FC&A May 2021

FUTURE CONSTRUCTOR & ARCHITECT

ISSUE 135

MAY 2021

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EDITOR’S NOTE Cross Platform Media LTD

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EDITORIAL Rebecca Kemp rebecca@crossplatformmedia.co.uk Hannah Woodger hannah@crossplatformmedia.co.uk P R I N T & D I G I TA L A D V E R T I S I N G Sam Ball sam@crossplatformmedia.co.uk Jim Moore jim@crossplatformmedia.co.uk PRINT DESIGN MANAGER Jack Witcomb jack@crossplatformmedia.co.uk D I G I TA L D E S I G N M A N A G E R Matt Morse matt@crossplatformmedia.co.uk ACCOUNTS/CREDIT CONTROL Rachel Pike Rachel@crossplatformmedia.co.uk SALES SUPPORT & A D M I N I S T R AT O R Klare Porter klare@crossplatformmedia.co.uk PUBLISHER Sam Ball sam@crossplatformmedia.co.uk Te r m s a n d C o n d i t i o n s : 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.

After a long-winded winter hibernation, April saw many of us enjoy a taste of normality – however small it was. For some, that meant a much-needed meet up with family, friends or colleagues, and for others, it meant a keenly-awaited return to the office. Overall, the repercussions of COVID-19 have certainly instilled long-term adjustments to our way of life, and our work lives have conceivably witnessed the most significant change. With a reduction in overheads and an efficient, and notably, happier workforce, many employers have opted for a longer-term, more permanent stance on remote working – with employees only visiting an office when it’s necessary.

Working from home certainly isn’t anything new; however, now it’s becoming more widespread, employees do need to ensure two all-important elements of efficient working – creativity and collaboration – aren’t forgotten. In this issue, we’ve talked to Andrew Cooper, National Specification Manager at Senior Architectural Systems, to find out why close collaboration within the supply chain has never been more critical. Turn to page 18 to find out more.

While many have opted for remote working, others yearn for the boundless socialisation associated with the office in pre-COVID times. A change of environment is usually required in these cases, which means incorporating COVID-secure measures and often introducing updated workplaces if previous offices could not accommodate COVID-related health and safety requirements. What’s certainly evident in the recovery of this global pandemic is our awareness of cleanliness in the environments surrounding us, particularly in hightraffic areas such as an office. Here, companies will need to reassure staff of their safety when visiting the workplace. As such, employers are opting for building materials with antimicrobial technology. In this issue, we talk to Louisa Eyles, Commercial Marketing Manager at Amtico, about opting for antimicrobial, slip-resistant luxury vinyl tile (LVT) flooring in the workplace. Turn to page 22 to read the full article.

I hope you enjoy this issue. Don’t forget, you can also access all of the magazine’s features, product news and supplier information on FC&A’s user-friendly and engaging website. Fully responsive, the website allows you to read all the latest stories on-the-go either on your phone or tablet. Simply search www.fca-magazine.com.

CROSS PLATFORM MEDIA

FUTURE CONSTRUCTOR & ARCHITECT MAGAZINE

MAY 2021

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fcamagazine fcamagazine fcamagazine FC&A Magazine

Rebecca

REBECCA KEMP Editor, Future Constructor & Architect

ON THE COVER: In 2015, Marc Boutin and his team were entrusted with the revitalisation of an important urban passageway in Calgary, Canada – the 4th Street SW Underpass.

SEE PAGE 16.

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FC&A – MAY – 2021

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FC&A – MAY – 2021

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MAY CONTENTS

NEWS

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VOICE OF THE I N DU S T RY:

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LEGAL & BU SINE S S:

With the rise of home working and virtual meetings, the way we work and interact with our colleagues, customers and suppliers has changed dramatically over the last year. We may still need to keep our distance, but as Andrew Cooper from Senior Architectural Systems explains, close collaboration within the supply chain has never been more important.

How can we understand construction’s strong start to the year? And how sustainable is this boom likely to be? Jamie Johnson, CEO of FJP Investment, investigates.

FEATURES

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FLOOR S, WALLS & C E I L I N G S :

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TIMBER:

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TECHNICAL INS I G HT: Roof ing :

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SECU R ITY & BUI L DI NG AC C E S S:

Flooring has a significant role in the overall look and feel of a space, and the market is awash with different materials. Considerations also need to be made for durability and promoting positive wellbeing in today’s environments. Louisa Eyles, Commercial Marketing Manager at Amtico, explains why LVT is the answer.

Will Frost from International Timber explains why environmentally-friendly timber is becoming one of the most popular building materials, and gives architects advice on enhancing sustainable timber specification and compliance.

George King, Divisional Managing Director at SIG Exteriors, gets to the heart of the flat vs pitched roofing debate and looks at the solutions currently available to architects and specifiers.

Colin Campbell, Managing Director of Codelocks UK, discusses how keyless access control solutions can boost safety and security in the postCOVID-19 workplace.

PORTFOLIOS

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QIN GROU P CH E NG DU OF F I C E , S T U DI O DOTC OF:

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4TH STR EET SW U NDE RPA S S , MBAC :

Qin Group is a West China-based full chain platform agency in the advertising industry. The brand is a regular customer of Studio DOTCOF, which designed its head office in Chongqing four years ago. Qin Group has now commissioned Studio DOTCOF to create the new office for its Chengdu branch.

For the longest time, Calgary, Canada’s third-largest city, resisted the very notion of design. Then as Santiago Calatrava was called in to build the Peace Bridge, things started to change. And firms, such as the marc boutin architectural collaborative (MBAC), are now able to propose – and build – projects that would not have been considered 15 years ago.

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INDUSTRY UPDATES

NE W S I N BR I E F: PASSIVE HOUSE CERTIFICATION FOR BAKERHICKS Two members of design, engineering and project delivery company, BakerHicks’ Scottish architectural team, Michael Edgar and Katherine Gibson, have achieved certified Passive House designer status. This further extends the company’s expertise in sustainable and energy-efficient construction.

Both Michael and Katherine undertook the exam with the Passive House Institute, passing an international written exam to achieve this status.

The qualification gives them the in-depth knowledge and tools to design to the Passive House standard, helping the company’s clients reduce their ecological footprint through ultra-low-energy buildings.

WWA STUDIOS LAUNCHES WITH NEW IDENTITY Two award-winning multidisciplinary architecture, planning and urban design practices – West Waddy ADP and Archadia Architects – have merged to form a new practice, WWA. The merger represents the next step in the evolution of the two organisations, which first formed an association in 2014.

Since then, they have operated as sister practices, sharing information and resources and supporting one another’s core specialisms, including heritage, conservation and specialist housing provision.

Through its multidisciplinary group of experienced architects, planners and urban designers, WWA is a leader in the built environment, creating outstanding spaces and places for its clients.

WWA will continue to deliver high-quality and innovative solutions to client briefs, incorporating sustainable design principles including Passive House across an array of sectors, including residential developments, educational campuses, masterplanning and urban design.

FC&A – MAY – 2021

INDUSTRY UPDATES FC&A ROUNDS UP THE LATEST INDUSTRY NEWS AND UPDATES.

All images: ©Brick

ZHA REVEALS SHENZHEN SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY MUSEUM DESIGN The future Shenzhen Science & Technology Museum, located within the Guangming Science City, will become a pearl of the Guangzhou–Shenzhen science technology innovation corridor.

ZHA ARCHITECTS

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he museum will be a key destination to learn and explore the power of science and technology and understand their impact on our life and future. Linked with universities, schools and innovation centres across China, the museum will form the region’s ‘World Class Science City’, becoming a landmark institution that will showcase and strengthen Shenzhen’s global position as a leading centre of innovation and technology.

With a total area of approximately 125,000m 2, the museum’s U-shaped plan provides intuitive orientation and navigation,

guiding visitors through its sequence of interconnecting public spaces, galleries and educational facilities centred around its atrium courtyard; defining a journey of discovery that unites the city and park with the museum’s inspirational exhibitions.

Incorporating maximum adaptability as a basic design principle, the geometries, proportions and spatial experience of each gallery will offer visitors a rich and varied experience each time they visit. While some galleries can remain familiar and unchanged, others will change according to the type of exhibition showing at the time.

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The geometric definition of the museum’s envelope has been informed by its programme, echoing the spatial flow within its galleries and connecting the museum’s central atrium with the public park to the west.

The design is a volumetric response to the distinct conditions of the site.

Responding to the city to the east, the design is defined by its solidity and dynamic curvilinear geometries that express the many urban circulation routes to the east of the site.

www.zaha-hadid.com

INDUSTRY UPDATES

NEWS IN BR IEF: GT3 LAUNCHES VIRTUAL WORK EXPERIENCE FOR STUDENTS GT3 Architects has launched an innovative virtual work experience for students interested in design and the built environment but unable to undertake studio placements due to COVID-19.

The work experience, which is aimed at students aged 14 to 18, will last for five working days (typically Monday to Friday), and will be conducted via Microsoft Teams. Students will be asked to deliver their own design project, specialising in one of three potential career paths: architecture, interior design and graphic design.

MANCHESTER SCHOOL MARKS TWO DECADES FOR LEADING ARCHITECT

PERSONNEL The latest appointments from the construction and architectural industries.

SONYA ZABINSKI JOINS VORTICE SALES TEAM Cheshire-based Sonya Zabinski has joined the Vortice team as Project Development Manager, covering the North West area.

Sonya joins from a role as Business Development Manager in the residential ventilation industry, but also has experience as a Project Controller, managing air conditioning and ventilation projects as well as a background in general construction. National Sales Manager, Paul Gunner, said: “We are very pleased to welcome Sonya to the team; she is looking forward to developing further relationships with businesses in her area and with companies working hard to develop their local cities at a time when the importance of good ventilation is paramount.”

SENIOR HIRE FOR MIDLANDS CONTRACTOR

NEW CEO FOR CIBSE CIBSE has announced the appointment of Ruth Carter as Chief Executive Officer, succeeding Stephen Matthews who retires after 15 years in the role. With a background in developing international organisations, Carter has worked in and around the construction industry for much of her career.

She sees many synergies between her experience of multi-channel information provision and the opportunities open to CIBSE in the immediate future. Carter has a strong track record of creating successful collegiate communities within publishing and exhibitions and points to the opportunity for supporting a strong sense of identity across a diverse international CIBSE membership.

G F Tomlinson has appointed an operations manager for the West Midlands as the company looks to cement its strong presence and reputation in the region. Ian Dalby has been appointed to the newly-created operations manager role to lead and oversee the contractor’s activity in the West Midlands, following the firm’s successful appointment to the Constructing West Midlands framework, which will complement other workstreams already secured by the company in the region. With a heavy focus on collaboration and sustainability, G F Tomlinson will be working on the Constructing West Midlands framework for a minimum term of four years.

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Space Architects is celebrating 20 years of designing schools, with the submission of plans for its 85th building, a multimillion-pound school in Hyde, Greater Manchester.

The firm’s first secondary education project in the public sector was Blyth Community College, which opened in Northumberland in 2002. Since then, the firm has delivered eight schools for Gateshead Council, 10 for Dumfries and Galloway Council in Scotland and five schools on the Isle of Wight, as well as facilities in Sunderland, Knowsley and Hull, amongst others. Planning permission was submitted for the new multi-millionpound Belle Vue Academy – a secondary school accommodating 1200 students and up to 70 staff and sponsored by Co-Op – in January. Work is expected to commence on site this summer, providing 8610m2 of space over three floors. The school provides over 57 teaching and community spaces, including an auditorium.

FC&A – MAY – 2021

COATINGS & FIXINGS

EJOT PROVIDES INNOVATIVE ANCHORING SOLUTION FOR HEMPCRETE ECO-INSULATION Advanced fastener technology applied in new ways will help unlock the potential of novel building materials as sustainable building goals become ever more ambitious, as one refurbishment project in North Yorkshire illustrates.

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onstruction fastening technology specialist EJOT has provided an effective anchoring solution to enable a Yorkshire building contractor to use hemp-based insulation as part of the sustainable upgrade of a 200-year-old cottage.

The brief to Settle-based AST Building Maintenance was to extensively refurbish the traditional stone-built Yorkshire Dales property to the highest standard using sustainable materials as much as possible. Before the conversion project started in 2020, the three-storey building had lain empty for five years, prior to which it had been used as a workshop for glaziers, joiners and shoemakers.

Despite its recent non-residential past, the property retained all its original fittings, including sash windows, shutters and open fireplaces to provide the ideal platform for conversion into a dwelling with character. The client, and new homeowner, was particularly keen to ensure the newly-upgraded building could breathe naturally, a decision that would require insulating walls on the interior using a carbon-neutral material.

Hemp, therefore, was the obvious material choice.

Hemp as a building material is processed to create Hempcrete, a biocomposite material that also contains hurds and lime. It is a carbon-negative product because, as it is plantbased, CO 2 from the atmosphere is absorbed as hemp grows, retaining the carbon and releasing the oxygen.

And once applied to a building, during the curing process, as lime turns to limestone, the carbonation of the lime adds to this effect.

This is why Hempcrete is an excellent choice for creating sustainable and safe buildings fit for a low-carbon world.

With its high thermal mass, it offers excellent thermal insulation properties, along with an ability to regulate humidity, and its material characteristics also provide good acoustic properties and fire resistance.

The approach adopted by AST was to cast the new walls on site – rather than using factory-made Hempcrete blocks – using a hemp shriv and lime mortar mix. The walls are formed one

www.ejot.co.uk FC&A – MAY – 2021

section at a time by using a standard 18mm OSB board secured over the curing mix, which is then moved when ready to ‘build-up’ the next section of the Hempcrete mix.

To provide a strong bond to the raw stone wall structure of the house, the newly-created hempcrete walls needed a secure connection, which is where EJOT’s H1 eco anchors offered the solution. These widelyused hammer-in anchors, which are approved for all building material categories, are ordinarily used for clamping insulation to a building structure, but here they are used in a more innovative way.

Each anchor was set into the stone wall to the approved depth of 50mm, allowing the 60mm diameter washer face to sit away from the forming cast.

The result of this was to create a series of anchor points for the wet mix, hemp shriv/lime compound to grip under and around as it cures.

The result is a robust wall construction that plays an important role in meeting the client’s goal of achieving a more sustainable home.

More than this, however, their new home is actually a living, breathing example of how a traditional stone-built property can be renovated in a way that satisfies today’s much higher thermal, acoustic and fire protection standards, with a reduced carbon footprint.

As more clients choose more sustainable building materials and methods, like the use of Hempcrete, the skill and craftsmanship of forwardthinking refurbishment experts like AST will be in high demand. So too will the demand to find new and inventive fastening solutions to ensure quality, safety and security standards can always be satisfied, as the EJOT H1 eco anchors have demonstrated in this project.

EJOT H1 eco anchors are part of an extensive range of fixing solutions for all kinds of building substrates, including many different types of insulation. This advanced product range is backed

by EJOT’s experienced UK team, who can provide a complete sales, specification and installation support service to ensure customers arrive at the most effective fastening solutions.

01977 687040 8

info@ejot.co.uk

COATINGS & FIXINGS

LOOKING GOOD, INSIDE AND OUT The ‘aged metal industrial’ look, popular for exterior architectural metalwork, is making its move into interiors.

Powdertech’s Evolution and Rust ranges of ‘patinated’ finishes are user-friendly and easily cleaned.

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ncreasingly, architects, designers and developers are bringing exciting artistic features to building exteriors. Colour and texture play a prominent role, and one of the most popular trends is to create an ‘aged industrial’ look but, importantly, one that

is bright, fresh and clean. ‘Clean’ is where Powdertech’s Evolution/Rust finishes stand out over other finishes such as Corten. With an Evolution finish, there is no run-off or staining on nearby surfaces. Nothing comes off on to hands or clothing. The finish has

the appearance and texture of aged metal without any of the downsides. The following images show how Evolution finishes are bringing style and energy to retail parks, commercial developments and residential developments, to name a few.

Evolution ‘Sandstorm’, Queen’s Energy Centre, Glasgow

Evolution ‘Peat Fire’, Greggs, Glasgow Fort

Evolution ‘Copper Mine’, Kinley showroom, London

Evolution ‘Diamond Mine’, Refectory, Iona Abbey, Iona

For interiors, using aged metal finishes creates an on-trend, somewhat daringly different look. There is a certain pleasure in encountering an indoor finish that looks old and weatherworn but is brand-new, clean and user-friendly.

Sales and Marketing Director at Powdertech Corby, Richard Besant, explains: “Our Evolution finishes – and it’s not just ‘rust’ – include bronze, copper, copper-verdigris, gold, silver and mean

that patinated metal finishes can be safely brought inside. Corten could not be used in areas where people are brushing up against walls or touching surfaces – the rust effect would certainly end up on their clothes, but Evolution powder coatings stay where they are – and can be cleaned with water or a detergent with no colour lift at all.”

All these shades can be viewed on the Powdertech Corby website (www. powdertechcorby.co.uk) in the Colour

www.powdertechcorby.co.uk

01536 400890 9

Library. Bespoke shades are also available.

In line with all architectural powders used by Powdertech, Evolution meets the Reaction to Fire Standards for fire classification A2-s1,d0, and is suitable for use on multi-storey residential buildings.

The finish also has a 25-year guarantee for gloss, colour and adhesion, and Powdertech’s rigorous pre-treatment system will help keep the panelling free from corrosion for up to 40 years.

pcl@powdertech.co.uk FC&A – MAY – 2021

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OFFSITE CONSTRUCTION

NET-ZERO CLASSROOM BLOCK

BY TG ESCAPES EXTENDS FACILITIES AT SAMUEL RYDER ACADEMY Samuel Ryder was a very small secondary school with about 250 students.

The local authority decided to extend the school’s provision to cover primary and secondary pupils. Since then, the school, with an ‘Outstanding’ leadership Ofsted rating, has grown in popularity and demand for places has outstripped capacity. The school’s timber frame modular building from TG Escapes was completed at the end of August 2020, ready for use in time for the students’ return to school.

TG ESCAPES

“Energy efficiency was considered very important, given the passion of many pupils for environmental issues.

Rightly so – it’s this world that they are going to inherit. The students and staff find their time in the building wonderful. The primary occupant was the English department, who feel very spoilt and lucky to have the experience of teaching and learning in their new classrooms.

It was a very good experience from start to finish with TG Escapes. I would recommend them to others.”

IAN BAILEY, DEPUTY HEADTEACHER

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he block consists of seven English classrooms, the English team office, an SLT office, year 7 and 8 toilets, a media suite and two year 6 classrooms.

Whilst price was the key criterion during the selection process, the sustainable nature of the building materials used was a benefit.

“Offsite fabrication resulted in a very rapid onsite construction. I was impressed by the speed of delivery, which occurred on schedule, and the site manager, who had excellent communication skills and was extremely accommodating of requests to tweak the original design,” commented Ian Cushion, Scholars’ Education Trust Estates Manager.

Consultant Barker Associates sent out invitations to tender to six contractors, from which a shortlist of three was drawn up. The key criteria were price and quality, but it was also very important that the company selected had proven experience of working

www.tgescapes.co.uk

with schools, and that the individuals with whom the school had contact with were of the right calibre.

The energy performance certificate for this building is A+ rated at minus 24, making the building carbon neutral, or net-zero, in operation.

Mechanical and electrical systems are key to producing comfortable building environments as well as achieving energy efficiency. TG Escapes’ M&E consultant Designphase used a combination of four systems to achieve this: Air source heat pumps to heat the hot water and most of the space heating A hybrid active ventilation system to efficiently supply fresh air and extract stale air LED lighting and lighting controls with daylight dimming to keep consumption to a minimum A solar photovoltaic system was installed across the roof.

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The air source heat pumps specified produce between 3 to 4 kilowatts of heat for every kilowatt of electricity used. The ventilation system tempers the incoming air with the hot air being extracted using low-wattage fans to distribute the air and provide a comfortable environment.

The LED lighting is inherently efficient, and the addition of controls like daylight dimming means that when the spaces are flooded with natural daylight, the lights will respond automatically. Finally, a large 72kW solar photovoltaic array was installed across the roof to help offset the energy used in the building.

The combination of these systems resulted in a building that is both comfortable to use and provides a high level of energy efficiency that will benefit the end-users at Samuel Ryder and the environment we pass onto the next generation.

info@tgescapes.co.uk FC&A – MAY – 2021

INDUSTRY UPDATES

ARC H IT EC T I N P RO F I LE Before Myles Taylor first stepped into an architectural office, he was ushered to work on site as a labourer by his step-father – a Property Surveyor who thought that if Myles was going to design buildings, then he should know how they fit together first. Here, FC&A finds out how Myles went from learning on site to starting his own architectural practice and discovers just what he learnt along the way.

KIRBY ARCHITECTURE

MYLES TAYLOR IS THE FOUNDER OF KIRBY ARCHITECTURE

Squire & Partners’ Island Point

Please tell us a bit about your career background.

After completing my Part 1 at Canterbury School of Architecture, I joined PRC Fewster Architects in South London. Then, PRC’s work focused on the out-of-London residential market. I worked with some great people who would give me their time and share their knowledge. As a result, I learnt so much and gained confidence in construction and detailing.

During my Part 2 (again at Canterbury), I worked part-time at Lee Evans de Moubray Architects (now Lee Evans Partnership) to assist in funding my studies. It was a great place to work with a variety of project types.

Again, the office and people were great and would guide me and share their experience.

I joined Squire & Partners in 2000, which resulted in 20 wonderful, highly rewarding and fun years. I gained so much and learnt a lot on many different project types and scales. The partners put their trust in me, challenged me, and I was rewarded through the experiences I had, the projects that I worked on and the people that I worked with.

With a family move from London to Suffolk in 2017 and a passion to go on my own, we formalised Kirby Architecture earlier this year. Still in its infancy, the project number is increasing, the types varied and all set within rich and historic settings.

www.kirbyarchitecture.co.uk FC&A – MAY – 2021

Had you always wanted to pursue a career in architecture?

My family background is in engineering, property and design. As a child, I would always be drawing and building things out of LEGO or doing a bit of carpentry. I was either going to be a rally driver or an architect.

Architecture was the sensible choice, and I also couldn’t have afforded the insurance on the Audi Quattro at 18 – however, I haven’t quite given up on the Quattro yet!

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Who has been your greatest influence and source of inspiration?

First of all, it has to be my family in terms of sowing the seeds of design and engineering.

Secondly, it has to be all of the people that I have worked closely with over the years. Architecture is all about gaining experiences. I have continued, and will continue, to learn from those around me.

Architecturally speaking, my sources of inspiration are varied. I have always had a passion for landscape, light and, most importantly, technology. As a child of 1970/’80s science fiction, my head was turned toward the Futurism movement. Most notably, the drawings and designs of Antonio Sant’Elia and Oscar Niemeyer. Through my studies, this interest developed into following the exponents of hightech architecture such as Hopkins and Renzo & Piano. But at the end of the day, I crave the beautiful detail. This desire pushes me to so many different building styles and architects – whether it be the grand and Gothic style of St Pancras Station (Scott & Barlow), the sculptural Chrysler’s Building (Van Alen) or the more recent and beautifully-executed Britten Pears Archive

by Stanton Williams.

What has been your most notable project to date?

Each project brings different challenges and results. More recently, at Squire & Partners, I was leading the project teams on Landmark Pinnacle and its associated project Island Point. Both of which are located on the Isle of Dogs.

Landmark Pinnacle is a simple, ruthlessly efficient, well-detailed but sculptural 75-storey skyscraper. Island Point provides the majority of the affordable housing but with a low-level and more intimate residential environment. Landmark Pinnacle is an elegant addition to the London skyline, which I enjoy viewing from all over the city, but it was seeing the delight in the faces of the new residents of the recently-completed Island Point that made me reflect on how critical an architect’s role is.

INDUSTRY UPDATES

Southbank Place – Image: ©David Christian for Squire & Partners

Landmark Pinnacle – Image: ©David Christian for Squire & Partners

How do you approach your projects?

It is incredibly important to understand your client. Not only what they require in terms of brief but what they may like or not like. I am designing a space for them, not me. As an Architect, I will challenge them, but ultimately, it is their home or place of work.

Following confirmation of the brief, I interrogate the site both in its current form and its past. Often, I don’t live on or adjacent to many of my sites. It is incredibly important to understand your context. One of the best context sessions was sitting with an elderly lady waiting for the Post Office to collect her pension.

She had lived near the site most of her life and gave me the briefing of my life.

Once the context is set, I explore the opportunities. Through the feasibility stages, I set myself the challenge of exploring each book-end and everything in between. Even if options are discounted, it is important to understand what does and doesn’t work. With a preferred option in place, it is then an ongoing process of validating and refinement. This process continues even up to tender information production.

What do you think is the greatest challenge for designing in sustainability?

The key obstruction is perceived cost.

However, over the past couple of years, I have seen a shift in the market both in terms of costs dropping slightly and also a desire by clients and tenants to be more sustainable.

As architects, we must search for and support new approaches in terms of sustainability. It is an incredibly exciting area to work within and, as architects, we have a duty to drive things forward.

What is your favourite building and why?

I have many, but one of my particular favourites is Holkham Hall in Norfolk in the UK. I had the opportunity to visit during our first year in Suffolk. I was first bothered by the concept of the building being built to celebrate what was a six-year ‘grand tour’ or holiday, but was soon bowled over by the form, materials, detailing, landscaping and setting. For me, a building is just as important as the landscape that it sits within. The hall is set within a range of landscapes, from untouched grazing land to refined walled gardens to curated orangeries. The building is clad with bricks that are carefully laid with thin joints to give the overall appearance of a stone building. The result is exquisite and well worth a visit.

What do you think is the greatest challenge for architects today?

One of its greatest challenges is also its greatest interest. With the loss of the super-prime residential market, proposed changes in planning policy as identified in last year’s white paper and also emerging workplaces approaches/requirements post-COVID, the property market is the greatest challenge. As architects, we need to be on our toes and adapt to new approaches such as collaboration with other practices with different expertise and also emerging markets. It is a great market to work within.

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What do you think is the greatest challenge for architecture students at the moment?

With CVs that we receive, it is certainly evident that the quality is very much there. What has been interesting has been seeing the change in school approaches/leadership and, therefore, the resultant changes in quality.

As an employer, one key aspect with students that appears to be lacking and is, therefore, a challenge is the understanding, application and importance of BIM. One of the tools of BIM is Revit. Previously, students would exit university with an understanding of AutoCad or ArchiCad. These days, a student is at a greater advantage being able to use Revit. Other countries (e.g. Australia) are ahead of UK schools on this. It is something that needs to be addressed across the qualification stages.

What can we expect to see from you over the next year?

We started Kirby Architecture earlier this year.

We are located on the border of Suffolk and Norfolk, which is a rich and interesting context to work within. Our current projects range from a new windmill, office-to-residential conversions, conversion of a previous ginger beer brewery, new-build homes as well as domestic extensions.

Most of these are in the latter stages of planning, so we hope that we will be breaking ground with them later this year.

There is nothing better than seeing the projects being built and people enjoying the spaces that we create.

FC&A – MAY – 2021

QIN GROUP CHENGDU OFFICE, STUDIO DOTCOF

WORKING UNDER THE SAME ROOF Qin Group is a West China-based full chain platform agency in the advertising industry. The brand is a regular customer of Studio DOTCOF, which designed its head office in Chongqing four years ago. Qin Group has now commissioned Studio DOTCOF to design the new office for its Chengdu branch.

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he site conditions were harsh. Qin Group’s rented space consists of two adjacent, independent units separated by thick walls into two areas, left and right, that are only connected by an external corridor. The space is a long, narrow, deep rectangle, and the natural lighting in the centre is extremely poor.

In addition, the beams are spaced relatively densely, and FC&A – MAY – 2021

clearance underneath at only 2.6m is very low.

Studio DOTCOF has presented a concept of ‘working under the same roof’, which is a metaphor for collaboration between different branches from the group to develop and grow together. The practice has designed a number of long, white, cylindrical ceilings to form the appearance of

large eaves. With uplighters, the light is guided through the arched ceiling and then refracted, forming a bright, soft and diffuselylit atmosphere. The long, cylindrical ceiling has hidden the untidy pipelines of the bare roof above out of sight.

In order to enhance the sense of connection between the two sides, Studio DOTCOF placed mirrors on the upper halves 14

of the walls, creating a visual extension of the space and the large eaves. The wall that separates the two spaces was also opened up and replaced with fire shutters. This allows people to freely shuttle back and forth between the two spaces.

The desks are positioned to extend the lateral style and connect the two spaces.

www.studio-dotcof.com

QIN GROUP CHENGDU OFFICE, STUDIO DOTCOF

FACT FILE: Project: Qin Group Second Operating Space (Chengdu) Office Client: Qin Group Project team: Li Dongyu, Chen Yao and Luo Jin Design agency: Studio DOTCOF Design team: Chen Xi, Zhuang Haolai, Li Rong and Lan Lan Mechanical and electrical design: Li Mu and Lang Maoqian Construction company: Sichuan Fangsheng Xingfeng Construction Engineering Co. Area: 680m2 Completed: February 2021 Photographer: Arch-Exist Main materials: Mirror surface, brushed stainless-steel plating, self-levelling cement, white cement grooved board, fireproof wood grain board and gravel

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FC&A – MAY – 2021

4TH STREET SW UNDERPASS, MBAC

CANADA’S CALGARY EMBRACES DESIGN For the longest time, Calgary, Canada’s third-largest city, resisted the very notion of design. Then, as Santiago Calatrava was called in to build the Peace Bridge, things started to change. And firms such as the marc boutin architectural collaborative (MBAC) are now able to propose – and build – projects that would not have been considered 15 years ago.

MARC BOUTIN ARCHITECTURAL COLLABORATIVE (MBAC)

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n 2015, Marc Boutin and his team were entrusted with an unusual task, that of revitalising an important urban passageway, the 4th Street SW Underpass. Internationally-known Artist Krzysztof Wodiczko joined the team as well as Boston-based studio INVIVIA. Four years later, long-time design champion and City Councilor, Druh Farrell, described the transformed infrastructure as “a place of delight and wonder”.

MBAC has been at the forefront of Calgary’s recent transformation, with inspiring urban projects such as Memorial Drive, Poppy Plaza and C-Square. Today, with its towers designed by Foster and BIG, and with Snøhetta’s Central Library, Calgary may not yet be the country’s top design destination, but it is definitely worth a visit.

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The context The underpass, a familiar feature of Western Canadian cities, is a modest yet essential type of urban infrastructure. Calgary’s core, very much shaped by the advent of the railway in the 1880s, is still cut in half by the major rail corridor, which separates the city’s downtown from the adjacent Beltline neighbourhood.

From the south, access to the centre, for pedestrians, cyclists and car drivers, is only possible through the sunken ‘gateways’ of the underpasses.

Although these underpasses were initially conceived as a mechanism for safe movement, they have ironically come to embody some of Calgary’s most uncomfortable public spaces. The two-block stretch of the 4th Street SW Underpass was no exception.

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In 2010, when Calgary released its set of urban design guidelines for downtown underpasses, it identified this particular underpass as a priority project.

Limited accessibility, poor lighting conditions, particularly at night and during the winter, pedestrian safety and overall deterioration called for a radical solution, one that would provide a safe, comfortable, and engaging public space.

The concept MBAC’s proposal for the 4th Street SW Underpass was founded on the notion of reclaiming a ‘space of removal’ and turning it into a ‘space for conversation.’

The design responded to a narrative they developed for this two-block long underpass, which goes under the Canadian Pacific Railway (CPR) rail corridor and 9th Avenue.

4TH STREET SW UNDERPASS, MBAC

SPACE OF ANTICIPATION

SPACE OF REFLECTION

CLOSE-UP VIEW OF 4TH STREET SW UNDERPASS’ CENTRAL SEGMENT

As pedestrians walk down towards the first segment of the underpass, they go through the ‘Space of Anticipation’, followed by the ‘Space of Reflection’. The middle section, open to the sky above, becomes the ‘Space of Conversation’.

The introduction of animated light and colour effects, responding to the flow of people going through the double underpass, was meant to create an evocative and timeless experience.

The effects are produced by thousands of LED lights located along the 87m walls on either side of the underpass. A sophisticated custom detection technology software, which generates an abstract representation of passersby’s movements, was developed

by Boston-based INVIVIA consultants.

Cameras sense pedestrians as they enter the underpass and project their shadows diagonally across, on the facing wall. According to Artist Krzysztof Wodiczko: “This interactive light installation creates an impression of seeing ourselves the way we are seen by others when observed from across the underpass.”

SPACE OF CONVERSATION

AXONOMETRIC STUDY SHOWING WALL ASSEMBLY AND WALKWAY

The wall assembly Materials were selected for their ability to reflect, diffuse and ‘catch’ light. The envelope designed to house the interactive lighting installation includes a reflective aluminium ‘exoskeleton’, on the public side, an 8mm layer of tempered, laminated safety glass with a translucent interlayer for light diffusion, a thermoformed, translucent polycarbonate panel and a supporting subframe of galvanised steel, hung from the existing concrete infrastructure.

Particular attention was paid to ensure that this public art installation would perform not only at night but also during the daytime. The lighting system’s components are located within the new envelope, behind the protective surfaces. The wall itself is designed as a series of panels so that each individual LED fixture can be accessed, serviced or replaced.

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Public involvement Citizens were given various opportunities to participate in the creative process, identifying issues within the existing site, finding collective solutions and influencing the project as it progressed. Models and mock-ups served as key tools for coordinating with consultants and suppliers, as well as for communicating the project’s feasibility to the City of Calgary’s internal stakeholders.

www.the-mbac.ca FC&A – MAY – 2021

VOICE OF THE INDUSTRY

PUTTING COLLABORATION BACK INTO REMOTE WORKING With the rise of home working and virtual meetings, the way we work and interact with our colleagues, customers and suppliers has changed dramatically over the last year. We may still need to keep our distance, but as Andrew Cooper – National Specification Manager for aluminium fenestration solutions manufacturer Senior Architectural Systems – explains, close collaboration within the supply chain has never been more important.

SENIOR ARCHITECTURAL SYSTEMS

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ANDREW COOPER IS NATIONAL SPECIFICATION MANAGER FOR SENIOR ARCHITECTURAL SYSTEMS

lthough the construction industry was never in full lockdown like other industries, with essential projects and manufacturing continuing throughout, it is fair to say that it has been far from business as normal since the outbreak of COVID-19.

With any construction project, work begins way ahead of getting on site, and those early conversations around product specification, performance and compliance are critical. With many office-based teams displaced and forced to adapt to a more isolated and remote way of working, we may not have been able to have as many face-to-face meetings as usual, but that has not stopped us from being on hand to support our customers.

Much more than just a buzzword, supply chain collaboration offers real, tangible benefits – so how can product manufacturers assist specifiers in these challenging times?

A clearer view With so much uncertainty, not least following the UK’s departure from the EU trading bloc, maintaining regular communication with architects, main contractors and fabricators is essential. As we are a UK-based manufacturer, we have greater control than most, but it’s still important that we regularly update and advise our customers about any potential changes in terms of product availability, price points and deliveries. We can also provide access to a number of different resources, from detailed product information and technical datasheets, to relevant testing and certification documentation. We’ve always tried to work as an extension of our customer’s in-house team, and that ethos certainly hasn’t changed, even if the location and style of our meetings have.

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Proactive planning Providing information is one thing, but working together to apply it to meet the individual requirements of a project is another. The advantage of early supplier involvement can’t be underestimated, as it provides the perfect forum for manufacturers to contribute specialist knowledge and facilitates an environment in which innovation and problem-solving can thrive. If a project has already been designed before all the options have been considered, it follows that many vital opportunities for reducing risk, time and costs could be missed.

One of the greatest plus points for supply chain collaboration is that it can bridge the gap between design and delivery so that the completed scheme performs and looks as originally intended.

Early engagement with manufacturers, who are of course well placed to advise how products can be used most effectively, can help to highlight any potential risks prior to work commencing on site and reduce the likelihood of expensive and time-consuming redesigns when these problems resurface later on.

In terms of designing and delivering the building envelope, tapping into the manufacturer’s extensive product knowledge can be vital in ensuring that all the different interfaces, such as curtain walling and cladding, work together

VOICE OF THE INDUSTRY

effectively to create a watertight building.

It makes sense to take time to iron out any potential issues at the design stage rather than incur delays and expense to fix them on site but, unfortunately, this isn’t always the case. As a result, projects being delivered late and over-budget is a common occurrence.

Improved product knowledge As well as reducing risk, effective collaboration and communication within the supply chain can also highlight opportunities for innovation and value engineering. Indeed, talking to suppliers and specialists at the earliest opportunity can often give greater design flexibility to projects that are subject to strict performance criteria.

This is particularly true with regards to the specification of fenestration systems where there are often a number of different requirements to meet, from aesthetic appeal and durability to acoustics and thermal efficiency. The benefits of early discussions with those members of the supply chain that will be directly involved in the delivery of the building envelope means that if appropriate, the original specification can be changed to a product that can better meet some or all of the performance criteria. For example, by switching specification from a standard aluminium

window system to one that offers improved thermal efficiency with only a nominal price increase can not only lead to greater reduction in a project’s carbon calculations but can also give additional cost savings by eliminating the need for other potentially more expensive energysaving elements such as photovoltaic roof panels or underfloor insulation.

Supporting roles The technical knowledge that a product manufacturer possesses can also add significant weight to a contractor’s tender document, as can the reliability of having recommendations to get an experienced and trusted installation team on board.

Once a project is secured, the benefits of such early engagement can continue to be felt throughout the build programme, with suppliers attending design meetings and site visits when restrictions permit, to help ensure best practice and that all specification and technical matters are being correctly adhered to.

These are conversations that we have with both the specialist contractors who fabricate and install our products and the main contractors who specify them – and by maintaining positive and productive relationships with both, we’re able to continue to work closely, even at a distance.

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FC&A – MAY – 2021

LEGAL & BUSINESS

RAPID GROWTH OF UK CONSTRUCTION SECTOR ONLY SUSTAINABLE WITH MORE SUPPORT As lockdown measures are eased, it will be fascinating to see how different sectors of the UK economy respond. Positively, the early signs are promising for the construction industry, says Jamie Johnson, CEO of FJP Investment.

FJP INVESTMENT

I JAMIE JOHNSON IS THE CEO OF FJP INVESTMENT, AN INTRODUCER OF UK AND OVERSEAS PROPERTY-BASED INVESTMENTS TO A GLOBAL AUDIENCE OF HIGHNET-WORTH AND SOPHISTICATED INVESTORS, INSTITUTIONS AS WELL AS FAMILY OFFICES. FOUNDED IN 2013, THE BUSINESS ALSO PARTNERS WITH DEVELOPERS IN ORDER TO PROVIDE THEM WITH A READILY ACCESSIBLE SOURCE OF FUNDING FOR THEIR DEVELOPMENT PROJECTS.

n March 2021, the construction sector expanded at its fastest pace for more than six years, with increased activity recorded in housebuilding, commercial and civil engineering, according to the IHS Markit/Cips UK construction purchasing managers’ index 1 .

So, how can we understand construction’s strong start to the year? And how sustainable is this boom likely to be?

A similar trend can be seen in the commercial real estate space – although naturally, the changes and reasoning behind them are very different.

Office owners, for instance, have been undertaking work to better enable social distancing and ensure the necessary health and safety measures are installed. Meanwhile, hospitality venues have been undertaking works to maximise any outside space they have access to, meaning they can welcome back as many customers as possible in the months to come.

COVID creates construction boom

Significant concerns remain

The uptick in construction activity is primarily the result of the multiple lockdowns enforced across the UK over the last 13 months. Indeed, construction leaders surveyed as part of the aforementioned Markit/Cips research said the mobilisation of delayed projects was a key factor in explaining why they were so busy.

Another important factor is the rise in renovation and refurbishment works across both residential and commercial properties.

Confined to their own homes, residential property owners have been eager to increase the space they have by commissioning extensions and loft conversions. In fact, a survey of 2000 UK homeowners by Checkatrade 2 found that they spent an average of £2608 on property improvements in 2020; this is 15% more than in 2019.

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However, while we should rightly celebrate the construction industry’s positive start to 2021, we must also acknowledge the significant challenges that remain.

The scale of these challenges was exposed by a survey of 3568 construction firms by the Office for National Statistics3 in late January 2021. It found that one-in-eight had little to no confidence they would survive until the end of April. COVID uncertainty, price rises for materials and labour shortages were all cited as major issues.

For me, there remains another critical challenge that must not be overlooked: difficulty of accessing finance. This is particularly a problem for SMEs in the construction sector. For example, a 2017 study4 showed that more than half (54%) of SME house-builders were being held back by an inability to access 20

much-needed capital to fund projects. From the conversations I regularly have, I know the problem persists – and it must be addressed.

I was pleased to see Chancellor Rishi Sunak pledge £7.1bn5 over the next four years for the National Home Building Fund within the November 2020 Spending Review. Crucially, some of that investment will be targeted at helping SME house-builders. Yet further private investment will also be necessary to unlock the potential of the construction sector.

Lockdown measures are easing, and construction activity is clearly booming. But to sustain this and ensure the completion of more residential and commercial developments across the UK, we must tackle the common funding problems that construction encounters – this will only be achieved through collaboration between the public and private sectors.

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https://www.ft.com/content/8dd55e34-

a604-41d5-8233-5f9572de6ec1 https://www.thisismoney.co.uk/money/

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mortgageshome/article-9238121/Renovatinglockdown-Heres-add-value-home.html 3

https://www.ons.gov.uk/

peoplepopulationandcommunity/ healthandsocialcare/ conditionsanddiseases/bulletins/ https://www.businesscomparison.com/uk/

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blog/building-trade-suffering-lack-finance/ https://www.buyassociation.

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co.uk/2020/11/30/uk-property-industryreacts-to-the-governments-national-homebuilding-fund/

www.fjpinvestment.co.uk

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FC&A – MAY – 2021

FLOORS, WALLS & CEILINGS

LVT vs natural materials While natural woods and stones have their place, selecting LVT is a forwardthinking decision for a hotel or office; after all, LVT provides the shapes, angles/ geometry and scale needed to optimise a space, while also remaining incredibly durable and meeting VOC requirements for wellbeing and air quality. Wellbeing is a significant topic in recent years, and it is well documented that it can have a positive impact on productivity in the workplace, and even relaxation in hotels.

As humans, we are innately connected to nature, so it is understandable that employees perform better when working in spaces that feature views or even elements of the outdoors.

Incorporating biophilic design can be fairly simple; choosing LVT flooring designs that mimic real wood or stone certainly offer the charm and character of natural materials. For this reason, we have launched Amtico Form, a new nature-inspired collection that recreates the tactile beauty and authentic textures of natural materials,

THE POWER OF LVT FLOORING Flooring has a big role to play in the overall look and feel of a space, and the market is awash with different materials. Considerations also need to be made for durability and promoting positive wellbeing in today’s environments. Louisa Eyles, Commercial Marketing Manager at Amtico, explains why LVT is the answer.

AMTICO

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looring has a multitude of roles to fulfil in commercial environments, from creating a comfortable atmosphere in offices to guiding hotel guests to the reception desk and providing a relaxing, comfortable environment in the bedrooms.

However, flooring also needs to provide a durable surface that will last for years to FC&A – MAY – 2021

come. Luxury vinyl tiles (LVT) lead the way for commercial spaces and is indeed one of the most versatile, durable and hardwearing products available. It offers complete design freedom, presenting a commercially-attractive alternative to other flooring materials, such as natural wood, stone, sheet vinyl and laminates.

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helping designers and specifiers create spaces that boost positive wellbeing.

Ever-popular, LVT also provides complete resilience while withstanding heavy traffic and resisting scuffs, scratches and stains, which is why these products can be offered with long commercial warranties.

So, it is no surprise that LVT is rising above ceramics and timber to become the flooring material of choice when designing and ‘future-proofing’ commercial environments.

Acoustics In addition to the design choices and durability, LVT with enhanced acoustic performance can be specified to help create a peaceful and quiet atmosphere. Indeed, the acoustics of an environment can have just as much an impact on a hotel guest’s stay as the firmness of a mattress.

Of course, the need to reduce noise shouldn’t compromise design aesthetics, which is why Amtico has developed a 1mm PVC foam backing layer that works across standard planks and tiles to reduce sound transmission by up to 19 dB. In a hotel, this enhances comfort for occupants in adjoining and lower-level rooms.

FLOORS, WALLS & CEILINGS

Safety flooring The COVID-19 pandemic has affected how we view the cleanliness of the environments around us, and concerns about infection will remain indefinitely, with an even greater need to reassure occupants of their safety.

Certainly, the concept of promoting positive wellbeing has extended beyond peaceful and calming aesthetics, and safety flooring variants of LVT complement this on a practical level.

The control of bacteria is increasingly important, as is reducing the risk of slips and falls. With this in mind, designers should opt for safety flooring LVT products that encompass antimicrobial technology in addition to near-invisible particles that increase friction levels between feet and the surface. However, not all safety flooring is made equal, and some manufacturers have developed unique techniques to distribute the slipresistant particles throughout the wear layers of the LVT to provide enhanced slip resistance for the lifetime of the product.

Integrated design Of course, safety flooring and interior design are not always considered together, with many product specifications focused solely on one element or the other. Part of the limitations in recent years have been linked to the proliferation of sheet vinyl safety flooring, which is often onedimensional and lacks natural details.

Consequently, there is growing demand for safety floors with more design variety and a higher quality finish.

The design of a space makes it possible to evoke an emotional response in an individual, which can range from a sense of excitement when seeing the room for the first time, through to making them feel relaxed and comfortable in the office.

While upholstered furniture and ambient lighting are naturally considered the first factors to evoke such a response, flooring is also integral to this, as it can convey to occupants how an area should be used. However, the right choice of 23

floor product – provided with a generous commercial warranty – goes a long way in terms of meeting the practical needs of a space’s occupants, while ensuring durability, long-lasting performance and, importantly, comfort. For this reason, LVT is the answer and offers a commerciallyattractive alternative to other flooring materials, such as natural wood, stone, sheet vinyl and laminates.

www.amtico.com FC&A – MAY – 2021

TIMBER

TAKING SUSTAINABILITY SERIOUSLY

Timber trends Without wishing to generalise, I’ve found that many architects nowadays do have a predisposition for timber buildings. A sector-wide objective to create incredible timber structures has been the driving force behind the recent leaps and bounds in timber designs.

Their ambitions challenge companies, like International Timber, to keep pushing the boundaries of what’s possible. To make these designs viable, we’ve spent five decades engineering out the flaws associated with raw timber, such as its tendency to expand and contract and torsional strength. This has led to huge advances in engineered timber solutions over the last few decades, and methods such as cross-laminated timber or glulam mean core timber structural components can achieve more, spanning farther and carrying heavier loads.

Will Frost, National Product Manager for Engineered and Laminated Products at International Timber, explores the reasons why environmentally-friendly timber is becoming one of the most popular building materials, and gives advice to architects on ways to enhance sustainable timber specification and compliance.

INTERNATIONAL TIMBER

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n Japan, there’s a five-storey timber Buddhist temple that’s stood for more than 1400 years. It’s the pinnacle of sustainable construction and illustrates what an extraordinary building material timber is.

The benefits of timber are vast. It’s more affordable, easier to work with and is inherently more lightweight than its modern counterparts. It’s also simpler to transport and handle, which makes it ideal for offsite manufacturing (OSM), providing even further cost and time savings. In fact, this is part of the reason International Timber is now part of Saint-Gobain Off-Site Solutions, as timber is the ideal material for modern methods of construction (MMC).

When correctly procured, timber buildings have a reduced carbon footprint, while the raw materials act as carbon sinks and lock in greenhouse gases. For example, a single fivestorey building built from cross-laminated timber products can store approximately 400lbs of carbon for every 3ft 2. Concrete, meanwhile, is responsible for 4 to 8% of the world’s carbon dioxide emissions, and if it was a country, it would rank third after China and the US. For the industry, reaching net-zero carbon means delivering buildings that are carbon neutral in their operation, using materials produced via carbon-neutral processes, and employing carbon-neutral building methods. Making this switch can go a long way towards helping the construction industry reach the legally binding 2050 climate targets.

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Keeping compliant To upscale timber construction on a level required to impact on climate change targets, the built environment needs to 24

understand the properties of timber and have full confidence when specifying it. However, we understand and acknowledge there’s a requirement for more support from consultants who are experienced in dealing with timber for applications in buildings.

It’s also incredibly important to note that each application of timber has its own set of guidance and regulations.

International Timber, and other timber consultants, have vast experience and understanding of coatings and treatments which will assist specified timber in achieving those requirements.

The circular economy Everyone involved in the production of a timber building is accountable for ensuring that timber is responsibly sourced. After all, timber is undoubtedly an outstanding, low-carbon choice for construction but only if it’s been procured in a sustainable and ethical way.

Only purchase timber from sustainable sources and aim for full Chain of Custody

TIMBER

The Hōryū-ji temple in Japan

(CoC)-certified timber.

All suppliers are required to submit evidence on sustainability and corporate and social responsibility, which is taken into account when decisions are being made on whether to trade with them. To reduce your environmental impact, you should only use credible companies that have responsible procurement policies and the evidence to show they are following them. By purchasing CoC, you can ensure you are buying a product from a legal and well-managed source.

Also, taking steps such as using only Forest Stewardship Council (FSC)certified timber – as a minimum – ensures that the forests that produce the timber are well cared for and continue to play their role in storing carbon.

Furthermore, acquiring FSC project certification can help to achieve increasingly popular environmental credentials, such as BREEAM, LEED and WELL. Outsourcing these elements to external partners can help ensure these

standards are being met. For example, International Timber has a dedicated department for BREEAM consultation to help developers exceed environmental standards required.

We also take the whole carbon footprint into account, from source to installation – and beyond by managing issues such as waste. We procure the most sustainable species for the job while also exploring factors such as whether it’s more sustainable to manufacture the product at source or whether it can be delivered in one load.

CASE STUDY

Timber in the future The Hōryū-ji temple in Japan shows us the potential lifespan of timber buildings when we create them right and care for them well. We should be following this principle, as one of the very best ways we can store carbon is by increasing the number of timber buildings.

Considering timber as the default building material will be one of the most positive changes we can make towards tackling climate change.

At International Timber, we teamed up with Accsys and sustainability consultant 540 World to supply a fender made from Accoya wood to the Environment Agency for inclusion in a trial on the banks of the River Thames in London. These are an essential part of flood management in the Thames Estuary, providing biodiversity in tidal waters and creating diverse habitats.

The Accoya fenders, which consist of a modified fastgrowing softwood, will be assessed for their suitability and could replace the existing hardwood fenders. With each cubic metre of Accoya containing nearly one tonne of CO2 sequestered from the atmosphere, the fenders will keep that carbon safely stored for decades, contributing to the Thames Estuary’s net-zero ambitions.

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FC&A – MAY – 2021

TECHNICAL INSIGHT: ROOFING

FEVER PITCH: UNPICKING THE FLAT VS PITCHED ROOFING DEBATE

On the pitch

It’s one of the most important considerations in new-build architecture – whether to finish the property with a pitched or flat roof. But it’s also a decision that inspires hotly-contested discussions on the pros and cons of each option, with advances in materials meaning the choice is wider than ever. In this article, George King, Divisional Managing Director at SIG Exteriors, gets to the heart of the debate, and looks at the solutions currently available to architects and specifiers.

SIG EXTERIORS

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rends and standards have moved on considerably since the days when ‘flat roof’ was merely a byword for garages and extensions.

Indeed, take a walk around any city in the UK – or switch on any of the myriad architectural ‘dream home’ shows on television – and you’ll see some visually stunning properties that have utilised this method of insulating and protecting a home.

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For the homeowner of today, to whom aesthetics and kerb appeal is a key consideration when buying or selling a property, flat roofs can represent a stylish yet uniquely modern finish for a house, just as much as the pitched roof alternative.

Both have their benefits. By taking these into consideration, architects and specifiers will be best placed to provide their clients with advice and guidance to help meet their project’s requirements – and pockets.

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For many years, the pitched roof has come to dominate our mental image of what a ‘traditional’ house looks like. The staple of new-build developments nationwide, pitched roofs have long been the preferred choice for many architects, who cite the reliability and durability of the system.

Representing up to 30% of the visible building, a pitched roof can significantly enhance the aesthetics of a property, with the use of coloured tiles or slates affording a sense of character and uniqueness.

But the benefits go beyond looks.

Pitched roofs have a well-earned reputation for durability and weather resistance – a key consideration for a country with a climate as diverse as the UK’s. Indeed, once built, pitched roofs should require little to no maintenance.

The angled slope of the roof eliminates the risk of pooling, serving as a highly efficient drainage system for what can be significant quantities of water. What’s

TECHNICAL INSIGHT: ROOFING

more, a pitched roof creates additional usable space for a property whether it’s used for simple storage or, with some further investment, a loft extension, providing an extra bedroom or home office (a key consideration in these ‘remote working’ times).

In terms of additional considerations for pitched roofing, they can be costlier to install than their flat roof counterparts due to the structural complexity and the additional labour and materials required. However, when taking into account the potentially longer lifespan of a pitched roof, it is worth remembering that the extra investment at the outset can lead to greater ROI further down the line.

Flat out The image of flat roofs has come a long way in the past 20 years thanks to innovations and new materials, increasing durability and bringing it closer in line with pitched roofs.

When considering a flat roof for a project, there are a number of points which require careful thought, including the material the structural deck is made from; is it a cold, warm or inverted roof; what ventilation is required; and what finish are you looking to achieve?

Options for the roof deck range from OSB (oriented strand board) and metal to concrete. OSB is the most readily available and easiest to fit, while the longer ‘design life’ of concrete is offset by a slower construction process and the need to use a specialist contractor.

A cold deck roof has insulation in the ceiling void, reducing installation time. In a warm roof, the insulation sits above the void, making it more energy efficient than a cold roof.

With an inverted roof, the insulation is above the waterproofing layer – usually a liquid-applied membrane. It can be used as a recreational space with paving but must be capable of supporting both dead and live loads.

For waterproofing, EPDM rubber membrane – originally produced for the commercial market – is an increasingly popular choice. With unmatched weatherability, it’s also 27

suitable for ‘green’ roof systems. Alternatives include ‘torch-on’ bituminous membranes, modern mastic asphalt, single-ply, liquid coatings and GRP composite.

All can offer warranties of up to 20 years, some longer.

Be it aesthetics, cost or durability; both systems ultimately offer their own unique benefits and strong points. For the specifer of today, the quality and popularity of each system mean there is a wide range of affordable, easy-to-install materials to choose from – making it easier than ever before to give a project the perfect finish.

www.sigroofing.co.uk FC&A – MAY – 2021

SECURITY & BUILDING ACCESS

SMARTER ACCESS FOR THE EVOLVING WORKPLACE Colin Campbell, Managing Director of Codelocks UK, discusses how keyless access control solutions can boost safety and security in the post-COVID-19 workplace.

Many business owners will be pleased to know that they can maintain control of their assets from a distance by encouraging employees to use keyless access control solutions for access to their home offices and cabinets. Coded mechanical and electronic locks are simple and cost-effective to install, and can enhance security measures as effectively in the home, as they have done for decades in the workplace.

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or the past year, business owners have had to find innovative ways to maintain business in an unpredictable environment. While some sectors, like construction, have continued to transact in-person, others have been forced to close doors and either furlough staff or ask them to work from home.

Many of us have had to adapt to working from home, and some fortunate people have made the move from the kitchen table to a home office in the garden.

Securing home offices in the remote work revolution

Pressing reset on workplace access

While some employees may return to shared workspaces fulltime, others will continue to work remotely or adopt a hybrid approach – only going into the workplace when necessary.

In this remote work revolution, many employees will be keeping sensitive data and expensive equipment at home for long periods. This situation throws up risk challenges for business owners and employees.

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As restrictions begin to lift and we see a phased return to work, those responsible for managing workplaces will need to find new ways to keep properties and people safe. This period of transition provides an opportunity for business owners and facilities managers to reconsider the processes and technologies they use for access control and security.

For architects and construction firms, this means both upgrading their own work premises, as well as designing and building COVID-19 safety measures into projects for clients. One way to do this is to make use of innovative keyless access control solutions.

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Smart locks for smart systems Anyone who has managed a construction site over the last year will know how labour-intensive adhering to contact-tracing guidelines can be. Smart locks negate the need for paper contacttracing systems, as access is only given to users that have a code and have provided their details. By linking codes to individual users and looking at the lock’s audit trail, site managers or facilities managers can see who has entered which area and when.

Installing smart access control can assist with managing numbers of people in areas and any track-and-trace communications required.

The installation of smart locks can be particularly impactful in modern workplaces. Due to the safety challenges presented by COVID-19, multi-purpose agile areas, shared meeting rooms, relaxation areas and more must either be closely managed by staff or closed off to employees. Smart locks give businesses the ability to keep these spaces open, making the return to work a more enticing prospect for many.

SECURITY & BUILDING ACCESS

In most buildings, doors become bottlenecks that represent a significant hygiene risk. Anti-bacterial finishes can also be applied to locks, helping to reduce the transmission of viruses and with cleaning maintenance.

At a time when workplaces need to take all measures possible to stay open, this new anti-bacterial protection is welcome.

Reducing costs in challenging times We have already seen how smart access solutions can reduce the time spent on administration as workplaces re-open.

However, smart locks have another advantage – they can greatly reduce the costs associated with managing workplace access.

After a year of lockdowns and disruption, businesses are looking for ways to reduce costs. Yet, to re-open safely, many are having to pay for extra equipment and staff to ensure compliance with re-opening guidance.

With a smart lock access control solution, time-sensitive codes can be created and sent to employees, maintenance staff or guests. This removes the need for a costly and consistent staff presence at the front door.

By offering smart access control solutions to existing and future clients, contractors, developers, engineers and architects can help save clients money and future-proof buildings against changing needs.

Smart solutions for the future of work The flexibility offered by coded access control locks makes them suitable for a wide range of applications, including safeguarding doors, cabinets and lockers. They range from simple mechanical locks to sophisticated 29

electronic locks, hardwearing marinegrade locks and smart access solutions.

If you’re looking for ways to make the evolving workplace safe for a return to work, a keyless access solution is a good place to start.

www.codelocks.co.uk FC&A – MAY – 2021

DOORS & WINDOWS

EXCLUSIVE DEVELOPMENT SEES OFFSITE QUALITY AND THERMAL BENEFITS OF KEYSTONE LINTELS Keystone’s bespoke flat arch brick slip feature lintels and award-winning Hi-therm+ lintels have brought aesthetic, thermal and offsite construction benefits to a stunning new Thames Valley development.

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n order to create a sense of individuality and character, developer Bellwood Homes required high-specification building materials for the proposed dwellings in order to achieve a seamless fit with the surrounding environment. In addition, the specified materials needed to incorporate energy-saving features to achieve lower carbon emissions within SAP. Working with the housebuilder, Keystone’s technical team designed heavy-duty and extra heavy-duty lintels for window and door openings which accommodated brick span openings between 675

to 2475mm. A consignment of bricks was collected from site and delivered to Keystone’s manufacturing facility, where each brick was cut to specific dimensions for alternating brick patterns on the face and underside soffit return. The bricks were then bonded to the load-bearing lintels in a weatherproof controlled environment using a BBA-approved adhesive.

The patented perforated design of a Keystone Brick Slip Feature Lintel allows the adhesive to squeeze through the perforations and form a ‘mushroom’ on the inside, providing a mechanical and

www.keystonelintels.com

chemical bond between the steel lintel and the bricks.

Keystone’s BBA-approved Hi-therm+ lintels improved the energy performance of the external envelope across the window and door junctions by reducing thermal bridging and offering lower Psi values

01283 200150

compared to standard lintels.

This fabric-first approach to lower carbon emissions within SAP ensured each new home is energy efficient, without any additional maintenance required, compared to alternative bolton technologies.

info@keystonelintelsuk.com

DISTINCTION DOORS LAUNCHES NEW FIRE DOOR SYSTEM FDS (FIRE DOOR SYSTEMS)

Distinction Doors is proud to introduce a new and fullycompliant FD30 composite fire door system, Neuma fds, through new brand fds (fire door systems). Neuma fds has consistently proven fire resistance with 44 individual test specimens subject to 22 bi-directional fire tests, achieving an average of 45 minutes of integrity. The fire door system was independently tested to EN1634-1: 2014

by EU notified body test houses. It also delivers on ambient smoke control (EN 1634-3:2004), security (PAS 24:2016), weather (BS 6375), sound insulation (Approved Document E) and thermal performance (Approved Document L). The FD30 composite fire door system is accredited by Secured by Design (SBD). It is available nationwide through a network of official fds doorset manufacturing partners, each audited to Q-Mark STD 170.

Choose from solid or glazed leaf options, either with or without overhead glazed fanlights. Five colours available as standard. RAL colours are an optional extra.

ISO-CHEMIE’S NEW WEBSHOP OPENS ISO-CHEMIE

Window and door foam tape sealants specialist ISO-Chemie has opened its new online store to enable UK customers to order products 24/7. Accessible via an office PC, laptop, tablet or mobile device, the easy-to-use and versatile webshop – available at ISO-Chemie’s web portal – provides comprehensive application information and specification detail on the company’s extensive range of foam tape sealants and associated products, such as BIM services. Products can be viewed and ordered at the touch of a button via an interactive display to save time and ensure accuracy.

Associated documents are also available for downloading and viewing while orders can be tracked. In addition, ISO-Chemie offers planning, calculation and installation tools via its ISO-PORTAL. Specification documents, training videos and BIM-ready object data for products are also available to support designers and architects.

The ISO-Chemie webshop is part of ISO-Chemie’s BAUFAGE 4.0 concept, making the company’s 40th anniversary year.

www.firedoorsystems.co.uk 0345 2000 816 info@firedoorsystems.co.uk FC&A – MAY – 2021

www.shop.iso-chemie.eu

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07837 337220 a.swift@iso-chemie.co.uk

Wire Rope

Stainless Handrails

Frameless Glass

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Pro-Railing stainless steel handrail component system requires no welding. Simply cut, glue & screw on site to create stunning handrail & balustrades, that will look great for years to come. Whatever the project we have a cost effective solution.

01708 25 35 11 sales@brundle.com www.fhbrundle.co.uk

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FIRE-SECURE® DOORS ARE THE IDEAL SOLUTION FOR

COMMERCIAL

HOTEL/LEISURE

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For more details, call our specialised team to discuss your particular project on:

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sales@sunraytimberdoordivision.co.uk www.sunraytimberdoors.co.uk

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FC&A – MAY – 2021

RCI

ROCKWOOL DELIVERS VERSATILE FLAT ROOF INSULATION FOR COBHAM FREE SCHOOL Southern Industrial Roofing has installed over 2000m 2 of ROCKWOOL HARDROCK Multi-Fix Dual Density at the new-build Cobham Free School, Surrey. Meeting a complex warm flat roof specification, ROCKWOOL delivered a non-combustible solution with proven acoustic and thermal performance.

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he project had to balance multiple design considerations, starting with BS 6229: ‘Flat roofs with continuously supported flexible waterproof coverings’, and compliance with specific education sector Building Regulations. While BB93 specified acceptable levels of rain noise transfer into various spaces, BB100 outlined fire protection considerations.

Simultaneously addressing these requirements was compounded by mechanical and electrical plant being housed on the flat roof, which demanded non-combustible zones to provide safe access for maintenance. Internal firerated walls in the building below also required the flat roof to contribute to effective compartmentation.

As non-combustible stone wool insulation, specifying ROCKWOOL HARDROCK MultiFix Dual Density across the entirety of the flat roof streamlined the installation process.

Where the roof deck interfaced with the heads of internal compartment walls, ROCKWOOL Trapezoidal Fire Stops were also installed. To minimise acoustic reverberation and achieve BB93 compliance in the dining room and auditorium, ROCKWOOL Acoustic Infills were friction-fitted into the perforated metal deck troughs.

Andy Towns, Designer at Southern Industrial Roofing, explained: “We didn’t have to worry about coordinating zones with different materials – it was ROCKWOOL across the board which simultaneously delivered the acoustic, fire and thermal performance we needed.”

www.rockwool.com/uk

01656 868400

customersupportcentre@rockwool.co.uk

MAGPLY APPOINTS HIGHLY-EXPERIENCED SALES AND MARKETING MANAGER MAGPLY

Magply has appointed Philip Fergusson as its new Sales and Marketing Manager for the IPP Roofing Division to the company.

With an impressive CV and proven track record in the roofing, construction and glazing industries, Philip is also a Fellow at The Institute of Roofing (FloR). He has extensive experience including everything from securing multi-million-pound contracts for B2B and B2C marketing and setting up strategic alliances and partnerships to procurement, supply chain management and contracts management – to name just some of his skills. For IPP Roofing, Philip will be promoting and overseeing the company’s widelyspecified, high-performance Magply Euroclass A1 non-combustible boards for all roofing applications.

RUSSELL ROOF TILES ROLLS OUT EV TRIAL RUSSELL ROOF TILES

www.magply.co.uk

01621 776252

gmp@intpetro.com

12MM MAGPLY SERVES AS FIREPROOF SARKING FOR NEW-BUILD THATCHED PROPERTY MAGPLY

IPP’s highly-versatile Magply boards have been employed by a regional developer as a fireproof sarking board beneath traditional thatched roofing for a development in a beautiful Dorset village. The 12mm-thick version of the highperformance MgO material was selected to comply with the project architect’s performance specification for the solitary thatched-roof building on a nine-house scheme in the village of Owermoigne, near Dorchester. The overall roof construction saw the 12mm Magply boards being nailed down across the main rafters and covered by a breather membrane before battens were secured in a conventional manner, running across the pitches.

www.magply.co.uk FC&A – MAY – 2021

01621 776252

gmp@intpetro.com 32

As part of its commitment to reducing its carbon footprint, Russell Roof Tiles is currently trialling electric forklift trucks (EFL) at its three plants. This is the latest initiative from a company that has been dedicated to reducing its carbon footprint over many years.

Russell Roof Tiles was the first British roof tile manufacturer to have achieved an ‘Excellent’ rating for responsible sourcing, recognising the company’s dedication to sustainability.

Three years ago, the company also installed its own combined heat and power (CHP) unit, a more sustainable option than using power from the national grid. Generating electricity when needed, a CHP unit uses excess heat for heating and hot water.

www.russellrooftiles.co.uk 01283 517070 salesenquiries@russellrooftiles.com

RCI

KEMPER SYSTEM LAYS DOWN WATERPROOFING SOLUTION FOR HOTEL The roof of a popular city-centre hotel has been repaired thanks to a quickcuring waterproofing solution from Kemper System.

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ocated in the heart of Peterborough, the hotel features 115 rooms for business and leisure travellers.

Architect firm [PS]K Design turned to Kemper System to help design and install a new waterproofing system for the hotel’s high-level flat roof areas.

The existing single-ply covering had been lifted by the wind, exposing large sections of the underlying structure. The aim was to replace it with a highly-durable solution that could be applied quickly to resolve the issues and prevent any further damage, including leaks into the hotel.

Boosting efficiency Kemperol AC Speed was selected for the project and a roof area spanning approximately 1050m2. Kemperol AC Speed is a quick-curing liquid PMMA, which is cold applied and allows same-day application.

The liquid waterproofing system uses a reinforcement fleece, which means it is easier to obtain a consistent depth and coverage as the resin completely saturates the reinforcement layer. Operatives know enough liquid has been applied when the fleece is no longer visible, meaning it has been fully saturated.

www.kempersystem.co.uk

The resin then cures to form a seamless, elastomeric waterproof membrane that cannot delaminate, is UV stable and bonds directly to the substrate. This helps to avoid potential problems of inter-coat adhesion, thin spots or delamination.

Ease of installation The liquid waterproofing system was installed by Lancashire-based Castle Contractors NW and laid directly onto the majority of the existing roof covering. A smaller section of the roof required the existing single-ply to be removed and replaced with Kempertherm insulation prior to applying Kemperol AC Speed.

Neil Atherton from Castle Contractors said: “As the existing roof was in urgent need of repair, Kemperol AC Speed provided an ideal solution. As well as curing quickly, it is simple to apply using a roller and a reinforced polyester fleece. This meant we could work efficiently across the whole roof area, including waterproofing around the many outlets, pipe penetrations and air conditioning units.”

01925 445532 33

A long-lasting solution Victoria Ramwell from Kemper System said: “Kemperol AC Speed is a very versatile liquid system that can be used for many applications and is very quick and effective. The waterproofed surface can be walked on after just 35 minutes and recoated after 60 minutes.

“The system can also be used at very low temperatures, so can minimise potential programme delays for projects that need to be carried out in colder weather.

“These qualities ensured a highlyefficient solution for the hotel and the assurance that the roof will remain watertight for many years to come.”

enquiries@kempersystem.co.uk FC&A – MAY – 2021

COATINGS & FIXINGS WATERPROOFING

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PREVENTATIVE STEPS TO ENSURE TRAGEDIES DON’T HAPPEN UK leading manufacturer of Type C cavity drainage systems Delta Membrane Systems is revolutionising the waterproofing sector with the launch of the MS 500 Fire Retardant system.

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aking steps to ensure tragedies like the Grenfell Tower don’t occur again is top of most construction material manufacturers’ agendas. In response to initial Inquiry findings, all construction materials should be developed to offer disasterresistant buildings.

Delta propels the waterproofing sector with the launch of Delta MS 500 Fire Retardant system. Utilising the highest grade of high-density polyethylene (HDPE), Delta MS 500 Fire has a fire classification of B-s2, d0 to ensure safe use in buildings. Delta MS 500 Fire offers the same design flexibility as MS 500, whilst maintaining the brand’s quality, ensuring the system offers strength, durability, functionality and workability.

The first and most important element of a Type C membrane is keeping structures dry. Water ingress will potentially result in a corrosive environment, with structures having a reduced life service.

Delta’s Managing Director and key player in product development, Kevin Dodds, explains: “Fire safety should be top of everyone’s list.

With the Grenfell Tower disaster still fresh in everyone’s mind along with reports of wildfires raging the world, threatening homes and livelihoods,

it’s vital for any construction material manufacturer to look at how they can do better. Taking building materials as a first instance, some are more vulnerable to fire than others. Using fire retardant alternatives is a great first line of defence in protecting a property against a potentially serious tragedy. Our new MS 500 system does just that.

“The UK building materials industry is a healthy and competitive one, with plenty of big-named brands vying for a customer’s attention,” continues Kevin. “Invariably, all will have differences, and it’s vitally important to ensure you’re not comparing apples with oranges.”

“We have invested heavily in quality control. Through extensive testing of our MS 500 Fire membrane to varying British/ European standards with recognised independent third parties, it shows our serious approach to delivering high-quality products that we’re not afraid to put to the test.”

Whether it’s structural waterproofing steels in a warehouse or fire retardant Type C systems on a new build, Delta Membrane Systems’ technical team will be happy to provide a full specification and offer guidance throughout a project.

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1 & 2: Comparison of Class E Type C cavity drainage membrane and Delta MS 500 Fire Retardant with naked flame

3 & 4: Comparison of membrane fixing plug and Delta Ultra Fix Fire Retardant fixing plug with naked flame

www.deltamembranes.com FC&A – MAY – 2021

01992 523523 34

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info@deltamembranes.com

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FC&A – MAY – 2021

FLOORS, WALLS & CEILINGS

WHY USE A BREATHABLE PAINT? Paint breathability measures how air and water vapour flows through its surface.

Older properties were built using materials that were designed to promote this airflow.

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sing paint with a high level of breathability, with breathable building materials, avoids moisture being ‘trapped’ beneath the surface of the paint. Trapped moisture can lead to damp walls, causing the paint to bubble, peel and eventually blow completely. It can also contribute to a harmful living environment.

Earthborn Claypaint is a highly breathable paint, perfect for walls and ceilings where breathability is key. It’s thick and

creamy with a high clay content, offering excellent coverage, no nasty paint smells and a number of eco properties.

There are two methods used to objectively measure breathability – the SD value and the MVTR value. Using either

www.earthbornpaints.co.uk

method, Claypaint is proven to have extremely high levels of breathability. More information on this topic can be found in the blog on the Earthborn website.

Ease of use, high covering power and lack of harmful emissions make Claypaint

01928 734171

an ideal option to optimise breathability for any building.

Earthborn’s new colour card showing all 72 colours in the classic range is now available and 100% recyclable, including the adhesive and the paint chips that use real Claypaint.

sales@earthbornpaints.co.uk

BERRYALLOC PURE LVT MIRRORS THE MODERN TERRAZZO FLOORING LOOK IDS

The fashionable look of terrazzo flooring can be achieved with the benefit of easy installation and at a fraction of the cost of the traditional material with the BerryAlloc Pure luxury vinyl tile (LVT) flooring range, available from IDS. The Terrazzo Light Grey decor (pictured) authentically replicates traditionally-laid terrazzo and will make a statement in both domestic and commercial interiors.

The design is supplied in large-format 612 x 612 x 5mm vinyl tiles which are compatible for use with water-piped underfloor heating systems. They are naturally warmer and 50% quieter underfoot than other LVT flooring due to the soft cushion surface being bonded onto a strong, durable SPC core.

www.idsurfaces.co.uk

08457 298 298

info@idsurfaces.co.uk

SETCRETE REVEALS THE TOP THREE CAUSES OF FLOORING FAILURE SETCRETE

Setcrete has revealed three reasons for flooring installation failures when using floor levelling compounds and adhesives to install textile, resilient or wooden floorcoverings. The number one cause of failure is the presence of damp, compounded by the absence of remedial action before installation. Subfloor moisture can be easily treated with a rapid set epoxy resin damp-proof membrane. The other two causes are the absence of priming and the incorrect selection of levelling compounds. Priming is an essential step in an installation, as it optimises the bond between an adhesive or levelling compound and the subfloor. Incorrect levelling compound selection is mainly problematic in situations where specific performance characteristics are required.

www.setcrete.co.uk FC&A – MAY – 2021

01538 361633

lisa.shirley@f-ball.com 36

ACO RESPONDS TO HOME RENOVATION BOOM WITH LAUNCH OF GRAVELGUARD ACO WATER MANAGEMENT

ACO Water Management has launched its easy-to-install gravel stabilising ground reinforcement system, GravelGuard.

Stabilisation systems play an important role in projects that incorporate gravel, addressing issues such as gravel drifting and rutting, through to membrane moving and water ponding on non-porous surfaces. ACO’s new GravelGuard includes features that combat these problems, as well as speed up installation and reduce maintenance for years to come.

Manufactured from 100% polypropylene, it is designed to facilitate unimpeded drainage of surface water while simultaneously ensuring gravel stability for pedestrian and vehicle access. It is suited to a range of applications, including driveways, garden paths, public spaces and roof surfaces.

www.aco.co.uk 01462 816666 customersupport@aco.co.uk

FLOORS, WALLS & CEILINGS

INNOVATION AND ENTERPRISE IN DESIGN Troldekt’s wood-wool acoustic ceiling panels have made a major contribution to the Enterprise Centre at the University of East Anglia. Dubbed the greenest building in the UK, it is also one of the most sustainable.

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t is recognised as the first large-scale project to target both Passivhaus certification and BREEAM ‘Outstanding’ and one which meets the highest energy and environmental standards.

Designed by sustainable architecture firm Architype, in collaboration with contractor Morgan Sindall, it is a great signal for clever thinkers and designers to be equally inspired in their choice of materials.

The rationale behind the decision was to make the centre a live and educational demonstrator of the performance of renewable materials. Here it would be possible to see any changes over time and to understand

their impact, including energy efficiency and carbon offsetting.

The building has become a classic source of knowledge for designers and builders.

The more they are informed of the environmental impact on their own projects and the options available to them, the easier it becomes to break with convention and design something innovative using traditional natural materials.

In addition to the Troldtekt wood-wool panelling, good examples from this project include the interior glulam beams which make up the main timber frame and the thatch for the wall panels which is an innovative system comprising hundreds of straw cassettes.

www.troldtekt.co.uk

This makes the centre the largest exterior thatched building in Europe with one of the finest interior acoustics for learning and study.

Founded on the Cradle to Cradle design concept, Troldtekt’s natural and inherently-sustainable panels

01978 664255

are available in a variety of different surfaces and colours and contribute positively to a building’s BREEAM, DGNB and LEED ratings. In addition to their high sound absorption and tactile surface, they offer high durability and low-cost lifecycle performance.

info@troldtekt.co.uk

Counter-balanced operation for ease of use Telescopic handrail & large treads for comfort and safety

Heavy duty ladder for strength & durability (load rating of 200 kg/tread)

The Elite loft ladder offers strength & ease of use...

www.premierloftladders.co.uk/elite 0345 9000 195 | sales@premierloftladders.co.uk 37

FC&A – MAY – 2021

DRAINAGE & LANDSCAPING

PROVING PERMEABLE PAVING Recent trials of older concrete block permeable paving projects following long-term use back up previous research, endorse current minimal maintenance recommendations and debunk misconceptions about clogging up of joints.

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ollowing more than 25 years’ extensive use, concrete block permeable paving (CBPP) has demonstrated its long-term performance with minimal, if any, maintenance. Over time, detritus and silt collects in the upper part of CBPP joint material between blocks, where a surface ‘crust’ is formed, protecting the laying course and sub-base material but still allowing infiltration.

Also, the performance of CBPP is not significantly affected by moss or weeds in the joints, or by leaves collecting on the surface. Even where localised blockages do occur, in a storm event excess water simply flows to more permeable, adjacent areas.

Previous research has demonstrated that the infiltration rate of CBPP will decrease due to this build-up in the jointing material, but then stabilise with age. Even after allowing for clogging, the long-term infiltration capability of permeable

www.paving.org.uk FC&A – MAY – 2021

pavements will normally substantially exceed UK hydrological requirements.

In order to better understand the effect trafficking, weathering and time have on CBPP systems, field tests were recently undertaken by an Interpave member on three projects installed six, 17 and 19 years ago respectively. All of the CBPP sites tested, despite receiving no specific maintenance to improve permeability, still provide infiltration rates that would cope with any likely UK rainfall event.

One of the trial projects – Martlesham Park and Ride, Suffolk – is the subject of a video showing the trials and includes an illuminating interview with the original designer about long-term performance, maintenance and the benefits of CBPP for trees.

To find out more, view the case study video and download the trials report, head over to the website.

0116 232 5170 38

info@paving.org.uk

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FC&A – MAY – 2021

BUILDING ELEMENTS

HOME USB CHARGING JUST GOT FASTER THANKS TO KNIGHTSBRIDGE KNIGHTSBRIDGE

Domestic USB charging points continue to grow in popularity with homeowners, and Knightsbridge is leading the trend with the introduction of 230V 13A two-gang switched sockets that uniquely support FASTCHARGE in two USB ports. The sockets have either a Type-A USB port, for the most encountered chargers, and a Type-C, which is fast becoming the device charging standard; or two Type-A ports. In either combination, however, both ports are FASTCHARGE-enabled. This means that a device compatible with QC2.0/QC3.0 (Quick Charge) or PD FASTCHARGE can achieve up to a 50% charge in 30 minutes or less.

KNIGHTSBRIDGE ADDITIONS DRIVE LIGHTING UP – AND DOWN – THE WAL KNIGHTSBRIDGE

Knightsbridge is adding two products to its extensive outdoor lighting range. These two new LED wall lights offer contrasting design styles and lighting effects but share the same attention to quality and detail. The WAD12 is a die-cast aluminium, cube-shaped wall light that is bi-directional, meaning it can show light from the top and the bottom at the same time. It features adjustable sliders on the top and the bottom, which allows users to easily create a variety of lighting effects. The IP65-rated luminaire measures a compact 125mm in height, 100mm width and 100mm depth, and is available in either anthracite or black. It features two LED lamps producing 330 lumens, each in warm white.

www.mlaccessories.co.uk 01582 887760 sales@mlaccessories.co.uk

www.mlaccessories.co.uk

01582 887760

sales@mlaccessories.co.uk

KNIGHTSBRIDGE AHEAD OF THE CURVE WITH MULTIMEDIA PLATE KNIGHTSBRIDGE

The demand for multimedia outlets in the home and workplace remains insatiable, and to help meet the demand, Knightsbridge has introduced a twogang, two-module switched socket and multimedia combination plate into its stylish curved-edge wiring devices range. Ideal for new build or refurbishment, the curved-edge multimedia combination plate allows for a power and bespoke signal distribution solution to be combined in a single unit.

Compatible with the extensive Knightsbridge range of modular inserts, the plate can be highly configured to suit bespoke customer requirements, including satellite TV, DAB, telecoms, networking and USB Charging. Put simply, this means no more messy cables and overloaded extension leads behind the TV.

www.mlaccessories.co.uk

01582 887760

sales@mlaccessories.co.uk

NEW EV CHARGE POINT PROTECTION AND SAFETY SOLUTIONS FROM BRANDSAFE BRANDSAFE PROTECTION

Improved levels of protection for electric vehicle (EV) charge points installed in warehouse and distribution centre car parks are provided by a new range of high-performance solutions from Brandsafe, the UK impact protection equipment specialist. The resilient, cost-effective and flexible EV charge point protection range from Brandsafe is ideal for the all-round protection of new or current EV charge point installations from vehicles in car park areas and features an array of durable and impact-resistant bollards, wheel stops and Armco barriers. For light and medium-duty applications, such as private office or public car parks, ImpactSAFE Protection Posts are available in either 600, 800 or 1000mm height options.

TIMBER FRAME CONSTRUCTION THE NORBORD WAY NORBORD

One of the largest structures so far to make use of Marmox Thermoblock’s unique combination of load-carrying and insulating properties is currently taking shape in Swanley, Kent.

Responding to The White Oaks Leisure Centre’s sloping topography, the water-retaining concrete lower floor to the 40m-wide building is raised up above ground level by the main frame of steel columns and beams, with a block and brickwork cavity perimeter wall enclosing a void space. Within the inner leaf to this, a total of 1200 of the 65mm-deep, 600 x 140mm Thermoblocks form a continuous thermal break overlapping the underside of the concrete floor, the soffit to which will then be covered with a spray-applied insulation layer to complete the thermal integrity of the sub-structure.

Timber frame construction brings many benefits to house-building, including quicker build times, quieter assembly, fewer deliveries to site, cost savings and a reduction in defects. Underpinning these advantages, Norbord’s engineered woodbased panel products are an integral part of many timber frame systems. They are regularly seen as the number one choice for all aspects of home building, be it the structure, flooring or interior. Norbord’s high-quality boards are available in a wide range of grades and, with minimal finishing required, speed up construction. The products are incredibly versatile, offer value for money and have good environmental credentials with a low carbon footprint as all are made in the UK.

www.marmox.co.uk

www.norbord.co.uk

www.brandsafeprotection.com

01525 850222

sales@brandsafeprotection.com

MARMOX THERMOBLOCKS SELECTED FOR SPORTS COMPLEX MARMOX

FC&A – MAY – 2021

01634 835290

sales@marmox.co.uk 40

01786 812921

BUILDING ELEMENTS

REVIVE AGED EXTERNAL WOOD – USE OSMO’S HIGHLY-EFFECTIVE POWER GEL With springtime upon us and the prospect of enjoying the long days and evenings in the garden, it’s time to get into full outdoor DIY mode and clean external wooden surfaces so that they are ready to be used when the sun starts shining.

OSMO UK

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ost homes have wood of some sort in their garden, be it decking, door and window frames, sheds, furniture, cladding and fencing. These wooden surfaces feel the brunt of the weather all year round.

In particular, high UV rays can bleach exterior wood, giving the timber a greyed and lifeless appearance. Wood has the ability to shrink, crack, peel and discolour – all things which will leave the surface looking old and tired.

Another problem that many wooden surfaces are faced with, particularly in the UK’s mild and damp climate, is the growth of mould, algae and fungal decay. Not only are these unsightly, but they can also cause danger if they take hold on surfaces, such as decking, as it will make the surface slippery.

As a natural material, wood needs maintenance to ensure it continues to retain its positive properties. The best maintenance products penetrate deeply into the wood, bringing elasticity to the surface and allowing it to breathe, preventing the pores from clogging.

www.osmouk.com

Specifically designed for outdoor application, Wood Reviver Power Gel offers a solution that is easy to apply whilst hugely improving the weathered wood’s appearance. Cutting through dirt and removing the top layers of the weathered surface, the solution restores the natural texture and appearance of the wood. It has a deep penetrating effect that allows users to achieve remarkable results that will bring exterior wood back to its original condition in just 20 minutes.

Available in 0.5, 2.5 and 5l, Osmo Wood Reviver Power Gel is a jelly-like cleaner that effectively cleans and refreshes greyed and weathered exterior wood.

Made from environmentally-friendly and biodegradable ingredients, the product is free from harmful solvents, chlorine compounds, amines and harmful odours. One coat of Osmo Wood Reviver Power Gel is sufficient to revive external wood back to its natural colour and appearance. This product is most effective on untreated wood that has been left to age.

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Osmo Wood Reviver Power Gel is ready to apply straight from the tin. The application process should begin by removing debris and dampening the surface with water. If the surface has been treated in the past, users should apply the Osmo Paint Remover Gel, which removes old oil-based finishes and stains. Once completed, the Wood Reviver Power Gel should be generously applied along the wood grain.

The solution requires just 20 minutes to gently work into the wood’s surface before being scrubbed with a hard bristle or scrub brush. Once rinsed with plenty of water, it is recommended to allow 48 hours drying time before applying a finish, such as Osmo Natural Oil Woodstain, Decking-Oils with Country Colour. This will help add protection to the wood against UV and water damage whilst maintaining the wood’s natural breathability.

sales@osmouk.com FC&A – MAY – 2021

BUILDING ELEMENTS

GET SUMMER READY WITH DR. SCHUTZ Now that the days and evenings are becoming brighter, brown patios, green fencing and grubby outdoor furniture are just some of the sights we’re beginning to see.

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o aid the dreaded task of exterior cleaning and maintenance, Dr. Schutz showcases three of its most popular products perfect for transforming outdoor spaces.

Wood Refresher Restore the natural colour of outdoor wood with an intensive cleaning agent for all wood surfaces, which have turned grey, with Dr. Schutz Wood Refresher. The product has good adhesion and a non-drip formula, making it easy for any surface to be refreshed.

Stone Care Stone Care is a concentrated cleaner for the removal of dirt, grime, grease and other micro-organisms on stone and tile floors. This product benefits from a high coverage of 1000m2/litre.

Intensive Cleaner This product is a thoroughly-effective and powerful deep cleaner for the removal of dirt, grime, algae, moss, grease and micro-organisms from any outdoor surface. Garden furniture, decking, fencing, stonework, brick walls, garden ornaments, steps, driveways, paths, patios and concrete are just some of the surfaces which can benefit from using this cleaner.

Stay on top of cleaning and maintenance this summer with Dr. Schutz.

www.drschutz.co.uk FC&A – MAY – 2021

01296 437827 42

Speak to our audience directly...

With our new

FCA and PSBJ Magazine Webinar series and magazines are determined to support the industry during this difficult period, and with a huge uplift in our online training and promotional areas, we are launching a new initiative that can involve you.

It’s your chance to speak to our audiences - directly!

Featuring a range of topics including: industry training, technical expertise, solutions for projects and more.

30/60-minute webinars and live Q&A sessions.

Your brand and your expertise listed on the registration page.

Delivering interesting, topical and educational content in the most accessible manner.

This campaign is launched to over 30,000 architects, specifiers and contractors for FC&A magazine and 14,000 housing associations, local authorities, heads of estates for education and healthcare buildings.

Your own dedicated brand and webinar promoted exclusively through FCA / PSBJ channels.

All opt-in GDPR-compliant attendee data from your session given to you.

If you are interested in taking part or would like to know more about our webinar series, please contact Cross Platform Media via telephone or email.

43 01622 232719

FC&A – MAY – 2021 sam@crossplatformmedia.co.uk

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