façade, which was cleaned using only water – a time-consuming and laborious process. However, the result was outstanding and very little other restoration work to the façade was found to be necessary.

Attention to detail The building still retained some 300 original Crittall steel windows, as well as a number of feature leaded lights.

These windows required restoration, and again, specialist skills were required.

The original tiles on the walls and floor of the central entrance hall and two wings either side of this main foyer also required painstaking restoration. The key to success here was attention to detail in filling the many tiny cracks and holes using sympathetic materials.

Other major features which Leadbitter brought back to their former glory included the central lightwell atrium, which was originally built as an open well flanked by Art Deco columns rising to the full height of the building, plus two original terrazzo staircases sweeping down either side of the lightwell, complete with bronze handrails.

The central lightwell was particularly challenging as it had been previously boarded over to provide extra office space for the college. Senior Project Manager, Kevin O’Brien, explains: “The original lightwell included a 6m by 4m horizontal leaded laylight located at

The building still retained some 300 Crittall steel windows as well as a number of feature leaded lights

The restored leaded laylight

roof level, approximately 13m above the ground floor tiling. When it was first exposed, we discovered that the laylight was in a dangerous state. Unfortunately, some of the lead had started to deform and pieces of glass were in danger of falling out. We had to be extremely careful when removing the old partitions beneath the laylight, leaving the boarded floor in place at second floor level, whilst we worked our way down the building.

We employed a local specialist glazier to remove the whole laylight, who took it to his works, cleaned the glass, re-leaded it and then reinstalled the whole structure, as well as incorporating an additional layer of laminated glass below the laylight for additional security. The second floor timber joists and floor were removed at the last moment. The restored leaded light is pretty special, as it is the focal point of the central foyer.”

Some of the other challenges, which were successfully overcome, included working around the original steel frame to install the second floor bedrooms,

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I

n its heyday, Coventry City College was a fine example of Art Deco architecture. Its impressive front elevation included Doric façades inspired by classical Greek architecture, complete with columns and portico.

Grand double oak doors completed the impressive frontage of the threestorey building.

Located at Coventry’s Earlsdon Park, the technical college, which was built in the shape of a letter E, had survived the ruthless bombing of the City in the Second World War. Following the college’s closure in 2008, Leadbitter was chosen to transform the building into a 100-bedroom Premier Inn hotel and future office complex on behalf of the building’s owner, MCD Developments.

The £6m contract involved the restoration of many original features, which had fallen into disrepair or had been covered up or changed to create more space during the seven decades that the building had functioned as a college, as well as the creation of a new third storey to accommodate 42 of the new Premier Inn bedrooms.

The first task facing Leadbitter was to demolish a substantial concrete and brick annexe, which had been constructed

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Design & Desire

The restaurant at the newly refurbished Earlsdon Park

with the traditional restoration methods used on the original part of the structure.

Leadbitter chose to have whole bedroom pods (including the bathrooms) constructed off-site so that they were delivered to Earlsdon Park fully complete, even down to pictures on the wall and carpets on the floor.

Kevin O’Brien continues: “By choosing this construction method, the top floor of the hotel was completed relatively quickly. Once the pods were delivered to site, we were able to install five or six a day. It was vital that every detail was considered at the design stage, as there is absolutely no room for mistakes. With this in mind, we were careful to choose a UK-based manufacturer so that we were able to maintain a close working relationship at all times.

“On-site we installed a steel frame onto the existing roof, in order to spread the

load of the bedroom pods. All we then needed to do at the third floor was to install the services once the bedrooms were in place, and then dry line, decorate and carpet the corridors.”

Leadbitter’s combination of experience and state-of-the art construction methods has delivered an impressive, truly unique landmark building, which provides a highly attractive hotel and office accommodation ideal for modern lifestyles, whilst restoring the original Art Deco building to its former glory.

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which tended to be non-standard as a result; designing the restaurant and ground floor reception around the existing column locations; carefully routing the services through the office space on the first floor and installing additional acoustic insulation to allow for the different future uses of the finished building.

The refurbished building comprises a hotel reception, restaurant, kitchen and auxiliary rooms on the ground floor, with future office space on part of the ground floor and the first floor and the inclusion of 58 hotel bedrooms on the second floor. The remaining 42 hotel bedrooms are housed in a new third storey of the building, constructed as part of the project.

The state-of-the-art construction methods used for the new top storey could not have been more in contrast

www.leadbitter.com

The Learning and Resource Centre was specified as a key area by the college to be used adult learners Whole bedroom pods (including thebybathrooms) were constructed and the and general off-site werepublic delivered to Earlsdon Park fully complete

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33

Kitchens & Bathrooms Innovative building products now allow housebuilders to use only one material in place of two for partitions in kitchens and bathrooms

Show of Strength There are big savings to be made for contractors and designers by reviewing and streamlining even the most well-established practices. These often attract the least attention on-site but, when considered across a large-scale project, also present the biggest opportunities to cut down on cost. FC&A examines how high-performance plasterboards are making it quicker and cheaper to tackle kitchens and bathrooms.

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or housebuilders and architects, kitchens and bathrooms have always been a particular challenge.

The high number of surfacemounted items, including units and grab rails, calls for tough building materials that are strong enough to take the strain.

At the same time, the need to connect utilities to appliances means that space within partition cavities is at a premium.

The upshot is that site teams have to either compromise on the thickness of

A kitchen at Caspian Wharf

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the material they use, or on the space they have to work within.

Traditionally, contractors have tackled the problem of strength by reinforcing standard plasterboard with plywood.

However, while this strengthens the board, it also takes up a lot of space in the partition cavity, which is used for installing services.This adds time and consequently cost to a project because plywood is a further expense and time consuming to install. So, reinforcing kitchen and bathroom boards with plywood is expensive, but does it always have to be?

Innovative building products now allow housebuilders to only use one material in place of two for partitions in kitchens and bathrooms – removing the need for the expense of plywood and cutting down on installation times.

Lafarge Plasterboard’s high-performance GTEC LaDura board is an exceptionally tough building material that is strong enough to support most kitchen and bathroom fixtures without being reinforced.The board’s innovative composition, which includes a dense

gypsum core with 8% hard wood particles, makes the board strong and means it is ideal for challenging interior spaces. It also has a proven track record when it comes to making savings on commercial projects.

Since its launch at Ecobuild 2011, GTEC LaDura has been used for largescale projects across a range of sectors, including residential, education and leisure, where its strength and durability have made it ideal for any areas with heavy point loads for severe duty walls, such as corridor hand rails, sanitary ware, cupboards and shelving.

In the residential market, the board was used in the construction of 350 new-build apartments at Berkeley Homes’ Caspian Wharf development in East London. The original specification for Caspian Wharf called for a layer of standard plasterboard that would be strengthened by a sheet of 12mm plywood. However, GTEC LaDura was selected for the kitchen, bathroom and utility room partitions in all 350 apartments after a rigorous set of additional, on-site pull-out tests.

The board’s performance in the tests

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Kitchens & Bathrooms GTEC LaDura has excellent pull-out resistance

Berkeley Homes’ Caspian Wharf development in East London

GTEC LaDura’s strength and durability makes it ideal for areas with heavy point loads such as sanitary ware

need for the expense of timber.”

As well as its successful rollout in commercial projects, GTEC LaDura has also scooped the Association of Interior Specialists’ Product Innovation award, giving specifiers further confidence in the board’s quality and performance.

The awards recognise the success of innovative environmental technologies, products, processes and techniques and GTEC LaDura took first prize in the innovation category for its combination of exceptional strength and environmental performance.

Made with recycled paper, GTEC LaDura’s 8% hard wood particle content is a zero carbon renewable material. It is manufactured using the same low energy process as standard plasterboard and

typically achieves A and A+ ratings in the BRE Green Guide.

Taking advantage of new, highperformance materials is an excellent way for construction professionals in all sectors to make improvements. Kitchens and bathrooms are an excellent example of how this works and materials like GTEC LaDura are helping housebuilders to make big savings through step changes in tried and tested practices.

Lafarge Plasterboard will be hosting a live webinar on GTEC LaDura’s applications on 19 April. Specifiers can register to attend now at www.gtecladura. co.uk. Alternatively, please call its technical advisory service on 01275 377789.

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demonstrated to the developer and the M&E contractor that the material would be sturdy enough to meet the properties’ demanding technical requirements without being reinforced Errol Ryan, Project Manager for sub-contractor BDL Group, explains: “Plywood can be very time-consuming and costly to fit, so by selecting a plasterboard with such excellent impact and pull-out performance, we were able to dramatically cut the installation times and costs.

“Plywood also takes up a lot of space between the partitions’ studs, cutting down the room available for installing key services. With GTEC LaDura we had much more room to operate, as we didn’t need plywood backing, leaving plenty of space for electricity cables and water and gas pipes.

“We have used over 10,000m2 of GTEC LaDura – that’s over one and a half times the size of the pitch at Wembley Stadium. GTEC LaDura also helped us to boost our sustainability credentials. It meant we significantly reduced the amount of timber and had far less waste from dust and off-cuts.”

Mark Buckley, Senior Technical Specification Manager for Lafarge Plasterboard, comments: “GTEC LaDura is fixed just like normal plasterboard and is used for a range of internal applications.

It has a recommended pull-out resistance of 50kg per fixing (when fixed with a spit hollow wall anchor) making it ideal for use in kitchen and bathroom environments as well as for impact resistance in severe duty and high traffic commercial areas.

“In this project it was perfectly suited for supporting kitchen units and bathroom grab-rails and fittings. Its innovative qualities meant that the contractors could use one material instead of two and cut down their

www.lafarge.co.uk

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35

Disability

Access all areas The physical barriers often presented by the built environment can severely restrict the mobility of many people. These barriers often make it difficult, if not impossible, for disabled people to gain access, something the rest of us take for granted. FC&A looks at how Stannah is addressing the accessibility issue.

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Available in a range of features and finishes, including three platform sizes, Midilifts are ideal for bringing equal access to retail, health, education, housing and public buildings where the installation of a conventional passenger lift is unnecessary, impractical or impossible”

Bridging the gap Launched in 2006, the Access for All Programme is part of the Railways for All Strategy to address the issues faced by disabled passengers using railway stations in Great Britain. Central to the Strategy is the ring-fencing of £35m funding per year, until 2015, for provision of an obstacle-free, accessible route to and between platforms at priority stations. This generally includes the provision of lifts or ramps, as well as associated works and refurbishment along the defined route.

Two Stannah Midilift SL vertical platform lifts have been installed at City College Southampton

The two-stop, through-door Stannah glass passenger lift at Cardiff Central Station

Stannah’s extensive work for Network Rail is managed by a dedicated team who plan and implement lift refurbishments, modernisations and new installations right across the UK rail network.

Last year, Stannah completed the challenging installation of a scenic passenger lift within in the Art Deco ticket hall of Cardiff Central Station.

Stannah was the Principal Contractor on a four-month project to install a lift for Arriva Trains Wales and Network Rail to ensure easy access to Platform Zero.

The two-stop, through-door glass passenger lift in a structure supported glass shaft, stands in the west side of the magnificent Grade 2 listed ticket hall and is linked to the landing, and exit to the platform, by a seamless steel and glass bridge. Rail travellers previously had to climb a stairway to access the platform for the train to Ebbw Vale and passengers with impaired mobility, luggage or young children, had to walk around the outside of the building.

Whether working on an inclusive or accessible design project, the need to think ahead about who will be using the site should be at the top of the agenda. Solutions such as those offered

by Stannah, address a host of access issues - don’t wait until a disabled person experiences difficulties, as it may make well be too late to make the necessary adjustments.

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T

he Government has set out an ambitious vision – that by 2025 disabled people should have full opportunities and choices to improve their quality of life, will be respected and included as equal members of society, (Office for Disability Issues (ODI) www.odi.gov.uk). It is imperative that society helps remove the physical barriers faced by disabled people rather than expecting disabled people to overcome the barriers erected by society.

Of course inclusive design is where we should be aiming – creating an environment where everyone can access and benefit from the full range of opportunities available to members of society – a single solution for everyone.

But this is not always possible and that’s where accessible design comes in. Whilst not totally inclusive, accessible design also addresses the barrier issue.

Stannah offers access solutions for both new build and refurbishment projects. At City College Southampton, two Stannah Midilift SL vertical platform lifts are delivering access for all in new and improved leisure and educational facilities. Operating between two floors over a rise of 1650mm, a gated Midilift SL has helped mobility-compromised staff and students of all ages to benefit from the 240-seat theatre area in the Hub – the brand-new, state-of-the-art campus focal point.

A second gated Midilift SL also covers two floors over a distance of 1350mm in an existing building, rebuilt to create modern, high quality engineering and construction facilities. Both Midilifts feature a full-height, glazed door at ground level with a half-height, glazed door, or ‘gate’, on the first floor landing.

This combination offers a flexible, costeffective solution to installations with ceiling height restrictions.

www.stannahlifts.co.uk

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kbb Preview

Innovation with style

K

bb Birmingham is the UK’s largest gathering of the world’s most exciting kbb brands, and provides an outstanding platform for architects, interior designers, retailers, contractors, plumbers and developers to network, source and specify the latest kitchen, bedroom and bathroom products. kbb Birmingham will also be bringing together an impressive line-up of added-value elements including; Retail Masterclasses; Design Seminars; Engine Room – Heating and Plumbing Zone; Contract Spaces – The Future of Contract Bathrooms & Kitchens; Heart of the Home (Visions of the Kitchen as the hub of the home) and Heart of Relaxation (The Ultimate in bathing experiences).

Other show features will include Universal Access - future proofing for future living, which will be looking at Britain’s fast ageing population and the importance of ensuring that kitchen and bathroom design embraces needs for every age.

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The Eco ‘Re-Source Zone’ will present some real projects, case studies and the people that are currently making things happen practically and creatively, in the commercial environment. Conceived and developed by designer Max Clements, the ‘Re-Source’ stand will combine product and material exhibits, alongside a series of dynamic presentations and networking opportunities. Some extraordinary ecoprojects like the Harrison Spinks Farm will be showcased, which bring the worlds of eco-farming, manufacturing and retail into a stimulating new relationship. New and ‘rediscovered’ materials will also be explored, including straw, hemp and vegetable fibres, showing how these are finding their way into modern interiors and major retail developments.This will be a great opportunity to see some surprising green alternatives, meet the people involved and see how these materials and technologies are currently being used.

Contract Spaces - The Future of Contract Bathrooms & Kitchens will be looking into the future of the kbb contract sector with a series of future-proof kitchen and bathroom installations designed by the UK’s most forward-thinking developers.

These interactive installations will illustrate funky and modern design, whilst taking into account the functionality that is essential in all kitchens. Exploring the future of the kbb contract sector and delivering aesthetic and technical solutions that will educate, challenge and excite by exploring space

saving, cost-effectiveness, energy and water efficiency and low carbon manufacture, will be fully explored.

The four-day seminar programme promises to equip visitors with inspiration and knowledge for the year ahead and will discuss the key issues facing the kbb sector.

Anna Ryder Richardson is one of the keynote speakers of this year’s programme.

As one of the country’s best-loved interior designers, and currently working within the kbb sector as a design consultant for Magnet, Anna is perfectly placed to discuss the latest news and developments in kitchen design. She will join the show on Monday, 5th March, curating much of the day’s programme, managing the Q&A sessions and presenting her own seminar.

And speaking publicly in the UK for the first time, and exclusively at kbb Birmingham, will be legendary kitchen guru Gerd Bulthaup, the driving force behind the design and philosophy of bulthaup kitchens since 1978.

To view the full kbb seminar programme and more show information visit: www.kbb.co.uk. For daily show updates and design news, follow kbb Birmingham on Twitter @kbbnews

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With hundreds of exhibitors and thousands of products, alongside trend-led interiors, seminars and showcases, kbb Birmingham from 4th to 7th March at the NEC, is set to provide specifiers with a multitude of innovative ideas and concepts for the forthcoming year.

kbb Preview New look for Francis Pegler The Francis Pegler brand, renowned for its quality and stylish designs, has been redeveloped to appeal to specifiers, installers and consumers alike. On Stand E110, Pegler Yorkshire will be displaying the two new tap ranges to be launched at KBB, one of which offers contemporary styling different to any other range in the Francis Pegler portfolio.The new tap ranges include the Adorn, the Stanza and an extension of the popular Strata range, the Strata Blade.Visitors will also get to experience the wide knowledge and expertise Pegler Yorkshire has in the industry, as the company has developed a Plumbing Technology Area, which incorporates essential products from its fittings and heating portfolios too. brochures@pegleryorkshire.co.uk 028

Contemporary co-ordination Astro’s new Co-ordinated Bedroom and Bathroom Lighting Range will be launched at kbb. Four designs of wall light with fabric shades which can be fitted in the bedroom can now also be used as IP44 bathroom lights.This is achieved with an intriguing IP44 kit which, once fixed around the bulb, converts the fitting to IP44 standard.This clever concept means lighting can be co-ordinated from room-to-room for continuity of design. Also being launched on Stand F104, Hall 20, are a host of new bathroom lights such as the Riva with its cone-shaped shade and tall rectangular wall plate; new ceiling lights and IP44 designs such as the new Zip and Bergamo wall lights.

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sales@astrolighting.co.uk

Wetroom Solutions

Kaldewei will be demonstrating on Stand CS1, Hall 20, how its floor level Conoflat shower tray combined with the ingenious ESR installation frame, provides the perfect solution for wetrooms. Made from precious and extremely durable 3.5mm steel enamel, Kaldewei shower trays are available in a wide range of styles and colours to either co-ordinate or contrast with the surrounding floor finish.

The unique material has a permanent brilliance and lustre, long-lasting quality and is easy to clean.The ESR installation frame enables safe and speedy installation of low-depth shower trays between 2.5 and 6.5cm onto timber joists or screeded floors. Installation is easy with the help of a DVD from Kaldewei which offers a useful step-by-step guide. info@kaldewei-uk.com

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Debut for former ACO Building Drainage is preparing to showcase a full range of innovative bathroom products at kbb including the new wetroom former, which will be on show for the first time. The ACO wetroom former presents a significant leap in efficiency by speeding up the installation process and ensuring a perfect fit. With a profile of just 20mm, the wetroom former is suitable for all floor constructions, removing the need to carry out the kind of modifications to the floor area demanded by competing products of 40mm profile. Also on view on Stand C74 in Hall 20, will be highend ACO bathroom drainage products designed to transform these rooms into more chic, luxurious spaces. buildingdrainage@aco.co.uk

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RAK Ceramics to launch new Rimless WC RAK Ceramics is launching a series of new innovations at this year’s kbb exhibition on Stand E95. These will include RAK’s Rimless WC range; part of RAK’s popular Compact bathroom collection, which includes six rimless toilets featuring a small footprint and curved, contemporary design. In addition to standard formats for hygiene-conscious consumers, three extended projections are available for wheelchair users in both back-to-wall and close-coupled formats. All models feature comfort height levels and comply to the Department of Health’s HTM64 Standard.

They also feature RAK’s new eco-friendly revised trap design and modified Geberit cistern fitting, which reduces flushing volume by 33.5% to just 4.0/2.5 litres. kevin.j@rakceramics.co.uk

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Franchise packages available Kitchen makeover brand, Granite Transformations (Stand M122), is targeting independent kitchen and bathroom business owners as part of a franchise recruitment drive aimed at expanding its 30-strong network of UK showrooms.With prospective franchise owners understandably risk-averse in the present financial climate, it has cut the entry price for would-be investors and introduced two new low-cost, low-risk franchise packages: a bolt-on Existing Retailer franchise package for compatible retail businesses, at a one-off fee of £15k, and a pared-down Concession Showroom model, at a cost of £18k. Granite Transformations’ UK franchise network has enjoyed consistent year-on-year sales growth, outperforming the market in general, and more than a third of current owners recorded annual revenues in excess of £1m. enquiries@granitetransformations.co.uk 033

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39

Kitchens, Bedrooms & Bathrooms

The Schlüter®-KERDI-LINE linear drainage channel can help create a more attractive space

A collection of refurbished upmarket apartments in central London, which feature brand new luxury wet rooms, are protected following the installation of Schlüter ®-KERDISHOWER from Schlüter-Systems.

F

ive highly specified homes on Little Russell Street, close to the British Museum, all now feature the modular Schlüter®KERDI-SHOWER system which offers a groundbreaking approach to tiling and is an ideal solution for perfect, yet easy tile covering for walk-in showers. Also installed by Hemel Hempstead-based Tile Shapes, was Schlüter®-KERDI-LINE, an aesthetically pleasing linear drainage channel which offers an alternative to regular drains and shower trays.

Daniel Haynes, Contracts Director at Tile Shapes, comments: “This project saw us install the Schlüter®-KERDI-SHOWER

system in each of the five apartments, both in a wet room and an en suite bathroom from the master bedroom.

What I like about products from SchlüterSystems is that they have products available for every possible situation.They are all designed to link together, such as this wet room system, and I know that whatever a project may require and no matter its complexity, Schlüter will be able to specify the exact products to be used.”

Ian Knifton, Divisional Manager at Schlüter-Systems, said: “The popularity of installing wet rooms at home continues to grow with a number of brand new and refurbished apartments such as

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Capital protection

these in London, all now featuring luxury bathrooms. Schlüter®-KERDI-SHOWER is a modular system for the construction of floor level showers with ceramic tiles which stands out for its particularly easy and reliable installation and leaves the customer with a wet room of the highest possible standard.

“Installing a wet room with Schlüter®KERDI-SHOWER or the Schlüter®KERDI-LINE linear drainage channel, can help create a more attractive space as they suit a range of contemporary designs.

There is also the flexibility of it not having to be a pre-determined size or shape and the systems offer an ideal substrate for an excellent finish with tile or natural stone.”

“Its pre-sloped surface makes tiling simple and there are four different sized sloped boards available.These can be combined with waterproofing sets for wall and floor drains, with optional use of base levelling panels.The elements that make up Schlüter®-KERDI-SHOWER can easily be adapted for the construction of circular shower designs due to precut grooves.”

The elements that make up Schlüter®KERDI-SHOWER can easily be adapted for the construction of circular shower designs due to pre-cut grooves.These are Schlüter®-KERDI-DRAIN-BASE, an especially low floor drain that is suitable for the installation of conventional barrierfree shower designs or for combination with Schlüter®-KERDI-SHOWER floor elements; Schlüter®-KERDI-SHOWERSK, a waterproofing set for floor level showers; and either Schlüter®- KERDISHOWER-T or Schlüter®-KERDISHOWER-TC , which are sloped substrate boards for the direct installation of tiles in floor level showers.

Schlüter®-KERDI-SHOWER is a modular system which offers a groundbreaking approach to tiling

Some of the different components that make up Schlüter®-KERDI-SHOWER

sales@schluter.co.uk

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034

Kitchens, Bedrooms & Bathrooms

Deb’s Global range is universally understood Every day, every single employee is faced with a choice as to whether they use a skin care product or not. We take a look at how the Deb Global Product Range has provided a simple, yet cost-effective solution to help employers and employees make the right choices.

With an approach to product development that focuses on both chemistry and dispensing technology, the Deb Global Product Range was created to meet the specific skin safety needs and cultural diversity of both local and international organisations. The range showcases Deb’s latest technologies, providing ‘best in class’ formulations and rigorously engineered dispensing systems.

Throughout many years of working with the users of their products and dispensing systems, Deb has gained a deep insight into the factors that affect skin care compliance, one of the key issues being to ensure that users know which product to use and how to use them.

Phil Spark, Marketing Director at Deb explains: “Our products are created with the final objective in mind – every person in the organisation doing the right thing

enquiry@deb.co.uk

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Contemporary bathroom furniture

Gorgeous graphite gloss

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. Available in 600 or 900mm widths, they incorporate single drawer and cupboard design, with three-drawer option or two-door cabinet. All host the integral slimline Linea gel cast basin and matching plinth, with the opportunity to individualise using a choice of different brassware and handle options.

Available in a selection of finishes ranging from the dark woodgrain through to high gloss white, there’s a finish and design to suit everyone. info@merewaybathrooms.co.uk

Mereway Bathrooms has added a fantastic new Graphite Gloss door finish to its space-saving modular range, Infinity. An audacious alternative to black, Graphite Gloss brings a chic new look to the bathroom and is available with the Adriatic Slab style door which has a sharp radius edge and is foil wrapped or lacquered for a smooth, sleek finish.

Adriatic Graphite Gloss can also be combined with any other finishes in the Infinity range, from fabulous satin and gloss to woodgrain and glass styles. info@merewaybathrooms.co.uk

with regard to skin safety.”

Spark continues: “Our aim is to ensure that our skin care products and dispensing systems are easily understood and easy to use. As such, a combination of language neutral iconography, strong visual colours and clear, unambiguous wording has been applied across all products, dispensers and education materials to visually identify the product type and its usage.”

With Deb’s Product Development philosophy being to design products which are innovative, fit for purpose, pleasant to use, convenient, cost-effective and tested to the highest internationally recognised protocols, the Global Product Range is a simple skin care solution that meets the universal needs of employees and visitors alike.

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Heritage shades create impact Painted kitchens continue to be the look of the moment and Mereway Kitchens is spot on trend with the introduction of 11 beautiful new heritage shades for its English Revival Inframe Shaker range, bringing the palette up to 16 subtle tones to choose from.This spring will be all about creating real impact with colour, and these enticing new tones, which derive from key periods in design history, enable each new core colour to be complemented by a softer or deeper sister shade to create a fabulous effect. New colours include rustic Flame and Copper reds for warmth and depth, calming Duck Egg and Marine blues and strong Pewter and Gun Metal greys that add a touch of drama. info@merewaykitchens.co.uk

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Kitchens, Bedrooms & Bathrooms

Timber options expand wet room range Schlüter-Systems has continued to answer calls from the increasing number of people wishing to install a wet room at home, with the launch of a new addition to its Schlüter-KERDI-SHOWER range.

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floor level showers with ceramic tiles to be installed within timber floor boards.

It joins Schlüter®-KERDI-SHOWER-T and Schlüter®-KERDI-SHOWER-TC, as the third addition to the range but

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chlüter®-KERDI-SHOWERTB has been specifically designed for timber substrate environments, allowing this modular system for the construction of

is differentiated by a unique thinner assembly height.

Ian Knifton, Technical Manager at Schlüter-Systems, comments: “Schlüter®KERDI-SHOWER was launched as the ideal solution for floor level showers which continue to become increasingly popular as people look to add that extra touch of quality to their home. Whilst the modular system is straightforward and hassle-free to install, we were always keen to continue developing the system and the launch of Schlüter®KERDI-SHOWER-TB now ensures that customers with timber floors can also benefit from this innovative and reliable system.”

Schlüter®-KERDI-SHOWER is a modular system for the construction of floor level showers with ceramic tiles and natural stone, which offers a particularly low assembly height.

Installing a wet room with Schlüter®-KERDI-SHOWER can create a more attractive space as it suits a range of contemporary designs. It has the flexibility of not having to be a pre-determined size or shape and offers an ideal substrate for an excellent finish with tile or natural stone.

Its pre-sloped surface makes tiling straightforward and there are four different sized sloped boards available. These can be combined with waterproofing sets, floor drains and optional use of base levelling panels, meaning there are options available for a multitude of applications.

The elements that make up Schlüter®KERDI-SHOWER can easily be adapted for the construction of circular shower designs due to pre-cut grooves. These are Schlüter®-KERDI-DRAIN-BASE, an especially low floor drain that is suitable for the installation of conventional barrier-free shower designs or for combination with Schlüter®-KERDISHOWER floor elements; Schlüter®KERDI-SHOWER-SK, a waterproofing set for floor level showers; and either Schlüter®- KERDI-SHOWER-T or Schlüter®-KERDI-SHOWER-TC, which are sloped substrate boards for the direct installation of tiles in floor level showers.

The increasing number of people wishing to install a wet room at home now have extra choice thanks to the launch of Schlüter®-KERDI-SHOWER-TB

sales@schluter.co.uk

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Kitchens, Bedrooms & Bathrooms

Latham’s score with hat trick of worksurface options James Latham has bolstered its worktop offering with the addition of Synergii premium laminate work surfaces for kitchens, bedrooms and bathrooms.

The arrival of the Synergii range, which is manufactured by Wilsonart, means that James Latham can now offer kitchen, bedroom and bathroom specialists a premium High Pressure Laminate (HPL) worktop option in addition to its already highly popular range of work surface materials which include HI-MACS solid surface, incorporating Silica, plus its solidwood laminated panel, Texwood.

Manufactured using Aeon Technology, Synergii delivers 4-5 times the wear resistance of a standard laminate, creating a surface that looks better for longer, perfect for the kitchen environment.

The Synergii range, which is available in a stunning combination of gloss and texture, includes 24 decors in 38mm thickness and six in 28mm, and is

available from Lathams in a 4.1m option. Texwood solid-wood laminated panel with finger-joined staves is available in a range of species including Beech, Oak, Iroko, Walnut and Maple and is offered in 26mm and 42mm thicknesses with panel sizes from 3050mm x 600mm up to 4,000mm x 1220mm.

HI-MACS® solid surface is easily fabricated and boasts visually seamless lines making it a popular choice when creating bespoke work surfaces. Supplied in thicknesses of 12mm, 9mm and 6mm and offered in 113 shades and patterns, HI-MACS® is versatile, adaptable and creates fantastic design-led areas.

For the more budget conscious who

are looking for a solid surface option, Silica is constructed from 6mm HIMACS® sheets bonded to 30mm MR MDF with a 1mm HPL balancer to the underside – the 6mm surface allows the integration of drainer grooves, hob-rods and sinks.

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marketing@lathams.co.uk

Intelligent building technology from Hafele The Gira Radio Bus system is a flexible, intelligent system which allows you to control lighting, heating and security systems around commercial and domestic properties.

This clever system consists of Receivers and WirelessTransmitters allowing it to be retro-fitted into existing buildings with minimum fuss. Signals are transmitted via radio to each individual receiver, perfect for installing onto glass, furniture or where a lack of cabling would normally prevent the fitting of controls – like a kitchen island for example. Upon installation, new operating points can be added at any time without the need for redecoration and at little expenditure, enabling lights to be turned on and off and dimmed from different places simultaneously. Gira Radio Bus is the perfect solution for any renovation and modernisation project.

info@hafele.co.uk

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Changing Places at leisure Disabled children are less likely to participate in a sporting activity, according to latest research, but provision of appropriate facilities could help address the issue.Total Hygiene, sponsor of the Changing Places campaign for fully accessible toilets in public places, maintains inclusion of a Changing Places toilet in a leisure or sports centre would play an important role in optimising accessibility to all. It is also ‘good practice’ under BS8300:2009. A Changing Places toilet has three main features – a height adjustable adult-sized changing bench, hoist and adequate space in the changing area for the disabled person and at least one carer. info@clos-o-mat.com

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Kitchens, Bedrooms & Bathrooms

Advice and design can transform the bathroom experience Far too many people struggle in their bathrooms with inappropriate equipment and layouts when a little good advice could transform their experience and help restore dignity and independence.

The incidence of falls for people with impaired mobility and of back injuries and strains to carers, is very high in the bathroom. The risk can be greatly reduced by the installation of appropriate equipment designed with the issues of disabled bathing, toileting and changing in mind.

Modern baths for people with impaired mobility come in varied designs with adjustable heights, drop down sides for access and changing, back supports and headrests for ease of bathing. These

facilities can often be used in combination with ceiling hoist systems helping to make bathing easier, safer and dignified for carer and disabled person alike.

Wash basins too can be height adjustable for people in wheelchairs. Automatic taps and waste are available for those with poor hand control.

A modern toilet for people unable to use a conventional toilet can be fitted with a small shower and drying features

to assist in using the toilet with dignity and independence. The toilet can be set at the required height to enable it to be used by both disabled and ablebodied people.

Bathroom layouts can also be optimised by the use of changing and shower tables. In a typical bathroom with restricted space, the most practical solution is a height adjustable folding wall-mounted version.

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info@kingkraft.co.uk

Versatile shower trays

Luxury showering

Leading shower tray manufacturer MX Group, has launched its new range of DuraStone shower trays. The trays’ construction consists of a 2.2mm ABS acrylic capped shell that is filled with a mineral stone resin mix. The monocoque construction is then completed with a 2mm ABS embossed base that helps adhesion when installing. The DuraStone shower tray incorporates the added benefit of torsion beams creating rigidity to the overall tray structure. A variety of different shapes and sizes in both flat top and upstand options are available. The trays are suitable for most screens and enclosures and incorporate a high flow 90mm waste, which allows water to flow at 32 litres per minute. sales@mx-group.com 044

On the Level has supplied its attractive and practical linear drainage system to the exclusive Lansdowne Club in London’s Mayfair which is has been undergoing a major £3m restoration and refurbishment programme.The programme includes a new state-of-the-art gymnasium, squash courts and new ladies’ and mens’ changing rooms for which On the Level were commissioned to supply its specialist wet floor products. Eight linear channels of 700mm and 800mm lengths with varying gully options were supplied for the shower floors, complete with horizontal outlet and vertical to allow easy connection to the 110mm waste pipe.The chosen grating was On the Level’s ‘Athena’ design featuring a bubble-like circular pattern and highly polished chrome finish.

Cost-effective executive washrooms Bushboard Washrooms is proud to announce the relaunch of two of its most popular cubicle ranges which have been specifically developed to meet the demand for executive washrooms without the executive price tag. The highly specified Aero and Paraline have been redesigned to offer sleeker styling and stunning new finishes, providing the perfect balance between quality and value. With a choice of five new pilaster finishes, three coordinating hardware options and unlimited colour choices, the range offers the ultimate in washroom design. washrooms@bushboard-washrooms.co.uk

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sales@onthelevel.co.uk

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The

l a n o i Nat

d l i u B Selefnovation &R

Show th

15 14th -l 2012 Apri

If you’re still dreaming of building your own home, planning to renovate, or have a project that’s stalled, and in these uncertain times feel nervous and unsure of how and where to start, then this show is for you.

It has everything you need to make your project a success – from finding the right plot or finance to how to project manage it yourself, and from sourcing suppliers and working with tradesmen to discovering new technologies and energy efficient eco solutions.

The key to creating your

Dream Home REGISTER NOW

FOR FREE ENTRY* www.nsbrc.co.uk or call 0845 223 4455

Not forgetting a raft of seminars, talks, tours and demos, more than 200 exhibitors, three full scale houses, and a range of industry experts – all on hand to help you, every step of the way. You’ll get all of the knowledge, confidence and contacts you need to progress with your project and create your dream home.

Everything you need... under one roof • How to... sessions, build-system talks, products presentations and case studies • Free appointments with more than 20 industry professionals in Expert Alley • Tours of our full-sized renovation house and real-life examples in the Educational Journey • More than 200 companies in our Exhibitor Area

The National Self Build & Renovation Centre Lydiard Fields, Swindon, SN5 8UB * Entry otherwise costs £10 per person and £15 per couple on the day

Online Enquiry 047

Floors, Walls & Ceilings

Jaymart are worth barking about!

Vinyl floorings have long been a favourite choice for commercial areas because of their resistance to dirt, damp etc. They are user-friendly – even for boisterous dogs!

Vinyl floorings are soft and warm underfoot, easy to maintain, have long wearability and make an excellent sound insulator, and they are far more economical than they look.

Jaymart’s LIMONTA VINYLFLOOR medium contract vinyl flooring tiles in Black and White, in the LISCIO (smooth surface) design, as shown in the photo, are available in 50cm x 50cm x 2.5mm. Roll format is also available in 20m x 1.5m x 2.5mm. Other designs available in roll format are BOLLO (micro round stud) and STICK

(confetti sticks). All are suitable for use in shop window display areas or domestic kitchens, bathrooms, hallways etc. For more information on Jaymart’s extensive range of specialist safety floorings, entrance matting systems, sports floorings, interlocking looselay flooring tiles and mattings, duckboard safety mattings, artificial grass carpeting, natural fibre carpeting, recycled environmentally friendly floorcoverings, and lettered/ logo mats, contact the Jaymart Sales Team.

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sales@jaymart.co.uk

Jaymart’s Sales Director, Paul Macfarlane, is pleased to announce that the company is supplying its own manufacture aluminium-based prestigious “Alligator” and “Grime” ranges of entrance mattings for the London 2012 Olympics.

Safety matting bridges the gap The Raiffeisen Bank in Gossau, Switzerland is using Frontrunner XT matting to provide safe passage for pedestrians on three footbridges which link the car park to the bank’s entrance. The 100% vinyl open grid matting manufactured by Plastic Extruders Ltd is very effective for these types of tough external environments as its diamond cut surface provides increased traction and safety underfoot even in wet and icy conditions. The close grid construction also makes it heel and wheel-proof and it is flexible enough to contour over the curve of the bridge. Frontrunner XT is supplied in rolls of 10m and in widths of 60, 91 and 120cm. enquiries@plastex.co.uk 049

Mixing made simple With the increasing demands for the safe disposal of packaging, Remmers has devised a brilliantly simple solution for making the mixing of resin and hardeners foolproof – deliver the products in a multi-chamber bag.

With this new bag mixing errors are now impossible. The components are packaged in the current mixing ratio in a single plastic bag separated by a plastic clip which when removed, the two components in the closed bag can be safely and cleanly mixed by kneading. It takes less than 60 seconds. After mixing, the contents of the bag are cleanly squeezed out through a screw-on nozzle just by rolling up the bag. sales@remmers.co.uk 050

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BBA approval for PVCu beading Following exhaustive performance testing, Renderplas PVCu beads for rendering, plastering and dry lining applications, have been fully approved by the British Board of Agrément (BBA). All bead types for external rendering in the Renderplas range are BBA certified, and now the company’s Movement Joint bead, which allows for thermal movement of the render and for areas with a structural movement joint under the render, is the first and only PVCu bead of its type to achieve this prestigious industry approval. enquiry@renderplas.co.uk

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aa fraction fraction of of the the cost cost of of any any reliable reliable alternative alternative

Fast, once once only only application application • Fast, Guaranteed 55 years years • Guaranteed Effective even even when when wet wet or or • Effective

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SLIPSTOP (European) Ltd. P.O Box 7404, Coalville LE67 4ZS ENGLAND Tel.: 01530 813 500, Fax: 01530 813 400 Email: slipstop@slipstop.co.uk Website: http://www.slipstop.com

Online Enquiry 052

Linear actuator technoLogy

Take control of the living environment and enhance your design solutions

Cost effective solutions from LINAK® to automate your home.

Easy access to wall cupboards Tables that can fit the user Add comfort to activity tables Hide kitchen extractor hoods Audio visual mounting solutions

The perfection in motion solutions from LINAK® has the ability to improve people’s lives.

While homes of today are already multifunctional and designed in a pure and minimalist style, we are ready to help you take your design to the next level. LINAK® offers well proven products for home environments that enable designers to invent yet unseen functionalities.

To find out more and see our products in action, go to

www.linak-lifestyle.co.uk Online Enquiry 053

Online Enquiry 054

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Floors, Walls & Ceilings

Download a sustainable future!

Dulux Trade Paints has underlined its commitment to sustainability and first-class customer support, with the launch of the ‘Building a Sustainable Future’ information guide.

The online booklet, ‘Building a Sustainable Future’, which is available from the Dulux Trade website, represents the latest in a line of guides from the company, and explains how it is meeting its ambitious targets incorporating the economic, environmental and social elements of sustainability.

It also provides information and advice to help professional tradesmen make informed decisions about how they can become more sustainable in the selection, application and disposal of products.

ICI Paints AkzoNobel, the parent company of Dulux Trade, is committed

to becoming the most sustainable paint manufacturer in the industry. The company’s approach incorporates the total life-cycle of its products, and is based on a strategy of working with suppliers, customers and cutting-edge thinkers, to deliver positive impacts from the production, to the application and end of life system of its products.

Susan Kendall, Sustainability Director, ICI Paints AkzoNobel, said: “Our annual sustainability guides are an essential part of meeting and promoting our commitments. We aim to deliver the

message that in order to establish a genuinely sustainable solution, it is important to consider the entire lifecycle of a product.

“The most sustainable solution for one project will not necessarily be the best for another – this can differ depending on the requirements and end uses of each job. We aim to help contactors make informed sustainability assessments and select the best products for the task.”

To download ‘Building a Sustainable Future’, visit: http://dulux.trade-decorating. co.uk/sustainability/index.jsp

duluxtraderesponse@tangerinepr.com

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Ceiling guide aims high

With a comprehensive range of ceilings and accessories now available through its network of branches across the UK, Minster has launched a new Guide to assist customers in sourcing the best ceiling solutions.The Minster Ceilings Guide is packed with over 80 fully-illustrated pages of products from more than 20 of the country’s leading suppliers.The guide includes ceiling tiles, planks, baffles, MF systems, access panels, modular lighting, suspension grid and accessories. Details of each product’s performance characteristics, such as acoustics and fire resistance, are clearly illustrated through a unique system of icons, alongside their environmental credentials to aid customers in sourcing sustainable solutions.

Lee.cowling@minsteronline.co.uk 056

Timbmet extends flooring portfolio A high performance Vinyl plank flooring range with the aesthetic look and feel of real wood but with scratch and indentation resistance, is the latest offering from leading timber product supplier,Timbmet. Structured woodgrain finishes provide comfort underfoot whilst also providing slip resistance.The Vinyl surface is easy clean and so offers a solid floor option with low maintenance. Installation of LOBO flooring is simple thanks to the Uniclic profiled edges which enable a glueless floating floor click installation. No underlay is required thanks to the cork backing layer that forms part of the standard board construction. Matching skirtings and stair edges are available in all finishes within the range. liz.richards@timbmet.com 057

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Lean, clean, flexible and green Mapei has introduced Ultralite Rapid Flex S1, a lightweight, flexible (S1), low dust and high yield adhesive that is ideal for the installation of ‘thin’ porcelain tiles. Ultralite Rapid Flex S1 is suitable to fix ceramic, vitrified and porcelain tiles and mosaics in addition to natural stone tiles. The versatile adhesive offers significant installation advantages being easy to mix and apply, allowing a bed depth up to 15mm as well as high grab and non-slip properties. It offers a powerful adhesive bond and excellent ‘wetting out’ capabilities. Ultralite Rapid Flex S1 is also rapid setting, being ready for grout after only three hours. info@mapei.co.uk

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Floors, Walls & Ceilings An outstanding combination Cellecta’s ScreedBoard 20® was recently specified and successfully installed by Breyer Construction for Hillingdon Council on its prestigious development of 47 apartments in Avondale, Hillingdon, London.The ScreedBoard 20® system became the choice for this development due to its superior acoustic properties and accreditation (Robust Details E-FT-5), and the excellent thermal performance provided over alternative methods when used in conjunction with underfloor heating systems. Build times were also reduced in comparison to other systems thanks to ScreedBoard 20®’s interlocking edge detail, which secures the board without the need for screws. technical@cellecta.co.uk

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Vintage collection Kährs has introduced a stunning new collection of authentically aged wood floors to its Supreme Range. Crafted from sustainable rustic oak, the new Da Capo Collection includes six rugged onestrip oak floors. Each design is brushed, handscraped, bevelled and smoked to achieve a distinct vintage look, whilst different tones of nature oil prefinish give a spectrum of shades, from limewashed Oak Indossati to knotty, nut-toned Oak Sparuto.With features including cracks, knots, gnarls and pegs, the Da Capo range combines a robust, antique look with the performance and easy care benefits of a modern construction. All boards measure 1900mm x 190mm x 15mm and feature an eco-friendly multilayered construction. sales@kahrs.com

Good news for flooring contractors

In the flooring industry there is a particular concern when flooring contractors have to lift and move heavy bags of levelling compounds and screeds. As a response to these health and safety concerns, UZIN has developed UZIN NC 160 Special Edition, a 20Kg bag of levelling compound to make the transportation of levelling compounds easier and safer for flooring contractors. As well as reducing the weight of the bag, UZIN NC 160 Special Edition also offers fantastic coverage, approximately 5m2 at 3mm. UZIN NC 160 Special Edition has also been awarded an EC1 R Plus® classification for being very low emission and provides an ecological approach for flooring installations. info@uzin.co.uk

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Transparent local government Planet Partitioning, one of the UK’s largest independent partitioning specialists, has supplied a large quantity of specialist glazing for the atria and partition screening at Woolwich Civic Offices, the new contemporary headquarters for Greenwich Council.

At a value of around £600,000, Planet supplied glazing for the main atriums and light wells, plus single-glazed silicone jointed walls for the office fronts with complementary glass and timber door sets. Part of the Advanced Frameless Glazing portfolio from Planet, the silicone jointed solution is subtle and neat with a seamless flush finish which is perfect for creating modern office spaces. marketing@planetpartitioning.co.uk

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Glitter and glisten with Polyx oil Earlier this year, Osmo UK, the eco-friendly wood and finishes expert, expanded its Polyx-Oil range by adding Polyx-Oil Tints.

Bringing new and exciting colour tones to this market-leading range, Polyx-Oil Tints bring a touch of elegance and glamour to any room.The range includes gold and silver tones which, with a special level of pigmentation, achieves a glitter finish, especially when the sun catches it. Other colours include white, honey, amber, terra, graphite and black. Finishing floors with Polyx-Oil creates a durable and water and dirt-resistant surface.The natural renewable ingredients guarantee an even colour spreading and the floor remains microporous and can be touched up to cover any abrasions. info@osmouk.com

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Knauf AMF gears up for new VW showroom A new Volkswagen showroom in Barnstaple has opted for a clean, uncluttered interior design to show its cars to best effect. It was important for the ceilings to blend with the overall design, and Thermatex Acoustic ceiling tiles from Knauf AMF provided the solution. As well as giving a clean, crisp appearance to the ceiling,Thermatex Acoustic offers enhanced sound absorption to help control noise levels in the large open-plan space.The special mineral board has an acoustic fleece face with a smooth, elegant surface finish, while the combination of high density, bio-soluble mineral wool, clay and starch, provide excellent physical characteristics. sales@amfceilings.co.uk 064

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Ecobuild Focus

Dulux to minimise environmental impact of commercial decorating At this year’s Ecobuild, Dulux Trade will be outlining its strategy to minimise the environmental impact of commercial decorating, and its latest solutions that enable specifiers and painting contractors to work more sustainably.

On Stand S252, Dulux Trade will be showcasing updates to its pioneering Ecosure range of coatings and the latest news on its groundbreaking ‘Step Towards Greener’ programme for painting contractors.

At the world’s largest event for sustainable design, construction and the built environment, Dulux Trade will be discussing its ‘Building a Sustainable Future’ policy and three ambitions to help positively transform the painting and decorating industry.

On the Dulux Trade stand, visitors will be able to find out how these ambitions can support them in achieving project objectives, and make a positive, genuine difference to a scheme’s environmental impact.

“Dulux Trade is passionate about making a positive difference to the paint industry, and supporting our customers in doing the same,” explains John Staunton, Commercial Marketing

Manager at Dulux Trade. “That’s why at this year’s Ecobuild, we’ll be outlining all the developments we’ve made across the entire value chain including raw materials, transport and end of life, which make it easier for those involved in commercial decorating to achieve a high performance, quality finish, while minimising the impact on the wider environment.”

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duluxtraderesponse@tangerinepr.com

Timberplay in new partnership with Santa & Cole Timberplay is delighted to announce a new partnership with street furniture specialists, Santa & Cole. The addition of this high quality and superbly designed range of products will expand Timberplay’s offer to professionals working in the field of enhancing external environments.

To launch its new partnership with Santa & Cole,Timberplay will be attending Ecobuild, unveiling the new Santa & Cole brochure on Stand S1756.

Based in the renowned European design city of Barcelona, Santa & Cole works with specifically selected independent designers to create a range of products that are both beautiful and functional.

Landscape architects, developers and local authorities have grown to trust the Timberplay brand as a result of its unrivalled focus on customer service and after sales support. They can now benefit from this same level of service when considering street furniture and outdoor lighting.

Commenting on the new partnership,

Paul Collings, Managing Director at Timberplay, said: “Santa & Cole shares great synergy with Timberplay. Its commitment to innovation is something that Timberplay respects as it mirrors our own values and those of our existing partners. Santa & Cole ensures that whilst demonstrating exceptional classical designs, its products will also effortlessly blend into any environment.

“As with Timberplay, quality is paramount.

Santa & Cole’s products are built to last so any investment made is for the longterm. And finally, the company’s record on sustainability is enviable. All its materials are well chosen in order to have a minimum negative impact on the environment – something we at Timberplay applaud.”

sales@timberplay.com

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Ecobuild Focus

Sustainable cladding from Shackerley Visitors to Shackerley’s stand (S835) will discover how the UK’s market-leading supplier of ceramic granite cladding is helping architects to achieve impressive BREEAM ratings with its attractive and sustainable Sureclad ventilated façade systems.

At Ecobuild 2012, Shackerley, will present the latest colourways, textures and surface finishes in the extensive Sureclad Ceramic Granite Collection, with wall mounted large format panels on display for close inspection. Specifiers will be able to discuss the environmental credentials of the system with Shackerley’s sales and technical teams.

The ceramic granite ranges offered are sourced and manufactured in compliance with the European Ecolabel Certification scheme. Many offer L.E.E.D. credits and panels with up to 40 per cent recycled (pre-consumer waste) content are also available.

Shackerley will highlight the versatility and aesthetic appeal of its ceramic granite ventilated cladding and show how this innovative material has been employed to great effect in landmark hotels, healthcare buildings, retail complexes, commercial

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info@shackerley.com

Brett shows off sustainable solutions

Flooring the natural way

Established in 1987, the Natural Coatings Company offers: Sports and Safety Surfacing • Car park Construction, including latest overlay systems for existing grass surfaces • Driveways & Tracks, using specialist natural stones • Artifical Grass for play and landscape areas • Rubber Surfacing for play areas, steps and pathways • Recycled Colourful Rubber Flooring for Gyms & pool surrounds • Rubber Seating, benches and bollards supplied and installed • Decorative and Antislip Coatings • Design & Construct, including all groundworks, drainage and soakaways. Free surveys and quotes are available as well as a nationwide service. sales@flooring-services.com

buildings and large scale residential developments across the country. Visitors will also be able to discuss the latest Sureclad system enhancements such as the new ‘Floor to Floor’ spanning facility and Classic and Corner Detail options.

The new Sureclad Ventilated Façades brochure is being launched at this year’s show too.This new edition contains a more extensive, more detailed Ceramic Granite Collection than ever before and a 56-page ‘Gallery of Works’ to inspire the specifier.The Gallery reveals how Britain’s leading architectural practices are using Sureclad to enhance and protect landmark buildings across the UK, and for the first time includes BREEAM ratings in addition to ceramic granite façade panel, format and finish references.

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Brett Landscaping returns to Ecobuild this year to show off one of the most comprehensive ranges of sustainable hard landscaping products on the market. The product range includes permeable paving and kerbing and is supported by industryleading design, technical support and software solutions and is ideal for specifiers and designers looking for integrated sustainable landscaping solutions for green projects. As well as permeable paving systems, the company’s product portfolio includes:Texitone ECO paving and kerbing, which uses 65% recycled content and Kassel kerbs ideal for improving access to green public transport schemes. Other products showcased on Stand N761 will include the newly launched Piatto modular paving system. landscapinginfo@brett.co.uk 069

Architectural copper range expanded AURUBIS ARCHITECTURAL has launched a new pre-patinated surface as part of its Nordic Blue range, giving designers even more freedom to realise their designs in copper. ‘Nordic Blue Living 3’ has been developed to give a specific intensity of blue patina but with a distinctive green hue. Nordic Blue Living 3 and other new developments – including Nordic Bronze – will be exhibited on Stand N270.There are no limitations on the length of pre-patinated copper sheet or strip because whole coils are treated on the production line, not just limited size sheets, enabling them to be used for long-strip installation techniques. g.bell@aurubis.com 070

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Ecobuild Focus

Setting new sustainability standards Dura Composites is to announce at Ecobuild that it has secured Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) sustainability accreditation and established the sustainability credentials of its market-leading Wood Plastic Composite (WPC) products.

In the first of two initiatives, Dura Composites has secured FSC chain of custody certification, guaranteeing the use of FSC-certified forests in the manufacture of its WPC products Dura Deck and Dura Cladding when specified by the customer.

award winning advert2

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Secondly, Dura Composites has had independent verification of the sustainability of Dura Deck, recording 87% recycled content and a carbon footprint lower than comparable softwood and hardwood decking.The report, produced by CERAM UK, showed that against wooden decking,

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Dura Deck has a lower overall lifetime cost compared to both hardwood and softwood decking, with a low carbon footprint of 1.3KgCO2/Kg before installation.

Stuart Burns, Managing Director of Dura Composites said: “This recognition of our product credentials confirms Dura Composites as a world leader in wood plastic composite design, manufacture and now sustainability. Many people would wrongly think that a wood plastic composite product can’t be as ‘green’ as a timber product. But it’s clear our Dura Deck product can meet the highest sustainability specifications and outperform timber in service.”

Dura Composites expects its FSCcertified products will attract new customers for whom proven sustainability is essential. info@duracomposites.com

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Award winning quality & design The award winning flush sliding door system: Eku Frontino 20 is now available from Häfele UK to allow flexible design led solutions to suit sideboards or wall cabinets in the kitchen, living room or office.

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Eku Frontino 20 was awarded the coveted “interzum award: high product quality.” It is the first hardware solution for flush-fitted sliding doors for two-door cupboards or wall units that can be flexibly used on a range of different cabinet sizes.

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Ecobuild Focus

Controlling energy costs – save money, go green!

In line with government targets and directives, Intelliheat has invested in product developments that respect the environment and offer energy cost savings for everyone.

Intelliheat’s developments have been achieved with patented ACS heating products that are discreet, elegant and create a controlled and measured comfortable and affordable, green way of staying warm.

Electricity stands today, more convincingly than ever, as the energy efficient, low carbon, future-proof heating system of choice. As the industry evolves, Intelliheat is leading the way with high levels of R&D investments creating cuttingedge effective and affordable electric heating systems.

The running cost savings (30%), come from three key technology advancements: DuraCladHalfHoriz

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Composite

firstly the technological patented core elements inside each radiator drastically reduces the consumption, secondly the measuring of energy consumption from a wireless touch screen control panel and thirdly from the control of the heat roomby-room, for example, bedrooms only

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TIMBER CLADDING

need to be heated sporadically, while living areas need heating for longer, creating heating zones. Zoning is the principle of dividing a house into distinct areas for which the homeowner and family has different living needs.

The radiators can be used to supplement or replace any oil, lpg or old electric storage heaters . There is simply no plumbing required or maintenance costs.

They are as quick and simple as plug in and turn on.The comprehensive range includes towel rails and radiators in varying output sizes and styles to suit all rooms. info@intelligentheat.co.uk

For commercial, residential, new or replacement cladding projects Applications:

Benefits:

Commercial projects

Zero maintenance

Residential developments

Colour stable

Leisure centres

Weather resistant

Forest activity centres

Easy to install

Renovation projects

Eco friendly

Factory facelifts

Low lifecycle costs

AT SEE USILD: ECOBU

CONSTRUCTION High perfomance composites

Stand

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DURA CLAD

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Tel: +44 (0) 1255 423601 Fax: +44 (0) 1255 435426 www.duracomposites.com info@duracomposites.com Dura Composites Ltd. Unit 14 Telford Road, Clacton-on-Sea, Essex CO15 4LP UK

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Roofing, Cladding & Insulation National status

New generation of roof insulation

With over 140 years’ experience in the decorative aggregates sector, Long Rake Spar has gained national status as one of the UK’s leading suppliers of hard landscaping products. Its products are sourced from both its own quarries and other quarries throughout the British Isles, Europe and the Far East, enabling the company to offer one of the most comprehensive ranges of decorative aggregates in the UK. This extensive selection of products are specified in corporate and domestic hard landscaping schemes and are also procured directly via landscape contracts.

Dow Building Solutions, manufacturer of STYROFOAM extruded polystyrene (XPS) insulation, will use Ecobuild 2012 to introduce its latest generation insulation for inverted roofing, XENERGY SL, on stand N1251. XENERGY offers the established properties of STYROFOAM, including durability and moisture resistance, alongside significantly improved lambda values thanks to the addition of infrared technology.The launch comes hot on the heels of recent improvements to thermal conductivity across the existing STYROFOAM-A range.Thermal conductivity of STYROFOAM-A, which includes ROOFMATE-A, FLOORMATE-A and PERIMATE DI-A products, has already been improved by 0.002W/mK, enabling users to achieve lower U-values from the same thicknesses of insulation.

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Striking roof glazing One of the largest UK applications of Wicona’s Wictec 50 aluminium roof glazing system has been completed at the new £53m Hartlepool College of Further Education.The scheme comprises two blocks which are linked by a full height atrium created with Wicona roof glazing and forming the main entrance and circulation space.The central atrium has a complex fan-shaped roof which uses faceted glazing that radiates outwards and follows the curve of the building.Two mono-pitch glazed roofs with a 15° incline were specified for the north and east wings, with automated roof lights to the vertical areas to provide natural ventilation when needed.

Vinyl cladding is preferred exterior Royalcrest Vinyl Cladding has been chosen as the preferred exterior by BISEWI LTD, major insulation installers in Scotland, who are working with Scottish Gas on Grant Aided Insulation to older homes lacking the necessary insulation values.Vinyl Cladding can be installed easily by one operative and has a unique moisture release system which allows for application in any weather, will not crack or stain, does not cover workers in dust when being cut, and requires no joining strips, so no setting out or caulking is required.Vinyl requires no staining or painting over its whole life, is fully recyclable and is guaranteed for 50 years. residentiel@btconnect.com 078

Leaking roof is old news By the age of 35 most roof systems will have failed, been repaired or replaced but for the flat roof at the Leicester Mercury, there is no loss in performance evident as the hardwearing Kemperol waterproofing system installed back in 1977 reaches its 35th birthday. Kemperol, a cold liquid-applied resin system which incorporates a non-woven fleece to create a single, seamless waterproof membrane that will not delaminate, forms a strong yet flexible bond with the roof. The system has a 20-year warranty available, but 30+ years is the expected performance norm and the Leicester Mercury installation demonstrates that the system’s lifespan in practice can stretch beyond this. enquiries@kempersystem.co.uk 079

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info@wiconaprojects.co.uk

Metrotile has conservatory roofing covered

Metrotile Lightweight Roofing has seen an increase in specifications for new build and refurbished conservatories.

Reasons for choosing Metrotile are vast, from increased security and weather resistance, to insulation benefits and a lightweight design that ensures conservatory frames won’t buckle under pressure. The stunning aesthetics and range of bespoke accessories are also a plus, while every Metrotile roof is covered by a 40-year weatherproof guarantee. sales@metrotile.co.uk

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Roofing, Cladding & Insulation

Arch goes back to school Arch Timber Protection is back at school, this time protecting the children and staff at the new build Highfields and Penn Fields School, in Penn,Wolverhampton.

The timber cladding on the outside of the school has been treated with NON-COM Exterior fire retardant, which defends the new campus against fire without affecting the look and strength of the wood.

The cladding uses 80m3 of Siberian larch, and has been chosen by the architect to be a feature of the new project. NONCOM Exterior uses an approved leach-

resistant, polymer-based formulation and is applied by vacuum-pressure impregnation, ensuring a long-term builtin fire protection.The battens supporting the cladding were also NON-COM Exterior treated to provide a complete fire retardant protection.

Whitmore’s Timber sales director Ian Thomson said: “The Siberian larch on the building looks great and will be long-lasting.The architect for the project recommended that we use NON-COM Exterior to protect the timber used in this large-scale project.”

Arch fire retardant product manager Jacqui Hughes said: “NON-COM Exterior is a long established, tried and fully tested treatment and meets all relevant British and European standards making it ideal for use in a situation like a school.”

The site, which combines Highfields Science Specialist School and Penn Fields Special School, is due to open in September 2012.The two schools are housed in separate wings but share communal sports facilities, and the campus also includes a community café.

Bracknell Roofing covers African project Bracknell Roofing has demonstrated its ability to cover all aspects of roofing work by providing training and supervision on a new hotel project in Kenya.The management team at Hemingways Hotel, had specified 50,000 fibre cement slates for the development and had then asked the manufacturer to recommend a reliable and professional roofing contractor. Bracknell Roofing was commissioned to demonstrate correct fitting of the slates to the roofing team on site, as well as provide supervision during initial stages.

The roof was a challenging design, featuring several valleys, a hipped end and a number of gables.The slates were nailed to battens, whilst a reflective membrane was used above the felt underlay to reduce solar gain.

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djlaw@archchemicals.com

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Green Roof Substrates

Enhance the landscape whilst improving the environment with Green Roofing using Long Rake Spar substrates

Intensive System Substrates (ISS): An ultra lightweight blend of highly absorbent aggregates with composted bio-waste to be used as a substrate within recreational garden-scapes.

Brown Roofing Substrates (BRS): A blend of reclaimed aggregates with composted bio-waste designed to promote regeneration of the bio-diversity of wildlife sites which have been lost to construction.

Extensive System Substrates (ESS): A blend of lightweight, water absorbent aggregates with composted bio-waste to be used as a substrate in un-maintained rooftop environments.

Long Rake Spar Co Ltd

®

Youlgrave, Nr. Bakewell, Derbyshire DE45 1LW. Tel: 01629 630133 Fax: 01629 636247

www.longrakespar.co.uk, admin@longrakespar.co.uk

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Drainage & Landscape

Grasscrete makes green build impact Grasscrete has been enjoying a ‘green renaissance’ following recognition for its contribution to the green built environment. With a growing demand for permeable solutions, the impact of SUDS and heavy traffic, are just some of the reasons why Grasscrete has made a sustainable impact.

A self-draining grass reinforcement system with a 40-year track record, Grasscrete has become a byword for flood and drainage systems across the UK. It is often utilised for emergency access roads, green car parks, embankments, river spillways and lay-bys with a proven performance in trafficked areas over plastic alternatives.

A single vast Grasscrete slab provides stability. Simply put, it offers a continuously reinforced structure with none of the stability problems that can be a factor with pre-cast types. The system is available in a variety of depths, soiled and seeded throughout, with the ribbed profile within the soil pocket helping to anchor the roots against erosion.

Wakefield-based Grass Concrete Ltd., operates a strict fit-for-purpose policy offering both plastic and concrete grass reinforcement systems. The company maintains that selecting the right product

for traffic usage is critical to sustainable performance.

For lighter traffic, Grassroad is an ideal choice. It is a strong honeycomb cell plastic option that can integrate with the

Grasskerb dry fix edge, providing fast, effective grass growth. It offers a solution for less trafficked areas in need of greener landscaping such as drives, secondary parking and grass verges.

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info@grasscrete.com

New hi-tech pump for rainwater harvesting HydroForce Pumps Ltd has launched a brand new clean water pump for rainwater harvesting tanks. The new HydroForce pump has been designed with a number of important features including an alloy bulkhead, pressure release gap and twin chamber design which prevents ingress of water to motor, electrical components and to bearing oil, and for which a patent has been applied for.

It is pressure sensitive (it turns itself off until there is a demand for water); it’s dry-run protected (it turns itself off when no water is detected), and it comes complete with factory fitted filter, connectors and non-return valve. info@hydroforcepumps.co.uk

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Living walls – reliable and sustainable Critics of living wall systems who claim that living walls are too vulnerable and are not truly sustainable are wrong, says Sean Farrell of Mobilane. The comment comes as Mobilane celebrates six years without a single failure for its WallPlanter system across Europe. One of the highest profile WallPlanter living wall systems thrives at the O2 arena in London. The wall, which is one of the biggest in the country, was installed in January 2007 and is a verdant testament to the viability of well designed and maintained living walls. To date, none of the plants have needed to be replaced. sales@mobilane.co.uk

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Gravel is natural solution Gravel is one of the most attractive, economical and versatile surfaces available. But without help, it’s inclined to move around, creating ridges and ending up where it shouldn’t. COREgravel is the solution. It creates a naturally porous stabilising base into which the gravel sits – and stays. It’s easy to lay, inexpensive and very effective. Established in February 2010, CoreGravel has firmly established itself within the competitive gravel industry, and has quickly developed a reputation for value and quality. Its products are now available at leading garden centres and branches of Selco, Jewson, Travis Perkins, Burdens and Keyline Builders Merchants nationwide. sales@coregravel.co.uk

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Drainage & Landscape

Sudscape boosts eco credentials of Olympic Village

KEEP GRAVEL IN ITS PLACE

NO SINKING • NO MOVEMENT • NO WEEDS • NO

Gravel is one of the most COREgravel is the so attractive, economical and It creates a naturally A unique SUDS-compliant paving system versatile surfaces on earth. stabilising base into comprised of recycled car tyres, is being But without help, it’s inclined gravel sits – and STA used to boost the eco-credentials of to move around, creating ridges and ending up where It’s easy to lay, inex landscaping provided at the Olympic Village. it shouldn’t. and very, very effect The Sudscape SUDS-compliant paving As both layers are porous and flexible, encountered through our work on the BRE system is being used on 460m2 of pathways water is held within the voids within the Innovation Parks where it has proven its within the residential courtyards of the sub-base until it is naturally absorbed back credentials as a low carbon alternative to Athletes’ Village. Landscape architects into the water table. traditional resin bound systems.”

Macfarlane Wilder, who are the appointed Sudscape offers a host of other benefits Landscape Architects for blocks N10 and making it ideal for the Olympic project, N14, chose Sudscape for a number of including a relatively quick installation reasons. The Sudscape System does not process, easy maintenance with no weeding require a concrete or tarmac base, a key required, and also cost-effectiveness, consideration for roof-top landscaping with the system boasting a similar price where access for installation equipment is structure to block paving. difficult. Use of the system also eliminates Peter Wilder of Macfarlane Wilder the risk of standing water or flooding – comments: “The Athletes’ Village demands Sudscape has its own built-in rubber suba rigorous approach to surface water base using recycled car tyres, with a top management responsibly sourced materials. layer comprised of resin and aggregate.

Sudscape is a system that we have sales@sudscape.co.uk

COREglow 089

GLOBAL LEADERS IN DRAINAGE COUPLINGS

ALL SPECIALS AVAILABLE NEXT DAY KEEP GRAVEL IN ITS PLACE!

GLOW IN THE DARK AGGREGATE NO SINKING

Connect:

/flexseal

01226 340 888 sales@flexseal.co.uk flexseal.co.uk

/flexsealcouplings

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 source. tanks and aquariam 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:

@flexsealuk

Ask at your trade counter • Available at builders merchants nationwide

0800 118 2278

Woodend Freephone: Online Enquiry 091 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 57 Online Enquiry 090

THE RESULT IS A BEAUTIFUL DRIVE

Doors, Windows & Balustrades

Wine and dine with a clear view

Thai restaurant group Chaophraya, has opened its latest restaurant in the Bull Ring, Birmingham under the name ChoaBaby, and installed Solarlux SL82 folding doors at the front of the restaurant so the dining area can be extended onto the terrace area in summer.

The Solarlux SL82 was launched in 2009 and is an entirely new all-aluminium system which takes folding doors to the next level and sets a benchmark for the folding door market.

The overall impression that the SL82 achieves is of one harmonious glass effect, due to the exterior glazing overlapping the frame profile creating the overall glazed effect, and yet the visible frame retaining the glass is only 8mm thick. The profile is a strong multi cavity, thermally insulated with 4 fold rolled-in insulation bars. With double or triple glazing, of the customer’s choice, the unit offers the best possible heat insulation and has a U value of 1.2Wm2K. Panel sizes can be up to 1000mm wide x 2500mm high. Floor tracks can either be surface mounted or flush which allows easy access. For added security it has the Solarlux multi-point locking system. The aluminium can be

Style in Shetland The Spilka Opus hinge was used in NorDan timber fully reversible windows in a £4.5m affordable housing project in Shetland, Scotland.

Co-operation with NorDan saw the development of the Opus hinge, especially useful for aluminium-clad reversible windows, and this is now widely used throughout the building industry. The espagnolette mechanism enables safe cleaning of the window above one storey in a building, and includes child safety locks for secure ventilation, with enhanced security features for Secure

by Design requirements.The Shetland project earned a special mention in the RIAS Best Building Awards and all windows are from NorDan’s sustainable NTech 1.2 Standard Range. spilka@xln.co.uk

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powder coated to any RAL colour.

The SL82 was awarded both the prestigious red dot design award and the iF Design Award in 2010 and is suitable

for commercial facades, domestic living areas, wintergardens or façade designs.

The SL82 will be on display at Ecobuild on Stand N240.

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Gold medal win for Schueco Janisol Arte, a highly insulated steel renovation window system launched by steel specialist Schueco Jansen in 2011, was awarded a Gold Medal for Innovation in the Joinery & Fenestration category at Batimat 2011. It also won a Bronze Medal for Design – both awards underlining its popularity with architects and fabricators.The window’s major benefit is that it enables an architect to satisfy the concerns of local authority planners and building conservation officers while still ensuring that the refurbished building meets the strict energy-saving requirements of Part L of the Building Regulations.With a narrow facewidth of just 25mm or 40mm, Janisol Arte looks similar to the slender Bauhaus-type glazing to be found in many old buildings. dbird@schueco.com 094

Contract gets total co-operation Delta Balustrades, manufacturer of bespoke handrail systems, is delivering a major project at the new £100m Co-op headquarters in Manchester. The contract will see the Sandbach-based company manufacture and install almost 400m of bespoke handrails for the external terraces and around 800m of its Orbis balustrade system on internal staircases, worth a total of £500k. Appointed by BAM Construction and working to specifications by 3D Reid architects, Delta Balustrades has been praised for its speed of installation, with BAM’s site manager commenting: “I am impressed with the Delta experience, installation progress being very quick with a positive approach, helping to accelerate the project.” marketing@deltabalustrades.com

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Doors, Windows & Balustrades A warm welcome

Visitors to Fensterbau/Frontale 2012 can expect a warm welcome from VBH on Stand 204 in Hall 1 (centre entrance). Staff from VBH regional subsidiaries from around the world will be on hand to explain why the company claims to hold such an important position within the global window and door industry. As a hardware distribution company, VBH works hard with all the major manufacturers to drive developments forward. VBH is using Fensterbau/Frontale to showcase its range of services, including new mobile applications and a host of new products from the company’s own brand, greenteQ. The show will also see the announcement of the winners of the ‘Doorways to the Future’ innovations competition. sales@vbhgb.com

Versatile protection With over 45 years’ experience,Yeoman Shield, a UK market leader in wall and door protection, is expert at successfully overcoming the hurdles of keeping both interiors and exteriors smart by preventing pedestrian and vehicular damage.Yeoman Shield’s products are designed to be easily retrofitted for refurbishment projects, resulting in precious savings in these times of tight budgets.Yeoman Shield’s heavy duty D-Fender designed to protect areas vulnerable to heavy duty traffic including loading bays, storage and manufacturing areas, is now ‘up and running’ at the Olympic and Paralympics Village. sallyann@yeomanshield.com 097

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Draught elimination JS Air Curtains has supplied an electrically heated air curtain for the London Fire Brigade Headquarters in Union Street, to eliminate cold draughts from its reception area. As well as keeping the cold out in the winter, it also keeps the heat out during the summer, improving the air conditioning quality and energy efficiency of the building.

JS supplied the attractive round 2m Rund air curtain in brushed stainless steel to contractor Arkas who installed it horizontally above the double entry sliding doors leading into the London Fire Brigade’s HQ reception area. A time switch and digital thermostat were also provided. sales@jsaircurtains.com

Levolux steps up for Passivhaus first

Stocking a Favorit

A new £1.5m regional office for Interserve Construction in Leicester, equipped with an intelligent Levolux Solar Shading solution, becomes the first zero carbon commercial office development to be built in the UK, achieving Passivhaus accreditation.The building’s south-facing elevation has full height, triple-glazed panels to maximise passive heating in the winter. This is only possible with the application of fully optimised, external Solar Shading.

The Levolux solution comprises 20 motorised, external Venetian Blinds, arranged into two groups, with 10 blinds on each floor. Each group of blinds is connected to a standalone Levolux multi-controller, which automates the blinds in accordance with readings from an external light and wind sensor. info@levoluxltd.co.uk 099

Identifying security needs Door security expert UAP Ltd is leading the fight to improve homeowner and tenant security after developing a range of anti-theft products. The UAP Identity Card Slot is an easy-to-fit, corrosion resistant product, which allows tenants and homeowners complete control over who they open their door to and gives a warning to bogus callers that the property is protected. Fitting an Identity Card Slot acts as a visual deterrent to fraudulent doorstep callers as they know will have to push an identification card through a slot so the details can be studied safely – and will often turn away. customer.services@universal-imports.com

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VBH (GB) now stocks Favorit V V, the brand new concealed hinge tilt and turn system from Siegenia-Aubi.V V is suitable for PVCu, timber or Eurogroove aluminium systems and has the capacity to carry sash weights up to 150Kg. The hinges provide 3D adjustment and, as well as providing an anti-slam function as standard in the tilt mode, will allow the sash to open up to 100° in turn.

V V is installer and maintenancefriendly as the snap in/easy release function allows for easy sash hanging and removal whilst providing strong connection to the frame. sales@vbhgb.com

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Doors, Windows & Balustrades Swinging into action Comar Architectural Aluminium Systems has launched its next generation of commercial swing door sets. By taking the extensive range of solutions from its market-leading Comar 7 Door range and coupling this with its trademarked Comar Pi (polyamide insulation), the new Comar 7Pi Commercial Door offers even lower U-values housed in robust profiles for high traffic areas such as hospitals, schools, public buildings and communal flat developments. Available in single or double configurations with options for double action open-in and open-out, the doors also have aesthetically pleasing round antifinger trap stiles. A range of locking options are available which include single or multipoint with Axim flush-bolts. projects@parksidegrp.co.uk 102

Go direct for designer door hardware IronmongeryDirect has launched three new ranges of door hardware, from luxury to cost-effective, exclusively from IronmongeryDirect and available in its latest catalogue. Ideal for high-quality domestic and office projects, the sleek designs of the Elan Lever Handle designer range (right), offer a premium finish to interior doors. For a stylish and contemporary option at great value, the Morello range includes modern and traditional levers in a variety of finishes suitable for commercial through to domestic projects. Starting from under £10, and already proving popular, the Touchpoint Hardware budget range of lever handles for interior doors, features low maintenance finishes, including chrome and brushed satin nickel. sales@ironmongerydirect.com 103

Offering DDA compliant access for staff, residents and visitors to Willowfields, a £7m Midland Heart development, TORMAX has installed a double set of bi-parting automatic sliding doors to the main entrance. Working with Dotcom Glazing Ltd, TORMAX recommended using four of its Win Drive 2201 door operators to ensure reliable and energy efficient operation for many years to come. Ensuring easy access for residents whilst helping retain heat in the reception area, a lobby has been created between two sets of TORMAX automatic sliding doors. A simple keypad allows staff to quickly programme the doors to allow opening and closing speed and width to match foot traffic requirements and weather conditions.

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Unique Window Systems will be at Ecobuild 2012 exhibiting its ranges of high-quality, sustainable PVC-U and architectural aluminium windows, doors and shop fronts for the commercial market, including its own Tufacade curtain walling system developed specially for this sector.The company will be displaying its Ecoprofile PVC-U windows, made with high post-consumer recycled PVC-U content that fulfils demand for increasingly sustainable building products. Also on display on Stand N1100, will be a series of selected installation projects from Unique Window Systems’ extensive portfolio showcasing its broad experience, capability and understanding of clients’ needs to deliver on budget and on time, every time. sales@uniquewindowsystems.com

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New Singapore subsidiary for GEZE

Open heart

sales@tormax.co.uk

Extensive portfolio

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GEZE has established a new subsidiary in Singapore in response to increasing demand in South East Asia for high quality products and service. In an ultra-modern showroom housed within the new headquarters, staff will be able to display and demonstrate the full GEZE product range, including automatic door systems, door closer technology, sliding door systems, window and ventilation technology, smoke and heat extraction systems (RWA), escape route and emergency exit and access control systems, as well as glass products.

With 28 subsidiaries including GEZE UK across the world, the Singapore headquarters marks the next step in GEZE’s international strategy to maximise opportunities in the Asia Pacific Region. info.uk@geze.com 106

Strength and elegance TriTech, the latest product from the renowned SAMSON range of SIMONSWERK is quickly becoming the hinge of choice for architectural specifiers. TriTech hinges incorporate the latest design features to offer a future-proof ‘fit and forget’ product, with a 25-year performance guarantee. The solid brass hinge has high performance, maintenance-free concealed bearings, giving a weight carrying capacity of 160Kg – Grade 14. All SAMSON hinges are available with CE marked and fire-rated options, plus a full range of plated finishes, designer finials and size range of 100 x 75, 100 x 88, and 100 x 100mm. sales@simonswerk.co.uk 107

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Heating, Plumbing & Ventilation

www.mcdermottpublishing.com

Perfect solution for a coastal environment A new development of unique duplex & triplex luxury apartments with sea front location, “The View”, split into 4 homes, is an ideal showcase for the quality of the Daikin Altherma air/water heat pump system. The outdoor units are encased in powered coated galvanised steel, the heat-exchanger fins are pre-coated with a special anti-corrosion treatment providing 5 to 6 times more resistance against the more corrosive, coastal environment and the provision of rust-proofed steel sheets on the underside of the units give additional protection.

These features are standard across the Daikin range.

Daikin Altherma was selected as air/water heat pump systems are a perfect match for a mix of under-floor and radiator heating in new-build properties.

Enquiry No.402 . www.mclink.co.uk/640-402 SPACE AIRCONDITIONING College save energy and money with solar system Stokvis Energy Systems is supplying an energy efficient solar heating system to provide hot water to staff and public toilets as part of the plan to reduce energy and carbon emissions at Thomas Rotherham College, an educational establishment for 16 to 19-year-olds in We offer a South large and exclusive selectionThe of high quality plants, panel Rotherham, Yorkshire. absorber finsartificial in the Ecotube trees, flowers and related products for your home or business.

The system – comprising two Ecotube capture the sun’s energy and No maintenance, no watering & they’ll always look amazing! heat a fluid DF120 solar evacuated tubes, a pump passing through the central pipe. This Secure Online & Telephone Ordering - Nationwide Delivery. station, control system, solar thermal fluid is pumped to the hot water Visit210-litre our website for our full range or give call on single coil buffer vessel, cylinder whereusitaheats the stored water.

(01524) unvented mains kit and electric858888 The system is highly energy efficient and www.justartificial.co.uk immersion heater backup – will result in exceptionally cost-effective to install. estimated energy email: savingssales@justartificial.co.uk of around STOKVIS ENERGY SYSTEMS to 90x122 3,000kWh a year.

Enquiry No.403 . www.mclink.co.uk/640-403 Enquiry No.255 . www.mclink.co.uk/640-255 2,600 Kloeber A1.0:Quarter page 06/01/2012 14:38 Page 1

Online Enquiry 108 JS Air Curtains eliminates draughts

Enquiry No.400 . www.mclink.co.uk/640-400

NIBE exhaust air system heats Hollies Hollies is a large Redrow Development in a rural setting that justifies the name at Hartford near Northwich. One of the many attractive features of the development is that the water heating and radiator fed central heating for each apartment comes from an innovative Exhaust Air Heat Pump powered by a F205 heat pump supplied by NIBE Energy Systems and installed

by MB Heating of Wigan. Exhaust Air heating really is like grabbing energy out of thin air for the system is based on harnessing the heat already created by family living, then recycling its energy before it is expelled into the outside atmosphere in the course of normal ventilation.

NIBE

NEW

ECOBUILD: Warwick HospitalAT is set to make further 20-22costs, MARCH thanks 2012 savings in its energy to a Stand N470 50-kilowatt solar energy system financed by local energy co-operative Community Energy Warwickshire and installed by Midlands solar panel expert Locate a gas fire anywhere Eco2Solar.

The Warwick Hospital system comprises in any type of home DRU is a Netherlands company that is 204 Suntech STP245S-20 panels and famous for producing high end, three SMA Sunnyboy 15000TL inverters contemporary gas fires, electric fires and is expected to produce more than and wood stoves. It was the first 40,000 units of “green” energy every company to develop the balanced flue year – equivalent to the annual electricity system, enabling gas fires to be installed use of 12 average households. All the without a chimney. Its latest innovation electricity will be used on site, helping is PowerVent®, a flue system that the hospital to reduce its energy costs overcomes all gas fire installation and carbon emissions.

“Eco2Solar will continue to support limitations.

Fires can now be easily Kloeber’s advanced glazing solutions available Community Energy Warwickshire in its located in terraced houses, apartment in bespoke or set sizes, with low U values and hotels, restaurants and corporate mission to ensure renewable energy double or triple glazing options. headquarters. It is also possible to install plays an important role in their local Please refer to our website for further details ofarea, says Paul Hutchens, managing a fire in product the middle our full range. of a room, in a bedroom, kitchen, loft conversion or director of Eco2Solar” basement.

PowerVent® is the special ECO2SOLAR doors • folding sliding doors • french ingredient that allows home owners to doors • contemporary entrance • sliding doors realise their vision when choosingentrance a gas doors • traditional • windows fire.

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JS Air Curtains has supplied an electrically heated air curtain for the London Fire Brigade Head Quarters in Union Street, to eliminate cold draughts from its reception area. As well as keeping the cold out in the winter, it also keeps the heat out during the summer, improving the air conditioning quality and energy efficiency of the building. JS supplied the attractive round 2m Rund air curtain in brushed stainless steel to contractor Arkas who installed it horizontally above the double entry sliding doors leading into the London Fire Brigade’s HQ reception area. A time switch and digital thermostat were also provided.

JS AIR CURTAINS

Online Enquiry 109 Solar panels help hospital cut energy costs VISIT US

telephone 01487 740044

Enquiry No.401 . www.mclink.co.uk/640-401

info@kloeber.co.uk

www.kloeber.co.uk Enquiry No.405 . www.mclink.co.uk/640-405

Enquiry No.404 . www.mclink.co.uk/640-404

Online Enquiry 110 Kloeber.indd 1

Online Enquiry 111

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06/01/2012 16:40

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Building Elements

Sheer luxury

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ocated on the edge of Douglas, Ballanard Woods is an exclusive gated development of executive residences, set in private landscaped grounds. Asking prices for the properties currently on the market, range between £2.6m and £4m, with each one fusing exceptional design and build quality with unrivalled levels of interior specification. There are 21 properties planned for the overall site, which is being developed by Dandara under its Heritage Homes Premier brand.

Hamilton’s Sheer CFX collection of switch plates, sockets, media and

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telecommunication points and shaving sockets, has been specified throughout the development in polished steel; its ultra slim plates and patented concealed fixing design giving a smooth, unobtrusive finish to complement the stylish interiors. Dandara has previously specified Hamilton’s electrical wiring accessories in other developments on the Isle of Man including Quay West.

“We are delighted to be working with Dandara again on another high profile, luxury development,” commented Andy Partington, UK specification and sales manager for Hamilton. “The beauty of our Sheer CFX range is that it’s

wafer-thin and provides a very pared down, subtle profile, which suits classic interiors. The polished steel finish gives it a contemporary edge which fits perfectly within the stylish neutral interiors of Ballanard Woods.”

The accessories were installed by Brew and Corkhill electrical contractors, based on the Isle of Man. Hamilton has over 40 years’ experience manufacturing and supplying high quality, largely British made decorative electrical wiring accessories, as well as providing a bespoke design service.

Within this ‘engineered to order’ bespoke service, the expert team at Hamilton can produce solutions to meet the requirements of any project, from a special finish or colour to a specific function or technical element.

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Decorative electrical wiring accessories, audio and lighting control manufacturer Hamilton Litestat, has supplied its premium Sheer CFX plate collection to a prestigious new Isle of Man housing development, Ballanard Woods.

info@hamilton-litestat.com

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Building Elements

First class travel for Powdertech Plascoat Due to its exceptional properties, Powdertech Plascoat (Thermoplastic) finish has been selected as the metal coating for two types of bracket fittings within West Coast Mainline Virgin trains.

Satisfying the highest standards of health, safety and durability is a prerequisite for fixtures within passenger trains. Due to its exceptional properties, Powdertech Plascoat (Thermoplastic) finish has been selected as the metal coating for two types of bracket fittings within West Coast Mainline Virgin trains.

Specialist engineering company, Lordgate Engineering, Cambridge, manufactures the steel spring clip brackets that hold flasks of coffee to the buffet car walls.

As Project Engineer, Tom Hawksford points out: “The flasks are constantly being taken in and out of the brackets so not only does the spring clip have to grip and hold the flask securely, it also has to withstand frequent use, without wearing or tearing. Powdertech Plascoat is ideal for this purpose. It has excellent grip and stays flexible even when extreme heat is applied.” The thermoplastic coating also provides electrical insulation and has antimicrobial properties.

Lordgate Engineering also makes the

brackets for holding fire extinguishers on West Coast Mainline Virgin trains. Bryland Fire, Dudley, the fire extinguisher suppliers, also specified Powdertech Plascoat. The high durability and flexibility of the coating were key considerations together with its very low toxicity and low smoke in

the event of a fire. Powdertech Plascoat finish contains no halogens, plasticisers or volatile organic compounds.

Plascoat Systems Limited is the global market leader in thermoplastic powder coatings and Powdertech (Corby) Ltd are approved applicators of the Plascoat range.

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Richard.B@powdertech.co.uk

Stay connected Flexseal, leading manufacturer of flexible drainage couplings, has recently launched its official Facebook page: www.facebook.com/Flexseal.The company wants to hear about all Flexseal coupling installations and also to see as many on-site photos as they can.The best images received will go on the company’s website. Ed Fairfield, Marketing Manager at Flexseal, comments: “Facebook is a powerful tool that many people regularly use.We are eager to use it to keep in touch with people using our products at the sharp end.These are the people who have experience we can learn from and who use our products on a daily basis.” sales@flexseal.co.uk

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Decking delivers sustainable solution Arch Timber Protection’s KEYWOOD treated pine has been chosen by landscape designer Alistair W Baldwin to be part of a site landscaping project on the grounds of a zero carbon house near Harrogate, North Yorkshire. The project uses the durable timber in decking around a swimming pond installed by Garden Style of Sheffield. KEYWOOD is a modified softwood created by treating FSC-certified Radiata pine with a biomass-based thermosetting resin. This makes the timber more durable and usable indoors and outdoors without the need for a coating, and its attractive light colour blends with all surroundings. djlaw@archchemicals.com 115

Connectors catalogue unveiled Simpson StrongTie has unveiled its new 2012 catalogue, which gives customers a complete guide to its range of structural connectors for timber and masonry construction. This catalogue, which is available as a hard copy, CD-Rom or as a download from the Simpson StrongTie website, details full descriptions of each product, along with technical information and load capacities. As well as featuring long established products, it also details new product ranges including the I-Bean hold support (IHS), safety fast lite (SFLHI) and a range of connectors for use with Structurally Insulated Panels.

There are also even more products with European Technical Approval (ETA), and therefore, CE approved. csanders@strongtie.com

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Building Elements

Dulux Trade simplifies specifier choice Dulux Trade has made it easier for specifiers to fulfil performance and sustainability criteria and achieve an excellent standard finish, with the launch of a new version of its Ecosure Gloss and Undercoat Pure Brilliant White.

The upgraded Dulux Trade system has been developed to provide specifiers with improved standards of opacity, whiteness and gloss level, without compromising on the product’s environmental credentials.

With specifiers under increasing pressure to deliver on quality and time efficiency, as well as needing to meet stringent sustainability measures, Dulux Trade has reformulated its water-based paints range to support professionals in achieving challenging project requirements.

Improved opacity and adhesion are two specific enhancements to the updated Ecosure Undercoat, which enable painting contractors to achieve a higher standard of finish in less time. Similarly, Dulux Trade Ecosure Gloss has also been updated with benefits such as improved

opacity and enhanced gloss levels, which enable specifiers to consistently deliver a high quality, long lasting finish which stays white.

“Getting a balance between quality and environmental performance is a common challenge to specifiers,” said Hazel Shelmerdine, Brand Manager for Dulux Trade Ecosure. “As such, we’ve placed significant investment in driving forward the standards of water-based systems such as our Ecosure Gloss and Undercoat to make it easier for the industry.”

“Following extensive research and development, water- based solutions now offer the best of both worlds for specifiers – as well as being quick drying and achieving a high quality finish that stays white, these coatings feature excellent sustainability credentials.”

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duluxtraderesponse@tangerinepr.com

Stunning glazing for world class college The new £53m Hartlepool College of Further Education features extensive use of architectural aluminium façade systems from Technal. Technal’s MX Visible Grid faceted curtain walling provides floor-to-ceiling glazing for the two-storey main entrance elevation and to the rear façade which spans four storeys and encloses the food court and Learning Core.The MX system was also used for the single storey curtain walling to the workshop areas, a full height glazed entrance lobby and three stair towers.The curtain walling is complemented by Technal’s FXi65 high performance aluminium windows. More than 400 units were used as composite systems comprising top hung open-out windows and fixed lights, finished in dark grey and set into contrasting white render. info@technal.co.uk 118

Beam detectors upgraded System Sensor Europe has upgraded its well-established Series 6500 intelligent beam detectors by porting the digital Advanced Protocol, which has numerous benefits that improve performance and reduce the total cost of installation and ownership.

Each 6500 Series detector protects up to 1500m2, making it very effective in protecting shopping centre atriums, concert halls, historic buildings, warehouses and other large areas with high ceilings. The 6500S features the unique AssureTest patented remote test capability that fully tests both the optics and the electronics of the device without having to directly access the unit. marketing@systemsensoreurope.com

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Interactive ‘Eco Map’ offers energy advice

SIG Energy Management, a leading European provider of whole-property energy management solutions, will be providing Ecobuild 2012 delegates with a unique way to navigate the complex legislative landscape of current energy policy. An interactive ‘Eco Map’, which shows what energy efficiency measures can be obtained under each different Government scheme, will be housed in a life-size ‘demonstrator’ property on SIG Energy Management’s Stand S3250, which shows the difference between an energy efficient property and a poorly insulated home. hollysmith@sigplc.com

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Building Elements Business is bright for Portakabin

Modular milestone

Portakabin, has been listed as one of Britain’s Brightest Businesses in the Telegraph 1000 – a celebration of companies that have thrived in the economic storm and as star performers, are set to be the foundation of the UK’s recovery. In the survey, 1,000 privatelyowned and Alternative Investment Market-listed companies were identified as having shown strong resilience during the recession, in sectors as diverse as farming, IT, retail, professional services and construction, with sales of between £5m and £500m. “We are absolutely delighted to receive another independently verified endorsement of our business”, said Robert Snook, Director and General Manager of Portakabin Hire. information@portakabin.co.uk 121

New Fusion finish nailer launched The new Senco F-16 finish nailer with Fusion technology, delivers pneumatic power and performance with cordless convenience. The F-16 brings the added benefit of driving a wide range of 16 gauge nails – the trade’s most popular fastener for second fix applications.

Senco’s Fusion technology uses compressed air that is permanently sealed in the tool’s self-contained, built-in cylinder. You don’t have to buy gas cells, a compressor or hose, and it’s faster, quieter, smoother and cheaper to run than typical gas nailers. The F-16 is available in two different configurations. The F-16S is a straight magazine model driving 16 gauge RH pins from 19-65mm. The F-16A has a 20° angled magazine and drives 16 gauge RX pins from 32-65mm. sales@poppers-senco.co.uk

Building confidence

If you’re still dreaming of building your own home, planning to renovate, or have a project that’s stalled, and in these uncertain times feel nervous and unsure of how and where to start, then the National Self Build & Renovation Show, April 14th-15th is for you. With a raft of seminars, talks, tours and demos, more than 200 exhibitors, three full scale houses, and a range of industry experts – all on hand to help you, every step of the way, you’ll be sure to get all of the knowledge, confidence and contacts you need to progress with your project and create your dream home. nationalcentre@buildstore.co.uk

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Off-site construction specialist Yorkon, has completed its 50th modular petrol filling station building for Tesco. Located at Leigh in the North West and completed as part of a major new store development, the project was also the first application of Tesco’s latest kiosk design and successfully achieved an EPC energy efficiency rating of ‘A’.The modular building was craned into position in just one day. All plumbing, electrics, partitions, sanitary ware, counter, tobacco gantry, flooring and kitchen, were pre-installed off site at the Yorkon production centre in York, reducing time on-site to just four days. info@yorkon.com

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Efficiency and sustainability combined In a world first for efficiency and sustainability, Mitsubishi Heavy Industries (MHI) is bringing the CO2 heat pump to the commercial market.The new Q-Ton, an air-to-water heat pump, cuts energy use and significantly reduces running costs and carbon emissions.The unique system heats sanitary water to 90°C, boasting an efficiency of 430% and cuts running costs (compared with electric/gas boilers) by 75/58 per cent. Des Franklin, MHIE Sales Manager, explains: “The Q-Ton is groundbreaking as it allows users of large volumes of hot water to utilise their energy extremely efficiently, being both cost-effective and eco-friendly.” des_franklin@mhie.com

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Dons drainage is pitch perfect Developers of stadiummk, home to Milton Keynes Dons FC, have been able to take advantage of ACO Water Management’s versatile range of channel drainage systems to create a fully integrated, high performance drainage network covering a host of diverse applications across the complex. Around the pitch perimeter, 450m of ACO MultiDrain™ M100D fitted with a heelguard composite grating has been installed. A further 600m of ACO MultiDrain M100D has been installed across the stadium car park – an area that includes the visually sensitive and busy entrance to the stadium’s hotel. A combination of ACO ParkDrain and ACO KerbDrain has also been used to create the drainage system around the complex’s two drivethrough fast food outlets. marketing@aco.co.uk 126

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Floor protection

Partnership approach delivers performance specification In a feat of unique precision engineering, flooring manufacturer Flowcrete UK and its approved contractor Total Protection, worked with architectural metalwork specialists Robert Stevens and Sons to deliver a floor finish for a new pedestrian bridge at London’s Farringdon Station - laid in more than 400 purpose-made stainless steel floor panels, which were then assembled on site.

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which was specially designated for the production of the floor panels. Each of the 425 units had its own serial number and was closely monitored to meet Network Rail’s requirements to provide a quality process for each panel.

Professional teamwork After two months, all the panels were completed and delivered to site, where they were applied by the expert team at Robert Stevens and Sons. Brian Pearson, a Director at Essex-based Robert Stevens and Sons, said: “The project went really well. Our Project Manager, Paul Imerson, initially designed the floor and then Total Protection and Flowcrete worked as part of the team to create this specification.

It was a big effort from all involved and highlighted the professionalism of the team to deliver such complex works, from the design process right through to the installation on site.”

The flooring specification needed to meet the demands for a decorative, antislip finish, able to cope with the footfall

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epresenting one of London’s major transport infrastructure projects, Farringdon Station has been given a major upgrade to cope with more passengers, longer trains on the Thameslink service – and the high-speed Crossrail Service. To cope with the extra capacity, a new double span footbridge has been built on the site.

To meet the flooring requirements of the new bridge, Flowcrete and Total Protection were asked by Robert Stevens and Sons and Network Rail, to produce a bespoke floorzone solution, involving a flooring build-up of Flowcrete’s M Bond primer, Isocrete Rapide screed and Flowfast Rapid Transit SL decorative acrylic resin finish, incorporating silicon carbide for additional durability and slip resistance. These products were then installed onto 425 stainless steel floor panels of varying sizes and delivered to the site to be inserted into the retaining floor structure of the over bridge.

Robert Stevens and Sons and Total Protection worked within a warehouse,

of thousands of people each day and fire resistant to London Underground’s Section 12 requirements. It also needed to stick to the metal trays to ensure structural integrity of the floor finish.

Nick Dicienzo, Technical Director of Total Protection, also based in Essex, said: “We were told other types of flooring had been considered, but slip-resistance and the risk of curling and tearing of material needed to be addressed. As a result, we were asked to produce samples of resin flooring for testing, in a bid to solve the issue of the correct specification for the bridge’s floor.

“Working with Flowcrete products we were able to create a monolithic bond to the trays and a decorative floor finish that met all the client’s requirements, including a perfectly level and flat surface for each of the 425 units.”

This project is the latest for the rail sector from Flowcrete, which for more than 30 years has provided specialist resin flooring systems for industry. Alan Dean, Managing Director of Flowcrete, said: “This is a superb example of flooring expertise from all parties being introduced under a partnership approach, to meet the exact needs of the client. Our products are recognised throughout the rail industry for their ability to meet the exact needs of the sector.

“Systems such as Flowfast Rapid Transit SR used at Farringdon Station, are of benefit due to factors such as their ability to be ready for use just two hours after installation – significantly speeding up construction programmes for new-build and refurbishment programmes. Other benefits include the maintenance of colour stability under exposure to UV light, and excellent scratch, chemical, slip and wear resistance.” uk@flowcrete.com

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