FC&A March 2013

March 13 Issue 37

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Greenhouse Kebony showcases its latest architecture project inspired by nature

Sustainability Act beyond tradition by pushing the boundaries of innovation

Lighting Maximise efficiency and savings with controlled LED solutions

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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

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

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

Front cover:

Welcome Magazine March 2013

to Future Constructor & Architect...

F

or some companies dealing in timber, the arrival of March has been met with apprehension as it marks the launch of the new EU Timber Regulation.

Officially introduced on 3rd March, the law bans illegal timber entering into the UK and states that all companies must keep a record of the supplier, species, origin, amount purchased and product risk assessment.

The law also outlines that timber already in the EU must be recorded with both seller and customer details. Failure to comply as either an Operator or Trader will result in hefty fines and penalties unless there is proof of due diligence. So what does this mean for the industry? By specifying from a company with a responsible purchasing policy and implementing a full risk assessment, approved compliance can be achieved by an independent auditor in a relatively straightforward process.

In this month’s issue, FC&A profiles the recent project of Norway-based Kebony, which offers an alternative to tropical hardwood and toxic-treated wood. Utilising the sustainable, environmentally-friendly and non-toxic properties, KREOD is an innovative structure in the heart of London’s Greenwich Peninsula. Turn to page 6 to find out more about this unique material and state-of-the-art fabrication.

Elsewhere in this issue, we address how as an industry we can go beyond sustainability.

Daan Elffers, Cradle to Cradle consultant at EMG unveils how we can push the boundaries of innovation to become even more sustainable. Along with the full article on page 34, you can also catch EMG speaking at SustainabilityLive (16-18th April). Full show highlights will be unveiled in next month’s edition.

I hope you enjoy this issue. Don’t forget, you can also interact with FC&A via its social network sites, twitter (@fcamagazine) and Facebook (facebook.com/fcamagazine).

In delivering the £13m mechanical and electrical (M&E) package for an architecturally stunning and award-winning science laboratory in Cambridge, Balfour Beatty Engineering Services (BBES) were faced with the challenge of integrating sustainable initiatives and new technology for a building with high energy demands whilst maintaining architectural intent. See page 11.

Hannah Frackiewicz Hannah Frackiewicz Editor, Future Constructor & Architect

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News 14

Voice of the Industry: Utility connections for the developer and architect – a new service that adds value and saves unnecessary delays.

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Legal & Business: Maxine Park, solicitor and co-founder of transcription services provider DictateNow, explains the benefits of recording and transcribing disciplinary interviews.

Features 22

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Glass & Glazing: Sapphire Balustrades looks at the latest balcony design and manufacturing techniques and highlights the innovative use of off-site fabrication.

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External Wall Finishes: Wienerberger discusses why clay has the potential to be an unsung material hero, giving architects a variety of options in terms of product and application.

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Lighting: For those exploring ways to improve the energy efficiency ratings of buildings, LED fittings and lamps are set to become ever more important, as Hamilton Litestat explains.

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Sustainability: When it comes to sustainability, we can do much more.

Daan Elffers, Cradle to Cradle consultant at EMG, looks at projects that have gone beyond the traditional definition.

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Roofing: Wolf Systems, originator of the easi-joint system, reflects on the flexibility and savings that lightweight metal-web joists can provide.

Portfolios 06

Greenhouse:

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Timber supplier Kebony unveils its recent structure KREOD, which currently forms the centrepiece of the busy public space, Peninsula Square between the Emirates Air Line and The O2 Arena.

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Sustainability in Development: Designed by architects Stanton Williams and set in the University of Cambridge’s Botanic Garden, Stirling Prize winning Sainsbury Laboratory is an exemplar of design and energy efficiency.

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Design & Desire: In line with its green commitment,York City Council specified a BREEAM excellent rated headquarters, which would deliver carbon reductions of 30% better than building regulations.

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Greenhouse

Greenwich Peninsula offers the perfect backdrop for KREOD

Sowing the seeds As the building industry gears up to Ecobuild, taking place from 5-7th March, FC&A profiles KREOD, an innovative architectural structure inspired by nature. The structure, formed of three pods, is currently housed in Peninsula Square but will soon appear as one of the main centrepieces at the show. Its timber supplier, Kebony, shares the project’s notion.

K

REOD, the brainchild of Chun Qing Li, Managing Director of Pavilion Architecture, is the latest UK project from Kebony.

An innovative architectural sculpture, it is organic in form, environmentally-friendly and inspired by nature. Resembling three seeds, these three 20m2 pods combine through a series of interlocking hexagons to create an enclosed structure that is not only magnificently-intricate but secure and weatherproof. KREOD functions beautifully both as an architectural landmark and an imaginative exhibition space – its three pods can be combined in a variety of configurations or installed as free-standing forms.

KREOD currently forms the centrepiece of the busy public space, Peninsula Square between the Emirates Air Line and The O2 Arena and is soon to form one of the main centrepieces of Ecobuild at Excel from 5-7th March.

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Greenwich Peninsula is a vibrant place to live, work and invest in London. It is one of the UK’s largest regeneration schemes bringing 10,000 new homes, 3.5 million sq ft of commercial office space and 350,000ft2 of retail and leisure to the Capital. It is anchored by The O2, a state-of-the-art concert arena attracting world class artists and events, and offers 1.6 miles of landscaped river frontage and a total of 190 acres, 48 of which are parkland and green open space.

Greenwich Peninsula offers the perfect backdrop for KREOD. Using state-of-the-art parametric design tools and digital fabrication, KREOD brings together some of the most talented designers, engineers and innovative materials to challenge current thinking and showcase sustainable and forward thinking building methods. Structural engineers Ramboll UK worked alongside geometry consultant Evolute, AR18 and Tensilefabric

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KREOD will become an indoor/ outdoor feature i.e office meeting pod, garden feature or bike shed

Greenhouse

Inclusive architecture Ramboll is a leading engineering, design and consultancy company, they emphasises local experience combined with a global knowledge-base. Evolute offers leading expertise in bringing complex geometry from vision to design to detailing to production and its unique technology helps decrease cost, save time, lower risk, and improve aesthetics.

Pavilion Architecture uses advanced technologies and engages with sustainability to create great architecture. It believes that architecture is inclusive and highly collaborative. Its innovative application of experience and knowledge sharing enables it to create design solutions which are aesthetically, functionally, economically and environmentally friendly – such as KREOD. Commenting on KREOD, Chun Qing Li, Managing Director of Pavilion Architecture says: “Architecture is our passion; KREOD pavilion is a great showcase of a sustainable and forward thinking building method in the digital age, offering a new way of thinking, designing, engineering, and construction.

“KREOD pavilion considers the environment and the lifecycle of the design work; the choice of material is a simple, honest, eco-friendly Kebony timber.

KREOD will become an indoor/outdoor feature i.e office meeting pod, garden feature or bike shed which is a sustainable way to extend the life of the pavilion beyond the exhibition.”

Jan Terje Nielsen, Marketing Director of Kebony comments: “We feel privileged to have worked in a team with extremely skilled young architects to demonstrate Kebony’s abilities in such advanced architecture. We are confident that the KREOD pavilion will be a movable landmark on the London architectural scene, and also that the extreme shapes

will be recognized on the global arena.”

Kebony AS, founded in 1997, is an innovative Norwegian company offering an award-winning sustainable alternative to tropical hardwood and toxic-treated wood. This pioneering company is at the forefront of global, environmental and sustainable innovation, making a profound contribution to not only the construction, property and design industries but also wider environmental initiatives.

Through the environmentally-friendly process of ‘Kebonization’, sustainable wood species are transformed into Kebony, which has comparable and often superior properties to tropical hardwood.

This ‘new wood’ has an impressive variety of applications including decking, flooring, cladding, roofing, windows and furniture.

Kebony has enjoyed phenomenal success across the various trade sectors, among high-profile industry and political figures, consumers and the media.

Kebony has been used for a number of high-profile international projects including: Kebony’s first major UK residential build – 25 Hurst Avenue, the newly-redeveloped Yarmouth Harbour, the Hackney Picturehouse, the Bexhill beach shelters and KREOD. Kebony identified a new market for quality, durable, cost-effective wood

that is environmentally-friendly and sustainable. Tropical hardwood resources are becoming increasingly unacceptable for regulatory reasons. The industry is actively seeking alternatives following the ban of illegal trade in hardwood, which comes into force in March as the EU Timber Regulation. A global environmental awakening is pushing for environmentallyfriendly alternatives to biocides and toxic chemicals for wood impregnation.

There is an increased demand for high-performance, low maintenance wood materials. Kebony outperforms its counterparts in terms of durability, longevity and quality, and also fulfils the demand for an aesthetically pleasing wood in a variety of textures and colours.

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to deliver this unique eye-catching structure.

KREOD is constructed of Kebony, the award-winning sustainable alternative to tropical hardwood and preservative treated wood. The wooden structure of KREOD is durable, resistant, sustainable, environmentally-friendly, easily-maintained and beautifully aesthetic. KREOD is the latest UK showcase for Norwegian Global Cleantech 100 company Kebony AS, which is rapidly becoming the choice of leading architects, builders and developers.

KREOD is constructed of Kebony, the awardwinning sustainable alternative to tropical hardwood and preservative treated wood

Three 20m2 pods combine through a series of interlocking hexagons to create an enclosed structure

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Greenhouse Kebony AS aims to combat misconceptions around tropical hardwoods and educate the market to the more sustainable alternatives on offer. Kebony – the first and only awardwinning sustainable substitute for tropical hardwood and toxic-treated wood – has therefore aligned itself with other modified wood competitors to combat this issue.

Kebony champions new possibilities for wood as a material, positioning Kebony as a viable alternative to less environmentally-friendly materials such as steel and concrete.

In recognition of its green credentials, Kebony AS was named as one of the world’s most promising clean technology companies in the Global Cleantech 100, both in 2010 and 2011, in competition with more than 3,000 companies from 50 countries. Kebony also received Deloitte’s ‘Fast 50 Award’, was cited as one of the top 50 companies that could change our world in 2010, alongside being cited by CNBC as a top 25 creative European Company. Kebony also received the Nordic region’s the Swan and Glass Bear awards and numerous UK industry awards including Home Building and Renovating’s Exterior

Wall Finishes award.

This, and Kebony’s exceptional reputation, has led to international sales enquiries from regions including the USA, Australia, South Africa, Germany, UK, Dubai, Mexico and Bahamas.

Kebony’s success has secured a number of international distributors in regions including the UK, Norway, Italy, Spain, Germany, Holland , Switzerland, Poland, USA, and Portugal; and has recently opened a plant in Norway, increasing production capabilities tenfold.

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Clean technology

www.kebony.com www.kreod.com

Technical Insight KREOD pavilion was delivered using a new working method towards architectural concept, design, development and construction that Li has developed in the last four years. He used high-ended technology such as bespoke parametric design tools which involves programming and scripting and a robotic arm to fabricate nearly 3000 complex and unique components, this way allowing to deliver the highly complex and innovative project more efficiently and economically.

The components are flat-pack, reducing storage and handling costs – easy to transport with much lower fuel consumption. It is easy to manage and construct, like IKEA furniture – the construction team were students, had no construction experience and a third of the team was consisting of females.

The design method and the technology used allowed the team to see how much of the materials they were going to use and how much of waste they were going to incur.

The longest dimension on each component’s file name was added i.e component 777, the name of the file will be M0777-329, M means member, 0777 is the component number and 329 means the longest length of the component is 329mm. The fabricator added 40mm extra (20mm on each end) for fabrication. This way waste was minimised and fabrication was cost effective and environmentally-friendly.

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Sustainability in Development

Fact File

Laboratory sets sustainability benchmark In delivering the £13m mechanical and electrical (M&E) package for an architecturally stunning and awardwinning science laboratory in Cambridge, Balfour Beatty Engineering Services (BBES) were faced with the challenge of integrating sustainable initiatives and new technology for a building with high energy demands whilst maintaining architectural intent.

W

hen faced with the challenge of creating a world class building which could compete with the best scientific laboratories in the world, the project architects knew it also had to be incredibly energy efficient. After all, if it’s going to be home to worldleading scientists whose work is vital for the sustainable future of the planet then the design of the building should at the very least address the fact that although laboratories are by their very nature, high energy users, their energy usage can

be managed efficiently.

In the past laboratories were generally considered a second class citizen from a building point of view. As long as scientists had the equipment they needed then they would generally put up with incredibly bad conditions.

The £82m Stirling Prize winning Sainsbury Laboratory is an altogether different proposition. Designed by architects Stanton Williams and set in the University of Cambridge’s Botanic Garden, this 11,000m2 two-storey plant science research centre is an exemplar of

design and energy efficiency boasting an impressive BREAAM ‘Excellent’ rating.

This stunning state-of-the-art building is home to 150 scientists, technicians and support staff who are working at the frontiers of plant growth and development and addressing the 21st century challenge of increasing agricultural productivity in an environmentally sustainable way. It has been designed not just for these scientists but has flexibility to accommodate for future changes in scientific practice.

The glass-fronted laboratories and offices on the first floor look out across a double height circulation corridor which winds through the building and provides informal meeting areas.

The ground floor primarily consists of equipment areas, meeting and

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Photocell-controlled electric lighting was installed and results in daylight providing the only general lighting for most of the working hours

Client: The University of Cambridge Architect: Stanton Williams Building Services Contractor: Balfour Beatty Engineering Services Contractor: Kier Funded: Gatsby Foundation

The Stirling Prize winning Sainsbury Laboratory provides a fitting home for the world’s leading scientists

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Sustainability in Development lecture spaces, and building support space including locker rooms and cafe support areas. The lower ground floor comprises mechanical plant rooms, plant growth chambers and the University of Cambridge Herbarium.

A typical laboratory uses five times as much energy and water per square foot as a typical office building because they contain a large number of containment and exhaust devices, heat generating equipment and have intensive ventilation requirements. It is also important to consider that scientists require 24 hour access and their irreplaceable experiments require fail safe back-up systems and uninterrupted power supply. In the creation of the Sainsbury Laboratory, it was paramount that the design of the building addressed the energy and water requirements and that innovative building services solutions were created that would enable the building to become an unrivalled example of energy efficiency.

In delivering the £13m building services package for this laboratory, Balfour Beatty Engineering Services (BBES) had the challenge of integrating sustainable initiatives and new technology for a building with high energy demands whilst maintaining architectural intent.

The building has a number of sustainable initiatives including 1000m2 of photovoltaic (PV) panels and seven inverters giving a peak production of 153kW. Photocellcontrolled electric lighting was installed and results in daylight providing the only general lighting for most of the working hours. Maximising the availability of natural

It was paramount that the design of the building addressed the energy and water requirements

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daylight in the laboratory is crucial as it enhances the comfort and productivity of the building users. Photosensing technologies also serve to reduce energy use while other low environmental impact solutions included rainwater harvesting and water monitoring, designed to further increase energy efficiency.

Energy savings For this highly serviced building, BBES’ comprehensive M&E installation, completed for main contractor Kier, included the installation of fume cupboards, ventilation, chilled water, heating, BMS controls, air conditioning, lighting, power and security systems, as well as the 728 PV panels and photocellcontrolled electric lighting.

An energy efficient McQuay chilled water system was installed and comprises three remote 650kW condenser chillers on the lower ground floor level. The heat rejection is through a further three remote condenser units located at roof level, one per chiller. The chillers also have twin compressor units, with two refrigerant circuits running to each remote condenser.

Offering further energy savings, a low temperature hot water (LTHW) heating system was specified and comprises three gas-fired Broag boilers each sized at 665kW, located at lower ground floor level. The boilers are condensing and fully modulating (18-100%) with low NOx characteristics. Three flues run to the roof level to discharge to atmosphere. Each boiler has a dedicated

Maximising the availability of natural daylight in the laboratory is crucial as it enhances the comfort and productivity of the building users

constant volume primary Armstrong pump feeding a main distribution header.

From the main header three variable volume secondary pumps serve the building at 70/50ºC. To reduce water consumption and improve efficiency, the rainwater falling on the greenhouse installation, created as part of the project, is taken to a buried rainwater harvesting tank and then distributed to serve watering points within the specialist plant growth chambers. A borehole pump was installed into an existing well with the water used for garden watering.

“The laboratory’s high specification and energy demands, particularly in the plant growth herbariums, was a challenge in

The state-of-the-art building is home to 150 scientists, technicians and support staff

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Sustainability in Development

This 11,000m2 two-storey plant science research centre is an exemplar of design and energy efficiency boasting an impressive BREAAM ‘Excellent’ rating

to reduce hours on site, factory controlled assembly offers a much safer approach to construction. It also helps to significantly reduce waste whilst maximising quality control since all components can be fully tested before being delivered to site.

Together, this approach enables BBES to offer projects a more sustainable approach to building services delivery.

Now complete, the Stirling Prize winning Sainsbury Laboratory provides a fitting home for the world’s leading scientists. It further demonstrates BBES’ ability to deliver complex M&E schemes safely, efficiently and sustainably.

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terms of mechanical and electrical design and installation as Stanton Williams’s aim was for a clean, uncluttered aesthetic throughout the building,” comments Steve Rowland, BBES Project Manager. “This meant all of the building’s extensive M&E services had to be designed and installed into incredibly tight ceiling spaces within this concrete framed building.”

As one of the UK’s leading M&E contractors, BBES has a clear focus on sustainability – in relation to both the sustainable delivery of a scheme and creation of buildings that offer low environmental impact in operation.

To minimise the environmental impact through careful waste management and provide a more efficient and safer way of delivering the scheme, BBES utilised its Modular Systems + facility to deliver and install the plant room and 18 prefabricated risers. These risers contained modules for ductwork and pipework, which form a continuous ribbon around the L-shaped building.

Manufactured from 100mm x 100mm box section steel, the risers take services to and from the roof, ground and first floors from the lower ground plant room.

They were dropped in place by tower crane through holes left in the roof during the in-situ concrete installation. Concrete was then cast back over the holes after installation. Checker plate flooring was installed into these risers in the factory so that as soon as they were installed the risers were safe to access and work within.

Offsite building services assembly offers many desirable qualities. As well as helping

www.bbesl.com www.slcu.cam.ac.uk

Technical Insight

This 3D drawing produced by BBES Modular Systems+ details the production of prefabricated boiler skids

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Voice of the Industry Energy is commonly managed in a fragmented way. A site manager or project manager will be in charge of the initial connections and meter installations, a purchasing manager or broker may be in charge of purchasing energy contracts, and finally a facilities manager being in charge of clean energy and sustainability.

This is a fairly common practice as well as a potential fault. What is required in the marketplace is a consistent 360° approach to developing and maintaining an energy strategy with specific layers from the start, including Connection, Clean Energy & Sustainability, Metering, Supply & Billing and The Future Strategy.

Challenging design

In order to address rising prices and in a bid to be ‘greener’, constructors and architects increasingly strive to incorporate energy efficient solutions into their projects. Shamir Jiwa, Managing Director at MAXIM Eyes, the energy connections and supply specialist, explains why a broader 360° approach to the energy strategy should be considered in order to achieve further savings.

U

ntil now the emphasis has been on demonstrating and implementing sound designs that ensure that projects are the most efficient and carbon friendly that they can possibly be. But that is only a fraction of the comprehensive approach. We collectively now need to look at energy procurement and usage on an all encompassing level where a 360° approach will give everyone a better understanding of how we can meet our goals to be cost effective whilst moving towards being carbon neutral.

We are at the genesis of the energy revolution, and there is an expectation

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on businesses to continue to get greener not just today but into the future. This coupled with regulatory pressure and consumer awareness is increasing the importance of having a robust and scalable energy strategy in place.

During a build phase we consider utility connections and a sustainable design, however what happens after the site is built is questionable. Imagine if an energy strategy was handed over with the keys as a project is complete.

A strategy will provide a guideline and structure to continue to manage the building in a more efficient manner as time goes on.

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Consistent approach

Whilst larger corporations will, or certainly should have an energy policy in place, for the SME this is something they certainly need to think about. In trying to explain the importance of this 360° energy cycle, it may be best to look at the journey of the construction project from the moment the requirement is needed on site, as everything starts with a connection.

In making plans for the initial and ongoing connections it is important to ensure that needs are met in the most appropriate and economical manner possible. Ensure that the project specification is presented to as many service providers as possible to not only gain best price for the connection, but the most appropriate partner is engaged. Be confident to challenge the network designs, asking questions like: Do we really need a substation? Are we paying for the DNO to reinforce their own network? Are we really getting best value? Are the lead times realistic and reliable? Will we have power on site when we need it?

Clean energy, also called renewable or green energy, should be considered from the outset to allow appropriate site and utilities design. The strategy should cover the source of energy for the particular development, making considerations such as what clean energy and sustainable technology is being built into the development and how does it match the profile and intended consumption pattern of the building. There are many technologies available now when choosing the most appropriate energy source for a development, and one

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Voice of the Industry centres showed all sites having an energy spike at 9am in the morning apart from one, which showed a spike at 7am, not 9am. On further investigation it transpired that this centre manager was turning all the escalators on at 7am before he made his daily site inspections rather than 9am when the public was due to arrive.

Identifying targets

Tariff match Scheduling meter installation is connected with the next part of the 360° strategy – negotiation of the supply contract. On the surface this may seem an entirely straight forward process, however there are drawbacks that need to be addressed in getting this part of the strategy right. Firstly it is crucial that the right supplier for your particular

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requirement is identified as is the appropriate tariff to match the building’s consumption patterns. For example, evening rates may apply for a hotel or nursing home, which may benefit from both fixed and flexible contract options.

Buying trends are also important as the consumer may take advantage of the right time to purchase as well as becoming a member of a purchasing group with significantly increased bargaining position. Simply joining a basket purchasing scheme can give advantage of an additional 5-15% saving when compared to individual pricing.

Having gone 360° in the approach to this overall strategy, the ongoing agenda is maintaining the balance, whilst looking to the future. The monitoring of consumption patterns will alert users to any anomalies in consumption and for businesses with multi sites which facilities are performing better than others.

Certain behaviour changes will also reduce consumption which by training staff to be more efficient and vigilant will also make a significant difference. In the overall scheme learning from specific sites and what is being done differently can have far reaching benefits elsewhere.

A recent audit of a portfolio of shopping

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must ask if you are considering all the technologies available and in doing so choosing the right mix that will successfully complement each other whilst giving the best value for money.

As the end of any development draws to a close the next phase is metering.

With advances in technology, it is now possible to provide a metered solution specifically for each building, leading to the most appropriate monitoring of consumption with new smart meters capable of providing assistance in managing and analysing future energy patterns. Every building is unique and requires its own mix of technology to achieve its optimum level of efficiency and so verification of technology performance is critical in the ability to evolve a successful energy strategy.

All businesses are capable of setting simple targets for three, five and ten year strategies which will help to monitor what is to be achieved over this period.

In this phase it is important to identify what are the energy targets for these periods as well as how much is it planned to reduce consumption by. It may be that the business has a plan to become carbon neutral in the near future, where it is a requirement to track progress against targets. By creating a robust, scalable and comprehensive energy strategy the business will ensure specific measurable targets are achieved in a timely fashion and thus enable them to surf the energy wave no matter how strong the current is.

www.maximeyes.net

Shamir Jiwa is Founder and Managing Director of MAXIM eyes (UK) Ltd – an energy consultant and connections specialist.

A student-turned-entrepreneur and philanthropist with a keen interest in the well being of global society.

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*For toughened/toughened laminated glass from 12mm-25.52mm thick

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Column Casings

Transforming exposed structures

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he 88 column casings, located in a bright, double-height atrium at Banff & Buchan College, Aberdeenshire, included a dynamic flared capping detail and integrated feature lighting, produced in heights of up to 6m.The column casing solution comprised of two 3m sections stacked vertically to achieve the desired height.

Mike Turner, from Contractors Robertson, says: “The product was seen as a competitive alternative to the column casings specified by the architect.The client’s project managers have commented on how good they look and the architect is very happy with the final product.”

Contour’s column casing offer has been carefully assembled and developed over many years to provide architects, designers and contractors with a robust set of products available in a highly-flexible range of finishes. Options include PPC Aluminium, Stainless Steel, brushed Aluminium and Rimex textured metals, available in an almost limitless array of sizes or shapes.

All Contour column casing systems are available as BIM components in Revit format at bimstore.co.uk Contour Casings believes that transforming exposed building structures should be an integral component of building design, serving not just a functional, but highly-aesthetic purpose. Experienced technical design consultants at Contour suggest practical solutions to overcome everyday issues, crafting both standard and bespoke column casing systems to sit comfortably within scheme parameters.

By combining this approach with

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advanced British manufacturing technology, design professionals at Contour can offer the most comprehensive range of metal column casing solutions available, capable of yielding either a striking visual statement, or a product which disappears effortlessly into the background.

Fabrication specialists at Contour employ the latest manufacturing techniques to deliver a product pure in form and dimensional consistency, with inherent low maintenance qualities and a durable construction.This philosophy has resulted in Contour becoming the market-leading supplier of metal column casings, delivering high-quality and cost-effective solutions.

An extensive client portfolio of leading architects, designers and contractors now specify Contour when robust and aesthetic metal column casings are required. *

enquiries@contourcasings.co.uk

Contour offers a nationwide turnkey service. A technical site consultation is conducted, before Contour adopts a client-facing approach to identify the most suitable solution for the project. In-house manufacturing ensures short lead times and complete quality control. A bespoke design facility employs 3D design for client approval, supported by dedicated technical and delivery departments. Contour’s professional approach assists projects in concluding on time and on budget.

Leigh Simpson, Managing Director at Contour Casings, says: “We are delighted to be involved in delivering such a significant educational development.

The experience we have acquired by operating throughout all sectors, allows us to create vibrant and practical column casing solutions for any location.”

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Contour can offer the most comprehensive range of metal column casing solutions available

As part of one of the most significant educational developments in Scotland for many years, market-leading metal column casing manufacturer, Contour Casings, has recently delivered an extensive range of PPC aluminium column casings, complementing the latest architectural trends in a major design-led project.

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The column casing solution comprised two 3m sections stacked vertically to achieve the desired height

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Facades

Library achieves a united front Designed by Gabriele Glöckler and realised by the Glöckler team and ZSP Architekten, the internationally-acclaimed extension to the German National Library in Leipzig features a series of bespoke facade solutions from Wicona.

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he scheme provides more space to archive Germany’s national cultural heritage, which increases by around 600,000 new media every year, and houses almost 140km of shelving, the German Book and Media Museum, and the German national music archive, which has been relocated from Berlin to Leipzig.

This is the library’s fourth extension and an important aim of the project was to unify the three earlier and very different architectural styles – from the historic 1912 neo-classical facade to the 1970s windowless tower complex.

Several bespoke facade solutions were developed for the project by Wicona in conjunction with the fabricator, MBM. The glass for the vision areas of the Wicona curtain walling is coloured in 15 graduated shades of red and grey, which allude to Bach’s Fourth Goldberg Variation and Leipzig’s long musical heritage. These elements also deliver a light-reflecting factor of more than 50% using a screen printed dot pattern and give the building a changing aspect in different light and weather conditions.

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The book repository is designed to resemble a book on its side. Here,Wicona’s WICTEC 50 unitised curtain walling system carries aluminium composite cladding, which was installed in a triangular pattern of silver panels. Bespoke triangularshaped windows based on Wicona’s WICLINE casement system, were also inserted into the cladding to reflect the design of the aluminium panels The facade has 36cm insulation for exceptional energy efficiency and almost achieves Passivhaus standards.This helps to maintain the carefully controlled internal environment required for the storage of precious books. Air locks are used for entry and exit into the repository, and temperature and humidity levels inside the air conditioned rooms can only fluctuate between very narrow tolerances, from 14 to 16°C. On the ground floor, the 3.4m high unitised panels are fixed to a supporting steel structure which contains heating elements to warm the aluminium mullions and transoms. Around 100m of cantilevered aluminium shelving is fixed to the facade,

which also provides shade from the sun.

The aluminium cladding features on the museum bridge and the connecting core to the existing library building. Here automatic parallel outward opening vents were integrated into the curtain walling, for natural ventilation where required and are concealed when closed for a seamless appearance. Solar control is provided by integral blinds within the glazed units.

The museum bridge has a mixed building envelope, comprising ‘stick’ curtain wall glazing, a rear-ventilated facade, and a unitised facade using an adaptation of the WICTEC-EL system.

The curtain walling on the project helps to realise the scheme’s transparent architectural design theme, which is in keeping with the organisation’s aim to promote the treasures and services of the National Library – and help to turn the extension into an eye-catching gem.

The Wicona facades, which were all specially-developed solutions, were individually tested at the Wicona Test Centre at Bellenberg, Germany.Tests were carried out for air permeability, static and dynamic water tightness against driving rain, and resistance to high wind loads.

The German National Library complex now presents a series of stylish buildings for a historically valuable cultural treasure.

The new extension provides 7000m2 of air conditioned storage space and 4000m2 of exhibition space. The facilities are designed to accommodate all German publications that will be archived over the next 20 years under modern conservation conditions.

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Several bespoke facade solutions were developed for the project by Wicona in conjunction with the fabricator, MBM

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info.wiconauk@hydro.com 0845 602 8799

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The glass for the vision areas of the Wicona curtain walling is coloured in 15 graduated shades of red and grey

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lazing Vision are the original Flat Roof Glass Rooflight company. Established in 1994, today Glazing Vision manufacture rooflights in the UK for projects all over the World.

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rchitects work with Glazing Vision for minimal framework, maximum daylight, concealed mechanisms, high thermal performance, but most of all for our quality. Contractors work with Glazing Vision as we are CHAS registered and employ our own installation teams complete with CSTB cards and CRB checks.

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Glass & Glazing

Modern balustrading systems are making it simpler, faster and more cost effective to design and manufacture high quality solutions

A clear choice Balconies with glazed balustrades are an increasingly popular architectural feature for new homes, particularly modern city apartments. Nick Haughton of Sapphire Balustrades looks at the latest balcony design and manufacturing techniques and highlights the innovative use of off-site fabrication to produce bolt-on balconies complete with glass balustrades for a luxury residential development in London.

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alconies form an integral part of a residential building’s facade and so their appearance is critical to overall architectural style, in fact balconies are so integrated with a building’s appeal, they are one of the few areas where a well-designed style can make the difference between good and great – making one building stand out whilst another lacks charm.

Designed and manufactured to complement a development’s exterior design, render or cladding materials, balconies can be large walk-on structures or smaller Juliet – or Juliette – types.

Although essentially balustrades around double doors, Juliet balconies can make an apartment feel more spacious and bring an open, outdoor feel to an indoor space.Whatever the individual design specification, it’s not surprising that glass is widely used for balcony balustrades because it provides the perfect balance of light, visibility, and safety. Glass also offers

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architects greater design versatility because, being a transparent material, it blends more easily with different building styles and surroundings.

The transparent nature of glass is, of course, one of its main benefits when it comes to balcony balustrades as it allows plenty of light to penetrate into the interior.

This helps to create a light and airy feel in the room to which the balcony is attached and can even make the indoor space feel larger.The use of glass balustrades around a residential balcony also ensures an unimpeded view, which can be a real bonus if the balcony offers views of a park, water, or striking urban skyline. Another longer term advantage of glass is that it requires minimal maintenance compared with metal railings, for example, which will require regular polishing or re-painting over time.

Also, unlike timber or metal balustrades, glass can’t rot or rust.

Glass infill panels for balcony balustrades are often a more cost-effective solution

than mesh or vertical bars both at procurement stage and through ongoing use, whilst having the appearance of a higher perceived value.Whilst the glass needs to be either toughened, or toughened laminated to meet British Standards, an extensive choice of different types is available to achieve the desired look and performance.

Balustrades can be manufactured using a structural frameless glass system, semi-frameless, or fully framed and can incorporate opaque, tinted or even selfcleaning glass. Curved glass can be used to create a stunning effect, although extra

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Balcony balustrades provide the perfect balance of light, visibility, and safety

Glass & Glazing

Minimised costs

Fabricating balconies in production line conditions enabled Sapphire to maintain a high degree of quality control over the finished units. In addition, site time and associated costs, such as scaffolding hire, can be minimised, and product quality can be kept consistently high compared with completing all of the work on site.

Projecting balconies for the apartments were manufactured and assembled offsite by Sapphire whilst on-site works by other trades were being completed (eg fenestration etc). With the building prepared the finished balconies, complete with timber decking and glass and stainless steel balustrades, were delivered to site stacked inside each other to optimise lorry loads and reduce transport emissions and costs.

In order to minimise offloading time in a busy area with restricted parking, Sapphire supplied the balconies pre-slung with lifting straps ready to be craned into position before being fixed to the Schoeck thermal bridging anchors precast into the building structure. Larger balconies – up to 10.8m in length – were supplied to site in two sections to ensure safe lifting. Full height privacy screens in satin-etched glass were provided along these large, shared balconies to provide

Glass offers architects greater design versatility because, being a transparent material, it blends more easily with different building styles and surroundings

some privacy for residents.

Balustrades for The Regent’s balconies were fabricated from Sapphire’s Onyx stainless steel system with 10mm clear toughened glass infill panels to optimise views and increase light into the luxury living spaces. Handrails and balusters (uprights) were specified with a satin polished finish in 316 marine grade stainless steel, designed to withstand potential damage from atmospheric corrosion. Sapphire uses this higher grade of stainless steel as standard for all the elements of its external systems to ensure installed balconies and balustrades retain their structural integrity and aesthetic appeal with minimal maintenance.

Balcony balusters were secured directly to the balcony frame, with fixings concealed by the timber decking for a clean, uncluttered look. As part of the project’s bespoke specification, Sapphire designed a special powder-coated trim to cover decking edges. In addition to providing a neat edge, the trim creates an aesthetic ‘shadow gap’ between the balcony frame and the decking – one of the custom design features required by the architect as part of the exterior specification.

With so many aesthetic and practical benefits, plus the perception of ‘added value’, glass looks set to remain the preferred infill panel choice for many residential balcony projects. Recent research conducted also discovered that the majority of participants are influenced in the selection of an apartment by the

balconies’ appeal, of which glass was the most influential.

Although it is often perceived as an ‘expensive’ option, glass isn’t necessarily beyond the reach of projects with a limited budget. By working with an experienced balustrade manufacturer with the relevant expertise in glass design, and the capacity to handle high volume glass infill throughput, architects and developers alike will find that glass can be both a beautiful and cost effective design solution.

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design considerations for developers and designers include the high additional expense of this option, the limitations of radii, and the potential differences of appearance between curved glass and flat glass if the two are applied alongside each other.

Modern balustrading systems for all types of balconies, together with advances in construction techniques and building materials are making it simpler, faster and more cost effective to design and manufacture high quality solutions to exacting specifications.

The innovative use of off-site fabrication, for example, can be seen in a glass balcony project completed by Sapphire for The Regent, a new Linden Homes development in Battersea built by Galliford Try. Sapphire designed, manufactured and installed over 100 balcony units for the luxury London apartments, complete with glass and stainless steel balustrades. All of these were manufactured and fully assembled in the production facility ready for fast track installation.

www.sapphirebalustrades.com

Glass isn’t necessarily beyond the reach of projects with a limited budget

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23

Legal & Business

Businesses are aware of the need to get personnel matters right, but how can managers avoid conflicting reports of what was said and by whom, when conducting confidential meetings with employees, like performance reviews, disciplinary or grievance interviews? Maxine Park, Solicitor and Co-founder of transcription services provider DictateNow, explains the benefits of recording and transcribing disciplinary interviews.

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ost businesses understand the correct procedure for conducting meetings with their employees, but getting disciplinary interviews wrong generate a huge number of employment tribunals every year, with claims for breach of contract, unfair dismissal and discrimination.

A growing number of organisations are now utilising voice recordings to take an accurate record of everything said throughout any disciplinary interviews and even job interviews. The ability to offer a sound recording of any interview, within minutes of its conclusion, is a major component of avoiding any accusations that management has not acted appropriately.

During the disciplinary procedure, employees have the right to be accompanied by an employee or union representative and this often leads to hearings, even in smaller organisations, with more than just two people present. This poses no problem to UK transcription service providers, with qualified secretaries that understand the procedures, the context in which

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â–

Accurate representation

Apps allow one-touch recording, with editing and the insertion of new comments as one might expect, but when recording disciplinary meetings, one continuous recording is more normally recommended.

Digital dictation allows individuals to turn commuting time, travel time and even time spent waiting for meetings into useful hours. In fact businesses have to ask, why busy executives waste hours typing every day, when they were employed for skills more relevant to the success of the organisation than how many words a minute they type.

Hundreds of secretaries are ready to transcribe meeting notes, letters, presentations, reports or documents to be returned within minutes or hours depending on their length as editable word files, ready for use.

Using transcription services might be viewed as an unwanted expense by some, but how much might the accusation, an organisation acted inappropriately, cost it in the long run?

www.dictatenow.net

comments are made and are well-versed in attributing the correct comments to the right speaker.

The employee and their representative will be informed a recording will be made and available immediately afterwards with a full transcription following within hours.

Importantly, explaining the file will be transcribed by external service providers will remove any doubt about maintaining confidentiality of any potentially sensitive issues being addressed.

Maintaining professionalism

This obvious transparency will help avoid any accusation that the procedure is being mishandled and will help keep emotions in check throughout the meeting. It is harder for either side to become emotional or threatening during a meeting, knowing every word is being recorded.

Given that free dictation apps are now available for many Smartphones and personal devices, recording meetings has never been easier. Following initial set-up, a small monthly charge offers any organisation, regardless of size, access to a large, anonymous, secretarial resource capable of quick efficient transcription.

Maxine Park specialised in commercial litigation and was made partner at her firm in 1992. When Maxine had her first child she worked from home. After Maxine left legal practice, she attained a PGCE and lectured law to legal executives, HR personnel and journalism students. She launched DictateNow with husband Garry, to offer an enhanced and efficient transcription resource to businesses in a wide range of sectors including legal, medical and accountancy.

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Roofing, Cladding & Insulation

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From the most ambitious plan to a simple glass roof, GlasSpace offers unique, practical design with unrivalled service at an extremely competitive price. Using commercial glass technology and minimal framing developed over the last 25 years, GlasSpace structures create a light, warm environment that is highly durable, energy efficient and secure.

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External Wall Finishes

A material world An external wall finish on a project can make or break a building; not only does it have a huge effect on the aesthetic impact of the structure, it also needs to contribute to the durability and efficiency of the construction as a whole. Whatever material is chosen, it needs to be strong, warm and pleasing on the eye, as Richard Brown, Category Marketing Manager at Wienerberger explains.

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lay has the potential to be an unsung material hero, meeting the aforementioned requirements while giving architects a variety of options in terms of product and application. Indeed, the versatility of the material, combined with its inherent properties, makes it an extremely viable and attractive choice.

As a natural material its sustainability credentials are invariably strong, while it also provides a winning combination of being low maintenance, extremely durable and thermally efficient.

However, though still the ideal choice for traditional bricks and tiles, new technologies and construction product developments mean that this is now just the tip of the iceberg. Much of this progress and development stems from the adaptability and compatibility of the materials: clay works beautifully with other

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common materials such wood and glass, both in terms of practical efficiency and curb appeal. Such is the durability of the product that it can be easily recycled even at the end of its building life.

One such development in clay is the fact that architects are no longer limited by colour.The ‘heritage’ tag that brick is traditionally associated with is challenged by the fact that new colouration options give clay bricks more contemporary and dynamic applications. By applying glaze to high specification facing bricks, the choice of facade shades is virtually limitless.The high gloss finish on these bricks not only bolsters the aesthetic value, but actually offers protection to the depth and hue of the brick, keeping the finished structure vibrant and true to the original design for the lifetime of the building.

Furthermore, clay can also be used to meet the modern trend for architects to

vary the material dimensions of external wall finishes in order to generate different visual effects – Wienerberger’s Roman and Megaline brick ranges can be as long as 490mm and as low as 38mm in height.

Likewise, the structural longevity that clay products naturally possess is a real advantage and an attractive property to architects and consumers alike. However, new systems are able to offer the versatility and delicacy of design that in the past would have been out of the reach.

One example is the facade solution Corium. Subverting traditional masonry methods, Corium blends clay brick tiles with a steel backing.The obvious benefit of this is the ease and speed of installation – particularly when considered in relation to the system durability – but it can also offer textural and colour combinations, lending itself to the sort of decorative flourishes that can bring something different to a project.The overall effect is one that offers a cost effective and modern option in terms of external wall finishing.

In a similar vain, it is also worthwhile to mention brick slips. Brick slips are ideal on projects whereby the use of full brick is either impossible or impractical, but the thinness of a 15mm thick slip will give the desired effect with the added advantage of an easy fixing and fitting method. It’s a system that is constantly being developed so I would expect further ranges to be launched in the near future.

It’s easy to peg a material as only capable of delivering a single aesthetic, but with the imagination, range, and innovation currently on the market, I’d challenge architects and contractors across the country to think of clay wall finishes in a new, contemporary light.

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The glazed range allows architects to experiment with both colour and aesthetic style

www.wienerberger.co.uk

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The long, thin form of the Roman Waterstruck range creates striking effects and provides an strong alternative to standard format bricks

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Design & Desire

Rich in heritage

For the developers and construction team, the handover of York’s original 1840 railway station building to City of York Council in December 2012 represented the end of the line.

It marked the completion of a challenging £32m design and build project to turn a decaying Grade II* listed building into a BREEAM excellent, modern, efficient and sustainable headquarters and customer centre.

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ity of York Council’s Assistant Director – finance, asset management and procurement, Tracey Carter explains: “This is not just about relocation and cost-saving, it is about cultural change – about finding new ways of working and developing our partnering relationships to improve service delivery to the people of York. The building has acted as a remarkable catalyst for the programme of step-change improvements in service provision matched by £17m cost-savings in the next 25 years.”

Since becoming a unitary authority in 1996, York’s administration, serving its 200,000 residents and seven million visitors each year, had found itself expanding into a sprawling mis-match of 17 different offices which, over the years, had increasingly presented logistical and administrative challenges, exponential maintenance cost rises and service efficiency nightmares.

Running a joined up, efficient service in those circumstances was becoming increasingly challenging. In every sense of the word, the status quo was simply unsustainable.

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In line with its green commitment, the council specified a BREEAM excellent rated headquarters which would deliver carbon reductions of 30% better than building regulations, and deliver more than 20% of its energy requirements from renewable sources.

Taking on the challenge, a joint venture company set up specifically for the

The seemingly unlikely solution was to move to a Grade II* listed structure, built as a station and hotel in the early Victorian era. It was a complex which had been in decline for over a century – one which had a very uncertain future other than the inevitability of its rapid descent towards English Heritage’s “at risk” register.

Seeking tenders through an OJEU process, the council attracted 16 viable bids which were shortlisted to just two – co-incidentally, adjacent buildings within the city walls. The West Offices scheme was selected in 2010.

The developer’s brief was challenging.

The timescale was fixed, as was the budget, and the specification was demanding both in its scale and in its commitment to sustainability. The council required open-plan, modern, efficient, accessible workspace with a single focal point for customer interface but also a building which reflected the rich heritage of the historic city yet showed its ambition as a progressive authority, switched on and open for business.

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The building’s performance matches many newbuild office structures despite all the challenges which respecting heritage imposes

Design & Desire

task,York-based developers S Harrison and Buccleuch Property. Buccleuch has extensive experience of listed buildings management; S Harrison has an excellent track record of delivering on complex schemes across Yorkshire and a network of locally based associates with the requisite expertise. It was expertise which would be called upon in depth to deliver under the watchful eye of the site’s interested neighbours, English Heritage.

Says Chris Hale, S Harrison’s Design Manager who was instrumental in bringing together the design elements that would enable the scheme to work: “We had to find ways in which the open-plan brief could be met in what was essentially a cellular Victorian station and hotel building. The first task was to ascertain what we needed to keep and what could go, to optimise flexibility within the listed structure. We had to make the building work with us rather than against us.”

ventilation with some mechanical extract, and the thermal mass of the old building, to control the temperature, the walls soaking up the heat generated during the day and cooling during the night.

Subterranean ducts and corridors which are a feature of three sides of the original building are used to provide natural air flow, delivering around three degrees of “free” cooling. Combined heat and power units and biomass boilers are housed, together with the IT system, in the building’s Victorian basement.

Remarkable vision

S Harrison and Buccleuch arranged regular in-progress visits for English Heritage,York Civic Trust and other special interest groups during the construction and won praise from all parties. Indeed, during his visit, English Heritage Chief Executive Simon Thurley congratulated the developers for their “remarkable vision” and heralded the scheme as “a national model for the sustainable regeneration of older buildings”.

That’s a sentiment with which the client concurs. Says Tracey Carter:

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The council required an open-plan, modern, efficient, accessible workspace

to which would be added, at ground level, the refurbished canopy structure – previously hidden from the public eye but now in full view from the striking vantage point of the city walls – completed the framework and met the requirements of those for whom safeguarding heritage was paramount.

In terms of sustainability, the building now promises to perform remarkably.

In place of the council’s request for carbon reduction of around 30%, the Buccleuch/S Harrison team are delivering reductions of 55%. Where many of the council’s former buildings achieved no better than an “F” EPC (Energy Performance Certificate) rating, the new complex delivers a “B” rating, matching the performance of many newbuild office structures despite all the challenges which respecting heritage imposes.

Specialist consultants Martin Design Associates worked with the developers and council team, and with main contractor Miller Construction to provide the optimum solutions.

Key to the comfort of the building is the integrated heating and cooling strategy which uses largely natural

Safeguarding heritage

Provided what remained of an important historic wrought-iron canopy could be relocated, the removal of a few unsightly mid-20th century bridge extensions across the rail tracks would create a large open space within the u-shape of the original platforms and hotel and give the architect scope to create the open plan space required for flexible modern office function. Enclosing the open end of the u with a large glazed facade adjacent

The building reflected the rich heritage of the historic city

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Design & Desire

Fact File:

Client: City of York Council Developers: S Harrison Developments Ltd and Buccleuch Property Architect: Crease Strickland Parkins Main Contractor: Miller Construction Employer’s Agent: Rex Procter and Partners Consulting Engineers: Ward Cole Building Services: Martin Design

clear statement of intent – to our staff, our delivery partners and our customers – about the unity of our approach to service delivery. English Heritage describes West Offices as a model for sustainable regeneration; we describe it

as a model for co-operative collaborative working, both in the way it has been delivered, and in its future.”

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“What we have is a remarkable, delightful building which not only makes a statement to outsiders about how York uniquely combines old and new in a mix where the whole is greater than the sum of its parts. It makes a

The u-shape of the original platforms gave the architect scope to create the open plan space

www.york.gov.uk www.csparchitects.co.uk

Technical Insight Technically, the challenge was to create a four storey structure within the historic and foundationless frame of the 1840s building and support a massive overarching steel roof which, in the best traditions of railway architecture, features a north-light structure to maximise natural daylight into the building whilst minimising solar gain.

A series of atriumed platforms, self-supporting on steel columns within the open internal space and piled foundations 18 metres into waterlogged ground, provide not only the space and daylight ingress required but also support the roof, putting no pressure on the existing historic structure to which each of the four storeys is linked via a series of bridge walkways. The gap between new and old, to the full height of the building, exposes the internal brickwork of the original facades giving timbre and a striking historic backdrop to what is actually a 62% newbuild complex.

The resulting gross internal floor area is around 149,000ft².

Each of the four storeys is linked via a series of bridge walkways

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Lighting From an aesthetic point of view, LED lamps offer exciting possibilities.

For example, using a DMX controller can create striking colour washing effects and used with a lighting control system the possibilities are very exciting, particularly in places where lighting can get truly creative such as bars, hotels and night clubs.

Smart panels

Taking control Energy efficiency remains a buzz term in lighting solutions, so a combination of minimising electricity use via control systems and maximising the use of LED lamps looks set to prove popular as architects are tasked with improving the energy efficiency of all types of buildings.

Ian Hamilton from Hamilton Litestat looks at the major benefits of combining both technologies.

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lthough still representing a small proportion of the market, LED lamps are growing in popularity. According to IMS research energy efficient LEDs will overtake CFLs and halogen lamps as the best selling lighting product by 2018, with unit sales of lamps expected to grow to occupy 30% of the market.

For those exploring ways to improve the energy efficiency ratings of buildings, LED fittings and lamps are set to become ever more important. The great news for specifiers is that whereas traditionally there have been compatibility issues with dimming LED lamps, the latest packages such as Hamilton’s Mercury Lighting Control System are being specially designed to work with LEDs, allowing for extra energy and cost saving benefits.

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If an LED lamp is dimmed by 50%, roughly the same percentage is saved in energy, and given that LED lamps use at least 75% less energy than CFL or halogen lamps in the first place there are some serious savings to be made. If a control system is installed that is capable of controlling the on-off function of lights as well as the brightness, the end user can minimise the electricity use even further.

LED lamps may cost more at the outset but the Department of Energy states that quality LEDs, especially those with Eenergy Star ratings last 25 times as long as incandescent lamps. There are, therefore, obvious cost savings to be had over time and an LED-compatible control system could well be a wise longterm investment for the purse as well as the environment.

■

A quality lighting control system can provide a streamlined central control point for multiple functions

Back at the residential end of the scale, when integrated with other functionality such as audio controls, window blind operations and holiday mode lighting – which recreates a realistic lighting pattern when occupiers are away – a quality lighting control system can provide a streamlined central control point for multiple functions, moving towards the ‘smart home’ trend with relatively little disruption to properties, even when retrofitting a system.

In the case of Hamilton’s Mercury system an electrical contractor would be required for the installation but the ongoing programming and any reset operations can be handled easily by the end user.

In terms of how the end user controls their system, the future is undoubtedly wireless, which is why some of the latest systems come with their own apps for smart phone or tablet device. However, remote controls and wall-mounted plates – particularly those that look attractive and complement the interior scheme and other wiring accessories, still play an important role. Giving the end user choice is vital and installing a system that can be controlled in a number of different ways ensures that people of all ages and technological capabilities can enjoy its full benefits.

www.hamilton-litestat.com

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33

Sustainability

The Bullitt Center has been dubbed the greenest, most energy-efficient commercial office building in the world

Beyond sustainability © John Stamets

S

ustainability, of course, is nothing new to the building industry.

It’s long been known that the buildings in which we live and work every day account for around 40% of the world’s energy usage.What’s more, the waste that is generated from the creation of our built environment has, in the past, been thought to account for anything up to 80% of the waste that is incinerated or goes to landfills around the world.

It is statistics like this that have stimulated innovative architects to evolve the principles of how buildings are designed, constructed and maintained so they use less energy, have a lower impact on the environment, are healthier to be in and ultimately, provide a better return on investment. Green building has not simply gained respect, it has become a ‘must have’ for corporations, home builders, and businesses.

And yet, while many green building principles have indeed reduced the negative

34

effects of buildings on the planet, can we really say that being ‘less bad’ is actually ‘good’? There’s a growing movement of architects and designers that are looking way beyond this ‘traditional’ sustainability.

The Bullitt Center, which opened in Seattle, USA, in January this year, has been dubbed the greenest, most energy-efficient commercial office building in the world.

The impressive six storey, 50,000ft2 building has 100% onsite energy use such as solar panels; all water is provided by harvesting rainwater, there are indoor composting toilets, a system of geothermal wells for heating and a wood-framed structure made out of FSC-certified wood.What’s more, it was constructed without using any potentially toxic materials such as PVC. The Bullitt Center project is pursuing

t

For many decades now, Western civilisation has slowly been coming to the realisation that the way we have been going about our business on this planet is not sustainable.

Daan Elffers, Cradle to Cradle consultant with EMG CSR Consultancy, addresses how the industry can go beyond sustainability to improve its carbon footprint.

© John Stamets

Architects and designers, perhaps more than any other profession in society, are in a unique position to shape the world

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Sustainability

Solar panels can provide as much electricity as the building uses © John Stamets

Initially a project undertaken by Pauli to find 100 of the most innovative nature-inspired technologies around the world, the open source Blue Economy concept envisages a world where human technology and business activity is inspired by the natural global ecosystem, rethinking the way industry conducts business.

A more formal certification programme is Cradle to Cradle, the circular economy concept developed by American architect William McDonough and German scientist Michael Braungart. This model too stretches far beyond just architecture.

Cradle to Cradle is an innovative approach that focuses on creating products made with safe and healthy materials, be continuously recycled

36

and noise and also provides the habitat for several local bird species.

Rethinking business Another Cradle to Cradle project is the Ford Motor Company’s legendary River Rouge Plant in Michigan. Most notably, it has the world’s largest green roof, covering the assembly plant roof’s 100,000m² area with more than 10 acres of sedum, a low-growing ground cover plant. To date, it has resulted in more than 35 million dollars in energy savings, thanks to the natural temperature control provided by the green roof.

Architects and designers, perhaps more than any other profession in society, are in a unique position to shape the world, and design buildings in a way that will make our world a better, healthier place to live, both now and for future generations. It’s essentially about asking the right questions before starting the design process, working out what systems will perform best from the outset, rather than simply making ‘wrong’ systems more efficient.

If we can preserve it, nature can be an incredible source of inspiration.

■

Rethinking business

and implemented on operations that are powered with 100% renewable energy. It regards water as a precious resource, and focuses on social fairness and the protection and enrichment of ecosystems. Similar to the Blue Economy, a Cradle to Cradle approach would be to design buildings that operate like a tree. That is, ensuring they produce positive effects – like trees producing oxygen – rather than simply minimising their negative impact.

A great example of a building that does this is Google’s YouTube office in California, which features a 70,000ft2 ‘green’ roof that is covered in vegetation.

This works to prevent water runoff, while insulating the building from heat © John Stamets

Living Building Certification, which is managed by the International Living Future Institute, requiring such ‘imperatives’ as net zero energy, net zero water, no toxics, 100% FSC and more.

Of course, innovation is an ongoing process. Solar panels for example, are a great step forward by anybody’s standards.

But as Gunter Pauli, Initiator of ‘The Blue Economy’ points out, there’s still room for improvement: “Solar cells actually work on both sides, so you should be able to have solar on both sides! To prevent it from overheating, it will need to be cooled – just like the engine in a car. So why not use water to cool down the solar panels and we’ll have electricity and hot water at the same time?”

www.emg-csr.com

Cradle to Cradle is an innovative approach that focuses on creating products made with safe and healthy materials

In April, EMG will be speaking and exhibiting at SustainabilityLive in Birmingham (16-18 April 2013), the UK’s premier event for sustainable business.

For more information on this event, visit www.sustainabilitylive.com

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37

Roofing the loading identified by the design engineer. In addition, they are engineered products, they can be designed for long spans and even extended cantilevers, something that is far beyond the capabilities of a traditional sawn joist.

When it comes to running cables or pipework, the contractor installing timber I-joists is normally required to punch out a selection of preformed holes. This leaves very limited possibilities of incorporating ductwork for the mechanical ventilation systems increasingly required in modern airtight structures: and there also is a danger of over-zealous M&E installers weakening the joists.

Web support More and more designers and specifiers are choosing metal-web joists as pressure mounts to reduce costs while improving energy efficiency and performance.

Wolf Systems, originator of the easi-joint system, reflects on the flexibility and savings that these lightweight structural beams can provide.

H

ousebuilders have been quick to latch onto the benefits of this technology.

As timber frame construction took off during the last decade, the concept of off-site manufacture took hold and now the housebuilding industry is highly receptive to the idea of custom-

designed components being delivered to site ‘just in time’ in kit form.

According to Karl Foster, Sales & Marketing Director of Wolf Systems, metal-webs are continuing to take market share from timber I-joists and traditional sawn timber despite tough trading conditions. “Metal-webs continue to win market share over the competition by simply being a better product,” says Karl. “Once converted to metal-web, many contractors and builders won’t go back to using products that don’t have the advantages of metal-web.”

Adequate load

The housebuilding industry is highly receptive to the idea of components being delivered to site ‘just in time’ in kit form

38

Metal-web joists are lightweight composite structural beams consisting of timber flanges joined by a lattice of pressed steel connector plates.

Unlike traditional floor joists – whether timber, concrete or steel – metal-web joists are designed exactly for

Engineered structure Where metal-web joists score here is in the clear open structure of the engineered metal-web which allows very large service penetrations without compromising structural integrity. This is a boon in heavily-serviced public buildings where air handling systems, data trunking and other underfloor services must be accommodated within the floor structure.

Metal-web joists share the same nailplate design concept as modern trussed rafters and have been seized upon by truss manufacturers seeking a second string to their bow.

“For many, the opportunity to sell an engineered floor with an engineered roof is a bit of a ‘no-brainer’,” observes Karl.

And, although developed specifically as a floor joist, metal-webs offer such flexibility that they are increasingly used in wall and roof constructions, particularly as a component in prefabricated ‘cassette’ systems.

Many manufacturers of Wolf’s easijoists are now producing cassette-based solutions for floors, walls and roofs using easi-joist software.

“We are seeing more metal-webs used in wall construction, but generally the real increase this year has come from roof construction,” says Karl.

Last year, Wolf developed a new version of its easi-joist software that enables designers and manufacturers to specify easi-joists as a roof component.

■

Unlike traditional joists, metal-web joists are designed exactly for the loading identified by the design engineer

www.wolfsystem.co.uk

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CPD Focus Part G made Easy with Hansgrohe With over 110 years’ experience in the bathroom industry, Hansgrohe delivers its RIBA certified CPD workshop. It provides delegates with all they need to know to ensure full compliance when designing and specifying new dwellings or change of use to buildings. Covered in the course are details of the revised Part G of the Buildings Regulations which came into force on 6th April 2010, including: G1 Cold water supply; G2 Water efficiency; G3 Hot water supply and systems; G4 Sanitary conveniences and washing facilities; G5 Bathrooms and G6 Kitchen and food preparation areas. *

enquiries@hansgrohe.co.uk

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029

465655

Sustainability seminars from EMSc EMSc (UK) Ltd, manufacturer of the Star range of energy saving products still has a number of free CPD seminars available. Powerstar provides three variations of voltage optimisation system in Powerstar, Powerstar MAX and Powerstar HV MAX, each boasting its own, unique characteristics to ensure that EMSc (UK) can offer the correct solution for any site. The seminars, held in association with VO4HOME Ltd, will include presentations by commercial and domestic industry experts and will highlight the technology and science involved in voltage optimisation. *

tracy.eaton@ems-uk.org

( 01142

030

576200

Getting the best from floor screeds Flowcrete has updated a popular RIBA Approved CPD, which is designed to help specifiers get the level best from flooring screeds. Entitled ‘Floor Screeds – How To Avoid Failure’ the presentation outlines the different types of floor screeds and their applications, identifies areas of failure, and offers advice on the avoidance of problems.The CPD also offers guidance on sand and cement based screeds. Along with architects, the CPD also caters for construction managers and other property professionals. *

cpd@flowcrete.com

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031

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New Geze UK CPD is a breath of fresh air Geze UK has launched a new CPD seminar titled ‘Designing Effective Heat and Smoke Ventilation’ at the RIBA Roadshow in Portland Place, London. The seminar covers all the relevant standards and regulations including Approved Document B, BS 9999:2008, BS 9991 and BS EN 12101. Operations Director Simon Bowden says: “This seminar is designed to show architects how effective smoke ventilation and great design can go hand in hand to improve life safety. We’re hoping to provide an insight into how the ideal design can be calculated.” *

info.uk@geze.com

( 01543

032

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Implementing accessible bathrooms Kingkraft designs, manufactures and installs accessible bathroom equipment, designed to meet both user and regulatory requirements, whilst at the same time create a beautiful living space. Kingkraft has over 28 years experience developing products for a range of UK markets including healthcare, schools and homes. The company provides an accredited CPD seminar on ‘Designing bathrooms for people with varying ability’ which is designed to increase the awareness of the issues, guidelines and relevant standards surrounding the design and installation of such facility. *

info@kingkraft.co.uk

( 0114

033

269 0697

Communal heating focus Evinox specialises in communal heating solutions and offers an informative and educational 60-minute CPD seminar, ideal for M&E consultants, contractors, developers and housing associations.

The seminar is entitled ‘Modern Communal heating installations – Key considerations for an effective system’. Its speakers are highly experienced in communal heating with relevant professional qualifications. A certificate will be provided to all attendees for obtaining CPD points and refreshments will be supplied. *

40

info@evinox.co.uk

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722277

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41

HVAC

Rinnai Common Header Flue

Essential properties of water heaters If end users weren’t already worried about soaring energy prices, the recent announcements in price hikes from the big providers will certainly have focused minds. In light of this, Rinnai highlights what installers and ultimately end users should be looking for when specifying an energy efficient water heater.

I

deally, a commercial water heating solution must be technically complete from project conception, through to commissioning and beyond.

Eyes are now increasingly turning towards continuous flow condensing gas fired water heaters to achieve these goals. Highly engineered and reliable versions in heavy duty and condensing

Installers should choose from a proven manufacturer

models are now available on the market.

They not only promise to deliver a never ending supply of hot water on demand but they are also guaranteed to save large amounts of money over the lifetime of the installation when fitted in place of a traditional stored hot water system.

These systems use comparatively small amounts of fuel and water.

Quality, heavy duty condensing water heaters* designed to be fit for purpose use two heat exchangers to capture residual heat from flue gases to pre-heat incoming water, and can deliver up to 107% net efficiency. Burners on superior units use down firing pre-mix technology to increase combustion efficiency.

Manufacturer support Northwest-based installer Dave Winrow is already convinced in the argument for continuous flow heaters and why it is so important to choose quality over price.

He says: “The quality of the build, the manufacturer’s technical department’s know-how and back up all goes to make for an easy to install, easily maintainable and reliable product.”

42

The design of the water heater, components and the engineering itself must be of the highest quality available.

It pays to take a good look inside the casing to see the quality of water heater design and to ensure the appliance isn’t a re-engineered combi-boiler. If looking inside the appliance is difficult look for other tell-tale signs like warranty periods, the best manufacturers will offer up to 5 years minimum.

A technologically advanced PCB system ensures intelligent functionality, including temperature accurate hot water delivery, gas modulation guaranteeing efficient gas usage, numerous safety features for user comfort and control as well as error messaging and BMS interfacing. On a quality unit, the circuit board itself will be cased in silicone as a fail safe in the unlikely event of a leak the ‘brains’ of the unit are protected.

Winrow recently installed a Rinnai HD1500 continuous flow water heater in a large building housing suites of offices to provide hot water to all floors. “It is far more efficient than a traditional system,” he says. “It knows exactly how much gas to use to heat the water due to its multi solenoid burner, so it saves fuel and money. With other water heaters they are either full on or off. The result is that 12 months after installation the owner of the building has seen heating and water bills drop from £4500 to just £1500.

“I use them all the time simply because they are cost effective for customers, reliable in use, simple to handle and I know for any installation I only ever need one tool and that is a Phillips screwdriver.”

Installers should choose a unit from a proven manufacturer that has the confidence to offer a three- to five-year parts and labour guarantee on its goods rather than two years. *

info@rinnaiuk.com 531 870

( 01928

036

* New Building Regs proposals suggest that non-condensing gas water heaters cannot be employed from October 2013 in new build projects and industry experts are predicting this will extend to refurbishment and replacement.

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ACT NOW Auto-enrolment has begun! The new law requires employers to automatically enrol eligible jobholders into a qualifying pension scheme and make an employer contribution towards it. To meet employer duties at your staging date you should act now!

Welplan Pensions is a bespoke and flexible pension solution for all employers, covering clerical staff and operatives, that provides a simple administration system and fulfils employers’ automatic enrolment and re-enrolment obligations.

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43

HVAC

Evinox named main distributor of Fontecal Corolla boilers Evinox has been appointed official UK distributor for the Fontecal Corolla range of commercial boilers. The Corolla range has been available in the UK since around 2004 and the new arrangement with Evinox assures continuing availability of both boilers and spare parts for existing and new customers.

The Evinox Corolla series of wall hung, condensing, pre-mix boilers consists of four models – 381, 382, 501 and 502.

These boilers feature either one or two heat exchanger modules within a single casing, with boiler outputs of 38, 50, 76 and 100kW to provide closer load matching.

The Corolla has an innovative bi-metallic heat exchanger with large waterways, constructed from copper internally on the waterside and stainless steel externally on the flue side. The high efficiency design results in low flue gas temperatures, meaning a simple fit 60mm diameter Polypropylene flue system can be used.

With efficiency figures as high as 108.7% nett at (30%) part load, and European

Class 5 NOx emission levels as low as 28 mg/kWh, the Corolla has excellent environmental benefits, and far exceeds current requirements for Part L Building Regulations.

To simplify installation and maintenance, optional hydraulic connection kits, polypropylene flue headers and low loss header kits are available. Sophisticated controls, based on the master and slave principle, enable the Corolla to manage multiple heating zones and up to 60 boiler modules in cascade.

Evinox specialises in the supply and maintenance of heating and hot water systems for commercial and residential buildings, and offers comprehensive, integrated H&V solutions.

*

info@evinox.co.uk 722277

( 01372

040

Passivent launches innovation in continuous ventilation Passivent’s iMEV (intelligent Mechanical Extract Ventilation) uses the established concept of continuous mechanical extraction, but takes it into the 21st century through employment of latest technology. A combination of humidity sensitive extracts and choice of control levels ensures that the system constantly delivers appropriate, adequate ventilation. Further, regardless of operation rate, the system delivers Best Practice requirements. A choice of extracts and three fan options enables precise tailoring to individual project requirements depending on ventilation and/ or occupant strategy and ducting installation preferences – iMEV, iMEV Local and iMEV Total. *

info@passivent.com

( 0161

905 5700

041

High performance ventilation Vectaire continues to develop low energy, high performance products reducing energy consumption and cost. The Heatrec Mini DC, with multiple choice trickle speed, provides low level, continuous ventilation in one to two bedroom apartments, hotel rooms or student accommodation, with up to 92% heat recovery.

The Elegance EL1003 is one of a range of stylishlydesigned, continuous running, three speed fans incorporating EC motors for economical efficiency.

The trickle speed is set – from a choice of two – at installation. In both fans the boost speed can be activated by the user or automatically. *

sales@vectaire.co.uk

44

( 01494

522333

Control water flow with Arrow Valves The Equi-Flow automatic shower flow limiter from Arrow Valves is designed to be fitted to a standard shower hose or fixed head, saving water and energy.The EquiFlow is effective on multiple occupancy buildings, where it is designed to balance the system thereby eliminating water starvation at peak times. When the limiter is fitted to showers on all floors of a building the shower maximum flow rate is the same throughout the building despite the varying demand and supply pressures.The Equi-Flow is chrome plated and available with four different flow rates offering 0.07, 0.1, 0.13 or 0.17 litres per second. *

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043

HVAC Pegler offers the perfect fit

Jaga launches slim-line radiator

Jaga has announced the launch of its all-new Briza climate unit – which provides powerful heating, cooling and refreshing ventilation all from a stylish slim-line radiator. Powered by Low-H2O dynamic technology, the Briza is suitable for use with boilers in LPHW systems or with heat pumps in low-temperature, renewable heating systems. It is also designed to operate in both two-pipe and 4-pipe set-ups and can be integrated with home automation and building management systems. Built with virtually silent tangential activators, the Briza is whisper-quiet in use, operating at a sound level as low as 22.3db(A). *

(

jaga@jaga.co.uk 01531 631533

044

Pegler Yorkshire has raised the bar in the copper press fitting market by achieving the first BSI Kitemark for copper press fit. Received for its XPress Copper water and gas press fitting ranges in sizes 15-28mm, the BS 8537:2010 certification assures plumbing and heating professionals of the quality and value of this product range. Pegler Yorkshire’s certification also assures that the press fittings are approved for use with copper tubes which meet requirements of BS EN 1057.The range will now boast the esteemed Kitemark which demonstrates regular independent batch testing and auditing to assure the integrity of the products. *

brochures@pegleryorkshire.co.uk

( 0844

045

243 4400

Titan launches new wireless range The TPZ-Net range of wireless environmental sensors, repeaters and co-ordinators is a new product range from Titan Products. Incorporating Zigbee wireless technology the range creates extremely stable, self-healing mesh networking capabilities.The range is designed to monitor;Temperature, CO2, Humidity, Light and Occupancy levels and transfer this information back to the Titan Products co-ordinator where the information can be transferred on to a BACnet network or to other Titan Products controllers or IO Devices.

When used in conjunction with Titan Products BACnet controllers the TPZ-Net range creates the opportunity of wirelessly sensing for Fan Coil, Natural Ventilation and other HVAC applications. *

admin@titanproducts.com

( 0161

046

406 6480

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45

Roofing, cladding & Insulation

The problems of cavity reveal addressed The thermal conductivity of an outside masonry skin is affected by temperature, density and importantly its moisture content.

When a material becomes wet, the conductivity of the material increases because water is a better conductor than air.

A dry brick might have a specific mass of 1600-1900 kg/m³ and thermal conductivity of 0.6-0.7 W/mK but the same brick when wet can have a thermal conductivity of 0.9

to 1.2 W/mK – an increase in conductivity approaching double. This can impact the intended or anticipated performance of the reveal – but there are ways of

bettering the arrangement.

A cavicloser that permits variable frame positions rather than just a fixed one can permit the frame to be positioned further back within the reveal within the permitted parameters. Doing so shortens the heat-loss path through the conductive exterior skin and lengthens it through the insulated cavicloser.

Instead of using an ordinary closer, a Continuity Cavicloser can additionally link with and provide continuity with the cavity insulation, blocking commonplace gaps that provide the heat-loss paths.

A Continuity Closer, available from Cavity Trays of Yeovil, can cost no more yet can raise the performance compared with a non-interfacing alternative.

Gaps between closer and cavity insulation contravene Approved Document L1A 5.9 that states the building fabric should be constructed so that there are no reasonably avoidable thermal bridges in the insulation layers caused by gaps and refers to those at the edges of elements such as around windows and doors. *

enquiries@cavitytrays.co.uk 474769

( 01935

048

RockPanel introduces non-combustible grade Designing modern facades with ROCKPANEL cladding boards is popular – and with the latest product innovation the safety of the ROCKPANEL product range will be further enhanced. ROCKPANEL introduces the new FS-Xtra grade, which complies with European fire classification level A2-s1, d0.

ROCKPANEL cladding boards – in either Durable, Xtreme or the new FS-Xtra finish – bring together the benefits of the materials stone and wood: as weather-resistant as stone, they can be easily processed on the building site with standard tools just like wood.They can be curved and shaped without special pre-conditioning and thanks to their evenly coloured surfaces, they can be processed irrespective of direction. *

info@rockpanel.co.uk

( 01656

863210

049

Partnership brings added cladding choice Aquarian Cladding has announced a partnership agreement with Michelmersh Brick, which will see Michelmersh being the sole UK provider of stock bricks for the Gebrik insulating brick cladding system. The partnership brings a number of stock brick finishes to the Gebrik range, all carefully selected for their superior quality, appearance and technical specification. The extensive choice of finishes now includes First Quality, Selected Dark and Danehill Yellow Facings from Michelmersh’s Freshfield Lane brickworks, and Hampshire Red, Sussex Red and Victorian Red handmade bricks from its Charnwood factory. *

info@aquariancladding.co.uk

46

( 0844

334 0077

050

Self-builders turn to Styrofoam

A retired couple from Northumberland who built a house of their own to be efficient to run, comfortable and carbon neutral have turned to Styrofoam-A extruded polystyrene insulation.

Styrofoam-A material Floormate 500A was specified thanks to its high compressive strength and moisture resistance. In addition, basement walls were also insulated with a Styrofoam-A product, chosen not just for its effective moisture resistance and good thermal performance but its design. Perimate DI-A was specified for the underground walls as it contains vertical drainage channels protected by a geo-textile fabric. *

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dbsuk@dow.com 020 3139 4190

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Roofing, Cladding & Insulation A complex of golden transparency

Aperam excellence for BREEAM school

04/2012 09:50 Page 1

Milton of Leys Primary School, Inverness is the latest school in the Highlands to feature Aperam UGITOP stainless steel roofing and cladding system.The design by Keppies Architects and EBBA Consultants, included 6,000m2 of stainless steel on facades and roofs. It achieved a BREEAM ‘Excellent’ rating at 74%. UGITOP was specified for its highly durable matt appearance that provides low reflectivity and is lightweight at less than 4kg/m².

Suited to diverse architectural styles it offers excellent corrosion resistance, high mechanical strength, low coefficient of expansion and is fully recyclable. *

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kevin.jones@aperam.com 01246 571660

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The new Deptford Lounge demonstrates a new typology of school and community building and gives a civic focus to the local community. Pollard Thomas Edwards architects’ scheme creates a highly innovative mix of co-located uses on a single site.

For the golden wrapping applied to the facades, rigid folded cassettes of Nordic Royal copper alloy provide sharp, clean joints between clearly defined panels which are set-out in a stretcher bond pattern, referencing historic timber hull construction in ship-building associated with Deptford. Different levels of perforation are used so that the transparency of the wrapping adds another dimension with the play of light. *

g.bell@aurubis.com

( 01875

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812144

Daylight oils the wheels One of the latest industrial applications of Kalwall translucent cladding is the new Translink facility in Belfast. Designed by White Ink Architects, the 125m long building is clad with Kalwall which floods the interior with diffused natural daylight.

Kalwall is the most highly insulating diffuse light transmitting cladding and skylighting system available. It is designed to transmit ‘museum-quality’ light, flooding an interior with natural diffused daylight without glare or the harsh contrasts of light and shade.

Running costs are reduced because of the superior insulation which reduces energy consumption together with less reliance on artificial lighting. *

mailbox@stoakes.co.uk

( 020

054

8660 7667

Cladding Mesh and Insect Mesh

• Sizes from 50mm wide x 45m long • Install behind timber and ventilated rainscreen cladding systems • Stop insects entering air space behind cladding • Allows natural ventilation • Mesh for screening by the metre or roll

01454 238288 www.flyscreen.com sales@flyscreen.com Online EnquiryEnq. 055 xxx

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Roofing, Cladding & Insulation

Xtratherm invests in new factory

Xtratherm, a leading manufacturer of high quality PIR and phenolic rigid board insulation, has invested in a new manufacturing facility in Belgium’s Walloon region. The new factory, which will be operational from next summer, will manufacture and distribute Xtratherm’s high performance rigid board insulation products and will create approximately 100 jobs as the new factory gathers momentum.

The initial phase of Xtratherm’s new investment will comprise production and warehousing facilities of approximately 15,000m2, with capacity for future expansion.

An established player in the UK and Ireland, Xtratherm’s sales in mainland Europe have grown significantly in recent years. Sales in Europe represented close to 25% of the company’s overall turnover in 2012.

Eoghan Hynes, Founder and Managing Director of Xtratherm comments:“Our new facility in Belgium is a significant milestone in Xtratherm’s development.

We have ambitious expansion plans for the coming years and key mainland European markets such as Benelux, Germany and France are central to these objectives.The new site in Belgium, close to the city of Charleroi, is ideally located with excellent access to key markets. In the future it will supply all of Xtratherm’s mainland European customers, who are currently supplied from

Green roof ready for golf course Gradient Flat Roofing has worked with Richmond Park Golf Course to create an eco-friendly roofing system.

Recticel’s Eurothane Silver foam board was the natural choice. Contracted by Garhigh Southern Ltd, the golf course requested a Kemper liquid applied roofing membrane and green roof. A closed cell rigid polyisocyanurate foam core faced on both sides with a multi-layer aluminium coated foil, Eurothane Silver has an exceptionally low thermal conductivity – measuring just 0.0023W/mK. Eurothane is also CFC and HCFC free, providing zero o-zone depletion, making it an ideal product for any green project. richard.milward@gradientuk.com ( 01902 791888 058 *

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our two state-of-the-art manufacturing plants in the UK and Ireland.

“We acknowledge the excellent support provided to date by both the Wallonia Government and State Agencies and look forward to developing these relationships in the years ahead,” says Eoghan.

During a visit to Xtratherm’s

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gemma.hynes@xtratherm.com

Headquarters in Navan, Ireland,Wallonia Foreign Trade and Economics Minister, JeanClaude Marcourt said:“A new investment in Wallonia is always excellent news.This one in particular will create quality jobs in our region, and along with other similar investments clearly gives a renewed impetus to the area.”

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Architectural awards now open for entries Entries are now invited for the 2013 European Copper in Architecture Awards 16 – a showcase for architects designing with copper and its alloys to promote their work to an international audience.The final deadline for receipt of entries is 31st May 2013.

This biennial awards programme continues to grow in stature, demonstrating exemplary and innovative uses of copper in contemporary design, and exposing to a wide audience the very best in European architectural projects. Entries must incorporate cladding, roofing, or other architectural elements of copper or copper alloys, but judging criteria will essentially be based around the overall architectural design of the project. *

info@copperalliance.org.uk

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School sharpens skills with Dow donation Young players at the Steve Beeks’ Soccer School will have the chance to put their endurance skills to the test after a donation of 25 specially-designed training footballs from STYROFOAM insulation manufacturer Dow Building Solutions.The footballs, known as One World Futbols, are made with Dow technology and are designed to be puncture-resistant, ultra-durable and require no pump or needle. “We’ve supported the Steve Beeks’ Soccer School in the past and are really impressed by the commitment of the youngsters as well as the unwavering support given to them by their coaches, parents and guardians,” explains Jayne Law of Dow Building Solutions. *

fklmail@dow.com

( 020

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Are you Designing a Warm Roof?

Introducing Brit-Spec….now with thermal values down to 0.1µ Brit-Spec…The professional’s quick and easy system for producing complete warm roof specification and associated information with “6 clicks” of your mouse. Saving you time and money within 30 seconds.

It’s as simple as...

CLICK 1 – Select the roof covering CLICK 2 – Select the thermal value to be achieved CLICK 3 – Select acoustic perforation CLICK 4 – Select span value CLICK 5 – Select span type CLICK 6 – Display products

Technical Drawings in CAD & PDF Format NBS Specifications Thermal Calculations Technical Information Sheets SCI Load Span Tables Case Studies Project Specific Folders Easy distribution to the entire Design Team

✓ Done ✓ Done ✓ Done ✓ Done ✓ Done ✓ Done ✓ Done ✓ Done

Lightening the Load

The Brit-Spec system has been designed to provide a wealth of information within 30 seconds.

All information can then be imported to project specific folders for your leisure and distribution to the entire design team.

For more information on our total roofing solution please contact our sales and technical team on: Telephone: 01295 250998 | Fax: 01295 271068 | Email: sales@britmet.co.uk | Web: www.britmet.co.uk

Britmet Tileform Ltd. Spital Farm Offices, Thorpe Mead, Banbury, Oxfordshire, OX16 4RZ

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Floors, Walls & Ceilings

Forbo extends Nuway entrance solutions Forbo has introduced a new range of Nuway rigid entrance mats, designed to deliver high performance and longevity in heavy traffic areas whilst offering maximum scope for colour co-ordination.

Alongside its Nuway Tuftiguard doublesided reversible matting ranges, Forbo now offers three single-sided, barrier mat designs – Nuway Grid, Connect and Cable. Specifiers can now find a Nuway entrance flooring solution to meet every

Uzin prepares acclaimed project Uzin product systems were used to install the floor at the University of the Arts at Kings Cross, London, which won the 2012 Contract Flooring Journal (CFJ) Award for Project of the Year. Loughton Contracts choose to use Uzin products for the project including the subfloor preparation and installation of end grain oak blocks over 2500m2.This involved fitting and incorporating expansion joints of over 1.4 million individual blocks which were then sanded and oiled on completion.

The development was completed in September 2011 and the new floor was exceptionally well finished.The striking project has since received many accolades. *

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info@uzin.co.uk 01788 530080

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budget and technical specification and can colour co-ordinate this essential first line of defence against footborne soil and moisture into the overall floor scheme.

Nuway Connect is a versatile rigid entrance system supplied in a ‘closed’ or

‘open’ construction in 10, 17 and 22mm heights, with carrier strips in a low lustre anodised aluminum finish. The range of inserts includes rubber, bristle and Coral Classic textile strips in six colours. The ‘open’ version rolls up, making it easier to clean the matwell.

Tough and economical Nuway Grid, in 12mm and 17mm heights, is ideal for high traffic entrances where aesthetic considerations are paramount. Low lustre anodised aluminium carrier sections interlock for durability creating a closed system. Infill strips are joined together by rubber double connecting strips on the underside, dampening sound and vibration. The infill materials available include textile strips in 13 colourways from the Coral Classic, Brush Activ and Burford ranges, with others available to special order. Rubber inlays are offered for external use.

Completing the new range is Nuway Cable, a continental style matting system with ‘roll up’ functionality and a choice of inserts including rubber, three-row bristle or Coral Classic in five colours. *

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info.flooring.uk@forbo.com 0844 822 3928

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Knauf AMF joins the National BIM Library Knauf AMF has become the first suspended ceilings manufacturer to have a range of products listed in the new NBS National BIM Library, which went live in January. The new library is a free online resource that enables construction professionals to locate and download generic and proprietary BIM objects. Knauf AMF now has 10 products listed as BIM objects, including standard ranges such as Thermatex Fine Stratos and Thermatex Acoustic, alongside more specialist offerings like Thermatex Aquatec (suitable for areas with high humidity) and new Heradesign Superfine with its exquisite surface structure, high impact resistance and outstanding sound absorption. *

sales@amfceilings.co.uk

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8892 3216

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Mapei’s ultra finish Mapei has extended its range of hard wearing and highly decorative Ultratop flooring systems. Ultratop is a fast setting, self-levelling mortar which can be tailored to either a polished or non-polished finish making it the ideal flooring solution for a range of environments.

Offering strength and versatility, the cementitious surfaces are durable whilst providing a seamless, impermeable finish. Mapei has also launched new Ultratop Industrial. Created for internal use within civil and industrial buildings, Ultratop Industrial is a high quality and technologically advanced product for levelling and smoothing new or existing concrete and screed substrates. *

info@mapei.co.uk

( 0121

508 6970

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Floors, Walls & Ceilings Kerakoll applies expertise to John Lewis refurb Kerakoll products were chosen for the screeding, laying vinyl and tiling in the redevelopment of John Lewis’ Exeter store. As the 1960s building posed lots of design issues for Glenn Howells, the architect, Kerakoll provided the firm with technical advice for the design of thin bonded screeds throughout the 11,000m2 building. Keratech Eco self-levelling compound was used in 7000m2 and Keracem Eco hydraulic screed binder in 4000m2.

The tiles were laid using H40 Eco Flotex, a pourable thick-bed adhesive and the vinyl using Slc Eco 45/3, a solvent free single-part adhesive.

Secure fixing onto substrates N&C Nicobond has launched Nicobond D-Mat 3L, a revolutionary decoupling mat and anti fracture membrane for the secure fixing of tiles and natural stone onto problematic substrates. Tiling to cracked floors or green screeds can cause damage, resulting in costly tile installations to fail. The use of Nicobond D-Mat 3L prevents the transfer of stresses between the substrate and the tiled surface as it separates the floorcovering from the substrate acting as an uncoupling membrane to neutralise the deformation or cracks in the substrate. Through thorough testing, Nicobond D-Mat 3L is waterproof, load bearing and equalises vapour pressure with impressive adhesion performance. *

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info@nichollsandclarke.com 0845 605 1345

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info@kerakoll.co.uk

( 01527

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578000

Interface forms innovative partnership Global carpet tile manufacturer Interface and conservation charity the Zoological Society of London (ZSL) are celebrating the successful completion of a pilot project and the start of a commercial venture with both conservation and socioeconomic benefits. The innovative collaboration, called NetWorks, has been created to tackle the growing environmental problem of discarded fishing nets in some of the world’s poorest coastal communities. By establishing a community-based supply chain for discarded nets, Net-Works aims to improve the livelihood of local fishers, while providing Interface with an innovative source of recycled materials for its carpet tiles.

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interface.uk@interfaceflor.eu

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690690

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Silence on the water The new head office and showroom of Hummel’s Collections, a Danish sportswear manufacturer, now utilises Troldtekt acoustic panels thanks to their high sound absorption, high durability, natural breathability, low cost life cycle performance and sustainability.The project involved converting the existing industrial hall which covers an area of 4000m2 and has ceilings up to 8m high in the biggest rooms. Here, it was important to address several acoustic issues to improve the working environment.These included noise pollution from the showroom, the hard surface of the entirely glazed eastern end and finding the most effective wall and ceiling solutions. *

am.carroll@skanda-uk.com

( 0844

8114877

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Yeoman Shield launches new website Yeoman Shield, specialist in wall and door protection products, has launched a brand new website – www.yeomanshield.com – which is designed to provide its growing customer base a wide range of products, case studies and technical details.Yeoman Shield Sales Director, Stuart Russell says: “Our ‘next generation’ website has been specifically designed to enable visitors to easily access all the relevant information they require and also download literature or request a hard copy of our brochure.” As well as the new website, customers can also keep in touch with Yeoman Shield via Twitter and Facebook. *

sallyann@yeomanshield.com

( 0113

279 5854

Longstanding concrete renovation With years of carbonation and chloride attack, the steel reinforcement of the concrete Mountblow flyover in Clydebank was beginning to suffer from corrosion causing the concrete to crack and spall.

Recent concrete repairs were conducted using cementitious polymer modified Sika Monotop 610/615. First a layer of Sika Monotop 610 is applied which inhibits corrosion and improves the lifespan of steel reinforcements. It also acts as a bonding bridge for Sika Monotop 615 high build repair and re-profiling mortar.The entire reinforced concrete sections of the bridge were then covered by a spray applied coat of Sika Ferrogard 903. *

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flooring@uk.sika.com 01707 363866

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Floors, Walls & Ceilings Recycle and refurbish with Rockfon When South Tyneside Council decided to refurbish South Shields Town Hall, they turned to Rockfon to help meet their sustainability targets.

Initially, a 350m2 area was refurbished to create a new occupational health centre and IT suite. Gary Morgan, Architect for South Tyneside Council comments: “Through Rockfon’s upcycling service, we were able to arrange for all the existing wet felt ceiling tiles to be removed, packaged and sent to the Rockwool factory in Wales for recycling. We then chose new Rockfon Koral ceilings to meet our high performance and aesthetic requirements for the refurbishment.” *

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info@rockfon.co.uk ( 0800 389 0314

A book to reach new heights A showcase of ceiling quality and innovation, plus everything an architect or interior designer needs to specify a greener ceiling, is contained in Armstrong’s A Book for 2013.

The brochure, which features a variety of striking UK and Europe-wide new-build and renovation case studies, is designed for Armstrong’s customers who have trusted its products and services over the past 150 years.The A Book features Armstrong’s peerless portfolio of products, manufactured from materials including mineral, metal, wood and resin, as used on projects in the office, retail and leisure, transport, education and healthcare sectors. Armstrong’s 2013 A Book is available online. *

sales-support@armstrong.com

( 0800

Armstrong gets tactile with textiles

Interior solutions provider Armstrong Ceilings has launched of a range of striking fabric canopies.

Lightweight and versatile, the range comprises four frameless (Y) shapes, where the canopy membrane is tensioned by clear tensile cables from elected points on the soffit or walls, and a three-dimensional diamond which is braced (X) on a light metal frame which can be suspended in a number of different ways.The highly elastic translucent fabric is available in seven standard colours, allowing architects and interior designers to play unconventionally with sleek and sculptural, sail-like forms and natural and artificial lighting effects in new-build and refurbishment projects alike.

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sales-support@armstrong.com 0800 371 849 076

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Unique handcrafted glass tiles Solus Ceramics introduces the new Glassheart range, a luxurious and elegant glass tile that can be applied to both walls and floors.The tiles are individually hand-crafted by master glassmakers and feature a transparent glass cast with a vibrant colour transplanted beneath.The tiles have a smooth but rustic texture and offer a unique finish that is sure to inspire and delight.The range comes in a number of shapes including hexagons and squares, and more unusual rounded shapes and arched pieces. Many different sized pieces are available including two hexagon options of 130 x 150mm or 260 x 292mm. *

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info@solusceramics.com 0121 753 0777

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Dulux Trade announces UK’s Most Trusted Contractor Painter Kevin Forrester, a foreman at Wellings Decorators, based in Merseyside, has been named the Dulux Trade Most Trusted Contractor Painter. Kevin wowed the judges and won the small-medium category before going on to be chosen for the overall title. Commenting on the judging process, Hugh Williams,Technical Manager at the British Coatings Federation, says:“Kevin stood out for a number of reasons, including the pride he takes in his work, his knowledge of the industry and his commitment to keeping himself and his team up-to-date with new techniques and finishes, which all help him provide the best possible service to his clients.” *

duluxtraderesponse@tangerinepr.com

( 08444

817 818

077

Faster replastering with Dryzone The new Dryzone System from Safeguard Europe offers a faster way to replaster after treating rising damp in just 24 hours.The Dryzone System permits ordinary plasterboard to be fixed directly to damp and salt contaminated walls, by using Dryshield cream and Drygrip adhesive.

The Dryzone System is breathable and as effective as a sand:cement render. It also allows the use of cementbased plasters to be avoided when treating rising damp on heritage projects. For more information contact Safeguard Europe or visit www.safeguardeurope.com.A new RIBA-approved CPD seminar on Rising Damp: Causes and Treatment is also available free-of-charge to specifiers and surveyors. *

info@safeguardeurope.com

( 01403

210204

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Online Enquiry 079

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Kitchens, Bedrooms & Bathrooms Mereway Bathrooms makes a style statement Mereway Bathrooms offers a collection of iconic modular pieces and highly practical ‘fitted runs’ of cabinets that offer designers scope to create a functional bathroom with real style. Mereway Bathrooms’ Vogue collection offers fresh, vivacious finishes that capture the eye and shake things up in the bathroom. As more interesting shapes continue to emerge, the collection of Lustre cultured marble worktops also add a real individuality to a bathroom. Available in 14 luxurious finishes with integral moulded basins and tops for fitted runs or vanity stations these new surfaces can be specifically cast to order for a streamlined and elegant look. *

info@merewaybathrooms.co.uk ( 0121 706 5750

Sound choices from Marmox

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Luxury London hotel installs Hansgrohe bathrooms

Opened in November 2012, the InterContinental London Westminster Hotel is the first InterContinental to open in London for over 36 years. Following a £150m investment by Shiraz Boghani and family of Supreme Hotels, the elegant interior of the hotel sits behind a 19th century townhouse exterior to provide sanctuary for business and leisure guests alike in the heart of Westminster.

256 guest rooms are spread across six floors and include 45 individually decorated suites with separate lounge and bedroom. All rooms feature well-appointed marble bathrooms with walk-in shower and separate bath. Showers and bathroom fittings are from internationally-renowned, German specialist Hansgrohe.

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enquiries@hansgrohe.co.uk

( 01372

465655

Expert in insulation – waterproofing, sound minimising, thermal insulation and fireproofing – Marmox will show a wide and diverse array of products at Ecobuild from stand N1210, including several recent additions to its range.

Especially featured will be the lightweight Multiboard range that is equally suited to wetroom applications and for sound insulation elsewhere in the home.

Additionally, specialised insulation products will be demonstrated such as Showerlay panels ideal for creating sloping floors in wetrooms ready for tiling, Thermal Bridging Blocks for areas where load-bearing insulated walling is required, Bath Panel Kits and many others. *

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sales@marmox.co.uk 01634 835290

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A new approach to accessibility

A corner sanctuary from Matki Matki unveils the impressive yet minimalistic elegance of the EauZone Plus Hinged Door for Corner.Yet another stunning addition to the EauZone Plus Collection.With minimal framing and 10mm solid safety glass, EauZone Plus enclosures are the epitome of luxury showering.This door is no different, the chrome plated, solid brass hinges work cleverly to support the high quality glass panels for a flawless closure time and again.

Available in a number of standard sizes and bespoke to suit customers’ individual requirements.This corner enclosure can be fitted onto a shower tray, shower floor or directly onto a waterproof tiled floor. *

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eauzonebespoke@matki.co.uk 01454 322 888 086

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Specification of accessible toilets, bathrooms and washrooms is now simpler and quicker than ever, through changes at Total Hygiene. The provider of disabled toileting solutions has completely re-worked its website, www. clos-o-mat.com, to optimise accessibility. Further, it has generated pages on the key social media. Robin Tuffley, Total Hygiene Marketing Manager comments: “Our ethos is about innovation, so it is appropriate our internet presence reflects the modern world, and delivers the information people want, in a format that is as easy as possible to access. Equally, using social media enables us to instantly communicate items of interest, reinforcing our position as a leader.” *

info@clos-o-mat.com

( 0161

087

969 1199

Roman incorporates 20-20 vision UK shower manufacturer and designer, Roman Limited has joined 20-20 Technologies, which will see its entire range of shower enclosures, bath screens and related products being listed on the design service’s software, Fusion. 20-20 Fusion is becoming one of the leading names in bathroom planning and many of Roman’s key retail partners already use it to create virtual bathroom designs. All of Roman’s ranges are now available on the software, from its Sculptures range, through to its high-quality, affordable Haven range. Roman’s wide range of Shower Valve options and high quality Accessories are also available through the software. *

brochures@roman-showers.com

( 0845

050 7611

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Get qualified and get recognised!

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

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

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

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

If you apply to join quoting FCA13, the ÂŁ60 application fee will be waived and you will only be required to pay the relevant Âź year subscription.

This offer is only valid until 15 March 2013 and is subject to the necessary membership registration approvals. The reduced payment only lasts until 30 April 2013; thereafter you would be required to pay the relevant subscription for your membership category and status.

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

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

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

For a faster response visit www.fca-magazine.com or use the free reader enquiry cardEnquiry 55 089 Online

Doors, Windows & Balustrades Delta excels in quality and commitment For almost 30 years, Delta Balustrades has been designing, manufacturing and installing high quality bespoke balustrades and handrail systems, and has supplied thousands of projects across the UK.What makes Delta Balustrades truly different is that its success lies not just in the quality of the systems, but also in its commitment to service throughout the whole design, manufacture and installation journey.

With particular concern for the compliance and safety in the balustrade market since 1984, Delta Balustrades has the experience and expertise to be able to advise the most effective and safe solutions to every requirement. *

info@deltabalustrades.com

( 01270

090

753383

New fly screen system allows panoramic views The Flyscreen Company’s Sliding Fly Screen System for panoramic doors and windows brings the garden into the home without the flying insects. Individual sliding panes can be made up to 2m wide and 2.5m high without the need for mid-rails, allowing uninterrupted panoramic views. Frames can be custom painted to match door and window frames, whilst strong PVC coated fibreglass mesh keeps flying insects out and allows light in. Opening and closing the panes is easy with high quality rollers and ball bearings, ensuring the screens glide effortlessly. Screens are custom made to precise measurements ensuring they create a perfect seal. *

sales@flyscreen.com

( 01454

091

238288

Perfect balustrades using CABS Sapphire Balustrades has launched CABS – Computer Aided Balustrade Specifier – to guide customers sequentially through various decisions to specify the style and structure of the chosen balustrade and handrail systems. After five clear stages, CABS lets users generate and print out a balustrade specification report which summarises some of the relevant regulation requirements including handrail, baluster, infill and fixing method, complete with NBS paragraphs and basic 3D CAD drawings. With such a clear specification it’s then easier and quicker to prepare the final package, request a quotation or receive further design advice from Sapphire. Simply log on to www.balustradespecifier.com *

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sales@sapphirebalustrades.com 0844 88 00 553 092

Kawneer does the Duration Windows opens grand centre Windows believes that it is important to ‘try before you buy’ which is why the business at Brunel Duration company has created its Grand Design Exhibition Centre.The brand new centre is fully

The entire range of architectural aluminium systems from Kawneer feature on the new £32m flagship entrance to Brunel University.The supplier’s AA100 curtain walling was used as a mulliondrained picture-frame system at either end of the atrium and the main entrance as well as the stair cores, while the same system, but capped, was used as rooflights either side of the top of the atrium.The curtain walling was complemented by AA541 top-hung casement windows, and series 190 heavy-duty and 350 severeduty commercial entrance doors and AA605 low/medium-duty swing doors. *

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kuk.kawneer@alcoa.com 01928 502500

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equipped with an extensive range of aluminium products and is over three times the size of Duration’s previous premises. Bi-folding doors and two roof lanterns have been installed into a life size orangery style construction to show customers what can be achieved for custom projects.The new showroom is open seven days a week. Book an appointment now to utilise a personal service and an extra 5% discount. *

sales@duration.co.uk

( 01268

695100

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Commercial letterplates from Cooke Brothers Master hinge maker Cooke Brothers has introduced two popular sizes of stainless steel commercial letterplates and inner tidy plates into the company’s growing portfolio of hardware products. Utilising Laser Punch Press technology, the new letterplates are available in two standard sizes 300 x 100mm and 400 x 125mm, whilst special sizes and unique designs can be produced to suit individual requirements. Manufactured from grade 304 stainless steel, with the option of grade 316, the letterplate specification includes a satin polished finish, concealed bolt through fixing, stainless steel springs, and matching stainless steel inner tidy. *

sales@cookebrothers.co.uk

( 01922

740011

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Roofing, Cladding & Insulation

High Quality Balustrade Systems with an Excellent Finish!

Balustrade Suppliers With A National Reputation.

Site Surveys & CAD Drawings available.

A Range of Balustrade systems, components and Handrails to choose from!

Our frameless glass and channel tube systems are especially popular as they provide an extremely stylish look which helps to open up the space considerably if installed indoors, and allows light and views to be uninterrupted outdoors.

Our glass balustrade systems, including those with steel handrails, can be installed either inside the home or office, or outdoors as patio or balcony balustrades. Easy to maintain, glass is the perfect material as it is both robust and stylish, serving both a practical purpose as well as helping to complement and lift the existing decor and architecture.

Stainless Steel Balustrade Suppliers For Those On A Budget!

From our professional glass balustrades to our wire rope infill solutions we have a range of handrail and balustrade designs to suit every budget. When only the very best will do we can deliver outstanding designs which will offer exceptional style and appearance. Our more economical balustrade solutions still deliver quality and don't compromise on design, even though they may be a more affordable option for those with a tighter budget.

sales@stainlesshandrailsystems.co.uk www.stainlesshandrailsystems.co.uk Online Enquiry 096

SPECIALIST ARCHITECTURAL HARDWARE SUPPLIERS TO THE DOOR OPENINGS INDUSTRY

FINGER PROTECTION

Unit 2 Forth Industrial Estate, Sealcarr Street, Granton, Edinburgh, EH5 1RF tel.0131 551 2931 fax.0131 551 2932 freephone.0800 316 6031 mail@slimliteglass.co.uk www.slimliteglass.co.uk

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ACOUSTIC SEALS

VISION FRAMES

PORTHOLES

DOOR STAYS

LOUVRES & MESH

FLUSH BOLTS

AT ZERO WE CAN CATER FOR ALL YOUR DOOR HARDWARE REQUIREMENTS; IN FACT WE SUPPLY EVERYTHING EXCEPT THE DOOR! INCLUDING AMONGST OTHERS; ZERO DOOR SEALS, ANEMOSTAT VISION FRAMES, SLIMPORT PORT HOLES, FBLS FIRE RATED LOUVRES, FINPROTECT FINGER PROTECTION, FRICTION STAYS, FLUSH BOLTS AND MANY OTHER ITEMS OF DOOR HARDWARE. PLEASE CONTACT US FOR A COPY OF OUR 204 PAGE PRODUCT CATALOGUE. Zero Seal Systems Ltd Units 43-45 Ladford Covert, Seighford, Stafford ST18 9QG United Kingdom Tel: +44 (0)1785 282910 E-mail: sales@zeroplus.co.uk

WWW.ZEROPLUS.CO.UK

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29/06/2012 12:33

Doors, Windows & Timber

WoodEx – the engineered answer Timber importer and distributor James Latham, is seeing soaring sales of its engineered hardwood and softwood, WoodEx as the versatile timber product is specified in more and more joinery projects.

WoodEx, which is made from laminated Oak, Sapele and European Redwood offers numerous features and benefits. It has two high quality, clear faces for use in joinery applications and is ideally suitable for use in timber doors and windows as the product offers greater dimensional stability.

In addition, WoodEx is made from finger jointed lamells which are glued together, and Lathams can supply the product either as finger jointed or as one piece.

James Latham’s Group Product Sales & Development Manager for WoodEx,

Paul Leach, comments: “We introduced WoodEx to the market last year and have had a fantastic reaction from the joinery sector due to the options it offers.

“In line with growing demand, our stock now covers a wide range of sizes and species and provides a versatile addition to our already extensive timber range.”

WoodEx is available ex-stock in lengths of 0.8m to 3m, and in sizes ranging from 48mm x 95mm to 72mm x 120mm.

Special sizes and lengths are also available to order.

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marketing@lathams.co.uk 257 3415

( 0116

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Smart solution for Saïd school Oxford University’s Saïd Business School features a range of aluminium doors and windows from commercial systems specialist Smart Architectural Aluminium, designed, manufactured and installed by Avdon Bristol Limited. The project features the company’s Superglide patio doors and Visoline tilt & turn, casement windows, doors and frames, all supplied in a polyester powder coated grey finish to reflect the overall design scheme of the development. A striking feature of the external facade is an 8.2m run of Smart Visoglide sliding doors. The installation – in an unusual ‘zigzag’ formation – provides a feeling of light and space to the meeting and dining rooms. *

marketing@smartsystems.co.uk ( 01934 876100

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Solid core doors with keyless operation Rocal, the Lincolnshire-based manufacturer of solid core composite doors, has added the Yale Keyfree electronic door lock to its Endurance range.Endurance door leaves are produced from a laminated and engineered solid timber core. Rocal manufactures the complete door set including the unique door leaf and frame.

When looking for the best electronic locking solution to allow users to access their doors without the use of a key, Rocal turned to VBH (GB) for advice.The hardware specialist recommended Keyfree, which can be operated either remotely via a key fob transmitter or by entering a 4-12 digit PIN code. *

sales@vbhgb.com

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( 01652

659259

Videx 24V digital time clock now available The Videx 701T digital time clock that features BST/GMT automatic correction is now available in a 24 V version. This new feature allows the time clock to be installed without needing to also fit a 12V power supply. The Videx 701T digital time clock has a two-line, 16-character back lit LCD display, trade button input and six fully programmable on/off times. These can be set for a single day of the week, weekends, week days or all days. In trade mode, the relay will only energise when the trade button is pressed and then, only during an active time band. *

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marketing@videx-security.com 102 0870 300 1240

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Doors, Windows & Timber Tectus unveils application of winning hinges

Over 5000 Simonswerk award-winning Tectus hinges, model TE 528 3D satin stainless steel, were fitted throughout the 2012 London Olympic Village venue, primarily in corridor areas to ensure harmonised aesthetics for athletes by concealing all the electrical ducting and service piping behind jib door panels manufactured by Leaderflush Shapland.Tectus hinges are completely hidden from view and provide perfect door alignment and a flush fitting clean line design. Created for safety, with minimum pivot gaps to prevent finger injury, these maintenance free, 3D adjustable hinges were an ideal solution for this prestigious Olympic project planned by Architects Fletcher Priest. *

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sales@simonswerk.co.uk ( 01215222848

Tormax delivers sustainable access system Greenhills Real Estate has installed a third Tormax entrance system at the energy efficient business park in Watford, Croxley Green. Set in impressive glass facades, the 4-leaf manual revolving doors positively contribute to a greener environment by helping reduce heat loss from the buildings whilst the low-energy automatic swing doors to either side take full advantage of Tormax iMotion technology which is almost entirely manufactured using recyclable material. Contracted to design, manufacture and install the new entrance system to Building 8,Tormax worked with R&M Glazing to deliver a high quality solution that reflects the sustainable ambitions of the business park. *

sales@tormax.co.uk

( 01932

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238040

Levolux makes tracks in Calgary

Calgary has recently opened its new Light Rail Transit (LRT) route serving its southwest communities with 6 new stations, featuring energy efficient components including a Levolux Solar Shading solution. Levolux was invited to develop bespoke solutions for six buildings, comprising its Infiniti Fin System and Aerofoil Fins, formed from extruded aluminium components. In total, Levolux supplied 227 aerofoil-shaped Fins, applied against vertical, inclined and curved elevations.What’s more, the risk of cold bridging, interstitial condensation and noise transmission has been significantly reduced thanks to Levolux’s unique Triniti Bracket. *

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info@levolux.com 020 8863 9111

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Laminated timber beams - the natural alternative to steel and concrete Moelven Laminated Timber Structures carry out the design and supply of laminated timber straight beams, curved beams, portal frames and structures, together with associated materials.

At our premises at Barton Farm we stock standard sized glulam beams and can manufacture bespoke metalwork fittings to suit your requirement.

®

e: info@urbanfront.co.uk

the new c-range, our doors, but more accessible

www.urbanfront.co.uk

t: 01494 778 787

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NEW CONTACT DETAILS Unit 1 Barton Farm Industrial Estate, Chickenhall Lane, EASTLEIGH, Hampshire, SO50 6RP

www.moelven.com moelvenlts@moelven.com telephone: 023 8061 6857 fax: 023 8061 1984

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22/01/2013 12:46:57

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Drainage & Landscaping

Original Grasscrete now offered in colour

includes granite, peat, earth brown and sand to match the local soil type.

By incorporating earth tones the hard surface of Grasscrete can be easily identified for trafficking while maintaining the appearance of natural landscape tones to a large grassed surface area With a proven 40-year track record for permeable paving solutions, the new Terratone options offer a sustainable and proven hard wearing surface now with landscape colour options.

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Grass Concrete has recently launched a new system called Terratone, available in a selection of colours that can harmonise the structural component of the concrete paving structure to the surrounding landscape.

A self draining grass reinforcement system, Grasscrete has proven permeable qualities for hard landscaping drives, car parks. Added colour options now replace grey concrete with a colour mix to fit the hard and soft landscaped area.

Specifying could not be simpler. Select

The trade association Interpave has published another of its ‘Master-Planning with Paving’ case studies looking at how precast concrete paving, including permeable pavements, defines the character of a major regeneration project in Edinburgh. Master-planning plays an essential role in a 15-year vision to breathe new life into the Wauchope Square part of Craigmillar, Edinburgh.

A language of surfacing materials was developed to delineate different areas such as parking bays without the need for road paint.The wide range of concrete block paving products available today proved invaluable to provide different textures and scales, using varying unit sizes, shapes and patterns. (

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info@paving.org.uk 0116 253 6161

Colour range includes: 1. Granite 2. Peat 3. Earth brown 4. Sand *

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info@grasscrete.com 01924 379443

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A sustainable solution for rainwater control

Regenerating with paving

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the type of Grasscrete required and colour preference – the Terratone colour choices can be bespoke from a pallet of colours.

Terratone introduces a through colour pigment to the cast in place concrete integrating with the landscaped area.

The contemporary colour range

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Rainline steel gutters and downpipes from Lindab offers a sustainable, high performance and cost effective solution for the control of rain drainage on all types of buildings. Manufactured from high quality, zinc coated galvanised steel, Rainline will not crack, fade, blister or peel, is highly resistant to corrosion and virtually maintenance free – all key performance factors for it increasingly being specified in preference to plastic, zinc, cast iron or aluminium systems. Available in 10 stylish high build polyester colours – the finish of which is guaranteed for 15 years including the increasingly popular Silver Metallic – Rainline is also available in a natural copper finish and Aluzinc. *

buildingproducts.sales@lindab.co.uk

( 0121

585 2780

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High efficiency small circulating pumps Pump specialist Wilo UK has a full range of high-efficiency glandless pumps ready to respond to the requirements of the new ErP Directive from Europe. Installers, architects and specifers that use Wilo pumps will not need to bother with the details of the new regulations – the WiloYonos PICO and Wilo-Stratos PICO series for domestic properties and the Wilo-Stratos series for larger properties are already labelled ‘ErP-ready’. These pumps provide what specifiers and installers need from 1st January 2013 as these high-efficiency pumps already meet all the future requirements of the new EU regulation. *

sales@wilo.co.uk

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( 01283

523000

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Drainage & Landscaping Restoration success with Yeoman Rainguard

Kingspan offers environmental intelligence Kingspan Environmental, a leader in the design and manufacture of sustainable solutions for high performance buildings, will be showcasing at Ecobuild its state-ofthe-art technologies and highlighting their ease of installation through the hugely popular live demonstrations in the Practical Installer area. Also on stand N2120 will be its environmental and renewable product portfolio.Those seeking to expand on their professional knowledge will be able to sign up for one of Kingspan Environmentals’s four RIBA- and CIBSE-accredited CPD seminars across off-mains drainage site assessment, rainwater harvesting, solar thermal and air source heat pumps. *

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ourworld@kingspan.com 028 3836 4400

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Yeoman Rainguard, a market leader in rainwater systems was brought in to help bring a derelict property back to its former glory.Yeoman Rainguard 125 x 100 MOG Aluminium XL Gutters and 100 x 75 XL and 75 x 75 XL pipes (which matched the originals) in black were supplied for the house and also for a lodge and refurbished garage located in the grounds.

Anita Mitchell explains: “There were also some decorative ear bands with a flower motif on the original fall pipes, which at one time had been an attractive external feature and we were keen to replicate, which Yeoman Rainguard did successfully and we were pleased with the end result.” *

sallyann@rainguard.co.uk

( 0113

113

279 5854

Leased Living Hoardings from Mobilane

Mobilane’s Living Hoardings have been installed at Ponders End in Enfield as regeneration work takes place following the riots of August 2011. This is the first time that the company’s pre-grown ivy Living Hoardings have been supplied as part of a leased arrangement. The council has leased the Living Hoardings for three years, from Mobilane installers Treebox, to help create an aesthetically pleasing, yet secure solution for enclosing the site, whilst demolition and building work is completed. Planting the 70m2 hoarding has the same impact on reducing pollutants as three full-sized city trees but takes up a fraction of the space. *

sales@mobilane.co.uk

( 07711

895261

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Building Elements

The cables were anchored to the structural columns and then tensioned to provide the required impact resistance

Berry Systems protects British exports

The Port of Southampton is one of the UK’s largest vehicle handling ports, with over 650,000 automotive vehicles passing through the port in 2012. The large majority of these vehicles were UK manufactured cars shipped for export. To accommodate this traffic efficiently Associated British Ports, Britain’s leading port operator, has developed over 80 hectares of dedicated vehicle storage and distribution compounds.

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height (minimum 1100mm) and complete the barrier by providing personnel protection. All wires were coated in bright yellow plastic for high visibility.

Ultimate protection

The cables were anchored to the structural columns and then tensioned to provide the required impact resistance while still retaining flexibility to minimise any impact damage.This creates an ideal environment for the many high value cars in transit through the port, including BMW Minis, Landrovers, Range Rovers and Jaguars. It avoids the cost and disruption of the potential damage that would be caused by minor impacts with a solid perimeter wall.The wire rope system also has no footprint on the parking deck and so maximises the storage space available.

Further protection was provided by fixing Berry Corner Fenders to the exposed edges of all the steel columns.

These EPDM synthetic rubber fenders also have high visibility yellow strips on each side to give a visual hazard warning

regardless of the direction of approach.

Berry Systems MD Ian Darlington says: “As well as offering a wide range of standard systems, the extensive experience we have in this market enables us to adapt and develop those systems to meet specific customer requirements and circumstances while maintaining performance integrity and meeting relevant standards.”

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he facilities include four multideck vehicle terminals, the most recent of which was constructed

by Morgan Sindall. For all of the multi-decks, the choice of perimeter protection is a crucial one and in this instance Morgan Sindall selected the wire rope solution from Berry Systems. This deck is a steel framed construction with concrete slab decks and is the second deck at Southampton to have been fitted with Berry Systems’ barriers. The standard Berry Brisafe system consists of three tensioned wire ropes running through a mesh panel that provides an integrated anti-climb feature and pedestrian handrail.

However, the particular usage at Southampton meant that the anti-climb mesh and handrail was not required as there is no public or general pedestrian access. So a combination of five and six wire systems was developed, employing four low level wires at a typical vehicle impact height and to cater for the varying range of vehicle sizes encountered. The higher, fifth and sixth wires are at handrail

The wire rope system has no footprint on the parking deck and so maximises the storage space available

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sales@berrysystems.co.uk 01902 491100

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Building Elements

X-Lam Alliance launches new website in response to growth Following a record number of contract wins resulting in impressive growth and business expansion, the X-Lam Alliance has launched a new website to showcase innovative projects, detailed case studies and a functional map featuring completed and work in progress developments.

The X-Lam Alliance is an innovative partnership between B & K Structures and Binderholz – two experts in design, manufacture and construction coming together to deliver the finest solid timber buildings via fully integrated turnkey packages.

B & K Structures and Binderholz formed the X-LAM Alliance in 2011 bringing to the UK construction market a seamless and consistent way to supply Cross Laminated Timber (CLT). From concept to completion, the Alliance has all the essential knowledge on how

to create solid wood structures from design, engineering and sustainability optimisation to efficient manufacture and installation. Using timber from sustainable sources and offering PEFC and FSC Certified Chain of Custody, the X-Lam Alliance has pooled together a wealth of UK and European experience to deliver highly engineered and attractive timber solutions for its clients.

At the National Motor Cycle Museum, the X-Lam Alliance recently presented at the Solid Wood Solutions Conference

and Exhibition as key note speakers.

Helmut Spiehs and Nick Milestone shared their in-depth knowledge and experience on how the supply chain has responded to the increased demand for CLT technology.

Visit the new website – www. xlam-alliance.com – to find out more about the X-lam Alliance, the products and services they provide, together with information and case studies on innovative projects. *

info@xlam-alliance.com 857512

( 01773

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Memco helps businesses become more inclusive Memco, provider of lift safety and communication systems, is supporting an initiative designed to make Irish businesses more inclusive of people with disabilities.In partnership with Sharkey Lifting, Memco has supplied a free induction loop to Dublin City Library & Archive, the first participant of the Kanchi100 scheme to approach the two companies. Kanchi100 requires businesses to commit to making one change that will have a positive impact on people with disabilities, whether they are customers or employees. Memco and Sharkey Lifting are also offering 30% off lift induction loops to any customer that mentions Kanchi for the duration of the initiative until June 2013. *

sales@memco.co.uk

( 01628

540100

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Carea cladding transforms Hengrove Carea cladding has provided a stylish, robust and slate-like aesthetic to the external facade of the new £35m Hengrove Park Leisure Centre – part of a major regeneration programme to transform South Bristol into one of the most sought after areas in the South West.

Installed by specialist contractor MIB Facades, the facade features 11mm thick, 900 x 450mm Ardal cladding panels in a dark basalte finish. Arranged in a regular pattern across the entire ground floor, the cladding is used to create a strong base to the building’s exterior which combines to create a truly striking contemporary facade. *

carea@carealtd.co.uk

( 0121

222 2366

Performance at its peak for Portakabin

Leading modular building specialist, Portakabin, has released new performance figures which show that it has successfully delivered 99.7% of projects on time and on budget in the past year – and every year since 2003.This unprecedented performance is in sharp contrast to new construction industry statistics supported by the Department for Business, Innovation and Skills, which revealed project delays have hit a 10-year low.

David Shaw, Director of Portakabin, says: “Our building solutions combine all the advantages of modular building – shorter lead times, and reduced disruption, with the additional benefits of a robust steelframed construction, more choice, cost efficiency, flexibility and sustainability.” *

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information@portakabin.co.uk 120 0845 401 0010

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Building Elements Saracen Interiors launches three new divisions

Portakabin unveils recent expansion

Portakabin, modular building specialist, has invested £3m in its largest and most sustainable hire and visitor’s centre to date. The development at Isleport Business Park near Bridgwater in Somerset has doubled the size of its previous centre in the area and is part of the company’s continued expansion.

Robert Snook, Director and General Manager of Portakabin Hire, says: “The new hire centre will allow us to increase the availability of buildings from stock to customers in the South West, to offer the highest levels of service, and for visitors to see and experience the quality of our full range of buildings at first hand.” *

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information@portakabin.co.uk 0845 401 0010

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Saracen Interiors, a leading office interiors specialist, has launched three new divisions – Saracen Facilities, Saracen Small Works and Saracen Move Management. Saracen Facilities is being launched as part of the company’s bid to position Saracen as a facilities management provider to a wider audience. Joint Managing Director of Saracen Interiors, Michael Page comments: “Our new Small Works division makes the statement that we are not prepared to compromise on the smaller jobs.” Michael also acknowledges that the launch of Saracen Move Management is in direct response to the increased revenue gained from office churn by the company in the past 12 months. *

enquiries@saraceninteriors.com

( 0870

743 0920

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Maple shading specified for a safer swim High performance solar shading from Maple Sunscreening is improving safety for swimmers at the new £11m Rochdale Leisure Centre. External aluminium louvres from Maple’s Aurora Panel system were installed to the facade of Rochdale’s pool hall to eliminate glare and ‘mirror-like’ specular reflection on the surface of the water. Sunscreening systems have become part of the safety specification for many public pools in recent years, particularly those with large glazed facades.

Improved visibility through the water is a key benefit, ensuring that lifeguarding staff have a clear view at all times and can react quickly to any swimmer needing assistance. *

jay@maplesunscreening.co.uk

( 0845

384 5000

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First application of Yorkon’s new off-site system Off-site construction specialist,Yorkon, has just craned the final modules into position on site at Cambourne Village College as part of a major project with Kier Construction. The scheme is also the first application of the revolutionary new Yorkon off-site building system.

The new Yorkon off-site building system has reduced the number of steel-framed modules to just 60, which were craned into position in only 14 days. Each 18m long module was installed with a concrete floor already in place, further reducing work on site and providing a robust finish for a demanding secondary school environment. *

contact@yorkon.co.uk ( 0845 2000 123

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Smart monitoring with STI STI introduces the new Wireless Alert Series, specially designed to protect and monitor all areas of your business from one convenient location. The STI device(s) emits a localised alarm and also transmits a triggering alert signal to the 8-Channel Receiver. The receiver provides a visual and optional audible indication every time there is unauthorised/authorised opening of a fire door or the removal of a fire extinguisher.

By combining the unique features of the Exit and Extinguisher Stopper fire doors and fire extinguishers will be monitored 24/7, improving the fire safety of buildings and their occupants. *

info@sti-europe.com

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( 0800

085 1678

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Award-winning MODAL application Technal’s new MODAL low rise glazing system has helped a school win a string of awards for design and architecture.

Forest Park School in Hampshire has won a top award at the Solent Design Awards which recognise the best designed buildings in Hampshire and the Isle of Wight.The school has also received a Civic Trust Award and an RIBA award which was presented for the project’s ‘high architectural quality and contribution to the local environment’. Sound attenuated louvres provide additional natural ventilation, and the GXi sliding patio door, which is fully integrated with MODAL, was also specified, together with Technal’s CD commercial door. *

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info@technal.co.uk 01924 232323

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Join the industry at Ecobuild this year and discover what the future holds.

ExCeL, London. Tuesday 05 – Thursday 07 March 2013 get your free ticket at www.ecobuild.co.uk

LEAD SPONSOR

LEAD SUPPORTERS

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Building Elements

Retrofit challenge

A range of Dulux Trade coatings has been used in an award-winning social housing retrofit project in Belfast, Northern Ireland. The retrofit, led by Eco-Energy (NI) Ltd, was completed as part of a UK Technology Strategy Board (TSB) initiative to develop a whole-house solution to reduce carbon emissions, and won the DECC/BRE UK Retro Expo award for Domestic Retrofit Project of the Year.

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s part of the Climate Change Act 2008, the UK is committed to reducing its CO2 emissions by 80% by 2050 and it is estimated that over 12,000 homes per week will need to undergo retrofit energy improvements in order to meet this target. With the challenge in mind, the TSB created a competition to develop a database of exemplar retrofit properties within the social housing sector.

Peter Keig, Director of Eco-Energy (NI) Ltd, explains: “For the competition, we looked to improve the environmental performance of a late 19th century solid wall, mid terrace house owned by Grove Housing Association in Belfast.

Our retrofit model used a combination of Passivhaus, Minergie and Active-House principles to ensure a holistic approach

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that tackled every element of the building fabric, including the decorative finishes.”

One of Ireland’s oldest decorating firms, William Stevenson and Sons, provided painting and decorating services for the retrofit which included the use of Dulux Trade Supermatt, and shades from the Light & Space colour range in Diamond Eggshell and Vinyl Matt formulations. Absolute White from the Dulux Light & Space colour range was chosen in particular for its light enhancing properties.

Peter continues: “Ample day light was a critical requirement for the Active-House standard, so we used a number of measures to maximise what naturally enters into the building. As well as installing roof windows and a sun tunnel, we chose to use Light & Space colours as they reflect much more light

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William Stevenson and Sons the provided painting and decorating services for the retrofit, which included a number of Dulux Trade products

than normal paints.”

The Light & Space colour range uses Lumitec technology to better reflect available natural and artificial light.Via a combination of optical brighteners and cleaner tinting recipes, the shades, on average, absorb 50% less light and save around 22% on lighting energy usage. The Light & Space colour range is available in a number of Dulux Trade paint formulations, including the Diamond portfolio. Ten times tougher than standard vinyl matt and eggshell emulsions, coatings within the Dulux Trade Diamond range have a longer maintenance cycle equating to financial and environmental advantages.

Through a combination of forward thinking design and planning, and use of innovative high performance solutions, the Eco-Energy prototype house achieved an 80% reduction in carbon emissions and an 84% decrease in electricity bills.

“While a prototype, the project enabled us to gather a lot of useful data and learn many lessons that will stand us in good stead for addressing the carbon challenge ahead of us,” says Peter. “What is clear however, is the role of boundarypushing products and technologies, which, in projects such as this, can be instrumental in making a significant difference to energy performance.”

The Light & Space colour range uses Lumitec technology to better reflect available natural and artificial light

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duluxtraderesponse@tangerinepr.com 08444 817 818 128

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Floors, Walls & Ceilings

lightweight, but not on

performance • Available as FSC. • Lightweight, hardwood core door blanks, easy to handle and fix.

• Manufactured with a calibrated three layer tri-laminated hardwood timber core.

• Dimensionally stable. No core gaps, rippling or telegraphing.

• Excellent substrate for easy machining and door blank conversion.

• Supplied with either MDF or Plywood faces as lipped or unlipped.

• Can be laminated, painted or veneered.

• Available up to 3050mm x 1220mm.

Dimensionally stable - eliminates core gaps, rippling and telegraphing

Manufactured with a special three layer tri-laminated hardwood timber core

Continuous edge gluing

SPECIFICATIONS

Can be supplied lipped or unlipped

MDF or Plywood faces

• DD171 and BS EN 1192 ratings for durability/wear and tear • PAS 23 - PAS 24 • Manufactured and tested in accordance with British Standard BS476 (Part 22 1987) and BS EN1634-1 • BWF Certifire approved, BMTRADA Q Mark • Awarded the Forest Stewardship Council's Chain of Custody.

• U values as low as 0.9W/m2K for thermal insulation • Sound insulation as high as 35dB

www.flamebreaktechnical.com

Information and samples can be obtained from James Latham

Phone: 0116 257 3415 Email: marketing@lathams.co.uk or click on www.lathamtimber.co.uk

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A superior range of glazing systems.

For more information and to download our brochure find us at www.idsystems.co.uk Endless glazing options and configurations to choose from, all under one roof.

IDSystems provide a wide variety of innovative, award winning folding door and window systems that demonstrate the sheer versatility of glass.

Whatever your requirements IDSystems can provide a bespoke architecturally glazed, complete design solution for any domestic or commercial project.

t +44 (0) 1603 408804 | e info@idsystems.co.uk | a B2 Rhombus Park, Diamond Road, Norwich NR6 6NN | www.idsystems.co.uk

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