FC&A November 2019 by Red Hut Media Ltd

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November 19

Issue 117

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Stairway to the NYC Skyline

2019’s Queen’s Speech

Build Focus: Hospitality & Leisure

FC&A explores one of New York City’s

A much-needed announcement for

The latest architectural trends and news from

latest architectural additions, the Vessel

the construction industry

the world of hospitality and leisure

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

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Magazine November 2019

Editor Rebecca Kemp rebecca@crossplatformmedia.co.uk Print & Digital Advertising Sam Ball sam@crossplatformmedia.co.uk Jim Moore jim@crossplatformmedia.co.uk Print Design Manager Jack Witcomb jack@crossplatformmedia.co.uk Digital Design Manager David Perry david@crossplatformmedia.co.uk Production Assistant Philip Coyle philip@crossplatformmedia.co.uk Accounts/Credit Control Jackie Dearman jackie@crossplatformmedia.co.uk Sales Support & Administrator Klare Porter klare@crossplatformmedia.co.uk Publisher Sam Ball sam@crossplatformmedia.co.uk

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Front cover: New York City’s latest large-scale, mixed-use development features an eye-catching architectural centrepiece,Vessel. See page 18.

Welcome

to Future Constructor & Architect...

1st October – the day the UK was expected to withdraw itself from the European Union. However, come 28th October, a mere three days before our scheduled divorce from the EU, news rolled in of yet another extension. Now extended up until 31st January, with Boris Johnson urging EU leaders to avoid yielding further prolongation, this leaves much of the nation yet again in a state of uncertainty surrounding the aftermath of Brexit. With much of the construction industry anticipating updates to make informed business arrangements, the latest undesired news has left the sector no choice but to sit tight and wait for further knowledge. In other Parliamentary stories, this year’s Queen’s Speech was delivered by Her Majesty on 14th October at the Houses of Parliament. In light of the 2017 Grenfell disaster, the Queen announced plans to bring forward the implementation of new safety building standards. In this issue, we’ve talked to Peter Johnson, Chairman of Vivalda, about the much-needed safety standards. Turn to page 26 to learn more. Amidst the leaked Grenfell Tower Inquiry Reports and condemn placed on the London Fire Brigade (LFB) – despite the bravery displayed throughout the 72-hour-long blaze on the evening of 14th June – the need for new building safety standards have never been higher. Read some of the responses to the LFB scrutiny on page 11. I hope you enjoy this issue. Don’t forget, you can also access all of the magazine’s features, product news and supplier information on FC&A’s user-friendly and engaging website. Fully responsive, the website allows you to read all the latest stories on-the-go either on your phone or tablet. Simply search www.fca-magazine.com.

Rebecca

Find all of our features and more online, plus our comprehensive archive area, at fca-magazine.com or on the fc&a app. Search ‘fc&a’.

Rebecca Kemp Editor, Future Constructor & Architect

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Contents

Portfolios

News 10 Industry Updates:

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

24 Voice of the Industry:

In the midst of a skills shortage and the Government’s housing targets; it’s vital that the interiors of buildings aren’t overlooked. Ian Clarke, Commercial Technical Manager for Armstrong Ceiling Solutions, explains why ceilings are a critical aspect of building design.

26 Legal & Business:

On 14th October, Her Majesty the Queen delivered 2019’s Queen’s Speech. In light of her announcement to implement new building safety standards, we’ve talked to Peter Johnson, Chairman of Vivalda, about the aftermath of Grenfell and the much-needed new addition to the industry’s standards.

Features 22 Technical Focus:

Simon Gregory, Sales Director at Proteus Facades, explores the different cladding materials offered on the market and explains how a stainlesssteel-clad facade has enhanced the aesthetics of Northampton International Academy.

28 Build Focus:

Hospitality & Leisure: The latest case studies and news from the hospitality and leisure industries are told by some of the leading voices within the realm.

30 Glazing & Frames:

From aesthetics and maintenance to slim sightlines and maximising natural light within buildings, Andrew Cooper, National Specification Manager at Senior Architectural Systems, offers troubleshooting advice for optimum curtain walling design and installation.

32 Coatings & Stains:

John Park-Davies at Vertik- Al sheds some light on what’s becoming one of the architectural community’s go-to materials for glass-alternative facade solutions. In this article, he shares inside knowledge on how powdercoated aluminium is being used within the industry.

34 Renewable Technology:

14 CopenHill, Bjarke

Ingels Group (BIG): BIG returns to FC&A this month with another iconic innovation – the world’s most energy-efficient waste-to-energy plant. Located only 2km from the Queen’s residence, the first-of-itskind Copenhagen-based power plant features a rooftop ski slope and a climbable facade.

18 Vessel,

Heatherwick Studio: New York City’s latest large-scale, mixed-use development features an eye-catching architectural centrepiece, Vessel. Featuring 2465 steps and 80 landings, the Heatherwick Studio-designed structure features a lattice-like form and towers over the $25bn site.

Kensa Contracting’s Managing Director, Matthew Trewhella, looks into the future at three technologies – with ground source heat pump integration – that are set to help achieve the Government’s 2050 netzero carbon target.

36 Glass & Glazing:

The popularity of large-format glazing has proliferated in recent years, which has seen the architectural style spread into the residential sector. In this article, Jonny Davis, Director of Cotswold Windows, looks at some of the obstacles this trend may present to architects.

38 London Build Preview :

CPD-accredited sessions, a sensational line-up of speakers and workshops are just some of the highlights you can expect at London Build.

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Find all of these features and more online, plus our comprehensive archive area, at fca-magazine.com or on the fc&a app. Search ‘fc&a’.

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Industry Updates

NEWS

FC&A rounds up the latest industry news

RIBA CPD Providers Network celebrates 25 years

The past quarter of a century has seen the RIBA CPD Providers Network become one of the most trusted and highly regarded CPD providers in the UK. Over the past two and a half decades, the RIBA CPD Providers Network has provided a platform for architects to develop professionally, whilst also enabling manufacturers to educate the industry about their products. In 2018, more than 5500 free in-house CPDs were delivered to more than 41,000 specifiers. Created in 1994 and delivered by NBS and the RIBA (Royal Institute of British Architects), the platform helps architects achieve their annual Continuing Professional Development (CPD) obligations whilst learning from over 550 members, including the best product manufacturers.

Ashford, and the architect helping shape its future

Ashford is a town where the landscape is changing through its regeneration programme with a number of high-profile developments coming to fruition. Behind two of the leading projects is Architect Guy Hollaway whose work with Elwick Place and The Curious Brewery are notable. Elwick Place is an addition to Ashford’s night-time economy offering a multi-plex cinema and dining complex with an on-site hotel. The design is not dissimilar to a stadium frontage but wrapped in a gold shroud that changes hue as the sun sets. The Curious Brewery is a stunning in-town brewery, combining a working brewery with visitor attraction and restaurant. Guy Hollaway decided to add fun elements to the design of the building playing on the mystique of the Curious brand. His vision was to have the building reveal more of itself the closer you were to it. Both developments have now been recognised in leading architectural awards, with The Curious Brewery being shortlisted for ‘Leisure Project’ at the AJ Architecture Awards 2019.

HDR | Hurley Palmer Flatt completes TECA in Aberdeen HDR | Hurley Palmer Flatt has completed design services for The Event Complex Aberdeen (TECA), a new world-class exhibition and conference centre. TECA includes P&J Live, Aberdeen’s new event complex, which replaces the city’s current Aberdeen Exhibition and Conference Centre (AECC) and is set to attract major artists and events to the city, and contribute an additional 4.5 million visitors, £113m of visitor spend and £63m net GVA to the Scottish economy, over the next 10 years. HDR | Hurley Palmer Flatt was appointed the role of specifying the initial energy strategy development and concept design (to RIBA Stage 2); financial modelling and analysis to inform the

energy strategy; energy centre engineering design and specification (to RIBA Stage 4); technical advisory to Aberdeen City Council; and BREEAM Advisor. The new £333m development includes a 48,000m2 exhibition centre and two hotels served by an on-site low carbon hybrid energy centre. HDR | Hurley Palmer Flatt’s Glasgow office was responsible for developing the energy strategy for this site, and the engineering design associated with the energy centre. The strategy addressed key issues such as significant fluctuations in energy demand and meeting

the required carbon emission reductions for the site. It was also centred on the aspiration of Aberdeen City Council to develop the most sustainable venue of its type in the UK. HDR | Hurley Palmer Flatt’s holistic approach meant external factors were considered and integrated into the design. As such, the project successfully combines a low-carbon heating, cooling and power network with decarbonised transport fuel, thus embodying the ‘smarter local energy mode’ principle within the Scottish Government’s 2050 vision.

■

In Brief

wwww.hurleypalmerflatt.com

Personnel Andrew Krebs joins Ramboll

BRG strengthens London practice

Engineering, design and consultancy company Ramboll has announced that Andrew Krebs has been appointed as Digital Strategy Lead within its building services division. He will provide strategic direction to the pioneering digital initiatives that will transform how Ramboll delivers MEP services to clients. Andrew previously held the position of Information Management Lead at Hoare Lea LLP. In this role, he defined and led the firm’s information management approach, coordinated teams and set the digital strategy for major projects, including the Doha Metro Green Line.

Global consulting firm Berkeley Research Group (BRG) has further expanded its construction practice with the appointment of Seamus O’Doherty as its Londonbased Director. Seamus O’Doherty is a construction professional with more than 25 years of experience in both commercial and project management, including work as a Chartered Quantity Surveyor, Chartered Builder as well as a Qualified Adjudicator, Arbitrator and Accredited Mediator. Seamus has worked on projects in the UK, Ireland, Germany, Russia, Ukraine, Mexico, USA, India, China as well as the Middle East.

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Appointment at leading firm supports growth plans Space Architects has a longstanding reputation for delivering creative projects across a wide range of sectors. And the company will now be offering clients the opportunity to benefit from environmental design, with the arrival of Nick Jaszynksi as a Director. Nick, who has more than 20 years’ experience working across the UK in both private practices and local authorities, will be bringing his skills in environmental and urban design to Space. Past projects highlight Space’s diversity and have included the design of Close House golf clubhouse and master planning Newcastle’s Stephenson Quarter.

Industry Updates

In Brief Futurebuild Events and Easyfairs join forces

Futurebuild Events is joining forces with Easyfairs, the world’s largest privately-owned exhibition organiser, in a move that will see further investment and growth in the industry-shaping, built environment event. Futurebuild will become a part of Easyfairs’ European portfolio of building and construction exhibitions, which spans Belgium, the Netherlands, Sweden and Denmark. The annual event, which brings together the most forward-thinking companies and organisations in the industry, is expected to attract over 27,000 industry influencers and shapers from 3rd to 5th March to London’s ExCeL.

shedkm instructed by HUB on key masterplan

Trending on Twitter #GRENFELL #LFB

“Solidarity to all my firefighter pals today. Bandit capitalism fixed cheap flammable cladding to a tower block and residents’ safety concerns were completely ignored because they were poor. Blaming heroes who risked their lives is a...disgrace #scapegoat” – @Nick_BLM “Clearly mistakes were made by the LFB in Grenfell Tower but those brave firefighters did all they could to save lives. Why

does the first report not focus on the root cause? The corporate greed using cheap flammable cladding! #GrenfellTower” – @Nick_BLM “Grenfell Firefighters have been subjected to more scrutiny than politicians who closed fire stations and sacked 5000 of their colleagues. A reminder that there is always a different set of rules for the big guys and the little guys. Our firefighters are heroes” – @ToryFibs

“As a Firefighter who attended Grenfell, I am truly disgusted by what this country has become. This picture sums it up perfectly. Man who closed 10 Fire Stations, cut 30 Fire Engines and 500 Firefighters, not to blame, but Fire Brigade cut to ribbons, fully to blame. #Grenfell”– @GavLynch2 “They tried to blame the football fans for Hillsborough. They tried to blame the miners for Orgreave. I will not stand by and let them blame our brave firefighters for Grenfell. #JusticeforGrenfell #Grenfell”– @JaneAitchison

shedkm is excited to announce that developer HUB has appointed the firm to masterplan a new canalside neighbourhood close to Birmingham’s city centre.The project is HUB’s first development outside of the South East and focuses on a six-acre site that is currently Birmingham’s National Express Central Bus Garage.The unique site lies at the heart of South Digbeth; an area fast-emerging as a focus of regeneration in the city centre.The wider Digbeth area is continuing to undergo significant and positive change as a result of the Birmingham Curzon HS2 masterplan.

Practice names Berlin as fifth location

Leonard Design Architects has chosen Berlin as its fifth office location. After entering the German market four years ago, the AJ 100-ranked firm has delivered a number of impressive projects such as the masterplanning of Markisches Zentrum. Its decision to create a permanent base will enable the team to further its relationship with current clients whilst securing new opportunities. John Morgan, Director at Leonard Design, said:“On the back of our team working on some amazing projects in Germany, we were keen to establish a permanent presence. Berlin is a creative, exciting and architecturally inspiring city, so it was a natural choice.”

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Industry Updates

Architect in Profile

David Davies, Architectural Director at Sadler Brown Architecture, has had a passion for architecture since childhood. Here, he talks to FC&A about his professional journey and recalls where it all started – as a young boy designing houses and development layouts.

David Davies is Architectural Director at Sadler Brown Architecture

www.sadlerbrown.co.uk

Please talk us through your career background. After two ‘years out’ in the Midlands and Australia, and parttime work for a Glaswegian practice whilst studying for my post-graduate degree, my fulltime post-qualification career has been centred in Newcastle, with project work in Saudi Arabia, Latvia and Canada along the way. After several years of working on a series of health projects, and developing a profound interest in projects with a strong interdisciplinary agenda, the main focus of my time in practice shifted to transportation and infrastructure projects of notable scale. My current day-to-day involves a fulfilling mix of heading up projects from a single dwelling at the smallest scale, to a 140-hectare mixed-use masterplan. Had you always wanted to pursue a career in architecture? For as long as I can remember! By age seven, I’d designed several houses and done numerous layouts for housing developments, copies of which I sent off to local house-builders for feedback. I still have the

drawings in a file somewhere at home. I was always inquisitive about how and why things are put together. Who has been your greatest influence and source of inspiration? I had an incredible art teacher at school who really nurtured my creative streak and ignited a life-long interest in visual media and the art of expressing ideas graphically. As I’ve progressed my career, I’ve come to learn the skill of tempering what you produce, and how you do it to be appropriate to your intended audience. What has been your most notable project to date? In terms of scale and complexity, the two deep underground rail infrastructure projects that Sadler Brown delivered in partnership with a fantastic multi-disciplinary team at Arup are up there. We worked out of a project office which was a fantastic opportunity to integrate completely into a multi-disciplinary team, including some experts and specialists in their field.The stations were complex buildings, so reaching a conclusion felt like a huge achievement for our team.

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What do you think is the greatest challenge for designing in sustainability? Changing mindsets of those who commission and occupy buildings such that lowimpact, low energy-consuming buildings are considered normal and desirable; not something you have to do because of a planning condition or because an Approved Document tells you that you have to. What do you think is the greatest challenge for architects today? Re-establishing our role within the construction industry as a leading force in the design and delivery of our built environment. In recent years, contractors, project managers and latterly engineers have all exerted their position as leading and coordinating parties. The nature of architects’ training and their holistic approach to problems and challenges sets us apart from other disciplines and is something we should be better at celebrating. What can we expect to see from Sadler Brown over the next year? Work continues apace on some of the practice’s more specialist work including several new-build veterinary surgeries throughout the UK, a healthcare project in North Wales, a residential project in the Northumberland Coast AONB and an NPPF Paragraph 79 Country House in Northamptonshire that includes the reinstatement of extensive parkland.

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Sadler Brown delivered two deep underground rail infrastructure projects in partnership with a multi-disciplinary team at Arup

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CopenHill, Copenhagen, Denmark

Cleaning up Copenhagen

Designed by Bjarke Ingels Group (BIG), SLA, AKT, Lüchinger+Meyer, MOE and Rambøll, CopenHill opens as a new breed of waste-to-energy plant topped with a ski slope, hiking trail and climbing wall, embodying the notion of hedonistic sustainability while aligning with Copenhagen’s goal of becoming the world’s first carbon-neutral city by 2025.

©LaurianGhinitoiu

Amager Resource Centre (ARC), CopenHill’s new waste-to-energy facilities integrate the latest technologies in waste treatment and energy production. Due to its location on the industrial waterfront of Amager, where raw industrial facilities have become the site for extreme sports from wakeboarding to go-kart racing, the new power plant adds skiing, hiking and rock climbing to thrillseekers’ wish lists. “CopenHill is a blatant architectural expression of something that would otherwise have remained invisible: that it is the cleanest waste-to-energy power plant in the world. As a power plant, CopenHill is so clean that we have been able to turn its building mass into the bedrock of the social life of the city – its facade is climbable, its roof is hikeable, and its slopes are skiable. A crystal-clear example of hedonistic sustainability – that a sustainable city is not only better for the environment – it is also more enjoyable for the lives of its citizens,” says Bjarke Ingels, Founder & Creative Director at BIG.

©Dragoer Luftfoto

openHill, also known as Amager Bakke, is a 41,000m2 wasteto-energy plant with an urban recreation centre and environmental education hub, turning social infrastructure into an architectural landmark. BIG’s yearround ski plant won the international competition in 2011 and broke ground in 2013. As Denmark’s single largest waste initiative to date, Copenhagen Lord Mayor Frank Jensen officiated the first run of the slopes, commencing opening festivities from sports competitions to charity walks supporting the UN Sustainable Development Goals. CopenHill is inaugurated ahead of the C40 Mayors Summit hosted in Copenhagen this year, a landmark gathering of 96 member cities committed to bold action on climate change. “We are very proud to have built the most energy-efficient waste-to-energy plant in the world. At the same time, the plant delivers the best environmental performance with hardly any environmental emissions, enabling us to have neighbours only 200m

away and to be located less than 2km from the Queen’s residence. Last but not least, we have succeeded in building the safest wasteto-energy plant so local citizens and guests from all over the world can ski on the roof,” explained Jacob Simonsen, Managing Director at ARC. CopenHill is conceived as a public infrastructure with intended social sideeffects from day one. Replacing the adjacent 50-year-old waste-to-energy plant with

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CopenHill, Copenhagen, Denmark A new breed

©Rasmus Hjortshoj

A mountainous landscape Recreation buffs and visitors reaching the summit of CopenHill will feel the novelty of a mountain in an otherwiseflat country. Non-skiers can enjoy the rooftop bar, cross-fit area, climbing wall or highest viewing plateau in the city before descending the 490m tree-lined hiking and running trail within a lush, mountainous terrain designed by Danish landscape architect firm SLA. Meanwhile, the 10,000m2 green roof addresses the challenging micro-climate of an 85m-high park, rewilding a biodiverse landscape while absorbing heat, removing air particulates and minimising stormwater runoff. “CopenHill’s nature roof park and hiking trail invites locals and visitors to traverse a mountainous landscape of plants, rockscapes, 7000 bushes and 300 pine and willow trees atop the world’s cleanest waste-to-energy plant. It also acts as a generous ‘green gift’ that will radically green-up the adjacent industrial area. CopenHill becomes the home for birds, bees, butterflies and flowers, creating a vibrant green pocket and forming a completely new urban ecosystem for the city of Copenhagen,” said Rasmus Astrup, Partner & Design Principal at SLA.

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©Aldo Amoretti

The internal volumes of the power plant are determined by the precise positioning and organisation of its machinery in height order, creating an efficient, sloping rooftop fit for a 9000m2 ski terrain. At the top, experts can glide down the artificial ski slope with the same length as an Olympic half-pipe, test the freestyle park or try the timed slalom course, while beginners and kids practice on the lower slopes. Skiers ascend the park from the platter lift, carpet lifts or glass elevator for a glimpse inside the 24-hour operations of a waste-to-plant. “We wanted to do more than just create a beautiful skin around the factory. We wanted to add functionality. Instead of considering the Amager Resource Center (ARC) as an isolated object, we mobilise the architecture and intensify the relationship between the building and the city – expanding the existing activities in the area by turning the roof of the new ARC into a ski slope for the citizens of Copenhagen. By proposing a new breed of waste-to-energy plant, one that is economically, environmentally and socially sustainable, the facility becomes part of the city and redefines the relationship between production and recreation, between energy infrastructure and social infrastructure, between factory and city,” commented David Zahle, Partner at BIG.

CopenHill, Copenhagen, Denmark

©SLA

©Laurian Ghinitoiu

©Aldo Amoretti

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Beneath the slopes, whirring furnaces, steam and turbines convert 440,000 tons of waste annually into enough clean energy to deliver electricity and district heating for 150,000 homes. The necessities of the power plant to complete this task, from ventilation shafts to air-intakes, help create the varied topography of a mountain; a man-made landscape created in the encounter between the needs from below and the desires from above. 10 floors of administrative space are occupied by the ARC team, including a 600m2 education centre for academic tours, workshops and sustainability conferences. Rather than consider ARC as an isolated architectural object, the building envelope is conceived as an opportunity for the local context while forming a destination and a reflection on the progressive vision of the company. CopenHill’s continuous facade comprises 1.2m-tall and 3.3m-wide aluminium bricks stacked like gigantic bricks overlapping with each other. In between, glazed windows allow daylight to reach deep inside the facility, while larger openings on the southwest facade illuminate workstations on the administrative floors. On the longest vertical facade, an 85m climbing wall is installed to be the tallest artificial climbing wall in the world for new world records to be broken with views inside the factory. “To me, CopenHill is a perfect example of the world-changing power of architecture. That we have the power to give form to the future that we want to live in. My son turns one next month – he won’t ever remember that there was a time when you couldn’t ski on the roof of the power plant – or climb its facades. He will take that for granted – and so will his entire generation. Clean energy and skiable power plants are going be the baseline of their imagination – the platform from which they will leap and propose new and wild ideas for their future. Standing at the peak of this human-made mountain that we have spent the last decade creating – makes me curious and excited to see what ideas this summit may spark in the minds of our future generations,” concluded Bjarke Ingels. At the bottom of the ski slope, a 600m2 apres-ski bar welcomes locals and visitors to wind down once the boots are off. Formerly a piece of infrastructure in an industrial zone, CopenHill becomes the new destination for families, friends and celebration, one that is economically, environmentally and socially profitable.

www.big.dk

©SLA

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CopenHill, Copenhagen, Denmark FEATURES OF COPENHILL

ALPINE SKIING IN COPENHAGEN BIG proposed to turn the roof of the Amager Resource Centre into an artificial ski slope, where itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s possible to ski all year round.The slope is ecological, upending the convention of the energy-intensive indoor or alpine ski resort.

PROGRAM The internal volumes of the new waste-to-energy plant have been determined by engineering and technical criteria. Due to the sheer size and requirements for precise positioning, the primary structure of the building is integrated with the machinery.

FUN FACTORY? BIG proposed a new breed of waste-toenergy plant, one that is economically and socially profitable. Instead of considering Amager Resource Centre as an isolated architectural object, the firm considered the assignment to design a facade as an opportunity for the local context.

FACADE The building is gently wrapped with a continuous facade made out of stacked aluminium bricks.The openings between the bricks are letting cascades of daylight into the deep process hall and the administration office.

TAKE A WALK IN THE PARK The roof not only functions as a ski slope but like a real mountain with green forest areas, a hike trail, climbing walls and even a mountain bike trail. On top of the slope, there is also a viewing plateau as well as a little cafe.

THREE PISTS The geometry of the roofscape supports three slopes of different gradients.This will accommodate skiers with a broad range of experience, from novices to pros.There will be a total of 500m+ of ski runs and a terrain park.

GREEN WALLS The bricks on the facade function as planters, creating a green facade and turning the building into a green mountain from afar with a white mountain top.

SLOPE ACCESS Access to the ski paths is through an elevator adjacent to the smokestack.The elevator has a glass wall facing the interior of the plant, allowing recreational buffs and sightseers to have a glimpse into the internal workings of the plant.There are also two platter lifts and two carpet lifts.

SMOKE RINGS Does anybody know what a ton of CO2 looks like? BIG proposed a simple modification to the smokestack which allows it to puff smoke rings whenever a ton of fossil CO2 is released.These will serve a communicative function as a gentle reminder of the impact of pollution.

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The Vessel, Hudson Yards, New York

Fact File: Project name: The Vessel Location: Hudson Yards, New York Completion date: March 2019 Area/height: 2210m2/45.7m Design director: Thomas Heatherwick Group leader: Stuart Wood Project leader: Laurence Dudeney Project team: Charlotte Bovis, Einar Blixhavn, Antoine van Erp, Felipe Escudero, Thomas Farmer, Steven Howson, Jessica In, Nilufer Kocabas, Panagiota Kotsovinou, Barbara Lavickova, Alexander Laing, Elli Liverakou, Pippa Murphy, Luke Plumbley, Ivan Ucros Polley, Daniel Portilla, Jeff Powers, Matthew Pratt, Peter Romvári,Ville Saarikoski, Takashi Tsurumaki Client: Related, Oxford Properties Group Design engineer: AKTII Structural engineer: Thornton Tomasetti Landscape architect: Nelson Byrd Woltz Architect of record: KPF Associates Steel contractor: Cimolai Lift contractor: Cimolai Technologies Cladding contractor: Permasteelisa Crowd analysis: ARUP Lighting designer: L’Observatoire International

The stairway to NYC’s skyline

In March this year, Thomas Heatherwick, English Designer and Founder of London-based design practice Heatherwick Studio, unveiled the much-anticipated exclusive design of the Vessel. Located within Manhattan’s latest mixed-use development, Hudson Yards, the Vessel creates an eyecatching centrepiece for the $25bn site.

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Project management: Tisham

he Vessel is a new type of public landmark – a16-storey circular climbing frame, with 2465 steps, 80 landings and views across the Hudson River and Manhattan. It is the central feature of the main public square in the Hudson Yards development, one of the largest real estate projects in American history, which is transforming a former rail yard in Manhattan’s West Side into a completely new neighbourhood, with more than five acres of new public spaces and gardens.

Image courtesy of Michael Moran for Related-Oxford

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The Vessel, Hudson Yards, New York

Image courtesy of Getty Images

Image courtesy of Michael Moran for Related-Oxford

Image courtesy of Getty Images

Heatherwick Studio was asked to design a centrepiece for Hudson Yards, something that would welcome visitors into the heart of the district and create a new place to meet in Manhattan. Part of the challenge was to create something memorable that would not be overwhelmed by the surrounding cluster of towers, or the scale of the new public space above the train platform. Exploring different possibilities, the team started to narrow

Image courtesy of Michael Moran for Related-Oxford

the parameters; it should be a memorable single object, not a series of objects dispersed throughout the space; rather than an inert, static sculpture, it should be a social encounter, which encourages activity and participation â&#x20AC;&#x201C; it should be fun. Looking at the places in cities where people naturally congregate, the underlying infrastructure is often simple â&#x20AC;&#x201C; a staircase, for example, such as the famous Spanish Steps in Rome. Researching this typology

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further, the studio explored traditional Indian stepwells; these have an intricate network of stone stairs, so that as the water level in the reservoir changes, the surface is still accessible. However, like an amphitheatre, the focus of a well is its centre, and the studio wanted to create an experience that was outward as well as inward-looking. By opening up voids between the steps to create a three-dimensional lattice, the

The Vessel, Hudson Yards, New York DOGBONE

SITE PLAN

GROUND PLAN 1

LIFT SECTION 1

ROOF PLAN 1

EXPLODED AXONOMETRIC

public square could be stretched upwards, creating more than a mile of routes that could be explored in different ways. To create the continuous geometric pattern of the stepwell, with 154 interconnecting flights of stairs, the object had to be self-supporting – a discreet structural solution was required, which did not need additional columns and beams. This was resolved by inserting a steel spine between each pair of staircases,

SECTION 1

creating a natural division between ‘up’ and ‘down’. The raw welded steel of this structure is exposed to give the object clarity and integrity, and the underside of the staircases is clad in a deep coppertoned metal, setting them apart from the surrounding architecture. Every element of the Vessel is bespoke, from the joints to the handrails. The 75 huge steel components were produced in Venice by specialist fabricator Cimolai,

before being brought from Italy in six shipments, carried across the Hudson River by barge and assembled on site in a process that took three years. Yet despite the size of the Vessel, it has been designed at a human scale, to be climbed, explored and enjoyed by New Yorkers and visitors – a simple structure, animated by people and the reflections of the square beneath.

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WEST ELEVATION

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Technical Focus

Reflecting on the rise of mirrored facades

Simon Gregory, Sales Director at Proteus Facades, looks at how innovation in cladding materials are providing architects with more choice when it comes to specifying facades for large and existing buildings.

acades have always played an important part in ensuring that a building engages with its environment, and mirror-polished and reflective materials, in particular, provide designers with a once-unimaginable ability to make a building invisible. This is particularly useful for larger structures that need to blend in with their surroundings and with more young professionals opting for ‘city-centre living’. Plus, with the population of many town centres having doubled in recent years, we are seeing a rise in the development of bigger schools, multi-storey residencies and mixed-use commercial buildings in these areas. Cladding manufacturers have responded to this by providing more choice in the variety of materials and finishes available to architects. For instance, various lightweight materials that include metallic finishes, different levels of opaqueness, perforations or mesh profiles, can all be used to help a building appear less imposing. Stainless steel has, of course, been used in architectural design for decades, principally because of its combined benefits of corrosion resistance and appealing aesthetics. However, it is now available in a much wider range of patterns, finishes and textures; with mirror-

polished, in particular, proving popular with architects looking to mask a large building. Take a recent development in Northampton, for example. Due to unprecedented growth in pupil numbers through a combination of increasing birth rate, inward migration and house-building, the local authority identified a need for 25 new primary schools and six secondary schools to be built in the city and across Northamptonshire by 2020. Responding to this significant requirement, London-based Architecture Initiative identified an old abandoned building on the edge of the city centre as the ideal space for the development of Northampton International Academy, a new state-of-the-art school. Working closely with the local authority, the architects redesigned the old Royal Mail sorting office, a colossal, Brutalist building, originally opened by Princess Diana on her first solo engagement in 1981. Once described as an eyesore of the city, the structure has been given a new lease of life, and now sits harmoniously within its surroundings, thanks in part to a reflective Proteus SC perforated polished stainless steel facade.This is an engineered panel system that is available in either solid, perforated or expanded mesh formats, and in an extensive

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range of metals, colours, textures and forms. The single-skin perforated panels at Northampton International Academy were manufactured from a sheet of 2mm stainless steel, which offers the ideal combination of high strength and a modern, progressive aesthetic. The stainless steel-clad facade cleverly masks the monolithic appearance of the original structure, whilst not completely hiding this Brutalist piece of architecture.The mirrorpolished surface also reflects the skyline giving the impression that the building is smaller than it actually is. Reducing perforation sizes from the middle to the top and bottom edges maximise translucency, whilst acting as a brise soleil, providing shade from solar glare and preventing over-heating to the teaching spaces. Each panel, installed by Deane Roofing & Cladding, is supported by our aluminium carrier system and ancillary components anchored to a cantilever steel frame from the underlying masonry structure.These allowed the panels to be hooked-on from behind, accentuating the sheer, smooth facade interrupted only by the perforated design. Careful placement of the small and large perforations allows natural light to pass through and illuminate the interior of the school, whilst the metal facade is rendered virtually invisible from the inside. This innovative approach is just one of the reasons Northampton International Academy was named one of the “boldest” buildings of 2019 by the Royal Institute of British Architects.

Technical Focus

NORTHAMPTON INTERNATIONAL ACADEMY STAINLESS STEEL-CLAD FACADE INSTALLATION DETAILS

KEY: 01. 200 X 100 RHS 02. 100 X 100 SHS 03. 200 X 100 RHS 04. NB: AREA WILL BE VISIBLE 05. BRACKETS TO SUIT CALCULATION

06. 125 X 50 MULLION 07. 2MM-THICK STAINLESS STEEL

PERFORATED PROTEUS PANEL

08. 2MM-THICK STAINLESS STEEL

PERFORATED PROTEUS PANEL

09. 2MM-THICK STAINLESS STEEL

PERFORATED PROTEUS PANEL

10. 2MM-THICK STAINLESS STEEL

PERFORATED PROTEUS PANEL

2 3

186

9 186

10 662

672

With a floor area of 22,250m2 and high ceilings, the academy, run by the EMLC Academy Trust, accommodates over 2220 pupils, including 420 primary, 1500 secondary and 300 sixth formers.The front of the school houses two illuminated signage boxes that indicate separate entrances for primary and secondary pupils, which perfectly complement the mirror-polished cladding panels.

880

900

Summary The UK is entering an exciting new era in terms of the aesthetics of our cities. One thing is for sure, reflective cladding has many benefits and is enabling architects and specifiers to meet their vision for transforming existing Brutalist structures. As such, both single-skin and rainscreen cladding systems will continue to evolve

as manufacturers respond to new design trends and the aesthetic preferences of architects and their clients. With a rise in the demand for buildings that complement their surroundings, we expect to see these mirrored and reflective materials specified more.

â&#x2013;

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Voice of the Industry

Constructing efficiency from above With six billion people estimated to be living in cities by 2050, how can ceilings help accommodate such growth? Ian Clarke, Commercial Technical Manager for Armstrong Ceiling Solutions, discusses.

he construction industry is at a critical juncture. Headcounts worldwide are growing, and growing fast – and the projected numbers are staggering. It’s predicted there will be nine billion people worldwide by 2050, with two out of every three living in cities by the same date. For those tasked with designing and building our cities, the challenges of such accelerated growth quickly add up. From skills shortages and needlessly complicated supply chains to fear of embracing BIM, it’s never been more important to face the challenge head-on. But what can be done today to help counter the increased building demand of tomorrow? Simply put, a drive towards greater construction efficiency.To this end, any opportunity for increased simplicity and proficiency should be welcomed.While the building envelope is an obvious focus for building faster and more effectively, the internal space should not be overlooked.

Start how you mean to go on While the outside of a building goes a long way to define architectural appeal, it’s the interior space which creates comfort and usability. By enhancing light and acoustics, ceilings are a critical aspect of this process, and they are an area where architects, specifiers and installers all stand to benefit from enhanced methodologies. Involving ceiling manufacturers at the beginning of the design and specification stage is critical. In doing so, a more collaborative, transparent working environment is established where questions from all parties are openly asked, and existing conventions are challenged.The result is that key concerns are raised earlier, leading to less rework down the line. A team that’s working together clearly and cohesively also works more efficiently, which will become increasingly important as demand and population figures continue to rise.

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On call with one call In our always-on world, everyone expects to be able to get what they want with a single tap, click or call.The ceiling industry is no different. It’s why, at Armstrong Ceiling Solutions, we provide everything from industry-leading products and expert support right through to training. For example, in the UK, 90% of Armstrong products are available next day, while a 24-hour call-to-site service is also available.This approach aids efficiency by greatly simplifying supply chains and, in turn, minimising exposure to unforeseen delays.

Working the right way, right away Increasingly, contractors are being asked to take on greater responsibility and become jacks of all construction trades. This is leading to increased levels of superficial knowledge and a move to hiring generalists over specialists. While some short-term benefits may exist, the long-term inefficiencies in moving away from specialist expertise are likely to cause serious issues in terms of meeting demand and maintaining quality standards. By realising this, we’ve made it a clear mission at Armstrong Ceiling Solutions to maintain specialisation and in-depth knowledge in contractors’ skillsets, combining comprehensive training at the renowned Armstrong Installation School, technical support from our ceiling specialists and – in the UK – the Omega Contractor

Voice of the Industry programme of Armstrong recognised specialist ceiling installers. As a result, contractors are able to draw on both their experience and comprehensive, targeted expertise in order to deliver best practice in terms of cost and construction efficiencies.

Win with BIM The digital age is playing an ever-increasing role in all aspects of construction, meaning meticulous attention to data is no longer a need, but a must. And Building Information Modelling (BIM) is set to play an ever more prominent role in terms of delivering ceiling construction efficiency. The benefits of BIM are manifold, not least in terms of improving collaboration and enhancing decision-making. It also greatly reduces rework and eliminates costly duplication of drawings, freeing up talent and capital to be used elsewhere.Yet many within the industry are still not yet fully equipped to deal with BIM, preferring instead to rely on time-proven methodologies. But with just 30 years before we reach the estimated worldwide populace of nine billion, it’s way past time for the industry at large to embrace future-facing technologies and techniques; to look proactively at methods that will enable all of us to construct a more efficient future for all.

Building efficiency into products

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While service and support help increase project efficiency, it’s important also to consider the role of the products themselves – in terms of both ease of installation and environmental sustainability. In both cases, Armstrong Ceiling Solutions builds efficiency into its portfolio. To complement our world-leading range of tiles, we’ve developed a range of highly engineered products – including grids and canopy kits – which simplify installation and maintenance, helping minimise time on site and accelerating project completion. Last but not least, there’s the efficiency in the products themselves. Currently, some 60% of all materials are used in creating and maintaining our built environment – with a significant amount enduing their service life in landfill. Products which can be recycled and re-used; therefore, add value to the process as well as to our planet. Among Armstrong Ceiling Solution’s range are a number of products certified as ‘Cradle to Cradle’ (C2C), which means they’re responsibly manufactured and endlessly re-usable. Already a requirement for certain projects in the United States and Europe, C2C is sure to become more widespread, helping contractors provide transparency and protecting our environment for future generations.

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Legal & Business

Peter Johnson, Chairman of Vivalda Group, thinks we may finally be nearing the end of the Grenfell saga.

ith just four words – ‘new building safety standards’ – hidden away at the end of the eighth paragraph of this year’s Queen’s Speech, we finally have confirmation that the construction industry is finally getting a new, independent safety regulator. And that new body will be there to force developers and landlords to comply with rigorous new safety standards. About time too. Hailed by many as the biggest reform of the sector in 40 years, the new law will impose far stronger obligations on those responsible for the safety of high-rise buildings throughout design, construction and occupation.We await final details as the legislation makes its way to the statute books. While the new safety regime is very welcomed, there still remain practical challenges within the post-Grenfell cladding sector – specifically where the private sector is concerned. Back in May 2019, the Government set up a £200m fund to replace unsafe Grenfell Tower-style cladding on around 170 private high-rise residential buildings across the UK. However, looking forward, how will landlords of presently ‘safe’ buildings be expected to meet the cost of

refurbishment, should the new legislation raise the current safety bar? We are concerned that there may be significant numbers of public and private high-rise developments that are currently within safety limits, but may retrospectively be deemed unsafe if new tests reveal inadequacies in the existing safety regime. The UK’s dysfunctional building safety culture was painfully exposed by the Grenfell Tower tragedy.The new laws to create a much-needed regular should be applauded, but we’re not out of the woods yet, when it comes to healing the wounds created back in July 2017. Next in the cacophony of reports and recommendations comes the official enquiry into the Grenfell disaster, headed by former High Court Judge Sir Martin Moore-Bick. Losing patience in the chronic progression of the process, Prime Minister Boris Johnson wrote to the judge earlier this year, stating that the first part of the report (looking at the period leading up to the fire) must be published before the end of October. Now available, this first instalment focuses on the events of 14th June 2017, encompassing London Fire Brigade’s response, the decision

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Peter Johnson established Vivalda Group in 1999. Today, the business has a turnover of £39m and employs more than 150 people across 10 locations in the UK and Ireland.

to order residents to stay put while fire engulfed the building. It also considers issues such as communication between residents and 999 emergency call operators. Due to commence in January 2020, the second part of the inquiry will examine the events prior to the night of the fire, including decisions made by the owner of the 24-storey tower, the Royal Borough of Kensington and Chelsea, and the landlord, the Kensington and Chelsea Tenants Management Organisation. It is expected that the architects, Studio E, the contractor Rydon and material suppliers, including Celotex and Arconic, will come under scrutiny. Conclusions are not expected until at least 2021, which means any decisions on charges of manslaughter or corporate manslaughter by the Crown Prosecution Service are not likely to take place until after that. In the final analysis, we will have to wait to see those responsible for the tragedy brought to justice. In the meantime, contractors, suppliers and architects will watch carefully to see the details of the new safety laws and their regulator.

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Grenfell aftermath – final end in sight?

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architecture. Use it as a decorative element in the cityscape, or let the facade on the out-side reflect what is going on inside. We can reproduce all kinds of original material and look forward to hearing your ideas and requirements. See our case studies and find more inspiration at city-emotion.com.

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Build Focus: Hospitality & Leisure

HOSPITALITY & LEISURE The latest news, trends and advice on the hospitality and leisure sectors

By Trevor Bowers, Director at Washroom Washroom Creating designer changing rooms for boutique gyms Boutique gyms are generally designed to look and feel like an exclusive club and are a fastgrowing market in the UK.These spaces demand changing areas which reflect their individuality, ethos and brand image with design-led, on-trend interiors setting them apart from other health clubs and leisure centres.

metro tiles with contrasting grouting can be used to create an industrial-inspired design, which remains on-trend. As part of a recent project which perfectly encapsulates this style,Washroom designed glass shower cubicles with a bespoke saloon-style door opening, created specifically and solely for the project.

On-trend design finishes and luxury materials When it comes to boutique gym design, each site will often have its own specially created interior design scheme which can differ to other gyms even within the same chain. Washroom has installed new washrooms, showers and changing room areas for three Third Space clubs in London. All three are unique with the designs drawing on a range of high-specification and unusual materials and finishes including Ted Todd end grain feature wood panels, Zodiaq stone and coppereffect laminates. Elements such as exposed pipework, concrete vanities, monochrome colour schemes, stainless-steel accessories and

Finding the perfect balance Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s essential to consider the practical implications of materials used and their expected lifecycle as part of the overall design to ensure the shower and changing room areas will be able to withstand high levels of traffic to remain in pristine condition for longer. Solid surface materials such as Corian and Zodiaq, which are ideal for vanities and grooming shelves, can be cut and joined with a seamless finish and are available in a wide range of attractive colours and textures, offering a low-maintenance, hygienic solution without compromising on design.

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Build Focus: Hospitality & Leisure

By Marc Khoury, COO for the Americas and President of CCL USA

By Daniel Tebay, MRICS Director at Krol Corlett Construction

Post-tensioning performs at Uline Arena buckling and resist thrust forces in the completed project, but a temporary solution was also required to prevent the roof from collapsing during construction. A temporary steel support structure was cost-prohibitive and involved buildability challenges. Instead, the CCL team helped to devise a post-tensioned (PT) solution that would put an equivalent counteracting force through internal ties within the structure. The PT cables were fixed onto an anchor block on the column using a speciallydesigned bracket, then slung across the full 48m span of the arena. They were then fixed to an equivalent anchor block on the other side. This allowed the PT cables to be used as thrust restraints. Groups of cables were installed at each columnbeam location and stressed in a carefully-controlled sequence. The contractor was then able to start taking out sections of the roof slab to update the building while preserving the original roof structure and, though it plays no permanent structural role, the temporary solution was incorporated into the building. www.cclint.com

Hotels are under pressure to refresh their facilities and interiors as regularly as possible, particularly at the luxury end of the market. The challenge is continuing to offer a superior guest experience while these improvements are carried out. That’s why our expertise in operational refurbishment and flexible approach to scheduling work have been critical to the success of our projects at The Lowry Hotel. Our first project at The Lowry Hotel was a refurbishment of the first- and second-floor washrooms. These facilities are in daily use, so we had to phase the works to keep them available during the day, working out of hours to deliver the project in just six weeks. It was a relatively small job but involved working around the operational needs of the hotel, minimising disruption to guests and ensuring a high standard of finish. We then moved on to the presidential suite; the most prestigious hotel accommodation in the city. For this refurbishment and remodelling scheme, we were able to take vacant possession of the suite to deliver an extremely high-end

project – including a £10K bath imported from Italy. Working collaboratively with the hotel’s team was essential because of the number of VIP guest bookings in nearby suites. Noise and dust had to be minimised at all times and if a VIP was arriving, work had to be put on hold during their stay. After the success of these projects, we carried out the refurbishment of the reception and lobby area, using a temporary reception and acoustic screening to keep the works under wraps for a big reveal. Most recently, we’ve completed the refurbishment of the restaurant and bar, again with vacant possession, but with a business-critical handover date due to an existing booking. We’ve now moved on to the upgrade of five suites, which, once again, entails very high standards of finish and bespoke joinery and we’ve designed the programme to allow a phased handover, optimising availability of the suites. In essence, it’s all about considering the commercial requirements of the client and taking an agile approach to dovetailing the project with those requirements. www.krolcorlett.com

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Any Beatles fan will know the Uline Arena as the venue for the band’s first US appearance in 1964. Built in 1941, it also hosted ice hockey, basketball and tennis matches along with events as diverse as rodeos and motor racing. Built using the ‘thin shell’ technique, which leverages the inherent action of arches to enable huge unsupported spans of very thin concrete, the building also has architectural and engineering significance. Uline Arena’s latest incarnation preserves this heritage while transforming the single-storey hangar to four levels of office and retail space. The building’s ribbed, barrel-arched roof sits on concrete columns. This has been retained, but sections of the original thin concrete shell panels have been demolished to form roof-level terraces. The challenge was that the panels and arched ribs were designed to act together structurally. Consequently, if roof panels were removed without any support, the loads in the arched beams would deflect and push outwards on the columns, which would then have been at risk of buckling under self-weight. New intermediate posttensioned floors by CCL prevent the columns from

Delivering a five-star service for the luxury hotel sector

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Glazing & Frames

Drawing the curtain wall Creating a sense of light and space that is both comfortable and practical is one of the biggest challenges in the design of a building’s fenestration package, and the enduring popularity of highly-glazed facades has fuelled the demand for curtain walling systems to perform as well as they look. Andrew Cooper, National Specification Manager from leading aluminium fenestration solutions provider Senior Architectural Systems (SAS), discusses some of the key issues specifiers need to consider. Frame your vision When it comes to curtain wall systems, aluminium remains the most popular choice of framing material and a quick look at the metal’s impressive credential explains why. Fully and endlessly recyclable, aluminium is one of the most sustainable building materials available. It is also one of the strongest, and its exceptional durability makes it the ideal choice for projects that not only need a robust solution but also one that can make a positive contribution to reducing future maintenance costs. In terms of aesthetic appeal, aluminium systems are also hard to beat as the inherent strength of the material allows it to support much larger expanses of glazing within a narrow frame. This offers a sleek finish with slim sightlines and wider views. The narrow profile of aluminium curtain wall systems is key to achieving

the perfect ratio of frame-to-glass that so many specifiers desire, helping to open up a facade and maximise the flow of natural light. The choice of powdercoating options available can also help to further accentuate and protect the aluminium system. From colour-matching to align with a particular brand in the commercial sector, to adhering to planning requirements or creating bespoke designs, the fact that aluminium curtain wall systems can be specified in a wide variety of colours and protective finishes offers almost unlimited design possibilities.

Taking the long view As well as the aesthetic appeal of aluminium curtain walling, the strength of this type of system can offer practical benefits, particularly for projects that incorporate large spans of glazing in the facade design.

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Choosing a system that offers a range of box sizes enables large expanses of glazing to be accommodated, and as these can be reinforced if required for even greater strength, wider spans can be achieved without the need for additional supporting steel to be used. With the cost of steel continuing to rise, the removal of this extra cost – and extra risk – makes aluminium curtain wall systems the perfect choice for such projects.

Choice of configurations Different capping options for curtain walling systems also play an important role in creating the desired aesthetic, and there is a wide range of configurations to choose from.The use of caps conceals the exterior pressure plates that are used to secure the glass infill panels in place to achieve a more aesthetically pleasing facade. A fully capped system creates the traditional ‘grid’ design, but caps can also be used horizontally along the transoms to help make a building look wider, or vertically along the mullions to give a structure a greater sense of height. For large glazed facades where a flush finish is preferred, a capless curtain walling system is ideal. Also referred to as silicone sealed, this type of system can create a ‘frameless’ look as there are no face caps to interrupt the exterior view.

Drainage options Further flexibility is available in terms of drainage solutions, with a choice of mullion and zone drained curtain walling systems. Mullion drained systems are becoming increasingly popular as they can be quicker to install on site and they offer more flexibility for integration with sloped glazing systems. However, the type of drainage used will depend greatly on the specific requirements of a project and consideration will need to be given to the way the curtain walling integrates with other systems, such as cladding, in terms of the design of the membranes, seals and drainage paths.With this in mind, it’s always advisable to seek advice from the system’s manufacturer prior to work commencing on site.

Glazing & Frames SF52 CURTAIN WALL (SF52.A.2116) General arrangement – typical head and cill details

KEY: 01. PERIMETER PROFILE COVER TRIM (SF350)

02. SEALANT AND BACKING ROD 03. PERIMETER PROFILE (SF580) 04. SF460 (SF461) EPDM MEMBRANE BONDED TO STRUCTURE

05. TRANSOM NOTCHED TO PASS BOLT

25MM

8 1 5

06. DEADLOAD FIXING BOLT 07. ALUMINIUM FIXING PLATE 08. STRUCTURAL FIXING TO SUIT SITE CONDITIONS

SF52 CURTAIN WALL (SF52.A.1114) General arrangement – typical head and cill details

KEY: 01. PERIMETER PROFILE (SF570) 02. SEALANT AND BACKING ROD 03. SF460 (SF461) EPDM MEMBRANE BONDED TO STRUCTURE

04. CILL NOTCHED TO PASS BOLT 05. DEADLOAD FIXING BOLT 06. ALUMINIUM FIXING PLATE 07. STRUCTURAL FIXING TO SUIT SITE CONDITIONS

5 7 4

2 3

Many fenestration systems on today’s market can help achieve ultra-low U-values, but the real test of a product is how it will contribute to the overall thermal performance of a building. For example, careful planning at the design stage is required to ensure that the quest to achieve low U-values doesn’t lead to overheating problems. As it’s more expensive to cool a building using air conditioning than to heat it, it is important that the right balance is found between thermal performance, solar gain and light transmittance. Cold spots and condensation caused by thermal bridging should also be avoided. Again, this

is where collaboration with the system’s manufacturer can help, particularly as there is often a considerable difference in the thermal performance requirements of both residential and commercial schemes and it is, therefore, important that system variations can be offered to meet the requirements of either building type.

Putting partnering first Navigating the extensive choices available can, understandably, be a challenge for specifiers, but through early engagement, architects can tap into the technical expertise of the supply chain to gain valuable assistance with the product

selection process as well as access to detailed technical calculations and CAD and BIM drawings. Working ‘one on one’ with a curtain walling supplier provides an effective forum for innovative problem-solving and value-engineering solutions and also offers the reassurance of having all warranties in one place. As the best way to strengthen a supply chain is often to reduce the number of links, streamlining the procurement process is the perfect way to encourage collaboration, fuel innovation and, most importantly, create real value that offers tangible benefits.

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Thermal performance

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Coatings & Stains © Galliard Homes

Powder perfection John Park-Davies, Group Marketing Director of VertikAl, explains the process and benefits of powder coating architectural aluminium and explores the myriad of colours and finishes available and how architects are using them to differentiate buildings, create drama and act as an alternative to high-impact glazing.

ver the past 18 months, we have witnessed a step-change in architectural design.Where once glazing was the default facade of choice, we’re seeing architects and designers move away from glass and seek alternative materials and finishes. Last year, architecture, interiors and design magazine ‘Dezeen’ featured an article which sums up our feel for the global facade market – “Architects in New York are returning to stone and other solid-looking materials to cover their towers, after years of glass dominating skyscraper construction in the city. “SHoP Architects’ Gregg Pasquarelli… believes that glazing has become too obvious as a choice for architects and developers, and that it is quickly going out of style. “Pasquarelli told Dezeen: ‘While some are spectacular, many glass facades have become a default design solution, usually when the client or the architect is out of ideas.’ ” Yes, it’s a bold statement and unsurprising from a design principal responsible for a pair of copper-clad skyscrapers but, Pasquarelli has a point. We have recently powder coated over 35,000Lm of aluminium bar in metallic gold.

These profiles were then fabricated to form a series of unitised panels that were destined for blocks of high-rise apartments in a citycentre riverside location. We have also seen a marked rise in mixed textured finishes, for example, we have completed a vast powder-coated commission in contrasting matt, gloss and ‘Portland stone’ finish.The project comprised hundreds of unitised panels for a city-centre development, totalling over 25,000m2 white and brown stone-effect and 40,000m2 RAL 7024 Matt, RAL 9011 Gloss and RAL 8014 Matt. So, with architects, designers and clients looking for something different to the vast swathes of glazed facade of the noughties, it’s worth exploring the alternatives, not least aluminium. Aluminium is one of the most durable and sustainable building materials available, and the market is growing, steadily. Figures from the Council for Aluminium in Building (CAB) support this.The latest Q1, 2019 CAB State of Market Survey (released in June) showed “… continued rises in expected sales volumes and a very positive view of capital investment over the next 12 months”.

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With such a resistant aluminium market, it’s important that architects, designers and specifiers appreciate the coatings and finishes available, the two most popular being powder coating and anodising. In a statement, Russell Deane, Global Architectural Manager at AkzoNobel Powder Coatings, said: “Understanding the differences and relative advantages of powder coating and anodising is extremely useful. A weak specification, or a wrong choice of coating, can have a disastrous effect on the colour of the building [product] in the long term. And colour is just one of the key considerations.”

What is powder coating? Powder coating is, as the name suggests, a type of coating that is applied as a solid powder rather than the liquid of more conventional coatings.The omission of any liquid solvents and their ability to be infinitely recycled during the application process results in an exceptionally eco-friendly final coating with no volatile organic compound (VOC) issues and minimal waste when compared to liquid coatings.

Coatings & Stains The powder-coated film is very tough and resilient, and dependent on the resin chemistry utilised, can offer coatings with exceptional chemical resistance, durability and a spectrum of aesthetically pleasing colours and surface finishes.

How does it work? Powder coatings are manufactured from a mixture of resins, hardeners, pigments and additives that are extruded together and then ground into a fine powder. They are normally factory applied to metal substrates (non-heat-sensitive) via an electrostatic application method.

The three-stage process involves:

1. Metal components must be suitably cleaned prior to coating to ensure the removal of dust, oxides and grease. Depending on the final application, further surface treatment may be required to improve; for example, corrosion resistance and mechanical adhesion of the powder paint. 2. The powder is fluidised in air and passes through a corona discharge, the components to be coated are earthed so that the charged powder particles are attracted and electrostatically adhere to the component’s surface. 3. The component is then placed in a curing oven. During the curing process, the powder paint melts to form a continuous liquid film. Upon continued heating, a chemical reaction occurs between the resin and curing agents that results in a hard, thermoset coating.

Quality of finish

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Consistency and quality of finish are essential for the coating to have an impact. Look for companies that are committed to quality and carry relevant and respected certification such as BSI approval, Qualicoat quality label and GSB International licence. All require stringent controls, checks, and often, random audits; giving peace of mind and reassurance to architects, specifiers and building owners/ management companies. Aluminium and its kaleidoscope of finishes is a worthy alternative to glass. Just think, by working with global powder companies – including AkzoNobel, Synthapulvin,Axalta, IGP etc. – we generally use around 400 colours regularly, but there are over 3500 at our disposal, and when one adds the vast selection of textures, the world has tens of thousands of finishes to choose from. The possibilities of powder coating are infinite. Isn’t it time you discovered the power of powder coating?

www.vertik-al.com

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Renewable Technology

The smart revolution: the future of renewable energy with heat pumps Matthew Trewhella is Managing Director of Kensa Contracting

The UK Government recently committed to a 2050 netzero carbon target in an effort to limit the worst effects of global warming. The rapid recent decarbonisation of the electricity grid and the high efficiency of ground source heat pumps (GSHPs) now means that this route to the large-scale electrification of heating shows significantly more promise than the decarbonisation of the gas grid. Here Matthew Trewhella, Managing Director of Kensa Contracting, discusses three innovations, which coupled with ground source heat pumps, are set to enable this rapid transformation to take place.

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Renewable Technology

The traditional solution would be to build additional generating capacity to over-produce and then turn off when not needed. However, the stable source temperature of GSHPs makes them well suited to running when the grid can best support it. If properly synchronised, smart control of millions of devices such as GSHPs, electric vehicles and many others will allow the grid to function correctly without the need for over-generation. Combined with the low electricity consumption of GSHPs, this will save billions of pounds of capital investment in future generating capacity. Consumers will also benefit as smart metering is giving suppliers the ability to charge consumers different prices at different times of day to reflect the availability of energy. Smart controls will allow householders to automatically take advantage of these dynamic tariffs to run their GSHPs when prices are lowest – our modelling shows savings of 25 to 40% are achievable right now. Better still, lowerpriced times of day typically coincide with lower carbon grid electricity.

Cooling

Warmer summers, improved insulation, larger windows and urban heat islands are combining to increase the need for cooling, which is unhelpful in the fight against climate change. Traditional air conditioning makes the situation worse because all the heat taken out of the buildings is pumped into the air around the city. A ground array with an ambient temperature district heating loop makes an excellent source of cooling – the by-product of extracting heat from the ground all winter is a large area of prechilled ground which is conveniently piped to each property (heat pump). Passive cooling can, therefore, be provided at the extremely low cost of running a small circulating pump. Even better, the heat that you take out of each property is reintroduced into the ground, which improves the heat pump heating efficiency the following winter. For properties that need even more cooling, it is simple to reverse the heat pump hydraulic flows so that the heat pump actively cools the property and sends the waste heat into the ground.

PV-T panels

Solar panels that combine photovoltaic (PV) cells and thermal (T) water heat exchangers have been around for a while, yet their full potential can be realised by combining them with a ground array. In summer, the ground array cools the panels from 40 to 50ºC down to 15 to 25ºC, which increases the efficiency of the photovoltaic panels by 15 to 25%.The heat taken from the panels re-charges the ground array, which increases the efficiency of the heat pumps by 10 to 20%. Combining three renewable technologies in this way is a win-win-win, which improves the efficiency of each technology independently and results in a more efficient overall system, bill reductions and carbon reductions.

Timescales

These innovations all take advantage of existing technology but combine them in ways that bring huge benefits to the decarbonisation of heat.They are ready to go, and future-proofed, which means they can be deployed now with no regrets and their benefits will increase with time as the electricity grid evolves and decarbonises.

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Smart controls

www.kensaheatpumps.com

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Glass & Glazing

Wide open space Jonny Davis, Director of Cotswold Windows, explores the trend for large-format glazing, the challenges that this presents for architects, specifiers and installers and takes a look at some of the products currently exciting the architectural industry.

lazed facades and large windows have long been popular in commercial building design, but the move to contemporary, unfussy windows is now firmly on-trend in the domestic market. Windows continue to grow in size while frames, often in a dark tone, diminish, with glazing units offering large unobstructed views. The style is unashamedly modern while the shapes remain traditional – just much bigger. With regional and national house-builders now embracing large apertures, often for selective and prestigious developments, it’s a trend that looks set to stay. Yet, with consumers demanding more glass, less frame and bigger and better windows, this must be balanced with budget and feasibility.

Structural requirements

It’s no surprise that large windows and doors require extra structural support. This is something that has to be factored in at the design stage and is vital for a precise fit and long-term performance. We would recommend that architects and specifiers get on board with their window supplier as early as possible to capitalise on their expertise. By working together, a viable and budget-conscious solution can be achieved, without compromising on structural integrity. The supplier should be aware of everything. We often work with architects to assess the site before the specification is finalised. This allows us to head-off any potential issues early in the design process.

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A typical site assessment would include the location, altitude, position in relation to the coast, wind speed, building height and frame/ glazing size required.The wind load is also calculated, allowing the most appropriate profile and glass to be selected.

Practicalities of installing big windows

One of the challenges of large glazed units is the risk associated with handling and installation. For manual lifting, the Health & Safety Executive states:“The law does not identify a maximum weight limit. It places duties on employers to manage or control risk; measures to take to meet this duty will vary depending on the circumstances of the task.There is no universally safe maximum weight for any load; however, there are varying degrees of risk”.

Glass & Glazing

Solar gain

When specifying windows for large apertures, solar gain must be factored in.This is a particular consideration for glass on south-facing elevations. Most window fabricators control solar gain through high-performance glazing, with glass manufacturers offering a wide selection of glass options including coated and uncoated. Solar control glass, for example, can help retain heat in cooler months. When specifying solar control glass, consider the g-value – the measure (in percentage terms) of how much solar heat is allowed in through a building material or

product, e.g. a window. The g-value of standard double glazing is typically 64%, whereas certain types of solar control glass can reduce the solar gain down to 28%.

While specialist glass is one solution, architects and designers can also address solar gains by considering the location and orientation of the building during the planning stage, especially the shading benefits of neighbouring buildings and trees.

The right information

For an efficient and positive build, relevant and accurate information should be shared early in the design process. Window manufacturers benefit from detailed and precise section drawings of what is to be constructed. This isn’t a requirement as this can be picked up later in a site survey, but good construction drawings certainly lead to the best finish and results, on site. Elevations or plans of the basic system or style required is essential for generating a detailed quotation. This is particularly important for those working to a specific budget. Many window companies will offer support at the design stage, often providing full technical drawings showing the product integrated into the building.

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Mechanical versus manual lifting is; therefore, determined by the size and weight of the glazed product, and at the discretion of the client, contractor or supplier/installer. For example, a Sky-Frame horizontal sliding window measures 3.2 x 4m (larger on request) and weighs around 640kg, so mechanical lifting equipment would be required by the fitting team. A nominal figure of £1000 should be budgeted for the hire of mechanical lifting equipment. The weather is also a critical factor, especially wind speeds. A risk assessment would be advisable prior to the installation, to determine how and if the lift should go ahead.

www.cotswold windows.co.uk

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London Build Preview

Networking

London Build returns for 2019 London’s leading construction and design show is back from 27 to 28th November at Olympia, London, and this time it is bigger and better than ever before. Spanning across two floors, London Build is more than just an exhibition. Not just your average construction show, the event is jam-packed with content, networking and entertainment.

his year will have an important focus on mental health, wellbeing, diversity and equality on the main stage and throughout the exhibition, as well as opportunities to get up to date with upcoming major construction projects and opportunities across Greater London and the UK.

What’s on?

London Build will be boasting CPDaccredited sessions across eight different summits, hosted by the most sensational line-up of speakers at any construction show in history, and featuring accredited training workshops in everything from sustainability and BIM to advanced digital and social media construction marketing. An extensive programme of over 500 esteemed speakers includes the likes of Juliemma McLoughlin the Chief Planner – Development, Enterprise and Environment at Greater London Authority, Fergus

Harradence the Deputy Director of the Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy, Gillian Charlesworth the CEO of BRE, Graham Watts the CEO of Construction Industry Council, Sharon Duffy the Head of Transport Infrastructure at Transport for London and David Speight, the Project Delivery Director Heathrow Expansion of Heathrow – to name a few. Over 350 exhibitors will fill the venue including: Procore, Powerday, Recticel, JLG, BT Openreach, Epson, Panasonic, Bauder, Beaulieu International, Roof Maker, Autodesk/Plangrid, George Boyd/SaintGobain, Wurth, Resapol and Bostik. The Humans of Construction photography exhibition will be displaying 1000 of the most influential and inspiring professionals working in the UK’s built environment, featuring individuals from a wide array of fascinating backgrounds in the industry, from CEOs to architects, pioneers to students and future leaders.

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London Build is looking forward to welcoming over 25,000 registered contractors, architects, engineers, developers, councils and construction professionals over the two days. The show is expecting a high level of attendance from the UK’s top 100 contractors and architects, offering an unbeatable opportunity for networking with peers and clients alike. The team want you to leave London Build armed with a wide range of new connections and friends and make sure you become part of an ongoing exciting and vibrant new community of like-minded professionals. Networking opportunities include our firstever LinkedIn Networking Lounge – a groundbreaking networking initiative which enables attendees to network and make new contacts whilst simultaneously building their online network through LinkedIn using QR codes and a timetable of speed networking events. The show will also be hosting networking events such as Meet the Buyer by Constructionline, CIOB Hub in the Pub, Constructing Excellence Club Breakfast, BIM & Tonic, #TeqDen10x10, Diversity in Construction and the UK’s largest-ever networking meeting of Women in Construction.

An event like no other

London Build believes that doing business should be fun, and includes within the event the Festival of Construction. Featuring comedy acts, entertainment, live music, celebrity guests, London Beer Festival, gin tastings and prize giveaways, the Festival of Construction promises to be the biggest festival in construction, offering you the chance to rub shoulders with big industry names and celebrity guests, whilst indulging in London’s finest food, drinks and live entertainment.

www.londonbuildexpo.com

London Build Preview London bricks for London Build From 27 to 28th November, Imperial Bricks is displaying its ‘50 Shades of Clay’ on stand D29 at London Build. Architects, specifiers, developers, contractors and self-builders can speak to Imperial Bricks for expert advice on brick matching, sourcing an ethical, sustainable supply and technical queries. All of Imperial’s brick products are CE-marked, sourced from SEDEX-compliant partners and tested by Lucideon, a leading independent certification body. A wide variety of bricks suitable for London and the surrounding area will be showcased, including the new Weathered Original London Stock, Camberley Blend and Capital Blend, the new Linear handmade range and Contemporary Wirecut bricks. Visitors can learn more about the unique dual-faced Weathered Burwell Gault and Pre War Common bricks, which feature ‘clean’ and weathered faces, providing the option to create multiple blends. In addition to the extensive range of ‘standard’ bricks, Imperial can customise blends and age bricks to ensure a perfect match.

Helifix to exhibit at London Build 2019 Helifix will be exhibiting at this year’s London Build on 27 and 28th November 2019 at Olympia, London, on stand number C28. Helifix will be showcasing its range of concealed, non-disruptive products and installation techniques alongside the Helifix Micro-Pile system, an efficient, economical and non-disruptive method of foundation stabilisation. The sales and technical teams will be available on the stand to discuss your project-specific requirements and answer any questions you may have. For more information, contact Helifix via the below details.

8 www.imperialbricks.co.uk

8 www.helifix.co.uk

* sales@imperialbricks.co.uk

* news@helifix.co.uk

( 01952 750816

( 0208 735 5200

SWISSPACER launches new solutions for glass at London Build SWISSPACER will launch a range of premium solutions for glass at London Build. Its stand, C30, will showcase an innovative glass canopy and balustrade system. La Pensilina is an exclusive cantilever glass canopy system, which is designed for outdoor use and can be installed above entrance doors or sliding and folding patio doors in residential developments. The canopy is also ideal for light commercial applications to enhance entrances to small commercial or business units.Visitors to the show will also be able to learn more about SWISSPACER’s range of highperformance warm edge spacer bars, designed to reduce heat loss in sealed units and improve windows’ energy ratings. SWISSPACER Commercial Director, John Cooper, says: “We’ll also be showing our tried-and-tested range of high-performance warm edge spacer bars, which help to improve the energy performance of sealed units. Come to stand C30 to find out more.”

Gira UK retains its VIP status at London Build 2019 Gira is pleased to once again be a headline sponsor and exhibitor at London Build 2019 for a second consecutive year. Recognised as the largest and most prestigious built-environment design show for London and the South East, London Build 2019 opens its doors to the building and construction industry from 27 to 28th November 2019 at the Olympia Exhibition Centre, London. London Build is highly-regarded, offering an all-encompassing B2B trade show that celebrates all aspects of innovative design and construction. London Build 2019 is set to welcome over 25,000+ construction professionals. Gira will use the show to unlock the virtues of intelligent build design and management, welcoming visitors to stand C36, which is located in the most exhibitor-heavy zone at London Build, the Building Zone. For the duration, Gira will be the exclusive host of the VIP Lounge, also located in the Buildings Zone on the first floor.

8 www.swisspacer.com

8 www.gira.com

anna@mra-marketing.com *

* sales@gira.com

( 01908 335190

( 0203 936 8090

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Coatings & Finishings

Anomatch is a perfect match for London’s new West End square A former post office warehouse occupying 2.3 acres just north of Oxford Street, has been transformed into the first new square in London in many years. Rathbone Square is a lively new addition to London’s West End, with 242,800ft2 of Grade A office space, 140 private residential apartments and carefully selected cafes, shops and restaurants. Attractive arched walkways at two corners are lined with jade glazed ceramic tiles which contrast well with brass gates and posts at the entrances. The design also features decorative curved ‘shadow gap’ channels between the tiles, deep panels at the foot of the walkways and soffit-style panels across the width forming a small ceiling. The designers were keen to ensure colour compatibility between these panels and the gates and also between the various extruded, folded, curved and welded aluminium sections used. An excellent visual and functional finish was essential as much of the material is at eye-level and below.

“Powdertech Anomatch achieves a similar appearance to anodising, enhancing the metal with a soft sheen,” explained Powdertech Director, Richard Besant. “The finish provides excellent colour stability and consistency between batches, irrespective of the origin or grade of the substrate metal and negates any differences in base material grain. Anodising cannot achieve this consistency across different substrates.”

Ancon to exhibit at London Build 2019

©Make Architects

After viewing several sample sections, the client selected Anomatch 543, a light bronze shade with a metallic sheen to complement the entrance gates. Powdertech coated a total of 700m2 of straight and curved 118 x 100mm aluminium channel sections and access/channel cover panels and soffit panels. 8 www.powdertechcorby.co.uk * pcl@powdertech.co.uk ( 01536

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Simpson Strong-Tie introduces all-new catalogue

Ancon will showcase products including Ancon’s range of insulated balcony connectors, helping building designers meet their thermal performance aspirations whilst still boasting Class A1 noncombustible insulation, reinforcement and steelwork, making it fully compliant with The Building (Amendment) Regulations 2018. Ancon offers a wide range of products fully compliant with The Building (Amendment) Regulations 2018 – the Government’s ban on combustible materials in external walls. Find out more at London Build from 27 to 28th November 2019 at Olympia, London – stand number C28.

Simpson Strong-Tie has released its all-new 2020 catalogue; a comprehensive product guide which showcases the company’s most recent innovations and product line extensions. Alongside the UK’s largest collection of connectors for timber and masonry construction sit numerous new products, including the GPC, Gable Panel Connector, a high-movement timber frame tie, decorative and a heavy-duty post bases, an adjustable mini hanger, purlin anchor, twisted restraint strap and a 4mm reinforced angle bracket.The catalogue also contains comprehensive technical data, performance characteristics, safe working loads, plus easy-to-follow installation instructions. Managing Director, Malcolm Paulson, explains:“It’s been a busy time for Simpson Strong-Tie, we’ve really pushed the boat out to increase our core product range, engineered to stand the test of time.With our new enhanced product lines, along with our rapid made-to-order service, we really can say that if we don’t have it – you don’t need it.”

8 www.ancon.co.uk

8 www.strongtie.co.uk

info@ancon.co.uk *

* uksales@strongtie.com

( 0114 275 5224

( 01827 255600

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Coatings & Finishings

Lindapter provides solution for securing architectural glass prism facade The Isola district of Milan has recently undergone a major transformation, making it one of the most attractive areas of the city. Due to the prime location of De Castillia 23 and its excellent transport links, Gruppo Unipol decided to renovate the building and occupy it as its headquarters. Unipol wanted to create an innovative and contemporary building in keeping with the area. The large-scale restoration work aimed to completely change the building’s aesthetic features, but also to improve its functionality, energy performance and the overall efficiency of the building’s management. The architect firm, Progetto CMR, proposed an unusual glass prism facade design, aimed at reflecting sunlight in a constantly different way. This required a method of connecting the glass support

brackets to the hollow tubular sections forming the facade. The structural engineer for this project decided to specify the Flush Fit HolloBolt by Lindapter, an expansion bolt that requires access to only one side of a Structural Hollow Section (SHS). Hollo-Bolt was chosen as it offered significant benefits including fast installation, high strength capacity, clean visual finish and a range of independent technical accreditations, which include the CE Mark and ETA to achieve a design compliant with Eurocode 3.

©Progetto CMR

The main contractor, MAP Carpenteria, used a total of 6800 size M8 Hollo-Bolts to connect the glass support brackets to the facade framework of two buildings. Installation was quick and easy as each bolt is simply inserted into pre-drilled holes and tightened with a torque wrench to the recommended tightening torque to provide the necessary clamping force. 8 www.lindapter.com

* dhaigh@lindapter.com ( 01274

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SETTING THE STANDARD FOR SCAFFOLDING The NASC is the national trade body for access and scaffolding in the UK and has been setting the industry benchmark for nearly 80 years. Our full contracting members are among the best in the business, accounting for the vast majority of the UK’s scaffolding spend – with a total annual turnover in excess of £2 billion – and are independently audited every year. For demonstrably safe, skilled and compliant contractors it has to be NASC. www.nasc.org.uk

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RCI & Facades

Matty Hyson is Sika Liquid Plastics’ ATM of the Year 2018

Inside the role of an area technical manager Matty Hyson, Sika Liquid Plastics’ ATM of the Year 2018, discusses his role and explains why it’s the ideal opportunity for anyone that wants to combine sales and specification.

hen I started my career as an Apprentice Footballer at Hartlepool United, I never imagined that my job would one day involve accessing roofs and working with building surveyors and architects. Dealing with the unexpected is one of the things I love most about my role as an Area Technical Manager at Sika Liquid Plastics though, so, in a sense, the move from pitch to roof has all been part of achieving my goals.

Varied skills

The beauty of working for one of Sika’s roofing brands is that Sika has the peopleoriented, service-driven approach needed to ensure we all get whatever training we might need to offer customers the high standards they expect. There’s a lot more to the job than sales: I am up on a roof most days, carrying out condition surveys,

drafting condition reports and pulling together a technical specification to answer the needs of the project. When I’m not out on site, I’m usually meeting with architects, building surveyors or main contractors to talk through the requirements for their new-build or refurbishment project and make sure we offer them a specification that suits their objectives. We’re fortunate at Sika Liquid Plastics that we have a range of systems and guarantees so we can take a flexible approach to drawing up a specification that fully answers a broad range of criteria.

Connecting specification and installation

I love the variety that the job involves, which might mean a school and an office building one day and a hospital the next. Often, I’ll bring a Sika Liquid Plastics QA (quality assured) contractor along to

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specifier meetings with me because they can give the customer a realistic estimate of the timescale and resource that will be needed to complete the job. Bringing the specifier and the contractor together ensures we iron out any practical questions before the job starts on site, so the client gains a realistic idea of the installed cost of the job, not just the cost of the system.

Supportive culture

Our approach to supporting the customer is part of a culture at Sika, which benefits employees too. As an Area Technical Manager, I have great support from the company. Alongside the training I’ve been offered, I have CRM software that helps me manage appointments and customer relationships, and we get a lot of further marketing support through the website, events and lead generation to add to my own sales activity. Ultimately, I know the company will look after me in terms of my package, training and recognition for a job well done and, in return, I make sure we look after the customer. I’d definitely recommend my role as a great career move, especially for someone from a specification background that wants to add sales and customer service to their remit. It’s such a diverse role, and I find it very rewarding. Sika Liquid Plastics is currently expanding its ATM team. For more information about the roles available, visit https://bit. ly/2BHRZt2. 8 gbr.liquidplastics.sika.com

* liquidplastics@uk.sika.com ( 01772

259781

RCI & Facades

RMIG helps realise the most ambitious architectural projects RMIG’s ‘City Emotion’ philosophy exists to capture the passion for creative and exciting urban design by offering innovative technologies and materials. RMIG can help realise the most ambitious architectural projects; the projects that will give the city an innovative visual statement and emotional appeal. As the world’s largest manufacturer and supplier of perforated metal, with manufacturing units throughout Europe, the company has over 100 years of industry experience with a wealth of tooling and

engineering expertise to help make your ideas come to life. The creative use of perforated metal in urban design shapes the framework of our surroundings. Perforated metal offers a whole new level of freedom for designers and architects who want to influence the cityscape of tomorrow and breathe new life into urban areas. As any architect can testify, a city is not just about the buildings. The city is a landscape of aesthetics, emotions and ambitions. The city is an expression of human interaction and a crossroad of past, present and future. This makes the urban landscape a playground for ambitious

architects and entrepreneurs who want to make their mark and to influence the shape of tomorrow. Architects focus on new ways to design modern buildings and are on the look-out for materials that will contribute to their interpretation of city life. RMIG is a world specialist in perforated metal and leads the way in developing innovative solutions for creative urban design that are based on perforation in all shapes, sizes, colours and surfaces. 8 www.city-emotion.com * info.uk@rmig.com ( 01925

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Senior creates a warm welcome at RHS Wisley

BMI delivers high aesthetic down by the waterside Offering a 21st-century modern material performance with the appearance of a weathered hand-made tile, the BMI Redland Heathland Autumn concrete plain tile proved ideal for a planning-sensitive canalside housing development just outside Oxford. Aquinna Homes opted to build two of the properties using the Heathland Autumn tile. Along with its great looks, the Heathland tiles offer irregular sides and varying hanging lengths, and surfaces that are subtly textured with fine sands. The result is a tile that combines a natural weathered character with machine-made performance in an attractive and costeffective roofing material. 8 www.bmigroup.com/uk * sales.redland@bmigroup.com ( 01908 015760

Senior Architectural Systems has delivered the facade package for the Welcome Building at the Royal Horticultural Society’s garden at Wisley in Surrey, working in collaboration with main contractor Buckingham Group and supply chain partner Elite Aluminium Systems. Senior’s slim profile and thermally-enhanced SF52 aluminium curtain walling system has been used to create the glazed facades of the new building, helping to flood the interior space with natural light and framing views of the surrounding gardens.The sleek aluminium curtain walling system has been integrated with Senior’s high-performance SPW501 aluminium commercial doors to provide safe and secure access, with the versatile thermally-broken SPW600 aluminium casement windows used throughout to provide adequate ventilation. * info@sasmail.co.uk

( 01709 772600

8 www.seniorarchitectural.co.uk

Sto cladding specified to upgrade housing stock insulation A major project to refurbish and upgrade housing stock has seen a BBA-certified external wall insulation system from Sto applied to 135 homes in Basildon. The installation of the StxTherm Protect system forms part of a £2.2m project to regenerate the borough’s Craylands and Fryerns housing estates. StxTherm Protect is an extremely rugged and BBA-certified external wall insulation system that delivers outstanding thermal protection, and is designed to meet strict fire protection requirements. It combines non-combustible mineral-fibre insulation board with a mineralic reinforcing coat, glass-fibre reinforcing mesh and highperformance decorative finishes, and it was applied to the properties using a combination of Sto’s mechanical fixings and Multibond adhesive. * info.uk@sto.com

( 0141 892 8000

8 www.sto.co.uk

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RCI & Facades

Ravatherm XPS X – new brand for market-leading roof and floor insulation Ravago Building Solutions, Europe’s largest extruded polystyrene insulation (XPS) manufacturer, has relaunched its market-leading range of XPS. Ravatherm XPS X is the new name for the UK’s bestperforming range of grey boards for roofs and floors, all with exceptional lambda values. With a strong heritage and UK manufacturing stretching back 60 years, Ravatherm XPS X offers architects and building specifiers a wide range of thicknesses and compressive strengths which ensures that the most creative of design specifications can be met. Ravatherm XPS X is moisture resistant and is blown with CO2, achieving a global warming potential score of less than five. Products in the roofing range were the first to secure a coveted Green Guide rating of A+ from BREEAM. To further minimise environmental impacts and shipping delays, manufacturing takes place locally in King’s Lynn, Norfolk.

Chris Gimson, Commercial Director – UK, Ireland, Nordics and Baltics – at Ravago Building Solutions, said: “Ravatherm XPS X leads the market, with its grey products having been used in the UK’s most energy-efficient residential and commercial buildings. Ravatherm XPS X is the first choice for architects and specifiers looking to deliver the most environmentally-sound buildings, while at the same time pushing design boundaries.” Ravago Building Solutions manufactures and distributes specialised building products and solutions across Europe,

Brett Martin adds tranquil Chartwell Green to the Cascade range

Turkey and CIS markets. In addition to XPS, products include mineral wool, waterproofing, dry construction, construction chemicals, foils and packaging. 8 www.ravagobuildingsolutions.co.uk * technical.uk.rbs@ravago.com ( 0203

397 3383

London Bridge redevelopment stands test of time thanks to Sikasil

Brett Martin Plumbing and Drainage has launched a new colour option to the Cascade Cast Iron Style Rainwater and Soil Systems range, adding ‘Chartwell Green’ to the mix of eight heritage colours, allowing architects to capitalise on this increasingly popular and harmonious colour on windows and doors on both new-build and renovation projects. Sought-after for its tranquil aesthetic and historical appeal, Chartwell Green will bring a touch of country charm to homes and is a welcomed addition to the Cascade Cast Iron Style Rainwater and Soil system. Other heritage colours include Classic Black, Anthracite Grey, Oxford Blue, Olive Green, Graphite Grey, Sandstone and Porcelain White – all of which cater to the subtle nuances of local vernacular architecture as well as reflecting the trend for priming and painting traditional systems. The complete colour range delivers the traditional appearance of cast iron with the convenience of modern plastic materials.

London Bridge station reopened last year following a vast £1bn redevelopment, which included multiple facades and glass lift shafts held together by Sikasil structural silicone.Thanks to Sikasil SG-500 structural silicone adhesive, which was specified by architectural glass specialist OAG, the project’s curved 275m-long two-phase facade on Tooley Street and double-height facade at the entrance to the station continue to stand the test of time. As well as being able to provide the strength of bond needed, the Sikasil UV and weathering resistance meant it was the perfect product for long-term durability. Throughout the project, OAG continued to work closely with Sika, who provided in-house testing at its specialist facility in Welwyn Garden City. Vital in-house adhesion testing ensured the use of Sikasil would result in excellent adhesion between the sealant and the relevant substrates. This thorough testing meant the bonded structural glazing met ETAG 002 European Guidelines, providing a safe and long-term solution.

8 www.brettmartin.com

8 www.sika.co.uk/facades

building@brettmartin.com *

* facade@uk.sika.com

( 01246 280000

( 01707 394444

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1 N -4 EC M Fo BI ar vi r m sit o RM ch w re IN 20 w in w. fo kb rm G H 2 0 b. a AM co ti .u on

LA IN YE SP RS IR O AT F IO N

Roofing,Cladding & Insulation

PARTNERED BY

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RCI & Facades

Birmingham project provided with perfect cladding solution thanks to Aquarian Leading external cladding supplier Aquarian Cladding Systems has provided the perfect solution for a £17m project in Birmingham.

ain contractor Colmore Tang selected the experienced ALD Group from the Aquarian Approved Installer Network to install Aquarian’s unique insulating brick cladding system, Gebrik, on the Granville Lofts development. Overlooking the Birmingham canal network, the seven-storey Granville Lofts development comprises 112 one- and twobedroom apartments in an up-and-coming area within the vibrant city centre. Chosen for its exemplary aesthetics, reliability and speed of installation, Gebrik was also vital in overcoming several challenges. With the site situated between the railway and canal, deep foundations were

restricted; therefore, the building was piled, which meant the overall construction needed to be relatively light. Further restrictions were imposed by Birmingham City Council’s Planning Department, who insisted on a masonry facade due to its historic city location. ALD Group Contracts Manager, Andy Wood, explained: “With over 3700m2 of brickwork to install, Gebrik provided a quick and efficient cladding solution. “Most of the cladding was installed during the autumn and winter, and because Gebrik is not affected by weather, we were able to continuously install come rain or shine. “Logistically, the city-centre site was a real challenge, but with Gebrik arriving in

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up to 600m2 single loads, vehicle movement and site storage was reduced to a bare minimum, meaning less impact on our neighbours and a safer environment for all.” The 3727m2 of Gebrik cladding, plus the fully insulated Fusion structural SFS system, contributed to the completion of the entire scheme in less than 40 weeks. Aquarian was on hand with its technical expertise, ensuring that insurers and Birmingham City Council’s building control were satisfied that the construction complied with the system’s BBA certificate and current fire regulations. For Aquarian’s Managing Director, Paul Richards, Granville Lofts is yet another success story for Aquarian and Gebrik. “We’re extremely proud of our robust, intelligent and innovative brick cladding system and its ability to adapt and thrive in challenging environments,” said Paul. “We were thrilled to have been involved in a project as high-profile as Granville Lofts, and the installation by ALD was one of outstanding quality. It’s yet another perfect example of Gebrik.” Aquarian Cladding, based in north Somerset, supplies brick and terracotta cladding systems to the UK construction industry across a wide range of sectors, from residential to commercial. 8 www.aquariancladding.co.uk

* info@aquariancladding.co.uk ( 0808

223 9080

RCI & Facades

Kalwall translucent cladding, exclusively available in the UK and Ireland from Structura UK, has helped transform a former marble processing plant into an amazing space for the University of Tennessee in Knoxville, USA. Designed by Cope Associates, the new facilities services complex has totally revitalised and refreshed the original 1908 building and the use of Kalwall has helped the project’s LEED Silver Certification. The interior of this 8500m2 building is now bathed with diffused daylight through the Kalwall panels fitted into the original clerestory encircling the central hall.The Kalwall keeps the interior free from glare and hotspots and

©Mark Herboth

Kalwall leads the way in retrofit design

the stark contrasts of light and shade. It also specifically helps the computer users by keeping direct sunlight and glare off their screens, making it more restful and reducing eye fatigue. Furthermore, Kalwall’s insulation properties mean U-values of up to 0.28 W/m2K can be achieved.This is as energy-efficient as a normal cavity wall and four times better than insulated glass units.Therefore, there is less of a demand for artificial heating and cooling, while the translucence reduces the need for artificial lighting. Kalwall is a popular choice for retrofit projects.The strong and lightweight panels are

factory prefabricated to the exact size needed for each project. They are easily retrofitted into existing spaces and can often use the existing substrate, saving both time and money on removal and new fabrication. This, coupled with the low-maintenance colour stable, UV-resistant and self-cleaning surface, has the additional advantage that ongoing maintenance is kept to a minimum, thereby avoiding cost and disruption. 8 www.structura-uk.com/kalwall * mail@structura.co.uk ( 01233

501504

Testing in progress...

From Durability and Aesthetics, Structural and Mechanical testing to Weather Resistance and Fenestration Security assessments, BBA experts test products to make sure they meet the highest industry standards. When testing construction components and systems as safe and fit-forpurpose, don’t cut corners. Go to the experts. Works of passion. Built on integrity. Tested by the best. Contact our dedicated team on testing@bbacerts.co.uk, T: 01923 665300 or visit our website www.bbacerts.co.uk/test-services to learn more.

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Floors, Walls & Ceilings

Does that compliant cavity reveal perform? The heat-loss path through an opening reveal is effectively the shortest route from the inside to the outside. Part of the heat-loss journey is through the exterior skin, so the more conductive the exterior masonry, the worse the overall conductivity (heat-loss) figure. A thermal conductivity figure of a typical clay brick with a specific mass of 16001900 kg/m³ can double when it becomes saturated. An increase in conductivity of up to 100% reduces heat retainment within a building. This occurs in winter – when it is cold and wet. There is little one can do to stop the exterior skin becoming saturated, but one can at least reduce the heatloss journey from inside to outside by reducing its length through the exterior skin. Positioning the window frame back into the opening shortens the journey. When partial fill insulation is in the cavity, the relationship between insulation and reveal closer is also of

paramount importance. However, in a recent survey, a large proportion of sites visited had gaps between these two elements. (Interestingly, regardless of whether a first-fix or a second-fix reveal closer was being used). Gaps decimate thermal performance. The solution is to use a continuity closer that overlaps the cavity insulation and so blocks the commonplace heat-loss path. The L-shaped insulating core of a continuity closer fills the reveal cavity and the projecting section interfaces with the cavity insulation. The continuity closer from Cavity Trays of Yeovil does what other closers do not – it tackles the gap problem by thermally blocking it.

8 www.cavitytrays.com

* enquiries@cavitytrays.co.uk ( 01935

474769

Gradus wall protection future-proofs prestigious cancer treatment centre

Gradus has supplied and installed a range of bespoke wall protection solutions at The Christie NHS Foundation Trust’s ground-breaking new Proton Beam Therapy (PBT) Centre, providing it with invisible protection to future-proof against everyday damage for years to come. The wall protection products have been fitted throughout the state-of-the-art £125m centre in Manchester. They were provided as part of Gradus’ supply-and-fit service, which sees the company work closely with its customers to design, manufacture and install the best possible solution for their needs. The Christie was seeking a solution that would provide all the benefits of wall protection in terms of reducing lifecycle costs, while being as ‘invisible’ as possible, creating a less institutional and more relaxing environment for its patients. To make this vision a reality, Gradus worked closely with the hospital throughout the process.

In cooperation with The Christie and the centre’s main building contractor, Gradus supplied and installed its SureProtect Pure hygienic wall cladding in white and iceberg shades. Specially designed to create an impermeable barrier to moisture and bacteria, SureProtect Pure is the perfect solution for healthcare environments. Its smooth, easy-to-clean surface makes it especially hygienic and ensures it meets ‘Health Building Note 00-09: Infection control in the built environment’. In various areas of the five-storey site, Gradus also fitted a range of other wall protection products: full-height 90° corner

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guards to protect vulnerable corners; 200mm wall guards to protect the walls; and bed head protectors behind the beds to protect vital medical equipment. 8 www.gradus.com

* imail@gradus.com ( 01625

428922

Floors, Walls & Ceilings Crown Trade launches Fastflow Quick Dry Eggshell Crown Trade has extended its popular water-based Fastflow Quick Dry range of trim products to offer even greater design flexibility and provide specifiers with a classic low-sheen eggshell finish. The new Fastflow Quick Dry Eggshell paint is suitable for both interior and exterior wood and metalwork, and is the ideal companion to heritagestyle design schemes in both new-build and restoration projects. Benefitting from Crown’s advanced innovative Breatheasy technology that has been used throughout the Fastflow range, the new waterbased eggshell option’s low-odour formulation lends itself perfectly for work on projects where disruption needs to be kept to a minimum such as education and healthcare facilities.The product’s quick drying properties can also help reduce time and labour on site, allowing rooms to be reoccupied sooner. With the addition of a classic eggshell option, the Fastflow range now offers a choice of finishes from the high-shine Fastflow Quick Dry Gloss to the contemporary mid-sheen look of Fastflow Quick Dry Satin.

Bostik helps Dunstable Leisure Centre refurb go swimmingly A variety of Bostik subfloor preparation products have been specified for the redevelopment of Dunstable Leisure Centre and Library, enabling optimal installation of various flooring types despite wet conditions to facilitate the smooth running of the project. Wates Construction was appointed to carry out the partial demolition and reconstruction of the site, and selected Westcotes Flooring to install the building’s soft and sports flooring – a task that required around 3500m² of material, including rubber, carpet tiles, LVT, vinyl, timber, entrance matting and specialist sports flooring. To get the best possible results on the subfloors,Westcotes turned to Bostik. A range of Bostik products was required to prepare all the subfloors to the ideal standard. For the drier floors, Bostik recommended its Screedmaster Rapid DPM with Screedmaster Flow smoothing compound over the top. Its stronger Screedmaster One Coat Membrane with Universal Primer and Screedmaster Smooth, meanwhile, was the right approach for the wetter areas.

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

8 www.bostik.com

( 0330 024 0297

( 01785 272625

Riserdeck® A modern high specification composite alternative to traditional galvanised steel and M&E service riser flooring. Riserdeck® is easy to install. Simply cast into fresh concrete, as the building is constructed, or retrofit at a later stage.”

BENEFITS: Exceptional strength-to-weight ratio. Quick and easy to install. Excellent load bearing capabilities. Lightweight and easy to handle. Bi-directional spanning. Corrosion and weather resistant. Non-conductive. Multi-purpose. Cost effective. Fire resistant (BS 476.) Anti-slip- surface

riserdeck@steponsafety.co.uk

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Floors, Walls & Ceilings

Childcare institutions with sound design The design of spaces for children is intriguing because of the permanent influence it can have on them. A new online theme by Danish acoustic panel manufacturer Troldtekt explores through articles and expert interviews how good acoustics plays its part when designing these areas. Of course, other factors such as colour, shapes, robustness and finish also have an impact, but so does sound. Studies such as Bronzaft and McCarthy (1975) have shown the effect noise has on wellbeing and learning – this is the reason why the products of specialist manufacturers like Troldtekt are specified to solve the problems of noise and reverberated sounds. If acoustic absorption is ineffective, discomfort and irritation will result from the reverberations. If it is designed well, the participant’s interest will increase. In an interview with Troldtekt, Danish Education Psychologist Mille Sylvest

comments: “It’s very important to be aware of noise when designing facilities. Noise affects stress levels for both children and staff because nobody can endure spending long periods of time in a noisy environment. Lower energy levels, more sick leave and poorer learning outcomes are the direct results of noise.” Specified throughout the UK and Europe, the benefits of 100% Troldtekt natural wood-wool panels include high sound absorption, high durability, natural breathability, low-cost life cycle

performance and sustainability. This high performance is recognised by their Cradle to Cradle certification at Silver level. Available in various sizes and in four grades from extreme fine to coarse, the panels can be left untreated or painted in virtually any RAL colour. 8 www.troldtekt.co.uk * info@troldtekt.co.uk ( 01978

664255

Johnstone’s Trade reveals ‘Colour of the Year’ 2020 Johnstone’s Trade has revealed its Colour of the Year 2020, Chinese Porcelain PPG1160-6, chosen from its Voice of Colour palette. A fitting colour to offer an escape from today’s fast-paced society, this blend of cobalt and moody, ink blue evokes a sense of calm while offering hopefulness. Chinese Porcelain PPG1160-6 is the perfect hue for creating colour block rooms and is complemented by organic natural wood furniture with a crisp white trim finish. It also works well when layered with additional blues in tufted and velvet furniture, or when paired with trending natural shades. The Colour of the Year decision process is a detailed one, starting with the PPG Global Colour Workshop. This annual workshop brings together more than 20 PPG global colour stylists from a range of industries, including automotive, aerospace and architectural. The stylists analyse the catwalk, lifestyles, demographics, geographies and global cross-cultural

societal inspirations to determine what colours will resonate and represent the PPG global colour forecast, including the PPG Colour of the Year. The Colour of the Year will act as the focal point for the broader PPG 2020 Global Colour Trends Forecast, which offers direction and inspiration to architects, designers and homeowners. The colours are brought to life through three trend stories, ‘On the Move’, ‘At the Core’ and ‘In the Know’, each encompassed within the overarching theme of ‘Flow’. In the UK, Voice of Colour is available exclusively through Johnstone’s Trade, which brings the latest colour trends to its customers.

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8 www.johnstonestrade.com/colour * customersupport.acuk@ppg.com ( 01924

354354

Lighting

SIMPLE. FAST. UNIQUE.

COMPLETE INSTALLATION FROM THE ‘SAFE SIDE’

FRAMELESS GLASS BALUSTRADE SYSTEM Significantly faster installation times Saves Time & Money – The horizontal TAPER-LOC® design allows the system to be installed completely from the ‘safe side’, avoiding scaffolding cost and time Suitable for use with 17.52, 21.52 and 25.52mm toughened laminated glass and 12, 15 and 19 mm toughened monolithic glass Surface and fascia drilled base shoe available Can be clad in various architectural finishes or supplied pre-anodised

TESTED TO

BS 6180:2011

GENERAL CONSTRUCTION SUPERVISION CERTIFICATE

LAMINATED TOUGHENED GLASS

MONOLITHIC TOUGHENED GLASS

For information call FREE on 00 800 0421 6144 To see a demonstration, visit taper-loc.co.uk e: taper-loc@crlaurence.co.uk f: 00 800 0262 3299

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HVAC/HVP

Rinnai strengthens technical service team Rinnai has strengthened its technical service department with the appointment of Danny Madagwa to the post of Applications Engineer.

Danny will be based at the company’s London office but will be liaising with customers on a nationwide basis. He holds an MEng, a masters’ degree in engineering. Says Rinnai Operations Head Chris Goggin: “We are delighted to have Danny

join us and he will be dealing directly with installers, contractors and end-users. The provision of technical service excellence is a key factor in the market switching to the continuous flow mode of hot water delivery, as opposed to the old, conventional methods which are more costly and far less efficient.” Rinnai is the UK leader in ErP ‘A’-rated continuous flow hot water heating units. The company makes and sells over 12 million gas appliances every year, which are distributed globally to all parts of the world and are all ISO 9001 and ISO 1400I certified (International standard for environmental management systems). The Rinnai range of hot water heating products are manufactured to the highest possible quality standards which ensures a long working life. Rinnai’s reliability

and commitment to customer service excellence is the industry standard. Backed with extensive warranties and fully qualified service teams, Rinnai is the first choice for continuous flow hot water, providing the most energy- and economically-efficient solution by using individual or multiple manifolded appliances. “Rinnai employs innovative manufacturing and testing techniques to deliver unparalleled levels of safety, comfort and efficiency. With the Rinnai continuous flow hot water system, you will never run out of hot water,” adds Goggin. 8 www.rinnaiuk.com * info@rinnaiuk.com ( 01928

531870

Circoflopro kits prove best for barn complex contract A regular customer of Circoflo has made use of its bespoke design service and custom-sized underfloor heating solution to carry out a challenging contract, involving the installation of an air source heat pump, during the conversion of a traditional barn structure in an off-gas area of the Bedfordshire countryside. Air Install Ltd offered a high-performance renewable energy solution as an economical alternative to the oil-fired boiler package originally under consideration. Air Install’s engineers have now completed the installation of the ClipRail and FloFloor underfloor heating, supplied as a bespoke bill of materials complete with manifolds and controls, throughout the ground and upper floors and using layout drawings supplied by Circoflo. * info@circoflo.co.uk

( 01392 360457

8 www.circoflopro.co.uk

Vent-Axia’s Acoustic Solution shortlisted in HVR Awards 2019

Vent-Axia is delighted to announce that it has been named as a finalist in the prestigious HVR Awards 2019. Shortlisted in the ‘Commercial/Industrial Ventilation Product of the Year’ category, the Vent-Axia Acoustic Solution leads the way in quiet living, offering acoustic solutions for its Sentinel Kinetic mechanical ventilation with heat recovery (MVHR) units. With the negative effect of noise on our health now recognised, the Vent-Axia Acoustic Solution has been designed to further reduce the already low noise levels of the MVHR units to improve the quality of life of inhabitants and reduce noise complaints in very noise-sensitive applications. * info@vent-axia.com

( 0844 856 0590

8 www.vent-axia.com

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Raynham Hall chooses renewable energy heating Grade I Listed 17th-century property, Raynham Hall, Norfolk, has invested in a new renewable energy heating system to cut costs and deliver effective heating. The project, completed by Finn Geotherm, has seen the hall replace its old and ineffective oil boiler with a ground source heat pump. After a thorough heat loss survey, encompassing all 62 rooms, Finn Geotherm specified two Lämpöässä Eli 90 ground source heat pumps with a 3000-litre thermal store to supply all heating for the hall, as well as hot water for its 12 bathrooms.The ground source heat pump is fed by 10km of ground loop installed beneath grounds incorporating the old cricket pitch. 8 www.finn-geotherm.co.uk * info@finn-geotherm.co.uk ( 01953 453240

HVAC/HVP

Rinnai aims for double growth in less than 10 years Rinnai has announced that it is planning on doubling its size within 10 years. In 2019, the company has completed the following: • Launch of service division: Offering customers service plans for peace of mind in knowing that, in the unlikely event of a problem, they have an instant answer to the problem. All inspections and all remedial works are carried out by Gas Safe-registered engineers. It is a legal requirement for the obvious safety reasons that all works carried out to a gas-fired appliance or system must be done by a fully qualified and registered gas engineer. • Launch of the new N series of hot water heating units: The Rinnai SENSEI water heater range offers a new, more compact and enhanced combustion design that allows for easier installation and enhanced operational performance, and importantly, increased levels of serviceability.

All the components within the Sensei are designed and manufactured by Rinnai. This ensures maximum quality and reliability from the industry leader in commercial continuous flow water. • Launch of the Zen and Zen Plus home hot water and heating system: Which marries established and proven manufacture durability with new technologies to offer great energy efficiencies, user control and, importantly, unparalleled level of comfort. • Launch of the Trust Partnership with the formation of an installer network specifically for its domestic product range, the Zen and Zen Plus: The installer domestic partnership network includes all bona fide, Gas Safe-registered, installers of residential heating and hot water units and systems.

Consort Claudgen launches new electric heating brochure

• Launch of the A series of domestic hot water heating units. 8 www.rinnaiuk.com * info@rinnaiuk.com ( 01928

531870

Lancashire housebuilder chooses NIBE heat pumps

Consort Claudgen has launched its latest heat brochure which includes a host of new heating controls and heaters in its product range. The 48-page brochure features motionactivated and waterproof run-back time controllers, new heater models in the electronic seven-day timer range and advanced wireless controllers which are now compatible with Consort’s RX and SL heaters. As well as several other new products, it showcases heaters with safety monitoring features. All of these are detailed in the brochure along with the established panel and fan heaters, convectors, LST heaters, air curtains, downflows and towel rails.

Chipping Homes has specified air source heat pumps from NIBE for its Fellside development in the Ribble Valley. 32 three- to fivebedroom homes on the development are being fitted with NIBE F2040 air source heat pumps, which are ideal for meeting all heating and hot water requirements. The heat pumps have a discreet appearance and offer low noise levels, where the collector unit will be installed in the majority of cases, externally to the garage. The remaining seven properties are smaller bungalows built for the local over 55s community, and these are being fitted with NIBE F730 Exhaust Air Heat Pump systems, which offer ventilation, alongside heating and hot water. Chipping Homes chose NIBE, as it is a well-established company that dates back to the 1950s in Sweden and has been operating in the UK since 2006. The company manufactures a range of market-leading products that are renowned for their quality and efficiency.

8 www.consortepl.com

8 www.nibe.eu

sales@consortepl.com *

* info@nibe.co.uk

( 01646 692172

( 0330 311 2201

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Doors, Windows & Balustrades Spig-Lite from CRL is fully adjustable and includes individual spigots that are suitable for smaller commercial and residential projects when a handrail is not required

CRL Posiglaze is ideal to align glass panels easily when a handrail is not required in commercial projects

Getting a handle on frameless glass systems Minimalist, frameless glass creates a modern, clean impression on building exteriors and in interior design, in line with the trend for ‘less is more’ and creating a neat, minimal and uniform design. Giving an uninterrupted view from highrise buildings and achieving a minimal, visually appealing finish whenever and wherever it is specified, frameless glass systems are very much in demand and many designs now even involve a system that doesn’t require a handrail to meet the legal loading requirements.

hile the end result unarguably meets expectations in terms of visual impact, this doesn’t reduce the installation challenges involved, particularly when working at height. Tapping into the latest fitting solutions and getting to grips with how they work and the advantages they offer can pay dividends in the long-run. Minimising installation times, helping installers to work more efficiently and putting safety first for the installer and end-user, CRL has introduced a selection of new systems due to the demand for frameless, handrailfree design. All three ranges have been tested to BS 6180:2011 standards. Ideal for residential projects and small commercial applications, CRL Spig-Lite Pro is a fully adjustable glass balustrade system with a unique clamping design featuring

individual spigots that removes the need to hold the glass with locking pins. The elongated holes allow for easy adjustment of the glass panels, ensuring the top edge of the glass is equal when a handrail is not required. The system achieves 0.74Kn loading and features individual spigots that raise the glass to 32mm above floor level, creating a natural drainage solution that ensures no water can get trapped inside the balcony area. Offering the same level of adjustability thanks to the same clamping system making alignment of glass panels when a handrail is not required a simple process, CRL Posiglaze features a 1m length base shoe that helps achieve up to 1.5kN loading required in larger commercial applications. The system has been designed to be installed without the need of ensuring the fitting surface is totally level.

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Excellently engineered, Posiglaze is manufactured from extruded aluminium, saving weight yet keeping strength with an anodised finish that increases protection against the elements. Both systems are designed for use with 12mm toughened monolithic to 21.52mm toughened laminated glass and have been tested to BSi standard 6180:2011 for complete peace of mind that safety regulations are being met. A further time-saving, safe solution for installing glass balustrades to a building’s exterior comes in the form of TAPERLOC. The fastest, easiest way to install glass balustrades with a handrail, TAPERLOC is a dry-glazed railing system that reduces fitting time by more than 50%. This is due to its unique design that uses precision tension to secure the glass in the aluminium base shoe without the use of cement. Available for toughened laminated and monolithic glass between 12 and 25, 52mm, the system can also be chosen in a range of finishes including satin anodised and brushed nickel. Using CRL’s exclusive TLK12 installation and removal tool, the tapers simply slide horizontally in the base shoe before being compressed, where it expands and locks into place. It also enables installation to be completed from the safe side of the balustrade from start to finish, which is particularly useful in retrofit projects or when a broken glass panel needs to be changed as it eliminates the need for expensive scaffolding, cuts installation times and provides safety and security for installer and end-user.

8 www.crlaurence.co.uk * crl@crlaurence.co.uk ( 01706

863600

Doors, Windows & Balustrades

Kawneer launches a one-stopshop window solution A louvre system which provides tilturn windows with fall protection and added ventilation has been launched by Kawneer, a leading UK manufacturer of architectural glazing solutions. LouvreShield has been designed to suite with Kawneer’s super thermally-efficient AA720 and AA543* open-in windows to give specifiers and contractors design flexibility and total project solutions – a one-stop-shop of aluminium glazing systems and louvres from one manufacturer. The system is surface-mounted onto the outer frame of the window to allow free air movement into the room when the windows are operated in either the tilt or turn modes. And it also acts as a safety barrier when the windows are operated in the turn mode in instances where fall protection is required. Designed for use in domestic, retail, commercial and residential applications, including student accommodation, two

blade options (horizontal and tilted) are available to suit specific building requirements and optimise facade aesthetics. A totally self-contained solution, LouvreShield completely eliminates the requirement for additional sub-contractor work and does not interfere with any other element of the building structure, whether it is new-build or refurbishment. Manufactured at Kawneer’s production facility in Cheshire, the system comprises a cleated and pinned perimeter frame to which the louvre blades are screw splined, with all fixings concealed by clip covers. A wide range of PPC finishes are available with up to 30 years’ guarantee and anodised finishes with up to 25 years.

When installed to Kawneer specifications, LouvreShield is tested in accordance with BS 6180 (barrier loading) to 1.5 kN/m line load and to BS EN 13049 (impact resistance) Class 5.

The AA543 corresponds to the BRE Global Green Guide online generic specification for windows and achieves a summary rating of A+ for non-domestic schemes. *

8 www.kawneer.co.uk

* kuk.kawneer@arconic.com ( 01928

502500

Secure access for exclusive jewellery boutique

VELUX and Guardian Warm Roof join forces

Boodles, the top-end jewellery store, recently contracted Warrior Doors to develop an automatic entrance solution that would meet stringent demands for security whilst providing a welcoming shopfront for customers. Manufactured from stainless-steel, the bespoke entrance consists of two individual automatic sliding doors, powered by TORMAX iMotion 2302 operators, that work in tandem to create an attractive entrance lobby. This ‘airlock’ solution is capable of withstanding even the most determined security breach, combining an impressive interlocking system with security glass certified to LPS 1270 1, 2, 3, to deliver a product that is secured up to LPS 1175 SR3. “The public front of Boodles, onto Sloane Street, needed to marry security with a historic yet opulent design,” comments Michael Wainwright, MD for Boodles. “We chose to use a TORMAX iMotion 2302 automatic sliding door operator as we felt it was the most effective product on the market for our needs,” explains Anthony Heslegrave, Estimator & Company Buyer for Warrior Doors.

VELUX Company and Guardian Warm Roof are joining forces to help create the perfect indoor environment. The partnership means that Guardian Warm Roof will exclusively fit VELUX roof windows in its range of roof and extension projects across the UK and Ireland. Both brands share a passion for creating better living environments for homeowners and have a reputation for quality and innovation. VELUX products include roof windows and decorative blinds, sun screening products and roller shutters, as well as installation and smart home solutions. VELUX Managing Director, Mick Schou Rasmussen, said:“Our partnership with Guardian Warm Roof demonstrates our ambition in the home extensions market, and today’s announcement marks a critical step as we look to strengthen and grow our roof window business. It’s an exciting opportunity to work collaboratively with our combined communities of installers and fabricators, share knowledge and collectively learn in the fast-paced home improvement market and create even better living spaces together.”

8 www.tormax.co.uk

8 www.velux.co.uk

sales@tormax.co.uk *

* sales@velux.co.uk

( 01932 238040

( 01592 778225

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Doors, Windows & Balustrades

The ECdrive T2 has the capacity for moving increased leaf weights of up to 140kg and is suitable for high traffic areas

An evolution in GEZE design A popular GEZE product is now available in a new and improved design as part of an eco-friendly, heat-saving solution.

he latest ECdrive T2 has all advantages of the previous ECdrive but with enhanced features and is offered as a complete package with the new thermally separated profile system – the GCprofile Therm. Slimmer than its predecessor, the ECdrive T2 has a reduced cover height of 100mm. Its sleek design is aesthetically pleasing, less obtrusive, provides smoother running and can be installed in a wide range of buildings.

It also has the capacity for moving increased leaf weights of up to 140kg and is suitable for high traffic areas for standard, or escape and rescue route doors, in all types of buildings. Like all GEZE sliding door systems, the ECdrive T2 is capable of networking and can be integrated via the GEZE DCU103 CAN bus interface and the GEZE IO 420 interface module via BACnet into networking solutions such as the GEZE Cockpit.

The latest ECdrive T2 has all advantages of the previous ECdrive but with enhanced features

This means that it can be easily integrated into wider building management systems – controlled from a central point or by using remote devices for safety and security purposes. The GCprofile Therm uses slim aluminium frames which reduce visible sightlines by approximately 30mm – giving designers greater ability to produce a clean design aesthetic while providing greater efficiency. The profile system accommodates up to 32mm glass thickness in either two-pane insulation glass with 2 x ESG 6mm, UG value 1.0, or three-pane insulation glass with 3 x ESG 4 mm, UG value 0.8. With increased performance for leaf weight of up to 140kg, the GCprofile Therm also boasts improved airtightness (compared to other ISO profile systems), better sound insulation and improved wet weather durability aided by its fit and an optional floor guide with drainage. It can be combined with manual and motorised GEZE hook bolt locks, without losing thermal separation and the appearance of the system remains discreet, even with locking. A new brochure has been produced to explain the package, which is available by contacting the marketing team using the below details. 8 www.geze.co.uk

* info.uk@geze.com ( 01543

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443000

Doors, Windows & Balustrades

Comar 9P.i High Performance window, door and framing system After extensive research and consultation with key supply partners, Comar Architectural Aluminium Systems delivers the Comar 9P.i High Performance window, door and framing system. Research indicated that a thermally-efficient future-proof facade system was required, with off-site manufacture and value engineering solutions that seek to reduce material content.

Comar 9P.i High Performance framing offers two options of construction, ladder frame or mitre frame. Comar 9P.i windows and 9P.i doors can be hung directly from the frame, reducing the need for additional outer frames, creating a truly integrated solution. Building typologies differ from refurbishment to new build, so Comar 9P.i has profile widths from 78, 100 and 120mm creating greater design flexibility.

George Barnsdale celebrates becoming finalist at BWF George Barnsdale is celebrating being shortlisted for two categories at the prestigious BWF (British Woodworking Federation) annual awards. There are six categories in all, and George Barnsdale is a finalist in the BWF ‘Woodworking Project of the Year’ award and the ‘Health and Safety Hero’ award. Commenting on being chosen as a finalist in the Project of the Year award for the design, manufacture and installation of more than 200 customised wooden windows and doors for the prestigious Twenty Grosvenor Square, Tom Wright, Managing Director, said: “We are delighted that our growing expertise in large commercial projects like this has been officially recognised. Whether we win or not, it is great to be one of just three finalists.” The company’s entry to the Health and Safety award demonstrates the highly successful programme of training and policies to keep installation staff safe onsite as well as staff working in the factory.

There are three levels of thermal performance, standard, multi-chamber and multi-chamber thermal foam, creating U-values of between 1.6 to 1.0 for a typical grid size with opening vents. Comar 9P.i has slim 65mm sightlines to ensure that architecturally demanded aesthetics are achieved. Glazing lines are flush, maintaining consistent lines for a sleek external facade providing straight interfacing with walls, internal floors and partitions. Consideration is also given for plaster-lines with profiles to cater for differing situations. Comar 9P.i windows can be open-in or open-out side, top or bottom hung and a tilt and turn option, offering unobtrusive ventilation. Comar 5P.i Vertical Sliding Windows and Horizontal Windows can also be integrated into the Comar 9P.i framing. Glazing sizes have been catered for up to 62mm, meaning that future requirements for high-performing acoustic or triple glazed projects can be specified. 8 www.comar-alu.co.uk

* projects@parksidegroup.co.uk ( 0208

685 2318

Smart tops BRE’s Responsible Sourcing league table Smart Architectural Aluminium has come top of the Building Research Establishment’s (BRE’s) Responsible Sourcing league table for suppliers of aluminium products in the UK. BRE has produced tables for a wide range of construction material categories, listing all the companies to have achieved BES 6001 certificates in that category, ranked by the rating they have achieved. Smart is the first company in its sector to have achieved a ‘Very Good’ rating. BES 6001 is the Framework Standard for Responsible Sourcing and was established by the BRE to enable manufacturers to ensure, and then prove, that their products are made with responsibly sourced constituent materials. Commenting on the award, Smart’s Technical Manager, Anthony Murray, said: “Naturally, we’re delighted to top the BRE’s league table, but we are by no means resting on our laurels. We remain determined to drive continual improvements in this critical area and to ensure it remains at the heart of our business activities.”

8 www.georgebarnsdale.co.uk

8 www.smartsystems.co.uk

enquiries@georgebarnsdale.co.uk *

* sales@smartsystems.co.uk

( 01775 823000

( 01934 876100

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Interiors

Spectacular Valchromat bar stars at new cultural venue Valchromat, the innovative and award-winning engineered fibreboard – which is available in the UK through James Latham – has been extensively used in the interior fit-out of a spectacular new cultural venue in South London.

reated by the innovative cultural infrastructure developer, Really Local Group, Catford Mews in Lewisham centres on providing a flexible community space for local residents and includes three cinema screens, a cafe and food market, a bar and a live performance area. A focal point of the venue’s stunning interior is a high-impact, 12.5m-long bar, featuring 80 individually machined, 1200mm vertical strips in bright red Valchromat, which run across the front of its entire length. The bar, which also used black Valchromat for the carcassing, was designed, manufactured and installed by Birmingham-based, bespoke joinery company, Cre8ive Joinery. Cre8ive Joinery also used Valchromat to make the integrated panel systems

(IPS) for the toilet cubicles which saw the cubicle dividers and doors colour-coded; red for male, blue for female and yellow for disabled. The panels were also treated with a clear Morrells lacquer to provide additional protection from moisture. In total, more than 70 sheets of Valchromat were supplied to Cre8ive Joinery by James Latham’s Dudley branch and as a relatively new customer, Cre8ive Joinery Director, Phil Lewis, was really impressed. “The team at James Latham are fantastic, and they really know their stuff. They are extremely knowledgeable about their products and are always on hand to offer advice when needed. We have only been dealing with Lathams for a few months, and I never realised the sheer breadth and range of both panel and timber products they offer.”

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Ed Latham,Valchromat Product Manager at James Latham, commented:“It’s always fascinating to see the many and varied applications for the products we supply and the innovative ways in which they are used. Catford Mews is a fantastic project and one which allowed the team at Cre8ive to demonstrate perfectly the versatility and workability of this unique material.” Available in 10 striking and vibrant colours, Valchromat is completely unique, in that the colour runs throughout the entire board, enabling almost limitless decorative applications. Valchromat also boasts a number of time- and cost-saving features and benefits; it’s easy and quick to finish – no edging is required, and being moisture- and UV-resistant, non-toxic and load-resistant, the applications are endless. Plus, it’s extremely durable; scratches and marks on the finished product go largely unnoticed because the colour runs evenly throughout the board. Plus, all the wood used is FSC-certified and is sourced from forest waste, residue from timber mills, pine and recycled pine. Valchromat is available in the following board sizes; 2500 x 1850/1250mm and in 8, 12, 16, 19, 25 and 30mm thicknesses. For Valchromat samples and to find out more about James Latham’s stunning collection of surface solutions, or to find details of your local James Latham depot or showroom, visit the below website. 8 www.lathamtimber.co.uk

* marketing@lathams.co.uk ( 0116

257 3415

FIRE SAFETY

Building Elements

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Building Elements

Structural Timber Awards – Commercial Project of the Year

B&K Structures celebrates success On the back of winning the Timber Trade Journal (TTJ) Award for the ‘Commercial Use of Timber in Construction’ for the acclaimed Spinningfields Pavilion, the team at B&K Structures are celebrating once again having picked up another two trophies at the Structural Timber Awards.

Structural Timber Awards – Solid Wood Project of the Year

cknowledged as one of the most fiercely contested awards in the construction calendar – against stiff competition, B&K Structures won both the ‘Commercial Project of the Year’ and ‘Best Use of Solid Wood’ for the groundbreaking Jaguar Land Rover expansion scheme. As the largest engineered timber roof structure in the country – this project was a UK-first. In close collaboration with main contractor Laing O’Rourke and construction partners, Buro Happold, Binderholz and Derix; B&K

Structures designed, engineered and installed this vast cross-laminated timber and glulam roof. Reflecting the design quality and company values associated with one of Britain’s most iconic businesses, this ground-breaking roof structure with outstanding green credentials brings together a diverse range of spaces and facilities for Jaguar Land Rover. Andy Goodwin, Managing Director for B&K Structures, commented: “Breaking new ground is never easy and this project presented some immense challenges, but we did it! This sector thrives on innovation,

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and it is great to be acknowledged at this prestigious event by such a distinguished panel of judges.” Encompassing 1512m³ of glulam beams manufactured by Derix and 2674m³ of cross-laminated timber panels manufactured by Binderholz, the engineered timber roof makes a vast design statement covering an area of 51,097m2 (GIA). The engineered timber roof was delivered through Design for Manufacture and Assembly (DfMA) processes. Such a methodology has an affinity with one of the core activities at the heart of JLR. The design and connection detailing were optimised and tested in a virtual and preproduction environment before reaching the full manufacturing process, reducing costly reworks and errors on site. Chris Elliott, Programme Director for Jaguar Land Rover, said: “The new design and engineering centre is a testament both to JLR’s British heritage of innovation and its compelling vision for future technology. The new space will centralise our design, product engineering and purchasing functions in an original and modern environment, as well as create additional capacity for the future.” Attended by over 500 construction professionals, the Structural Timber Awards took place at the National Conference Centre, Birmingham, and was hosted this year by master of mimicry – Alistair McGowan. The 2019 awards surpassed all previous events in terms of the calibre of entries with 250 entrants and over 70 companies shortlisted, this year’s Structural Timber Award judges had an onerous job of selecting the winners. And the final word goes to the judges: “It is highly commendable that B&K Structures have designed and delivered the largest roof decking project to date. This beautiful timber structure meets the needs of a modern, innovative business such as Jaguar Land Rover. The impressive spans and scale are a fantastic advertisement for timber construction!” Cross-laminated timber was ideal for this project because of its airtightness and carbon sequestration benefits. Left exposed, it creates a natural, inviting and calming environment with enhanced acoustic properties that dampen sound, generating pleasant and peaceful workspaces. 8 www.bkstructures.co.uk

* sales@bkstructures.co.uk ( 01773

853400

Building Elements

RICS launches new Social Impact Awards The Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors’ (RICS) new Social Impact Awards will search for the UK’s best built projects transforming lives and communities. The Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors (RICS) has launched a new awards programme. Entries are being sought for the RICS Social Impact Awards, which recognise the positive and transformational contribution that the built environment has on people’s lives across the UK. The RICS Social Impact Awards assess the human, social and environmental impact, and the innovation and collaboration, that has gone into development and infrastructure projects in the commercial, education, healthcare, heritage, infrastructure, land and rural, leisure, residential and student accommodation sectors. Projects will be assessed at a local level, in 12 regions across the UK, and

all category winners will then go headto-head against other regional winners to compete in the RICS Social Impact Awards Grand Final in October 2020, for the chance to win the national accolade in their respective category and the overall ‘Outstanding Contribution to Society Award’ for the best UK project. A ‘Lifetime Achiever Award’ will recognise an individual nationally who has delivered great social benefit through their work. The launch of this new awards programme follows the announcement about RICS’ new ‘Value the Planet’ campaign, which aims to encourage the built environment industry to help safeguard the planet by taking climate action and adopting the United Nations’ (UN) Sustainable Development Goals.

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Entries for the RICS Social Impact Awards are now open until 31st January 2020, and an early bird rate of £85 (plus VAT) is available for projects entered by 29th November 2019. Various sponsorship packages are available too. 8 www.rics.org/awards

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Building Elements

Project team

Jaguar Land Rover expansion scheme – the award– winning solution The brief was to create one of the foremost automotive engineering centres in the world, reflecting the design quality and company values associated with one of the UK’s most iconic businesses – Jaguar Land Rover (JLR).

LR’s sustainability and wellbeing strategy shaped the building philosophy, together with the desire to create a defining roof structure from innovative timber technology. Speed and ease of construction were the driving forces behind this project, without compromising the quality of design and materials. Delivered in close collaboration with its construction partners, B&K Structures designed, engineered and installed the largest engineered timber roof in the UK, with outstanding green credentials. Bringing together a diverse range of spaces for Jaguar Land Rover, this expansive roof deck achieved two prestigious Structural Timber Awards for ‘Commercial Project of the Year’ and ‘Solid Wood Project of the Year’. By maximising off-site manufacturing methods, B&K Structures was able to deliver the roof structure on time in a matter of weeks. Design for Manufacture and Assembly (DfMA) and Building Information Modelling (BIM) were crucial to the lean and advanced manufacturing processes involved.

This disciplined and collaborative approach achieved early design detail co-ordination and three-dimensional design accuracy. BIM ensured project timescales were optimised for fast and reliable installation.

Positive outcomes The £200m Jaguar Land Rover expansion scheme at Gaydon,Warwickshire, represents the first major construction project at one of the company’s non-manufacturing sites in more than a decade.The new facility will deliver transformational change in the company’s practices and working environment to help attract and retain the best staff. Encompassing 1512m³ of glulam beams and 2674m³ of cross-laminated timber (CLT) panels, the engineered timber roof makes a vast design statement, covering an area of 51,097m2 (GIA).The design and connection detailing were optimised and tested in a virtual and preproduction environment before reaching the full manufacturing process, reducing costly reworks and errors on site.

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Construction partners Client: Jaguar Land Rover Main contractor: Laing O’Rourke Project manager: Jaguar Land Rover Specialist frame contractor: B&K Structures Specialist engineering: Buro Happold Engineered timber manufacturer: Binderholz Glulam supplier: Derix Awards Structural Timber Awards 2019 • Commercial Project of the Year • Solid Wood Project of the Year

About B&K Structures Offering a complete package of material services across a range of sustainable structural products including glulam, crosslaminated timber (CLT), timber cassettes and steel frame – B&K Structures has an outstanding, award-winning project portfolio. The Jaguar Land Rover expansion scheme represents the largest cross-laminated roof deck delivered by B&K Structures to date. Constructed over an eight-month period, the hybrid industrial visual grade crosslaminated timber (CLT) and glulam structure was designed to deliver permanent quality and long-term energy efficiency, requiring little or no maintenance to meet the sustainability objectives. Through careful design detailing and value engineering, B&K Structures offers the best possible off-site-manufactured construction solutions – delivering environmentally sustainable projects on time and to budget. 8 www.bkstructures.co.uk

* sales@bkstructures.co.uk ( 01773

853400

Building Elements

Delta Membrane Systems announces release of new Podium Deck Brochure

Delta Membrane Systems, a UK-leading Type C cavity drainage membrane manufacturer and supplier of specialist structural waterproofing products, is pleased to announce the release of its new Podium Deck Brochure. The 44-page, full-colour brochure presents design and build philosophy, project detailing and specification/ selection of the correct waterproofing and drainage protection systems for podium decks, buried roofs, blue roofs, green roofs, warm roofs, cold roofs, hybrid roofs, car parks as well as terraces and balconies. Delta’s Podium Deck Brochure is divided into key sections and features an array of easy-to-read text, technical drawings, detailing and 2D graphics. Successful podium deck and buried roof waterproofing design lies with choosing the most appropriate combinations of structure and waterproofing system to

achieve pre-determined performance levels and criteria. In order to design out risk of failure due to less than adequate workmanship, damage or defects on site, it is also important to consider practicality and ease of installation, the phasing of the construction process and the scope for testing and certifying during construction. To reduce risk, Delta’s Podium Deck Brochure focuses on: Design and build philosophy Definitions of structure Choice of structure Selection of waterproofing Selection of drainage protection Detailed drawings.

“Our Podium Deck Brochure illustrates Delta’s commitment to achieving excellence and best practice in the structural waterproofing industry across the UK,” says Kevin Dodds, Director at Delta. “Recent years have seen an increase in the use of podium decks, and it has been recognised that there has been a significant increase in failures. As a sustainable manufacturer, we feel dutybound to offer advice on correct design, installation techniques and the correct selection of waterproofing and drainage protection systems.” 8 www.deltamembranes.com/techni-

cal/delta-brochures * info@deltamembranes.com ( 01992 523523

NASC signs Armed Forces Covenant Deanestor acquires Havelock International brands One of the UK’s best-known furniture and fit-out brands has been acquired out of administration by contract furniture specialist Deanestor for an undisclosed sum. The Fife-based Havelock business became the UK market leader in the manufacture and installation of furniture across a diverse range of sectors including education, healthcare, hospitality, retail, banking and student accommodation. Havelock Europa Plc was listed on the main London Stock Exchange for 31 years, from 1987 to 2018 with a peak turnover of £138m in 2008. The deal for the intangible assets of Havelock International also includes the leading education fit-out brand, ESA McIntosh. This company has a history dating back to the 1860s. 8 www.deanestor.co.uk/havelock * enquiries@deanestor.com ( 01623 420041

The NASC has further strengthened its connection with the military by signing the Armed Forces Covenant. By signing the covenant, the NASC has made a formal commitment to promote career and training opportunities in the scaffolding industry to ex-military personnel. This cements an existing NASC objective to engage more regularly with the Armed Forces and the creation of a £150,000 funding pot dedicated to the training of ex-services personnel. NASC Vice President Lynn Way said:“We are proud to have signed the Armed Forces Covenant, making our commitment to encouraging Armed Forces personnel into taking up roles within the scaffolding industry official.”

( enquiries@nasc.org.uk

( 0207 822 7400

8 www.nasc.org.uk

All wrapped up: packaged contractor solutions from WeIntegr8 Washroom Washroom and Cre8 Joinery Solutions are proud to launch WeIntegr8 – a brand-new division specialising in packaged contractor solutions. WeIntegr8 will offer contractors a full turnkey fit-out service ideally suited to commercial, residential, leisure or education projects, making it the perfect solution for washroom schemes, reception areas, largescale apartment fit-outs and more. By bringing together the wealth of expertise of both Washroom and Cre8, combined with additional services including drylining, tiling, architectural metalwork, doorsets, flooring and decorating and integrated mechanical and electrical works,WeIntegr8 has been created to provide a full package of services from design to installation to provide contractors with a single point of contact on each project. * info@weintegr8.co.uk

( 0800 999 8888

8 www.weintegr8.co.uk

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Building Elements The new sports complex at Solent University was designed by Architecture PLB and constructed by Morgan Sindall using PSPâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s bespoke fabrications

Synergy of the supply chain There are numerous supply chain-related challenges facing the construction industry today, from various points of contact and complex financial protocols to lack of communication and trust. These problems can jeopardise construction schedules through delays and costly overruns. Here, Chairman Heath Hindmarch explains why PSP Group made a radical decision and vast investment to overcome these issues.

A Large-scale bespoke fabrications for Pump House, a residential tower at the Royal Victoria Docks in London

coherent sequence of operations enables a seamless integration of design, manufacture and supply, which can only improve quality and client satisfaction.This was the founding principle of the PSP Group to ensure complete synergy across our supply chain, extending from the selection of raw materials to the distribution of high-quality finished products.

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Only by utilising the skills, products and services within our own group of companies can we ensure swift communication, enhanced productivity and the best possible service. Our supply chain in the cladding, facades and specialist fabrications market is mainly connected within the PSP Group, which comprises PSP Design, PSP Architectural and PSP Aluminium.

Building Elements Design

In 2016, we expanded PSP Group with PSP Design.This growth enabled us to take full responsibility for the design, manufacture and supply of full external facades.The single point of procurement is managed by our internal quality control systems to bring complete synergy throughout the supply chain, allowing us to deliver a complete full-service solution. Working in co-operation with client supply chains even at the early design stages means that we can enable our design services for fully manufactured PSP products.This way, we can deliver bespoke solutions from inception to customer use. We use CAD, Solid Works (3D modelling software) and Radan (leading CAD/ CAM software for machine programming) during design phases, all of which are fully compatible with programmes such as Solid Works, Inventor and Design Projects.

PSP worked with Mace to provide bespoke rainscreen cladding panels for Greenwich Square – a residential development in the heart of Greenwich set around a stunning courtyard

Manufacture

As leading manufacturers in our field, we work closely with architects, customers and suppliers to build long-lasting, sustainable working relationships. PSP embraces new technology and cutting-edge ERP software to optimise Design for Manufacture and Assembly (DfMA) protocols to achieve aesthetically pleasing aluminium solutions up to 6m in length to the utmost quality to suit applications across commercial buildings, hotels, schools, hospitals and residential properties. Our manufacturing processes take place in our precision-controlled advanced factories in Shildon, County Durham. Our architectural and aluminium manufacturing teams also collaborate with our experienced design team in Cramlington, Newcastle Upon Tyne, to maintain premium quality throughout all processes, from design to manufacture, to transportation of finished systems.

Supply

Adopting a one-stop-shop approach, PSP offers a range of rainscreen cladding, rainwater goods, ventilation systems, solar shading, flashings, pressings and support facade systems. We also design, manufacture and supply specialist fabrications to meet individual needs, using materials such as aluminium, brass, copper, COR-TEN, galvanised steel, pre-coated steel, stainless steel, zinc and composite materials. During the final phase, add-ons such as curtain walling, windows and doors can be also be supplied. PSP are approved fabricators for Schuco, Kawneer, Reynaers, Aluprof, Raico and AluK. To explore PSP’s range of matrix systems for rainscreen cladding, bespoke architectural systems, flashings and pressings, rainwater goods, curtain walling, windows and doors, visit our website.

Valentines Place – a contemporary residential development in London – where PSP manufactured and supplied bespoke aluminium windows and doors

About PSP Group

PSP Group’s cohesive three-part system is ideal for architects, customers and suppliers who require high-quality rain-protection products and an all-inone service for frictionless design and manufacture. The company manufactures all products using state-of-the-art fabrication equipment and a range of metals that are suited to an array of customer requirements. With a design-driven strategy at the core of the company’s culture, each rainscreen protection product is tailored to individual customer specifications.

High-quality, cost-effective solutions are paired with a forward-thinking approach and consideration of the construction industry’s time-sensitive nature. All products and services are examined against their Environmental Management Programme and Quality Management System, which runs in accordance with ISO 9001:2015. The centralised ERP system enables full traceability and consistently up-to-date order information. 8 www.pspuk.com

* info@pspuk.com ( 01388

770490

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Building Elements

Crittall screens at the heart of new innovation centre

An ambitious project to boost the creative industries sector in the north-east of England has used Crittall Innervision steel screens and doors as a key design element. A former Grade II Listed post office in Hartlepool’s Whitby Street has been transformed to become The BIS, the town’s new hub for business start-ups offering a range of office and workshop spaces augmented by specialist support. The £4m project, backed by Hartlepool Borough Council and the Tees Valley Combined Authority, is viewed as the catalyst for an innovation and skills quarter in a Victorian conservation area close to the town centre. The two parts of the building are linked by a covered courtyard, described as a multifunctional open social space which is where Innervision steel screens and doors, based on Crittall’s Corporate W20 profiles, have been used. Acting as glass walls for individual workspaces, they also look out onto the social space to encourage collaborative partnership working and interaction between the new occupants of The BIS.

“This is a high-quality project which is the pride and joy of Hartlepool,” says Group Ginger Architect David Pogson. “The choice of Crittall’s Corporate W20 windows was not a difficult one – the quality of the brand product and the design stands out from the rest of the market and offers a unique identity to the courtyard.” The seven bespoke screens, some incorporating doors, are finished in black Duralife powder coating and, by virtue of the slender but strong nature of their steel frames, enhance the transmission of light within the individual offices and the central space.

8 www.crittall-windows.co.uk * hq@crittall-windows.co.uk ( 01376

530800

Offsite Solutions awarded £3m contract for 32-storey residential scheme Offsite Solutions has been awarded a £3m contract by Wates Construction to supply 440 bespoke steel-framed bathroom pods for Anthology’s Hale Works development in Tottenham Hale, London. Offsite Solutions is manufacturing two pod types for the Hale Works – a bathroom and an en-suite shower room, which will be delivered to site in phases until summer 2020. Fully fitted-out in the factory, the pods will have a dark wood-effect finish to the mirrored cabinet, open shelving unit and bath panel, a heated towel rail, large porcelain floor and wall tiles, LED downlighting, composite stone vanity top, overhead and hand-held showers, and contemporary square-edged, semi-recessed basin. * info@offsitesolutions.com

( 01278 780807

8 www.offsitesolutions.com

NASC launches 2020 Yearbook The NASC has launched its 2020 Yearbook – showcasing more confederation news and updates than ever before. The yearbook features a round-up of NASC standing committee outputs, more than 30 pages of NASC Awards submissions and a comprehensive listing of full contracting NASC members. Robin James, NASC Managing Director, said: “We are delighted to launch the NASC Yearbook, which is this year more keenly targeted at key decision makers in the construction supply chain, with editorial focused on raising awareness and understanding of what the NASC does, examples of the expertise and innovation shown by our members and why all this matters to the wider construction industry.” * enquiries@nasc.org.uk

( 0207 822 7400

8 www.nasc.org.uk

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Everybody is going to Strawberry Field An iconic landmark that has never been open to the public will open its gates for the first time. Strawberry Field, the Salvation Army centre in Liverpool immortalised by John Lennon, has seen the investment of some £8m in the creation of the first-ever visitor facilities on the site. To ensure all users can make the most of their time, a Changing Places toilet facility has been supplied and installed by Closomat. Closomat’s installation at Strawberry Field gives users a peninsular WC with a full room cover ceiling track hoist, heightadjustable adult-sized changing bench, height-adjustable washbasin, and privacy screen, in a 12m2 room. 8 www.closomat.co.uk * info@clos-o-mat.com ( 0161 969 1199

Building Elements

AluK publishes guide for specifiers As it celebrates its 25th anniversary in the UK, AluK has published a specification guide for its complete range of fenestration products. Available free to architects, specifiers and consultants or available to download via the AluK website, the 68-page guide has been produced to illustrate AluK’s collaborative approach to working. It outlines how AluK appoints a dedicated project consultant team to work directly with specifiers, providing expert fenestration guidance through Stages 2 to 4 of the RIBA Plan of Work and support in the form of BIM and in-house-designed REVIT and IFC Objects. It also highlights the two dedicated AluK Design Studios in London and at its factory in Chepstow where the entire product range is on display and clients can attend events. AluK has always put collaboration, service and support firmly at the heart of its offering, alongside expertise in manufacture and innovation in product design. Its entire product range is outlined in the guide with full specifications, CAD cross-sections and thermal profiles for each system.

This includes: unitised, capped, structurally bonded and structurally glazed curtain walling systems, an extensive choice of window systems in a range of depths, styles and configurations, commercial entrance doors, flush residential doors and ground floor treatments, and both sliding and folding doors. Marketing Director Sioned Roberts says: “The guide is intended to be much more than a product catalogue. It communicates the scale of our ongoing investment in our UK manufacturing facility, our commitment to precision design and product quality and, above all, our ability to add value to the design and specification process via our experienced team of experts.” 8 www.aluk.co.uk

* info.uk@aluk.com ( 01291

639739

Hauraton drainage systems at Bonus Arena – Hull Venue Built on brownfield land located on the edge of the main shopping district in Hull and adjacent to Princes Quay, the Bonus Arena – Hull Venue and its associated multistorey car park were opened in August 2018. The £36m development progresses the legacy of the social and economic impact generated by Hull’s 2017 UK City of Culture status. The Arena, designed by AFL Architects, is a state-of-the-art music and events complex with a flexible capacity of up to 3500 people. The facility can provide a venue for concerts or corporate conferences in an 800-seat auditorium. A 2000m² adaptable space can be utilised for sporting events or exhibitions and trade shows. Surrounding the Bonus Arena is a public realm laid with grey stone paving and landscaped by re-form landscape architecture Ltd with trees, lawns, flowerbeds and permanent stone seating.

An effective surface water drainage system was essential to ensure all-weather access to the venue. 140m of Hauraton RECYFIX PRO 100 channels with FIBRETEC heel-safe gratings were chosen for the job which blended well with the stone paving and would resist damage from applied grit rock salt in freezing weather. The material, PA-GF used to make the FIBRETEC grating, was especially developed by Hauraton; the tough, UV-resistant, fibrereinforced moulding offers high stability and huge strength for its weight. Complying with loading category Class C250 (BSEN 1433), the grating can easily take the weight of commercial delivery vehicles. The design is a real innovation as its non-corrosive material provides a visually appealing surface finish that retains its colour.

8 www.hauraton.com

* janine.kennedy@hauraton.com ( 01582

501380

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