fca november 20 by Red Hut Media Ltd

FUTURE CONSTRUCTOR & ARCHITECT

ISSUE 129

NOVEMBER 2020

RMIG City Emotion

we make ideas come to life

RMIG FACADE CLADDING

Consistent aesthetics with perforation CREATIVE FACADE IN PERFORATED METAL GIVES AN UNIQUE EXPRESSION IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE VISIONS OF THE BUILDER AND THE ARCHITECT Mixed use developments should be functional, and at the same time be landmarks in the cityscape. Visionary builders and architects know the importance of the right facade cladding. Therefore, creative use of metal is often being considered when buildings are to leave an impression and be in harmony with the surroundings. A good example of this is Carlsberg’s new Group Headquarters which leads to the new City District,

clad with 1,640 m2 of anodized, perforated aluminium sheets. A stylized interpretation of the Group’s products and at the same time a robust and long-lasting facade. RMIG invite you to discuss any aspects of facade cladding and offer their specialized knowledge of material selection, processing and finishing operation. Contact us or see more inspiring examples at city-emotion.com

EDITOR’S NOTE Cross Platform Media LTD

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FUTURE CONSTRUCTOR & ARCHITECT MAGAZINE 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

NOVEMBER 2020

Pandemic or not, there are still pressing issues and targets the construction industry needs to continue addressing for the foreseeable. Although this year's been subjected to a great deal of uncertainty and an unprecedented hiatus from construction sites, architect practices, universities and other higher education institutes – as well as regrettable job cuts – the sector is still pushing through. That said, there's still much work to be done, and the Government's netzero-carbon and housing targets won't be passing from sight anytime soon. As such, architect practices around the globe are keeping creative juices flowing by continually innovating and designing new solutions for global infrastructure, housing and architectural issues to prove COVID-19 hasn't entirely shattered industry targets. One such firm is Perkins&Will, which recently ran a contest amongst its staff to design a co-living concept that addresses issues in the American housing market – issues that reflect the city-centre rent affordability issues we witness in 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.

CROSS PLATFORM MEDIA

SALES SUPPORT & A D M I N I S T R AT O R Klare Porter klare@crossplatformmedia.co.uk

cities like London. We've talked to Hala Elkhorazaty, Senior Interior Designer at Perkins&Will and winner of the in-house competition, about the scheme, named 'arroyo'. On page 16, Hala explains how she and colleague Vangel Kukov designed a unique concept that calls for residents involving themselves in the community to subsidise rent payments. Housing affordability and rent isn't the only concern taking hold of the industry, however. The long-winded and heavily publicised necessity for young blood in the construction sector is yet another hurdle we're striving to leap over in the coming years. With an extended spring-cum-summertime sabbatical for schools, colleges and universities this year, younger generations have already missed out with regards to mainstream education. And, thanks to the pandemic, T-levels – a sector-specific two-year course – had been delayed for 2020. This month, we've talked to Jackie Biswell from Apex Roofing about the role these T-level vocational qualifications will play in construction recovery post-COVID. Turn to page 28 to learn more.

Rebecca

REBECCA KEMP



fcamagazine fcamagazine fcamagazine FC&A Magazine

Editor, Future Constructor & Architect

ON THE COVER: Located in the heart of Hong Kong’s central business district, the 36-storey ZHA Architectsdesigned Murray Road project replaces a multistorey car park.

SEE PAGE 12.

FC&A – NOVEMBER – 2020

Protects with a Natural Look 3062 MATT Natural Ingredients Highly water repellent Extremely hardwearing Natural look, light reflections are defused.

NOVEMBER CONTENTS

NEWS

INDU STRY U PDAT E S :

ON SITE WITH S YK E S:

LEGAL & BU SINE S S:

VOICE OF THE I N DU S T RY:

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

This month, RIBA Architect Christopher Sykes uncovers some of the industry's concerns regarding the Government's Green Homes Grant and explores other architectural schemes that focus on 'energy'.

Liviu Tudor, the President of the European Property Federation and Founder of Genesis Property, explores the workplace of the future.

Richard Besant talks us through the essential revisions to the European standard for powder coating and outlines further measures to ensure the highest possible performance of your powder-coated finish.

FEATURES

HVAC:

PAINTS, COATI NG S & F I N I S HE S :

BU ILD FOCU S: Higher Education:

TECHNICAL FO C U S:

32 34

Paul Williams, Domus Ventilation’s Product Manager, identifies the five most frequent corners cut when installing ventilation and explains why they matter.

Different materials are subject to varying local environments; therefore, appropriate finishes for interior and exterior applications must be considered for architectural projects. Here, Amron Architectural explores secondary finish processes that work well with expanded mesh, perforated sheet, woven wire and gratings.

In this article, Jackie Biswell, Managing Director of Apex Roofing, explores the role T-levels will play in construction recovery post-COVID and looks at plugging the skills gap that has plagued the industry for years.

Following the recent publication of its white paper on unitised facade builds, Sapphire Balconies examines this growing trend and the technical considerations to bear in mind when designing this type of external building envelope with balconies.

ACOU STICS & S OU ND: With social distancing still vitally important in the fight against COVID-19, openplan offices have never been a scarier place to work, but return we must – for our mental health as much as our livelihoods, but could this be actually adding to our stress? Soundtect investigates.

R ENEWABLE T E C H NOLOG Y: Ian Rippin, CEO at MCS – the national standards organisation for renewables – discusses what he views as flaws in the Green Homes Grant, and what can be done to ensure low-carbon technologies become a staple solution for new-build properties of the future.

PORTFOLIOS

2 MU RRAY ROAD, ZH A ARC H I T E C T S :

AR ROYO, PER K I N S & W I L L :

Located in the heart of Hong Kong’s central business district, the 36-storey Murray Road project replaces a multi-storey car park to create an urban oasis adjacent to Chater Garden within a short walking distance to both Central and Admiralty MTR metro stations.

Here, FC&A talks to Hala Elkhorazaty, Senior Interior Designer at Perkins&Will, to find out more about her and her colleague Vangel Kukov’s award-winning affordable housing New York City-based concept, ‘arroyo’.

FC&A – NOVEMBER – 2020

INDUSTRY UPDATES

NE W S I N BR I E F: DMA AND DOMINVS GROUP CELEBRATE PLANNING WIN FOR NEW HOTEL IN CENTRAL YORK CONSERVATION AREA Dexter Moren Associates (DMA) has won planning consent for a new highquality hotel at the heart of York’s Central Historic Core conservation area for client Dominvs Group. The 132-bedroom hotel, near the landmark Clifford’s Tower, will feature a restaurant facing out onto the busy Piccadilly thoroughfare, becoming part of the Castle Regeneration Area. DMA’s concept for the facade interprets a contemporary approach to York’s vernacular architecture, particularly referencing the area’s detailed window and shop front designs. The use of brick solidifies the relationship between the hotel and the townscape, as red brick is a predominant material in the area, as well as establishing a link from the present day to the historic fabric of the city.

G F TOMLINSON COMPLETES UNITS AT SOUTH YORKSHIRE BUSINESS PARK G F Tomlinson has completed construction works on five new industrial units at Ashroyd Business Park, Barnsley. Constructed on plots four and five of the business park, the units have been speculatively built for developer Network Space, to meet a shortage of industrial space in the Sheffield City Region, in partnership with Sheffield City Region Local Enterprise Partnership and Barnsley Metropolitan Borough Council. Units that G F Tomlinson has recently completed comprise one single 52,871ft2 unit on plot 4B, which is suitable for use as an industrial or distribution unit, as well as four smaller units on plot 5 ranging from 11,049ft2 to 21,882ft2, which will be used as trade counters, storage, industrial and smaller business units. FC&A – NOVEMBER – 2020

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

GALWAY’S LARGEST URBAN REGENERATION PROJECT IS RECOGNISED AS SUSTAINABILITY LEADER Bonham Quay, a new mixed-use development in the heart of Galway, developed by Edward Capital and designed by BDP Architects, has been recognised as a leader in One Planet Living by international sustainability charity Bioregional. BDP ARCHITECTS

ombining office, retail, restaurant and cultural space, this 34,405m 2 scheme is designed to create a healthy, greener work environment for 2600 people where it’s easy to make sustainable choices. Highlights of the development, which is to be built on land contaminated by previous industrial use, include: Sustainable, active travel encouraged with a ratio of just 0.05 of a car parking space per worker, excellent public transport links, electric car charging points, 330 bicycle spaces and shower and bike storage facilities Looking after the health and wellbeing of occupants with green space, gym and exercise facilities, and plenty of natural light and low levels of indoor pollution Living wages guaranteed – all tenants will be required to pay their staff a living wage Engaging with tenants to create a culture of sustainability – a tenant handbook will provide useful One Planet Living guidance, including a sustainable food charter and support to eliminate single-use plastics 23% of the site will be landscaped green space using native trees, plants and wildflowers The development aims to be net-zero carbon by 2030 through high energy efficiency as well as using solar energy, air source heat pumps, a heat recovery system and purchased renewable energy, where possible. 6

Sue Riddlestone, Co-Founder and CEO of Bioregional, said: “Bonham Quay is an inspiring response to how our city centres can evolve to create places we want to visit and work in, with space for nature which all can enjoy. This, combined with its highly accessible location, and the deep commitment of the development team to designing a high-quality scheme that makes it easy for people to live a sustainable lifestyle, has ensured that Bonham Quay deserves recognition as a sustainability leader in Ireland for One Planet Living.” Gerry Barrett of Edward Capital said: “Since being introduced to One Planet Living, we have been using this holistic framework to further drive our sustainability aspirations. With a city-centre location and aiming for WELL, LEED and WIRED certification, we were sure that we had a fantastic base for creating a sustainability exemplar. Using the One Planet Living framework, we identified areas where we could go even further, including working closely with both tenants and the neighbouring community to create a culture that really embraces sustainability.”

www.bdp.com

ARCHITECT IN PROFILE

ARC H IT EC T I N P RO F I LE This month’s exclusive Q&A profiles Hong Kong-based Elena Galli Giallini – the Architect responsible for the elegant design of Shanghai’s Grand Gateway 66 north building, which featured in our July issue. Here, we find out more about Elena’s portfolio and architectural ethos. ELENA GALLI GIALLINI

ELENA GALLI GIALLINI 1:

IMAGES : 1:

Sino Ocean Taikoo Li

Grand Gateway 66

underground shopping centre underground shopping centre

www.elenagalligiallini.com FC&A – NOVEMBER – 2020

Please tell us a bit about your career background. I studied architecture in Turin and Venice University of Architecture (Italy), graduating under the guidance of Gino Valle. Soon after graduation, I worked in Italy for my own studio, specialising in architectural design, renovations of old buildings, interiors and industrial designs. In 1995, I moved to Japan, starting a collaboration spanning almost 18 years with renowned major Japanese enterprises, property developers and industrialists, focusing on residential multi-family complex and industrial design projects. Then, I moved to Hong Kong and established my office in 2013, which provides all-round solutions in the fields of architecture, interior design and product design; with particular attention to bespoke approaches and craftsmanship value. Had you always wanted to pursue a career in architecture? I remember spending a great deal of my free time during my childhood drawing colourful landscapes, prairies with unusual trees under a blue sky and randomly arranged, small pitched roof houses. My drawings were bucolic renditions of wild Africa, where I was born. Houses were the expression of my sense of inhabitation, which gives us the feeling of belonging to a particular place. Later on, in Italy, my black ink drawings and etchings were mostly representations of cathedrals, palaces, architectural ruins, reminiscent of Italian cities’ glorious pasts. With a love for art and creativity and a keen interest in the architectural and historical patrimony in Italy – particularly from the Renaissance period – intertwined with my 8

passion for scientific and mathematical disciplines, architecture and design was a natural choice. There is no other discipline that can be defined by its intrinsic, indissoluble combination of artistic-aesthetical aspects and technical-scientific contents. Who has been your greatest source of inspiration? My first inspiration, at a young age, came from Renaissance creators such as Leonardo da Vinci, Brunelleschi and Michelangelo, Leon Battista Alberti, Palladio, Botticelli, Mantegna, Bellini – and so many others. Their creations were astonishingly inventive; they were inventors of new theories and techniques that made way for radical change in many fields – visual representation (think about the invention of perspective) as well as techniques and methods of construction (think about the engineering marvel of the cupola for the Duomo in Firenze, for which Brunelleschi invented a wholly innovative and advanced construction method). They inspire me for their limitless mastery on each aspect of the creative disciplines, encompassing paintings, visual arts, sculpture and architecture; they were real precursors and multidisciplinary creators. What has been your most notable project to date? I would like to pick a couple of my recent retail complexes for a high-end segment in China, which are parts of extensive mixed-use developments, comprising hotels, apartments and office towers. In Chengdu, our Sino Ocean Taikoo Li underground shopping mall is embedded in a historical, unique area enriched by Daci Temple, dating back to the third century, and surrounded by heritage buildings. The development is

ARCHITECT IN PROFILE

2: defined by a low-rise, high-density modern village where you can enjoy a number of activities and experiences. Our project’s key element was the bold, unconventional design which created a strong relationship with both the heritage environment and the ‘Sichuan’ style. Our organic scheme also expressed a symbolical reference to the natural landscape typical of the region. In Shanghai, our renovation for Grand Gateway 66 (north building) – which is now a unique landmark in the Xujiahui district – has brought not only a total transformation to the development but also the rejuvenation of the entire surrounding area. How do you approach your projects? My European, cultural background has merged with my working experience of more than 25 years in Asia – first in Japan, then here in China. This reinforces my belief that to generate creative outputs through design, we cannot rely on ‘fixed formulas’ and ‘all-in-one’ recipes. My approach, rather than by a ‘personal style’, is defined by a working philosophy, based on a constant search for novelty, both aesthetically and functionally. I aim to create a strong identity, and this requires interpreting the sense of history and the direction for the future. For each project, my design methodology is centred on a holistic approach. I integrate all the distinctive variables, including culture, lifestyle, the city and its environment. These are meaningful elements that inform my design strategy in the quest for relevant solutions, coherent with the environment. What do you think is the greatest challenge for designing in sustainability? The main challenge is to be able to create widespread awareness about the inevitability

of sustainability. Designing, thinking, producing, managing resources and production process in ‘sustainability mode’ is no longer an option if we want our planet to survive. The environmental and climate crises are just the most visible effects of a worldwide hyperconsumptiondriven lifestyle and mass production fuelled by conventional mass-market business strategies. As a by-product, we are accumulating unmanageable waste, making architecture and spaces that become soon unadaptable and obsolete, therefore producing additional waste, manufacturing unnecessary products and depleting natural resources. The real challenge is to have new comprehensive legislation and policies adopted in the mass market in every field – not just in the construction industry – to pave the way for ecofriendly production and sustainable consumption models. Proper use of technologies such as AI and strategic design will then concur to produce a new kind of wealth that also targets social health and wellbeing. Again, design will be a strategic and fundamental tool in this journey. What is your favourite building? Diversity is actually what I look for. To me, specificity expresses a building’s relevance and its correspondence to particular environmental conditions. I always refer to a place as ‘Genius Loci’, a concept defined first by Cristian 9

3: Norberg Shultz in his fundamental book about the phenomenology of architecture, which is still very relevant. I am particularly fond of architecture that is able to provide sensory and emotional experiences. What I look for is authenticity, the interplay of natural materials, a great level of customisation and detailing as well as unusual and innovative solutions, solved with simplicity and understatement. Some examples are the works from Renzo Piano (Parliament of Malta), Rafael Moneo, Eduardo Souto De Moura, Peter Zhumtor, Alvaro Siza, Carlo Scarpa and Chinese Architect, Wang Shu (Ningbo History Museum). What can we expect to see from you over the next year? The full completion of a second retail building (140,000m2), part of the Shanghai Grand Gateway 66 mixeduse development – which, as the design architect and interior designer, we have developed renovation projects for both the north and south retail buildings. As China is progressing ahead in its phase of recovery from COVID-19, we also expect to be able to deepen the conversations for projects in commercial and retail fields. FC&A – NOVEMBER – 2020

COATINGS & FIXINGS

Decorative panels of perforated metal with pearlescent powder coating

Creatively formed mild steel panels with silver-grey powder coating

POWDER COATING ASSISTS CONTEMPORARY APPEAL IN REGENERATION PROJECTS

esidential refurbishment projects have many targets to fulfil, critical amongst these being adherence to updated health and safety directives and adaptations to current energy efficiency goals. Housing standards also dictate provision for maintenance and upkeep and facilities for greater social integration. However, not to be overlooked or forgotten is the visual impact and the positive effect that a transformed building can have on an area and its community. “At Powdertech Corby, we are in the exciting position of applying the finishing touch in a refurbishment project, the final coating applied to external metalwork and cladding,” commented Richard Besant, Director at Powdertech. “Various objectives will influence the choice of the overall look of a building, be it a need to merge in with existing buildings or landscape, or, conversely, stand out from the crowd. There may be a desire to reflect a past heritage – industrial, maritime or historical.” The overriding factor is one of rejuvenation, bringing new life to a tired building or estate, and also of engendering a sense of pride for residents.

by the designers to complement the brickwork, giving the buildings a contemporary look. A zinc-rich primer provides enhanced protection in areas where the environment is regarded as more corrosive than usual. An interesting mixed-use building occupies a prominent corner position on Great Portland Street, the original 1980s facade of which has been updated with high-quality materials complementary to the surroundings. Two additional storeys have been added to contain four penthouse apartments, with a facade of expanded aluminium mesh, the entire structure forming a spectacular pinnacle to the impressive building. The designers were keen to retain the natural sheen of metal, and for this purpose, they turned to Powdertech’s Evolution Collection of powder coatings which reflect the look of metal in its natural and weathered states.

Visual appeal contributes to residents’ satisfaction Pembury Circus in Hackney is the area’s largest car-free development and offers community facilities alongside new apartments. The new residences have large balconies with balustrade panels made from pre-galvanised mild steel, part-punched, perforated and dished to give an unusual effect. Powdertech Corby applied zinc-rich primer to seal the bare steel areas that become exposed part-way through the fabrication when the perforations are made. A silvergrey polyester architectural powder coating was applied as a topcoat. Pembury Circus has been described as “a place that offers a range of useful community facilities as well as highquality homes in a development that is legible, egalitarian and a joy to inhabit” and was shortlisted for an award. Expert pre-treatment and carefully chosen powder coating shades and textures will ensure that these refurbishment projects remain attractive and smart over the years to come.

Creative use of metal and colour A number of projects completed by Powdertech Corby in recent years illustrate this point. Refurbishment of Regent’s Park Estate, Camden, provided high-quality new homes for residents directly affected by HS2 construction in the Euston area. A key feature was the creative design of high-quality cladding panels made from part-pressed and fully perforated pre-galvanised steel, together with slightly expanded mild steel panels which give an undulating cladding outer face. Powdertech Corby degreased, shot blasted and primed the external panels in a zinc-rich primer before applying a polyester powder RAL 1035 pearlescent beige topcoat, chosen

pcl@powdertech.co.uk FC&A – NOVEMBER – 2020

POWDERTECH CORBY

www.powdertechcorby.co.uk 10

01536 400890

NEW

FC&A – NOVEMBER – 2020

2 MURRAY ROAD, ZHA ARCHITECTS

ZHA ANNOUNCES THE DESIGN OF 2 MURRAY ROAD Located in the heart of Hong Kong’s central business district, the 36-storey Murray Road project for Henderson Land replaces a multi-storey car park to create an urban oasis adjacent to Chater Garden, within a short walking distance to both Central and Admiralty MTR metro stations. ZHA ARCHITECTS

ith its base elevated above the ground to shelter courtyards and gardens cultivated with trees and plants in the centre of one of the world’s busiest cities, the design creates new civic plazas that are enveloped by nature. Echoing the organic forms of the natural world; the redevelopment connects with the adjacent public gardens and parks. These tranquil outdoor areas flow into the FC&A – NOVEMBER – 2020

generous communal spaces of the interior; the craftsmanship and precision of the curved glass facade enhance this seamless connectivity between the building’s interiors and the surrounding gardens and city beyond. The design reinterprets the structural forms and layering of a Bauhinia bud about to blossom. Known as the Hong Kong orchid tree, the Bauhinia x blakeana was first propagated in the city’s botanic gardens above the Murray Road site and its flowering bud features on Hong Kong’s flag. At the core of the city’s financial district, the project is situated at the east-west/north-south junction of Hong Kong’s network of elevated pedestrian walkways; connecting directly with surrounding gardens, shops and restaurants as well as the offices of leading financial and civic institutions. 12

A high-tensile steel structure provides a wide span (up to 26m) of naturally lit, column-free, Grade A office space with a 5m floor-to-ceiling height, giving maximum flexibility. Its vertical core is located on the eastern side of the building to optimise views of Chater Garden and the city’s renowned skyline to the west. Working with Henderson Land and Arup’s Building Sustainability Team, the design has achieved LEED Platinum and WELL 'Platinum' precertification together with the highest three-star rating of China’s Green Building Rating Programme. The design, procurement and construction targets full certification at occupancy. The building’s smart management system creates a contactless pathway for all occupants from the street to their workstation that eliminates direct contact with communal surfaces and includes AI-assisted lift controls. Using a mobile phone, contactless

2 MURRAY ROAD, ZHA ARCHITECTS

smart card or biometric recognition, occupants can enter the building and pass security, call lifts to their office floor and access other zones such as lounge areas and washrooms. Arranged for access on multiple levels, the large double-height foyer at ground level welcomes staff and visitors with its interplay of natural light, planting and organic forms leading up to the second floor public lobby on the city’s elevated walkway network. Suspended above the canopy of its surrounding trees, the sculptural glass facade of this expansive lobby defines a variety of nested spaces, each refined for purpose and experience. Designed for intuitive navigation and to accommodate evolving patterns of working with enhanced workplace flexibility, the colour palettes of these finely detailed spaces differentiate key destinations within the tower.

Located on the refuge floor, the Sky Garden is an outdoor recreational space with running track and an aquaponics planting network that acts as an effective biological air-purifying filter by consuming contaminants. The banqueting hall at the top of the tower offers panoramic views of the city’s surrounding skyline. Hosting a variety of public and corporate events, its glazed roof and facade will ensure this space becomes one of the city’s most memorable venues. Designed to withstand the region’s powerful summer typhoons, the facade comprises four-ply, double-laminated, double-curved insulated glass units – the first of their kind in Hong Kong – to effectively insulate the building and reduce its cooling load as well as build resilience. Hybrid ventilation is controlled by the building’s automated management system and enables all office levels to be naturally ventilated. This natural ventilation can be supplemented when required with mechanical dehumidification and filtration to further enhance the indoor environment and air quality. 13

The building’s air quality monitoring system will detect the degree of occupancy in any interior and automatically adjust indoor air temperature, humidity and fresh air volume to meet demand. These smart systems learn to accurately predict daily occupancy trends to optimise energy demand, ensuring increased efficiencies with lower energy consumption. Two weather stations installed at street level and roof level will monitor real-time outdoor conditions including PM10, PM2.5, ozone, daylight (solar irradiation), wind speed (m/s), rainfall (mm), temperature (ºC), humidity (%) and noise (dB). These weather stations will inform occupants of outdoor air quality and are connected to the building’s automated management system to adjust the tower’s hybrid ventilation as required, ensuring the optimum supply of high-quality outdoor air. FC&A – NOVEMBER – 2020

2 MURRAY ROAD, ZHA ARCHITECTS

The redevelopment also incorporates a solar responsive ventilator (SRV) along the western perimeter of each floor to enhance the comfort of occupants. Powered by photovoltaics, the low speed, silent SRV creates a channel of air that has the ability to adjust solar radiative heat to the perimeter zone for further comfort. A 26% reduction in electricity demand will be achieved with the use of smart chiller plant optimisation, high-efficiency HVAC equipment and daylight sensors that reduce artificial lighting during periods of sufficient natural light. A top-down construction method is employed to accelerate the redevelopment programme on-site by implementing deep basement and above-ground construction at the same time. With construction works beginning last year and its procurement targeting embodied carbon reductions as well as the use of recycled materials, 2 Murray Road looks to the future with the integration of advanced design, construction and operational technologies.

www.zaha-hadid.com FC&A â&#x20AC;&#x201C; NOVEMBER â&#x20AC;&#x201C; 2020

2 MURRAY ROAD, ZHA ARCHITECTS

FC&A – NOVEMBER – 2020

ARROYO, PERKINS&WILL

RESPONDING TO THE CITY-CENTRE HOUSING CRISIS Designers at the London studio of Perkins&Will have created an innovative, co-living community concept that responds to the housing crisis affecting major cities worldwide, placing the London team’s submission as the winner of an international, firm-wide competition held each year. PERKINS&WILL

HALA ELKHORAZATY IS SENIOR INTERIOR DESIGNER AT P E R K I N S & W I L L

he concept, ‘arroyo’, is a communityled, sustainable co-living development which reimagines an industrial site in one of New York City’s most expensive neighbourhoods, the West Village of Manhattan. Housing affordability is a critical challenge in many global cities, making this competition particularly timely. In London, for example, people earning a median salary would, on average, spend nearly half of their pre-tax pay on a typical one-bedroom house or flat. This design exercise allowed the London-based team to think about housing affordability issues as a universal human right, rather than a localised, cityspecific one. Here, FC&A’s Editor, Rebecca Kemp, talks to Hala Elkhorazaty, Senior Interior Designer at Perkins&Will and winner of the in-house competition, to find out more about the concept.

Can you please let us know a bit more about the brief for this project? The brief for this project was to design a co-living concept which addresses issues in the American housing market. These factors include: Rising rents Falling subsidies Shifting homeownership More than half of monthly income to pay rent in NY/LA. FC&A – NOVEMBER – 2020

And, how do you feel that you fulfilled this brief? My colleague, Vangel Kukov – also from Perkins&Will’s London studio – and I fulfilled the brief by creating a co-living model, where renters have the opportunity to live in a high-quality development, with an actively involved community and options for reduced rent. The project reimagines an industrial site in one of New York City’s most expensive neighbourhoods, the West Village of the NYC borough of Manhattan. We also designed a model for an app which helps organise bills and allows residents to earn points through involving themselves in the community to subsidise rent payments.

Talk us through the inspiration behind the concept. The project was inspired by the concept of ‘arroyo’ – a place that was once dry, which then transforms to a stream of life after rain – to create a community-led, sustainable co-living development. To truly emphasise the sustainability of the project, we based the entire piece around the concept of ‘living design’, to create an almost circular carbon footprint within the building. As well as using the existing foundation to minimise their carbon footprint, the London team designed a structural system using cross-laminated timber (CLT) and glued laminated wood (glulam) in a diagonal pattern, to form a unique, lightweight and environmentally-friendly structure for the building. The architecture purposely maximises the amount of natural light entering the space and creates a valley for cross ventilation between the buildings and gardens to enhance the communal spaces. The building follows the living design concepts developed by Perkins&Will and thrives on the heartfelt concepts of civic architecture.

ARROYO, PERKINS&WILL

How does this scheme stand out from other affordable housing projects? arroyo is a place that is open to the public and challenges the thoughts on the enclosed environments with strict rules. It is an inviting space with a burst of public spaces throughout the central valley that becomes a destination for public and private communities. arroyo also responds to the housing crisis by giving residents multiple opportunities to subsidise their rent throughout the month by being active in the community. By sustaining the environment and continuously adding value, residents can gain points that can be traded for services or its monetary value in rent.

How easy is it to weave sustainability into affordable housing schemes? Sustainability is fundamental and needs to be the basis of any design we make moving forward; we are no longer in a time that this aspect can be looked at as an additional item. Now, with the progress of the market and the increased awareness of the positive long-term effects of a sustainable design scheme, I can positively say that this can be a simple task if planned early on in the scheme design. The benefits of sustainable design will fundamentally benefit those dwelling in the new spaces as much as those managing it.

Is there any sustainability-focused advice you can offer other architects working on housing schemes? After working on a scheme for arroyo, I do feel humbled by the work residential architects need to do in their projects; it is a complex and quite personal approach to design. I would say that coming from a different background almost allowed me to break some of the misconceptions about residential design and relook at a lot of the traditional concepts in a new light. Part of which is the idea of sharing services or ‘communal areas’ – this has always been looked at negatively. Still, there is quite a positive effect on the community as a whole which we tried to explain in arroyo. Another idea was to focus on materials; there has been a lot of progress in new materials that are more healthy, sustainable, have a minimal carbon footprint and can live much longer than those used in residential design. These can be used in a nontraditional way and can truly impact the sustainability of the project. Last, is the idea of leasing of products (e.g. furniture, light as a service, kitchen devices etc.). If we move closer to a model of less ownership, this would ease the cost burden for many residents. This will 17

also enforce many manufacturers to look at more circular design aspects in their products as they will have the responsibility to take back and re-use in future products. On the other hand, I would like to say that there is much to learn from residential design in different sectors, as it genuinely embodies a humancentric approach and celebrates it in every aspect.

Please tell us more about Perkins&Will’s ‘Precautionary List’. The Precautionary List is dedicated to supporting open and honest disclosure of building materials. Perkins&Will created a website called ‘Transparency’ to influence the design and construction of healthier buildings. The website essentially provides a ‘precautionary list’ of materials which designers can refer to when working on projects, to reduce the global chemical burden and produce healthier built environments. It also provides a platform to showcase resources, news and data which supports open and honest conversations surrounding building material ingredients. We incorporated these aspects into the arroyo concept to create a building that is healthy for both the residents and the planet. FC&A – NOVEMBER – 2020

ARROYO, PERKINS&WILL

How beneficial do you think in-house design competitions like these are to members of the team? These in-house design competitions are a fantastic opportunity to promote a diverse range of designers and their individual skillset across international studios of Perkins&Will. Furthermore, it allows designers to explore different markets from the countries they are based in, as well as other project types we might not usually work on. These design competitions are usually held in a short timeframe and this helps us all enliven our competitive and team spirit to meet the time constraints as well as being an opportunity to let our imaginations run free without the usual constraints of clients and budgets.

CATEGORY A – LEVELS 02, 03, 04

STUDIO LAYOUT Shared bathroom Shared communal Shared kitchen

CATEGORY B – LEVELS 05, 06, 07, 08

What have you learned from this project?

CATEGORY C – LEVELS 11, 12

For us in the London studio, we had the chance to bring a fresh perspective to challenges facing New York’s housing market, which when compared to London, fundamentally face very similar issues around destiny, affordability and sustainability. The exercise made us look at these issues as a universal human right, rather than a localised, city-specific one.

Is there anything from this project that you’ll be applying to active schemes? Yes, we launched the Perkins&Will living design principles, as well as some research on circular economy and carbon footprint for arroyo. We are actively using these concepts in our current projects as well as building on the research for our future responsibilities of being leaders in the sustainable and human-centric design.

Private bedroom

Private bathroom

Shared communal

Shared kitchen

Private kitchen

www.perkinswill.com

FC&A – NOVEMBER – 2020

COMMUNAL SPACE Private bedroom

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FC&A – NOVEMBER – 2020

COLUMN

ON SITE WITH SYKES CHRISTOPHER SYKES I S A N A R C H I T E C T W H O T R A I N E D AT T H E B A R T L E T T S C H O O L O F A R C H I T E C T U R E AT U N I V E R S I T Y C O L L E G E LO N D O N . A F T E R H E Q U A L I F I E D , H E W O R K E D I N B O T H LO N D O N A N D S W E D E N . H AV I N G W I D E N E D H I S W R I T I N G A N D J O U R N A L I S T I C S K I L L S , H E S U B S E Q U E N T LY S TA R T E D H I S O W N P U B L I S H I N G C O M PA N Y S P E C I A L I S I N G I N B U I L D I N G M A G A Z I N E S A N D E V E N T S . A S A H O B B Y, H E U S E D T O W R I T E S I T C O M F O R T H E B B C .

GREEN AND MULTI-COLOUR CREATE DIFFERENT ENERGIES Under the £2bn Green Homes Grant scheme, homeowners and landlords in England are able to apply for vouchers worth up to two thirds the cost of upgrading the energy efficiency of their home – maximised at £5000. While this worthwhile and essential scheme is to be welcomed, it also generates a large number of concerns.

he obvious one is the over the top demand for grants; far more than expected – some reports suggest 10 times more than the amount on offer. In addition, how will it be possible for all vouchers to be redeemed and all work completed by 31st March next year when builders and contractors are already over-stretched? One of the big problems is the rise in scams because many Government-sponsored schemes in the past have generated problems. It is vital that the largely uninformed public have access to information that will help them to know if the price is right and not inflated. For example, before you go ahead with someone, does Joe Public know how much the average cost per square meter is to cavity fill? Or, how much should you spend on this and that – everything including solar panels, biomass FC&A – NOVEMBER – 2020

pellet boilers, energy-efficient doors, double or triple glazing, roof insulation and so on? The Money Saving website is also helpful with its wealth of comment and concerns which should be addressed. Colin Beattie, Head of Sustainability at John Robertson Architects, has suggested that the Government had failed to consider the whole-life carbon implications of the grant. This is because it is important to understand the embodied carbon used in order not to negate energy efficiency. Fortunately, advice and support on energy efficiency improvements and what is or is not available can be sourced from the Simple Energy Advice Service. They will then direct households to a list of approved TrustMark and/or Microgeneration Certification Scheme (MCS)-registered tradespeople in their local area to carry out the work.

The Dulwich Picture Gallery was designed by architect firm Pricegore, which teamed up with Artist Yinka Ilori And, how can multi-colour create energy, you may ask? One of the best examples is on the 2020 Wood Awards shortlist. It’s the 10m-high cubic pavilion which welcomes you to the Dulwich Picture Gallery in South London. The structural frame was constructed from painted Douglas fir sections while European redwood patterned louvres clad it all. A simple geometric pattern was applied to the outer face of each louvre, while another pattern of horizontal stripes was applied to the sides. As you move around the building, the colours and patterns seem to change 20

constantly. A single colour was applied to the inner face to create a slim interior. Wood was selected for its many qualities, including enhanced acoustics. The timber’s slight imperfections contribute to the sense that the cladding is an overlapping, colourful fabric. It is this that influences the eye to encourage the spectator to feel warm, soft and delighted. In other words, the multi-colours generate another form of equally important energy – one which makes you excited and can hardly wait to enter the gallery and be hit by another myriad of colour inside!

LEGAL & BUSINESS

SAFELY RETURNING TO OFFICES WITH THE IMMUNE BUILDING STANDARD

LIVIU TUDOR IS FOUNDER AND PRESIDENT AT GENESIS PROPERTY

What was clear to see following the global implementation of lockdown measures across the world was that the property sector was neither prepared nor equipped to manage a situation of this nature. In this context, the framework behind the IMMUNE Building Standard (IMMUNE) was initiated, with a strategy to engineer safer built environments for people and organisations returning to their offices, says Liviu Tudor, Founder and President at Genesis Property. GENESIS PROPERTY

MMUNE has been developed as a set of measures, technical solutions and facility management practices to certify how built environments can withstand present and future health challenges and minimise the impact of a pandemic such as COVID-19 and other bacteriological or toxicological threats in the most sustainable way possible. To provide a new global standard as a reference for buildings of all types, we allocated budget exceeding $1m for prototyping and enlisted an expert team of around 20 multi-sector R&D professionals from the health, technology, real estate, architectural and engineering fields, who borrowed learnings from hospitals and IT industry’s

clean rooms to develop the IMMUNE model. It was during this phase, coupled with additional research and personal expertise of over 30 years in the commercial property sector, that we were able to draw up 100+ recommended measures for buildings to implement. An authorised building assessor in the field of sustainable building design, development and certification, will evaluate and award a property with one of the three IMMUNE labels: ‘Strong’ – equivalent of three stars, ‘Powerful’ – equivalent of four stars or ‘Resilient’ – equivalent of five stars, based on the number of criteria met during the official assessment. The award demonstrates a building’s diligence and commitment to implementing the Healthy by Design 21

approach while considering best practices to achieve the IMMUNE standard. The IMMUNE index measures include architectural engineering, technology, design and two levels of operational practices – perpetual and ready-to-action – and offers a step-by-step guide for anyone involved in the realm of real estate development, including architects, engineers, designers, developers and building owners, with target benchmarks to help them create a resilient future workplace. One of the main advantages of the standard is that as it is an open source inaugural version, there will be adequate opportunities to continually re-assess and evolve as time goes on to ensure that the workplace is the safest it can be, regardless of its size and facilities, as we continue to learn more about the challenges we face. As per the recommended engineering and design in the criteria, the workplace of the future could include various unique features established by IMMUNE, including: IMMUNE Stewards would be deployed within each building to implement and monitor activities The IMMUNE Quarantine/ Room – a specially designed, fully equipped and ready to use area in case of an immediate need to isolate any exposed people The Emergency IMMUNE Warehouse – contriving a rapid and effective relief logistic system for pandemicresponse, containing specific protective materials including PPE. The IMMUNE Steward will be responsible to maintain the stock materials and to distribute at building level everything necessary to ensure safety to all occupants. The IMMUNE Digital Twin – digital screens placed in receptions to display immunity-boosting indicators such as daily improvement of indoor air quality in comparison to outside air, water parameters versus the water source received from the city network, etc.

www.genesisproperty.net FC&A – NOVEMBER – 2020

VOICE OF THE INDUSTRY

Jigging points in suitable positions for optimal coating

Terracotta powder coating – with a 25-year guarantee for adhesion, colour and gloss level

REVISION OF POWDER COATING STANDARD BS EN 12206-1 Richard Besant talks us through the important revisions to the European standard for powder coating and outlines further measures to ensure the highest possible performance of your powder-coated finish. POWDERTECH

RICHARD BESANT IS DIRECTOR OF POWDERTECH (CORBY), A SPECIALIST ARCHITECTURAL POWDER COATER. POWDERTECH IS A MEMBER OF CAB (COUNCIL FOR ALUMINIUM IN BUILDING) AND ALFED (ALUMINIUM FEDERATION), AND RICHARD IS A MEMBER OF THE COMMITTEE FOR EN 13438 – THE EUROPEAN STANDARD FOR POWDER COATING ON GALVANISED STEEL.

FC&A – NOVEMBER – 2020

or specifiers and powder coaters of architectural aluminium, the recognised European Standard is BS EN 12206. Standards do not stand still and are revised in line with developments in technology and ongoing research. December 2020 will see the publication of the latest edition (BS EN 12206-1) after a long period of consultation. The benefit of the EU standards is that they have independent input from all interested parties, and the result is a practical standard that draws its information from a cross-section of the industry. For those with a long memory, the original version of this standard was BS 6496 first published in 1984 and withdrawn in 2017 which meant that BS 6496 and BS EN 12206, which drew heavily from the text and tests of BS 6496, ran in parallel for 13 years, giving plenty of time for a transfer from one standard to another and ending any specification confusion. Standards are not the most inviting of documents to plough through, so I thought it might be helpful if I took this opportunity to point out the significant changes in the latest standard, BS EN 12206-1:2020. 22

Equivalence in pre-treatment systems This is the most significant stage in powder coating, and BS EN 12206-1 recognises the equivalence of the three more common processes broadly categorised as chromebased, chrome-free and pre-anodised. Because BS EN 12206-1 is a performance-based standard and is not prescriptive as to the best pre-treatment process, it uses a range of performance requirements that must be met in order to meet the standard. It is worth noting that the use of chrome-based systems is likely to be phased out in the near future because of the proven carcinogenic and mutagenic effects associated with chrome.

Thickness of coating Specifiers frequently ask “What is the correct film thickness” and “Is thicker better?”. BS EN 12206-1 addresses this in two ways. The minimum film thickness has been set as an absolute number, 40 microns. In addition, there is a recognition that different powders and different locations may need individual or local arrangements to achieve the performance requirement as set out in the standard. To answer the initial question, no, thicker is not always better.

Flexibility testing Since the standard was first written, powder coating systems have improved significantly, resulting in the now common specification of Class 2 or super-durable products. These products have enhanced ultraviolet (UV) light performance for colour and gloss retention over an extended period of time though it should be noted that the specification of a Class 2 or super-durable product does not increase the corrosion resistance of the product.

VOICE OF THE INDUSTRY

Powder coating flexibility on curved surfaces

There is a trade-off to this increased UV performance of super-durable products as the coating is less flexible. BS EN 12206-1 recognises this with the establishing of Class A for the more flexible standard coatings and Class B for the super-durable coatings. The three coating flexibility tests on sample panels are: cupping (forcing a steel ball into a test panel), falling weight (dropping a known weight from a known height) and bend (bending around a mandrel). The use of the class rating is focusing the powder coating manufacturers on producing a better, super-durable product that combines enhanced UV stability with coating flexibility.

the correct process is. It’s no use specifying for a fabulous colour if it peels off within five years.

New pre-treatments

Class 1 and Class 2 powder products have no difference in corrosion protection properties

The final significant revision of the standard is the clarification of outdoor exposure performance requirements for “alternative” pre-treatments, including chrome-free, pre-anodising or other processes. This will ensure that all new pre-treatment systems have a clear performance target which allows product development without compromising performance.

A note of caution Knowing the standard is not the same as knowing the performance. There are a number of aspects that specifiers should familiarise themselves with so there is a practical dimension to any specification.

Budget for the correct process as well as the colour The relative cost between one colour and another may not be a major cost driver whereas, in the long-term, using

Confirm your project corrosion category A simple questionnaire confirming the location, elevation, distance from the seashore, prevailing winds and other factors will enable a powder coater to confirm the availability of a corrosion guarantee and the process required to achieve it. Look for notations C1 to C5 which define the corrosion features of that particular environment. Coastal locations are those closer than 2000m to the shore.

In most UK locations, a single coat of polyester powder of average thickness 60 microns will give excellent longevity. Discussing your needs with your powder applicator and powder manufacturer (preferably an approved applicator/ manufacturer partnership) will result in the best practice. It is worth noting that use of either Class 1 or Class 2 products has absolutely no influence on the corrosion resistance of the system.

Pay attention to design detail Design detail influences the performance of metal finishing in architectural applications. Design must address the corrosion category and powder coating process in order that its lifespan is not compromised. Such design aspects include the bends, folds, welds, gaps, 23

Powder coated to a suitable thickness

edges, material gauge, recesses and fixing points of an architectural fabrication. For instance, sharp edges are corrosion origination points so need eliminating. Similarly, if material needs to be coated all over to achieve corrosion resistance, then the design must allow for this to happen.

Low maintenance is not ‘no’ maintenance Finally, it makes sense to specify and design a system that supports a lowmaintenance solution. This can be achieved by spending time at the start of the process so that initial and future cost can be quantified. For example, ensuring no water traps where salt can build up and initiate corrosion will add a known cost, whereas the future cost of repair and replacement is unknown. The revisions to the powder coating standard BS EN 12206-1 will further enhance the reputation of this longstanding European Standard which specifiers should add to their library in the knowledge that it is supported by at least 21 other European and international standards, thus ensuring that it is both relevant and accurate. In conclusion, in order to achieve the level of performance you and your client require from your powder coating, the finishing touch to the entire project, three critical factors will work together; engaging a powder manufacturerapproved applicator, spending time addressing the location and design details and referencing BS EN 12206-1 in the specification documents.

www.powdertechcorby.co.uk FC&A – NOVEMBER – 2020

HVAC

MECHANICAL VENTILATION SYSTEMS: WHERE NOT TO CUT COSTS Prior to a revision of Building Regulations in 2010, ventilation was not high on the list of priorities in the housebuilding sector. A fan in the bathroom and cooker hood in the kitchen, plus ventilation blocks in the walls, were the default setting. Then, gradually, ventilation began to make it on to the agenda, largely driven by the now-defunct Code for Sustainable Homes, writes Paul Williams, Domus Ventilation’s Product Manager. DOMUS VENTILATION

he code required homes to be better insulated and more airtight to stop the heat leaking out of them and wasting energy. Of course, the more airtight a property is made, the greater the requirement for ventilation to ensure good quality indoor air. At the time the code was in use, the focus was on preventing/ removing condensation. More recently, fears over pollution and over-heating have taken over as the imminent threat to the health of residents. Changes to Building Regulations Part F announced this year acknowledges these issues and the important role ventilation has to play in maintaining good indoor air quality. It lays out more stringent ventilation requirements for new builds, plus proof of effectiveness, so ventilation can no longer be ignored or side-lined. To ensure adequate, Building Regulations-compliant ventilation in a property and for it to be signed off by building control, then a mechanical ventilation system, such as a mechanical extract ventilation (MEV) or mechanical ventilation with heat recovery (MVHR), is required. FC&A – NOVEMBER – 2020

One of the key issues identified when reviewing existing Building Regulations has been the fact that a large number of homes – including those using mechanical ventilation – are not compliant with Part F (ventilation). Why is this? Is it deliberate; cutting corners to save money? Or is it a lack of understanding of how mechanical ventilation systems work and how a whole system approach is required? In our experience – which is considerable – it is a mixture of both. All too frequently, key elements of a mechanical ventilation system are skimped on to save time and money and also because they are seen as unnecessary. Here, we identify the five most frequent corners cut and why they matter, plus some tips for where you genuinely can make savings.

System design Designing a whole house mechanical ventilation system, especially an MVHR, requires a level of skill. Whilst the location of the air handling unit is normally straightforward, the duct runs, the number of bends and the angle of those bends, plus the temperature of 24

the areas the ducting runs through, all affect the airflow. The airflow needs to be maintained at a set level if the system is to perform to its best ability. To avoid the cost of employing the services of a qualified system designer, we have frequently seen builders and contractors taking an ‘educated guess’ at where to locate the ducting. This rarely ends well, especially when it’s done more as an afterthought when options for duct runs have become limited. However, there’s actually no need to cut costs here as most manufacturers will provide a system drawing free of charge, along with duct take-offs and estimations. The good manufacturers will provide ongoing support, so if you do run into any unforeseen difficulty, you can call upon them to help you out of the problem. They want the system to work, and they want your repeat business, so be sure to use their free support.

The ventilation unit The most obvious place to try and reduce costs is to buy a cheaper MVHR/ MEV unit. It’s true, you don’t always need the ‘Rolls-Royce’ model, but going for the lowest cost option could actually cost you more in the long run. That’s because, when it comes to a whole house mechanical ventilation system, a large amount of the cost is in labour. Better quality units may come at a higher price, but they are often designed with ease of installation in mind. Look out for units that are compact and lightweight so can be handled by a single person (as well as giving you more options on where to install them); that

HVAC

are available as opposite-handed models to allow for installation horizontally or vertically; and that have their controls accessible via a front panel for easy commissioning. Also check to see if the unit’s spigots can be directly connected to the most common ducting size, rather than requiring adaptors and flexible hose to connect to flat channel ducting, which will end up adding to the bill.

Ducting Sadly, ducting is the number one source of problems when it comes to mechanical ventilation systems as this is where most of the costs are cut. Poor-quality ducting that doesn’t have exacting tolerances (i.e. where the channel or pipe bows, or looks like it is concave, or the wall thickness appears uneven), will not push fit together, so end up taking more time to install. More importantly, they result in air loss which reduces the system efficiency and increases the risk of moisture leakage around the connections, which can lead to ugly stains. If you want your mechanical ventilation system to function correctly, it’s imperative to invest in quality ducting that has been designed to work in harmony as part of a system and has been third-party tested for end-to-end system performance. A quality ducting system will also usually come with a range of accessories which allows for a variety of solutions to unforeseen site circumstances. Many of these are of a more specialist nature, such as ducting silencers and aerodynamic bends engineered to reduce system resistance.

Insulation

Fire safety

Ducting insulation is required under Building Regulations where the ducting passes through unheated areas and voids, such as loft spaces. The minimum duct insulation standard is the equivalent of at least 25mm of a material having a thermal conductivity of ≤0.04W/(m.K). Specialist duct insulation, such as Domus Thermal, is essential to meet this requirement. A common mistake that is made is using insufficient insulation, using standard building insulation materials that are unsuitable or not using any insulation at all. The problem with poor insulation is that condensation forms, which can lead to mould, which is not only unsightly but can be hazardous to health.

When a hole is made in a compartment wall for plastic ventilation ducting to pass through, the hole must be firestopped to restore the wall’s fire rating in accordance with Approved Document B of Building Regulations. It is essential that the firestopping product used for this has been specifically designed for this purpose. As with insulation, we have seen inappropriate material used and have also witnessed fire sleeves for ducting removed from systems altogether to save costs. Clearly, the results of this action could have considerably worse consequences than mouldy walls. With the recent climate of improved fire safety awareness, this has become less of an issue.

www.domusventilation.co.uk FC&A – NOVEMBER – 2020

PAINTS, COATINGS & FINISHES

Amron Architectural project – Product Madness, London

THE FINISHING LINE Architects and interior designers are always looking for novel approaches to create inviting spaces. Amongst these approaches, we are seeing an increase in the use of metal meshes both from the point of view that they are generally made from recycled material in the case of aluminium and steel – but also the style and look of them has that upcycled feel that we are all trying to be more conscious of, writes Anthony Millington, Business Development Manager at Amron Architectural. AMRON ARCHITECTURAL

etal mesh is an extremely versatile product and can be used for a variety of different applications. Common uses of metal mesh include balustrade infill panels, facade systems, ceiling tiles and even the ubiquitous radiator grille. There are many variations of metal meshes available in the architectural market, but ultimately it comes down to three main types; woven, expanded and perforated.

Knowing your mesh Following profound recent events of the Grenfell Tower tragedy and the COVID-19 pandemic, the built environment is especially concerned with the quality and reliability of products, so it’s important we ensure when we work with manufacturers and suppliers that we understand and trust their product and, in turn, understand ours.

Material It is always important to consider the material to be used in the application; this may be for reasons such as weight, FC&A – NOVEMBER – 2020

environment or finish. Expanded meshes are generally made from aluminium because they don’t crack after expanding, whereas stainless steel (certainly for the larger architectural meshes) can tend to crack in the corners of the holes. Woven meshes, however, tend to be mainly in stainless steel, brass, bronze or copper and not so much aluminium due to this type of mesh lending itself to more natural finishes. However, perforated sheets can be made from pretty much any metal; there is just an obvious cost issue of certain materials, one thing to remember here though is that when punching metals such as stainless steel, it can have a sharp swarf on one side of the panel that can’t be removed.

Orientation Woven meshes have an obvious orientation due to their manufacturing process with the warp and weft of the wires. Also, some of the pre-crimped meshes have a front and a back to them owing to the crimping process – this needs considering when the panels are framed. Perforated sheet has less of an orientation issue, but as mentioned before, it is worth noting that there is a good side and a rawer side. The side where the punch tool goes through is good as it is bevelled inwards; however, where it comes out of the other side, it can drag metal through which can be sharp and can’t be fettled by hand 26

as it will take time. In the case of using stainless steel, this can be an issue, however, aluminium is a softer metal and is often powder coated or anodised so isn’t such a problem. Expanded metal has four orientations – both sides are different with one side more in relief than the other, and then there is an up/down orientation. Depending on which way the mesh is hung, you can either see up through the panel or, turned upside down, it becomes solid. Woven meshes have a maximum width dictated by the width of the loom – in the case of standard woven and cable meshes with almost limitless length, which is great if you are doing a long drop that can be tensioned top and bottom. Pre-crimped (rigid) woven mesh will have a maximum width and length so you must make sure you check.

PAINTS, COATINGS & FINISHES

Amron Architectural project – Photobox, Herbal House, London

Perforated mesh is limited to the size of blanks that can be obtained from the mill – generally a maximum width of 1.5m and maximum lengths of 3m. For expanded metals, maximum sizes are dictated by the size of the machines and the orientation of the mesh. The standard maximum width (LWM) is 1.5m and length (SWM) 3m; however, some of the larger meshes can be up to 2.5m LWM x 2.5m SWM, this must be checked.

What is your superpowder? Powder coating is a costeffective way to apply an almost unlimited range of colours, finishes and textures to metal mesh products. Powder coating uses an electrostatic charge to attract a fluidised powder evenly across all surfaces of the mesh. The electrostatic charge holds the pigmented powder until it passes through an oven where it melts and adheres permanently to the mesh. After curing, the mesh has a colourful and durable coating that adds to the desired aesthetic of the project.

We have researched several different secondary finish processes that work well with woven, expanded and perforated metals. Different materials are subject to varying local environments, such as plain steel rusting in wet conditions; therefore, appropriate base materials and finishes for interior and exterior applications must be considered. Powder coatings are a dry powder with no solvents and, therefore, no harmful volatile organic compounds (VOCs). The fumes, upon burning, from powder coatings have very low toxicity and a low rate and density of smoke generation. Thermoplastic (acid-modified polyolefin) powder coatings also have high electrical and thermal resistance, suitable for cable conduits around underground rail tracks. It is not considered detrimental to the fire resistance of the underlying metal. When working with high-quality powder coating specialist, Powdertech Corby, we work together to ensure the mesh stays true and square during the process, so we only advise using rigid architectural meshes and Banker Wire mesh to be powder coated if they are welded or attached into a framework. Powdertech Corby offers highperformance architectural powder coatings which are popular with the expanded and perforated meshes, creating a tough, durable and beautiful finish. Not only does the coating protect the metal underneath but it also removes any sharp edges that may occur in production.

Powdertech Corby, SDS Sahara

Powdertech Corby, SDS Hearth Stones

www.amronarchitectural.co.uk 27

FC&A – NOVEMBER – 2020

BUILD FOCUS: HIGHER EDUCATION

BUILD FOCUS:

HIGHER EDUCATION

This month, we shine a light on the well-documented skills gap in the construction industry and explore how newfound qualifications are aiming to attract the next generation of contractors, builders, roofers and other construction professionals to choose our sector in a post-COVID realm. Here, Apex Roofing’s Jackie Biswell explores how T-levels are planning to attract and retain future leaders in the field of construction.

All images: Apex Roofing

JACKIE BISWELL MANAGING DIRECTOR OF APEX ROOFING

T-LEVELS: PLUGGING THE SKILLS GAP Here, Jackie Biswell, Managing Director of Apex Roofing, explores the role these vocational qualifications will play in construction recovery post-COVID and plugging the skills gap that has plagued the industry for years. APEX ROOFING

recent survey of tradespeople revealed that 78% think it’s crucial the industry recruits more apprentices, with 57% believing they are currently underutilised. It’s not surprising that those already in the workforce want some extra help. After all, they are the ones who have to deal with the impact of the ongoing skills gap – the result of high demand and not a lot of capacity to fulfil it. This was the result of contraction caused by the 2007 recession followed by a vast number of stalwarts reaching retirement age and a lack of new blood coming into the industry – a consequence of the poor image of construction as a viable career path and no education on the opportunities available to school-leavers. FC&A – NOVEMBER – 2020

Enter the T-levels These have been designed as new two-year courses which follow GCSEs and are equivalent to three A-levels and were developed in collaboration with employers and businesses to meet the needs of the industry. They involve a mixture of classroom learning and ‘onthe-job’ experience which is ideal for our sector where hands-on learning can be the most effective. But they have had to leap a number of hurdles to come to fruition – the most recent of which has been the coronavirus outbreak. 28

A number of providers due to teach the first T-levels delayed delivery for at least a year due to the coronavirus pandemic – and one pulled out altogether. However, Skills Minister Gillian Keegan pushed forward with the remaining 44 providers to launch T-levels from September 2020 because “we owe it to these young people to find ways to continue to deliver the courses that they have chosen and that will offer them great progression opportunities”. They also hugely benefit the construction industry, which will largely rely on this technical education to create the skilled workforce of the future. There have been concerns raised that the new measures might threaten to overshadow established apprenticeships, but I would argue that offering a wider range of vocational sectors can only be a good thing.

BUILD FOCUS: HIGHER EDUCATION

And the T-levels put employers in the driving seat, ensuring that the courses on offer meet their specific needs. In contrast, apprenticeships have, in the past, been criticised for not delivering the candidates and the skills needed for particular sectors. Offering young people more options when it comes to higher education is essential to making sure that our skilled sectors, such as roofing retain key skills and have a steady intake of young talent. As T-levels find their footing as an option for young people considering a career in our sector, I would like to see training providers working more closely with employers to guide students through the training process. One thing that has been greatly lacking in the current apprenticeship schemes is training providers that communicate well with employers and offer guidance not just to the student, but to

the employer too about how to help candidates learn what is required for them to do well. In my experience, it has been left to the candidate to bridge the communications gap between employer and course, which is less than ideal, and I have often had to step in and proactively update them so that the pressure is taken off of the student. I hope that this new focus on employer-led standards should serve to change both issues. There is no doubt that higher technical qualifications will provide a natural progression route for young people taking new T-levels from 2020 or A-levels, and adults looking to upskill or retrain, enabling them to take the next step up and gain higher technical skills in key subjects like STEM, something which can only help this country out of the current skills crisis.

www.apexroofinguk.com 29

FC&A â&#x20AC;&#x201C; NOVEMBER â&#x20AC;&#x201C; 2020

TECHNICAL FOCUS

HOW TO CONNECT BALCONIES TO UNITISED FACADE BUILDS Following the recent publication of its white paper on unitised facade builds, Sapphire Balconies examines this growing trend and the technical considerations to bear in mind when designing this type of external building envelope with balconies. SAPPHIRE BALCONIES

n increase in offsite manufacturing is revolutionising the way buildings are constructed and aluminium unitised facades, consisting of prefabricated and offsite-assembled units, play a key role in this revolution. Commenting on this trend, Nick Haughton, Balcony Expert at Sapphire, says: “Used for technically challenging projects, fasttrack schemes, new builds and refurbishment, these units can be transported directly from the factory to site for fast installation on pre-prepared fixings.” Aluminium is used to form the frame for each panel which can be one or two storeys high and typically the width of a single glazing bay. Opening vents, glazing and infill panels are built into the panel which is sealed offsite prior to delivery. They offer a range of design variations within the facade structure, including different panel sizes, colours and materials, and these can be incorporated into the balcony design to complement and enhance the building’s architectural aesthetic. FC&A – NOVEMBER – 2020

be completed in the factory setting.

3. Time spent onsite/ preliminary costs

Key advantages There are a number of advantages to a unitised system over traditional methods, and these can be further optimised when combined with an offsite-manufactured balcony system, such as Sapphire’s Glide-On balconies – an innovative solution which is delivered preassembled and factory-finished to a high-quality standard with minimal onsite finishing.

The three key benefits of this approach are: 1. Safety Less work is completed on site compared to the ‘kit-of-parts’ approach. With balconies and panels manufactured offsite, the onsite safety risks are significantly reduced, especially the risks associated with working at height as unitised facades can be installed without scaffolding.

2. Quality Assembling panels and balconies offsite in controlled environments allows for more rigorous quality checks and controls. A better quality of structural and aesthetic operations can also 30

Since fabrication is done offsite, the time spent on the construction site is much reduced, resulting in further efficiency. And fewer trades are required onsite, reducing coordination of trades and programme delays. There is also an additional benefit of using a lightweight balcony, like Sapphire’s Glide-On system, with aluminium unitised facades as it means fewer anchors to the building structure are required and; therefore, less waterproofing and fireproofing are needed at junctions.

Innovations As unitised facades have become more common in today’s construction environment, new innovations have enabled simple and effective connection between balconies and this type of facade. These methods offer clear advantages over traditional techniques and, since the COVID-19 pandemic, have proven their

TECHNICAL FOCUS

TYPICAL UNITISED DRAWING purpose-designed to take up to 20mm +/- in all directions.”

Key design considerations A high-quality balcony system, backed by an experienced team, is essential to maximise the benefits of unitised facade builds. From Sapphire’s experience, working in partnership with the facade supplier at an early stage of the project can reduce confusion and interface difficulties further down the line. Key considerations when designing this type of build with balconies include: Unitised Facade Standardisation and repeatability are Balconies Typical important inDrawing the design floor to floor. BespokePlan detailing and many panel and balcony types increase cost as they reduce the savings that can be made offsite. Standardisation can impact 20 TH supply-chain procurement and speed Dev PP - PL01 - A of construction. Physical capacity of aluminium unitised panels can lead to complications, and so early engagement between the unitised facade and balcony providers is important to minimise difficult interfaces. Deflection of floor slabs must be compatible with system requirements. U-values. Insulation is usually possible only with the spandrel/non-glazed areas, so unless a secondary method is applied internally, the performance can be limited. Programme. As balcony and panel install ascends the building at the same pace, the building’s interior can be Unitised Facade finished Balconies as the exterior is completed on Typicalfloors, Drawing lower enabling faster completion. A 12-10-20 Issued for Approval

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www.sapphirebalustrades.com call 0844 88 00 553

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Challenging resistance As architects and contractors continue to meet demand for shorter 10 times, the use of TH programming Dev PP - SE01 - A aluminium unitised facades and offsite -manufactured balconies can reduce onsite work significantly. This enables faster installations and means homes can be opened for sale much sooner than traditional builds. However, despite these advantages, some building designers and contractors remain resistant to change, says Nick Haughton. To help overcome this challenge, Sapphire has researched and written an informative white paper on this subject. “The aim is to provide readers with a clear overview of aluminium unitised panels,” he explains, “as well as an understanding of why they have become popular, together with expert advice on how they can incorporate balconies.” To obtain a free copy of Sapphire’s white paper, ‘How to Connect Balconies to Unitised Facade Builds’, please visit https://sapphire.eu.com/knowledge/ white-papers/how-to-connectbalconies-to-unitised-facade-buildswww.sapphirebalustrades.com call 0844 88 00 553

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worth, especially from an efficiency and sustainability perspective. When fixing balconies to an aluminium unitised facade, Sapphire uses a bespoke anchor consisting of a cast-in floor bracket, an inner stub, an outer stub and connection fixings. Typically, connection begins by casting balcony brackets into the slab, stubs are then assembled to the facade unit and the units installed. The top and bottom plates are then installed, and the balcony guided into place on the facade. Balcony arms can then be secured to the stubs, and the arms bolted together. According to Nick Haughton, there are many benefits to using this connection method. He comments: “Because the whole panel is manufactured offsite, thermal breaks are incorporated within the panel, so in most applications, there is no need for a thermal break at the slab edge.” Also, any external waterproofing can be completed prior

to panel installation, saving programme time. Furthermore, no outside access from the balcony below is required to seal around the hole, and internal insulation can be fitted before installing the panel, which is better for both access and control.

Flexibility A residential development at Tottenham Hale in London involving 164 V-shaped balconies using Sapphire’s GlideOn Cassettes and a unitised facade demonstrates the importance of flexibility when it comes to balcony connections. Nick Haughton explains: “When you are working with a completely offsite-manufactured panel, including the balcony bracket, that bracket has to have the flexibility to ensure precise connection between the unitised facade and balcony without putting too much pressure on the panel. At Tottenham Hale, the bracket was 31

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FC&A – NOVEMBER – 2020

ACOUSTICS & SOUND

HOW GOOD ACOUSTICS ALLEVIATE WORKPLACE STRESS AND ANXIETY With social distancing still vitally important in the fight against COVID-19, open-plan offices have never been a scarier place to work but return we must – for our mental health as much as our livelihoods, but could this be actually adding to our stress? Soundtect investigates. SOUNDTECT

he open-plan office is a concept that is highly successful for several reasons. It is costeffective, allows room for expansion and changing team dynamics and creates more working collaboration; it creates a ‘buzzy atmosphere’ and enhances the office culture and enjoyment at work. Every business wants more happy workers as they influence an organisation’s success and performance, but handled badly in design stage, noise pollution is inevitable. Noise is a primary cause of stress and reduction in productivity, and with the fear factor also thrown in, this could contribute to higher levels of stress and illness, rising absenteeism and continuous turnover of staff. The typical noise level in an open-plan office is 65 dB, and shockingly that’s only 30 dB less than a lawnmower. And, background noise, even at low levels, has been found to increase stress levels and undermine short-term memory, reading comprehension and willingness to engage with others. Workers have been seen to be 60% less productive in a noisy office – which is a worrying statistic to any business owner. Offices with open-plan layouts may not have the budget, especially after a potential dent in their turnover during the pandemic, to start building walls, but with social distancing key, having FC&A – NOVEMBER – 2020

conversations whilst distanced will invariably lead to louder voices, which will; of course, lead to a higher level of noise distraction across the building. Soundtect is one of the many companies that specialises in the manufacture and supply of many different solutions which can be tailored to be as funky or discreet as you like to address this problem, and whilst the addition of acoustic solutions adds an extra dimension to the overall design of a building, its primary purpose is to counteract the noise travelling around it. And let’s face it, now it is more essential than ever to keep our minds calm and composed during these difficult and stressful times. 32

Plethora of choice Luckily, most applications – including baffles – can be easily installed as a retrofit project and are so varied in design and size that most offices will find an application that works perfectly for their space and, in this worrying period, budget. The surge in glass partitioned meeting rooms is another trend which began long before COVID-19, but is now as prevalent as ever to keep staff and visitors

ACOUSTICS & SOUND

safe and, more importantly, separate. However, as brilliant as these are for creating private areas and light-filled meeting places which retain the flow and light of a building, the addition of glass will compound the issue of noise, especially in small rooms, or those with large windows already and often little or no soft surfaces. So, an acoustic treatment to counteract this inevitable reverberation is vital.

The potential additional noise pollution has been addressed, but what about safety? Social distancing is key for us all to return to work with confidence and the peace of mind that our health is not at risk by returning to the arena. Keeping safe at the moment includes keeping a distance, which isn’t always possible – especially in busy offices. To address this, acoustic hanging screens which have been previously used to create quiet spots and mini-meeting areas in open-plan offices can be added to act as pathways to create this separation or section areas to assist the vulnerable. These noise-absorbing partitions have often had designs cut out 33

in them to add additional interest, but it isn’t essential, and with safety more prevalent than ever to stop the spread of disease, solid partitions can be just as vibrant and interesting as they always were and should be seriously considered as an option. Thankfully, there are plenty of acoustic solutions on the market which offer a wide range of solutions to balance the boom and restore the calm, so our mental health is covered as much as our physical wellbeing. We are all having to rethink the way we work, but it doesn’t mean that it will necessarily be more difficult; it may even change your environment for the better to a quieter, more personal and, of course, safer haven for us to work in for the foreseeable future.

www.soundtect.com FC&A – NOVEMBER – 2020

RENEWABLE TECHNOLOGY

FLAWS IN THE GOVERNMENT’S GREEN HOMES GRANT The Government’s Green Homes Grant, introduced on 30th September 2020, was meant to encourage homeowners to make their properties more energy efficient. Instead, the scheme has been beset by criticism from consumers and installers alike. Here, Ian Rippin, CEO at MCS – the national standards organisation for renewables – discusses what he views as flaws in the scheme, and what can be done to ensure low-carbon technologies become a staple solution for new-build properties of the future. MCS

n the wake of a global pandemic, which has seen increased pressure placed on the Government to support Britain’s tradespeople, you could be forgiven for thinking that Chancellor Rishi Sunak’s Green Homes Grant arrived at just the right time for the renewables sector. A £2bn investment designed to support more than 100,000 jobs in green construction and, in turn, allow for home improvements in an estimated 600,000 properties across England, it was sold as a means of economic recovery with the environment at its heart. Consumers were to be given vouchers of up to £5000 to spend on energy-saving home improvements – with lowincome households eligible for up to £10,000 – covering insulation, heat pumps, solar thermal and more, and creating an estimated saving of up to £600 per year on home energy bills. To complete lowcarbon heating installations, tradespeople must be certified by the Microgeneration Certification Scheme (MCS) and be TrustMark registered. FC&A – NOVEMBER – 2020

However, since its launch, homeowners and installers alike have shone a light on numerous flaws that have called the efficiency and effectiveness of the scheme into question. At MCS, we have fielded calls on a daily basis from installers seeking clarity and expressing their concerns. Having had something of a turbulent year due to the pandemic and subsequent lockdown, they have returned to work and are busy delivering on existing projects that had been paused. As such, they now find themselves without the capacity to fulfil new projects under the Green Homes Grant; much less to recruit and train the requisite number of installers. Homeowners have also queried the process. The eligibility assessment alone has proven challenging, as it asks specific questions about property infrastructure that your average homeowner is unlikely to know. Subsequently, a great deal more work is needed to help consumers understand the best options for making their home more energy efficient.

Decarbonising heat is our biggest challenge when it comes to achieving net-zero emissions, with the built environment contributing around 40% of the country’s total carbon footprint. Heating alone accounts for 10% of carbon emissions, with homes having a more significant impact than any other form of construction. To date, meeting this target has meant a focus on retrofit: installing green energy in existing properties to save money on energy bills in the long-term and reduce carbon emissions. Undoubtedly, the right approach at this point in time, as existing properties certainly present the biggest challenge. The dilemma is that essential carbon savings ultimately come at a cost to the homeowner. A heat pump, for example, is not a like-for-like replacement for a gas boiler, many of which are distress purchases with consumers only choosing to ‘upgrade’ when their existing boiler breaks down. The installation of a heat pump delivers immediate carbon emission savings which, dependent on the type of heat pump installed and the system it is replacing, can lead to reductions of up to 70%*. Still, to work well, they require a comprehensive system created by a skilled designer and, for some properties, new pipework and radiators, all of which adds to the cost of installation.

A national commitment to green energy

In our view and that of our installers, the Green Homes Grant is the very definition of short-termism. While the scheme has clearly stimulated consumer interest in green energy, which has translated into demand, with just five months (up until March 2021) to fulfil a £2bn commitment by the Treasury, it is not surprising that the sector is struggling to keep up.

In 2019, the UK became the first major economy in the world to commit to ending its contribution to global warming by 2050, bringing all greenhouse gas emissions to net-zero. 34

Looking to the future

RENEWABLE TECHNOLOGY

In fact, a number of our certified installers have found themselves subject to such a volume of enquiries that they have been forced to advise they are no longer accepting those in relation to the grant. Government incentives are welcome, but we need real, long-term policy initiatives that support a supply chain capable of installing up to one million heat pumps per year by 2035. If we are truly serious about meeting our target for net-zero emissions, we must also ask ourselves why we are continuing to install fossil fuel systems in newbuild properties. The Future Homes Standard consultation, aimed at property developers, builders and manufacturers, among others, ran from 1st October 2019 to 7th February 2020. It sought to address this question, with proposals to future-proof new-build properties with the installation of renewable heating and hot water systems. While we await the conclusions of the consultation, which will determine the changes to Part L and Part F of the Building Regulations for new dwellings, MCS is lobbying Government for a commitment to ‘shutting the stable door’; ensuring that all new properties set us on the right path to meeting our emissions target.

In addition, the value of certification cannot be overlooked. Quality is key for making our commitment viable in the long-term. MCS certification relies upon standards developed by industry experts, which have been tested in the field on over 1.3 million renewable energy installations and we feel strongly that all homes in the UK will benefit from this industry standard, including new-build homes. The industry is stepping up to a cliff edge as we await the end of the Domestic Renewable Heat Incentive (RHI) in 2022 and in our opinion, the level of fiscal support levelled at the Green Homes Grant would have been better suited to the Clean Heat Grant, which is currently going through consultation and aims to direct further investment into heat pumps as a source of renewable energy. Nevertheless, with a commitment to the extension of the Green Homes Grant, backed up by an understanding of how the sector will be supported in the coming years, we are confident that the scheme could play a strong part in helping to build confidence, grow our industry and put us on track to meeting our commitment to netzero emissions by 2050. Source: *Iso Energy.co.uk - https://www.isoenergy.co.uk/latest-

www.mcscertified.com 35

news/isoenergy-news/carbon-savings-from-a-heat-pump FC&A – NOVEMBER – 2020

FIRE PROTECTION

FIRE PROTECTION FAQS WITH TBA FIREFLY Here, FC&A Editor, Rebecca Kemp, asks Martyn Rolfe, Firefly Sales Director at TBA Protective Technologies, the most frequently asked questions surrounding the specification of fire protection products. TBA PROTECTIVE TECHNOLOGIES

FIREFLY TITAN LITE GENERAL ASSEMBLY

KEY: 01 09

02: Firefly Collaroll to be stapled with 12mm staples at 80mm maximum centres

T B A P ROT E C T I V E T E C H N O LO G I E S

06: Firefly Collaroll

to be specified in what seems to have become a ‘belt and braces’ approach. This can only be a good thing!

07: Staple the Firefly Collaroll to the butt and pleat joints

What’s the biggest lesson we’ve learnt from Grenfell?

04: Cables

05: Cable tray

06 04

I S F I R E F LY S A L E S D I R E C TO R AT

03: Firefly Apollo Lite Packing to be insulated barrier

05 08

08: Butt joint 09: Use two beads of Firefly high temperature adhesive to attach the flange to the barrier.

When specifying fire barriers, what’s the most crucial element to look out for?

What do you think the future holds for fire protection solutions?

Always check that the correct and current certification for the application you require is in place. This is best sourced from certifying bodies’ websites to ensure it’s upto-date and will perform to your requirements.

I believe that fire protection will become much more regulated from an installation and certification of the materials point of view. There is scope for improving the combination of products to provide more of a ‘onestop-shop’ for solutions with every component being tested and certified.

With regards to large-scale commercial buildings, how effective is compartmentation in limiting fire spread? Flexible fire barriers, when correctly installed and working in conjunction with the compartmentation partitions, are a costeffective method of extending the compartment line without compromising the overall performance of the partition.

What third-party accreditations should architects and specifiers look out for? Independent UK certification for manufacturers’ products from one or more of the following certification bodies: IFC, BRE, Fireas, Exova, Warrington or the LPCB.

How essential is it to use a manufacturer-approved installer? It is a recommendation from most manufacturers that an installer’s operatives have undertaken the relevant installation training. It is also often a requirement that the fire stopping or barrier installer company is independently certified for its own right to undertake the works. Unfortunately, I have recently witnessed non-compliant installations by untrained installers; which ultimately resulted in the barriers having to be removed and reinstalled.

www.tba-pt.com FC&A – NOVEMBER – 2020

Before Grenfell, what was the biggest misconception surrounding passive fire protection (PFP) amongst those working on high-rise buildings? This is a tricky one, but it might have been that the manufacturer’s information was considered sufficient in its own right. Nowadays, independent certification and testing are a must for most architects and specifiers before they consider using a product.

Following Grenfell, what was the most significant change that you witnessed amongst those specifying PFP solutions? Mere compliance of a product is not now the key driver. A system solution where performance exceeds the legislative requirements, has easy installation details, and verifiable certification is more likely

01706 647422 36

MARTYN ROLFE

01: Pleat joint

That the specialist knowledge, verification and the performance of a product or system is paramount. It’s best to utilise the expertise that already exists to avoid issues.

Do you believe today’s architects and specifiers are educated sufficiently with regards to the fire integrity and the containment properties of building materials? It’s challenging to remain upto-date with advances in the industry, but I believe that most have embraced the need to be at the forefront of fire safety where they can. We would recommend the use of online CPDs (such as ours), webinars, specialist industry trade bodies (such as the ASFP) and local authority bodies, which all can be an invaluable source in keeping up-to-date.

Do you feel the amendments to the Building Regulations Approved Document B (Fire Safety) are sufficient? There is always room for improvement, but we would like to see universal compliance with current regulations to achieve a consistently high standard and compliance by everyone involved in PFP at present.

info@tba-pt.com

FIRE PROTECTION

IMPERIAL COLLEGE LONDON UPGRADES FIRE SYSTEM TO ADVANCED A network of fire panels from UK manufacturer Advanced has been installed as part of a campus-wide system replacement at the Imperial College London (ICL), Hammersmith. ADVANCED

ix industry-leading eight-loop MxPro 5 fire panels and a TouchControl remote control terminal and repeater panel have been installed across the Wolfson Education Centre, the Institute of Reproductive Development Biology and the Commonwealth Building at Imperial College London’s Hammersmith campus.

www.advancedco.com

The installation, part of a system-wide upgrade, was conducted by Surrey-based Lloret Fire & Security, which was tasked with replacing the existing fire alarm control panels, installing new cabling and devices and commissioning the system across occupied buildings, where live coverage needed to be maintained at all times. Imperial specifically requested a move away from the closed protocol fire system approach, and its associated service charges, which had been in operation for 15 years. Lloret Fire & Security’s experience installing Advanced control indicating equipment in other large-scale educational facilities meant it was confident the open protocol MxPro 5 could easily provide the levels of flexibility and stability required by the site. Paul White, Design Director at Lloret Fire & Security, said: “The project at Imperial’s Hammersmith campus involved the replacement of the fire system across a range of building environments – from offices, workshops and research labs, through to lecture theatres and conference halls – each with its own specific fire protection requirements. “In consideration of the site’s false alarm management strategy, multi-sensor detection was installed to manage and reduce the risk of false alarms. For example, detectors have been configured for day/night use or can be altered as area usage changes.”

0345 894 7000

jmountain@advancedco.com

PRESTON MEDICAL FACILITY SAFE BENEATH FIREFLY APOLLO LITE FIRE BARRIERS TBA FIREFLY

The roof space to an existing commercial property in the north west of England has been given the added protection of having its very large roof space sub-divided using the APOLLO Lite 30:30 system manufactured by TBA FIREFLY. The APOLLO Lite 30:30 was recommended because it has been developed for use in vertical separation or compartmentation situations, offering 30 minutes’ integrity and insulation, thereby exceeding the minimum requirements of the Building Regulations. The nonrigid woven material is easy to cut and fix and is chemically treated to improve its cooling properties, and, therefore, prevent temperatures rising in adjoining areas. The system has been fully tested to BS 476 Parts 6.7, 20 and 22 and is thirdparty certified by IFCC. The 6m-long rolls of APOLLO Lite 30:30 have a minimum thickness of 6mm and are installed using special staples as well as heat-resistant adhesive.

HOUSING FIRE SAFETY INNOVATORS SCOOP TOP AWARDS PLUMIS

An innovative fire safety expert which has revolutionised traditional sprinkler systems in homes has scooped two prestigious awards for its ground-breaking work and business growth. British engineering firm Plumis won ‘SME of the Year’ and ‘Innovation of the Year’ in the regional finals of this year’s Make UK Manufacturing Awards. Plumis was formed in 2008 with the aim of creating a more affordable and effective alternative to traditional fire sprinkler systems. Its life-saving products, which use fire suppression misting technology, are easy and cost-effective to install or retrofit. They also use much less water, so reduce any consequential water damage if activated in comparison to conventional sprinklers. The company more than doubled its turnover in the three years to 2019 and, following the launch of its latest fire suppression system in 2018, grew its business by almost a third by 2019. It now has 27 employees.

www.tbafirefly.com www.plumis.co.uk

0207 871 3899 37

01706 758817 technical@tbafirefly.com FC&A – NOVEMBER – 2020

DOORS, WINDOWS & BALCONIES

USING DAYLIGHT TO CREATE A BRIGHTER FUTURE As winter approaches and the days shorten, many people look back on the long days of summer with a sense of regret. Daylight flooding into workplaces, schools and homes has a positive impact on our daily lives, and that is not just a vague feeling, it’s a scientifically proven fact and one that architects and designers are keen to exploit. CRITTALL

he 2017 Nobel Prize for Medicine went to three American scientists for their work on understanding circadian rhythms – the 24-hour cycle, also known as the internal body clock. Daylight suppresses the hormone that induces sleep and the ultraviolet wavelengths in natural light have a positive effect on the body’s immune system. Crittall is in a unique position to offer complete solutions to these cross-cutting issues so as to provide specifically tailored environmental conditions, whether the end result is an office complex, a university, a hospital or a home. The hallmark of a Crittall window is the slender steel frame that is so much slimmer – and; therefore, admits so much more light – than the alternative window systems that use PVCu, timber or aluminium.

Crittall has a solution to offer whether the particular project demands a highperformance, thermally-broken steel system or a traditional rolled steel profile, both of which enhance the thermal performance of buildings, assisted by the window’s excellent weathertightness and an extensive choice of glazing to control solar gain as required. The use of such fenestration forms an important part of an architect’s passive daylighting strategy and addresses the issue of ‘collecting’ light into the building. But further options are available from Crittall to assist in the ‘distribution’ of natural light through the interior of a building. This can be achieved by incorporating Crittall Innervision glazed interior partitioning screens, a seamless transfer of that increased level of natural daylight throughout the building, reaching even the most remote working areas.

www.crittall-windows.co.uk

01376 530800

hq@crittall-windows.co.uk

QUALITY ENGINEERED SECONDARY GLAZING FOR A NEW ENGINEERING DEPARTMENT In 2016, Imperial College London acquired the neighbouring disused Royal Mail Post Sorting Office from the Science Museum, sitting on the corner of Exhibition Road and Imperial College Road. Planning was submitted, and passed, to convert the building into the ‘Dyson School of Engineering’. SELECTAGLAZE

rchitect practice Pascall+Watson was employed to devise a sensitive yet practical design for the change of use of this fourstorey building. A significant amount of heat and energy can be lost through poor performing windows, so secondary glazing was specified to improve their performance. 180 windows across the building were treated, with over seven different styles of secondary glazing installed to match existing sightlines and shapes; large sweeping curved headed casements were treated with matching sightline Series 41 side-hung casements, tall traditional box sash windows were treated with Series 20 and 25 vertical sliding units, along with circular high-level stairwell porthole

www.selectaglaze.co.uk FC&A – NOVEMBER – 2020

windows at the top of the building. To increase energy performance further, the units were glazed with 6.8 low-E laminate glass. Obscurity glass was used in windows overlooking the service area of the Science Museum to prevent distractions. On facades overlooking busy thoroughfares, a cavity was

01727 837271 38

created to provide much-needed acoustic insulation, and in labs with costly new equipment, units accredited to Secured by Design were installed. Established in 1966 and Royal Warrant Holder since 2004, Selectaglaze offers a free technical advisory service and RIBA-approved CPD seminars.

enquiries@selectaglaze.co.uk

DOORS, WINDOWS & BALCONIES

F.H. BRUNDLE BALCONY PRODUCTS COMPLETE LUXURY SPA DEVELOPMENT Quality F.H. Brundle hardware products have provided the finishing touch to a stunning multi-million-pound development. F.H. BRUNDLE

luxury spa was added to the existing buildings of The Olde Belle hotel and restaurant in Retford, Nottinghamshire, including a unique and impressive indoor-to-outdoor vitality pool. The project’s managers called on Brundle’s decades of expertise to provide an array of quality glass spigots and glass stiffeners. “This was a challenging but extremely rewarding project for us,” comments Brundle National Field Sales Manager, Trevor Wines. “We loved working on such a fantastic, modern building, and seeing our input have a real impact on the finished design. “We were first approached quite late in the process, when the project managers encountered an issue with the building’s glass balconies – specifically concerning how they’d install glass or railing systems. “We were quickly able to visit the site, advise the client on the best course of action, and deliver a

complete solution in a very short period – supplying 25m of stainless steel tube and 30m2 of toughened laminated glass alongside the spigots, stiffeners and fixings.” F.H. Brundle supplies an extensive range of glass spigots for balconies and balustrades for walkways. The

company’s user-friendly Tilt-Loc Spigot system can be quickly handadjusted from one side, levelled by hand, then secured into position by just one person. It also offers SpigLite Pro, which, with only two spigots per metre, is one of the fastest to install on the market.

www.fhbrundle.co.uk

01708 253545

SCHÖCK CAD/BIM LIBRARY NOW INCLUDES ISOKORB, BOLE AND DORN As a leading international supplier of load-bearing thermal insulation products and reinforcement technology solutions, Schöck continues to optimise its digital portfolio service for planners; with the focus very much on improved digital workflow using web applications and BIM objects. SCHÖCK

www.schoeck.co.uk

01865 290890 39

n addition to the Isokorb thermal break range – which offers three distinct levels of detailing – the updated CAD/BIM library also now offers the Bole punching shear reinforcement range and Dorn single-shear and heavy-duty dowels. All in many common 2D and 3D formats. The BIM-compatible IFC files of these varied Schöck products can be used in all common BIM planning software such as Revit, Archicad or Tekla Structures. Digital product information is easily accessible for all those involved from planning to the construction site and can be efficiently integrated with a continuous, networked process. The Schöck CAD Service platform is free of charge and available by visiting: https://cad.schoeck.

design@schoeck.co.uk FC&A – NOVEMBER – 2020

RCI & FACADES DOORS, WINDOWS & FACADES

Optimus Point, one of FRUSTRATION FOR many CA Group projects

THE WINDOW COMPANY

SEAL IT THIS WINTER WITH NEW ENERGY-EFFICIENT TAPES

(CONTRACTS)

ISO-CHEMIE

While supply issues right across the market are obviously having a serious impact on fabricators, lead times and operational efficiencies, in most cases it is installers, operating at the sharp end of the industry, who are actually bearing the brunt. In the commercial market, where there are sometimes penalties for late completion of jobs, the pressure and frustrations have been particularly intense. For The Window Company (Contracts), which works right across the social housing and commercial new-build sectors, obtaining stock to maintain its market-leading service levels and avoid penalties has been one of the biggest challenges it has faced since factories reopened in April and May. Company Chair David Thornton says that, while he and his team are sympathetic to the problems that fabricators face, installers need open and honest communication from their suppliers if they are to manage their businesses effectively when demand is at the record levels that it is currently.

As winter approaches, improved energy efficiency of the entire window installation, not just the frame, can be provided by the ISO BLOCO 600 range of self-adhesive sealant tapes from ISO-Chemie. The pre-compressed tapes, which have been independently tested and are both BBA- and Passivhaus-certified, can be used on joints up to 42mm, providing a high-performance weathertightness and thermal/acoustic insulation seal for fenestration applications as the weather gets cold. Quickly applied by hand around the frame during fitting, ISO BLOCO ONE 600 are energy-rated weathertight thermal and acoustic tapes which reduce heat loss and noise ingress to a U-value better or equal to the frame. This assures property owners and homeowners that a comprehensive A-rated installation can be completed rather than just an A-rated window supplied. The tapes can be used to seal joints providing excellent thermal and acoustic insulation properties. The product can accommodate a temperature range of -30° to +90° and is impermeable to driving rain with a minimum of 600 Pa.

www.thewinco.co.uk

www.iso-chemie.eu/en-gb 07837 337220 a.swift@iso-chemie.co.uk

INSTALLERS IN SUPPLY CHAIN CRISIS

01245 268120 thornton@thewinco.co.uk

ALUK’S C70S 70MM WINDOW SYSTEM HAS ARRIVED ALUK

ASWS – THE GO-TO EXPERT FOR STEEL WINDOW REPLACEMENT AND REFURBISHMENT ASSOCIATED STEEL WINDOW SERVICES (ASWS)

Associated Steel Window Services is a family-managed business now into its third generation and 60th year as a specialist steel window refurbishment and replacement company. It has evolved continuously since 1960 and is now a leading figure in the steel window industry. ASWS has been a member of the Steel Window Association since the late 1980s, working to optimise expertise in the industry. Established in 1960, the company started with a small client base working mainly for large insurance companies. Since the mid’80s, the company has grown considerably and moved into a more specialised field; that of replacement, refurbishment and redecoration of steel windows encompassing a complete site package.

www.asws.co.uk

FC&A – NOVEMBER – 2020

0208 665 5335 info@asws.co.uk

AluK has launched its brand-new C70S aluminium window system, designed with all the versatility required to suit low-, mid- and high-rise applications in both residential and commercial projects. Engineered to the highest UK standards, the C70S delivers what AluK is calling “a winning combination of high-performance and impressively slim sightlines”. This new 70mm system offers market-leading U-values as low as 1.1W/m 2K with triple glazing and 1.3W/ m 2K with double glazing, but it also comes with three different foam insulation options so that specifiers have the flexibility to design U-values either up or down to suit the specific performance and budgetary requirements of each project.

www.aluk.co.uk

01291 639739

info.uk@aluk.com

PUTTING COLOUR IN THE FRAME SENIOR ARCHITECTURAL SYSTEMS

Senior Architectural Systems is encouraging specifiers to consider the use of colour in fenestration design and how the use of powder coating can not only help reduce maintenance requirements but also offer essential design flexibility in the age of social distancing. Senior’s full range of aluminium fenestration products are available in a choice of colours and finishes, all via the manufacturer’s state-of-the-art, in-house powder coating facility. As well as providing standard RAL colours, the company’s high-quality colour matching service also enables bespoke shades to be created. The aluminium frames can be painted in a wide choice of single or dual colour options.

www.seniorarchitectural.co.uk 40

01709 772600

info@sasmail.co.uk

DOORS, WINDOWS & FACADES

A ‘BELT AND BRACES’ APPROACH TO NEW FIRE REGULATIONS FOR MULTI-LEVEL BUILDINGS Changes to the Building Regulations and guidance in Approved Document B (ADB) have resulted in some difficulty and ambiguity in interpreting which materials are suitable for relevant buildings over 18m in height. Steve Wild, Technical Consultant at Construction Products Group (CPG) – which includes the illbruck brand of sealing and bonding products for windows, facades, interiors and exteriors – explores the main issues. ILLBRUCK

nder the new Building Regulations Approved Document B, membranes used as part of the external wall construction above ground level should now achieve a minimum of Class B-s3, d0 to EN13501-1 ‘Fire classification of construction products and building elements. Classification using test data from reaction to fire tests.’ The European Reaction to Fire classification (Euroclass) system is the common EU standard for assessing the qualities of building materials when subject to fire. According to the European standard EN 13501-1, products will be classified in one of the seven primary classes from A1 to F, according to their level of combustibility, as well as possibly belonging to additional classes according to the amount of smoke developed (s1, s2 or s3) or the amount of burning droplets or particles (d0, d1 or d2). In order to assess the appropriate classification, a

www.illbruck.com

product must be tested in accordance with EN 13823 (known as a ‘single burning item’ test). ‘Reaction to fire’ evaluates specific materials’ behaviour and contribution to fire, whereas ‘resistance to fire’ assesses a product or system’s ability to resist the penetration through the product or system and prevent a temperature rise between the exposed and unexposed sides in a fully developed fire situation.

13501-1. The illbruck system comprises ME010 Façade UV & Fire Membrane and SP025 Fire Membrane Adhesive, used to bond the membrane. The system offers an assured, robust solution, which has been tested by MPA Hannover. It’s of note that any classification should include the method of fixing, which is clearly the case with ME010. A membrane which is classified in isolation as B-s3, d0 may have a lower classification when tested with the required adhesive. In addition, it is essential that the membrane is installed in compliance with the manner in which it was tested and classified. There is an obvious benefit and comfort for clients, specifiers and installers in knowing that there are no uncertainties associated with the specification of ME010.

Best practice in the use of membranes Although membranes are exempt from being noncombustible (Class A1/A2s1,d0) via Requirement B4, Regulation 7(3), they do have to be a minimum of Class B-s3, d0 when used in ‘relevant’ buildings over 18m in height. A current Government consultation document indicates that this will reduce to 11m (in line with Scottish Regulations). illbruck has launched a fully independent accredited membrane system which achieves Class B-s1, d0 to EN

Additional benefits As well as meeting the reaction to fire classification, ME010 fulfils other criteria of significance to specification professionals, particularly

with regard to performance capabilities. It is primarily a breather membrane – used either as a full facade application or in narrower widths as a window perimeter interface seal.

Measuring up Questions of compatibility should also be asked as part of the specification process. One area of note is that, whilst EPDM membranes have been widely favoured for many years for air and weathertight applications, in the context of fire, they are non-compliant with ADB, being Class E to EN13501-1. They are also not vapour permeable, so not suitable for a breather membrane application. Questions should also be raised as to whether a breather membrane, which meets the Class B requirement, has also achieved the W1 watertightness level to EN1928 and the appropriate vapour resistance, which should be < 0.6MNs/g.

01942 251400 FC&A – NOVEMBER – 2020

FLOORS, WALLS & CEILINGS

BRADITE FLOORS THE COMPETITION A warehouse floor in Barnsley was transformed using Bradite’s new single-pack, water-based floor paint, DP9 Floor-It. BRADITE

he 1200m 2 power floated, porous concrete floor had been penetrated with oil so required preparation for painting with Bradite’s TD39 Industrial Degreaser. Diluted with warm water, the solution was used to scrub the floor. Once dry, the floor was lightly abraded to provide a key for the Bradite DP9 Floor-It coating. “I have used TD39 previously, and I trust it to do the job,” says Jay Summers, Managing Director of Bedford-based Mayfair Decorating Contractors, which completed the renovation. “It was the first time for me with DP9, but I found it very user friendly,” he adds. Four coats of the high-performance, water-based acrylic floor paint were applied by roller by a team of two. Completing the task in two phases meant the building could remain in use. Once the surface was fully cured, it was again

Before

After

able to withstand fork-lift traffic. Thanks to DP9’s quick recoat time of just one hour, it was possible to apply two coats in a day. “Because the DP9 is water-based rather than epoxy resin, it is not thick and gloopy, which makes it easy to apply,” says Jay.

www.bradite.com

Bradite Technical Sales Manager, James Burton, reassured him of the suitability of the product and the correct method of use. “I can’t fault Bradite or James for the advice given,” says Jay. “I’d use it again. You’d be silly not to.”

01248 600315

info@bradite.com

HARLEQUIN FLOORS ANNOUNCES NEW HARLEQUIN CASCADE WITH BIOCOTE PROTECTION Harlequin, a world leader in advanced technology floors and dance studio equipment for the performing arts, is launching a new, improved version of its flagship vinyl dance floor, Harlequin Cascade. HARLEQUIN FLOORS

arlequin has partnered with BioCote, a market leader in antimicrobial technology, to create a new, improved Cascade with BioCote antimicrobial protection. BioCote antimicrobial technology is manufactured into the new Harlequin Cascade, creating a dance surface upon which microbes, such as bacteria and viruses, cannot survive. Steve Green, Harlequin Group Marketing Director, said: “Harlequin Cascade has been the choice of the world’s most prestigious dance and performing arts companies for many years because dancers know and trust the floor. “But in these difficult times, it is more important than ever to focus on improving hygiene in the dance studio, so we are launching our new Harlequin Cascade with built-in antibacterial protection. “The BioCote antimicrobial technology constantly works to reduce the presence of microbes on the surface of the floor. The result is a floor which is easier to keep hygienically clean, so reducing the risk of cross-contamination.” BioCote antimicrobial protection uses silver ion technology, which is manufactured into new Harlequin Cascade and is

www.harlequinfloors.com FC&A – NOVEMBER – 2020

proven to offer protection for the expected lifetime of the product. Unlike some antibacterial protection, it will not wear out or wash off. This technology reduces microbes on the floor by up to 86% in 15 minutes and up to 99.99% in 24 hours. It works continuously and has

01892 514888 42

been proven effective against a wide range of microbes, including influenza A virus (H1N1) and feline coronavirus (strain Munich). The BioCote silver ion additive is inert and has no effect on the appearance or performance characteristics of the Harlequin Cascade.

architects@harlequinfloors.com

FLOORS, WALLS & CEILINGS

STUNNING NEW PROJECTS WITH ELEGANT ACOUSTIC DESIGN Danish-manufactured Troldtekt panels are commonly specified throughout the UK and Europe to improve the interior acoustic environment. Two recent Danish projects are the transformation of an old building into a car dealer’s offices for Karvil Biler, while the other is an extension of Randers Architects’ own headquarters into a mix of offices and exclusive residential units. TROLDTEKT

oth projects use Troldtekt line with its perfectly symmetrical vertical lines to balance walls and ceilings with great aesthetics, conveying warmth and providing a modern look coupled with high-performance sound absorption. For the architects’ washrooms, Troldtekt line was chosen to add visual vibrancy to the rooms. It also exhibits different appearances depending on the angle from which the wall surfaces are viewed. The edges have been milled where the panels meet the ceiling, around electrical sockets and switches and also at floor level where bamboo skirting has been integrated. All have been elegantly cut to ensure a neat finish and fine detailing. In the car dealers, Troldtekt line was selected in order to enhance and benefit the whole indoor climate. “We wanted to create a coherent look. The milled grooves have a visually calming effect and contrast well with the new raw concrete floor,” the project manager explained. Troldtekt line forms nine acoustic solutions that make up the Design Solutions range which combines the best ideas of form and function. Founded on the Cradle to Cradle design concept, 100% of Troldtekt’s natural wood-wool panels are manufactured in a new state-of-the-art production facility. With a variety of different surfaces and colours, they can be supplied in the FSC 100% category (FSC C115450) contributing to a building’s BREEAM, DGNB and LEED rating.

www.troldtekt.co.uk

01978 664255

F. BALL SUPPORTS MAJOR HOSPITAL REFURBISHMENT

info@troldtekt.co.uk

GROUND-GUARDS’ NEW SOCIAL DISTANCING SOLUTION

F. BALL AND CO.

High-performance products from F. Ball and Co. have been used to install safe and hygienic flooring in a London hospital. Situated over two floors of a repurposed office block, Riverside Hospital, in Brentford, Middlesex, incorporates two operating theatres, 14 en-suite patient bedrooms and clinical rooms for consultation, diagnostics and screening, for a range of specialisms. Contractors from RSW Projects were commissioned to install Tarkett Safety vinyl sheet throughout the hospital, a total area of 1845m 2. To provide a perfectly smooth base for the new floorcoverings, contractors applied F. Ball’s Stopgap 1200 Pro high-performance smoothing underlayment at a depth of 3 to 5mm throughout the ground floor. The fast-setting, fast-drying smoothing compound is suitable for preparing sound internal subfloors. Its protein-free formulation makes it suitable for use in clinical and biologically-sensitive areas, such as hospitals, laboratories and clean rooms. It can also be used over old adhesive residues, without the need to prime subfloors beforehand.

GROUND-GUARDS

www.f-ball.co.uk

www.ground-guards.co.uk 0113 267 6000 info@ground-guards.co.uk

Ground-Guards has launched a brand-new ground protection system that can be installed in support of the Government’s social distancing policy. FastCover PLUS is made from environmentallyfriendly 100% recycled PVC and can be configured with highly visible yellow markers every 2m as a constant reminder for people to maintain a safe distance from each other. This innovative and cost-effective system is an extension of Ground-Guard’s popular FastCover range and features unique interlocking flanges for improved ease of use and a superior trip-free surface. Lighter and easier to install, FastCover PLUS is a versatile ground protection solution suitable for a wide range of applications, from surface protection for block paving and interior floors, to creating safe, clean paths and walkways during site works. Weighing just 14.5kg per mat, FastCover PLUS can be laid directly onto grass, footpaths or stone bases, with its superior anti-slip surface delivering maximum health and safety benefits.

01538 361633 mail@f-ball.co.uk 43

FC&A – NOVEMBER – 2020

BUILDING ELEMENTS

FROM UNIFORM FACADE TO EXPRESSIVE DECORATION RMIG ImagePerf gives you the possibility to use perforated metal cladding as a canvas for art, photos and graphics. RMIG

MIG’s ‘City Emotion’ philosophy exists to capture the passion for creative and exciting urban design by offering innovative technologies and materials. We can help realise the most ambitious architectural projects. The projects that will give the city an innovative visual statement and emotional appeal.

An attractive facade depicting trees for a primary school The I Ciliani Primary School in Tuscany, Italy, was in need of more educational space, so it was decided to expand the existing school building, creating more classroom capacity as well as laboratories, a canteen and an archive. To contribute to the pleasant atmosphere already provided by the greenery in the school garden, RMIG manufactured a facade depicting trees using RMIG ImagePerf as well as round hole perforation – a facade that is both functional and pleasing to the eye. As the world’s largest manufacturer and supplier of perforated metal, with manufacturing units throughout Europe, RMIG has over 100 years of industry experience with a wealth of tooling and engineering expertise to help make your ideas come to life.

TECHNICAL CHARACTERISTICS: Raw material: Aluminium

Pattern: RMIG ImagePerf and R10T14 Thickness: 2.0mm Surface treatment: Anodising Architect firm: Diletta Moscardi

For more information on RMIG’s ImagePerf, please visit the below website. Alternatively, use the details to get in touch with a member of the team.

www.rmig.com

01925 826326

info@city-emotion.com

PASSIVE HOUSE-CERTIFIED LOFT LADDER PREMIER LOFT LADDERS

MARMOX MULTIBOARD MAKES IDEAL RENDER BACKER FOR SURREY CONVERSION MARMOX

The redevelopment of an unusually large agricultural homestead at a farm in the Surrey commuter belt has seen the main contractor make full use of the technical benefits offered by Marmox Multiboard, in facilitating the creation of an attractive new outward appearance that will deliver low maintenance as well as improved energy performance. One of the company’s Founders, Charlie Cooke, recounts: “Marmox offered us all the technical guidance we required, including comprehensive installation instructions, and our operatives found the boards very easy to install using the special washers and sealant. We expect to be applying the K-Rend in November, depending on the weather, as the job nears completion.”

www.marmox.co.uk

01634 835290 sales@marmox.co.uk

FC&A – NOVEMBER – 2020

The Passivhaus Institute has awarded the Designo wooden loft ladder certification for use in passive buildings. The Designo features the latest innovations in loft ladder design to perfectly balance aesthetics with performance. It offers excellent thermal efficiency (U-value 0.60 W/m 2K) and an airtight seal (Class 4 certified) thanks to a highly insulated trapdoor with six-point locking mechanism. The Designo also benefits from high strength performance; rated to 180kg per tread. This makes it ideal for demanding projects. Furthermore, it features concealed hinges and a discrete, recessed operating latch. The result is a high-quality, seamless finish.

www.premierloftladders.co.uk/designo 0345 900 0195 sales@premierloftladders.co.uk

EXPERIENCE THE VICAIMA HEARTBEAT WITH NEW VIDEO FOR TOMORROW’S WORLD VICAIMA

If music be the food of love, then this new video demonstrates just how deep the love for doors exists and how it plays in perfect harmony with nature. It is crafted with a sophisticated design and accompanied by a melody that strikes a chord for the future. As one of the largest European players in the design and production of quality interior timber door solutions, technical doorsets, wardrobes, panels and even furniture; this communication reinforces the Vicaima brand values. With its recognisable signature ‘Unexpected Harmony’, the video embodies aesthetics and emotional inspiration.

www.vicaima.com

01793 532333 44

info@vicaima.com

BUILDING ELEMENTS

Vantage SF-FS is internally protected by the ground-breaking Thruwall System

KEY: 01: External insulation: 100mm rock mineral wool (0.035 W/mK)

02: Sheathing: 1x 12.5mm Weather Defence

03: Framing: EOS light steel in-fill framing 04: Cavity insulation: Full-fill rock or glass mineral wool (0.035 W/mK)

05: Internal boards (inner): 1x 12.5mm dB board 06: Internal boards (outer): 1x 12.5mm dB board (for standard applications)

60-MINUTE THRUWALL SYSTEM

TAKING A SAFETY-FIRST APPROACH TO PRODUCT DEVELOPMENT Recognised for investing in industry-leading research and a collaborative culture, EOS is supporting prominent rainscreen and facade manufacturer BTS Facades and Fabrications to bring an innovative and high-performance complete walling solution to market. EOS

aking a safety-first approach, the pioneering Vantage® Secret Fix-Full System (SF-FS) is a complete through-wall system incorporating an external rainscreen facade, protected using EOS’s innovative Thruwall® system, that can be used in both new builds and refurbishment projects. Developed by BTS in partnership with EOS, Etex, Siderise, DuPont, Knauf Insulation and SFS and Nvelope – the system is believed to be the first in the UK to have successfully completed two large-scale tests in accordance with the most recent BS 84142:2020 standard. The Vantage Secret Fix-Full System was

recently tested in Belfast for fire performance by UKASaccredited test laboratory Efectis UK and Ireland, and successfully conformed to all the stringent criteria for both internal and external spread of flame, as well as mechanical failure. Steve Thompson, Managing Director of EOS, said: “Bringing our expertise in developing advanced steel framing solutions to the project team, the new Vantage Secret FixFull System is protected by our ground-breaking Thruwall system – developed in partnership with EOS and Etex.” Compliance with BS 84142:2020 provides not only technical credibility but, importantly for designers

www.eosframing.co.uk/news

and specifiers, certified assurance is now a prerequisite for many tender opportunities, giving the new Vantage Secret Fix-Full System a commercial advantage. Mark Wiper, BTS’ Technical Manager, said: “Working collaboratively enables us to harness the collective intellect of industry-leading experts as well as deliver proven performance. This has given us the ability to develop a wall system that is fully compliant with the latest Building Regulations. Through the dedication and commitment of our supply chain partners, the system has been delivered to market in record time, allowing us to meet the latest safety test standard. This level of testing

01325 303030 45

and collaboration gives clients the confidence in our system knowledge and in our ability to bring projects to market.” A robust testing protocol was seen as an essential part of the product development strategy to not only gain a specification advantage in the open market but also to demonstrate technical prowess to a wider construction audience at a time when a building’s safety performance is under rigorous interrogation. Demonstrating commitment to regulatory compliance by bringing a fully tested and certified system to market with proven performance was deemed vital by the development team to offer confidence to the construction sector.

eosenquiries@etexgroup.com FC&A – NOVEMBER – 2020

BUILDING ELEMENTS

TESCO GOES WITH THE FLOW Following successful trials, record’s traffic light FlowControl system is now being rolled out across 1100 Tesco stores across the country. RECORD UK

ully automated and with highly accurate counting, the FlowControl is being supplied and installed on customer entrance and exit doors at all store formats of Tesco stores including Express, Metro, Extra and Superstores. This will help Tesco comply with COVID-19 social distancing guidelines and ensure customers and staff feel safe during the pandemic. The highly adaptable and configurable system enables Tesco to safely redeploy staff currently manning entrance doors and give managers the flexibility to control customer numbers in store. Removing staff from doors not only saves time freeing them up to work elsewhere but, importantly, removes the potential abuse they face having to act as a gatekeeper. The FlowControl traffic lights inform customers when it is safe to enter or when they need to wait because the store has reached its pre-set maximum safe capacity. When the store has reached capacity, the doors automatically deactivate and only re-open once someone leaves the store. This is an effective solution preventing customer exploitation and maximising wellbeing in store.

www.record.co.uk

To further help customers, especially those with specific needs like sight impairments, the FlowControl systems at the larger Extra and Superstores will play prerecorded messages to advise whether it is safe to enter the store or not. All stores will also have a staff alert system fitted at the customer service desk to notify staff when a store is nearing or has reached capacity. Staff will also be able to monitor the actual number of people in the store at any time on the FlowControl display. This display also allows staff to make

adjustments and changes to settings and counts, for example, to adjust for staff that have entered or left the building. The FlowControl system will be installed by record over the next eight weeks, mostly out of hours to minimise the impact on customers and disruption to the stores. With a 30,000ft 2 facility in Blantyre, near Glasgow, record is one of the largest manufacturers, installers, maintainers and service providers of automated pedestrian entrances and aluminium shopfronts in the UK.

01698 376411

info@recorduk.co.uk

AQATA JOINS ICONIC SHOWER BRAND AQUALUX AQATA

BE FIRST CHOOSES OFFSITE CONSTRUCTION FOR NEW HOUSING FOR HOMELESS FAMILIES

Private investment business Intrinsic Equity has acquired AQATA. Based in Hinckley, Leicestershire, AQATA now joins Intrinsic Equity’s family of KBB- and design-related brands. Aqualux was acquired from Dutch bathroom giant Fetim in late 2019. Commenting on the acquisition, Group CEO Steve Lee stated: “We are delighted to be able to take this bold, strategic move during such unprecedented times. AQATA has been part of the fabric of the British shower industry since it was established by Peter Brown in 1986. We are proud to have the opportunity to continue the great work of MD and owner Jayne Barnes, who headed up AQATA for over 15 years following her father’s retirement in 2005.”

PREMIER MODULAR

Premier Modular has been awarded the contract to provide modular housing for homeless families in Barking who are in urgent need of accommodation. The new homes are developed by Be First, the regeneration arm of Barking and Dagenham Council. The £1.5m contract was awarded to Premier by main contractor Jerram Falkus and will provide 20 two-bedroom apartments in two blocks, all manufactured offsite. The use of an innovative offsite solution for this project has reduced the programme to just 15 weeks for the procurement, manufacturing and fitting out of the apartments, installation on site and commissioning.

www.premiermodular.co.uk 0800 316 0888 sales@premiermodular.co.uk FC&A – NOVEMBER – 2020

www.aqata.co.uk

01455 896500

sales@aqata.co.uk

SAFE AND ENVIRONMENTALLYFRIENDLY SOLDERING WITH THE TRIAC AT SOLDERING KIT WELWYN TOOL GROUP

LEISTER has extended its welding range to suit plumbers and tinsmith traders as well as roofers, with the introduction of an iron soldering kit to fit the existing TRIAC AT. The kit equips the hot air tool for soft soldering work including making materials watertight and provides the soldering industry with an alternative option to a standard open gas flame, permitting operators to work safely and efficiently. The TRIAC AT soldering kit is recommended for all soldering work on roofs and gutters made of copper, chrome and zinc, to connect roof fascia, general soldering work on roof renovations and dust-prone or windy job sites.

www.welwyntoolgroup.com 46

0800 856 0057

info@welwyntoolgroup.com

FC&A – NOVEMBER – 2020

P O LY P I P E A D VA N TA G E

MORE THAN FABRICATION Polypipe Advantage is more than fabrication. But what do we mean by more? From quotation to final delivery, you’re in control. With access to our team of specialists, full details on scheduling and logistics, detailed information and visual designs – all at your fingertips. Fabricated water supply systems and drainage stack solutions arrive on-site, fully configured and ready to install. Whilst a dedicated project manager and technical team cover every detail to ensure that it fits perfectly; first time, every time. What’s more, using the Polypipe Advantage Service gives you more time savings, more cost-effective installations and makes a complex project, simple. What more could you possibly need?

Add more to fabrication, visit polypipe.com/polypipeadvantage FC&A – NOVEMBER – 2020

fca november 20

Articles inside

RENEWABLE TECHNOLOGY

TECHNICAL FOCUS

ACOUSTICS & SOUND

BUILD FOCUS: Higher Education

LEGAL & BUSINESS

VOICE OF THE INDUSTRY

PAINTS, COATINGS & FINISHES

ON SITE WITH SYKES

ARROYO, PERKINS&WILL

2 MURRAY ROAD, ZHA ARCHITECTS

HVAC