FC&A May 2014

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May 14

Issue 51

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Balustrades Down under Q-railing transforms walkway to offer a stunning vista

Sustainability in Development New building acts as a symbol of Plymouth’s eminence in marine sciences

Modern Methods of Construction FC&A explores efforts to promote the principles of Fabric First construction

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

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

Editor Hannah Frackiewicz hannah@mixedmediainfo.com 01622 873229 Managing Director Sam Ball sam@mixedmediainfo.com 01622 873229 Publication Manager Steve Gull steve@mixedmediainfo.com Studio Manager Chris Lilly chris@mixedmediainfo.com Production Ben Bridgeman ben@mixedmediainfo.com Artworker/Sub-editor David Perry david@mixedmediainfo.com Accounts Simone Jones simone@mixedmediainfo.com

Front cover:

Magazine May 2014

Welcome

to Future Constructor & Architect...

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hen it comes to building smart spaces for life, the construction process adopted will undoubtedly come up against challenges and industry will always be divided on the best approach to take. One of the practices increasingly playing a role is the Fabric First approach, which was founded on the principle of creating the most airtight building fabric as possible.

The outcome is the amount of air that can escape is dramatically reduced, resulting in significant energy savings.

Among the benefits are reduced energy bills for the user, reduced carbon footprint, minimal sustainable technologies and reduced maintenance costs. But when it comes to fully understanding this pioneering process, where can information be obtained?

In this month’s issue, FC&A profiles the launch of the Fabric First Academy. This dedicated resource is a virtual information and educational portal designed to support architects, contractors and developers who are looking to embrace and promote the principles and philosophy of Fabric First construction. If you think this innovative building practice is the panacea for your project’s challenges, turn to 36.

To find out the performance benefits a Fabric First approach can truly deliver, also turn to page 6 for this month’s Greenhouse case study. The University of Bradford’s new £1.5m STEM building provides a highly sustainable learning environment within its campus. To achieve its BREEAM Outstanding target, the project utilised very high levels of insulation, high performance windows and doors, airtight building fabric, ‘thermal bridge free’ construction and mechanical heat recovery systems.

I hope you enjoy this issue. Don’t forget you can also access all the latest features, product news and supplier information at your fingertips via FC&A’s state-of-the-art app. Available for smart phones and tablets, the app can be downloaded free of charge from Google play or the App Store – simply enter the search term ‘fc&a’. We’ve also recently built on a trending feed, capturing timely news items from all around the world.

Hannah Frackiewicz Hannah Frackiewicz Editor, Future Constructor & Architect With sweeping views of the coast, Fairhaven’s Pole House has been a local landmark and one of Australia’s most iconic homes since it was built in 1978. See pg 22.

Terms and Conditions: Contributions are invited and when not accepted will be returned only if accompanied by a fully stamped and return addressed envelope. No responsibility will be taken for drawings, photographs or literary contributions during transmission or in the editors hands. In the absence of an agreement the copyright of all contributions, literary, photographics or artistic belongs to Mixed Media Information Ltd.The Publisher accepts no responsibility in respect of advertisements appearing in the magazine and the opinions expressed in editorial material or otherwise do not necessarily represent the view of the publisher.The Publisher does not accept any liability of any loss arising from the late appearance or non publication of any advertisement.

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News 14 Voice of the Industry: Styles&Wood explores the concept of the ‘smart contractor’ and the increasing need to provide a turnkey service.

24 Legal & Business: Martin Hughes of Debt Recoveries Department at Spratt Endicott Solicitors uncovers some of the issues faced by smaller businesses.

Features

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22 Balustrades:

The walkway of Australia’s famous Pole House has been transformed with Q-railing’s glass balustrades, giving visitors a sense of walking on air.

26 Roofing & Cladding: A Proctor talks to FC&A about selecting the right timber cladding and treatment to ensure long-term durability.

32 Flooring: Karndean reflects on the landscape of the flooring market and explores the demand for LVT in large commercial spaces.

34 Kitchens, Bedrooms & Bathrooms:

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John Horner, Managing Director of Ogee74, discusses the implications of the Code for Sustainable Homes Level 4 on the bathroom.

36 Modern Methods of Construction: For a growing number, Fabric First is the answer to many problems. Here, we unveil the Fabric First Academy designed to bring the benefits to the fore.

40 Safety & Health Expo Preview: Taking place at London’s ExCeL, Safety & Health Expo will offer three days of educational programmes alongside the most innovative products on the market.

Portfolios

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06 Greenhouse: An inspirational new-build educational facility, on the same university campus as one of the world’s most sustainable buildings, achieves the rigorous Passivhaus standard.

11 Sustainability in Development: With an overall project cost of £19m, Plymouth University’s Marine Building provides a world leading hydrodynamics laboratory, combining both coastal and deep-water experiments.

28 Design & Desire: Studio TILT, known for its unique co-design methodology has completed two further Club Workspaces for Workspace Group to accommodate its growing empire.

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Greenhouse Sunpath models were developed to identify the optimum orientation to achieve maximum benefit from winter solar heat gain

Outstanding research An inspirational new-build educational facility, on the same university campus as one of the world’s most sustainable buildings, has achieved the rigorous Passivhaus standard. The Science, Technology, Engineering and Maths (STEM) Building at the University of Bradford, built by GB Building Solutions, is the UK’s first Passivhaus accredited educational building that is also on target to achieve BREEAM ‘Outstanding’ and AECB Silver Standard.

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he new STEM building provides an inspirational learning space with high quality laboratory facilities and creates exciting opportunities for local schools and colleges.The laboratory also acts as a training space for school teachers across all age ranges, equipping them with the skills to inspire the next generation of scientists back in their own classrooms.

At the heart of the scheme is the ambition to create a low energy building that incorporates inventive design, innovative materials with low embodied energy and ecological enhancements.The intention has been to demonstrate how a sustainable approach to education and the University of Bradford’s relationship with the community can be promoted and put into action.

The award-winning Estates and Facilities Team at Bradford University has always been

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committed to achieving the highest standards of energy efficiency, and worked previously with GB Building Solutions on The Green.

This eco-friendly student village was the first student accommodation in the country to achieve an official BREEAM ‘Outstanding’ in 2012.

The University wanted to repeat this success in the development of its £1.5m STEM building to provide a highly sustainable learning environment within the campus.The project, built using a fabric-first approach, utilised very high levels of insulation, high performance windows and doors, airtight building fabric, ‘thermal bridge free’ construction and mechanical heat recovery systems.

STEM is located to the rear of the University’s Sustainable Enterprise Centre (SEC) in the heart of the campus and forms a focal point on the edge of a newly-

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established pedestrian node. Its location and shape has been partly dictated by pedestrian routes and topography, but also the sun’s path. Sunpath models were developed to identify the optimum orientation to achieve maximum benefit from winter solar heat gain.

The orientation has also taken into account overshadowing from adjacent tall buildings.

Exceeding regulation levels Watson Batty Architects were tasked with designing a build that could accommodate a whole host of low impact features. The main aims for STEM were to pioneer a Passivhaus design, whilst meeting university requirements for BREEAM Outstanding and the AECB Silver Standard. Achieving a highly insulated building envelope was also important, exceeding tightness levels set out by Building Regulations. The building was also scheduled to achieve a maximum

Greenhouse

Throughout the design phase, local schools were approached which helped to engage potential users of the building

best practice techniques and processes to meet the stringent sustainability measures demanded by both Passivhaus and BREEAM. They worked closely with air testing specialists STROMA and a specially employed Passivhaus assessor to achieve the U-values necessary for accreditation, which was awarded in December 2013.

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space heating and cooling demand of less than 15kWh/m2. Watson Batty was also required to design a facade that maximised daylight and solar gain, whilst maintaining summertime comfort via passive design.

In order to reduce operation costs and environmental impact of energy consumption, it was important that natural

and mixed mode ventilation was considered, rather than purely mechanical ventilation or air conditioning. Environmental impact was further considered in the specification of natural materials – all materials specified were A Rated in line with the Green Guide for Specification. Additionally, pre-engineered structural timber frame was produced offsite, speeding up construction and reducing onsite waste.

To review the building’s efficiency, the university requested a high level of metering and monitoring in order to highlight opportunities to reduce energy and water consumption, identify problems in building operation and provide rich information for use as a teaching resource in undergraduate and specialised post-graduate courses.

Main contractor GB Building Solutions worked closely with the design team, including architects Watson Batty, from an early stage to help them realise their green ambitions for the STEM building. An initial partner consultation process resulted in significant cost-savings and the construction team also provided best value engineered foundations to reduce the overall budget.

“Clients like the University of Bradford, are increasingly demanding an in-depth understanding of low carbon techniques and practices in order to comply with new legislation and standards aimed sat creating a more energy efficient built environment.

We were delighted when the Estates Team returned to seek our help with their ambitious STEM building project, which was a clear indication of their confidence in our sustainability credentials,” said GB Group Executive Chairman, Martin Smout.

Graduate trainee turned project manager Andy Costello and his team adopted

The new STEM building provides an inspirational learning space with high quality laboratory facilities

At the heart of the scheme is the ambition to create a low energy building that incorporates inventive design, innovative materials with low embodied energy

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Greenhouse It was important that natural and mixed mode ventilation was considered, rather than purely mechanical ventilation or air conditioning

Fact File Client: The University of Bradford Architect: Watson Batty Main Contractor: GB Building Solutions M&E Engineer: Couch Perry Wilkes Structural Engineer: WSP

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contribution to the industry’s drive for a more energy efficient built environment.”

Before and during the build, social measures were a vital part of the process.

Throughout the design phase, local schools were approached which helped to engage potential users of the building. In keeping with the sustainable ethos of the building, university and main contractor, all supply chain partners were consulted and selected based on their environmental and sustainable credentials. Sub-contractors were selected on the following criteria: consideration of environmental impacts and sustainable options; prevention of pollution; reduction of the effects of noise, dust, disturbance and inconvenience; the use of raw materials and resources efficiently through correct handling, storage and use; the minimisation of waste through re-use,

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recycling and responsible disposal.

Bradford University’s Estates Manager, Engineering and Building, Russell Smith says: “The University is already widely recognised for its sustainable building programme.

Reducing our impact on the environment is a huge achievement; not least the part the STEM building plays in that programme, being one of the few buildings ever to hold the three standards of Passivhaus, AECB (Association of Environmentally Conscious Builders) and hopefully in the near future BREEAM Outstanding.This is a huge achievement for all involved and proves without doubt these standard and building in a sustainable manner can be achieved within normal budget constraints.”

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Stephen Jones, Project Architect at Watson Batty Architects comments: “Through close collaborative working practices within the team, design and construction efficiencies were pursued, meaning the building was designed to meet much higher tolerances compared to traditional construction – such as achieving high air tightness levels and eliminating cold bridging through the envelope at the design and construction stage on-site.”

Adds Martin Smout: “Achieving Passivhaus at the STEM building has provided a tremendous boost for everyone involved in the design and construction process. It has shown us that our internal quality and management processes are correctly aligned with both Passivhaus and BREEAM standards and we are confident that our people and partners will continue to make a world class

www.watsonbatty.com www.gbgroup.co.uk

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Sustainability in Development

The building acts as a symbol of Plymouth’s eminence in marine sciences, encouraging a dialogue between the city, its academic institutions and the wider world

Plymouth, known as Britain’s Ocean City, has been a maritime hub since the 11th century. Nowadays it is a global centre for the marine industry and marine renewables research, with one of the largest clusters of experience in marine sciences, education, engineering and technology in Europe. It is home to more than 300 marine-related businesses and the sector employs around 13,600 people, making up 11.3% of all employment in the city.

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he latest addition to this exciting nucleus is the Marine Building at Plymouth University, designed by Burwell Deakins Architects. It is a world-leading hydrodynamics laboratory, combining both coastal and deep-water experiments and is located within the main University campus at a prime location within the city.

The building acts as a symbol of Plymouth’s eminence in marine sciences, encouraging a dialogue between the city, its

academic institutions and the wider world.

It has also been designed as an accessible space, where academics, students, schoolchildren and members of the public can visit and learn about the research the university carries out.

With an overall project cost of £19m, the Marine Building gives Plymouth a much-needed wave-making facility and a range of flexible research facilities, work and educational spaces. It also includes a dedicated business innovation centre for

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Making waves

marine renewable technology, supporting young businesses and acting as a catalyst for the wider south-west economy.

The Marine Building works in partnership with a number of commercial ventures across the South West, including the Wave Hub, 10 miles off the north Cornwall coast and the world’s first large scale wave energy test site. 1:1

The building has been designed as an accessible space, where academics, students, schoolchildren and members of the public can visit

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Sustainability in Development The Marine Building provides facilities to model and test the data that the Wave Hub produces

The deep-water tank has the capability to create seascapes at 1:20 scale, having both short and long-crested waves up to a metre high generated by over twenty 2.7m high paddles hinged at their base end. Customised ship propellers and recirculation ducts form multi-directional deep and surface water currents, replicating true seascapes.

Innovative facilities

The civic positioning of the building as a ‘public face’ for the University is reinforced through the quality of the design

experiments take place under the sea and the Marine Building provides facilities to model and test the data that the Wave Hub produces.

Central to the scheme are the Coastal Ocean and Sediment Transport (COaST) laboratories. These high-tech spaces house two innovative concrete tanks for deep-water and coastal modelling in which academics, scientists and engineers can test devices within simulated wave, current and wind conditions.

Fuller programme The deep-water tank is designed with an ingenious, raisable floor that removes the need for it to be emptied to set up each experiment. In most facilities, a sump system is used that drains the pool for each experiment to be set up on the base.

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However, the architects and specialist suppliers developed a system using deepsea technology that raised the floor of the pool above water during setup, removing the cost, space and environmental requirements of buying and draining vast quantities of water and radically increasing the efficiency of the facility.

“Working with Edinburgh Designs and the university academics from the very earliest stages on the project allowed the team to be far more ambitious in designing greater capability for the laboratory at a lower cost,” said Scott McCallum, Director at Burwell Deakins Architects. “The solution has also meant the turnaround time between each experiment has been reduced twentyfold, allowing the university to have a much fuller academic and commercial programme over the year.”

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The coastal tank above can be used with or without sediment, which can create detailed replica seabeds and shorelines in miniature, operating at a 1:100 scale. Both the tanks have an artificial ‘beach’ at one end to ensure the high levels of energy in the waves are deflected. This “dead zone” for the academics afforded the architects

Sustainability in Development

The Marine Building gives Plymouth a much-needed wavemaking facility and a range of flexible research facilities

super tankers to yachts – in a range of international locations. This floor also contains a business incubation centre for companies working in the marine renewable and engineering sector.

Also housed within the building is the University’s Marine Institute, which boasts the broadest sea-related research portfolio in Europe. This includes oceanography, hydrography, marine biology and coastal ecology, as well as engineering, shipping, and professional development for the navigation industry.

All these facilities are informed by the architect’s research into the future of academic teaching spaces and can be easily adapted to provide both open-plan or cellular work spaces, allowing for a mixture of didactic and collaborative teaching methods.

Passive measures

Solar shading is provided on the south elevation by a series of three-storey solar fins and a highperformance curtain wall system

The new school has been located at the heart of the South West Marine Energy Park, an international focal point for leading marine teaching and research. The civic positioning of the building as a ‘public face’ for the University is reinforced through the quality of the design and innovative use of locally sourced materials, such as the Plymouth limestone ashlar walling which supports the main colonnade. Plymouth Limestone had fallen out of favour due to the perceived difficulty in cutting it to regular lengths but has made something of a comeback in recent years after the architects started to use it on other buildings for the university, including the Scott Building which houses the school of art and won an RIBA Award in 2009.

The sheer size of the tanks presented a number of challenges in creating a highly

sustainable scheme as the structure was required to be 16 metres wide, far wider than the average naturally ventilated building. The architects prioritised the use of passive measures above expensive technologies, and planned two 3.5 metre voids that pierce through the building acting as a light wells and “chimneys” – encouraging stack-effect ventilation.

The scheme’s careful orientation and well-insulated envelope maximised the environmental performance of the design and it was awarded a BREEAM rating of Excellent.

Solar shading is provided on the south elevation by a series of three-storey solar fins and a high-performance curtain wall system, which utilises two sets of parallel opening elements at each floor level. The upper set of openers is controlled by a bespoke Building Management System, with opening roof lights allowing the cooling of the exposed concrete soffits at night, whilst the lower set is manually operated to provide occupant comfort at desk level.

This arrangement, in combination with internal floor voids and the high levels of thermal stability intrinsic to the building’s skin and structure, allow the upper levels of the Marine Building to remain naturally ventilated and cooled.

Additional sustainability features include a set of photovoltaic panels and a rainwater harvesting system. In support of the overall campus energy strategy, power and heating are drawn from the University’s local Combined Heat Power plant, allowing the building to act as a valve between Plymouth University’s CHP network and the city beyond.

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the opportunity to house plant below and locate one tank above the other.

These tanks and the workings of the department’s ground-breaking research are clearly visible to the public through the large, framed openings at ground floor onto both the street and the entrance lobby. The decision to locate the principal functions of the building at pedestrian level works in accordance with Burwell Deakins’ overall strategy for Plymouth University, which encourages a discourse between the building and the streetscape to enliven the campus environment.

Above the tank hall on the second floor is the Marine Navigation Centre, which contains a ship simulator with a 270-degree screen that enables students to ‘pilot’ a huge variety of vessels – from

www.burwellarchitects.com

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Voice of the Industry

The digital age From supermarket self-service checkouts to interactive whiteboards in classrooms, the pace of digital adoption is having a significant impact on the specification and delivery of today’s refurbishment schemes. Peter Colwell, Account Principal for integrated property services specialist Styles&Wood explains how a new breed of smart contractors are emerging to take on the challenge.

Indeed, in what has been a traditionally fragmented market, clients are now increasingly looking for suppliers that can provide a full ‘turnkey’ service, combing a traditional design and build offer with the specification and installation of technology and a comprehensive approach to project management.

Practical challenges Recruiting team members with the right technical skillset is just one obvious challenge presented by this emerging market. But in reality, integrating technology into a refurbishment scheme can have a profound impact on the whole project.

In the retail sector it’s becoming

Store refurbishment programmes are now frequently focused on the installation or upgrading of technology

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Peter Colwell is a senior clientfacing professional, with over 25 years’ experience in the construction sector.

As Account Principal, Peter is fully accountable for managing large complex projects and multiple portfolios of work and reports directly to the main board at Styles&Wood. increasingly common for clients to bring digitally-focused refurbishments to the table. With a growing number of customers using supermarkets as collection points

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growing number of commercial refurbishment projects are being driven by a desire to incorporate new technology and adapt to changing consumer habits.

From the movement towards greater selfservice in high street banking, to retailers adapting their stores with click-and-collect services, refurbishment work is becoming synonymous with digitalisation.

This creates both challenges and opportunities for the construction industry. It’s giving rise to what can be called the ‘smart contractor’ – businesses that have realised that in order to capitalise on an expanding pool of potential projects, they must build digital expertise into their own teams.

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Voice of the Industry leads to minimal disruption and helps to minimise the time spent on site.

The education sector is particularly attuned to the benefits of digitalisation

Managing change

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the risks of delays or increased costs are minimised.

Back to school This is also key when delivering works in live, occupied spaces and particularly so in sensitive environments like schools. The education sector is particularly attuned to the benefits of digitalisation. When upgrading facilities, schools are increasingly specifying features such as flexible learning zones equipped with wireless connectivity for a range of smart devices, alongside more traditional IT suites. Once again, smart contractors are ideally placed to take on such projects.

When working in schools or colleges where refurbishments can’t always be delivered outside of term time, minimising disruption is an absolute priority. Naturally, if there is only one contracting team to consult with, an open line of communication and engagement can be established between the contractor and all stakeholders, which

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for online orders, the role and functionality of the modern supermarket has changed. As a result store refurbishment programmes are now frequently focused on the installation or upgrading of technology.

This was true of a recent Styles&Wood project to enhance five Waitrose stores across the UK. Our team was tasked with delivering improved customer service desks, featuring new click-and-collect stations and installing iPad browsing points and new selfservice tills alongside entrance displays and seating areas.

The project highlights some of the additional practical considerations that these schemes present. Firstly it creates a need for robust fixtures and fittings to be specified, so that digital service points are not only displayed in an attractive and user-friendly setting but are also durable enough to cope with repeated and sometimes heavy-handed use. Forward thinking is also required to ensure any technology is easily accessible, so that maintenance or replacement can be carried out without causing major disruption to the store, meanwhile the safe and discreet connectivity of devices also needs to be taken into account.

While these kind of practical challenges won’t be out of the ordinary for many contractors, when the fit-out supplier has the skills and responsibility to handle the full technical installation process, they become much easier to plan for and deliver – particularly where projects are of a modest scale.

Indeed where clients are looking to refresh stores and bolt-on digital services, rather than commission comprehensive refurbishments, the ability to work with one supplier rather than several, carries obvious efficiencies and appeal. No matter how professional or skilled they may be, the more companies involved in a refurbishment the more challenging it is from a communication and coordination point of view. With fewer teams on-site

Where smart contractors can really come into their own is in managing the wider changes that come with the adoption of new technology.

The banking sector is at the forefront of this kind of transformation, with the design of branches evolving to include a high level of automation and self-service, as customers are looking for speed in accessibility in the day-to-day management of their accounts.

We recently completed the first phase of a digital transformation project for a major high street bank, installing a range of technology solutions across 600 branches. A key factor in our success was the ability to roll-out every aspect of the scheme – from comprehensive project management which included overseeing telecommunication agencies, to the practical design and integration of self-service iPad stations.

Crucially however, we were also able to deliver a wider programme of change management, which included training bank employees on how to instruct customers in using the technology.

It’s this level of wider consultancy and support that clients will increasingly demand from their partners in the construction industry as they look to take advantage of digitalisation. For those in the refurbishment sector willing to invest in their skills and capabilities, it means a wide range of new opportunities to take advantage of.

www.stylesandwood-group.co.uk

Integrating technology into a refurbishment scheme can have a profound impact on the whole project

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Movement Joints Major car brands have used CMJ’s Movement Joints because they create a high class finish

Long-term floor durability CMJ specialises in colour matching its bespoke joints to the grout or the floor finish creating a stylish designer look and a seamless finish.

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ll hard flooring moves independently by expanding and contracting at different rates so it is a requirement for flooring installations to have Movement Joint protection. Movement Joints are an effective way to protect ceramic and other hard floorcoverings from the stresses that cause cracking, tenting or popping on the surface.

Clients generally do not like Movement Joints because it is felt that they can be obtrusive and spoil the aesthetic appearance of their carefully chosen floor. Specifiers and installers know that Movement Joints need to be used to absorb the natural movements in the floor.

Architects are required to specify products that are fit for purpose and conform to building regulations and installers have a duty to provide good advice and workmanship.

What ever your job title, CMJ’s team of friendly and experienced staff are on hand to help guide you through the requirements of your project.

CMJ Movement Joints have been

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specified on many projects including retail, commercial, transport, education, hotels, sport & leisure, prisons and Terminal 5, Heathrow.

Major car brands including Ford, Mercedes, Audi and Volkswagon to name a few have used CMJ’s Movement Joints because they create a high class finish and also a seamless designer look which is a preferred finish in car showroom areas. Movement Joints are also used in the workshop areas because of their ability to handle a wide range of loadings and their durability.

Movement Joints are available in PVC, Aluminum, Stainless Steel and Brass.The company’s advice is that unless cost is an overriding issue, CMJ does not recommend the use of PVC profiles.They are a shortterm solution and lack durability that is needed for tiled flooring. Using Aluminiumbased profiles adequately protects the majority of projects. Stainless Steel profiles provide the greatest strength but are the least visible due to the manufacture and design of the profile.

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Not only can CMJ Movement Joints cope with heavy stresses and distribute them evenly between the foundation and floor covering, they can also prevent conduction of noise from footfall and other bodies. Even floors subject to heavy stresses remain in better condition for longer when Movement Joints are specified.

All CMJ Movement Joints are designed and manufactured to exceed the requirements of BS 5385 and can be used with Slate, Natural Stone and Ceramic tiled floors.

CMJ also provides highly competent advice and support. No matter how complex the application the team can provide the perfect solution, including both products and service.

CMJ specialises in colour matching its bespoke joints

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Glass & Glazing

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Handrails A uniquely simple but beautiful balustrade system, the Infinity topless railing system offers strength, style and versatility

Enhance breathtaking views SHS Products, one of the UK’s leading designers, manufacturers and suppliers of both domestic and commercial stainless steel and glass balustrade solutions, based in the West Midlands, has enjoyed its most successful year to date following the success of two new, innovative market-leading products in the UK.

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he new products, Infinity and Key-Link, both launched in 2013, are a range of new aluminium railing systems. They have been brought to the market to new and existing customers to fill the current void which exists from a lack of quality, innovative products in the UK market between the more traditional stainless steel and glass balustrades and wooden/plastic balustrades.

With commercial customers already including the likes of Barclays, Marks & Spencer, Audi, Selfridges,Virgin Active and BMW and with thousands of satisfied domestic customers all over the country, the new ranges have helped open the door to a plethora of new clients with wide and varied balustrade requirements.

Mark Busby, Director of SHS Products said: “We have seen with confidence that these new products are revolutionising what is currently available to specifiers in the UK market, providing our clients with attractive, durable, maintenance free, aluminium railing options which provide style and strength in equal measure at a very affordable price.

We expect the success of these products to carry on throughout 2014 and look forward to the exciting new projects which come our way because of that continued success.”

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The new, innovative, market-leading products have been on show during recent months, most recently at Spatex 2014 – the leading wet leisure industry trade show where they received rave reviews from the thousands in attendance. Infinity and Key-Link have so far proved to be a hit with specifiers everywhere.

New to the UK and exclusive to SHS is the Infinity range of topless railing systems for million pound views. A uniquely simple but beautiful balustrade system, the Infinity

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topless railing system offers strength, style and versatility while eliminating the upper and lower rails, in turn, providing clients with unobstructed vistas.

An Infinity topless railing system is the ultimate fashion statement for decking and terraces.

Meanwhile the Key-Link Aluminium railing system offers a unique, maintenance-free, weather-resistant system suitable for any home or garden decking area.

Stunning and sophisticated, this railing system creates a unique design that is both radiant and strong. Make a bold statement with Key-Link, where beauty and strength combine to provide elegant, lasting appeal for a lifetime.

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www.shsproducts.co.uk sales@shsproducts.co.uk 0800 068 6363

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Make a bold statement with Key-Link, where beauty and strength combine to provide elegant, lasting appeal

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Balustrades The totally frameless balustrade allows unobstructed views of Great Ocean Road’s sweeping coastline

Q-railing in pole position

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ith sweeping views of the coast, Fairhaven’s Pole House has been a local landmark and one of Australia’s most iconic homes since it was built in 1978. Five years ago new owners Kathi and Raymond Adams, together with F2 Architecture’s Franco Fiorentini, embarked on giving the house a sleek and stylish facelift, utilising aesthetic materials and innovative techniques to match and surpass the original architecture.

The new building now features brand new interiors, with floor to ceiling retracting glass walls to take full advantage of the vistas.The bathroom and supporting steel pole is concealed in a feature wall clad with warm burnt ash timber. Outside, the famous walkway has also been transformed with glass balustrades, giving visitors a sense of walking on air.

Q-railing was specified for its Easy Glass Slim Facia mount base channel system in which 12mm glass was fitted.The balustrade was then finished with a 42.4mm diameter 316 mirror polished cap rail that sits directly on top of the glass in a rubber gasket.

The owners chose the Easy Glass Slim Fascia mount system as it offered the best possible solution for providing a totally frameless appearance, whilst the depth of the channel was ideally sized to match the already existing walkway’s structural depth.

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The totally frameless balustrade now allows unobstructed views of the sweeping coastline.

The Easy Glass Slim Fascia mount system has a light to medium loading capacity, suitable for both indoor and outdoor applications. In this instance, the overall system was finished off with a stainless steel cap rail, which acted as a handrail along the walkway and provided the perfect balcony with a seamless view. Easy Glass Slim’s

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components are intended to be almost unnoticeable, so creating elegant, sweeping sheets of glass.

This attention to design is end-to end, not forgetting the valued testing that the system has been put through. Certification is very important in a building such as the Pole House, especially when installed at such great height.The extreme nature of the location not only lends itself to high coastal winds but also to corrosion due to its marine environment.

Easy Glass Slim is an Anodised Aluminium channel, which gives better resistance to corrosion than more conventional mild steel options. Most importantly the system has been tested in accordance with relevant country codes to ensure that the balustrade will give adequate fall protection for a variety of different building types.

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Great Ocean Road in southern Australia is a great attraction with tourists, renowned for its coastline views passing over rainforests, cliffs and beaches. The road travels westwards nearly 250km officially starting from Torquay and ending in Allansford. Along this stretch of road at Fairhaven stands the most photographed house on the Great Ocean Road.

www.q-railing.co.uk

Easy Glass Slim is an Anodised Aluminium channel, which gives better resistance to corrosion than more conventional mild steel options

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Office Build Focus

P B S SBP RY A R LIB

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sustainable-buildingproducts.com Your essential new reference for sustainable building product information web | mobile | tablet For a faster response visit www.fca-magazine.com or use the free reader enquiry card

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Legal & Business

Business on your terms

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he smaller trader may not have Terms and Conditions of Trading, but if he does it is likely they have been copied from someone else.

Often the only thing passed to a prospective customer is a quote.

Terms and conditions should be flexible and be suitable for one-off jobs or on-going arrangements.The most obvious conditions are in regards to payment terms. However, other terms which should be applied are as follows: • Retention of title clause, to ensure the trader retains ownership of materials until they are paid for.

• Limitation of liability, to limit any liability for consequential loss and protection from pre-existing defects.

• Cancellation of contract, where a fee may be chargeable for last minute cancellation or where specific materials have been ordered/purchased on behalf of the customer.

• Termination of contract, to determine the manner in which early termination of contract can be made on either side, or with regard to the obligations to deal with defects or final snagging lists.

These are just four examples of the terms and conditions which you should be considering, but there are many others which would be designed to give you maximum protection.

Quotes The quote should be very specific in terms of what is and what is not included. Any person engaged in building/plumbing work will know that often things are not so simple as expected once work commences. Additional

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work may be required that hasn’t been anticipated, which is also requested by the client but no formal quote/acceptance has been given.

The trader should always ensure that he has with him, usually in his vehicle, a separate pad for additional work/requirements which should be used to provide a quote and obtain the householders/business proprietors signatures in agreement.This will prevent the customer at a later date saying they thought the work was included in the original quote.

The quote should also include your payment terms.

Invoicing and Payment It is essential that invoices are raised and sent to your customer as soon as possible.

I employ a general handyman from time to time who is terrible with his administration, I am still waiting for invoices for work he carried out months ago and I have told him that if he doesn’t submit them soon I won’t be paying. Clients have a budget at a certain time, and therefore the money may no longer be available, should delays occur. Problems may occur at a date sometime after the job has been completed, which have no direct relation to the work carried out but for which the customer blames the trader.The longer the payment is left the more likely these issues may occur.

Non-payers should be politely reminded that payment is due. If payment is still not forthcoming, the services of a debt collect agent or solicitor should be engaged.

There is a real psychology in invoicing to chasing for payment in a timely manner.

When a job is first requested it assumes a level of importance and need with your customer, as time goes on that initial level of importance may be forgotten and therefore a

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Terms and Conditions are designed to give businesses maximum protection

reluctance to pay can result.

The main thing to remember is that at the time of asking for a quote, unless it is fraud, the customer intends to pay and has the means to pay. Both can alter with time and the longer you wait the more likely minor hiccups in the work become apparent and lead to a reason not to pay, whereas if payment has already been recovered remedial work can be carried out without problem.

Generally a solicitor’s letter can obtain payment without further action. Should proceedings be necessary and if there is no dispute over the contract or quality of the work the action can be carried out in a very cost effective manner, with costs recoverable from the debtor, assuming he has the ability to pay.

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Small businesses or one man bands cannot afford experienced credit managers in the way that larger companies do and often don’t have a pipeline to people who can give guidance when problems occur. Here Martin Hughes, non-lawyer Partner and Head of the Debt Recoveries Department at Spratt Endicott Solicitors uncovers some of the issues which occur on a regular basis for small businesses and large businesses alike.

www.se-law.co.uk

Martin Hughes is a non-lawyer Partner and Head of the Debt Recoveries Department at Spratt Endicott Solicitors in North Oxfordshire. He has over 40 years of credit management and debt recovery experience and is a member of The Institute of Credit Management.

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Roofing & Cladding Various species of wood can have dramatically varying durability characteristics

excluded, but with careful consideration of the way in which the boards are likely to move (for example, using board on board cladding, with heart and sap sides alternating) some of this movement can be accommodated without compromising performance.

Ensure sustainability

Flexibility for unique designs

As well as looking different, the various species of wood can have dramatically varying durability characteristics. The durability of timber is quantified according to BS EN 350-1, which breaks things down into five classes, from the ‘very durable’ class one (mainly the more exotic tropical hardwoods, demanding careful sourcing to ensure sustainability) down to class five, succinctly described as ‘not durable’ (this class contains British woodland staples like Ash, Sycamore and Beech). We must also consider the dimensional stability of our base wood. If used without treatment, only classes 3 and up are suitable for use as cladding (excluding the sapwood of course), however, if impregnated with an appropriate preservative, all classes can be used. Once we apply preservative, the species and durability class become less relevant than the characteristics of the treatment used, which can go some way to simplifying the specification process assuming keeping thing 100% natural is not a project requirement.

We have to consider how the treatment is applied, and what effects this may have.

Preservative coatings can certainly enhance the durability of a given species, but how durable is the coating itself? If it’s not

Much like buildings themselves, good timber cladding requires good foundations, without which all manner of warping, twisting and deformation will occur. Here, A.Proctor discusses the properties of this natural material and the correct treatment to ensure its longterm durability.

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f we’re considering timber frame, this means fixing into studwork, not sheathing, and for masonry, good solid drilled and plugged fixings. In addition to giving a solid base and restraining the natural tendencies of timber to wriggle around somewhat as it absorbs moisture and subsequently dries, the fully ventilated void between the battens ensures the moisture content remains stable across both faces of the boards, reducing the tendency of the boards to ‘cup’. Cupping is where the board curves across its width, caused by one side absorbing more moisture than the other, and

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swelling at a different rate.

Keeping timber cladding solid and well ventilated will help a great deal keeping things on the straight and level, there are other issues which must also be considered.

Timber is not a uniform, monolithic substance, and every tree is composed of two types of wood. Sapwood, is the newer, “live” outer part of the tree, which, being less dense, and loading with more moisture, is far more susceptible to movement issues than its denser, inner “heartwood” counterpart.

Typically where natural, untreated timber is used as a cladding, sapwood should be

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Keeping timber cladding solid and well ventilated will help a great deal keeping things on the straight and level

Roofing & Cladding UV can bombard the timber and slowly break down the pigments and preservatives

Most commercially available coated cladding uses high pressure factory applied finishes

are offered extending many years into the future. Likewise, exotic high temperature and chemical processes can be used to enhance durability, but in these cases care must be taken that the processes used are sustainable, and that the treatment hasn’t altered other properties of the wood, such as making the cladding more brittle, or affecting the colour.

Room for growth So now we’ve got a good base, and a dependable and durable wood, so what else do we need to worry about now? Well, the great outdoors is a pretty unfriendly place sometimes, and while our well specified cladding can deal with most of this without falling apart, we now need to think about how we minimise its battle scars along the way. The main culprits here are ultraviolet, exudation and moisture.

UV bombards the timber and slowly breaks down the pigments and preservatives. In the main though, the issues this causes are with appearance rather than durability, where shaded areas may end up a different colour from those in full sunlight, and this change may occur at a different rate. We can avoid this mainly by minimising details such as overhangs, and ensuring sunlight falls evenly across elevations and sections of cladding.

Exudation is a little trickier to solve, although again this come mainly down to detailing. Most species of plant contain a substance called Tannin (as does tea and red wine) which has a tendency to leach out over the first few months after installation.

If the rain then washes this off the cladding and onto adjacent surfaces, this can cause

serious discolouration and staining, which can be difficult to remedy without significant expense and disruption.

Moisture is partly resolved by appropriate detailing and partly by good specification.

While we’ve discussed ventilation, support fixings and timber species above, detailing and fixings also require careful consideration to accommodate the movement in the finished timber. To begin with, we need to accept that a degree of expansion in the timber will happen, and ensure that this is properly accounted for. We do this by leaving suitable expansion gaps (typically around 8-10mm) wherever our boarding abuts a solid vertical surface (usually something like a window or door frame), and by cutting board to board joints at an angle (to allow the boards to slide smoothly, rather than buckle or pop out), both of these precautions should allow most species of timber to expand and contract without affecting the overall appearance of the element.

Even having accounted for this movement, we still need to work at minimising it if possible, and a common problem here is caused by horizontal surfaces, such as paved areas, which can elevate the boards’ moisture content either due to splash back, or by causing ponding. In extreme cases this can mean the base of the boards actually sit in water, with predictably disastrous consequences. Fortunately we can easily avoid these kinds of issues by leaving a suitable gap (generally regarded as 200mm) between the lowest edge of the boarding and anything solid and horizontal.

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applied right, or is not flexible and vapour permeable enough to work with the inherent properties of the base wood, it will simply crack, peel and leave us right back where we started. Likewise some denser woods just don’t absorb treatments very well, so (somewhat counterintuitively) highly durable base woods don’t make the best candidates for preservative treatment or painting.

Fortunately most commercially available coated cladding uses high pressure factory applied finishes (with the use of a paint brush limited to touching up cut ends) often to the point where product warranties

www.proctorgroup.com

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Design & Desire An inspiring co-working space now balances an informal, collegiate atmosphere with a highly effective business environment

Flexible workspaces London-based design and architecture practice Studio TILT, known for its unique codesign methodology has completed two further Club Workspaces for Workspace Group to accomodate its growing empire.

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s London’s fast-growing network of creative co-working spaces for start-ups and freelancers, the Workspace Group is constantly looking at ways to create flexible spaces for multi-faceted requirements. Studio TILT designed the new spaces, located at The Leathermarket, London Bridge, SE1, and 1 Quality Court, Chancery Lane, WC2A, incorporating a design language that breaks the traditional mould for a coworking space – suited to building typology and user need, rather than an identikit of aesthetics.

Fit for purpose Studio TILT was responsible for all design aspects from the architectural design, lighting design, furniture to specification.

The practice’s unique approach to codesign works on two levels; practical, to ensure the space is fit for purpose which will shape the design and emotional, creating a cultural relationship with the space by providing a sense of ownership by

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the users. Studio TILT believes that by empowering those who use the space and involving them in the design process, it will create an inherent culture change.

Building on the success of its first two Club Workspace spaces, Club Bankside and Club Chiswick, Studio TILT applied fresh thinking as part of its commitment to iteration, innovation and best practice, to help inform the design of the two new clubs. “We learned a great deal about the experimentation and post occupancy studies from the two initial clubs that guided us to a more intuitive, user centred and flexible use of the new spaces,” explains Oliver Marlow, Creative Director.

“Codesign shapes environments that help define work communities by encouraging discussion, exploring perspectives and interpreting the results,” explains Marlow. “Spaces should never be fixed as they are constantly changing and need to be flexible for different uses. We create intuitive queues within the space so the user can transform the space for their

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own purpose.”

The Leathermarket’s 450m2 space within the historic Leather Exchange near London Bridge is the new ‘King of Clubs’ for the growing Club Workspace empire.

The starting point for the design was

Design & Desire

to capture the historical qualities of the buildings while ensuring clever re-use and appropriate elements of the existing club, to avoid unnecessary waste, highlighting design iteration.

Through researching the etchings and illustrations from the original Leather Exchange all architectural elements were inspired by the machines and apparatus from this time.

Capturing heritage qualities These were reinvented from a 19th Century industrial context into a distinct contemporary working environment.

Preserving many original features of the space was a key element in the overall

design aesthetic. The floor featuring hieroglyphics and scarring from over 200 years of use was carefully restored with a clear matt varnish. The existing ceiling was sandblasted back to the original oak joist structure and bespoke wall lighting created in the form of copper tubing complements the age of the property. Joinery items come in the form of oiled softwood, cedar decking and a listed wall clad in cedar shingles. Old and new are juxtaposed through Troldekt board acting as an infill panel.

The new design creates a strong sense of place, referencing the historic qualities of the buildings and accommodates 24hr usage with a flexible design that can change throughout the working day. It features a

number of new design interventions. These include: • The Rotunda: designed for people to use as a touch down work/meeting space during the day, can easily adapt to function as a seated auditorium for evening events and TED-style presentations.

• The Hot Box: a cedar clad re-imagining of a listed brick structure. Entirely sound proof with whiteboard on all the inside surfaces, the Hot Box inspires ideas to happen. The subtle cedar smell and the cosy feel challenges the starkness of a traditional meeting room for brainstorming.

• Team Rooms: almost private rooms but with some sound bleed, these spaces are part of the overall atmosphere while very much a space for a growing enterprise.

Visual privacy is crucial, but sliding doors and translucent glazing keeps that sense of place.

• The Hi-Low table: playing with sitting style, work height flexibility and connectivity the table is long and winding, allowing for many people to sit, kneel, perch or lounge along any part of its shape.

Studio TILT designed bespoke lighting and furniture tailored specifically for the space and its changing requirements. The Club also includes some of the Studio’s trademark designs such as the Fruit&Nut tables, the Call and the Suitcase Desk – all in new finishes.

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An inspiring co-working space now balances an informal, collegiate atmosphere with a highly effective business environment

Studio TILT applied fresh thinking as part of its commitment to iteration, innovation and best practice

The Rotunda is designed for people to use as a touch down work/meeting space during the day

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

29

Design & Desire

The existing ceiling was restored by sandblasting the original oak joist structure

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fabric and softened with cushions and task lighting by Gras. Here users can sit and relax with a view of both the club and the newly designed Atrium.

Arguably the most distinguishing feature in the club is the coworking desk that wraps and intersects the run of columns that characterise the space.The oak veneered desk cleverly makes use of the columns to create individual working zones along a continuous length of desk.The elegant oak joinery fits effortlessly around the dark grey painted columns and each working space is lit by Anglepoise Duo 1227 wall mounted lamp.

At either end of the club are two selfcontained rooms that offer an additional service to the client.The meeting room and team working room are divided from the main space with the Sinetica glazing system.

The slim aluminium profiles are powder coated black and glazing panels are full height. For privacy, a Linwood fabric curtain has been designed to create maximum

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privacy in both rooms. Key features of the design include: • Pockets of light and atmosphere created with a range of fitting styles, from pendants, uplighting, continuous strip and desk lights.

• The Library Wall: an undulating continuous library with cubbyholes for seating and study.

• The Coworking Bench: a snaking, angular and continuous bench desk at different heights and orientations for solo working and 1-2-1 working cleverly makes use of the existing columns to create individual working zones along a continuous length of desk.

• A glazed meeting room at one end that mirrors the team working room at the other.

• Further use of Studio TILT’s Suitcase Desk in new materials and finishes.

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Meanwhile at 1 Quality Court, Club Chancery Lane, nestled within a Conservation Area, an inspiring co-working space now balances an informal, collegiate atmosphere with a highly effective business environment.The dynamic and flexible interior incorporates a private meeting space, singular workstations, co-working desks and relaxed lounging areas, all elegantly fitted into a modest floorplate.

The brief was to push the existing boundaries of coworking spaces as this location, targeting a new community including legal professionals and midtown workers.The challenge was to experiment with new spatial topologies and expand the Club’s offering with more singular work locations, new orientation of work and meeting areas for Members that were open, visible yet inclusive and private. Balancing the existing space within the building with the required use, Studio TILT had to radically re-think the entrance and five-storey atrium space while also incorporating flexible workspace as part of the 170m2 Club nestled within.

Materials were carefully chosen to create a unique working environment that would cater for a range of working types. Black Noraplan Uni floor and intelligent lighting design by Studio TILT themselves was incorporated to give the space a comfortable yet high quality finish.The lounge area allows the host to alter the light and ambiance of the space through the Wi-Fi at the touch of a button.The space also includes two rugs in a Rubens Boucle, alongside the ‘Quiet’ and ‘Call’ furniture, all designed by Studio TILT. Linking the lounge to the main club area is a birch ply touchdown bench with a clear Osmo oiled finish.The rich ply continues the length of the room along the atrium wall.

Nestled within this ‘Library Wall’ are four windows seats upholstered in Linwood

www.studiotilt.com

Linking the lounge to the main club area is a birch ply touchdown bench with a clear Osmo oiled finish

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Flooring

Selecting the trends Ceramic and porcelain tiles are facing increasing pressure from competing products in key sectors such as education, retail and health where Luxury Vinyl Tile (LVT) has taken significant share, particularly for large commercial spaces, says Paul Barratt, Managing Director of Karndean Designflooring.

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eal tile sales have again experienced lower demand in the commercial sector according to figures published recently in Ceramic and Natural Stone Tiles Market Report – UK 2013-2017 (7th edition).

Interior designers and architects are instead looking to LVT as a tough, practical and durable alternative to natural stone and ceramic tiles in commercial spaces. Stone effect LVT tiles offer the sophistication, look and feel of natural stone whilst providing the durability and low maintenance needed for heavy footfall areas.

In 2014 we have seen extra-large tiles rise in popularity for adding instant ‘wow factor’ and the illusion of space to any commercial decor. Ideal for achieving a modern minimalist look, large format tiles enable a room to automatically appear streamlined and spacious – perfect for

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open plan hospitality, leisure and retail environments. With the added benefit of quicker installation times for less disruption, the trend for large format tiles is set to continue throughout the year.

Monochrome and chequerboard tile trends remain popular for a dramatic and statement look, providing rhythm and a sense of order in commercial spaces.

When it comes to colour trends, black and grey remain the colours of choice for iconic floors. Smoky charcoal, graphite grey and black tones can be particularly effective when laid on an angle or with light or metallic design strips.

On the other end of the spectrum, if you’re looking to create a sense of space or inject light in modern, contemporary spaces, look to chalky white toned tiles.

This year’s big trend is marbles. We’re seeing a surge in popularity towards buffed,

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tumbled and unfinished marble – particularly in white, black and grey tones.

Moving away from bold and busy pattern tiles, we’re expecting to see more texture, intricate detail and design flooring in commercial spaces. Quick to respond to interior trends, we’ve recently added 15 new hues to our Art Select Stones collection including on-trend travertine, marble, slate and limestone tile designs.

Making a statement is easy with metallic, mosaic and pebble tile effect flooring. What’s more, lighting works well with the reflective qualities of metallic finishes.

And for something totally unique, bespoke is back. Whereas specifiers would have previously been led to adopt a ‘cookie cutter’ approach in order to maintain brand consistency and keep up with the demand of new store or hotel openings, they’re now quickly moving away from this approach.

We’re regularly working with architects and interior designs to introduce bespoke features and develop an artisan sensibility unique to each location. This can be easily achieved by combining wood and stone effect floor surfaces and introducing inlaid feature pieces such as logos and slogans.

Although colour, texture and design play a major part in the specification process, ultimately a floor tile needs to perform and require little care and maintenance.

Selecting a durable and practical floor covering will be a key driver alongside this year’s tile trends.

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Interior designers and architects are looking to LVT as a tough, practical and durable alternative to natural stone and ceramic tiles in commercial spaces

www.karndean.com

Quick to respond to interior trends, Karndean has recently added 15 new hues to its Art Select Stones collection

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KARNDEAN TALKS: HOSPITALITY FLOORING In a sector where style, resilience and ease of maintenance are vital, Karndean Designflooring is an ideal flooring choice.

Our floors are guaranteed up to 15 years in commercial environments and are proven to withstand even the toughest high-footfall environments – venues where long hours, knocks and spills are the norm.

Whether your hospitality project requires traditional or contemporary flooring designs, our extensive range has a product to match your project’s requirements.

If you’re out on site with a customer why not use our new augmented reality app to demonstrate what their floor could look like right there and then. The app lets you select and view different floors in the space of your choice and take images to share and compare.

See www.karndean.com/app for more details.

If you’re looking for a product that’s quick and easy to install, look no further than Karndean LooseLay. This new format LVT features a friction grip backing that holds the product in place. No clicking. No Locking. It’s also suitable for raised access flooring and is easy to repair.

Try mixing different designs and formats to zone your space and create walkways.

For a faster response visit www.fca-magazine.com or use the free reader enquiry card For more flooring ideas visit us online at www.karndean.com/hospitality

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Kitchens, Bedrooms & Bathrooms Catalano Premium semi inset basin

â–

Designing for code

have to be designed into the bathroom, which ultimately will dictate the size of the room.

As any architect will be able to appreciate, size equals money when you are building a block of flats and the biggest design issue in terms of space is that the basin does not overhang into an activity space by anything greater than 200mm. Brands such as Catalano offer suitable products, including the Premium semi-recessed basin.

In order to make the best use of limited space in a small bathroom, there are also a number of other options and design solutions. Catalano also offers semi-inset basins with short projections such as the Proiezioni and Verso collections, whilst German manufacturer Bette offers a wide range of bath sizes that will accommodate specific requirements including a shower and bath in one. Other options include integrating a concealed flush cistern with wall hung WCs or back-to-wall WCs, and built in storage space under basins.

If space is very limited, another option is to replace the bath with a shower altogether.

Bette offers a vast range of flush to floor shower trays for easy access.

Manufacturers are producing a range of products suited to a bathroom of any size.

Investing in good quality materials and brands will not only ensure a better bathroom experience but a longer life for your installation.

The Code for Sustainable Homes (CSH) level 4 is now rapidly becoming the default standard for bathrooms explains John Horner, Managing Director Ogee74, whereby it has implications on two main factors: water usage and future proofing the bathroom.

C

SH level 4 stipulates that there is a maximum water usage of 105 litre/per person/per day (LPPPD) and bathroom manufacturers, stockists and distributors are ensuring that products assist with meeting these stringent demands.

Ogee74 was created to offer dedicated services and specification support for architects, interior designers and developers and has formed partnerships with a number of the highest quality European bathroom manufacturers including Zucchetti, Bette, Catalano and Gessi each offering products to assist in reducing water usage.

For example, Italian bathroom manufacturers Catalano and GSI offer Dual Flush WC’s 4.5/3ltr system and German manufacturer Bette can supply low line baths (where they are available) or can arrange to

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www.ogee74.co.uk

have the overflow height reduced.

Italian brands including Gessi and Zucchetti can factory fit PCA regulators into taps and showers.These will regulate the water flow to a specified volume (i.e. 5l/min) regardless of any increase in water pressure, however a minimum of 1 bar of water pressure is required. Most shower heads can be reduced to meet the exact standards of CSH 4.

This technology should not be confused with restrictors; restrictors as the name says will also restrict the water at 1 bar, but if pressure in the system increases then the flow rate will increase as well.

Future proofing With the CSH level 4, you have to embrace the design criteria laid down by Lifetime Homes, so in addition to the 105 LPPPD, there are a number of activity spaces that

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GSI Pura wall-hung WC with 55cm projection

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With its easy-to-navigate format, users can benefit from a variety of useful tools, such as the magazine’s latest issue, digital archive, suppliers and newsbank.

The App is also synced with SBP Library (www.sustainable-buildingproducts.com) providing an essential specification portal.

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apollo monza aluminium column radiator

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35

Modern Methods of Construction

‘Fabric First’ is intrinsically linked to offsite construction which is both cost effective and time efficient against traditional building methods

Details in the fabric Upsurge in housing demand, cost challenges, skills shortages and how to offset rising fuel costs are all a part of the house building melting pot – so is constructing ‘Fabric First’ the panacea for all?

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a growing group of business people the answer is emphatically yes and is the reason why they have joined together to form the Fabric First Academy. It is not by chance that it is bi-lined ‘Education for the Fabric First Generation’.

Mike Stevenson from offsite fenestration specialist Sidey, and Founding Partner of the Fabric First Academy gives us the background. “As a business we have been

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supplying the offsite industry for many years, developing and supplying bespoke solutions in relation to our own products to make the whole process easier, quicker, and more cost effective for constructors. At the same time we have always tried to encourage designers to look at the performance of our products when calculated as a part of the integrated structure as a whole, and not just as individual entities.

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ublished in 2013 the hefty piece of work which we know as ‘the offsite housing review’ seemed confident that as soon as the recession ended the house building sector would start to boom again, but in equal measure that it would be faced with major challenges. The government commissioned report concluded that offsite construction would need to be a much more significant part of helping the house-building sector meet its future targets, but that as an industry it needed to do much more to engage and to explain its benefits if it was to achieve this.

Leap forward another 12 months; the recession is generally accepted as being visible only in our rear view mirrors, and almost as if nothing had happened houses are coming out of the ground again at a rate of knots not seen since 2008.

But challenges referenced in the offsite report are there, and are very real – immediate demand, cost challenges, skills shortages, and how to offset the ever increasing upward spiral of fuel costs which by general acceptance are not going to go away.

Is the panacea to all these problems building with a Fabric First approach? For

‘Education for the Fabric First generation’ provides impartial and unrivalled educational content for architects, specifiers, developers and constructors

Key events for your diary this summer...

3rd June 2014 - Birmingham Showcasing the best of the UK & European solid wood projects CONFERENCE & EXHIBITION • Case studies on some of the most prestigious projects in the UK & Europe • Confirmed speakers, include; James Cameron Sainsbury’s

Andrew Southey Halliday Clark

Andrew Wright Andrew Wright

Jonathan Roynon Buro Happold

Tim Snelson Arup

Nick Milestone X-LAM Alliance

John Spittle Wiehag

Philipp Zumbrunnen Eurban

Paul Gandy Lend Lease

www.solidwoodsolutions.co.uk

4th June 2014 - Birmingham Explore the latest innovations in offsite technology CONFERENCE & EXHIBITION • A platform for construction clients to explore the latest offsite construction solutions • Outstanding speaker programme, including;

Andrew Ogorzalek PCKO Architects John Bedford Accord Helen Boardman Laing O’Rourke

Nigel Ingram Joseph Rowntree Housing Trust Simon Reid Scape Graham Cleland NG Bailey

Graham Hogan Atkins Richard Kelly Heathrow Airport Emma Bridgewood Travelodge

www.exploreoffsite.co.uk

24th June 2014 - Birmingham CONFERENCE & EXHIBITION • Ideally suited to developers, architects, contractors, RSLs, clients and house-builders • Confirmed speakers include;

Matt Fulford Inspired Efficiency

Mark Bradbury Climate Energy Homes

Rob Pannell Zero Carbon Hub

Ben Shuster Willmott Dixon

Luke Jackson Hanover Housing

Cliff Fudge H + H Celcon

Brendan Wells Circle Housing Group

Oliver Novakovic BRE

Stewart Dalgarno Stewart Milne

www.fabricfirstevent.co.uk There are a range of sponsorship and exhibitor packages available. Multiple event discounts apply.

For more information on exhibiting at the above events, contact Julie Richards:

37 For a faster responseT: visit01743 www.fca-magazine.com card E: julie.richards@radar-communications.co.uk 290001 or use the free reader enquiry Online Enquiry 020

Modern Methods of Construction

“A few years back along with a number of others in the offsite sector we started to use the phrase ‘Fabric First’. It is self explanatory to some degree, but the point is that we believe from a design point of view consideration of the building envelope ‘first’ is the perfect way to go.”

Intrinsically linked “In our minds ‘Fabric First’ is intrinsically linked to offsite construction which is both cost effective and time efficient against traditional building methods, and addresses the issues of skills shortages whilst closing the performance gap between claimed and as-built. In the case of windows and doors alone supplying product ‘offsite’ immediately means one less trade required on site, and aside from cost and product performance considerations there are tangible health and safety and reduced carbon footprint benefits to constructing in this way. Multiply this across multiple product groups and the benefits are obvious and very significant.

“We believe that building offsite addresses many of the challenges facing the housebuilding sector as a matter of course, and further to that, embracing a Fabric First approach – getting the design of the building envelope ‘right’ from the start, ensures that the thermal performance of the total building can remove concerns about energy usage and associated costs for good.”

embodies entirely what it is about – to provide impartial and unrivalled educational content for architects, specifiers, developers and constructors who want to learn about Fabric First as a concept, and with all the information in one place.

The Fabric First Academy is a virtual repository of information and case studies, technical detail, practical considerations and collaborative working references provided by the suppliers of all the facets of a building.”

The bigger picture “The concept is very simple within the Fabric First Academy; interested parties can look at a building as a whole and see how individual components such as windows and air-tightness membranes, SIPs panels and renders can all work together to provide the most thermally efficient and cost effective building possible.We were clear from the outset that all information would be generic

More awareness required “However, it became obvious to us that while the likes of the STA were pushing hard to raise awareness of the many benefits of Fabric First as a concept to the house-building sector, there was even more that could be done. We therefore came up with the concept of the Fabric First Academy, and invited other well known industry suppliers and commentators to join with us to develop it and promote its work.

“We bi-lined the academy ‘Education for the Fabric First generation’ which

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The Fabric First Academy is a virtual repository of information and case studies, technical detail, practical considerations and collaborative working references

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

■

The concept is very simple within the Fabric First Academy; interested parties can look at a building as a whole and see how individual components work together

and unbiased, there are no brand names on the technical detail featured – it is genuinely about education.”

In support of the impartial information there is a human support resource too, with each facet of a structure having its own email ‘expert’ helpline for people wanting more information and advice.The members of the Fabric First Academy are also making their time and expertise available through a series exhibition talks and presentations, and are becoming increasingly the ‘go-to’ speakers for event organisers wanting to provide an educational and refreshingly non-commercial approach to business.

The academy is also committed to being very active on professional social media networking site Linked In with its own growing group of members following the messaging of the academy.

Mike concludes: “It is really refreshing to find that a group of business people who have such a wealth of knowledge are willing to share it for the common good of raising awareness about a subject we are all extremely passionate about and firmly believe in. We wholly believe that growing the knowledge base amongst people who want to address all the challenges facing the house-building agenda is beneficial to all. The work of the Fabric First Academy has only just begun but we know if we continue with our efforts, in years to come we will have done something we can all be proud of and which will have brought significant benefits to the construction industry as a whole.”

www.fabricfirstacademy.co.uk

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Jacksons guarantees all its products for 25 years.

So when you see this sign you are guaranteed expert advice, top quality products and great British design.

We call it our badge of quality….

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39

Safety & Health Expo Preview

Encouraging safer practice Safety & Health Expo, the largest UK-based safety exhibition will be held at ExCeL London from 17-19th June. Visitors to health and safety’s flagship national exhibition will find a superlative speaker programme and the very latest in innovative, market-defining products.

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s the UK’s leading national show for health and safety, the exhibition is the go-to event, with everything from training and consultancy providers to behavioural safety, drug and alcohol awareness, information services, publications, legal firms, as well as PPE suppliers.There will also be innovations from further afield with a fifth of exhibitors coming from overseas, highlighting the important role the UK market represents internationally.

Part of UBM’s protection and management series of exhibitions at ExCeL, Safety & Health Expo will offer three days of educational programmes alongside the most innovative products on the market.

Heather Beach, Brand Director for OSH

Global, said: “For a few years now, the show has stayed the same size in Birmingham and it desperately needed a new lease of life.

We are delighted to see that companies are investing in the move to London with a significant increase in participation.”

The leading associations will be participating in the exhibition, including the British Safety Industry Federation, which will be hosting a product innovation village.

RoSPA will host its awards ceremony on 17th June and of course, IOSH, which will, as ever have a huge presence within the event itself.

BOHS is delivering the occupational hygiene theatre, looking at many topics including skin cancer in construction.

A key educational feature will be the SHP legal and cultural arena – a forum dedicated

Visitors will have access to 1400 companies participating on the show floors

to safety culture and legal issues, hosted by some of the country’s top lawyers.They will be looking at key issues such as how to handle regulators, doing HSE interviews under caution and employee engagement.

Another vibrant feature planned for the exhibition is safety and health LIVE! where 25-minute live showcase slots demonstrating equipment and PPE will be hosted.This will run across the three-day event.

Other areas include the working at height knowledge base, which will provide practical and engaging demonstrations centered on advancing safety, best practice and competency when working at height.

LiftEx 2014, which is the UK’s only exhibition dedicated to lifting equipment, will be co-locating with the Safety & Health Expo.

It will feature companies such as Crosby Group and Checkmate.

Safety & Health Expo is being presented as part of UBM Live’s protection and management series, six major shows in related marketplaces covering safety, energy, environment, facilities, security and fire.

Visitors will have free entry across all six shows, with access to 18 educational theatres and the 1400 companies participating on the show floors.

Both Safety & Health Expo and IOSH 2014 can be easily accessed on the Docklands Light Railway (DLR) by alighting at Prince Regent station, the stop after Custom House for ExCeL.

www.safety-health-expo.co.uk

A vibrant feature planned for the exhibition is safety and health LIVE! where 25-minute live showcase slots demonstrating equipment and PPE will be hosted

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

ed ed! lifi is ua gn t q co Ge et re g &

Online Enquiry 024

The MCIAT Professional Assessment

– a new qualifying route What is the MCIAT Professional Assessment?

The MCIAT Professional Assessment is a flexible, rigorous, robust and quality assured qualifying process, based on performance and designed to recognise the diversity of Architectural Technology.

Candidates must provide an in-depth critical analysis clearly summarising their professional experience. This should be a reflective report and should refer to challenges and successes encountered whilst working on projects and how any issues were resolved.

Applicants should also undertake a self-evaluation highlighting their strengths and weaknesses in relation to their area(s) of practice.

The Professional Assessment process is based on four core competencies: • Designing • Managing • Practising • Developing (self)

Who can apply for the MCIAT Professional Assessment?

Any applicant working in or on, for example, academia, general practice, component design, refurbishment, small residential projects, large commercial projects etc within Architectural Technology, should be able to apply their own experience to the Professional Assessment process, but they must hold one of the following membership grades: ACIAT, TCIAT or profile candidate.

Each application will be assessed on its merit. However, each applicant will need to demonstrate a sufficient level of knowledge and understanding and professional competence/experience in relation to their sphere/s of practice and demonstrate to the Institute they can meet the expectations of a Chartered Architectural Technologist, MCIAT.

How much does it cost?

To apply for the Professional Assessment, applicants are required to pay £300 for the assessment of the application and the Professional Assessment Interview.

For further information email our Membership Director, 41 For a faster response visit www.fca-magazine.com or use the free reader enquiry card James Banks via james@ciat.org.uk or call us on +44(0)20 7278 2206

CPD Focus

Rise to the challenge Amidst increasing inflation of construction costs and Construction 2025 targeting huge efficiency improvements and value for money challenges, attend RICS’ annual conference for the QS & Construction sector to hear how those in the industry must rise to this challenge. This year’s RICS QS & Construction Conference, taking place on 20th May, will look at the demands on the sector at a time when cost efficiency is a dominant concern. RICS will showcase best practice examples of how quantity surveyors can play a leadership role in achieving cost reduction, managing risk, meeting sustainability requirements and remaining at the cutting edge of current and future practice. * conferences@rics.org

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( 0207 695 1600 8 www.rics.org/qsconference

CPD for Franke’s new generation of washroom solutions A new CPD has been launched

by Franke Washroom Systems to support a new generation of commercial washbasins and washtroughs made from the company’s own moulded solidsurface – Miranit.The new CPD highlights both the standard range of Miranit basins from Franke Washroom Systems that

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the right application, offering guidance on door specification, legislation, building regulations, fire & safety in use, CE marking – MANDEC and The Equality Act. Simonswerk is a leading manufacturer of top quality brass, aluminium and stainless steel hinges for doors, windows and conservatories. Ranges include the award-winning fully concealed TECTUS and the high performance solid brass TRITECH hinges.

have been available for specialist applications for a number of years, but now includes a bespoke offer too. Highlights of the CPD include: the benefits of using solid surfaces in washrooms; the properties of Miranit including material detail; the benefits of using Miranit over ceramics; cleaning and maintenance; and standards and approvals. * ws-marketing.gb@franke.com

( 01246 450255 8 www.franke.com

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Key considerations for wetroom design

GEZE UK launches CPD on glass door assembly GEZE UK has updated its RIBAapproved CPD seminar on glass door assemblies to provide architects with valuable guidance about how glass can be used within door situations throughout a building.The 40 minute seminar titled ‘Glass Door Assemblies – Selection and Specification’ aims to demystify the specification process by providing information about everything from the beneficial properties of glass through to the very latest regulation and legislation.

Delegates will learn how the different types of glass are manufactured, their properties and the finishes that are available.

The seminar will then look at the benefits of using glass and the qualities of manual swing, sliding and sliding stacking doors. * info.uk@geze.com

( 01543 443000 8 www.geze.co.uk

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CCL Wetrooms has developed a Wetroom Design & Specification CPD to help guide architects through the process of designing and specifying a watertight wetroom.

CCL Wetrooms is a leading manufacturer of wetroom systems and waterproofing membranes, providing architects and house developers with high quality drainage and waterproofing solutions.

The technical presentation covers the key considerations of designing and specifying a wetroom including wetroom design & layout, waterproofing, drainage, floor build up and a section on how wetrooms can help meet the Lifetime Homes Standard. * contact@ccl-wetrooms.co.uk

( 0844 327 6002 8 www.ccl-wetrooms.co.uk

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Make the right connection with hinge CPD Simonswerk’s RIBA-approved CPD provides architects with the technical knowledge for specifying the correct hinge for

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

* sales@simonswerk.co.uk

( 01215 222848 8 www.simonswerk.co.uk

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An introduction to galvanizing and sustainability Wedge Group is offering the opportunity to take a CPD in Galvanizing and Sustainable Construction at a Wedge Group Galvanizing Plant to see the process in action. Wedge offers CPD sessions at a number of locations across the UK. Delivered by the Galvanizers Association the presentations cover: an introduction to hot dip galvanizing; the galvanizing process; coating characteristics/ performance; what is sustainability?; sustainable aspects of galvanizing: carbon footprint, recycling, durability; and case studies: Life Cycle Analysis. * architect@wedgegalv.co.uk

( 01902 600704 8 www.wedgegalv.co.uk

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CPD Focus

James Latham now offering RIBA approved CPDs Developed in conjunction with RIBA, two CPD seminars have been made available by James Latham, one on Acrylic Based Solid Surface and one on Performance Door Blanks.

The CPDs offer a unique opportunity for all construction and design professionals to gain up-to-date knowledge and enhance personal proficiency as well as earn CPD points from the UK’s largest independent distributor of sheet material and timber products.

The Performance Door Blanks CPD focusses on five key learning aims and addresses the concept and significance of performance door blanks. It looks at the appropriate documents that make up Building Regulations and its limitations and conflicts. It also allows those attending to develop an appreciation of door testing and rating for such things as fire and acoustics and demonstrates how this is driven through the increasing demands of legislation as well as looking at some of the developmental areas in door blanks.

Created specifically for architects and designers, the Acrylic Based Solid Surface CPD seminar provides a greater understanding of this versatile material and its potential applications and assists with specifications and material choices.

The session covers a number of areas including raw materials, an overview of sheet manufacturing techniques, an overview of fabrication techniques, plus commercial and residential applications including thermoforming and translucency.

Chris Sutton, Managing Director of James Latham comments: “Both of these seminars provide educational learning to architects and other specifiers and have been assessed by the RIBA so carry the prestige, good name and industry respect that the RIBA, with its 175-year heritage, provides.”

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www.lathamtimber.co.uk marketing@lathams.co.uk 0116 257 3415

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RICS Quantity Surveying and Construction Conference 2014 Achieving success in commercial leadership – Are we up for the challenge?

20 May 2014 Kensington Close Hotel, London #RICSconstruction Amidst increasing inflation of construction costs and Construction 2025 targeting huge efficiency improvements and value for money challenges; attend our annual conference for the QS & Construction sector to hear how those in the industry can rise to this challenge.

Find out more: 19396 RICS QS & Construction Conference-Advert 185x122mm.indd 1

rics.org/qsconference Online 14/04/2014 Enquiry 032 11:47 For a faster response visit www.fca-magazine.com or use the free reader enquiry card

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Roofing, Cladding & Insulation The Tudor board in a black foiled finish adds a point of interest to the facade.

Assured low maintenance PVC-U roofline products, cladding and Tudor board from Swish Building Products have been used to complete Wellington Court, a new McCarthy & Stone Retirement Living development.

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ocated on Waterloo Road in Epsom, the new build complex comprises 32 one- and twobedroom apartments for the over 60s. Swish Building Products exceeded the demands of the specification, to construct a low maintenance, high performance exterior, supplying proven and appropriate products.

Supplied through an approved, local stockist, the 16mm square fascias and soffits in black foil create a strong, light-weight and low maintenance roofline, while the Tudor board, also in a black foiled finish adds a point of interest to the facade.The white PVC-U cladding installed in the undercroft is an ideal alternative to timber, requiring little or no maintenance; it can also help to significantly improve the thermal properties of a building.

Each McCarthy & Stone development is designed to be in keeping with the town and complement the local surroundings.

On Waterloo Road there are a number of original timber-frame buildings bearing signs of their post and beam construction; to emulate this some homeowners have embellished their properties with mock Tudor board. As a result, and in line with the

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McCarthy & Stone design criteria the front elevation features PVC-U Tudor board on its gables and dormers, combined with red brick and cream coloured render.

Independent living The maintenance and life cycle of a product forms a stringent part of the specification and procurement process for McCarthy & Stone. Julie Ward, Regional Sales & Marketing Director for McCarthy & Stone comments: “Our homeowners own their own properties and have the freedom to maintain and decorate them as they wish, but as a provider of quality housing for those in later life, it’s our responsibility to ensure that each development is maintained to a high standard.

That’s why it’s important we specify products that are not only high quality, but incredibly low maintenance.This makes it more effective for us and the residents.”

“We have to ensure that we do the best for our residents, and that means appropriate and best value specification,” continues Julie.

The PVC-U roofline products, cladding and Tudor board form part of a wider McCarthy & Stone initiative to provide the very best in

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

products and materials, from little luxuries like walk-in wardrobes to lever taps, level access showers and electric skylight windows to selected apartments, all of which combine to create a safe, secure and enjoyable environment for the homeowners.

McCarthy & Stone Retirement Living gives freedom to those who are able to enjoy independent living without the hassle and responsibility of mundane tasks like exterior maintenance.This leaves the homeowners free to enjoy their home and independent living in a safe environment which offers companionship, privacy and security.

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www.swishbp.co.uk information@swishbp.co.uk 01827 317200

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Each McCarthy & Stone development is designed to be in keeping with the town and complement the local surroundings

Roofing, Cladding & Insulation

Introducing ARP’s Rainfall Calculator -Available shortly for use with your PC or Tablet

As one of the UK’s market leaders in Rainwater Systems ARP recognise the importance of working in partnership with specifiers to ensure that the most effective aluminium roofline and rainwater drainage solution is provided.

Our service levels are second to none and with the launch of our new rainfall calculator we are empowering you to produce drainage calculations tailored to your particular project quickly and efficiently.

Our network of experienced external Sales Managers or our friendly in house sales team can support you with a small amount of training to obtain the information required or on the installation of this free and easy to use application.

Please contact us now on marketing@arp-ltd.com to register your interest in the FREE Rainfall Calculator and we will forward download links from our website when they are available shortly.

Aluminium Roofline Products Ltd Call our sales line 01162 894400 or email us at sales@arp-ltd.com www.arp-ltd.com , www.mustang-gutters.com

Online Enquiry 034

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Roofing, Cladding & Insulation

Cavity wall sill construction advantages The Type U undersill cavitray is a preformed moulded DPC tray incorporated when constructing sills in brick, tile or stone. Once bedded in position its function is twofold. It acts as integral formwork into which the sill materials are laid. It also provides the damp arrestment and thermal break qualities between outer and inner masonry skins, ensuring the sill does not convey dampness inwardly.

Architects create gem in central London

London-based Piercy & Co architects have specified a fibre cement EQUITONE facade on the 1 Baker’s Row development in Clerkenwell Green Conservation Area.

Anthracite-coloured EQUITONE [natura] was specified because the architects felt that the matt surface appearance created a contemporary aesthetic that interfaced well with the adjoining historic buildings.

EQUITONE [natura] allows the textures of the fibre cement to show through, creating a tactile, smooth surface. It is a sustainable and low maintenance exterior rainscreen cladding material that combines excellent aesthetics with durability and impact resistance. The architects achieved an engaging streetscape using EQUITONE material to create a jewel-like facade. ( *

01283 722588 8 www.equitone.co.uk info@marleyeternit.co.uk 038

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The front of the Type U projects forward of the masonry face and has a front upturned lip. This acts as an alignment guide for the mason, and promotes a uniform finish. The back of the tray has a raised section that dictates the sill angle. The height of this can be varied at manufacturing stage to suit the architect’s requirements. Stopends to prevent end water discharge and promote integration with reveal closers also form part of the Type U design.

Once the sill has cured a grooved detachment line permits the front of the tray to be removed. The remainder of the tray remains built in. At the manufacturing stage insulation can be bonded onto the back up stand of Type U trays and used to great advantage to isolate and thus reduce thermal cold bridging.

Where solid sills are used, the Type U is

supplied to fulfil the same function encapsulating the back, bottom and ends of the sill but without having to provide alignment and formwork accompaniment.

Type U Undersill trays are manufactured to clients’ required profiles by Cavity Trays of Yeovil and can be supplied separately or as part of cavity wall opening packages.

They remove the wastage and error aspects associated with site-formed DPC approaches and enable house builders to standardise and maintain build quality every time.

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www.cavitytrays.co.uk enquiries@cavitytrays.co.uk 01935 474769

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VIVIX exterior facade panels through rain or shine In City of Helsinki, VIVIX exterior facade panels have been used for the refurbishment of tram stops railings. Ulla-Kirsti Junttila, Senior Adviser for urban planning and design at SITO Oy chose VIVIX panels in Ocean Grey for their inherent strength as well as choice of colours offered. The VIVIX range provides the possibility to create exclusive looks in a creative and cost efficient way, allowing the architect or specifier to take into consideration appearance, design and maintenance when choosing exterior cladding. VIVIX panels are resistant to impact and abrasion, are weather resistant and can enhance the life span of a building. *

samples.uk@formica.com

(

0191 259 3100

8 www.formica.com

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New liquid waterproofing system for flat roofs When it comes to flat roofs, FIX-R from SIG Roofing is fast becoming the number one choice amongst roofing contractors for its ease of application and cost-effectiveness. Suitable for new build, repair and refurbishment projects, FIX-R is a single liquid hybrid polymer system that is Isocyanurate free and contains no solvents. Unlike other waterproofing systems, it has very low volatile organic compounds which makes it virtually odour-free and it is not classed as a hazardous product. Ready to use, FIX-R is a weton-wet system that becomes water repellent upon application. It provides strong adhesion to most conventional substrates, thereby providing excellent elasticity and tensile strength. *

info@roofshop.co.uk

(

01480 466777

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

8 www.roofshop.co.uk

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Roofing, Cladding & Insulation FAKRO roof windows make a stunning combination

Eighteen FAKRO FTP-V U5 triple-glazed roof windows in combination have been used in the £6.5m Bodnant Welsh Food Centre project. Set in the stunning surroundings of the Conwy Valley the Centre, which was opened by HRH the Prince of Wales, is adjacent to the world famous National Trust Bodnant Garden. 18th century buildings have been lovingly restored to provide a venue with farm shop, tea room, restaurant, cookery school and farmhouse accommodation.

Electro and manually operated windows are a feature of the bar area and entry vestibule to the new restaurant. Conservation style windows have also been used throughout.

Wraptite tape seals the deal Wraptite Tape was used for a project of seven new tower blocks in Alperton, London by Simco External Framing Solutions.Wraptite Tape was used to create a permanent air-tight seal of the membrane overlaps.Wraptite Tape is the latest addition to the A. Proctor Group’s portfolio of products.The uncontrolled flow of air through gaps and cracks in the fabric of a building are a common problem, resulting in a significant reduction in the thermal perfomance and efficiency of the structure.

Wraptite Tape is an air-tight, tear resistant tape with high vapour permeability suitable for internal and external applications. ( *

01250 872261 8 www.proctorgroup.com ask@proctorgroup.com 041

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sales@fakrogb.com

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01283 554755

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A heritage helping hand for architects A unique register of heritage roofing specialists is providing much needed help and assurance for architects and specifiers when working on heritage projects.The Register is the brainchild of the UK’s largest roofing trade association, the National Federation of Roofing Contractors.The National Heritage Roofing Contractors Register provides an exclusive listing of only those roofing companies that have the vital skills and experience necessary for the repair and renovation of heritage projects.This Register features companies that fall into one of three categories; Heritage Roofmasters, Heritage Craftroofers and Heritage Craft Roof Operatives. *

info@nfrc.co.uk

(

020 7638 7663

8 www.nfrc.co.uk

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Stainless steel performance after more than 30 years The Thames Barrier stands guard astride the river in a location which is classified as ‘corrosive’ because temperature and humidity levels are sufficient to activate salt deposits on a regular basis. Stainless steel was considered to be the only metal which would provide a sufficient level of corrosion resistance to fulfil a planned 50 year design life. Austenitic grade 316 was specified for its exceptional corrosion resistance along with a smooth matt finish designed for severe conditions such as those found around coastlines. Its smoothness minimises corrosive deposit accumulation and increases the effectiveness of self-cleaning by natural rain washing. *

kevin.jones@aperam.com

(

01246 571660

8 www.uginox.com

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Klober air-open underlay surpasses NHBC standard With a water vapour transmission of 2736 g/m2/day, Klober Permo air is 13% more breathable than any other roofing underlay. Being air-open, the NHBC approves its use without supporting high level ventilation, one of only two products to have achieved such a performance standard.This not only prevents formation of condensation in the roof space during a building’s critical dry out period, but enables the roofline to be uninterrupted on refurbishments. Hydrophobically treated, Permo air is a 3-layer, UV-stabilised polypropylene fleece with a high performance meltblown layer. It has exceptional nail tear resistance, is fully recyclable and can be used in temperatures from -40°C to +80°C. *

klober@yourresponse.co.uk

(

01332 813050

8 www.klober.co.uk

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Cembonit is elegant choice for Central School of Ballet Cembrit’s Cembonit has been used to create an elegant and modern exterior at the Central School of Ballet on Clerkenwell Road, London. Approximately 4000m² of Cembonit in Flint has been used on the striking facade of the 34,000ft2 ballet school.The autoclaved cladding sheets are available in four natural colours which exhibit a matt, optically level surface with a faint directional grain.The combination of colour stability with a class 0 fire rating to BS 476 part 6 and a class 1 rating to BS 476 part 7 makes Cembonit ideal for overcladding rainscreen applications. ( *

020 8301 8900 8 www.cembrit.co.uk sales@cembrit.co.uk 046

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47

HVAC/HVP

Building in total control According to water heating expert Rinnai, heating and hot water account for more than one third of UK business energy consumption, so having firm control over this area can help to reduce energy bills and achieve those all important CSR environmental requirements on carbon reduction.

R

innai has focused the considerable resources and unrivalled expertise of its extensive R&D department on developing controls for its Infinity range of energy efficient condensing gas fired continuous flow water heaters that are compatible with the popular forms of Building Management Systems (BMS) used in today’s modern buildings.

Rinnai is pioneering the development of sophisticated technology that will seamlessly integrate its hot water systems into BMS protocols. The move allows ultimate control and maximises energy efficiencies in large buildings, even in multi-tenanted sites.

BMS uses a combination of technologies to monitor and control the environment and functions of large office blocks,

Intelligent controls that boost the performance of heating and hot water systems must be looked on as a fundamental component of any installation

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industrial, retail or public sector premises.

It provides automation, alerting, reporting and control capability, so FM professionals are able to regulate and measure multiple systems in the building from a central point, not necessarily in the building itself. BMS enables and maintain the optimum balance of environmental conditions, energy usage and operational requirements.

According to Chris Goggin, Operations Manager at Rinnai: “Traditional energy supply networks are under increasing pressure, with some industry experts predicting power cuts by 2017, so it is essential that as a responsible manufacturer we do our utmost to produce economical and highly efficient products that will help to limit the overload.

Smart controls “As we move inevitably towards ‘smart’ grids for the distribution of our energy supply and with the development of smart monitoring to support those smart grids there is now a desperate need for BMS compatible smart controls for heating and hot water systems to keep energy costs at a manageable level.”

Goggin draws this analogy: “You wouldn’t leave a car engine running overnight just so it is ready to use in the morning and we must apply the same commonsense approach to buildings. There is no point leaving a gas appliance on all the time when it is only going to be needed to heat hot water at certain times of the day. Rinnai’s development and investment in integral smart controls for its appliances compatible with sophisticated BMS, allows easy monitoring which in turn identifies areas where energy is being wasted.”

With the impending implementation of Part L Rinnai has a comprehensive range of products that already go the extra mile in terms of efficiencies and are effectively

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With the impending implementation of Part L Rinnai has a comprehensive range of products that already go the extra mile in terms of efficiencies

future proofed against any future changes in legislation. The addition of smart controls to the Rinnai commercial condensing range is further testament that Rinnai takes its responsibilities as a manufacturer very seriously.

Goggin emphasises that intelligent controls that boost the performance of heating and hot water systems must not be looked on as a desirable option but as a fundamental component of any installation.

“Technically advanced Rinnai Infinity units equipped with smart controls definitely have their part to play as they cut emissions and are very frugal on gas consumption.

They are also very much part of the future as they work extremely well as boosters for renewable systems – I believe hybrid systems will become more and more common as we go forward.”

“There is a responsibility by industry to monitor and control energy usage, which means those manufacturers who are most adaptable will survive as they support the drive towards a greener industry,” says Goggin. “The controls will be available at the end of the year and at a very competitive price.”

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www.rinnaiuk.com info@rinnaiuk.com 01928 531870

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HVACHVP Uninterrupted sounds of war

Air handling and heat recovery specialist Air Design is helping to ensure that visitors to a brand new attraction get the full experience in a heritage centre built to commemorate The Battle of Bannockburn. Based in Stirling, FES sourced two AHUs manufactured by Air Design supplied through Scottish distributor Ventilation & Heating Sales (VHS). The two units feature a single phase AC backward curved fan, selected as it is one of the quietest fans available, with 45mm double-skinned panels, mineral wool infill and silencers to further enhance noise reduction from the HVAC’s ducting.

Shetland Islands Council chooses biomass When the Shetland Islands Council needed to upgrade the heating system in its Port Administration Building on Sella Ness, biomass proved the most cost-effective solution.Windhager UK has provided a highly efficient wood pellet boiler system to heat the workshop areas of the building, increasing the comfort of users and considerably reducing energy costs.The existing oversized oil system has been replaced by a 180kW cascade system using three BioWIN boilers, which has a flexibility of heat output that perfectly suits the conditions of the Port Administration Building, where major parts of the system are switched off at times throughout the heating season. *

info@windhager.co.uk

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8 www.windhager.co.uk

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Energy saving product for the design conscious With over 70% of UK households still not benefitting from the savings offered by thermostatic radiator valves (TRVs), UK manufacturer Pegler Yorkshire has put its knowledge and expertise to the test and developed a range of decorative TRVs which would appeal to the more design conscious consumer.

The range of three Décor valves manufactured under the renowned Terrier brand are great designs with a twist, and have been created to incorporate the most popular finishes of decorative radiators including white, anthracite and chrome. The Terrier is very user friendly, with clear settings for efficiency and boasts an operational temperature range of 7°C to 28°C.

8 www.air-design.com 01384 720460 sales@air-design.com 048 1 17/09/2013 DEVELOPER AD - 7289_Layout 1 17/09/2013 08:36 Page ECODANECODAN DEVELOPER AD - 7289_Layout 08:36 Page 2 2 * brochures@pegleryorkshire.co.uk (

01225 892211

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0844 243 4400

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49

HVAC/HVP linked the diaphragm cut out on the pellet hopper to the oil boiler via the controller, so that there was an immediate and automatic switch to ensure there was no interruption to heating and hot water when the source of heat switched from one to the other.

Long term savings

The original two large and elderly oil boilers provided the heat and hot water – expensively and not particularly well

A harmonious partnership The growing attraction of bivalent or hybrid heating systems – with one source of heat and hot water backed by a second energy efficient option for times when the temperature drops and additional impetus is needed – is perfectly illustrated by a new installation of high quality heating equipment from Grant UK at a stunning property near Great Yarmouth in Norfolk.

T

he property, originally built back in 19th century, with a major extension in 1927, has benefitted from a well-planned heating and hot water system from Steve Botson, of Great Yarmouth Heating. When Steve was first called in by the property’s owner, there were two large and elderly oil boilers providing the heat and hot water – expensively and not particularly well.

The system Steve recommended included a 36kW Grant Spira condensing wood pellet boiler that would provide

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around 85% of the heat required, twinned with a Grant Vortex 36/46kW oil fired boiler, housed in the purpose built plant room directly across the drive from the house. The property owner wanted the wood pellet boiler to be the main provider of heat and hot water with the oil boiler cutting in as required or when the pellets ran out, as he opted for a manual pellet feed into the 200kg hopper rather than an automatic feed.

With the help of the Grant technical team, they installed a mechanism that

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The whole system is overseen by a Grant 264 sequence controller which monitors and runs everything. The average daily cost of heating and hot water each day is around just £10 – considerably less than the £26 a day with the elderly boilers the owner inherited when he bought the property.

The system is now installed and up and running, and in conjunction with other energy saving measures has reduced heating costs massively. Once the RHI begins to pay out later in 2014, it’s confidently expected that there will be an annual surplus rather than a cost for heating and hot water in the property. Early indications suggest that the predicted calculations that the property would use around 50,000kW/hours are broadly correct, which would equate to £6100 a year, paid quarterly, to the property’s owner under the RHI scheme over seven years – an income for that period of in excess of £42,000.

“It’s been an excellent project and the help I’ve had from Grant has been brilliant,” says Steve. “The products we’ve utilised have been easy to install and even the complex elements that were introduced were sorted by the technical people quickly and logically. The bivalent or hybrid approach makes huge sense.”

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www.grantuk.com info@grantuk.com 01380 736920

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With the help of the Grant technical team, a mechanism was installed that linked the diaphragm cut out on the pellet hopper to the oil boiler via the controller

HVAC/HVP

Self-regulating window vents – a sound choice As a specialist in natural and acoustic ventilation RENSON provides window vents that ventilate buildings and meet the acoustic requirements. An extensive R&D department has all of the latest technologies in order to accomplish the necessary analysis and tests and works together with international organisations to provide innovative solutions.

The Invisivent EVO HR provides the ideal solution for wind-impacted applications such as high-rise buildings (up to 1200 Pa) and apartment buildings on the coast.

It contains acoustic material, that muffles external noises as much as possible (e.g. wind, seagulls, traffic), which increases user comfort.

The presence of various types of sound-damping foam in the interior profile provides 3 possible levels of sound insulation, Basic, High or Ultra. In addition, the rain cap, which is mounted as standard, ensures perfect water-resistance in even the most extreme conditions. Extra

mounting screws and clips guarantee satisfactory stability and sturdiness of the entire window.

The Invisivent EVO HR combines its functionality with maximum respect for the architecture since it is installed above the window frame, behind the wall, so that the surface area of the glass is not reduced.

The system can be used on all types and depths of window – aluminium, wood, PVC. This self-regulating thermally broken flap ventilator offers a maximum airflow of 15.9 l/s/m at 2 Pa and a sound reduction in open position up to 42 dB.

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www.rensonuk.net info@rensonuk.net 01622 754123

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51

Kitchens, Bedrooms & Bathrooms

CompacMel Plus, the wood-based compact board What if you could have a product that does the same, at a price that can be up to a 40% cheaper, available in trendy colours and with next day service in many areas in the UK? As an answer to this question, and following its motto “Solutions in wood”, the Spanish panel producer Finsa has recently launched CompacMel Plus: a compact, high density wooden fibreboard (>1000 kg/m3) with excellent mechanical properties and a high strength melamine coating.

CompacMel Plus is an extremely costeffective alternative to solid laminate used in so many public usage and contract situations. CompacMel Plus covers a great variety of applications – educational furniture, public area toilet cubicles, locker

room furniture, hospital and laboratory furniture, hotel and leisure area furniture and panelling, shopfitting, wall cladding and work surfaces, to name just a few.

Finsa reckons that two every three projects using compact laminate could be done with CompacMel Plus, a fully viable product that offers the same benefits but with a clear cost advantage that can be up to 40%. This translates into significant savings on any project and might be the crucial difference in winning a tender.

In order to make CompacMel available to all UK customers, the wood products

specialist Lawcris has been appointed

by Finsa as the exclusive distributor in the UK ensuring the product is at hand nationwide.

Available in 18 vibrant colours and in a standard format of 2440 x 2100 x 12mm, combined with a prompt delivery service offered by Lawcris, CompacMel Plus is an unbeatable offer of quality and performance.

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www.lawcris.co.uk sales@lawcris.co.uk 0113 2177 177

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Sleek design added to the mix

New complete system for shower surfaces Kaldewei now offers a new complete solution for the installation of ultra flat shower surfaces. The Superplan system with low profile support consists of the enamelled shower surface Kaldewei Superplan and a custom-fit polystyrene support for a total height of only 37mm.

Thanks to the installed height, the system is suitable for almost any shower space whether inset level with the floor, or sitting on the floor. If the installed height permits, the Superplan enamelled shower surface with low profile support can also be installed completely flush for a 5star wetroom finish. ( *

0800 840 9770 8 www.kaldewei.co.uk info-uk@kaldewei.com 056

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In collaboration with long-standing partners Phoenix Design, Hansgrohe has developed mixers whose distinctive shapes combine precision with smoothness.The design of Logis is characterised by taut surfaces, clear lines and rounded contours.The new Logis mixers come in different heights and handle variants, ensuring that ceramics and mixer match both visually and functionally with options for cloakrooms through to larger family bathrooms.To ensure the efficient use of resources, all the mixers are equipped with EcoSmart technology as standard delivering 5 litres per minute.Two versions, Logis 70 and Logis 100, are also available as CoolStart models. *

enquiries@hansgrohe.co.uk

01372 465655

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8 www.hansgrohe.co.uk

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Rada is first choice for leading Caravan Park An award-winning Northumberland caravan park has selected Rada’s market-leading commercial washroom products for the refurbishment of its shower block facilities. Rada’s PA-215TF pre-plumbed shower panel was the preferred choice for South Meadows Caravan Park, for its ease of cleaning and maintenance, durability and water saving qualities.

The satin finished, stainless steel shower panel incorporates a hot and cold water pipe entry connecting to a TMV3 approved concealed 215-T3 thermostatic mixing valve, allowing for adjustable temperature selection at source.The panel includes a Rada TF503 push button timed flow control and VR105 vandal-resistant chrome plated shower head with adjustable spray angle options, and integral strainer and flow regulators. *

rada_technical@mirashowers.com

(

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0844 571 1777

8 www.radacontrols.com

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Doors, Windows & Balustrades

Online Enquiry 059

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Doors, Windows & Balustrades Reynaers launches its BIM library No monkeying around Bristol Zoo Gardens has recently invested in improving the enclosures for its gorillas and monkeys. One area of expenditure was the drill monkey house. Drills are very intelligent and had learnt the routine of the gate opening. The previous sliding gate had a lever which operated a chain driven roller gate and the drills realised whenever a keeper stood near the lever, the gate was about to move; making it impossible for keepers to segregate them into the different areas. The Electric Gate Company therefore designed a safe and efficient 24V sliding gate system in the enclosure for the drill monkeys, which could be operated remotely. ( *

01256 318100 sales@faac.co.uk

Supporting architects, construction and fabrication partners throughout the building industry Reynaers has released its latest Building Information Modelling (BIM) library, enhancing collaborative partnerships. Based on Autodesk Revit, Reynaers BIM system provides fully compatible models of Reynaers systems for integration into building designs, plans, and simulation.The library includes a comprehensive collection of Reynaers systems such as windows, doors, sliding doors and sliding and folding doors with additional products being added on a regular basis. In total some 130 BIM models of various aluminium systems are currently available. *

8 www.faac.co.uk

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reynaersltd@reynaers.com

0121 421 1999

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8 www.reynaers.co.uk

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REHAU sponsors next series of Edge debates

Polymer specialist REHAU is confirming its credentials in the green building market by sponsoring the series of The Edge debates being held at the London Building Centre.The Edge is a campaigning builtenvironment think tank which exists to achieve inter-disciplinary cooperation and provide leadership aimed at minimising carbon emissions in construction. Mike Moseley, REHAU’s Commercial Manager based at the company’s London Forum in the Building Centre says: “We are giving our backing via sponsorship and we are keen to help facilitate this inter disciplinary debate. As REHAU construction products touch the work of many disciplines across the industry, it is a very apt subject for us.” *

irene.smith@rehau.com

(

01989 762600

8 www.rehau.co.uk

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Facade solution has Maxx appeal Comar Architectural Aluminium Systems, with its approved fabricator APIC, has completed a new TK Maxx flagship store in Woolwich, London. For this facade, the design of Comar 6 made it an ideal choice for this complex facetted curtain wall. Comar 6 was selected due to its slim 50mm profiles which maximised the glazed area for natural day lighting and its special facetted profiles which created the curved facade.To provide opening vents to the curtain walling Comar 5P.i windows were selected, providing exceptional thermal performance. For safety, Comar 7P.i doors were fitted with rounded Anti-finger trap stiles, Axim soft touch Panic Exit Devices and Axim Concealed Transom Closers. *

projects@parksidegroup.co.uk

(

020 8685 9685

8 www.comar-alu.co.uk

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Pivota offers fully concealed 3D hinges Cooke Brothers is the sole UK stockist and distributor of the Pivota series of fully concealed, three-way adjustable, four knuckle precision hinges. The Pivota range of hinges are widely acknowledged as being at the forefront in advanced hinge design and performance and as such they represent an important and valuable new dimension to Cooke Brothers’ already comprehensive range of hinge options. Along with a number of standard finishes, the range can feature solid steel or solid aluminium bodies, door weights from 40kg up to 300kg, three-dimensional adjustment, matching cover plates for screws, fire rating and anti-jemmy protection. *

sales@cookebrothers.co.uk

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01922 740011

8 www.cookebrothers.co.uk

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Training programme answers concerns over fire door defects A Fire Door Education Programme for professionals involved in the inspection, installation and repair of fire doors has just been jointly launched by BRE and the Door & Hardware Federation. This has been developed following concerns that the integrity of fire doors is being compromised in residential apartment blocks and public buildings. The programme consists of a series of oneday courses. Delegates who successfully pass the exam following each course will be awarded the Fire Door Education Programme Training Certificate. For details on forthcoming fire door inspection courses taking place at BRE Watford, visit www.bre.co.uk (

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01827 52337 8 www.dhfonline.org.uk info@dhfonline.org.uk 067

Doors, Windows & Balustrades Offsite installation solutions bring major cost benefits Offsite fenestration specialist Sidey continues to use key innovations in offsite contracts.The company widely known for its innovative approach to the offsite construction market has recently used both its KITFIX and its Scratchguard products to bring major cost benefits to a three-year project for the construction of 2500 bedrooms for the University of Hertfordshire. Using the KITFIX system enabled the installation of the windows offsite into Stewart Milne Timber Systems engineered wall systems, while the use of Sidey’s unique factory applied Scratchguard system ensured that there was no transport or site damage to the glazing element of the scheme. *

tncinfo@sidey.co.uk

(

0800 234 400

8 www.sidey.co.uk

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GLASSOLUTIONS gives Edinburgh steps a lift Glazing specialist GLASSOLUTIONS has played a key role in the £9.5m project to upgrade the famous Waverley Steps which form the landmark link between Edinburgh station and the Scottish capital’s city centre.The challenge was to balance the historic appeal of the station’s architecture with contemporary need and modern design.

As well as providing lifts and escalators, the solution entailed extensive glazing in a self-supporting fully-glazed structure utilising advanced glass technology from GLASSOLUTIONS.The result is a ‘light-touch’ structure which doesn’t interrupt the surroundings. SGG STADIP SECURIT clear heat soaked toughened laminate safety glass was used to create a robust, safe and attractive glazed feature. *

enquiries@glassolutions.co.uk

(

0844 0892 2690

8 www.glassolutions.co.uk

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SWA member upgrades Town Hall The windows of The Town Hall in Spa Road, Bermondsey, which was built in 1881, were replaced by Steel Window Association member, West Leigh Limited, in the late 1980s. The local council vacated the impressive building in 2010 and it has now been reborn as luxury apartments from Hollybrook Limited. West Leigh Limited was delighted to revisit the building to refurbish and upgrade all windows. As well as refurbishing existing windows, the company installed additional W20 windows and doors for access to patios and terraces.

8 www.steel-window-association.co.uk * info@steel-window-association.co.uk ( 0844 249 1355 070

natural solid wood steel reinforced doors made and designed in UK

urbanfront.co.uk 01494 778787 UrbanFront_SBD_Pg_Apr14.indd 1

urbanfront-ibuild-march-2014.indd 1

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55

Floors, Walls & Ceilings Ancon extends insulated balcony connector range

Polyflor is in vogue at SRG Apparel Polyflor, the commercial and residential vinyl flooring specialist, has just installed a diverse range of its flooring products at the new headquarters of fashion house SRG Apparel, in Manchester. Over 750m2 Polyflor products were specified by Jenkins Design of Bury, and installed by Bramhall Flooring. Within the entrance hall a contrast of Expona Control in Warm Grey Concrete and Polysafe Arena PUR in Brushed Titanium was chosen, creating zonal areas throughout the first floor.

Being HSE Compliant, Expona Control achieves 36+ in the pendulum wet test and 20 microns of surface roughness, guaranteeing the sustainability of slip resistance for the life of the product. ( *

0161 767 1111 info@polyflor.com

Construction fixings specialist, Ancon has extended its existing balcony connector range to include three new thermally insulated systems designed to minimise the effects of cold bridging.

Comprising stainless steel reinforcement and mineral wool insulation, the new high performance Ancon Isotec system provides maximum corrosion protection and integral fire resistance. The Ancon STC (Steel to Concrete) system is a two-part assembly, comprising a cast-in anchorage and a post fixed bracket with integral thermal pad, reducing the risk of damage to the units on site during the construction process. For steel to steel applications, the Ancon STS system is a single, compact, easy-to-handle unit wrapped in thermally efficient polystyrene insulation. *

8 www.polyflor.com

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info@ancon.co.uk

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0114 275 5224

8 www.ancon.co.uk

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Coloured Mapei Keracolor Flex joins grout range

Mapei has introduced a new flexible, water-repellent grout to its cementitious range. New Keracolor Flex is a low VOC product available in five natural contemporary shades and suitable for grout joint widths from 1-6mm. It can be used with a wide range of surface finishes, including ceramic, porcelain, natural stone, glass and mosaics. Following extensive research, Keracolor Flex colour options have been created to complement current tile trends; they include limestone, oyster, pearl, pebble and white sand. Product features include resistance to water and thermal change, making Keracolor Flex ideal for use in wet areas, alongside underfloor heating and on external facades exposed to freeze/thaw cycles. *

info@mapei.co.uk

(

0121 508 6970

8 www.mapei.co.uk

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New Kahrs collection reflects new wood trend

Kahrs has launched its new Capital Collection of wood floors. In contrast to the popular rustic look, the six new designs reflect an alternate and growing trend for even grained finishes. Each floor is crafted in Sweden from sustainable European oak and features a wide-board one-strip format. A combination of handcrafted finishing treatments, including brushing and bevelled edges, define the look and reinforce the tactile appearance. Kahrs Oak Dublin has a natural, light honey tone and is offered with a satin lacquer, matt lacquer or oil prefinish.White-toned Oak Paris has a luminous appearance and a matt lacquer or oil prefinish, whilst Oak Berlin has a subtle grey oiled finish. *

sales@kahrs.com

(

023 9245 3045

8 www.kahrs.com

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Schl端ter-Systems keeping a high profile Raising the profile of quality flooring installations, Schl端ter-Systems is an innovator when it comes to providing protection and prevention solutions for ceramic and stone tiled flooring. The secret to a successful installation is to make the tiled surface safe and durable. Schl端ter-PROFILES original finishing threshold strips and diminishing profiles are made to last. Able to withstand heavy traffic and mechanical pressures, such products protect the edge of tiles, create a smooth transition between adjoining coverings of different heights and a range of finishes are available to create an aesthetically pleasing installation, while preventing trips, falls and aiding the transition across different floorcoverings. *

sales@schluter.co.uk

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01530 813396

8 www.schluter.co.uk

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Turn to UZIN for peace of mind Wigan Youth Zone is at the centre of the community and aims to help young people develop real and achievable aspirations.

UZIN products were used to install 600m2 of new safety flooring following a refurbishment of the Youth Centre in 2013. UZIN provides fail safe installation systems and low emission products which are required in sensitive environments such as youth centres. Firstly UZIN PE 280, a rapid primer was first applied to the floor before UZIN NC 160, a heavy duty levelling compound was installed. UZIN KE 66, a fibre reinforced adhesive was then used to install the safety floorcovering. ( *

01788 530080 info@uzin.co.uk

8 www.uzin.co.uk

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Floors, Walls & Ceilings

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01978 661 991

www.conren.com info@conren.com

Online Enquiry 079

Colours to match the full RAL range

CMJ Coloured Movement Joint

CMJ Standard Movement Joint

Coloured Movements Joints produce bespoke joints for Hard Flooring, Natural Stone and Slate. We specialise in colour matching our joints to the grout or the floor finish creating a stylish designer look and a seemless finish.

Coloured Movement Joints Ltd Telephone: 01924 360 110 | Email: info@dural.co.uk | Website: www.colouredmovementjoints.co.uk Unit 1 | Wakefield Business Centre | Denby Dale Road | Wakefield | West Yorkshire | WF2 7AZ

Online Enquiry 080

Online Enquiry 081

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Floors, Walls & Ceilings

An office less ordinary with Westbond Designed to be anything but ordinary, the new office environment at the London HQ of leading creative agency Karmarama conveys a sense of intrigue and excitement. For the largest single floor, open-plan office in the UK communications industry, the interior decor had to set the right tone.

Office interior specialist, bluu solutions specified Forbo’s luxury, design-orientated Westbond carpet tiles for the main entrance, presentation area and meeting rooms.

From the entrance, a futuristic colourchanging LED light tunnel leads visitors to the main office space. On one side of the tunnel is the reception and cafe, whilst on the other lies a circular presentation area awash with screens and customised lighting.

Here, 393m2 of Forbo’s Westbond fusion bonded carpet tiles have been installed for maximum impact, in a mesmerising montage of geometric shapes in vivid shades such as Poppy, Douglas Pink, Marine and Yellow Fever.

Synonymous with total flexibility and sophistication, Westbond’s luxurious yarns are blended to order and used to create carpet tiles in an almost infinite number of colourways, with no minimum order quantity.

Matthew Brown, Chief Operating Officer at Karmarama, comments: “The bright coloured flooring really adds to the creative and intriguing environment we wanted to create.”

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www.forbo-flooring.co.uk/westbond info.flooring.uk@forbo.com 0844 822 3928 082

The luxury vinyl flooring alternative to tiles

CDW is in Interface’s nature At this year’s Clerkenwell Design Week, global carpet tile manufacturer, Interface, will be inviting visitors to get creative with its innovative Skinny Plank carpet tile in its inspirational Planks Playground.With a range of unique colours and textures to play with, visitors will enjoy the freedom to explore the design possibilities of the rectangular carpet tiles mixed and matched with the square tiles. In addition, each morning Interface will host an educational CPD talk which will explore man’s inherent need to affiliate with nature.The presentation will also examine how this concept can be used to create buildings and interiors that improve wellbeing. ( *

0161 817 6600 8 www.interfaceflor.co.uk interface.uk@interfaceflor.eu 083

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IDS’ ProClick luxury vinyl tile (LVT) flooring offers an ideal alternative to a conventionally tiled floor that can be quickly and easily installed with a fast-click system to create a hardwearing and stylish floorcovering. ProClick can be used in most domestic applications including kitchens and bathrooms and comes with a 15 year residential and 8 year light commercial limited warranty against manufacturing defect.

ProClick LVT is waterproof, warm underfoot, resistant to indentations and will not chip or crack, while being easy to clean and maintain.The range offers five tile effects in classic stones, seven woodgrain designs and two contemporary brushed metal effects. *

info@idsurfaces.co.uk

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08457 298 298

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Interface teams up with SAS to protect the seas Global carpet tile manufacturer, Interface, has teamed up with charity, Surfers Against Sewage (SAS), in a project that celebrates a mutual commitment to preserving our oceans. SAS required a sustainable flooring solution in its offices in St Agnes, Cornwall, and looked to Interface to provide a solution with the minimum environmental footprint. Carpet tiles from Interface’s newest global collection, Net Effect, were used in a variety of textures and colours throughout the offices to create a distinct interior design in each room.

The carpet tiles were a perfect match, made of 100% recycled content yarn gathered from various sources, including used recycled carpet fluff and commercial fishing nets. *

interface.uk@interfaceflor.eu

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0161 817 6600

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8 www.interfaceflor.co.uk

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Floors, Walls & Ceilings Remmers serves up five-star flooring

Gerflor solutions ‘Clic’ into place The hard-wearing, waterproof Creation Clic System was specified to bring the feel of a boutique hotel to the public areas of a new extra-care housing development.

Architects Hackland + Dore decided the wood effect, bevel-edged ‘planks’ made by vinyl flooring specialist Gerflor – and installed by Gerflor partner Veitchi – were perfect for the complex in Penicuik, Midlothian. Available in 12 wood effect designs, the looselay vertically interlocking planks have a wear group T rating and an overall thickness of 6mm, while the polyurethane treatment PUR+ provides excellent resistance to scratching and can be cleaned easily and hygienically. ( *

01926 622600 8 www.gerflor.co.uk contractuk@gerflor.com 086

Remmers Floormix DQ system has been installed by Phoenix Specialist Flooring to upgrade the floors and coves to the kitchens of a major hotel chain in the Midlands.The system was laid over the existing quarry tiles using Remmers FAS Primer 100, chosen for its exceptional bond to wet, glazed and difficult surfaces. Due to the nature of the busy hotel kitchen area, the Floormix DQ system was selected by the client to meet their requirements for a seamless, hard wearing surface that was easy to clean and maintain as well as providing a good level of slip resistance.The installation was carried out over four days as part of a fast track, full kitchen fit-out project. *

sales@remmers.co.uk

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0845 373 0103

8 www.remmers.co.uk

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An educated flooring choice for university in Edinburgh New student accommodation for Edinburgh Napier University has been equipped with a range of high performance flooring from Itec Contract Floors. Over 20,000m2 of Itec flooring has been installed covering the accommodation, corridors and communal areas, selected parts of the student centre, within the laundry and areas of the management suite. For the student accommodation, including the en-suite bedrooms, living areas and communal spaces, specifying architect Allan Murray Architects, turned to the Axento collection that reduces sound by 18dB without the need for specialist acoustic underlays. With Hyperguard+, Axento Aspin is incredibly easy to maintain and resists scuffing, ideal for demanding use. *

jason.barrett@itecfloors.com

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0032 5665 3211

8 www.itecfloors.co.uk

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Designer Contracts onto a winner Designer Contracts’ carpet recycling scheme has been named as a finalist in the Housebuilder Product of the Year Awards in the category ‘Best Site Product’.The scheme works by diverting 90% of Designer Contracts fitter’s waste carpet into felt underlay.What isn’t turned into underlay is used in the equestrian sector for arena flooring – already saving 100 tonnes from landfill since its launch in autumn 2013. Manging Director Peter Kelsey says: “We’re delighted to have been recognised for our recycling scheme and we have been pitted against some tough competition.” The winner will be announced in July at the Housebuilder Product Awards at Edgbaston Stadium in Birmingham. *

enquiries@designercontracts.com

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01246 854577 8 www.designercontracts.com

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A voyage in rich colour with Antron carpet fibre INVISTA’s Antron carpet fibre gives performance, ease of maintenance and style to Dry Lake, from the Western Edge collection from Bentley.The Western Edge collection’s seven designs are inspired by exploration, with Dry Lake echoing the cracks and linear separations of barren river and lake beds. Dry Lake is made with Antron Lumena carpet fibre that features the tighter and stronger structure of polyamide 6.6 to resist wear and crushing, combining it with a cross-section and hollow fibre technology that enables soil release and soil hiding capability. Antron Lumena delivers exceptional colour saturation and appearance retention for a wide range of commercial environments. *

enquiries@antronfibres.co.uk

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0845 450 6434

8 www.antron.eu

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Osmo keeps exteriors golden Osmo UK, the eco-friendly wood and finishes expert has extended its exterior wood finishes range with the introduction of Cedar UV-Protection-Oil.The finish has been specially designed to protect the wood and provide a warm golden brown cedar tone, a look which is sought after by many. Based on natural vegetable oils, Cedar UV-Protection-Oil penetrates deep into the wood ensuring that it remains elastic and healthy. Particularly suitable for cladding, garden houses, fences, windows and doors, it provides a satin-matt, finish that not only protects the wood surface it can also enhance the natural look of the cedar. ( *

01296 481220 8 www.osmouk.com info@osmouk.com 091

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Drainage & Landscaping Brett expertise plays a key role on challenging site The experience of Brett Landscaping & Building Products in permeable pavements has played a vital role in ensuring the viability of a high density housing project on a site with difficult drainage and ground conditions.

Brett Landscaping worked closely with the main contractor Cocksedge Building Contractors and groundwork contractor Bowie Construction to enable the laying of Brett Omega Flow permeable block paving, after the implementation of an ingenious engineering strategy at the site.

At the same time, Brett supplied two variants of its Omega Flow permeable block paving – 80mm Autumn Gold for the access road and 60mm Burnt Oak for the driveways. *

landscaping@brett.co.uk

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0845 608 0570

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8 www.brettpaving.co.uk

Versatile flagstone gives superior finish Acheson & Glover has launched a new highly durable and versatile flagstone to the UK and Ireland markets that ticks all the boxes. Superior sustainability, outstanding quality and premium aesthetics are the cornerstones of Caliza.

Featuring premium graded local aggregates, Caliza offers the choice of ground and textured finishes that will enhance any new development. Ideally suited for high profile commercial and public realm schemes, Caliza is suitable for pedestrian and occasional heavy vehicle traffic thanks to density enhancers that improve structural integrity. Available in 50, 65 and 80mm thickness, Caliza is resistant to the effects of freeze/thaw that can be caused by de-icing salts. *

gbsales@acheson-glover.com

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0121 747 0202

Green Gate Access Systems solves access ‘drama’

Kent-based company, Green Gate Access Systems, has solved the on-going issue of access and security at Dartford’s Orchard Theatre via the use of a cutting edge computer based access control system.

The Paxton Net2 entry control system is connected to the building management network, allowing the use of swipe cards for employees and disposable pin codes for known and pre-booked disabled visitors.

The new security measures, put in place, have enabled disabled visitors to request a parking space with a booking and receive a reservation and pin code emailed to them, for use on an allocated date and time slot.

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8 www.acheson-glover.com/caliza

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security@greengateaccess.co.uk 08456 800269

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Maintenance-free decking looks like real wood 100% recycled flood management solution FilterPave is an environmentally friendly porous paving system made from 100% UK post-consumer recycled glass that is bound together with a technologically advanced multi-component elastic resin from BASF – The Chemical Company. It rapidly filters storm water run-off from roofs and other surfaces directly back to the water table making a big contribution the management of flood water. It also captures oil residue and hydrocarbons and there is no need for multiple time consuming layers, it is one layer directly onto a sub base.The elastic resin helps combat the freeze/thaw effect and it is extremely tough and durable sustaining up to 2.7 tonnes of weight. ( *

01642 783320 8 www.filterpave.co.uk ian@filterpave.co.uk 095

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Reliaboard is the latest composite decking to be launched in the TimberTech range by Greensquares. With an authentic wood grain look, Reliaboard carries all the special advantages of TimberTech composite decking but at a budget conscious price level. As a composite material, Reliaboard is a blend of wood and polymer meaning that it won’t split, crack, warp or fade. It is also algae and slip resistant and it comes with a 25-year residential warranty and a 10-year commercial warranty. Reliaboard composite decking is available with grooved edges designed for special hidden fasteners or with ungrooved edges for fixing with colour matched deck screws. *

info@timbertechuk.co.uk

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029 2037 1584

8 www.timbertechuk.co.uk

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Yeoman Rainguard gives cathedral new lease of life Yeoman Rainguard lead effect GRP rainwater pipes, clips and hoppers have been used to replace damaged rainwater systems on the historic Saint Patrick’s Cathedral in Dublin. Architect John Beauchamp from Benjamin + Beauchamp Architects said: “We specified Yeoman Rainguard GRP for this particular project as they were able to match the design of the existing pipes and hoppers by producing moulds from which glass reinforced plastic replicas were supplied.” New downpipes were colour matched to the existing lead and produced in three separate colours to ensure a seamless bespoke installation at each location. *

sallyann@rainguard.co.uk

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0113 279 5854

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8 www.rainguard.co.uk

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Roofing, Cladding & Insulation

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Building Elements The Smart system has recently been installed on Royal Mail’s landmark Mount Pleasant facility in central London

Smart heritage systems

sash and now pivot options, each designed to be built as a series of horizontal modules which may be stacked using couplers to form a multi-part window.

Unveiled at Ecobuild, the new pivot window is designed to fit into traditional openings such as stone mullions, and is now the slimmest aluminium pivot window available in the UK. The door range also comprises a comprehensive suite of options, including entrance, balcony and swing systems, with all doors and windows available in either single or dual polyester powder-coated finishes.

Also on display was the recentlylaunched Smart Wall rebated door, which features an anti-finger trap solution.

Ideal for high-usage public buildings such as schools, hospitals and libraries, the new door still delivers outstanding U-values and weather protection, with the system suitable for both new build and refurbishment projects.

Commenting on the new products, Smart’s Managing Director, Eddie Robinson says: “We were delighted with the reaction to our display at Ecobuild and particularly to the new products that we have developed for the refurbishment and regeneration sectors. These new additions perfectly complement our existing ranges, offering yet more scope to architects and designers even for the most sensitive projects.”

The recently-launched Alitherm Heritage range from systems specialist Smart Architectural Aluminium has been developed to provide a modern solution for sensitive refurbishment, renovation and heritage projects.

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he system has been developed to provide a replacement for traditional steel doors and windows, where the demands of planning or design dictate the specification of sympathetic replacement materials.

Designed to replicate the slim steel profiles, the Smart system delivers a combination of elegant aesthetics and excellent thermal performance and has recently been installed on Royal Mail’s landmark Mount Pleasant facility in central London. As part of a major modernisation programme, the exiting uPVC windows in the main administration building were replaced with the Smart system, the products delivering the aesthetic appeal of

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the building’s original bronze fenestration and echoing its slim sight lines and finish – the building originally featured large bronze windows, but in a 1980s refurbishment, these were replaced with white uPVC units.

The system also featured strongly at this year’s Ecobuild exhibition, with an impressive run of Smart Wall curtain walling framing the Alitherm Heritage range of doors and windows.

Alitherm Heritage not only delivers elegant aesthetics, but also, with a ‘B’ Window Energy Rating, outstanding thermal performance. Thermally-broken windows are available in a number of formats, including fixed-pane, casement,

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Alitherm Heritage not only delivers elegant aesthetics, but also, with a ‘B’ Window Energy Rating, outstanding thermal performance

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www.smartsystems.co.uk marketing@smartsystems.co.uk 01934 876100 101

Building Elements Knauf Comfortboard benefits hi-tech EcoHouse GTC partners with Sky It has been announced that GTC and Sky have reached an agreement to team up to provide customers on GTC’s new-build fibre optic networks with the opportunity to benefit from a market-leading package of premium TV services, fixed-line home phone and broadband speeds of up to 300Mbps. GTC’s super-fast fibre technology displaces the outdated copperbased solutions traditionally installed on new-build developments, and enables its customers the capacity to enjoy the full range of entertainment, home-working and social activities afforded by this 21st-century solution. Sky will offer its full range of premium TV services, including Sky+HD, to those homes who take their fibre broadband from GTC.

Comfortboard, the revolutionary energy-saving plasterboard developed by Knauf is now being tested at Nottingham University as part of the Mark Group EcoHouse, a worldleading showcase of energy efficiency and innovation. Knauf Comfortboard incorporates Micronal phase change material (PCM) developed by chemical company BASF to exploit the principle of latent heat to stabilise temperatures and cut energy consumption. This technology enables Knauf to provide the benefits of thermal mass at a fraction of the weight of conventional methods – two layers of Comfortboard achieves the same thermal capacity as a 100mm concrete wall. *

kd@web-response.co.uk

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01795 424499

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8 www.knauf.co.uk

Dickies ups the stakes for 2014 competition Workwear company, Dickies has launched its 2014 competition to find Britain’s top workers and ultimately the UK Worker of the Year. Like last year’s competition, it will be sponsored by Dickies, in association with Suzuki.The winner this time round will have the choice to take home a Suzuki S-Cross car, a Suzuki V-Strom 1000 motorcycle or a Suzuki ATV Quad.

The winner of the competition will be announced at the final round of the British Superbike meeting at Brands Hatch in October.The winner will then also be given the opportunity to predict the outcome of a race on the final day and potentially win £100,000.

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08442 411 335

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workeroftheyear@chicanemarketing.co.uk

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01923 269490 8 www.ukworkeroftheyear.com

Schindler announces preferred charity for 2014 As part of its commitment to corporate social responsibility, Schindler, a leading provider of lifts and escalators, has announced that its preferred charity for 2014 will be Crohn’s and Colitis UK. Crohn’s Disease and Ulcerative Colitis are both forms of Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD), a lifelong illness. Commenting on the new alliance, Richard Clarke, Sales and Marketing Director at Schindler, says: “This is the first time we have nominated a preferred charity for Schindler in the UK.We are looking forward to working with Crohn’s and Colitis UK, which helps to support many thousands of people across the UK with such a painful condition.” *

info@gb.schindler.com

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01932 758100

8 www.schindler.com

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Portakabin welcomes recognition for eco efforts Portakabin, a leading modular building manufacturer, has received the Think Green Business of the Year accolade at the Press Business Awards in recognition of its commitment to the environment and sustainability.The Think Green Business of the Year category is open to businesses which consciously strive to improve the environment. Derek Carter, Chief Executive of the Portakabin Group, said: “This is very welcome recognition for our energy-saving and environmental programmes. Our sustainable initiatives require a team effort from everyone across the business and together we have made tremendous progress over the last few years in the area of recycling and waste management.” *

information@portakabin.co.uk

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0845 401 0010

8 www.portanews.co.uk

Lighting up the King’s Road with KNX

To support a number of individual high-end retailers based in a parade at King’s Road, Chelsea-based management company Sloane Stanley Estate wanted to use an innovative facade lighting scheme to attract potential customers.The lighting can be configured into a variety of eye-catching lighting scenes. For the backbone lighting control element of the scheme, Sloane Stanley specified KNX and called upon the services of KNX Consultants, a KNX UK Association member. KNX DALI interfaces provide the link between the lighting and the KNX backbone structure.This gives Sloane Stanley complete control over the lighting both from the Estate Office and also remotely using mobile devices. (

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0845 869 5908 admin@knxuk.org

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63

Building Elements Hardworking and successful: the modern white van man

James Tobias invests for success James Tobias, a leading storagewall manufacturer, has opened a new showroom in Central London. Situated in Farringdon, the impressive new showroom is shared with facilities services company, The Atkinson Group of Companies. In order to continue bringing the company’s products and services to the attention of the largest possible number of customers, James Tobias is also announcing two new additions to its sales force, Daniel Goodall (South East) and Mick Lamy (Midlands).

Their joining the company represents an increase in the size of the team from five to six, enabling James Tobias to offer improved service to its customers. ( *

01278 437300 8 www.james-tobias.com sales@james-tobias.com 108

Business is looking up for the UK’s tradespeople. A recent survey, aimed at busting the White Van Man myth, has revealed that trade professionals are in fact hardworking and highly skilled with an entrepreneurial spirit that is helping them to recover from the recent economic downturn. Wayne Lysaght-Mason, Managing Director at IronmongeryDirect, said: “We conducted this in-depth research to gauge the current feeling of the industry. It’s great to see tradespeople not only performing well, but feeling so happy and confident about the future. The results show that their success can be attributed to their own hard work and determination to weather the recent recession.” *

sales@ironmongerydirect.com

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0808 168 2828 8 www.ironmongerydirect.co.uk

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Safeguard delivers depth in basement expertise

Making use of cellars and basements beneath properties is proving an increasingly popular way of gaining extra room, not least as it can boost usable space by up to 50% with minimal interference from planning or any change to facades.Whether new build or existing, basements present particular technical and construction challenges for which Safeguard Europe, a leading specialist in damp- and waterproofing, and masonry repairs, delivers comprehensive solutions and superb technical support.The company offers a comprehensive suite of dampproofing and tanking products that enable contractors, developers and property owners to realise this extra space; whether for living, working or storage. *

info@safeguardeurope.com

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01403 210204

8 www.cellars.co.uk

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Deliver a high performing entrance with style

Manufactured from flexible PVC and supplied in 10m long rolls, Plastic Extruders’ Frontrunner Entrance Flooring System offers attractive options and easy, quick and seamless installations. As style is an important factor when choosing an entrance flooring, the Frontrunner range offers five colour grids, together with a choice of 10 different absorbent inserts, giving 50 possible design combinations.There is also the possibility of incorporating logo panels into the matting.The range includes products that act as primary and secondary mattings. Such system initially scrapes dirt off shoes and wheels thanks to aggressive diamond tread patterns or nylon brushes. *

enquiries@plastex.co.uk

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01268 571116

8 www.frontrunnerplus.com

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Karndean Designflooring enters into new territory Karndean Designflooring has unveiled its newly-updated premium collection of Art Select Stones and Woods from April 2014. The new look Art Select Stone collection features four slate, three marble, three travertine and four limestone designs. Uniquely, each design has been created from its original inspiration stone recovered from various locations throughout the world including the steps of a former ‘Parliament House’ building in Melbourne, natural hot springs located in Yellowstone National Park, USA and a quarry in the Province of Massa, Tuscany. Inspired by traditional ‘parquetry’, Karndean’s already successful Art Select Wood collection also welcomes three new parquet colours taking this sophisticated range to seven impressive designs. *

commercial@karndean.co.uk

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0845 605 5880

8 www.karndean.com

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UK Construction industry golf tournament tees-off Golfers from a wide variety of professions and trades in the UK construction industry are teeing-off for the first round of the Golf Classic 2014 tournament.

Steve Shepherd and partner, Jon Gaskin from BAM Nuttall are two golfers who are through to the second round of the competition. “We’ve competed in the Golf Classic for over five years now and always find the games enjoyable.We enjoy meeting new people and often find that we share a number of common acquaintances and establish a connection. It is surprising how you meet those people again and they become an extension of the network of people you know.” ( *

01892 752300 8 www.thegolfclassic.co.uk 113 info@thegolfclassic.co.uk

Building Elements Ultra Floor transforms health club chain Ultra Floor’s Prime IT AR and Level IT Two have been used to refurbish a branch of the health club chain truGym in Maidstone, Kent.Old carpet tiles were ripped up and adhesive residue removed before Prime IT AR was applied to the concrete substrate. Prime IT AR is a water-based acrylic primer suitable for absorbent subfloors and as a barrier primer, prior to applying a smoothing underlayment. It was used to prepare the area prior to levelling with Level IT Two. Level IT Two is a general purpose two part smoothing underlayment with exceptional flow characteristics which makes it very easy to apply to most common substrates. *

ultrafloor@instarmac.co.uk

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01827 871871

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8 www.ultra-floor.co.uk

GPDA reports a rise in plasterboard recycling The latest figures for recycling of plasterboard waste show impressive performance by the UK’s plasterboard manufacturers, represented by the Gypsum Products Development Association (GPDA). GPDA member manufacturers are making good progress towards targets set out in the 2007 Ashdown Agreement, a voluntary initiative on plasterboard recycling, supported by WRAP (Waste and Resources Action Programme) and the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs. During 2013, GPDA UK member manufacturers British Gypsum, Knauf and Siniat, recycled 38.8% of new construction waste into plasterboard compared with 32.9% in the previous year. *

admin@gpda.com

(

020 7935 8532

Inta keeps ‘i’ on the ball with new-look range Inta has relaunched its best-selling family of WRAS approved isolating ball valves, with an expanded offering and newlook logo. The range, which boasts a comprehensive offering of compression and female ball valves that can be used on the trickiest of pipework installations, features anti-blow out stems and double viton seals, delivering a dependable performance when isolating the supply of water at the point of outlet. As with other products in Inta’s plumbing and heating collection, the family comes complete with a two-year guarantee, demonstrating the firm’s confidence in the longevity and quality of the ball valve offering.

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sales@intatec.co.uk 01889 272180

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The quiet access solution

Scottish storage solution Scottish Galvanizers, part of Wedge Group Galvanizing has assisted long-standing client Russell A. Henry & Son Welding and Fabrication to galvanize structural steel used to create unique salt storage barns on behalf of main contractor and fellow Wigtownshire-based firm, Fortnum and Woolley. Russell Henry, Senior Partner at the company, explained: “As salt is an extremely corrosive material and is a major cause of rust on steel, it was really important for us to galvanize the steel beams used to create the barns. Galvanizing will help the steel withstand weathering and corrosion, ultimately extending the life expectancy of the structure.” ( *

01902 630311 8 www.wedge-galv.co.uk sales@wedge-galv.co.uk 117

Troldtekt acoustic panels have been used throughout the new Bagsvaerd School in Denmark. Designed by Nohr & Sigsgaard Architects, the facility has been formed by amalgamating two local schools. Split levels, double-height rooms and a high degree of transparency characterise the spacious complexity of the school, while the overall design and spaces have been well worked out with the finer details carefully considered in relation to colour, texture and materials. Because of the potential noise, Troldtekt acoustic panels have been used on all the ceilings. These unify the school’s many rooms, ensuring good acoustics in classrooms and the double-height canteen. *

am.carroll@skanda-uk.com

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0844 8114877

8 www.troldtekt.co.uk

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Mobile manage LED ticker displays Messagemaker has increased the interactivity of its digital LED signs and displays by providing direct control from a mobile device.The new instant messaging solution utilises the TwittLED range of moving message displays and so also offers the capability to stream live Twitter feeds. Based on the technology that powers Twitter, the new TwittLED signs can be set to run on a closed loop only, directing messages to a given location or multiple sites with the capability to run only private content and to restrict playback by assigning displays to a designated group. Managing content is simple allowing you to react quickly or fine-tune promotions as required. *

sales@messagemaker.co.uk

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01737 774738

8 www.messagemaker.co.uk/twitter-sign

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Building Elements

Model community hospital Finchley’s new Memorial Hospital and Walk-in Centre achieves a BREEAM ‘excellent’ rating, meeting environmental and sustainability targets central to the development of a community hospital. On the site of the former hospital it features Reynaers facade and fenestration systems throughout, contributing to the energy efficiency of this primary and social care facility for Barnet NHS Trust.

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new community hospital designed by Murphy Phillips Architects fully embraces and sets the standard for the new Department of Health guidance for flexible and adaptable healthcare facilities. The layout is based around generic modular clinical rooms and clusters reflecting the Health Building Notes for Primary and Community Care. Developed as part of a health campus, in conjunction with SHINE, the hospital delivers an environmentally responsible and sustainable contribution to the local surroundings and community.

Bespoke louvre and vent panel arrangements feature Reynaers ES 50 (Eco System) windows combining aesthetic design with energy efficiency. Three variants of CW 50 curtain wall were used including capped, structurally clamped and sloped with attic window inserts included. This

ensures that central areas make the best use of natural light while automated openers aid ventilation and air circulation throughout the hospital.

Natural light Reynaers fire rated internal screens CS 77-FP E130/E160 are installed throughout key areas with access fire doors delivering safe emergency corridors should the building have to be cleared in the event of an emergency.Vision 50 doors, ideal for high usage, are installed on the main entrance and on busy thoroughfares providing excellent performance with low maintenance. It is also used effectively on internal screens throughout the hospital.

The four-storey development also contains examination and consultation rooms, 49 ensuite bedrooms and administration areas, pharmacy, GP practices,

Central areas make the best use of natural light while automated openers aid ventilation and air circulation throughout the hospital

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Three variants of CW 50 curtain wall were used including capped, structurally clamped and sloped with attic window inserts included

outpatients and rehabilitation departments and an infusion suite.

Completed on time and within budget the hospital has won a number of building accolades including a ‘Highly Commended’ at the 2014 CIBSE Awards and ‘Commended’ in the 2014 Civic Trust Awards.

“On its completion this was the largest hospital procured under the NHS Local Improvement Finance Trust,” said Paul Duffy, Reynaers UK Sales Director. “It is now seen as a model development for similar facilities throughout the country with its exemplar sustainability and environmental credentials in which Reynaers systems played a significant role.”

Fabricators on the project were Deepdale Solutions who are also a Reynaers Fire Partner and main contractors were Galliford Try South East.

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www.reynaers.co.uk reynaersltd@reynaers.com 0121 421 1999

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Usual price

£270

They provide a universal solution for smooth stairway descent in an emergency evacuation, suitable for dual and multiple level buildings of any height.

To comply with health and safety regulations, employers hold a care of duty to both staff and visitors to make provisions for safe evacuation to avoid fatalities and injuries in the event of an emergency, ensuring the appropriate procedure and equipment is available to accommodate the mobility-impaired.

Offer price £950.00

Online Enquiry 121 ParAid House, Weston Lane, Birmingham, B11 3RS

T +44 (0)121 706 6744

INTERNATIONAL

W www.evacchair.co.uk

THINK OPTIONS, THINK STENI Steni Nature façade panels are just so versatile! Fibreglass-reinforced composite panels with 17 natural stone finishes and five grades of aggregate, they give you all the looks of render with none of the drawbacks.

For example, they have better water, UV and impact resistance; they can be installed in all weathers; and they carry a unique 40-year warranty, with a life expectancy of 60 years. So whatever your project needs, Steni Nature’s the right choice.

Steni. Distinctive looks, outstanding value

For enquiries and technical advice call 01978 812 111

www.steni.co.uk Steni UK 1-4 Vauxhall Industrial Estate, Wrexham, Clwyd, Wales, UK LL14 6HA

Online Enquiry 122