FC&A May 2019

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May 19

Issue 111

www.fca-magazine.com

Voice of the Industry

Time to take a stand

A user-centred approach to design

A closer look at the flaws in traditional methods

Thanks to a new law due to be introduced, tenants

BDG architecture + design developed a design

of construction and the solutions on offer

can enforce landlords to rectify damp problems

to reinvigorate modernist building ‘The Garage’

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

Cross Platform Media LTD Barham Court, Teston, Maidstone,Kent, ME18 5BZ Tel: 01622 232723

Magazine May 2019

Editor Hannah Woodger hannah@crossplatformmedia.co.uk Print & Digital Advertising Sam Ball sam@crossplatformmedia.co.uk Jim Moore jim@crossplatformmedia.co.uk Print Design Manager Jack Witcomb jack@crossplatformmedia.co.uk Digital Design Manager David Perry david@crossplatformmedia.co.uk Production Assistant Philip Coyle philip@crossplatformmedia.co.uk Accounts/Credit Control Jackie Dearman jackie@crossplatformmedia.co.uk Managing Director Sam Ball sam@crossplatformmedia.co.uk

Welcome

to Future Constructor & Architect...

T

he well-considered architectural design of a workplace is fundamental to the productivity of its employees. Failure to take a user-centred approach to the design process will inevitably lead to a space that isn’t fit for purpose and won’t stand the test of time with its occupants.

One guaranteed way to ensure employees are getting the most from their workspaces is a full audit of the team’s current user habits, favoured methods of working and ideal scenarios.Through close collaboration from the outset, this approach will enable teams to develop a greater understanding of how companies best operate.

As a case in point, we have profiled the stunning transformation of modernist building The Garage for creative company WPP. Prior to embarking on the co-location of WPP companies in Lisbon, BDG architecture + design undertook a review of each of the group’s companies which involved quantitative and qualitative research into how they used their workplaces at the time and what they required for the future.To find out more about this successful user-centred approach, turn to page 16.

Elsewhere in this issue, we hear from Glyn Coates of Zeroignition, who looks at the flaws in traditional methods of construction and offers solutions. Meanwhile Bev Hurley, Chair of the Institute of Economic Development, discusses the importance of social value in the construction industry and Tony Walker,Technical Specification Controller at PPG Architectural Coatings, explains what architects and designers can do to bring a breath of fresh air to their buildings.

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 editor's hands. In the absence of an agreement the copyright of all contributions, literary, photographics or artistic belongs to Cross Platform Media Ltd.The publisher accepts no responsibility in respect of advertisements appearing in the magazine and the opinions expressed in editorial material or otherwise do not necessarily represent the view of the publisher.The publisher does not accept any liability of any loss arising from the late appearance or non-publication of any advertisement.

Front cover: BDG architecture + design developed a thoughtful design to reinvigorate a 7130m2 modernist building ‘The Garage’.

See page 16.

I hope you enjoy this edition. Don’t forget, you can also access all of the magazine’s features, product news and supplier information at your fingertips via FC&A’s state-of-the-art app.To download your version free of charge, simply search ‘fc&a’ on Google Play or the App store.

Hannah

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Hannah Woodger Editor, Future Constructor & Architect

Follow us on Twitter: @fcamagazine

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Contents

12

News

Features

10 Industry Updates:

20 Build Focus:

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

24 Voice of the Industry:

Glyn Coates of Zeroignition looks at flaws in traditional methods of construction and offers solutions.

26 Legal & Business:

Bev Hurley, Chair of the Institute of Economic Development, discusses the importance of social value in the construction industry.

Portfolios 12 Armstrong Building,

Newcastle University: Following a £25m conservation and refurbishment programme, the Grade II listed Armstrong Building has not only withstood the test of time, but is one of seven buildings in the North East which have made the shortlist for this year’s RIBA awards.

16 The Garage, Lisbon:

BDG architecture + design developed a thoughtful design to reinvigorate a 7130m2 modernist building ‘The Garage’, Lisbon for creative transformation company WPP.

Heritage & Listed Buildings: This month’s focus addresses the solutions and products helping to protect and preserve heritage and listed buildings in the United Kingdom.

28 Technical Focus:

Links between damp and poor health are well established, yet tenants have been unable to force their landlords to rectify problems.

That’s all set to change with the introduction of a new law explains Safeguard Europe.

30 Building

Maintenance: Building renovation can prove a costly business, particularly if a structure’s facade requires periodical restoration. In this focus, Baumit discusses futureproofing facades for years to come.

32 HVAC:

Tony Walker, Technical Specification Controller at PPG Architectural Coatings, explains what architects and designers can do to bring a breath of fresh air to their buildings.

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34 Technical Insight: Timber:

Since the new Building Regulations came into force on 21st December 2018, much has been written about cross laminated timber. Here Andy Goodwin shares how B&K Structures have taken a pragmatic approach to embrace the new protocols.

36 Interiors: KBB:

As infrared technology continues to be a popular choice in washrooms, Mark Schlotel, Marketing Manager at Cistermiser and Keraflo, explains how the technology’s versatility has widened its reach.

38 edie Live 2019 Preview:

Join the UK’s leading energy, sustainability and resource professionals at edie Live from 21 to 22 May 2019 to discover innovative energy solutions and be inspired by thought leadership and best practice case studies.

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Industry Updates

NEWS

CONTACT US

FC&A rounds up the latest industry news

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

In Brief Detailed planning granted for dance company’s new creative laboratory

Detailed planning consent has been obtained for a new creative laboratory to be occupied by internationally-renowned dance company the Jasmin Vardimon Company in Ashford, Kent.

Pellings, the design, property and construction consultancy, acting on behalf of Kent County Council, Ashford Borough Council and the Jasmin Vardimon Company, is now moving to RIBA Stage Four detailed design for the site on the Henwood Industrial Estate immediately adjacent to the M20 motorway in Kent.The 1257m2 ‘creative laboratory’ being part funded by the Arts Council and Kent County Council will comprise two main dance spaces. There will also be a cafe for both the dancers and members of the public, together with changing areas, showers, toilets, laundry and scenery storage space.

Inspiring learning hub appointment for SES Engineering Services

SES Engineering Services (SES) has announced it has been appointed by main contractor, Multiplex Construction Europe Ltd, to work on an inspirational, £90m learning space for the University of Glasgow.

Designed by architects HLM, construction of the seven-storey 16,640m2 new build James McCune Smith Learning Hub, is the catalyst project and the first building to be delivered as part of the university’s bold £1bn investment in its Campus Development Programme.

The new facility will not only feature flexible open learning space and technology-enabled teaching resources, it will also boast five lecture theatres (the largest of which will hold up to 500 students), interactive teaching spaces that can accommodate anything from 48 to 108 students.

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Galgorm’s plans for new £8m hotel and restaurant are formally approved On behalf of Galgorm Collection, leading planning and development consultancy Turley has helped secure approval from Belfast City Council for plans to develop a new £8m hotel, bar and restaurant in Belfast. The proposal, which will create around 100 new jobs, had previously been recommended for approval.

Turley provided expert planning and strategic communications services for the project, working as part of the project team with Knox & Clayton Architects who were appointed to design the new 18-bed Boutique Hotel and Restaurant on the former Holy Rosary Church site on the Ormeau Road.

John Davison, Director of Strategic Communications at Turley, commented: “This result represents a great outcome for all those involved on the project team as well as for Belfast. We appreciate the effort and consideration that Belfast City Council’s planning team and planning committee put in to considering and ultimately approving this application. This reflects that the council can make the important decisions that will facilitate Belfast’s economic development, and simultaneously preserve the city’s built heritage.”

Personnel Ray Isted joins Acres Consultancy Well known industry professional, Ray Isted has joined Acres Consultancy as a training, marketing and recruitment consultant. Ray has a proven record of commercial achievement, most notably in senior positions at Whirlpool.

His skills range from media and events management to training workshops, client relationship building initiatives and recognising opportunities outside of the norm to promote education and secure brand visibility. Ray says: “I am delighted to be joining such a progressive and professional consultancy. It’s a great time to be joining the team and I am looking forward to the exciting opportunities ahead.”

YBS Insulation appoints new marketing team Daniel McKane has joined YBS as Sales & Marketing Director, bringing with him knowledge gained from Gripit, where he was Sales Director. Before this, Dan worked at Centurion Europe, so has a strong background in construction and manufacturing.

He will be working closely with another appointee, Catherine Hadwick, to drive growth and meet key targets for YBS Insulation. Catherine, who is the new Marketing Manager, holds a degree in architecture, so also has extensive knowledge of the industry.With a keen interest in art and design, she spent 12 years working for Bereco Group in roles including Marketing Manager and Technical Manager.

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Euroclad appoints new Managing Director Euroclad Group has announced the appointment of Aiveen Kearney as Managing Director.

Aiveen replaces Simon Thomas who has elected to leave the company after 30 plus years.

Aiveen will commence her role as Managing Director effective from 7th May 2019.

She joined the Joris Division some 15 months ago, prior to this worked in a range of senior roles for Holcim, a global building materials and aggregates company, in both Australia and USA. Paul O’Gorman commented:“On behalf of the Kingspan Group, I want to thank Simon for his considerable input and leadership during the past 30 plus years.”

Industry Updates

In Brief Grant Associates selected for proposed arena YTL has announced the design team for its plan to deliver an arena for Bristol in the historic Brabazon hangars.The company has selected architect Grimshaw, working in partnership with Manica Architecture and landscape architect Grant Associates, for the project to create an arena by repurposing the Brabazon aircraft hangars at the former Filton Airfield.YTL’s vision is for an arena capable of housing up to 17,000 people that puts Bristol on the world map for hosting large-scale events, while also celebrating the site’s place in aviation history.

Galgorm Collection Managing Director, Colin Johnston, said: “We’ve extensively engaged with councillors, partners, residents and stakeholders to ensure that one of Belfast’s finest, historic buildings can be carefully restored to create an outstanding new and unique hotel and dining experience for the city and for Northern Ireland.We are delighted that our approved plans will further enhance Belfast’s growing high quality hospitality offer in line with

our own aspirations and that of the city, while adding to the vibrancy of community life on Ormeau Road.”

The site is currently being carefully restored and preserved in advance of its opening in Spring 2020 to accommodate 18 bedrooms, a stunning new bar and signature restaurant which forms part of the group’s newly-named ‘Galgorm Collection’ of hotels, restaurants and bars.

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Sara Tinsley, Associate Director, Planning at Turley, said: “Turley has promoted the vision for the site from the outset, engaging with the council through pre application discussions. We have guided the scheme proposals to respond to a technically challenging site and are delighted with the decision of the council to approve the proposals and secure the future of the listed buildings.”

Trending on Twitter #TRIBUTE TO IM PEI

“The East Wing #NGA Everytime I enter I remember your light. So long #IMPei you will be missed” – @davisonlorna “Architecture has lost one of its great visionaries with the passing of #IMPei His work will stand the test of time, built on an understanding of how design and space can bring people together #architecture” – @EsberHawazen

“The deaths of three icons of the 1950s and early 1960s – Doris Day, IM Pei, Herman Wouk – in a single week got me thinking about that era. They were in their prime and we were coming of age. Wasn’t that a time!” – @joeberg “A tribute to one of my favourite architects growing up. Sad to see him go. But his legacy will go on forever” – @samuraioodon

Work starts on iconic Lambton Park

Building work has started on the first phase of one of the most prestigious developments in North East England, which has been designed by Newcastle architects Pod. The move sees civil and building works underway on the new Eastern Village as part of the initial phase of the redevelopment of Lambton Park, the ancestral seat of the Earls of Durham. This will involve creating a new southern estate gateway that will set the scene for the future development of the historic site. This Victorian character area will feature 69 luxury four- and five-bed terraced properties framing a formal boulevard as part of Pod’s vision to regenerate one of the most significant historical locations in the North of England.

Green light for hotel design “The genius of ‘Geometry’ has Passed...

Rest in Peace IM Pei” – @LaodeMSyarif “The glass pyramid at @ MuseeLouvre is such a beautiful addition to the #Paris landscape. #IMPei will be remembered for his phenomenal impact on modern and iconic architecture. A true legend.” – @MichelCombes

Dexter Moren Associates has achieved planning approval for the extension of the 18-room boutique Henrietta Hotel in Covent Garden. The hotel, which opened in 2017, is owned and run by the Paris-based Experimental Group, with a cocktail bar, Ollie Dabbous restaurant and quirky interior design by Dorothée Meilichzon. High occupancy rates have created an opportunity to provide additional guestrooms while maintaining the high-quality design of the hotel. DMA’s redesign includes the conversion of the upper parts and associated ground floor and basement to house a total of 23 new hotel rooms and suites.

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Armstrong Building, Newcastle University

Design Office’s concepts were expertly developed and detailed by Durham-based conservation expert Howarth Litchfield Architects

An achievement of architectural conservation Following a £25m conservation and refurbishment programme, the Grade II listed Armstrong Building, which lies at the heart of Newcastle University’s campus, has not only withstood the tests of time, but is one of seven buildings in the North East which have made the shortlist for this year’s RIBA awards.

T

he historical value of the Armstrong Building is high. Located at the historic core of Newcastle University and named after William George Armstrong, a pre-eminent industrialist, scientist, inventor and philanthropist, it is a Gothic revival building, which epitomised the idea of the redbrick university.

Constructed in four phases, commencing in 1889 with the final phase in 1910, it was the first substantial purpose-built accommodation for the College of Physical Sciences, which later became the University of Newcastle.

It embodied the spirit of local ambition to improve education in the fields of science, manufacturing and agriculture, which were

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regarded as vital to the country’s place on the world’s stage at the time.

Over the last 100 years, the building has been heavily used, frequently modified and adapted by the university to accommodate new uses.Although listed Grade II in 2000, many of its original architectural features were either lost or concealed.The building is now home to the university’s music department.

The rationale for refurbishment The aim of the £25m programme of alterations and repairs was to restore key spaces, create new ones and remove decades of piecemeal alteration. For example, the central quad, which had become a service yard,

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The Project Team: Client: Newcastle University Estates Department Concept Architect: Design Office, Newcastle University Conservation Architect: Howarth Litchfield Building Contractor: P F Burridge & Sons Project Management: Faithful+Gould, Summers Inman and Turner & Townsend was reinvented as a bright courtyard where there now stands a statue of Dr Martin Luther King Jr, commemorating the 50th anniversary of his visit to the university on 13th December 1967 when he received an honorary degree.

The team behind the restoration The concept architect for the refurbishment was Design Office, a novel design research consultancy based in Newcastle University’s School of Architecture, Planning and Landscape, whose academic expertise as architect-historians informed their conservation approach and encouraged them to look for novel research opportunities.

Armstrong Building, Newcastle University

By opening up existing features, it became possible to reinforce the role of key public rooms

The aim of the £25m programme of alterations and repairs was to restore key spaces

bed joints and perpends, stepped stone heads and ashlar facings and details. As part of the restoration works undertaken, mortar pointing to the brickwork and stonework was carried out where required and the stonework repaired.

Blending the old with the new

Refurbishment strategy A ‘routes and rooms strategy’ guided the design, employing traditional materials of timber, brick and stone in contemporary ways, to reinforce the legibility of routes and spaces that had become carved up over time and emphasising key rooms as memorable places.

By opening up existing features, it became possible to reinforce the role

of key public rooms as destinations and points of orientation by connecting these rooms with routes that have clear hierarchies of doors and materials, using oak timber panelling for example, to highlight what is a major route and what is not. These works involved exposing existing corridor archways that had been blocked up and lost over the years, reinstating them to their former glory.

Howarth Litchfield also undertook a condition survey of the external fabric of the building in order to ascertain the repair works required to the external facades of the building which consist of smooth red facing brickwork with narrow lime mortar

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Design Office’s concepts were expertly developed and detailed by Durham-based conservation expert Howarth Litchfield Architects and surveyors Summers Inman and Faithful and Gould.

A planned programme of window replacement was implemented, removing the existing single glazed metal framed units and replacing them with new doubleglazed bronze framed units. This was to offer a good reduction in the building’s heating energy requirement.

The new build elements in the design were the proposed entrances in the Armstrong courtyard and the associated ramps and landscaping to provide a new entrance foyer of the scale and status expected of a main entrance to a key building in the university and to allow the building to continue to serve the needs of the university in the 21st century.

The entrance doors are fully glazed with natural oak frames. The use of timber for the entrance doors reflects the timber used on the entrances to the existing building. The roof of the new entrance is fully glazed to its perimeter, with an inward pitch of 5º, falling towards a flat roofed central area which has a natural stone finish to provide a more pleasing appearance when viewed from above.

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Armstrong Building, Newcastle University Armstrong Building, some of which the project removed, used default standard architectural elements familiar from any British office building – carpet tiles, suspended ceilings, fluorescent lights, plastic trunking and skirtings.

Kieran Connolly, Design Office Associate, became fascinated by this architectural palette, often driven more by risk-aversion and minimising maintenance than the quality of space. He focused particularly on the suspended ceiling as the ultimate ‘architectural default’, criticising how ‘defaulting’ has so often become a standard process in institutional settings.

Architecture and research Newcastle University’s Armstrong refurbishment is not only an academicallyinformed architectural conservation project but has developed the frustrations of every day practice into novel research.

Professor Adam Sharr, Principal of Design Office and Head of School, said: “We’ve turned the challenges that architects face daily into academic research. Our struggles to persuade others in the consultant team to prioritise design ideas got turned into a graphic novel, exploring the values at work in the industry. Our fascination with the suspended ceilings which previous generations had rammed through historic spaces in Armstrong encouraged us to research the history of this oftenunnoticed element.

“The project shows how Design Office not only offers clients rigorous professional expertise, but also engages in original and significant architectural research for the benefit of the profession, the academic community and users of the buildings.”

A ‘routes and rooms strategy’ guided the design, employing traditional materials of timber, brick and stone in contemporary ways

Architectural achievement

The courtyard at the centre of the building was redesigned to link the building entrances in order to provide an accessible route to and from King’s Hall which is used within the building for key events such as degree congregations and regular music concerts.

Research opportunities Design Office funds PhD studentships allowing students to work on creative practice doctorates and research publications alongside their professional practice.

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Design Office Associate, Yasser Megahed was inspired to research into the different values of the various project consultants and construction professionals when he heard them talking about the value of design in the project’s progress. He used a graphic novel format to record some of the disagreements in project meetings and to illustrate why key design decisions on major projects get made which can later affect people’s lives.

A second opportunity arose for Design Office when it became clear that previous ad-hoc refurbishments of the

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The Armstrong Building is an achievement of architectural conservation, which makes an important contribution to student life, engagement and inclusivity, renewing the historic identity of the university and the city.

Neil Turner, Director, Howarth Litchfield, added: “We enjoyed being part of the University team in working through the concept ideas and seeing their research and commitment through to the finished construction. It’s a beautiful old building that I remembered as a student from the 1980s – one we never entered or used – but now awash with activity, life and students. We were delighted that our conservation skills could assist the university in this fabulous project.”

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A planned programme of window replacement was implemented, removing the existing single glazed metal framed units and replacing them with new double-glazed bronze framed units

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The Garage, Lisbon

Visitors enter the striking reception area on the ground floor with generous floor to ceiling heights

Dynamic workplace celebrates connectivity BDG architecture + design developed a thoughtful design to reinvigorate a 7130m2 modernist building ‘The Garage’, Lisbon for creative transformation company WPP.

As the tallest building among its immediate neighbours, its views give the perception of floating above the city

The elegant utilitarianism of The Garage, benefits from vast and stunning views over the wide river Tagus

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Contemporary upgrade The elegant utilitarianism of The Garage, benefits from vast and stunning views over the wide river Tagus. However, it was left in poor condition and needed attention after a refurbishment which had halted in the crash of 2008 that saw it stripped; a service lift added; a seismic-resistant upgrade and the beginning of construction on an additional floor.

Design began in September 2015 with focus on the arrival experience, that sets the creative tone for the rest of the space.

Visitors enter the striking reception area on the ground floor with generous floor to ceiling heights which assist the sense of openness.

The shared areas accommodate a library and a shared business lounge, spanning three floors.

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Navigation through the space is eased with clear way-finding graphics, that are visually appealing as well as functional. BDG architecture + design also introduced better connectivity to the building through an eyecatching staircase that connects the ground floor with the mezzanine, taking users up to the next street level.

Prior to embarking on the co-location of WPP companies in Lisbon, BDG architecture + design undertook a review of each of the group’s companies which involved quantitative and qualitative research into how they used their workplaces at the time and what they required for the future.

The resultant report provided the data to support the building review process. On its workplace floors, the floor plan is equally spacious as the rest of the building, featuring high ceilings and with an openness and flexibility to the design. Each of the group’s own space within the building was designed, within a defined palette, to allow for the personalities of each group company to resonate through in their own area.

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he former car showroom, located on Lisbon’s fast regenerating riverfront, now accommodates 14 of the group’s companies, that are spread across eight floors with shared spaces that support the creative activity of WPP.

The Garage, Lisbon

The approach to its materiality, furniture selection and overall design was intended to make it both a feature and a comfortable place to relax and socialise

On its workplace floors, the floor plan is equally spacious as the rest of the building

The shared areas accommodate a library and a shared business lounge, spanning three floors

The Project Team: Architect: BDG architecture + design Local Architect: Ana Costa Arquitectura E Design Project Manager: Colliers International Engineer: Ficope

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The Garage, Lisbon

BDG architecture + design introduced better connectivity to the building through an eye-catching staircase

The former car showroom now accommodates 14 of the WPP’s companies that are spread across eight floors

BDG architecture + design developed a thoughtful design to reinvigorate a 7130m2 modernist building

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The terrace, equipped with a stunning water-feature, also incorporates temporary shading which is crucial due to the high temperatures that Lisbon can reach in summer. The temporary bespoke design was made to be both aesthetically pleasing, but also easily movable and removable.

Unique for BDG architecture + design is that the expressive building was built as anti-seismic, also known as earthquake resistant. In 1755, a monumental earthquake followed by tsunami devastated Lisbon, destroying an estimated 90% of the city’s buildings, resulting in Portuguese ‘Pombalino’ masonry buildings with antiseismic provisions being constructed.

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Unique for BDG architecture + design is that the expressive building was built as anti-seismic

From reception, the intended service lift has become an express route to the top floor. This new floor houses a set-back conference area and bar, allowing for an expansive terrace. And, as the tallest building among its immediate neighbours, its views give the perception of floating above the city. The roof terrace was designed as an important common space, shared among the WPP companies occupying the building, with sensational views of the surrounding area.

The approach to its materiality, furniture selection and overall design was intended to make it both a feature and a comfortable place to relax and socialise. The terrace is not there only for occasional parties and to impress clients touring the space, but as a genuine centre for life among employees.

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Build Focus: Heritage & Listed Buildings

HERITAGE & LISTED BUILDINGS The latest news, trends and advice on heritage and listed buildings.

Delivering a modern solution for a historic building Historic buildings form a substantial part of our architectural landscape. Often, listed status means that these ageing buildings continue to be celebrated for their significance to the local area. In order to protect these unique spaces for future generations, a sensitive approach must be taken to restoration, ensuring the original architectural characteristics are preserved, as Andy Lake, UK Projects Director for Pyroguard, discusses.

With increased numbers of students now attending Marr College, achieving improved building circulation was a critical part of the development.

This involved a change of use of two existing courtyard spaces to create large multiuse atria, made possible with the installation of an Ethylene Tetrafluoroethylene (ETFE) roof.

Alongside creating larger and more practical spaces, ensuring effective fire protection without detracting from the courtyards’ architectural features was critical.

That’s where Pyroguard came in. Working closely with steel fabrication specialists, Martec Engineering – who provided the steelwork within the courtyards, including Schueco Jansen fire-rated glazed screens – Pyroguard supplied a variety of fire-rated glass solutions to sit within the new screens.

Due to the ambitious nature of the project, more than 300m2 of Pyroguard toughened glass, including Pyroguard Integrity Plus T EW30/6, Pyroguard Rapide Plus EI30/ EI60 and Pyroguard Protect T-EI60, was chosen for its unrivalled quality and safety features. Protecting against flames, smoke and radiant heat, the selected glazing range has the advantage of providing Marr College with additional radiant heat control and greater fire protection.

In tests, this glass demonstrates the ability to maintain the amount of radiant heat to below 15 kW/m2 on the unexposed face, protecting critical evaluation routes for occupants.

The result of this collaboration was the creation of a space which is light, airy and elegant, providing all safety protections in the event of a fire without impacting on the architectural language of the original building. www.pyroguard.eu

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Founded in 1935, Marr College in Troon, Scotland, is one such example. Category B listed, the secondary school is of special historic interest, both due to its architectural style and because it was created with the financial backing of local coal merchant, Charles Kerr Marr.

Serving the local community for more than 80 years, an overhaul and expansion was recently required to allow for increased accommodation.

But as the building has listed status, any expansion would need to be carefully considered, allowing the building to become more suited to modern demands without losing its heritage.

As part of this, meeting the necessary safety requirements of today’s building regulations was crucial – something which could be achieved by specifying materials appropriately.

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Build Focus: Heritage & Listed Buildings

Billing Jones from Scaffolding Specialist, Millcroft

Rising to the challenge of fresco restoration

The Painted Hall at the Royal Naval College at Greenwich is one of the jewels in the crown of the UK’s naval heritage.

For the past 50 years, the 7000m2 of frescos across the walls and ceilings of the Grade 1 Listed building (and Scheduled Ancient Monument) have remained untouched by restorers until a Heritage Lottery-funded conservation project to clean the

precious paintings and continue their preservation for future generations.

Scaffolding specialist, Millcroft, designed, built and managed a bespoke scaffolding solution to allow the restoration team to carry out the painstaking

Hudson Lambert is Director of Safeguard Europe

Getting plastered

While conservation officers and others are keen to ensure the use of traditional limebased plasters and renders, research into new technology suggests that better, more effective options are available. Hudson Lambert, Director of Safeguard Europe, considers the alternatives. plasters can start to fail.This is especially the case where the dampness introduces salts into the plasterwork.

Consequently, there is a need for internal plastering systems that are impervious to damp;

while not creating the problems associated with a sand and cement system: condensation risk and vapour impermeability.

New ‘second generation’ plastering systems have been introduced that are more resilient to dampness and salts than traditional plastering methods.These modern systems are capable of being applied to walls that are still damp and can resist high levels of moisture and salt ingress.The make-up of these plasters means they have large pores and a high pore volume.

This allows salts to form within the plaster rather than on the surface; and the high pore volume results in thermal resistance, reducing the risk of condensation.

Other properties include a 0.3m2 compressive strength, ensuring that the plaster can easily be removed later without damaging underlying brickwork; high water vapour diffusion (breathability) and conformity for the EN998-1 CE Standard as ‘Renovation Mortars’.

load evenly across the floor and high specification vinyl was used to protect the tiled floor from compression damage or puncturing.

For the public access routes, a bespoke access lift was commissioned and two public access-rated staircases were constructed, with a ply layer laid onto the metal deck for the public access routes and viewing gallery to maintain a consumerfacing finish. www.millcroft.co.uk

Furthermore, new research shows that lime plasters are far from the most breathable of their kind; and modern hybrid ‘hi-lime’ or dampresistant materials are far more effective. In these tests, hi-lime plasters were shown to allow transmission of around 1.2kg/ m2 of water vapour over a 14-day period, compared to 0.85 1.2kg/m2 for a traditional mix of 3:1 sand and lime.

More interestingly, recently introduced proprietary dampresistant and fast set plasters were shown, over two weeks, to transmit 1.55 and 1.48kg/m2 of water vapour respectively.

The orthodoxy around plastering in listed and conservation environments – save when special materials or skills, such as horsehair or pargeting, are demanded – can now be effectively challenged: and in the best interest of heritage buildings too. www.safeguardeurope.com

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The preference for lime plasters in conservation applications today is because of their perceived breathability – allowing walls to attenuate moisture to the environment – yet in the face of rising or penetrating damp, lime

work safely while protecting the building and providing access for public tours of the restoration.

The project was carried out in two core phases; work on the dome-roofed Vestibule took place first, followed by the main Painted Hall area. Millcroft designed the scaffolding for the whole project and erected the Vestibule scaffolding first so that work could commence in this area and continue here during the fivemonth programme to erect the scaffolding in the Painted Hall.

The scaffolding had to be erected within restricted loading requirements to avoid any structural damage to the building or stress on the floor finishes It was modelled in 3D and its weight was dramatically reduced by the use of aluminium tube rather than steel. Using profiled metal, rather than traditional wooden scaffold, also reduced both weight of the system and the fire risk.

Supporting access towers were installed to spread the weight

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Voice of the Industry Cost-effectiveness is important but shouldn’t take precedence over building safety

Glyn R Coates is Director at Zeroignition. He has over 40 years’ experience in the construction industry. He has worked with many of the largest international companies involved with the use of modular and system build construction.

Traditional methods of construction need to change Increasing pressure on contractors to deliver bigger, quicker and cheaper builds can result in mistakes sometimes costing lives. Construction is an industry that shoulders much responsibility, the importance of making fundamental changes to methods of working is immeasurable. Glyn Coates, Zeroignition, looks at flaws in traditional methods of construction and offers solutions.

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finished building should be fully compliant and fit-for-purpose. It’s essential projects are designed, specified and constructed by accredited professionals. Instead many contracts are awarded to the lowest bidder opposed to well researched and vetted companies.

More than the bare minimum Generally, product specification stems from the required performance and suitable qualification in relation to BS/EN or ISO testing. But who monitors this and how can we be certain a building meets the architect’s or designer’s performance specification?

A specifier may complete the list of products required for a project, but

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contractors have the license to use inferior products to cut costs.This is a major issue, particularly in the UK, and should be abolished.

The impact of failing to follow specifications Following the disastrous fire at Grenfell, it was reported that the intumescent cavity closers, installed as part of the external elevation, were the wrong way around.This meant the under-fire barrier could not react to the fire in the right way and close the cavity to prevent it from moving upwards throughout the building.

This mistake throws into question how it actually happened.

There’s a glaring problem in the industry: insufficient policing of what’s being installed and how it’s being done.

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Does the responsibility lie with the project or site manager, sub-contractor or main contractor? The truth is nobody knows. Liability dodging, cost cutting and lack of organisation in the chain of command between specification, installation and maintenance are the biggest challenges our industry is ignoring.

Where knowledge falls short, standards do too There’s a lack of understanding of fire control and requirements to reach minimum standards. Few know the differences between reaction to, and resistance to, fire or understand that specifying a Euroclass A.1 does not mean it will achieve a 60-minute performance.

More education is needed.

Currently fire protection considerations lack the priority they deserve. It should be thought of as an essential building foundation, and built into initial designs and within products, not just an afterthought near the end of the process.

Industry interrogation Two parts of the build program require immediate attention. First, the overall design, in particular ensuring the priced project with the ‘equal and approved’ reference meets the performance requirement on all levels, especially against fire.

Second, the necessity to supervise and police the construction program so the right products are installed and maintained in the correct way by qualified contractors.

Voice of the Industry

Offsite manufacturing seems to be heading in the right direction

It’s a huge task for a reactionary industry.

The situation could be improved with a few simple alterations. Greater levels of control are needed across: Materials – ensuring they’re part of an umbrella accreditation and testing system to guarantee consistency and compliance from manufacturers.

Cost shouldn’t come first – this goes for material substitutions and contractors.

Quality control – there needs to be a clear chain of authority on builds to ensure there is a central role overseeing products, installation and construction methods.

Traceability – all components in fabricated systems need to be marked and logged to ensure if the worst happens, the subcontractors and manufacturers involved are held accountable.

Flexibility in design – Architects and clients need a greater understanding over the limitations of materials and their costs so there’s less chance of specifying something that will need to be altered later.

Offsite activity for quality assurance Offsite manufacturers provide an important lesson with their use of monitored and checked components to ensure products meet performance specifications.

By introducing quality checks and tests during component assembly in the factory environment, it’s simple to develop and implement industry-standard certifications.

When taken to site for installation, the workforce is qualified and have up-to-date knowledge of the products and the building as a ‘system’.

Cutting costs compromises on safety Material substitutions chosen to reduce cost should never be considered if safety is compromised, yet this happens in the construction industry. This cost-down focus isn’t present in other industries that are just as essential. It’s unlikely the aviation industry would contemplate component

Looking to the future Offsite manufacturing seems to be heading in the right direction. Expanding this into all construction market sectors is possible, but measures need to be taken so that quality control over components being manufactured develops ahead of the game. Clients and specifiers need peace of mind when buying.

When it comes to construction, the lowest cost shouldn’t be the first consideration.

Cost-effectiveness is important but shouldn’t take precedence over building safety, quality or performance. Research and due diligence are key to helping the industry improve its standards. So is refusing to work with subquality contractors and manufacturers.

We know what needs to be done. Drawing inspiration from more modern methods of construction and similar industries, particularly where manufacturing and installation is present, means that we can translate the same high standards and way of working to move away from being driven by cost, to being driven by quality and safety. Let’s go back to basics and change the foundations of how we work.

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Material substitutions chosen to reduce cost should never be considered if safety is compromised

specification changes based on a low-cost option over passenger safety.

The global construction industry needs to make a change to the way projects are thought about from the early design stages.

One change would be to introduce third party material accreditations from a body like the BBA, rather than relying on manufacturers to self-certify.

www.zeroignition.com

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Legal & Business

The Institute of Economic Development is engaging as many firms as possible to survey their practices, benchmark their social value performance and understand their challenges

The importance of social value in the construction industry Construction is a strategically important sector to the UK economy, accounting for 7% of the labour market and expected to create 179,000 new jobs by 2022. It is also under the spotlight given the critical role it will play in the Industrial Strategy, and via the Construction Sector Deal, whilst the sector’s predicted spend of £500bn by 2025 serves to underline its contribution. Bev Hurley, Chair of the Institute of Economic Development, explains more.

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improving social value outcomes. Our aim is to showcase examples of really effective inclusive growth in action, and share this knowledge with those devising, procuring and executing strategies. It will create a benchmarking analysis of performance across the sector and suggest key performance indicators which can be captured and analysed to understand changes in performance.

We are engaging as many firms as possible to survey their practices, benchmark their social value performance, understand their challenges and highlight those who are setting the best possible inclusive growth standards.

We are also approaching public sector bodies to see who has moved beyond the old rule of thumb that when procuring £1m of build, you seek one apprenticeship. Bringing together examples from both supply and demand sides, sharing what has worked well – as well as what has not worked well – is critical to driving up performance across the UK and ensure that this vital sector for the economy delivers on inclusive growth.

Our final report will be launched at a special conference in the Autumn, planned to coincide with a meeting of the new AllParty Parliamentary Group for Economic Development.This research will allow for policy-makers and commissioners to ensure

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Bev Hurley is Chair of the Institute of Economic Development, the UK’s leading professional body representing economic development and regeneration practitioners.

their approach is fair, consistent and enables demonstration of strong social value, and help industry to create economies of scale through standardising approaches to creating social value and being able to align to public sector contract requirements.

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hilst the financial and economic growth of construction is important, so too is social value.Together with Arup, Atkins, Joseph Rowntree Foundation, Commonplace, Construction Industry Training Board and Civil Engineering Contractors’ Association North West, we are embarking on new research which will shed light on progress within the industry since the formation of the Social Value Act in 2013.

The Act encourages contractors delivering works for public sector authorities to deliver a range of additional outcomes as part of their contract which benefit society. In turn, this secures the best value from the public money being spent and contributes to more inclusive growth, a vital goal for the UK economy.

Social value themes include promoting skills and employment; supporting the growth of responsible businesses; creating healthier, safer, more resilient communities; protecting and improving the environment; and promoting social innovation.

Through our research, we are gathering insight on what social value (or related terminology such as social return, social responsibility and triple bottom line) is being delivered by construction and related businesses, and uncovering the challenges to

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Technical Focus

An end to damp damage?

Links between damp and poor health are well established, yet tenants have been unable to force their landlords to rectify problems. That’s all set to change with the introduction of a new law, says Hudson Lambert, Managing Director of Safeguard Europe.

Damp and mould in the home can cause occupants to have respiratory problems, respiratory infections, allergies or asthma

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e have known for decades that damp and mould in properties leads to ill health.An extensive study published back in 1989 in the British Medical Journal concluded that there is an indisputable link between damp, mould, and respiratory ill health, particularly among children.

The NHS states quite bluntly on its website1:“If you have damp and mould in your home you’re more likely to have respiratory problems, respiratory infections, allergies or asthma. Damp and mould can also affect the immune system.”

Yet millions of people in the UK are still living in damp and mouldy properties. It is a particularly prevalent problem in the private rented sector, where outdated laws have meant that tenants have had no way to legally insist that their homes are fit to live in.

Until now.A Private Members’ Bill Homes (Fitness for Human Habitation) Act 2018, which came into force on March 20th 2019, will mean that landlords must ensure that the homes they rent are fit for habitation at the time of letting and throughout the tenancy. If they don’t, tenants themselves will be able to take their landlord to court.

There could be a few court cases coming for unscrupulous or lax landlords.

According to the English Housing Survey 2017-20182, 25% of private rented sector homes failed to meet the Decent Homes Standard. One of the common problems is damp with 7% of homes in private rented

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The most common way for tenants to address problems with damp and mould is by pursuing a statutory nuisance notice with local authority environmental health officers

sector reported to suffer, compared to 6% of social rented homes and 2% of owneroccupied properties.

Other surveys suggest that the EHS figures are rather conservative and under-report the problem. Research by the National Union of Students3 published in February 2019 found that 35% of students were living in rented accommodation with damp and mould.

Research by Ipsos MORI, conducted on behalf of the Energy Savings Trust4 in 2014, found that 37% of all homes had problems with condensation and 28% had mould, with the Trust commenting that these percentages were higher among renters.

Not only are the EHS figures considered conservative, in some quarters the methodology has been challenged – with other research from the World Health Organisation (WHO) asserting that up to 6.75 million UK dwellings are affected, impacting

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upon up to 16.5 million people5. Even at the low end of the WHO estimates, 6.6 million could be vulnerable to the effects of damp.

The cost to people’s health, and to the public purse, is considerable.Asthma UK estimates that the burden on the NHS of treating the 5.4 million people in the UK that suffer from it is £1.1bn a year.While not every case of asthma will be due to damp and mould or exacerbated by it, some of them certainly will and when we add in other illnesses such as rhinitis, respiratory infections, dyspnea, bronchitis and eczema5,we can begin to understand the extent of the impacts.

Tenants’ hands tied

There was cross-party support for Karen Buck’s bill. But while nobody thinks people should have to live in sub-standard housing, attempts to enforce that idea over the years have had only limited success.

Technical Focus Research by Ipsos MORI in 2014 found that 37% of all homes had problems with condensation and 28% had mould

Currently, the most common way for tenants attempt to legally address problems with damp and mould is by pursuing a statutory nuisance notice with local authority environmental health officers. Often, the response from landlords to council intervention is to begin eviction proceedings against the tenants, which deters tenants from doing anything.

A different approach

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Millions of people in the UK are still living in damp and mouldy properties

The big difference that the new law brings in is that – at last – tenants can take action without having to go to the local authority. And though taking legal action may be a difficult or impossible task for some people, there will be a positive effect, according to housing charity Shelter.

Commenting on the act, Shelter said: “It will not only directly help those tenants who take their landlords to court, but will help to raise conditions generally, through the broader positive impact on landlord education and awareness of their responsibilities and the risk of being sued.”

Let’s hope that awareness does rise and that landlords do take action. The expertise and technology exist to tackle damp problems – as long as they are properly identified and professionally dealt with.

As well as providing technical advice on products and methods of treatment and installation, Safeguard also has a list of reputable surveyors and contractors who are competent to advise on and carry out the necessary remedial work. In 2019, no one should have to live in damp properties.

www.safeguardeurope.com

Appendix

The Landlord and Tenant Act 1985 does define ‘fitness for human habitation’ and sets down a list of relevant matters, among them repair, freedom from damp and ventilation. However, this requirement ridiculously only applies to homes where the rent is £52 a month or less (£80 or less in London), historical figures which make it legally meaningless.

In 2006, the Housing Act 2004 introduced the ‘Housing, Health and Safety Rating System’ which is a risk-based method for

working out whether housing is up to scratch. Local authorities are supposed to carry out assessments, but the system is considered complex and enforcement has been inconsistent.

The Decent Homes Standard was another attempt to tackle sub-standard housing. Set up by the Labour Government in 2000, this standard aimed to get all social housing up to scratch by 2010. It was also non-statutory and has had little impact on the private rented sector.

1. https://www.nhs.uk/commonhealth-questions/lifestyle/can-dampand-mould-affect-my-health/ 2. https://assets.publishing.service. gov.uk/government/uploads/ system/uploads/attachment_data/ file/774820/2017-18_EHS_ Headline_Report.pdf 3. https://www.savethestudent.org/ accommodation/national-studentaccommodation-survey-2019.html 4. https://www.energysavingtrust. org.uk/about-us/news/cold-draughtymouldy-damp-what-uk-public-thinkabout-their-homes 5. http://www.ukcmb.org/healthand-moisture-in-buildings-report

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Building Maintenance Nanopor systems require nothing more than sunlight, humidity and wind to provide a uniform, dirt-free surface

The development of self-cleaning top coats and renders has given a whole new lease of life to building facades

Although not a recent innovation, self-cleaning renders and paints have made an indelible mark on the construction industry as an ingenious alternative to regular and aggressive building renovation, writes Nikolaos Mantelis, Product Manager at global building materials manufacturer, Baumit.

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roducts which require water or natural elements such as daylight, rain or air moisture to keep a building’s facade clean offer a huge benefit to the property owner in terms of cost-effectiveness.

Self-cleansing systems eliminate the need for periodical maintenance as surfaces stay looking clean and healthy far longer than traditional coatings. The environment gains from the technology, too. Buildings adorned with self-cleaning materials do not require chemicallyinfused agents to maintain a dirt-free surface. A fact worth remembering as the Government struggles to make good its pledge to reduce UK emissions by a minimum 80% from 1990 levels by 2050.

Bright solution

The two main self-cleaning topcoat systems currently available require different climatic conditions to trigger the cleansing process. One uses direct rain or water contact, allowing dirt contained within a droplet to simply roll off the surface. This system is fine in principle, but slightly flawed in practice. The electrostatic properties of the molecules

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contained within the topcoat means if a hand or other object such as a ball comes into contact with the surface, a dirty print will be left behind. Nanopor is different.

Nanopor systems require nothing more than sunlight, humidity and wind to provide a uniform, dirt-free surface. A special photocatalyst additive, which has been developed by Baumit, uses the power of light to activate the self-cleaning effect in its Nanopor range of renders and paints.

The ‘Nanopor-effect’ is produced when sunlight activates the photocatalysis additive in the render or paint, affecting the upper-hydrophilic nano layer within the product whilst it dries. During the process, dirt is decomposed and lifted from the surface by air movement. Any remaining particles are removed by rain and evaporation of absorbed dampness.

For a simpler explanation of the ‘Nanopor-effect’; when a drop of water falls on a normal hydrophobic render surface, it will appear as a ‘ball’ of water. A drop of water when dropped onto Baumit NanoporTop loses its surface tension.

During evaporation the moisture releases dirt particles, resulting in a dry, clean and beautiful facade.

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Sustainable alternative

Because Nanopor doesn’t depend on direct contact with water to trigger the self-cleaning process, areas of a building not exposed to rain – such as those beneath the eaves – are also thoroughly cleansed.This enables a consistent, clean performance across the entire building and eliminates issues such as streaking or dark patches forming where water was unable to connect with the facade.

The photokat process is particularly effective against fungi or mould in a facade.

It’s also superb for removing smoke or dust particles. Again, it’s worth making the point that the innovative Nanotechnology in renders and paints reduces the need for a building’s renovation, making it a cost-effective and environmentally-friendly alternative to other exterior coatings.

As with most self-cleaning exterior finishes, Baumit NanoporTop, a ready-touse dirt and pollution-repellent render, can be hand- or machine-applied. It features unique nano-crystalline and non-organic additives which result in significant surface reduction of pollution compared to other coatings, leaving a building protected and looking clean and bright. The microscopically smooth surface of Baumit Nanopor render and paint offers a facade a unique protective barrier against pollution, as dirt particles have nothing to cling onto.

The development of self-cleaning top coats and renders has given a whole new lease of life to building facades. Focusing as much care and attention to the array of available technically-advanced, highperformance materials we apply to the outside of a building, will help ensure a more comfortable and healthy environment for those on the inside.

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31

HVAC

To improve indoor air quality, there are a range of innovative materials and products that have been created by building product manufacturers

Indoor air quality: creating healthier spaces It’s no secret that health and wellbeing is one of the most dominant factors influencing modern building design. One element that’s generated particular attention recently is indoor air quality. Here, Tony Walker, Technical Specification Controller at PPG Architectural Coatings, explains what’s driving the trend and what architects and designers can do to bring a breath of fresh air to their buildings.

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odern lifestyles and occupations mean we’re now spending more time than ever indoors, with the average person spending just one tenth of their time outside four walls. It’s also been found that the air inside a building can be up to 10 times more polluted than the air outside.

As a result, environmental bodies are increasingly encouraging architects to consider the extent to which the products and

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materials they specify could affect indoor air quality, both positively and negatively. In turn, architects are on the hunt for solutions that fit the bill and facilitate ‘healthier’ living and working spaces.

What the guidelines say

Over the past few years, organisations such as BREEAM, LEED and the International WELL Building Institute, which promote health and wellbeing in the built environment,

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At PPG, the emulsion paints are all waterbased and carry low VOC ratings

have recognised indoor air quality within their standards.Among other requirements, their rating systems award points to projects that consider air pollution early in the design process and take measures to minimise it post-construction. For example, as of 2018, the BREEAM New Construction manual considers an Indoor Air Quality Plan a pre-requisite that must be completed at RIBA Stage 2.

Specifically, there are concerns around the indoor concentration of volatile organic compounds (VOCs), which are emitted as gases from certain solids or liquids.They include a variety of chemicals, some of which may have short- and long-term adverse health effects.

One common VOC is formaldehyde, which

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Architects are on the hunt for solutions that fit the bill and facilitate ‘healthier’ living and working spaces

can be present in houses and public spaces at varying concentrations, with molecules being emitted from a range of common indoor materials, such as chipboards, fibreboards, furniture, carpet, glue and interior fabrics.VOC levels have the potential to become harmful during the lifecycle of a building, so BREEAM awards further credit to those who can confirm concentrations are within defined guidelines at the post-construction phase.

There are various techniques that architects and designers can employ to achieve this and facilitate improved indoor air quality – some naturally-occurring, others a result of intensive research and product development. Here are just a few:

Central heating and tightly closed windows reduce ventilation. One fairly simple way of improving indoor air quality, then, is by allowing outdoor air to dilute any indoor airborne pollutants.This can be achieved manually through appropriate placing of windows and doors, but opening these isn’t always practical for occupants, for example in commercial highrise buildings.Alternative methods are therefore being encouraged for such circumstances. One such method is improving air intake through the HVAC system, with advanced designs including energy-efficient heat recovery ventilators.

Another cost-effective approach that’s received widespread publicity recently is the use of biophilic design – using plants and flowers in the spaces we live and work in to bring the outside in and help rekindle our innate connection to nature.Aside from the benefits related to psychological wellbeing, research has shown that plants clear the air of pollutants, reduce CO2 levels, increase oxygen and generally lift your energy.Taking this one step further, architects can install ‘living green walls’ that act as a bio-filter, often connected directly to a building’s HVAC setup.

Specifying natural materials such as wooden flooring is also a simple preventative measure. Wooden floors are much easier to maintain than carpets, which can harbor dirt, dust mites, hair, fungus and other potentially harmful particles.

Sometimes introducing more outdoor air, wooden floors and greenery just isn’t practical though. For these instances, there are a range of innovative materials and products that have been created by building

product manufacturers.These products have been specifically designed to release fewer emissions, with some even having a positive effect on air quality. For example, architects can now specify carpet and flooring that not only emits fewer VOCs, but is also designed to capture ultra-fine dust particles and keep them out of the breathing zone.

Similar innovations have been developed when it comes to interior coatings and finishes.At PPG, our emulsion paints are all water-based and carry low VOC ratings, and we have recently launched Air Pure in the Johnstone’s Trade paint brand to specifically tackle formaldehyde, which can be damaging to health, causing headaches, tiredness and irritation of the nose, throat and eyes.Air Pure is a bio-based, low-VOC wall and ceiling paint that, once applied, purifies indoor air by neutralising up to 70% of formaldehyde from an indoor environment.

A healthier future

Huge leaps have been taken to improve indoor air quality over the past few years and the movement shows no signs of slowing down. As time goes on and people spend even more time indoors, what are now mostly recommendations and guidelines are sure to become stringent industry mandates. Now is therefore the time for architects to familiarise themselves with the various techniques and solutions they can implement, in order to improve the performance of their projects in line with environmental best practice and contribute to a healthier, more sustainable future.

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How to improve indoor air quality

www.johnstonestrade.com/airpure

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Technical Insight: Timber

What do the latest changes mean for building with CLT?

Buildings are the sum of many parts and we need a full portfolio of materials to achieve the best outcomes in terms of, performance, sustainability, safety, durability, efficiency and cost.

Since the new Building Regulations came into force on 21st December 2018, much has been written about cross laminated timber. Here Andy Goodwin shares how B&K Structures have taken a pragmatic approach to embrace the new protocols.

B&K Structures will ensure building highly sustainable CLT structures over six-storeys is not only possible but also highly practical

The UK has a magnificent heritage of timber architecture dating back to the 13th century

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&K Structures are not engineered timber purists. Our business model focuses on hybrid construction solutions – however, CLT is by far the most exciting revolutionary building material of the 21st century and will be significant in our future development plans.

Only now are we truly realising the full capabilities of this strong, sustainable and technically-advanced structural solution and the new regulations will not stifle innovation.

The UK has a magnificent heritage of timber architecture dating back to the 13th century.We are now building on this legacy using groundbreaking engineered timber systems.We develop high-quality, low-carbon projects for a wide range of clients throughout the UK and through our robust, integrated supply chain, B&K Structures are dedicated to finding the best solution.

Putting the changes into perspective

Changes in the Building Regulations have restricted the use of engineered timber in the external wall elements over 18m, that is circa six-storeys.To put the changes into perspective, we have constructed in excess of 50 cross laminated timber projects over the past 15 years, of which only three would have felt the impact of the regulatory change and a cost neutral wall solution would have been simple to implement.

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Technical Insight: Timber Over the last 10 years, CLT has been emerging as a sustainable and costeffective building material of choice

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CLT is by far the most exciting revolutionary building material of the 21st century

The engineered timber sector, by its very nature, is founded on innovation – we are pioneers of sustainable construction and with modifications, B&K Structures will ensure building highly sustainable CLT structures over six-storeys is not only possible but also highly practical.

The restriction applies to the external walls of residential accommodation, care homes, hospitals and school dormitories over 18m.

The rest of the building including internal walls, floors and roof can therefore be formed in CLT.This equates to approximately 80-90% of the overall structural frame.

In anticipation of the Government announcement, we have been working in close collaboration with our supply chain partners to develop alternative through-wall solutions that can be implemented with a primary CLT superstructure.

Our non-combustible unitised wall panel systems have been developed with leading industry supply chain partners.The systems replace the cross laminated timber elements from within the external wall line with a hot rolled structural steel carrier frame and non-combustible SFS infill wall panels, the remainder of the structural frame will be constructed in CLT, which is totally compliant with the regulatory changes.

As part of the research and development of these compliant solutions, careful consideration has been given to the design interface between the CLT superstructure and the SFS walling system.The SFS system and associated connection details have been designed to take in to account increased load cases attracted by traditional brickwork, heavier brick slip systems and balcony locations. Importantly the system is cost and programme neutral.

We have been instrumental in the development and growth of the CLT market in the UK, and through continued collaboration with our supply chain and industry stakeholders, this will continue.The latest Building Regulations merely change the way we construct the external walls to residential schemes above 18m.We will continue to work with our clients to ensure that any new projects are designed and delivered in accordance with the new Building Regulations.

Over the last 10 years, CLT has been emerging as a sustainable and cost-effective building material of choice and a vital component in the battle to reduce carbon emissions in the construction sector.We must consider the specification of materials when constructing large scale developments to ensure we minimise the impact on the environment, not just for us but for the health and wellbeing of generations to come.

www.bkstructures.co.uk

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Interiors: KBB A flagship, high-quality office development in Aberdeen has state-of-the-art management systems installed in all its washrooms to help control energy and water use

An infrared introspective

Easyflush Wave infrared toilet flush

As infrared technology continues to be a popular choice in washrooms, Mark Schlotel, Marketing Manager at Cistermiser and Keraflo, explains how the technology’s versatility has widened its reach and what we can expect from infrared in our bathrooms in the future.

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nfrared technology in our commercial washrooms is nothing new, but the versatility of the technology is constantly changing as new innovations and adaptations come to market.What’s more, there is a vast amount of potential that is yet to be exploited.

Infrared taps, or ‘sensor taps’ as they are sometimes referred to, have been predicted to be one of the fastest growing segments of the bathroom market between 2017 and 2025, as a direct result of the increased global awareness of water conservation and hygiene.

Choosing the user’s preferred flow and temperature every time a traditional tap is turned on also wastes a great deal of energy. In contrast, sensor taps with pressure compensated flow regulators also enable you to keep water at a constant temperature, so you don’t need to expend energy changing the water temperature. For this reason, taken as a whole, they tend to be much more energy efficient than traditional hand operated taps.

Sustainability

Taps and WC flushing systems utilising infrared technology were originally welcomed for being more stylish and more hygienic. Users could easily understand the benefits of not touching the flush or tap after using the toilet, particularly in large commercial buildings with hundreds or even thousands of visitors – just think of the typical example of the motorway service station.

The Water Regulations require that the flow rate of a tap does not exceed 3.6l per minute where basins have no plug. Sensor taps reduce the water flow rate and include an aerator in the spout to optimise water consumption efficiency. Depending on the specific infrared tap in use, you can save as much as 80% on your water usage in a 12-month period.

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Versatility

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The technology has continued to become more advanced too, with more intelligent toilet flush motion sensors, for example allowing users to trigger a shorter or longer flush either through the wave of a hand or through a walkaway system.

Even the latter can be programmed to assess how long the toilet has been in use and trigger a part or full-flush, so an appropriate amount of water is used every time.

Eliminating the need for physical contact with fittings prevents germs from spreading, but in addition, removing the ability for users to adjust water flow each time the tap is used, reduces the amount of water splashed onto surfaces in a washroom. And thanks to the increasingly high standards of the products supplied today, the use of sanitary facilities is a much more pleasant experience and importantly, reduces the maintenance costs for the overall facility.

Interiors: KBB Varied applications

The benefits of infrared control technology have also been realised in other associated commercial washroom applications, such as fans and lights – each only being activated when a user walks into the room. These systems can also be primed to shut down during periods of inactivity such as the weekend. This saves money, water and energy, but also prevents the risk of flooding when a building isn’t in use and isn’t necessarily under surveillance.

The future

When you look at the sustainability and versatility that already exists in infrared technology utilised in bathrooms today, it seems to have all bases covered, but any good manufacturer will never stop innovating. So, what’s next for infrared?

Put simply, more intelligence. With greater intelligence built into infrared devices, alongside the use of cloud based technologies, we can start to report and monitor in a way that we have never been able to achieve before.

Precise data on how often, when and where facilities are being used will deliver powerful insights for building owners and managers. The potential uses of this marrying of technologies is endless and could be a real game changer for building projects across the board. Watch this space.

Sensazone washroom control

Case study: Annan House

Hydraulic urinal control valve

Hydraulic flushing control valves from Cistermiser were fitted to pipes filling the building’s urinal cisterns. Activated solely by water-pressure, the valve remains closed if there is no washroom activity (halting the constant flush-fill-flush cycle of the urinal cistern) until a tap is turned on. At this point, the water pressure drops, the valve opens and the cistern refill cycle continues.

Urinal control valves are hugely effective in

terms of conserving water. Water usage can drop from some 157,000 litres for a urinal with no flush controls to just 28,000 litres per annum with a control valve.

The efficient washroom control systems at Annan House were specified by Wallace Little, while Vaughan Engineering managed the installation.

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A flagship, high-quality office development in Aberdeen city centre has state-of-theart management systems installed in all its washrooms to help control energy and water use. Annan House formed part of a £100m redevelopment project called The Grande delivered by Drum Property Group on a former derelict site.

The new-build offices are now the headquarters for EnQuest plc, housing the company’s 500 British-based employees under one roof. The company is the largest UK independent oil producer in the UK North Sea. The eight-storey offices have been fitted with 36 Sensazone washroom systems and 24 hydraulic urinal control valves were also installed to help lower water and energy consumption. Sensazone from water management expert Cistermiser is a lowcost system which uses infrared sensors to control energy output, water supply, lighting and ventilation, providing complete management control over individual commercial washrooms while maintaining safe, hygienic washroom environments.

www.ourworldiswater.co.uk

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37

edie Live 2019 Preview

Here’s a taster of what to expect at edie Live 2019:

A must-attend for sustainability and energy professionals Join the UK’s leading energy, sustainability and resource professionals at edie Live from 21 to 22 May 2019.

Discover innovative energy solutions; be inspired by thought leadership and best practice case studies to accelerate the transition to low-carbon; overcome business challenges with energy industry experts in free consultations; and pinpoint future strategy to prepare for the long term.

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t edie Live 2018, edie launched Mission Possible to inspire and empower businesses to achieve a low-carbon, resource-efficient future.

Achieving this future requires a number of step-changes for businesses to turn their ambition into action.

In 2019, the event organiser is taking things to the next level. At edie Live

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on 21 and 22 May at the NEC, the show will provide visitors with the platform to harness innovation, forge new collaborations and evolve business strategies to achieve a low-carbon, resource efficient future, today.

The show will demonstrate how to increase energy efficiency, drive down consumption and boost the bottom-line.

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New Future Systems Hackathon 2019: unite with hackers and tech experts to solve real-world problems and accelerate the shift towards business systems of the future 100+ product experts: uncover next generation technology, products and solutions Advice Clinics: book a free one-to-one, 20-minute consultation with an energy expert and work towards implementing a sustainable energy strategy Workshops: collaborate with peers to solve the challenges preventing you from achieving your ambition. Topics include: Getting to grips with your data, Unlocking the value of energy storage, Achieving a flexible energy future EV showroom and charging hub: discover how electric vehicles can save you money and CO2 through smarter business travel choices Click here to find out more about edie Live 2019 – the UK’s only event tailor-made to fit the needs of sustainability, energy and resource professionals.

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The show will provide visitors with the platform to harness innovation and forge new collaborations

Stay in the loop with free seminar sessions across four theatres: Energy Theatre: A must-attend for anyone seeking to cut carbon emissions, increase efficiencies and unlock new revenue-driving energy opportunities.

Innovation Theatre: Harnessing technological breakthroughs for a lowcarbon, resource-efficient future Circular Economy Theatre: Accelerating the resource revolution Sustainability Keynote: Strategic insights to transform business, for good

exhibition.edie.net

Roofing, Cladding & Insulation The project will be highlighted perfectly by Staticus’ unitised facade, which comprises pre-fabricated panels, designed and manufactured to order

Staticus increases UK presence with prestigious contract Innovative facade technology is helping to shape the look of a prestigious new development close to London’s Royal Mint.

Royal Mint Gardens is the latest project from Malaysia’s IJM Land

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modern demand for more innovative and attractive facades in urban developments is being met by a prestigious residential project in London, next to the Tower of London and Tower Bridge.

Royal Mint Gardens, which has earned publicity because it is being built over railway lines to solve the problem of limited space in the capital, incorporates 263 high-specification apartments and a range of high-end luxury facilities.

The look and feel of the development, however, owes much to its gleaming hightech facade, designed, manufactured and installed by Lithuanian company Staticus.

Staticus, one of the largest facade contractors in Northern Europe, has a growing reputation in the UK and has already been responsible for the iconic look of several new builds in London, Manchester and Liverpool.

Roofing, Cladding & Insulation Established 20 years ago, the company owns a 14,000m2 factory in Vilnius which can operate up to 12 production lines at the same time.

It is therefore ideally positioned to deliver the Royal Mint Gardens contract as a ‘one-stop-shop’ for facade engineering from initial concept and design to manufacture and installation.

“We are excited and deeply proud to be part of the development of this historic area in London, which is close to The Royal Mint, the origin of British coin production,” said Staticus’ UK MD Paulius Gurksnys.

“We love to innovate and will realise this project with a number of unique solutions including frameless facade elements hanging on tension rods with horizontal glass fins and a spider glass fixing system. It is going to look very special indeed.”

During a six-month project, which is already well under way, the company is installing more than 13,000m2 of unitised facade panels across the building, which also features stand-out touches for residents such as a spectacular piazza, reception with concierge, lounge, cinema, pool and jacuzzi and courtyards.

Royal Mint Gardens is the latest project from Malaysia’s IJM Land, which won international plaudits for its luxury Ampersand development in the heart of Kuala Lumpur City and The Light Waterfront in Penang and is being overseen by its subsidiary RMS (England) Limited.

The building has been designed by multiinternational award-winning architect firm Farrells and the vision was to combine unique planning and architecture with outstanding amenities and outside spaces.

Those facilities will be highlighted perfectly by Staticus’ unitised facade, which comprises pre-fabricated panels, designed and manufactured to order and delivered direct to site for faster installation.This cost-efficient method, with the benefit of factory quality control, is increasingly popular in the UK. Paulius added:“We utilise advanced research, methods and technology to help create visually stunning smart buildings, where people can live and work in harmony with the environment.

This latest project in London is a real coup for Staticus and strengthens our position in the UK facade market.”

With offices in Lithuania, Norway, Austria, Sweden and now London, Staticus is growing its presence in the UK, with recent projects including the X1 Media City towers in Manchester and the Tottenham Hale tower in London.

The company is installing more than 13,000m2 of unitised facade panels across the building

8 www.staticus.com * info@staticus.com ( 0203 984 0774

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41

Roofing, Cladding & Insulation

Terracotta – the best option above 18m

Terracotta cladding is the best option above six storeys for the construction industry following the ban of combustible cladding on certain buildings above 18m. That’s the view of Paul Richards, Managing Director of Aquarian Cladding Systems.

Terracotta is proving to be an increasingly popular choice for architects and contractors

Paul Richards, Managing Director of Aquarian Cladding Systems

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aul believes that the Government’s decision to ban combustible cladding over 18m, as part of its post-Grenfell fire safety and building design consultation, does not have to be to the detriment of the cladding industry.

Combustible cladding has been banned for all new residential buildings, schools, hospitals and care homes in England and Wales above 18m, of which the only materials approved for external walls will be A1 and A2 class materials.

As a result, architects, specifiers, building contractors and housing associations are being forced to look for clay, metal, stone or ceramic facade solutions, which are easy and quick to install in any weather, robust, fully tested and certified and costeffective for these types of buildings.

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“As an industry we must determine the right cladding option to use above 18m and in my view, a terracotta rainscreen is the best solution to overcome this challenge,” said Paul.

“It ticks all the boxes as it is A1 noncombustible, tested and certified, is quick and easy to install by our approved installers, and it’s cost effective when compared to other high-quality facade solutions.”

The North Somerset-based Aquarian Cladding supplies brick and terracotta cladding systems to the UK construction industry across a wide range of sectors, from residential to commercial, in both the public and private sector.

One example of where the company’s Terreal terracotta cladding can be seen is currently the No.1 Portsmouth scheme by facade contractor Fabrite Group, a 22-storey student accommodation in the heart of the city centre.

Paul said: “Terracotta is proving to be an increasingly popular choice for architects and contractors as a noncombustible cladding solution for highrise buildings for a number of reasons.

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“It is a 100% natural material composed of clay, fired at high temperatures and it can create striking facade. It’s robust, weather-resistant, recyclable, sustainable and UV-stable, so is also very eco-friendly.”

Terracotta is suitable for use in both traditional and contemporary buildings and has proven to outperform alternative cladding systems for durability as well as offering design freedom and flexibility.

It can be dry-fixed so it’s not weather dependent, it can be used to create stack or stretcher bond in portrait or landscape format, and is available in a wide range of colours, finishes and sizes.

Paul added: “Our proven terracotta rainscreen cladding system, combined with more than 10 years of cladding experience, means we and our network of approved installation companies can offer guidance around fire safety, facades detailing and building regulations.”

8 www.aquariancladding.co.uk * info@aquariancladding.co.uk ( 0808

223 9080

Roofing, Cladding & Insulation

Powder coating for an earthy realism Retail parks are increasingly paying attention to the colours and textures used to decorate their units, giving them character and making the sites more appealing to visit and work within. Team Valley Retail Park, Gateshead, is no exception.

For a suite of new retail units, designers concentrated on using shades and textures that address both style and sustainability in the materials they use and the appearance they present.

Situated underneath the spreading arms of the ‘Angel of the North’ and built above former coal mines, it felt right for the park to reflect its industrial origins.

Cor-ten was considered but in using this product, special attention had to be paid to storm water drainage in order to prevent run-off from staining surrounding structures and other surfaces.

Powdertech Corby’s Evolution powder coatings were a perfect solution. These powders reproduce the effects of

weathering on metals and can be applied to both aluminium and steel. The application of the powder ensures a variation in shade to reflect the inconsistency in natural metal patination. The finished surface is not affected by water and has a 25-year guarantee for colour and gloss retention, adhesion and durability.

After viewing several samples from the extensive Evolution range of 72 shades, the client decided upon ‘Peat Fire’, a shade giving the appearance of aged, rusted steel, and a perfect partner to the ‘Angel’. Powdertech pre-treated and coated 1000m2 of aluminium panels and corner cappings.

The powders used for Evolution are architectural specification and the unique

combinations that create these effects are applied in Powdertech’s fully-controlled powder coating plant. The resulting finish is suitable for internal and external architectural applications.

8 www.powdertechcorby.co.uk * pcl@powdertech.co.uk ( 01536

400890

StoVentec Glass Rainscreen System chosen for museum project

Wienerberger adds to UK roofing portfolio with BPD Holdings acquisition

The StoVentec Glass Rainscreen System supplied by Sto UK was chosen for a museum collections centre extension project in Edinburgh, thanks to its outstanding aesthetic properties and its durable nature.The black infused colour StoVentec Glass was installed on the new extension to the National Museums Collection Centre in Granton, Edinburgh.“We were looking for a rainscreen cladding system that would help harmonise the new extension with the existing building, and the StoVentec Glass system offered the perfect solution,” explains Francesco Di Domenico of Edinburgh-based Hypostyle Architects.“The original building features blue engineering bricks with a stacked bond.

Rather than attempt to recreate that appearance, we wanted the look of the extension to be different, and yet sympathetic at the same time, and by using the StoVentec Glass panels in a staggered configuration we were able to achieve that.The Sto solution also offered glass panels in a number of bespoke sizes which would allow us to continue the geometric visual of the brickwork, but also create a new contemporary appearance.”

Building solutions provider Wienerberger has successfully acquired BPD Holdings Limited, one of the UK’s leading manufacturers of roofing and construction membranes, natural ventilation and specialist building products.Wienerberger is a leading provider of wall, roof and landscaping innovations, offering one of the broadest product portfolios in the construction business.Through the acquisition of BPD Holdings, Wienerberger will further enhance its roof product offering with the availability of a collection of market-leading, cost-effective, sustainable and energy efficient solutions. BPD Holdings Limited is the parent company of a group of businesses including Building Product Design and BPD Manufacturing Solutions. Established in the UK 35 years ago, BPD offers a diverse and high-quality range of over 2200 products to the UK and international housebuilder market through the recognisable Protect, Passivent and Glidevale brands. BPD shares Wienerberger’s track record of product innovation and commitment to new product development, with a pioneering Research & Development team and impressive manufacturing capabilities.

8 www.sto.co.uk

8 www.wienerberger.co.uk

* info.uk@sto.com

* office@wienerberger.co.uk

( 0141 892 8000

( 0161 491 8200

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43

Doors & Windows

Hygge Park bedroom featuring Vicaima Dekordor SD White Woodgrain door

Vicaima adds to Danish-inspired design ethos for Crest Nicholson Vicaima’s innovative and stylish interior door models have been selected to complement a new concept in housing from Crest Nicholson, at its Hygge Park development in Keynsham near Bristol, where the essence of Danishinspired design has been captured.

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t may be hundreds of miles from its Nordic roots, but homes on Crest Nicholson’s Hygge Park site embody a touch of Danish design prospective. Hygge, which means comfort, relaxing and wellbeing, in fact enjoying life’s simple pleasures; is evident throughout this development.

Innovative interior house layouts create bright and airy spaces, where open plan living and the clever use of glazing is used to maximise light. Contemporary design and designer fittings mark this development out as a new chapter for quality UK homes.

Blending seamlessly with this modern and light theme are the Vicaima doors chosen by Crest as the perfect opening between selected room spaces. In keeping with Crest’s forward approach to house design, it chose Vicaima Dekordor SD White Woodgrain interior doors. These doors have hardwearing faces and a bright white factory finished face; that displays a discrete, but visible woodgrain appearance.

To enhance the design even further, Crest selected a number of options from

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Vicaima’s extensive customisation offering.

These included the incorporation of two attractive satin inlays in a vertical pattern and, where additional light was required, a full-length glazed design.

Dekordor White Woodgrain is fast becoming the door of choice for modern housing schemes, offering as it does a 21st century alternative to doors painted on site, with a durable and cost-effective solution.

Ideal when supplied simply as a door or as part of a complete doorset system, Dekordor white woodgrain is available in various core constructions and a range of dimensional variations.

White Woodgrain is just one in a wide selection of foil-faced finishes from the extensively specified Vicaima Dekordor SD range. Popular for decades,Vicaima foils have recently been extended further to include Visual Sensations. This secondgeneration foil collection provides trendsetting ideas with a whole host of new tones ranging from Pale Sand to the dark hues of Forest and Mountain and

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Vicaima fully glazed white woodgrain doors at Hygge Park

all available in either a vertical or crossdirectional woodgrain design.

As demonstrated in the choices made by Crest Nicholson, solid core interior doors from many of the Vicaima ranges can also be enhanced by including additional face embellishments, in the form of grooves and inlays.These simple but effective add-ons elevate door design to another level and present a real opportunity to realise a specific vision or design mood for any given project.

Vicaima offers an extensive range of innovative design and performance options, with fire, acoustic and security solutions for luxury housing and modern apartment living.

8 www.vicaima.com

* info@vicaima.com ( 01793

532333

Doors & Windows Heritage hotel is worthy winner

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

The largest hospitality project ever undertaken in Ireland has scooped a prestigious ‘Winner of Winners’ award sponsored

by GEZE UK. Adare Manor, a neo Gothic ‘architectural masterpiece’, in County Limerick, took the top category at the AI Specification Awards 2019 for ReardonSmith Architects, Carrson International and Mooney Architectural. Local Architect, Michael Healy, also worked on the project. The five-star resort which sits within an 840-acre estate incorporates a new five-storey wing which sits alongside the original 19th century manor.

Its architectural ironmongery was more than just a finishing touch, Sun Valley Bronze hardware was specified by Carrson to mirror the “passion for quality craftsmanship” which was integral to the design standard. GEZE UK also provided more than 200 closers for the project – including the TS 2000 NV and TS 4000 E overhead closers and the Boxer integrated closer – all completed in a bronze finish to complement the other ironmongery fittings that were used.

8 www.geze.co.uk * info.uk@geze.com

( 01543 443000

Open up new possibilities with Senior’s aluminium doors

he presentation offers guidance on door specification, legislation, Building Regulations, fire and safety in use, CE Marking – MANDEC and the Equality Act. SIMONSWERK has over 35 years of experience in the manufacture of high-quality brass, aluminium and stainless steel hinges for doors, windows and conservatories. The company’s ranges include the outstanding fully concealed TECTUS system and the increasingly popular TRITECH solid brass hinge with concealed bearings and load capacity to 160kg.

For further information on SIMONSWERK’s RIBA-approved CPD on the Specification of Hinges or any of the company’s products, please visit the website below.

Senior Architectural Systems is helping specifiers get a handle on selecting the most appropriate door system for their project thanks to its recently extended product range and technical support packages.

Benefitting from the recent launch of the new PURe Commercial Door, Senior’s largest and strongest door system to date, the manufacturer’s product portfolio includes a wide range of flexible solutions for both residential and commercial contracts. Offering single, double and emergency door systems and a choice of swing, folding sliding, lift and slide and automatic opening options, Senior’s aluminium doors have been designed to offer exceptional aesthetic appeal and excellent performance.To assist with the most cost-effective and appropriate specification of door systems, support is available via Senior’s in-house technical department and nationwide network of architectural advisors.

As well as advising on product suitability, Senior’s technical team can also provide detailed calculations for weather performance ratings and thermal efficiency as well as advice on hardware and threshold options.

* info@simonswerk.co.uk

8 www.seniorarchitectural.co.uk

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

* info@sasmail.co.uk

( 01709 772600

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Doors & Windows

One of the many challenges that ADE has had to overcome is how to safely and securely open and close the heavily insulated steel doors

Von Duprin shows the way Relcross has employed its problem-solving experience by supplying Von Duprin 99 QEL exit devices to Advanced Diesel Engineering (ADE) of South Kirkby in Yorkshire.

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DE is an expert in acoustic containers for generators and its products can be found in an increasing number of data centres throughout Europe. Data Centres have banks of generators on standby, ready to come online in seconds in the event of a power failure. But generators, especially un-containerised diesel generators, are very loud.

So loud that they present a substantial problem for anyone nearby and a large number in close proximity would be totally unbearable. A silent generator operates inside a sound proof container or generator enclosure which muffles the sound heard by workers, employees, customers and members of the public.

But like so many problem-solving technologies, the solution to the main problem creates other problems to be solved along the way. One of the many that ADE has had to overcome is how to safely and securely open and close the heavily insulated steel doors that provide essential access to the generator and other equipment inside the enclosure.

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It’s not a problem that most people would anticipate but ordinary door hardware just would not work. The doors are too thick and, apart from access control for security, emergency exit from the enclosure must also be provided in the event of fire or other such eventuality.

Normal entry and exit is controlled by a swipe card system that disengages the door alarms while recording the details of who has entered or exited the container.

A key operated lock can then be used to open the door by releasing the latch on the Von Duprin device installed on the inner surface of the door.

When exit is required the swipe card is used in the same way before the touch bar is used to release the door latch. The Von Duprin 99 QEL features motorised latches rather than magnetic solenoids which, together with the famous Von Duprin fluid dampener that decelerates the touch bar on its return stroke, eliminates most of the noise associated with exit device operations.

In the event of an emergency, the touch bar can be used independently and without

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A key operated lock can be used to open the door by releasing the latch

any delay. In such instances the alarm will also sound to alert security. As a further safety feature, the touch bar is covered with a luminous material to provide guidance to people trying to escape from the enclosure if the lighting fails or vision is inhibited by smoke. The Von Duprin 99 QEL, with so many unique features, provides the safe and secure answer in a wide range of demanding installations.

8 www.relcross.co.uk

* sales@relcross.co.uk ( 01380

729600

Doors & Windows

New National Sales Manager for GEZE UK Andy Iredale is the new man in charge of opening doors for GEZE UK having been promoted to the role of National Sales Manager for automatics.

Andy, who was previously Sales Manager for the North of England, now leads the team of which he was once part – GEZE UK’s area sales managers who provide design and commercial advice on GEZE automatic door systems.

He will lead on the sales promotion of new and innovative GEZE automatic door solutions, develop and maintain relationships with key customers across the country and advise them on the best range of products for their needs – from modest automatic doors to complex requirements for major developments.

Andy has significant experience in the commercial door sector across a variety of disciplines – from service and project management, through to sales – spanning an impressive 24 years, the last four of which have been with GEZE UK.

Among his notable achievements is the work that he carried out for the company in the North of England and the completion of an ACAS management development programme.

Said Andy: “I am very proud to have been selected to lead the Automatics Sales Team of which I have been a part for more than four years. There are exciting times ahead for GEZE UK with the launch of some great new products.

“The entire team has been busy working towards and achieving the ISO 45001 in occupational health and safety management which will further our commitment to health, safety and quality management within the business and the wider market.”

Andy Howland, Sales and Marketing Director for GEZE UK, said that Andy had a proven track record with the company and

would use his knowledge and understanding of GEZE products to recommend dynamic and integrated solutions for key customers.

He comments: “In leading the automatic sales team, Andy will, no doubt, share his passion for developing ideal customer solutions and encourage his team to do the same and to deliver excellent service.”

8 www.geze.co.uk

* info.uk@geze.com ( 01543

443000

The world leader in timber preservation technology

Fire-X

®

THE PROVEN LEACH RESISTANT FIRE PROTECTION TREATMENT FOR TIMBER AND SHINGLES ENHANCED PERFORMANCE FOR EXTERIOR TIMBER FOR MORE INFORMATION Visit: www.kopperspc.eu Email: kpc@koppers.eu Call: +44 (0)1628 486644 Fax: +44 (0)1628 476757 Protim Solignum Limited, Fieldhouse Lane Marlow, Buckinghamshire SL7 1LS ™ Protim Solignum Limited trading as Koppers Performance Chemicals. Koppers is a registered Trademark of Koppers Delaware, Inc. Whilst every attempt has been made to ensure the accuracy and reliability of the information contained in this document, Protim Solignum Limited gives no undertaking to that effect and no responsibility can be accepted for reliance on this information. Information will be updated when the need arises. Please ensure you have an up to date copy. All products are produced by independently owned and operated wood processing facilities. All other trademarks are trademarks of their respective owners. Koppers Performance Chemicals, Protim Solignum Limited, Fieldhouse Lane, Marlow, Buckinghamshire, SL7 1LS. Visit: www.kopperspc.eu, Email: kpc@koppers.eu, Call: +44 (0)1628 486644, Fax: +44 (0)1628 476757.

Registered in England 3037845. © Copyright 2018.

by Appointment to Her Majesty The Queen Manufacturers Of Wood Preservatives Protim Solignum Ltd Marlow, Buckinghamshire

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47

HVAC

Hidden extras in new ModuSat XR HIUs – giving customers more for less With over 15 years of HIU supply under its belt, Evinox has unveiled its latest range of ModuSat XR ‘Smart’ Heat Interface Units, which provide M&E contractors and consulting engineers with a whole lot more for a whole lot less due to the myriad of hidden extras.

S

maller, more compact dimensions; the ability to deliver high performance at low primary flow temperatures; TCP/IP communications connectivity; and new, lower output models to allow cost-effective compliance with the latest industry design standards are but a few of the ways Evinox ModuSat XR models offer more features, value and performance – but with less space requirements, lower heat network operating conditions, and less time on site to install, commission, support and maintain – than ever before.

Less space

Building on Evinox’s BESA-tested range of Smart Heat Interface Units, the latest ModuSat XR and XR-ECO Twin Plate HIUs have been enhanced to provide the same great performance but in a package requiring 27% less space in the home than before*1.

Units are extra compact, ideal for tight installation constraints and help to minimise the size of prefabricated cupboards.

Lower outputs

The range has also been extended to include smaller ModuSat XR and XR-ECO TP 30 units. These are perfectly placed to meet the recommendations in the soon to be released CIBSE ADE Code of Practice v1.2, which states that designers should specify a maximum of 25kW output for Studio apartments and 30-35kW for one- and two-bed properties. This recommendation has been included to avoid the oversizing of Domestic Hot Water, which can lead to increased costs and network inefficiency, so the new ModuSat range is perfectly placed to satisfy these new industry requirements.

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Low carbon heat networks

With the latest GLA planning guidance around carbon factors already causing a stir amongst consulting engineers and specifiers, there is already a clear incentive for heat networks to be designed around different heat generation technologies, such as heat pumps, which in turn require lower primary flow temperatures. The high-efficiency ModuSat XR-ECO models continue to provide impressive heating and domestic hot water performance at primary flow temperatures of 60°C (or even lower), making them the ideal choice where heat pumps are deployed.

Smart, lower cost communication network connection

Ethernet connectivity comes as a standard feature on all ModuSat units, allowing two-way communications for diagnostics, commissioning and support – as well as metering data – to be accessed across shared building infrastructure. This allows the significant cost associated with dedicated M-Bus networks to designed out, by sharing a common, robust and reliable communication network with other services, such as CCTV, access control/door entry and lifts.

Lower defects liability and aftercare support costs

And if all that wasn’t enough, yet another hidden extra giving contractors the opportunity to reduce costs and risks associated with their heat network installations is Evinox’s new ‘SmartTalk Pro’ monitoring and diagnostics web portal, which now comes bundled with every ModuSat installation.

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Evinox ModuSat XR models offer more features, value and performance

Providing contractors with remote access to each HIU on the site, any reported problems can be quickly and easily diagnosed – and often remedied – online, without the need for an engineer to attend site; saving time, increasing the first-time-fix rate and reducing defects liability costs related to the heat network.

As well as providing access to HIU operational parameters and settings, support engineers can even take control of the residents heating system, to update controller settings and overcome any reported resident issues without an engineer ever having to get in a van.

An established Heat Interface Unit range

The enhancements to Evinox’s ModuSat XR and XR-ECO units contribute to the excellent features and benefits of the existing range, with quality, high efficiency and reliability at the core. This includes testing of every unit – hydraulically, electrically and electronically before leaving the factory.

The ModuSat XR-ECO Twin Plate Unit is also independently tested to the UK Standard for HIUs from BESA, backing-up performance and efficiency claims; units come complete with smart room controls with optional energy display upgrade; feature in-built prepay technology and they can be commissioned and maintained remotely over the internet – a combination resulting in a truly Smart HIU range. *1 Figure quoted for ModuSat XR 55 & 70 models

8 www.evinoxenergy.co.uk * info@evinox.co.uk ( 01372

722277

HVAC A warm welcome at the National Army Museum aluminium doors

JS Air Curtains launches new product catalogue

JS Air Curtains has supplied two Zen air curtains for the recently-refurbished National Army Museum in Chelsea, London, to provide a warm welcome to visitors in its reception foyer and gift shop. The air curtains seal the entrances while the doors are open with an invisible barrier of air, preventing cold air entering in the winter and cool air escaping in the summer. The Zen air curtain was selected to architecturally fit in with the design of the interior and, in the case of the foyer, match the colour of the doorway. The Zen air curtain is offered with front and rear panels that can be made in a variety of materials and colours. Mike O’Connor, Deputy Director at the National Army Museum, said: ‘‘The air curtains blend in perfectly, due to matching the RAL colour of the entrance, and are helping to maintain a very comfortable internal temperature for visitors and staff to the museum. They have been running very well so far with no operational issues.”

JS Air Curtains has released an updated product catalogue including over 450 units and customisation features set to inspire architects into making a design feature of their entrance’s air barrier system.As well as clear product information and at-a-glance selection guides, the catalogue incorporates lots of images to illustrate the vast array of mounting systems, colours and aesthetic options available.

Kerry Jones, UK and Ireland Sales Manager at JS Air Curtains, comments:“This new catalogue marks a further expansion of the JS Air Curtains range and a focus by the industry on energy saving technology. More advanced control options and efficient fans make a product designed to reduce a building’s energy consumption, even more energy conserving. Details of run-cost analysis alongside all the product selection information, continues to make the JS Air Curtains, catalogue the “go-to” resource for air curtain specifiers and buyers.”

The catalogue is available as a PDF download, an online flip catalogue or can be requested as hard copy from www.jsaircurtains.com/catalogue.

8 www.jsaircurtains.com

8 www.jsaircurtains.com

* sales@jsaircurtains.com

* sales@jsaircurtains.com

( 01903 858656

( 01903 858656

The

app

for iPhone, iPad & Android Free download available now BROWSE | SPECIFY | SOURCE | DIGEST The smarter way to access news and products for the sustainable building market.

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.

swipe to see more!

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49

Floors, Walls & Ceilings

Schlüter-DITRA-HEAT-E is the perfect integrated electric solution for the heating and protection of tile and stone coverings

A helping hand with underfloor heating It’s an increasingly popular feature to specify, especially for tile and stone; but when it comes to underfloor and surface heating, one size does not fit all. For this very reason, Schlüter-Systems offers a variety of solutions.

The two system technologies available on the market today have differing benefits and features, so the specialist has put together a brief overview to help in selecting a system best suited to the needs of a project.

Why use electric?

Electric systems are ideal for additional comfort in specific areas or rooms.There are a couple of reasons why electric systems are best used in this way, namely the cost of electricity and the characteristics of the heating. An electric system is designed to raise the temperature of the surface rather than the room, so is an enhancement to as opposed to a replacement for a primary heat source.They are generally cheap to install and easy to retro-fit.

Specify this: SchlüterDITRA-HEAT-E

Schlüter-DITRA-HEAT-E is the perfect integrated electric solution for the heating and protection of tile and stone coverings.

The uncoupling matting prevents cracks in the finished installation and eliminates the need for self-levelling, and its unique studded design means that the cable is easily pressed into place with no need for tape, glue or measurement.

Schlüter-BEKOTEC-THERM is the patented hydronic underfloor heating solution with an ultra-low construction height

The system can be specified with standard DITRA-HEAT or with DITRA-HEAT-DUO matting, the latter of which offers an integrated thermal break and impact sound reduction of up to 13dB.

Why use hydronic?

Hydronic (or ‘wet’) systems are ideal for large scale coverage and ‘whole-house’ scenarios. Designed to heat the air within a room as well as the surface covering, they are a primary heat source and can therefore replace radiators, connecting directly to a boiler. Although installation is more expensive than with an electric system, running costs are cheaper.

Hydronic systems can be powered by a number of different fuel sources, including ground source heat pumps, and as well as warming a space can also be used for gentle passive cooling.

Specify this: SchlüterBEKOTEC-THERM

Schlüter-BEKOTEC-THERM is the patented hydronic underfloor heating solution with an ultra-low construction height. A required screed height of just 8mm above the studs of the panels results in quicker warm-up times as well as considerable material and weight savings in comparison to other wet systems. A building can also be put into use more rapidly as there is no need to wait weeks for the screed to cure before tiles are installed.

BEKOTEC-THERM can be configured to work with Building Management Systems (BMS) and a number of variants suitable for retrofitting are available. Schlüter-Systems can also provide a full design service for all BEKOTEC-THERM installations.

8 www.schluterspecifer.co.uk * pr@schluter.co.uk ( 01530

50

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813396

Floors, Walls & Ceilings

How artistic flooring is reflecting architecture Flowcrete is contributing to the latest interior design trend by providing artistic flooring that reflects the architecture of the host building.

More and more often, cities can be identified by their skyline alone thanks to the interesting and unique architecture of buildings. Examples include the Empire State building in New York, the Gherkin in London and the Bank of China in Hong Kong.

The Arte S buildings were set to alter the skyline of Penang in Malaysia forever. With the rippling exterior design and unique glassfronted PODs set into the construction, these buildings surely stand out and provide a talking point all on their own. What makes these buildings even more impressive is the designer’s choice to continue the ripple aesthetic within the interior as well.

With the aim of replacing reality with fantasy, curves and ripples can be seen everywhere in the lobby from the rounded chairs and stools to the demarcation used in the flooring.As well as looking visually attractive, the line markings,

created using Deckshield UV Linemarker from Flowcrete also work to separate the light and dark grey hues, as well as the hot pink colour that spreads from the floor to the stairways of the building.

For the flooring, 382m2 of Flowtex PT, a heavy duty, epoxy screed with high impact resistance was used, coated with the selfsmoothing epoxy resin Flowshield SL 1000 in Steel Grey and striking pink hues.As well as being aesthetically pleasing and complementing the lobby furniture beautifully, this floor finish is suitable for areas of high footfall, trolley and rubber wheeled traffic, which are likely to be experienced in a busy lobby area.

For further continuation, the same flooring systems and colours used in the lobby were used in the PODs, as these areas provide residents with a communal area to entertain guests.

This flooring system from Flowcrete is extremely easy to clean meaning that the floor finish in both the lobby and POD areas will maintain a fresh, bold and bright visual for an extended period of time.

8 flowcrete.co.uk

* ukweb@flowcrete.com ( 01270

753000

The world leader in timber preservation technology

Protim

®

TRIED AND TRUSTED METHOD OF PRESERVING TIMBER AGAINST FUNGAL DECAY AND INSECT ATTACK, FOR INTERNAL AND EXTERNAL TIMBER THE ORIGINAL WOOD PRESERVATIVE AND STILL THE BEST

FOR MORE INFORMATION Visit: www.kopperspc.eu Email: kpc@koppers.eu Call: +44 (0)1628 486644 Fax: +44 (0)1628 476757 Protim Solignum Limited, Fieldhouse Lane Marlow, Buckinghamshire SL7 1LS ™ Protim Solignum Limited trading as Koppers Performance Chemicals. Koppers is a registered Trademark of Koppers Delaware, Inc. Whilst every attempt has been made to ensure the accuracy and reliability of the information contained in this document, Protim Solignum Limited gives no undertaking to that effect and no responsibility can be accepted for reliance on this information. Information will be updated when the need arises. Please ensure you have an up to date copy. All products are produced by independently owned and operated wood processing facilities. All other trademarks are trademarks of their respective owners. Koppers Performance Chemicals, Protim Solignum Limited, Fieldhouse Lane, Marlow, Buckinghamshire, SL7 1LS. Visit: www.kopperspc.eu, Email: kpc@koppers.eu, Call: +44 (0)1628 486644, Fax: +44 (0)1628 476757.

Registered in England 3037845. © Copyright 2018.

by Appointment to Her Majesty The Queen Manufacturers Of Wood Preservatives Protim Solignum Ltd Marlow, Buckinghamshire

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51

Floors, Walls & Ceilings

Mapei was asked to come up with a solution to upgrade the existing coatings, with a smooth finish

The walls were coated with Silexcolor Paint – the ideal solution for this upgrade due to its excellent longevity

Mapei specified for upgrade at Holland Park Underground Station Multiple Mapei products have been specified for an upgrade to the wall coverings at Holland Park Underground Station, situated in the Royal Borough of Kensington and Chelsea.

The station had internal works done to the lower part of the walls in the tunnelled walkways, which are normally in use by

52

commuters on a daily basis between approximately 5am until 1am.

Previously painted with a textured coating,

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which had a very high dirt pick-up, Mapei was asked to come up with a solution to upgrade the existing coatings, with a smooth finish, to reduce the dirt pick-up.The solution was particularly significant, as it was the first project of its nature whereby London Underground (LUL) decided to use a new system, rather than simply repainting the walls; the decision to use the Mapei system means the walls will be much easier to maintain.

To prepare the substrate, the contractor cleaned the walls of dust and applied the first coat of water-repellent cementitious skimming mortar, Planitop 200.This was followed with the application of Mapetherm Net, an alkaliresistant glass fibre mesh.

Subsequently, a second coat of Planitop 200 was applied to create a smooth finish.

Once the curing process had taken place, the walls were coated with Silexcolor Paint – the ideal solution for this upgrade due to its excellent longevity.

Silexcolor was also deemed a ‘quality’ product by Ross Mcloughlin as Project Manager from K+M Decorators.“Value for money, in the long run, is of more importance than a quick fix for LUL and K+M,” he explains.

Following a return visit to the site, Ross said: “It looks terrific.The fact the station cleaning staff can maintain the excellent finish and with the system being able to stand the test of time, is a testament to the paint quality and application.”

8 www.mapei.co.uk * info@mapei.co.uk ( 0121

508 6970

MEDITE CLEAR – MDF designed for use in the most environmentally sensitive and wellbeing-conscious specifications

Let’s do the right thing!

MEDITE CLEAR is an MDF panel produced using specialist zero added formaldehyde resins, ideal for sensitive areas such as museums and buildings aiming for environmental certifications, where the lowest possible VOC emissions are required.

There is an increasing demand from specifiers for clean and clear product information. MEDITE CLEAR is an MDF that is aware of its delicate surroundings. Let’s work together to create a cleaner, clearer future – do the right thing with MEDITE CLEAR.

To find out how we are setting new standards in timber panel engineering, go to: www.mdfosb.com/mediteclear

Building Elements

Three Hauraton drainage systems installed at biomass plant The Margam Green Energy Biomass Plant is a 40MW electricity power station utilising chipped wood waste as fuel otherwise destined for landfill. When fully operational the project will use around 300,000 tonnes of waste wood from nearby regions.

Hauraton supplied three types of channel to meet the rigorous specifications for surface drainage of the main concreted yard surrounding the plant, weighbridges and car park.

Three sizes of RECYFIX HICAP high capacity channels were installed in the yard – 3m of HICAP 1000, 303m of HICAP 2000 and 255m of HICAP 3000.The total water capacity of the HICAP channels was just over 20,390l.

By installing this system, the channel runs were kept to a minimum so saving on installation costs and future maintenance. Factory fitted with 14mm slotted ductile iron inlets, the channels comply with a loading Class of F900 so can easily take the weight of a HGV fully laden with wood chips. Importantly, once

installed, the complete system is highly resilient to the twisting forces imposed by the laden vehicles.

42m of FASERFIX SUPER 150 channels with Class F900 ductile iron 20mm gratings were installed around the two weighbridges.The FASERFIX channel component is made from the company’s Fibre Reinforced Concrete with galvanised steel angle housings moulded into the top edges of the channel during production.This specification is highly resistant to extreme loads and constant dynamic forces and was found to be ideal for the weighbridge application.

The FASERFIX gratings are secured by SIDE-LOCK patented boltless system.The system allows gratings to be installed and later, removed quickly.

Finally, 39m of RECYFIX PRO 100 Type 75mm factory fitted with FIBRETEC heel-safe gratings were installed in the car park.The FIBRETEC grating is moulded from a fibre strengthened Polyamide (PA-GF) and allows loadings up to Class C250 (BSEN 1433).

All the RECYFIX channel components specified for the project are made from 100% recycled Polypropylene derived from post consumer and post industrial sources.

8 www.drainage-projects.co.uk

* janine.kennedy@hauraton.com ( 01582

501380

Innovative Ancon rebar connectors used in iconic Russian skyscraper

Hospital selects Advanced to protect new Emergency Assessment Centre

Innovative and quick-to-install reinforcing bar couplers from Ancon replace timeconsuming lapped joints and minimise reinforcement congestion in the gigantic concrete superstructure of Europe’s tallest building; the 87-floor, 462m high helicoidal Lakhta Tower in St. Petersburg.

The use of Ancon’s high-performance mechanical rebar coupling systems also helped maintain build quality. By eliminating lapped joints and hooked bar ends, Ancon’s couplers and headed anchors allowed the wet concrete to flow more effectively through the reinforcement grid during casting.

125,000 couplers, a combination of Ancon CXL threaded and MBT bolted systems are installed in the tower’s immense 3.6m thick concrete foundation raft, where 32mm diameter reinforcement is arranged in 15 layers.The raft’s construction registered as the Guinness World Record’s largest-ever continuous concrete pour at the time.

MxPro 5 fire panels from global systems leader, Advanced, have been installed at Wexham Park Hospital as part of a major upgrade to the hospital’s fire system. Responsible for the design, supply, installation, testing and commissioning of the system was Advanced’s partner, Static Systems Group, who install Advanced under its brand name Evo2. Static Systems completed the upgrade with 20 networked MxPro 5 panels, 18 MxPro 5 repeater panels and 2000 Apollo field devices throughout a number of hospital buildings and departments. MxPro 5 is the fire industry’s leading multiprotocol fire system solution and was recently certified by FM Approvals to the EN 54 standard. It offers customers a choice of two panel ranges, four detector protocols and a completely open installer network, backed up by free training and support. MxPro panels can be used in single loop, single panel format or easily configured into high speed, multi-loop panels in 200 node networks covering huge areas. MxPro’s legendary ease of installation and configuration and wide peripheral range make it customisable to almost any application.

8 www.ancon.co.uk * info@ancon.co.uk

( 0114 275 5224

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8 www.advancedco.com

Building Elements McCue completes £400k Hillsborough Castle contract

Enhance your practical adjudication skills The RICS Adjudication Competencies Programme. Develop your knowledge and skills and discover the effective and practical approaches to adjudication that you will need to maintain standards and improve your reputation as an adjudicator. A new programme for practising adjudicators, made up of 10 core competencies that present current practice and current thinking to raise levels of competence.

8 bit.ly/2WHV3xP * drstraining@rics.org ( 0247 686 8555

Carrickfergus-based specialist refurbishment and fit-out company, McCue Crafted Fit has completed its latest project at the newly-refurbished Hillsborough Castle and Gardens, which re-opened to the public in April. During the extensive five-year £24m transformation, which was commissioned by independent charity, Historic Royal Palaces, McCue’s expert site team carried out works on both the new lower and upper visitor centres, as well as the stable yard. McCue supplied and fitted-out a range of bespoke furniture for the catering and retail areas of both visitor centres, which included feature seating, reception desks and welcome desks. All products, showcasing various finishes, were manufactured by the company at its 60,000ft2 manufacturing facility in Carrickfergus. * info@mccuefit.com

( 0289 332 9000

8 www.mccuefit.com

CCS expands to offer registration to professional services The Considerate Constructors Scheme (CCS) has expanded to offer professional service organisations the opportunity to register with the Scheme. Eligible organisations providing professional services to the construction industry, such as architects, engineering consultancies, surveyors, accountants and lawyers, are now able to join the 7000 plus construction sites, companies, suppliers and clients of construction projects who register with the Scheme each year. This exciting development comes at the request of those already registered with the Scheme to ensure their entire supply chain is part of the Scheme, as well as an increasing number of professional service organisations wishing to be part of the Scheme to help improve their standards in considerate construction. * enquiries@ccscheme.org.uk

( 0800 783 1423

8 www.ccscheme.org.uk

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55

Building Elements Crown Paints launches trio of colour trends for 2019

Paint manufacturer, Crown Paints has launched three core colour trends to shape interior design schemes for the first half of 2019 and beyond. In a nod to current industrial design trends, ‘Redefined’ is a celebration of the new man-made materials alongside the traditional, celebrating the ability to conjure something new out of old resources. Imagine concrete pavements and bright urban nightlife and that’s the basis of the ‘Movement’ trend which is influenced by global travel, celebrating vibrant and multicultural street culture. ‘Immersed’ takes its inspiration first and foremost from the ocean.The soft colours harmonise to create a tranquil calming space where people can realign and disconnect from the world. * info@crownpaintspec.co.uk

( 03300 240310

8 www.crownpaintspec.co.uk

Deanestor manufactures specialist furniture for new hospital More than 5000 items were manufactured and installed

by Deanestor, one of the UK’s leading contract furniture specialists, in a £1.4m contract for the new Dumfries and Galloway Royal Infirmary. Deanestor manufactured more than 300 bespoke bedheads which were finished in a natural oak laminate and had provision for medical gases, electrics, nurse call system and lighting. The bedhead units were designed for the specific requirements and layout of each individual room with over 40 variations and were installed by Deanestor’s own fitting team with removable panels for easy access to services. Co-ordinating floor-based fixed furniture was also provided by Deanestor – shelving, cupboards, worktops and cabinets across the hospital campus. * enquiries@deanestor.com

( 01623 420041

8 www.deanestor.co.uk/healthcare

Landmark specification for Marmox Multiboard

An iconic residential development by Barratt London is including the use of Marmox Multiboard for its outstanding physical performance with two walls around the 20m swimming pool being lined with the moisture resistant backing board.

Landmark Place stands alongside the Tower of London, offering purchasers of the 165 luxury apartments and penthouses with stunning views of the Thames,Tower Bridge and the Southbank.The ground floor pool and spa was fitted out by a specialist subcontractor consuming close to 100 of the 2500 x 600mm Multiboards for the work, as well as six boxes of dowels to secure them and 30 rolls of Marmox Jointing Tape. * sales@marmox.co.uk 8 www.marmox.co.uk ( 01634 835290

McAvoy wins fourth award for digital construction technology

Rinnai enhances global branding with new logo

Rinnai is introducing a new global logo as the company develops to meet the future. The new logo is a contemporary sans-serif typeface which is heavier but more friendly and gentle. Since the company’s inception just about a century ago, Rinnai has developed products specifically to enrich lifestyles and now has 16 bases around the globe and operations in over 80 countries.

The company is an acknowledged leader in the manufacturer of continuous flow hot water heating units and systems.

8 www.rinnaiuk.com ( 01928 531870

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The McAvoy Group, one of the UK’s leading offsite specialists, has won a fourth award in recognition of its pioneering work in applying digital technology to offsite construction. The Group has been awarded BIM Contractor of the Year at the BIM Awards. According to the judges, “The BIM Awards’ judging panel selected The McAvoy Group’s award submission based on its thorough interpretation of its achievements in BIM delivery. There is clearly an excellent strategic-level interest in the use of BIM in its offsite operations and we saw that McAvoy is doing things differently from other contractors, which gave it the edge to winning this award. A well-deserved winner.” * www.mcavoygroup.com

( 02887 740372

8 www.mcavoygroup.com

Offsite Solutions delivers over 1100 bathroom pods for student schemes Offsite Solutions has manufactured and delivered 1178 bathroom pods for two new student housing schemes developed by Mace.

Construction is nearing completion on the West Wing in Cardiff.

Here, Offsite Solutions supplied 609 ensuite shower pods for the scheme.The Depot in Exeter is a mixed-use eight-storey regeneration development. For this, Offsite Solutions has manufactured 569 bathroom pods.

Oliver Gardiner, Development Director at Mace, said:“Pods are a brilliant solution for our student projects.As a business we are committed to modern methods of construction, which includes pod technology. Pods give us the benefit of fast and efficient bathroom installation combined with fantastic quality ensuites for an outstanding student living experience.” * info@offsitesolutions.com

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( 01278 780807

8 www.offsitesolutions.com/GRP-pods

Building Elements Franke UK launches the premium, highfunctionality Box Center sink Franke has launched its latest sink innovation – the premium stainless steel Box Center, a multifunctional workcentre aimed at those seeking optimum efficiency and an ergonomic, minimalist design. The Box Center’s all-in-one, multi-tasking design makes it ideal for large, open plan or compact kitchens where workspace can be at a premium, with a design that cleverly integrates a rack and seven food preparation accessories for cutting, rinsing, straining and draining – all within easy reach. All accessories are included in the sink purchase price and include a set of chef quality knives, knife holder, stainless steel strainer bowl, food preparation platter and chopping board, while the wire rack doubles up as a drainer. The sink features the easy installation of a Slim-Top inset model with its low-profile design offering a streamlined, contemporary aesthetic. The Box Center also features Franke’s unique push-button pop-up waste, which automatically drains the sink water away without the need to reach into the bowl.

We’ v e s e e n many firsts The first and only rooflight manufacturer to hold a BSI Kitemark for safety and quality

8 www.franke.co.uk ( 01614 366280

Simpson StrongTie celebrates 25 years of excellence in the UK Construction connector manufacturer, Simpson Strong-Tie is celebrating 25 years in the UK, helping people build safer, stronger homes and structures. Simpson launched its European operations from well-established beginnings in America, where founder Barclay Simpson created his first joist hanger back in 1956. In 1998 a purposebuilt manufacturing facility and head office opened in Tamworth, and subsequent acquisitions in the UK, Germany, France and Denmark have established Simpson as a European industry leader. In 2009, Simpsons’ UKAS accredited European Testing Laboratory opened, which now conducts over 10,000 product tests annually. Managing Director Malcolm Paulson says:“We believe that if we invest in our people our customers will reap the benefits. In my 14 years in this role, I’ve seen the business grow and flourish. Our range has extended to include engineered structural connectors, fasteners and fastening systems, lateral-force resisting systems and bespoke one-off products. In 25 years we’ve grown to over 600 employees with a presence in most European countries, helping make Simpson Strong-Tie the business it is today.”

8 www.strongtie.co.uk * uksales@strongtie.com

( 01827 255600

For more information call 01284 848 242 or visit www.sunsquare.co.uk

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57

Building Elements

The new station has been developed by architect firm Fereday Pollard in organic curved lines

Capital entrance to Crossrail link Manual and automatic door and window control systems specialist, GEZE UK has provided a capital entrance to a new station that is part of London’s new Crossrail network.

Abbey Wood is a pivotal station on the south-eastern stretch of the new Elizabeth line and provides overground and underground rail connections to central London and beyond.

The new station has been developed by architects Fereday Pollard in organic curved lines, using natural materials. Its light and airy feel is enhanced by two GEZE bi-parting ECdrive automatic sliding doors doors which are incorporated in a glazed fascia, over which hangs the eaves of the great arched timber roof.

ECdrives have been specifically designed for use in busy areas, making them ideal for a continuous flow of footfall with large

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A practical and effective entrance was deemed essential for the smooth running of the station

numbers of people who need to enter or exit simultaneously. The drive uses GEZE’s activation technology to open the doors automatically, allowing travellers to access the station’s concourse through left- and right-hand entrances, quickly and safely.

A practical and effective entrance was deemed essential for the smooth running of the station, encouraging people to cross the threshold and identify their platform with ease, thereby preventing bottlenecks and assisting the delivery of seamless rail services throughout the day.

The doors, which were supplied through Vitrine Systems of Surrey, were installed with pivot protection screens which allow

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them to slide into ‘pockets’ – an extra safety feature which reduces the risk of fingers getting caught during operation.

Sales and Marketing Director Andy Howland comments: “It is a real honour to be involved in this project which in itself is part of an awe-inspiring feat of engineering.

We are delighted that GEZE products will be opening doors to this station, which will play a pivotal role in the success of the new Elizabeth line when it opens.”

8 www.geze.co.uk

* info.uk@geze.com ( 01543

443000

Building Elements

Compliant Cavitrays for curved cavity wall abutments Wind-driven rain striking curved masonry will flow diagonally, causing increased water volumes to transverse the masonry, changing the behaviour of water and its permeation of the outer skin.

Abutting sloping roofs must take into account wind-driven rain will blow under the leading edges of stepped flashings where dressed against the masonry. The volume of water-wash traversing a curved wall compared with that flowing over a straight wall is increased. Additionally, curved walls create a different intersection angle at every course – despite the roof pitch being constant. Getting it right is essential.

Cavity Trays of Yeovil has the solution.

It manufactures preformed components designed to exactly match the requirements at every intersecting course. These are called Type X curved Cavitrays and are based on the proven design awarded European Technical Approval. Preformed trays eliminate on-site fabrication – no

measuring, no cutting and no wastage.

Preformed also means the shape is already determined – installer mistakes or oversights can be eliminated.

Each curved Cavitray has its own adjustable cavity upstand that can adjust to suit the ‘as found’ cavity width, as opposed to the ‘as intended’. Compatibility is thus assured.As each tray is laid, it integrates with the previously laid tray forming a DPC staircase – with connecting treads and connecting risers.

Where trays are supplied with the flashing already attached, the traditional need to rake out joints and introduce flashings separately is eliminated.The union is pre-established.

Specify clearly the longest-established specialist – Cavity Trays of Yeovil to secure ETA approval benefits and accompanying warranty.

8 www.cavitytrays.com

* enquiries@cavitytrays.co.uk ( 01935

474769

Dura Cladding Resist now available with Class B Fire Rating Dedicated website on the advantages of IoT monitoring technology

Cistermiser’s website dedicated to IoT water temperature and flow monitoring www.linkthru.com details this innovative technology. Linkthru.com outlines the benefits of installing LinkThru Temperature Monitoring Units (TMUs) at sentinel points to capture 24/7 monitoring data on water temperatures and flow events, accessed via a secure cloud-based portal.“LinkThru TMU helps Building Owners achieve compliance with HSG274 and reduce risk of Legionella,” says Cistermiser’s Marketing Manager, Mark Schlotel.“Linkthru.com is the digital home for this exciting technology with videos, guides, downloads and everything you need to know stored in one place.”

8 www.linkthru.com * info@linkthru.com ( 01189 691611

Dura Composites’ new cladding is the UK’s first co-extruded composite timber cladding with a Class B fire rating that’s tested in accordance with genuine install methodology from a UKAS-approved laboratory.Available in six wood-look colours, Dura Cladding Resist offers superior performance over other residential cladding materials.The 360 degree armour around the planks means there’s no need to ever paint or treat the cladding, and it’s also rot and warp resistant. Dura Cladding Resist is also kind to the environment as it’s made from up to 78% recycled materials and available as FSC certified. * info@duracomposites.com

( 01255 440299

8 www.duracomposites.com

Kaldewei launches Nexsys shower surface Kaldewei Nexsys shower surface is now available in 17 colours and 20 dimensions, with three surface finishes and five stylish design covers offering around 5000 possible combinations.

The Kaldewei Nexsys combines the best of two worlds – all the advantages of an enamelled shower surface with the modern design of a shower channel. A characteristic design feature of the Nexsys is its narrow waste channel with a minimalist look that fits almost seamlessly into the enamelled shower surface. Four new surface colours for the high-end design cover accentuate the aesthetic appeal and quality of the exclusive waste channel made of Kaldewei steel enamel. * info-uk@kaldewei.com

( 01480 498053

8 www.kaldewei.co.uk

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59

LEVATO MONO

Porcelain paving system and coordinating internal tiling Surface 360, formally The Deck Tile Co, has 130+ colours and finishes in their Levato Mono 20mm porcelain paving tile ranges. Plus create a seamless visual transition between internal and external spaces with coordinating interior 10mm porcelain tiling.

• For both residential & commercial use.

• Ideal for balconies, roof terraces, garden decking and piazzas.

• Various sized 20mm thick porcelain tiles.

• An eternal zero maintenance product - offering over-life savings.

• Timber, stone & cementitious effects.

• ‘Floating floor’ – installation over single ply membranes.

• Height adjustable/slope correcting support system: 9mm - 550mm.

• Lightweight – 45kgs per m2.

INTRODUCING OUR NEW WEBSITE: WWW.SURFACE360.CO.UK

• • • • • •

Highly abrasion and stain resistant.

Highly slip resistant: R11 (ABC).

High load bearing.

Impact resistant.

Completely non porous.

Frost proof.