FC&A october 2020 by Red Hut Media Ltd

FUTURE CONSTRUCTOR & ARCHITECT

ISSUE 128

OCTOBER 2020

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With the spotlight firmly on the coronavirus pandemic for most of 2020, Brexit's been precariously lurking in the shadows. Much like COVID-19 updates and restrictions, there's been little in the form of any substantial certainty regarding our departure from the EU. And, as Brexit-related dramas continue, and the month of October lands on our door, time's undoubtedly of the essence to shake hands on a deal before we leave our transitional period and secure our status as an EU divorcee. This is leaving many within the architectural and construction industries dubious about imports and exports of building materials. And, as we attempt to build more homes for an overpopulated country, whilst meeting the Government's net-zero carbon 2050 goals; there's much to bear in mind. Many are looking at UK-manufactured alternatives to those typically sourced in EU territory. Whilst there's plenty to consider; it is essential that we do not lose touch with the sustainability-first ethos and development that the sector has been spearheading over the past decade. And, it's here that innovation really comes into its own – both via architectural design and strategic construction.

CROSS PLATFORM MEDIA

FUTURE CONSTRUCTOR & ARCHITECT MAGAZINE

OCTOBER 2020



Following this theme, RIBA Architect Christopher Sykes returns this month with an exclusive article dedicated to innovation within the industry. From materials and awards to outstanding homes, he explores the best uses of 'innovation' that really demonstrate the exceptional capabilities from today's architectural community. Turn to page 20 to read the full article. Meanwhile, on page 26, we talk to UK-based building materials supplier SureCav about how we can wean architects off their dependability on concrete with alternative, more sustainable options. Lastly, Reco Surfaces explores how modular forms of construction can step up and help out as we continue the journey to build more affordable homes for Britain. Turn to page 30 for the full article.

Rebecca REBECCA KEMP Editor, Future Constructor & Architect

fcamagazine fcamagazine fcamagazine FC&A Magazine

ON THE COVER: MAD Architects has completed Gardenhouse, its first project completed in the USA.

SEE PAGE 16.

FC&A – OCTOBER – 2020

OCTOBER CONTENTS

NEWS

INDU STR Y U PDAT E S :

ON SITE W ITH S YK E S :

LEGAL & BU SIN E S S :

VOICE OF THE I N DU S T RY:

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

This month, in an FC&A exclusive, RIBA Architect Christopher Sykes unearths some of the latest innovative building materials and homes from the construction industry of late.

The COVID-19 crisis and subsequent lockdown have seriously impacted the UK economy. If you’re thinking of selling your business, Neil Jones from Ansons Solicitors has a few simple steps for success.

Following the pandemic, many buildings are set to undergo change-of-use planning and procedures. Here, Nigel Morrey, Technical Director at Etex Building Performance, highlights the associated fire safety challenges that need to be considered when altering a building’s use.

FEATURES

DOORS, W INDOW S & BA LC ON I E S :

BRICK S & BLOC K S :

BU ILDING ACC E S S :

MMC:

BU ILD FOCU S: Leisure:

TECHNICAL INS I G HT: Waterproofing:

Some claim that the Passive House standard is easier to achieve with simpler, box-like forms, but this is certainly not the case at Seaton Beach Apartments in Devon. A little design ingenuity and the use of Schöck’s Isokorb has enabled generous sea-facing balconies with sweeping curves.

In this article, Charlie Ayers, Founder of SureCav, explores alternative building materials with a lower carbon footprint that can help wean architects and contractors off their concrete dependence.

Here, Eryl Jones, Managing Director of the ASSA ABLOY Door Hardware Group, advises on the opportunities available for inclusive building designs, the key considerations for door opening solutions and the potential risks of not complying with these.

Reco Surfaces examines the role modular construction has to play in the UK’s construction recovery, particularly when it comes to building affordable housing.

There are numerous benefits of using timber construction for leisure buildings. In this article, TG Escapes explores the many advantages of opting for timberframed buildings.

Mohammed Ashfaq, Senior Sales Manager at Sika, looks at the waterproofing challenges involved with car park refurbishment in a ‘live’ environment to ensure sites stay safe and ingress-free.

PORTFOLIOS

BIODIVERCITY, BJARK E I NG E L S G ROU P ( BI G ) :

GAR DENHOU SE , MAD ARC H I T E C T S :

BIG, Hijjas and Ramboll have proposed a vision for a new sustainable destination where cultural, ecological and economic growth is secured and where people and nature co-exist in one of the most biodiverse places on the planet at the southern shore of Malaysia’s Penang Island, ‘BiodiverCity’.

MAD Architects, led by Ma Yansong, has completed Gardenhouse, its first project completed in the USA. Located at 8600 Wilshire Boulevard in California’s Beverly Hills, Gardenhouse is a mixed-use scheme consisting of 18 residential units above ground-floor commercial space.

FC&A – OCTOBER – 2020

INDUSTRY UPDATES

NE W S I N BR I E F: SGP COMPLETES FINAL PHASE OF ST. MODWEN BUSINESS PARK

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

Stephen George + Partners LLP (SGP) has overseen the completion of the third and final phase of St. Modwen Park, Doncaster. Having masterplanned the whole 27-acre site, SGP successfully designed and delivered the last £7m phase, comprising more than 108,000ft2 of industrial space, in February 2020. Working with St. Modwen and Lindum Construction, SGP designed the three units of 34,464ft2, 21,614ft2 and 53,072ft2 to complete the 247,000ft2 development, which was granted outline consent in March 2016. SGP designed and delivered the first two phases of the park in 2016 and in 2017, and the speculative units were quickly occupied by Bosch Automotive, DB Schenker and Thornhill Engineering.

ASSAEL ARCHITECTURE WINS PLANNING PERMISSION Connected Living London has been given the go-ahead for a new scheme at Southall Sidings, designed by awardwinning architect firm, Assael Architecture. The development at Southall Sidings, close to Southall station in the London Borough of Ealing, will provide 460 apartments designed and built specifically for rent. To meet the needs of London’s diverse population, 40% of the homes will be provided at a discounted market rent, whilst 48 three-bedroom homes will cater to families. Accommodated across a series of buildings, all of the new homes will sit alongside on-site resident amenities synonymous with the buildto-rent ethos, including a residents’ lounge, workspace and a gym, with the aim to cater to modern lifestyles while also creating a strong community within the development. The predominantly brick buildings have been contextually designed; four-storey courtyard buildings line Park Avenue to blend in with the existing built environment and enhance the public realm. FC&A – OCTOBER – 2020

PLANNING PERMISSION SECURED FOR CONSTRUCTION OF QUAD TWO BUILDING Harwell Science and Innovation Campus has secured planning permission for Quad Two, a 47,000ft2 Grade A development that will provide office space for science and technology companies at the UK’s major science hub in Oxfordshire. HARWELL SCIENCE AND INNOVATION CAMPUS

he building has been designed to provide flexible office space so that three of the four floors can be let to single or multiple tenants in units ranging from 2500 to 20,000ft2. A roof terrace will allow occupiers to take advantage of the views across the carefully curated landscape of the campus and surrounding Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. The main entrance includes a double-height reception and breakout space. Quad Two is the third in a series of developments that will form a collegiate-style quadrangle alongside Harwell’s busy Becquerel Avenue where internationally renowned cutting-edge technology companies, such as Oxford Nanopore Technologies, Agilent and Oxford Space Systems, reside. The Quad is already defined by a gym, cafe and the Quad One office building. The central Quad area, encircled by the buildings will be a beautifully 6

landscaped public realm with a naturalistic planting character, which will play an important role in providing a comfortable central campus destination for meeting, socialising, and for one-off events. The concept behind the unusual cladding treatment, a continuation of the Quad One building, was based on the core objective of sitting buildings comfortably inside the existing mature natural landscape by cleverly using light, reveal and scale. The facade is expressed through a pattern of repeating fins, and glazed, mirrored and solid panels that reflect and respond to the surrounding trees, grassland and riparian areas. Angus Horner, Harwell Campus Director, said: “Harwell Campus is a world-leading home for fast growth science and

INDUSTRY UPDATES

NEWS IN BR IEF: DMA WINS PLANNING IN THE HEART OF VICTORIA FOR BOUTIQUE HOTEL Dexter Moren Associates (DMA) has won planning permission for a new, 137-key boutique lifestyle hotel on Vauxhall Bridge Road in the heart of Victoria. The hotel, featuring a unique facade design, will become the latest addition to client 4C Hotel Group’s growing portfolio of high-quality central London hotel developments. The eight-storey, 6224m2 (GIA) hotel includes a relaxing bar, food retail, cafe and formal restaurant, available to the public as well as guests.

MACAULAY SINCLAIR APPOINTED TO LEADING UK PROJECT

technology organisations. This new building will enable companies looking for a competitive, multi-cluster, collaborative advantage to be located alongside some of the brightest minds in the country, delivering worldleading research and lifechanging technologies. “As demand for Grade A accommodation for ambitious science and tech companies has continued to grow across the UK, we are delighted to be able to meet this requirement in the form of Quad Two. With a total of 1.5 million sq ft to be developed, we look forward to welcoming many more people to Harwell in the coming years.” Talking about their experience of establishing the UK’s Faraday Institution in Quad Two’s sibling building, Quad One, Susan Robertson, Chief Financial Officer and Joint Interim Chief

permission. The building is the next step in the development of a series of buildings organised around a formal landscaped quad. It continues our involvement at Harwell Campus, which is one of the UK’s innovation hotspots.” Catering for science and technology organisations at every stage of their growth, Quad Two will further expand Harwell’s unique portfolio of buildings. As well as being the UK headquarters for multinationals and fast growth SMEs, the 700-acre campus offers business incubation, free business service workshops, networking events and access to an onsite network of corporates, Government bodies and venture capital firms to collaborate with and access funding from.

Executive Officer of The Faraday Institution, said: “New and better batteries are central to the UK’s ability to fully electrify. Establishing the HQ of the Faraday Institution in Quad One has enabled us to firmly place ourselves amongst the strong scientific community at Harwell and take advantage of co-location both with the central laboratory facilities that our battery research community uses extensively, and with other academic institutions, industry organisations and entrepreneurial spin outs that have also been attracted to this vibrant site. “Our offices are spacious, well-maintained, and our team and visitors alike find them pleasant to work in.” Oliver Milton, Partner at Hawkins\Brown, said: “Hawkins\ Brown are delighted that Quad Two has been granted planning

www.harwellcampus.com 7

Renowned interior architecture and design specialist Macaulay Sinclair has been appointed to create two stunning waterfront restaurants at The Island Quarter in Nottingham, the £650m regeneration scheme. Working nationally and internationally for wellknown hospitality brands, Macaulay Sinclair will be creating a stunning design for the three-storey pavilion building at Canal Turn – the first element of phase 1A. Macaulay Sinclair, which is also based in Nottingham, is well-known for creating interiors of big-name hospitality brands including Dishoom, Caravan and Hawksmoor. The company was chosen for The Island Quarter because of its “highly creative approach”, its understanding of this historical site – and vast industry knowledge and originality. Mike Sinclair, Co-Founder of Macaulay Sinclair, said: “Despite being based in Nottingham, the vast majority of our work is outside the area – and particularly in London. To be appointed to work on this prominent scheme right on our doorstep is hugely exciting for us. FC&A – OCTOBER – 2020

ARCHITECT IN PROFILE

ARC H IT EC T I N P RO F I LE This month, we have talked to Hoban Design’s Director, Gary Hoban, about his experience opening his own architecture practice. In this exclusive Q&A, we find out more about what inspires his work and discover how childhood memories of LEGO and creative doodling steered the successful career he has today. HOBAN DESIGN

GARY HOBAN Director at Hoban Design 1:

IMAGE: 1: 2: 3: 4:

Sutton Housing Society project Sutton Housing Society project Kylemore House The Universita Luigi Bocconi in Milan by Grafton Architects

Please tell us a bit about your career background. I am originally from Dublin and moved to London over 10 years ago. Initially, I worked in a practice in Dublin during the Celtic Tiger years, where the majority of our work was driven by large-scale developers, but the financial crash shelved nearly all the ambitious projects. I took this as an opportunity to move to London and broaden my horizons. I ventured into the field of high-end residential architecture in Central London. I thrived in this new sector where the shift of focus went from the macro to the micro. As a result, I built up a varying experience from site master planning to the intricate detailing of interior spaces. Had you always wanted to pursue a career in architecture? Yes. From an early age, I adored LEGO. Coupled with my constant doodling which filled any spare space on my school copybooks, it led me to really have only one driving ambition; to become an architect. There is a joy common amongst all designers at any age of realising something conceived on paper into reality. Whether it is assembling a LEGO fire station, a piece of IKEA furniture or designing a building, it is this satisfaction that drives us.

www.hobandesign.co.uk FC&A – OCTOBER – 2020

Who has been your greatest influence and source of inspiration? I am actually not somebody who relies heavily on inspiration from other great architects. There are so many pioneers in architecture, and it can become a bit all-encompassing. Instead, I am fascinated about innovators from all walks of life, including Steve Jobs, Alan Turing and Stephen Hawking. Also, as a rugby fan, I was enthralled how the likes of Jonah Lomu and Brian O’Driscoll consistently performed at a level above others. Closer to home, I am also inspired 8

by the entrepreneurial journey of my own brother Robert, who has built up an exciting new proptech company, ‘Offr’, from the ground up. What has been your most notable project to date? On a personal level, my first project as Hoban Design still makes me feel the proudest. It was the first time I ventured out and stood on my own two feet as an architect. Kylemore House was a large new-build home and it ended up winning two awards at the Evening Standard’s New Homes Awards. How do you approach your projects? My main priority on any project is to exceed client expectations. Therefore, I don’t like to impose a particular ethos or try and influence a personal design agenda. It is vitally important to try and truly understand the goals and requirements from the client and then translate this into an architectural solution. Along the journey, we use our experience and knowledge to assist and advise how these goals could be best achieved. What do you think is the greatest challenge for designing in sustainability? The greatest challenge is marrying a client’s expectations with the practical reality of good sustainable design. Many clients come to us with a project where the brief, budget and sustainability ambition are in direct conflict. It is then often the sustainability ambition that is sacrificed. As an example, we are working on a programme with Sutton Housing Society to expand their existing housing stock. The client has very honourable ambitions to integrate passive design strategies; however, there is an extremely limited opportunity as we are extending tired and dated buildings and must maintain occupancy for the existing residents during the build.

ARCHITECT IN PROFILE

What is your favourite building and why? My favourite building changes almost daily! But today it is the Universita Luigi Bocconi in Milan by Grafton Architects. Yvonne Farrell, one of the Founders of Grafton Architects, was a tutor when I was studying Architecture at UCD (University College Dublin) and I have always greatly admired their achievements. As I am proud of my roots, I think Irish architects such as Grafton Architects have punched well above their weight and made a lasting impact on the international scene. What do you think is the greatest challenge for architects today? A major challenge is educating society as to the role of an architect and their importance. There is an element of disconnect between the industry and society. Most simply don’t know what the profession entails, and many hold stereotypical views of what an architect does. In turn, the service is often undervalued and squeezed. This will make it more difficult to maintain a level of good design standards across the board and also dedicate time, energy and creativity to the development of integrating effective, sustainable design for the future. What do you think is the greatest challenge for architecture students at the moment? At the moment, I clearly see the shift in the ‘work from home’ culture following the COVID-19 pandemic as being the biggest challenge. I think the best and most efficient space where architectural students can learn is in a collaborative environment with peers and mentors, whether that is in the university studio or within a practice. The social aspect is also an important factor, as ultimately, you must enjoy what you do to be successful as I always thrived in a sociable team environment.

4: What advice would you give to newly qualified architects? Don’t be afraid to ask stupid questions! When you start out, it can be very intimidating. It may feel like you have to know everything from day one. Our world is filled with acronyms, industry terms and everchanging legislation. Nobody expects you to know everything. A career in architecture is a career in continuous questioning and learning. What can we expect to see from Hoban Design over the next year? It is very difficult to predict. We have established ourselves as a practice specialising in high-end residential design. While this is an area we 9

thrive, it can be quite volatile. In the last few years, we have sought to bring our expertise to general housing needs. In 2018, we were appointed by social landlord Sutton Housing Society, and have recently secured planning permission for 71 new airspace homes. This has been a really rewarding, fresh challenge for our team and we now look forward to these projects commencing on site in 2021. Moving forward, we see the ‘work from home’ culture boosting both of these areas, and we are already building up a new selection of private high-end residential projects, where work-life patterns are a much higher priority within the brief. FC&A – OCTOBER – 2020

COATINGS & FIXINGS

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POWDERTECH COLLECTIONS NOW AVAILABLE THROUGH THE NBS NATIONAL BIM LIBRARY Powdertech Corby’s unique ‘Collections’ range of powder coatings can now be researched and downloaded from the NBS National BIM Library. POWDERTECH CORBY

his is the fastest-growing building information modelling (BIM) library in the UK, containing an extensive collection of both generic and manufacturer BIM objects ranging from building fabric systems to mechanical and electrical objects. All of the objects meet the requirements of the internationally-recognised NBS BIM Object Standard. Find more at https://source.thenbs.com and enter ‘Powdertech’ in the search box. “We consider the NBS BIM library to be of huge benefit to architects, designers and building developers,” said Richard Besant, Director at Powdertech. “And, we wanted to be part of it. As users will know, the BIM library contains thousands of BIM objects which have

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

been authored and certified by NBS experts to the NBS BIM object standard, and this ensures the consistency and currency of all objects in the library.” Users can access all of the coatings within the Powdertech Anomatch, Evolution, Landscape and PWF Collections. The benefits of each Collection are listed and associated technical data is provided. If users set up ‘My Library’, they can sort and filter favourite BIM objects. “Those involved in specifying products and services within the building industry are finding this such a useful tool, and we consider it very worthwhile to have our Collections on board,“ concluded Richard Besant.

www.powdertechcorby.co.uk 10

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FC&A – OCTOBER – 2020

BIODIVERCITY, BJARKE INGELS GROUP (BIG)

‘BIODIVERCITY’ PAVES SUSTAINABLE FUTURE FOR PENANG ISLAND BIG, Hijjas and Ramboll have been selected as winners of Penang State Government’s competition to design Penang South Islands' masterplan. BIG (BJARKE INGELS GROUP)

IG, Hijjas and Ramboll have proposed a vision for a new sustainable destination where cultural, ecological and economic growth is secured and where people and nature co-exist in one of the most biodiverse places on the planet at the southern shore of Penang Island: ‘BiodiverCity’. Penang State Government initiated an international design competition in January 2020 to transform Penang South Islands into a sustainable, global destination, providing Penangites with approximately 4.6km of public beaches, 600 acres of parks and a 25km waterfront. BIG, Hijjas and Ramboll’s masterplan proposal – BiodiverCity – supports the ‘Penang2030’ vision with a clear focus on livability, on stimulating a socially and economically inclusive development, and on environmental sustainability for future generations. Penang’s vast biodiversity spans various topographies and protected environments which, in recent years, have seen its coastal zones and natural habitats disrupted by urban developments. In contrast, BiodiverCity is conceived as an Urban Mosaic of three diverse islands, and a set of urban design guidelines for mixing programmes, addressing pedestrian and mobility networks, building sustainably and harvesting resources. The three islands bring together mixed-use districts of 15,000 to 18,000 residents across 50 to 500 acres, and a continuous 50 to 100m buffer around each district, establishing habitat connectivity and supporting edge ecologies in reserves, parks, corridors and urban plazas.

FC&A – OCTOBER – 2020

BIODIVERCITY, BJARKE INGELS GROUP (BIG)

The ‘Channels’, BiodiverCity’s first island, is constructed in three complementary phases. Phase one, ‘Active Destinations’, includes a wave pool and technology park; in phase two, the ‘Civic Heart’ establishes governance and research institutions in the area; and in phase three, the ‘Cultural Coast’ builds upon the heritage and vibrant creative energy of Penang’s George Town to create a regional and international draw. As the heart of the district, the 500-acre digital park includes spaces for research, development and local business opportunities. Malaysia’s newest public destination will be the future home for conferences, education centres and a family-oriented park where locals and guests can explore the world of technology, robotics and virtual reality. The Mangroves, BiodiverCity’s second and central island dedicated to businesses, is organised around a network of sheltered urban wetlands, creating suitable environments for its namesake Mangrove forests – an important natural infrastructure that doubles as effective powerhouses for sequestering more than four times as much carbon as a typical forest. 13

FC&A – OCTOBER – 2020

BIODIVERCITY, BJARKE INGELS GROUP (BIG)

At the centre of the Mangroves, the Bamboo Beacon hosts meetings, conferences and major events – broadcasting the knowledge developed in BiodiverCity out to the world. In addition, civic amenities are distributed throughout the city to promote inclusive growth and participation in urban life. The buildings in BiodiverCity will be designed to perform efficiently and will, to a large extent, be constructed by low-carbon materials such as bamboo and Malaysian timber in combination with green concrete, a sustainable alternative comprised of industrial waste and recycled materials. By encouraging green roofs, facades, public and private open spaces, the islands can form a nearly continuous habitat mosaic feeding back into the forests, beaches, riparian zones and estuaries at the island’s edges.

Ecological living The Laguna, BiodiverCity’s westernmost island, is an oasis for ecological living, organised around a central marina. Eight smaller islands form a miniature archipelago, where floating, stilted and terraced housing takes advantage of the natural setting of Tanjung Gertak Sanggul, and where fisherman landing points can easily access the open waters by navigating each of the island’s waterways. Meanwhile, newly-established marine habitats support biodiversity under water by providing spawning grounds for native species, and recreational points and hatcheries support the local communities along Penang’s southern coast. A web of ecological corridors connects forest reserves to coastal beaches while supporting habitats and communities across the islands. Within humanpopulated areas, animals are given safe passage through the continuous canopy and waterways, and within natural habitats, people can safely access elevated boardwalks. BiodiverCity supports a water-, airand land-based autonomous public transportation network, aiming for a carfree environment where streets serve as a safe and welcoming thoroughfare for bikers and pedestrians. Districts are efficiently connected below platforms to increase the efficiency of goods, services and regional mobility while maximising pedestrian safety throughout the public realm. BiodiverCity is BIG’s latest masterplan unveiling following Toyota Woven City at the CES conference earlier this year. Last year, BIG presented Oceanix City at the United Nations high-level roundtable on Sustainable Floating Cities, bringing together innovators, explorers, marine engineers and scientists at the UN headquarters to share ideas and solutions to the threat faced by coastal cities and countries due to rising sea levels.

www.big.dk

FC&A – OCTOBER – 2020

BIODIVERCITY, BJARKE INGELS GROUP (BIG)

FC&A – OCTOBER – 2020

GARDENHOUSE, MAD ARCHITECTS

MAD COMPLETES GARDENHOUSE MAD Architects, led by Ma Yansong, has completed Gardenhouse, its first project completed in the USA. MAD ARCHITECTS

ocated at 8600 Wilshire Boulevard in California’s Beverly Hills, Gardenhouse is a mixed-use scheme consisting of 18 residential units above groundfloor commercial space. Evoking the lush landscape of Beverly Hills, the scheme becomes a hillside village with residential units growing from the building’s living green wall. Peaking above the landscaped envelope, a cluster of white facaded, irregular-shaped windows and gabled-roof structures create a dynamic neighbourhood, and a playful, witty, though simple homage to the iconic hillsides of Los Angeles. Upon completion, the scheme will host one of the largest living green walls in the USA. This defining envelope is covered in lush plantings of native, drought-tolerant succulents and vines, whose familiarity to the local climate negates the need for extra irrigation and maintenance. The result is a unique texture forming an organic, natural, seasonal addition to the neighbourhood streetscape. The 4460m 2 (48,000ft 2) hillside village offers a variety of different housing typologies: two studios, eight condominiums, three townhouses and five villas. This healthy mixture results in a high sense of community, and a feeling of individuality and exclusiveness even in this small-scale development. Unlike traditional apartment schemes, each unit has its own independent entry/exit circulation route, while almost every unit features a pitched-roof volume with dynamic interior expressions. Enclosed by this cluster of white, pitchedroofed houses, the second-floor courtyard forms a central landscaped gathering space for the small community. With careful consideration given to the distance, orientation and arrangement of balconies overlooking the courtyard, the result is a private, tranquil, convenient interaction between residents and the secret garden which they share. FC&A – OCTOBER – 2020

FACT FILE: Client: Palisades Capital Partners LLC Typology: Residential, commercial Executive architect: Gruen Associates Site area: 2400m2 Building area: 4460m2

Structural engineer: John Labib + Associates (JLA)

Building height: 18m

MEP engineer: Breen Engineering Inc.

Principal partners in charge: Ma Yansong, Dang Qun, Yosuke Hayano

Landscape architect: Gruen Associates Interior design: Rottet Studio

Associate partners in charge: Flora Lee, Dixon Lu Design team: Li Guangchong, Jon Kontuly, Joanna Tan, Chris Hung-Yu Chen, Wenshan Xie, Cesar D Pena Del Rey, Jeffrey Miner

Civil engineering: Kimley-Horn and Associates, Inc. Green wall specialist: Seasons Landscape General constructor: DHC Builders, Inc.

GARDENHOUSE, MAD ARCHITECTS

FC&A – OCTOBER – 2020

GARDENHOUSE, MAD ARCHITECTS

Residents of Gardenhouse are welcomed via a ground-floor entrance along Stanley Drive, off Wilshire Boulevard. The entrance adopts the atmosphere of a cave digging into the hillside; a dim, surreal environment where residents are led on a journey through a fairyland of light, shadow and the sound of water. Further ahead, the softness of the cave meets a bright conclusion, with natural light flooding through a connected water feature from the courtyard patio above. Standing beneath this threshold, visitors marvel at a framed view of sun, sky, landscape and water: a living painting removing people from the reality of the city. Through Gardenhouse, MAD seeks to offer a rebuttal to the stereotypical cubic-box living environments of high-density cities across the world. An intrinsic connection with nature, with a tranquil, shared courtyard and private outdoor space for each unit, creates a calm oasis just meters away from the urban environment. The result is a physical manifestation of the idea that architecture can connect with both the built and natural environment, to offer a more full, harmonious living experience. Ma Yansong said: “Los Angeles and Beverly Hills are highly modernised and developed. Their residences on the hills seemingly coexist with the urban environment. However, they also see enclosed movement at their core. The commune connection between the urban environment and nature is isolated. What new perspectives, and new value, can we bring to Los Angeles? Perhaps, we can create a hill in the urban context, so people can live on it and make it a village. This place will be half urban, half nature. This can offer an interesting response to Beverly Hills: a neighbourhood which is often carefully organised and maintained, now with a witty, playful new resident.”

www.i-mad.com FC&A – OCTOBER – 2020

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FC&A – OCTOBER – 2020

COLUMN

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

Vandersanden bricks shown in its new webinar

INNOVATION In these dramatically changing times, it is remarkable what there is to find by simply using the word ‘innovation’ as a digging tool.

Innovative bricks A stunning development, which started at Washington University in St. Louis, has been to make a genuine power brick, basically using nanotechnology to turn bricks into batteries – more specifically, to turn ordinary red bricks into part of a supercapacitor. Bricks are often porous, meaning there is plenty of surface area where a thin coating could interact with the basic iron mineral. That will certainly change the power of traditional construction. Innovative brick design and manufacturing techniques are also transforming the material’s capability to act as a beautiful, imaginative and versatile canvas. This is the theme of the new webinar from brick-maker Vandersanden entitled ‘The brick – special techniques and innovations’. When it first appeared in August, it attracted hundreds of interested specifiers. FC&A – OCTOBER – 2020

Innovative homes Home of 2030 is the design competition created by BRE (Building Research Establishment) – with others – to drive innovation in the provision of affordable, efficient and healthy green homes for all. The latest update was recently given by the Housing Minister, Christopher Pincher, when he announced six finalists. Further updates can be found on the 2030 competition home page.

The six finalists are: The Positive Collective (changebuilding, Perpendicular Architecture & humblebee) with ECOSystems Technologies, COCIS and Arup Homes that seek to reduce carbon emissions and encourage social interaction. This includes food grown in communal spaces and areas, such as ponds, to promote biodiversity.

HLM Architects with the Advanced Manufacturing Research Centre and Green Build Homes built using interchangeable parts with other homes, creating a circular economy in which little is wasted.

Igloo Regeneration with Useful Projects, Expedition Engineers and Mawson Kerr Architects Homes with simple frame structures and standardised components set amidst walkable, vibrant neighbourhoods.

Openstudio Architects Three building elements (a standardised housing module, an open ‘Loft’ and a circulation, storage and shared module) are used in combination with three landscape elements (communal green space, small private gardens 20

Bumpers Oast, Kent, designed by ACME and featured in the RIBA Regional Awards or upper-level balconies and terraces, and front gardens) to create combinations of sustainable, age-friendly spaces.

Outpost Architects and team Janus, a home constructed from 98% organic biomass material (primarily timber and straw).

Studio OPEN Promoting community and caring for others through a central garden shared between four homes that are built with locally sourced materials and timber construction methods to reduce environmental impact. Another source of interest is this year’s RIBA Regional Awards, which also feature a number of design innovations. One of the most dramatic and unusual is Bumpers Oast, designed by ACME. This multi-part house recreates the traditional Kentish place for drying hops.

Innovative awards This year’s Innovation Awards have been postponed until November next year. “Entry for the 2020/21 awards will be free-of-charge and will remain open,” says Event Director Joe Brown. “We will also be introducing a new award category to reflect some of the innovations being made to meet the challenges faced by the construction sector in recent times.” The venue and new date will be announced soon.

LEGAL & BUSINESS

THINKING OF SELLING YOUR BUSINESS? FINE, BUT TAKE TIME TO BREATHE The COVID-19 crisis and subsequent lockdown have seriously impacted the UK economy, with businesses doing all they can to continue trading, despite not being recognised as essential services. ANSONS SOLICITORS

NEIL JONES IS THE HEAD OF THE CORPORATE AND COMMERCIAL TEAM AT ANSONS SOLICITORS. HE ADVISES ON A WIDE RANGE OF BUSINESS CONTRACTS AND TRANSACTIONS, INCLUDING MERGERS AND ACQUISITIONS; COMPANY AND BUSINESS SALES; COMPANY REORGANISATIONS.

his uncertainty has led to panic, with some business owners looking to sell in a bid to recoup some of the lost earnings. Although it may seem like there are no other options, snap decisions should be avoided where possible, as there are buyers looking to take advantage of the situation and secure businesses cheaply. Where deals have already been agreed, these buyers may attempt to renegotiate certain terms to the detriment of the seller, so if you are adamant that selling is the right thing to do, then it’s important that you exercise caution throughout the process. After all, the buyer is investing in the long-term viability and potential in the business, which must be reflected in the terms of the deal. Therefore, sellers should take steps to protect themselves, like asking for payments upfront, to avoid any issues later down the line.

Simple steps to success If you’re sure you want to sell the business, then it’s important to follow a set of clearly defined steps, including securing the positions of employees, minimising personal tax liabilities and deciding what expert advice is needed. When taking on expert help, it’s crucial that the professionals you choose have the experience needed to deliver a positive outcome within your sector. 21

From there, it’s about securing the best deal possible. This can involve tidying up loose ends, selling underused property or equipment, positioning major purchases or implementing strict stock management and credit control measures to maximise working capital. Currently, sellers are more likely to be approached directly by buyers keen to offer a valuation that maximises their chances of securing the business as cheaply as possible. The seller must evaluate the status of the buyer as carefully as they would normally to understand if they can fund the purchase. Although the current climate may encourage sellers to fast-track due diligence, this could play into the hands of many buyers, who want you to rush through the deal. During the COVID-19 lockdown and the likely economic uncertainty to follow, it’s only natural buyers may place increased emphasis when performing due diligence, on aspects such as insurance, supply chain risks, business continuity and employee health and safety policies. From the seller’s perspective, it’s important to be open and transparent, as this will help you build up trust with potential buyers and protect against future claims. With any deferred pricing mechanisms or earn-outs, the seller needs to ensure they are fully covered with reference to COVID-19’s impact on their business. Selling might be the only option for some business owners, but people must exercise caution. COVID-19 has created market conditions where speculators feel they can grab bargains, but wise sellers can still structure any agreement to ensure the business they have worked hard to build, is not undervalued.

www.ansonssolicitors.com FC&A – OCTOBER – 2020

VOICE OF THE INDUSTRY

RESIDENTIAL CONVERSIONS: DO WE UNDERSTAND THE FIRE SAFETY RISKS? The number of change of use schemes is set to rise as clients respond to a post-pandemic market, but project teams need to bear in mind the associated fire safety challenges, says Nigel Morrey, Technical Director at Etex Building Performance. ETEX BUILDING PERFORMANCE

NIGEL MORREY IS A TECHNICAL DIRECTOR AT ETEX BUILDING PERFORMANCE. WITH OVER 30 YEARS OF PASSIVE FIRE PROTECTION EXPERTISE, NIGEL IS RESPONSIBLE FOR THE TECHNICAL PERFORMANCE OF ETEX PRODUCTS. HE SITS ON THE ASSOCIATION OF SPECIALIST FIRE PROTECTION (ASFP) COUNCIL AND IS ALSO A DIRECTOR OF THE FINISHES AND INTERIORS SECTOR (FIS).

FC&A – OCTOBER – 2020

he change of use market is primed for growth. COVID-19 has reshaped the way we work, shop and live, accelerating the move to online shopping and establishing a precedent for more flexible working. No doubt retail and commercial asset owners will be reviewing their portfolios, assessing whether they are over-exposed in a post-pandemic world and if there are opportunities to flip offices and stores to residential. John Lewis is a case in point. It has already mooted the idea of switching excess retail space into private rented housing. With the Government extending permitted development rights for these sorts of schemes, we’re likely to see many more projects coming down the track. But refurbishments and change of use developments aren’t without their challenges. When you alter how a building is used, you also change the measures required to make it safe – and that includes fire safety. Do specifiers, designers and contractors fully understand the fire protection requirements for conversion schemes? The Government is bringing forward wide-ranging reforms to current fire safety regulations, but there are some basic principles that project teams need to follow, regardless of changes to national policy. 22

Establishing the facts Common residential conversions, such as of former office blocks into new apartments, as well as structural changes, all require increased periods of fire resistance. A holistic consideration of passive and active fire protection measures is needed to meet this raised performance, as well as looking at how the strategy will need to be adapted for different areas of a building. In an apartment block, for example, escape routes like public corridors and staircases need greater protection than the flats themselves to allow time for people to evacuate and for firefighters to tackle a blaze. However, before the specification can be buttoned down, teams need to know what they are dealing with. Many assets with potential for conversion in today’s market will have been built in the 1960s and 1970s with reinforced concrete. These refurbishments come with pre-existing issues. Dirt, damage and contamination, as well as the structural design, can all impact the fire protection specification. Has a concrete slab been painted? If so, that paint might be incompatible with fire-resistant materials applied on top. Will an increase in loading cause the concrete structure to deflect? If so, will mesh reinforcement need to be added to the fire protection system? Teams won’t always have the facts to hand. Depending on a building’s age and the quality of records, it can be hard to know what was installed previously. On one project Etex supported, the team was unable to determine the level of concrete cover for the reinforcement in the building’s concrete decks. The safest option, in this case, was to choose a solution that covered all circumstances, that meant using specialist fire-rated boards.

VOICE OF THE INDUSTRY

Reviewing the numbers Whatever the route taken, teams need to plan early and think about how their decisions will impact a project’s wider design. Upgrading passive fire protection can increase a building’s footprint. To return to our concrete structure example, a concrete column’s fire resistance is influenced by its size, the position of the reinforcement and the amount of concrete cover over the reinforcement. In a refurbishment, those factors are predetermined, so if you want to increase the period of fire resistance, you’ll need to affix additional material to the column. That; in turn, means cutting down on lettable or saleable floor space – something which will need to be factored into clients’ financial calculations for a development.

People, product, performance Once a strategy is set, and its implications understood, the final step is responsible procurement. The Grenfell Tower tragedy has shone a light on the importance of clients, architects and contractors asking more demanding questions about products’ provenance and testing processes. A desired level of performance might have been set out in the specification, but it’s important to know that material systems can live up to this. Proper installation is key. As well as matching fire protection measures to the needs of each building, project teams also need to make sure that the people responsible for installing and maintaining fire safety materials in the long-term have the required knowledge to do so accurately and safely. This means only using accredited specialist contractors.

Fire safety is higher up the development and construction industries’ agendas than it has ever been. There have been calls for greater knowledge sharing and collaboration across the supply chain and a cultural commitment to doing things in the right way. This is our chance to make 23

those aspirations a reality as clients explore live development opportunities in towns and cities across the country, delivering successful schemes and creating homes that are safe.

www.etex-bp.co.uk FC&A – OCTOBER – 2020

DOORS, WINDOWS & BALCONIES

Image: ©Dug Wilders Photography

SCHÖCK ISOKORB FOR SEAFRONT PASSIVE HOUSE AWARD WINNER Seaton Beach Apartments in Devon is the first UK multi-residential development to be certified as ‘Passive House Plus’. Some claim that the Passive House standard is easier to achieve with simpler, box-like forms, resulting in finished buildings being aesthetically limited – but this is certainly not the case here. A little design ingenuity and the use of Schöck Isokorb thermal breaks has enabled generous sea-facing balconies with sweeping curves to create a striking finish.

Image: ©Dug Wilders Photography

SCHÖCK

eaton may be a traditional Devon seaside resort town, but there is nothing traditional about the eye-catching new Passive House development right on the seafront. Seaton Beach Apartments is an innovative, award-winning, new development of seven luxury twobedroom beachfront apartments, complete with a three-bedroom penthouse – and is the first multiresidential development in the UK to be certified as Passive House Plus. Which means it is not only able to meet the ultra-low energy fabric requirement, but also generates renewable energy. The project can also boast ‘Best Sustainable Residential Development in the UK’ from the International Property Awards. Initially though, the original architectural design was not to Passive House standard. However, the developer recognised that the south-facing orientation and form factor would make it possible to reach the necessary standard. Architect firm Gale and Snowden, which has helped stimulate the trend for larger-scale Passive House projects in

FC&A – OCTOBER – 2020

the region, was brought in at this point to develop the initial detailed designs and oversee the construction. The ground floor is concrete, with a monolithic clay block construction used from the first to third floors and timber frame for the penthouse. Combined with highperformance external render and internal plaster, the result is an entirely mineral hygroscopic wall build-up, which helps to regulate humidity and provide a healthy and comfortable internal environment. Other features of the construction include low electromagnetic field wiring arrangements and a highly efficient mechanical ventilation system with heat recovery. Complete with an exhaust air heat pump for hot water supply. An array of PV panels on the roof yield an annual 14,234 kWh, resulting in the building generating more energy than it uses. There is a constant supply of silently circulated filtered fresh air within the triple glazed, airtight construction. And 90% less energy used than in a typical new build. All factors which have contributed to the building achieving the stringent Passive House Plus target. 24

The Passive House standard is easier to achieve with simpler, box-like forms and finished buildings are often considered aesthetically limited and rather prosaic. However, with Seaton Beach Apartments, a little design ingenuity and the use of Schöck Isokorb thermally broken balcony connectors defies this notion. The potentially unexciting building now features large sea-facing balconies with generous curves. The detailing of these balconies is critical though, if thermal bridging is to be minimised and the building’s energy performance not compromised. Schöck Isokorb thermal breaks are installed where the balconies meet the clay block structure, as ineffectual insulation at these cantilever connectivity points will result in local heat loss. This means more energy is required to maintain the building’s internal temperature. Low internal surface temperatures around the thermal bridge can also cause condensation, leading to structural integrity problems with absorbent insulation products and the potentially

DOORS, WINDOWS & BALCONIES

Image: ©Dug Wilders Photography

serious occurrence of mould growth. The Schöck Isokorb is one of the most technically advanced countermeasures against thermal bridging. It not only thermally separates components from one another, but acts in a structural design capacity as well. The product type used here has an innovative HTE Compact compression module made of highdensity micro-fibre reinforced concrete and transfers both negative moments and positive shear forces with cantilever balconies, or positive field moments combined with shear forces. As the leading international supplier of structural thermal breaks, Schöck is able to offer planners complete construction dependability and almost limitless freedom of design with the options available in its Isokorb product

The Isokorb used on the project

range. There are solutions for concrete-to-concrete, concrete-to-steel, steel-tosteel, a thermally insulating connection for reinforced concrete walls – and even a maintenance-free alternative to wrapped parapets. The

temperature factor used to indicate condensation risk (fRSI) which must be greater than, or equal to, 0.75 for residential buildings, is easily met by incorporating the Isokorb. All products meet full compliance with the relevant UK Building Regulations and the NHBC. They also offer LABC registration and have independent BBA certification.

www.schoeck.co.uk 25

FC&A – OCTOBER – 2020

BRICKS & BLOCKS

WHY IT’S TIME TO MOVE ON FROM CONCRETE BLOCKS The construction industry has a reputation for being one of the biggest polluters; it’s responsible for 40% of the world’s carbon emissions. It’s clear that if we are to fight climate change and promote sustainability, construction will need to clean up its act. One of the best ways of doing so is cutting demand for one of the most common building materials: concrete. The key ingredient of concrete is cement which has a large carbon footprint, even higher than aviation fuel, says Charlie Ayers, Founder of SureCav. SURECAV

or years, concrete has been a popular choice within the construction industry due to its strength and versatility, and it’s rare to find any modern buildings without it. However, new innovations within the sector mean that it should be easier than ever to wean architects and contractors off their concrete dependence. Fortunately, there is an appetite for change, and in a rapidly evolving construction landscape, housebuilders and developers are increasingly looking to new products and materials to help meet ambitious net-zero carbon targets. One of the most common uses of concrete is concrete backing blocks within a cavity wall. It’s a perennial system as it provides both structural sturdiness and a good level of insulation. However, new developments in building products have removed the need for the first layer of backing blocks. It is possible to replace them with thin sheets of recycled polypropylene and still achieve the same, or better, performance as concrete. The production of these plastic FC&A – OCTOBER – 2020

sheets has a far lower carbon footprint than that of concrete. In fact, it can reduce the carbon footprint of cavity construction by up to 50%. Moving forward, the circular economy will continue to gain importance as the industry tries to minimise its impact on the environment in as many ways as possible. As a recycled material, these panels also help to remove the amount of virgin plastic within the industry, getting us that step closer to net-zero 2050. Another ecological bonus from using recycled plastic sheets rather than concrete blocks is their weight. The equivalent amount of polypropylene is far more lightweight and takes up less room than a hefty block of concrete. It is; therefore, much simpler to transport, as you can deliver the equivalent of 40 tonnes of concrete in the back of a single pick-up truck. 26

The benefits of replacing concrete with polypropylene panels do not stop at a building’s construction either. I have always said that when it comes to building a property, it’s likely that you are building a structure that will last well over a hundred years, so it needs to be done properly. When a building lasts that long, its operational emissions can easily overtake the carbon footprint from the materials’ production. Of the construction industry’s 40% share of global emissions, 28% of that is from operational emissions alone. This means it needs to be as efficient as possible.

BRICKS & BLOCKS

New legislation, such as the Future Homes Standard, now means that this need for efficiency has also been enshrined in law, as any new homes need to meet a certain level of energy efficiency. This is measured using U-values, which demonstrates the rate of transmission of heat energy through the wall. The lower the U-value, the less heat escapes through the wall. Creating a seal within a cavity wall with plastic sheets can deliver lower U-values than you would achieve with concrete blocks, resulting in superior energy efficiency and, therefore, a greener building and smaller energy bills. Making the switch and replacing just one layer of concrete backing blocks can add up to a serious reduction in emissions when done at scale. At SureCav, over the past decade we estimate that by doing so we’ve saved the manufacture of 80,000 tonnes of concrete. In turn, this has led

to reducing our haulage from 4000 lorry loads, down to just 50. In petrol emissions alone, that is a significant shrinking of our carbon footprint. We’re proud of the work we have done over the years to help developers design out such a high quantity of concrete. However, we’re currently still a relatively small company and this could, and should, be done on a much larger scale. My vision over the next decade is to see at least 10 times the tonnage of concrete saved through the incorporation of more eco-friendly materials in cavity walls. The use of polypropylene sheets to replace concrete is just one recent innovation in designing out climate change. As we move forward, we’re hoping to rapidly expand its use in the sector and are excited by the prospect of more building innovations to help cut the carbon out of construction.

www.surecav.co.uk 27

FC&A – OCTOBER – 2020

BUILDING ACCESS

OPENING THE DOOR TO INCLUSIVE ENVIRONMENTS Here, Eryl Jones, Managing Director of the ASSA ABLOY Door Hardware Group, advises on the opportunities available for inclusive building designs, the key considerations for door opening solutions, and the potential risks of not complying with these. ASSA ABLOY DOOR HARDWARE GROUP

ulie Fleck, a prolific strategic access and inclusive design advisor, states: “A lot of architects and designers want to do their best to meet inclusivity standards, but then they might face a client that wants to design things out and cover the legal minimum.” This can be a real challenge for architects looking to prioritise inclusive design, which should now be viewed as a non-negotiable. When talking about inclusive design, many immediately think of those with a disability or a specific, specialist requirement. Naturally, buildings must be designed for these individuals, and key market drivers such as an ageing population and consumer buying power are ensuring the needs of these people can no longer be seen as a second thought. Indeed, BS 83002:2018 – the British Standard setting out how buildings should be designed, constructed and maintained – was most recently updated in 2018, with its emphasis shifting from creating an ‘accessible’ environment to one that’s ‘inclusive’. It now prioritises ensuring those with specific needs have these accommodated within a general space, and not set apart in a separate area. In essence, inclusive design aims to remove the barriers that might prevent an individual from using an environment freely and with ease. Everyone will experience limited mobility at some point in their lives, whether it’s as a tourist laden with bulky luggage, a parent with a young child, an older person, or someone that might have suffered an injury. The key is to overcome any challenges that might restrict or limit a building to be used independently.

FC&A – OCTOBER – 2020

BUILDING ACCESS

The guidelines governing inclusive design include Approved Document M, the Equality Act 2010, and BS 8300-1 and BS 8300-2: 2018. It is vital that architects have a thorough understanding of how these policies influence inclusive design.

Door considerations Door opening solutions can potentially be a common barrier to inclusive design. There are many considerations that need to be taken into account to comply with BS 8300-2:2018, for example, opening and closing forces. For instance, to enable independent access through a door, the opening force – when measured at the leading edge of the door – should be no greater than 30 N, when moving from the closed position to 30° open. Then, the opening force required from 30 to 60° should be no more than 22.5 N. Then, in terms of the maximum closing force exerted by a controlled door

closing device, this should be within 0 and 15° of final closure. Architects also need to take into account considerations such as wheelchair access, effective clear widths, door fittings and visual considerations. Understanding the guidelines governing inclusive design is also critical for fire doors, to ensure all people are able to escape in the event of a fire or other emergency. For instance, BS EN 1154:1997 is a British and European Standard that covers the specific requirements for controlled closing devices for swing doors. The standard classifies door closers using a six-digit system, with the third digit relating to the door mass and size. Depending on the width of the door, the maximum mass is offered, and the related door closer power size identified. For example, if a door width is 950mm, the maximum mass of the door should be 60kg, and the door closer power size is EN 3.

However, it’s important to note that for any fire door fitted with a door closer, EN 3 is the minimum door closer power size allowed, regardless of what the door width is. Therefore, to comply with the guidelines governing inclusive design, architects must opt for a door closer that delivers a power setting of EN 3.

Risks of non-compliance The fall-out of non-compliance can be considerable. In the event of a discrimination claim, those that can demonstrate adherence to BS 8300-2:2018 will be on safer ground than those that cannot. While it is ultimately the building owner that bears responsibility for the design of a building, architects have a moral and ethical obligation to advise on and specify solutions that deliver inclusivity. Architects should also beware of some of the common issues with those door opening solutions available on the market that claim to comply with standards such as BS 8300-2:2018, when in actual fact they do not. For example, many suppliers will claim to offer compliant solutions by ‘winding down’ a door closer and its spring to power setting EN1. However, while this may help people open a door more easily, it will not provide the necessary closing force. As a result, the door will not deliver the safety and security assurances demanded of an inclusive environment. To help architects understand the guidelines governing inclusive design, ASSA ABLOY Opening Solutions UK & Ireland has published a free new white paper. Titled ‘Inclusive design – why should you care?’, it can be downloaded from our website, and provides a best practice approach to ensuring door opening solutions can meet the requirements for inclusive building designs, and the risks of not complying with these.

www.assaabloyopeningsolutions.co.uk 29

FC&A – OCTOBER – 2020

MMC

AFFORDABLE HOUSING EN-MASSE? LET’S START LOOKING TO MODULAR Charlie Fleet, Managing Director at wall coverings specialist Reco Surfaces, discusses how modular construction can lead the way in building more affordable homes in Britain. RECO SURFACES

f the past few months of being stuck indoors have taught us anything, it’s the importance of being able to reside in a home where we feel comfortable, secure and protected. It seems like a cruel twist of fate then, when you consider that some of the people we’ve relied on most throughout the pandemic – such as healthcare assistants, carers and supermarket workers – just happen to be some of the lowest-paid workers in the country; in some cases, living in the poorest housing. With jobs lost heading towards the millions, inflation rising and the UK now officially in recession, plus the fact that almost 90,000 households in the UK are currently in temporary housing, there’s never been more of an urgent need for high-quality, affordable housing. The sector knows it, as does the Government. With the Prime Minister, back in July, announcing huge investments into building over the next decade as part of his ‘Project Speed’ initiative, the UK is going to need to balance speed with quality to create fit for the future homes. FC&A – OCTOBER – 2020

In order to build the level of housing required, the construction sector is going to have to think above and beyond the ‘norm’. Modern methods of construction, such as modular, have long been cited as a way to build quickly and within budget. However, over the past decade, they’ve not quite been adopted as hoped. But with more major housebuilders now taking modular building methods on board, and the market prime for new ways of working, now could finally be the time when this type of construction sticks.

Why modular? Why now? The benefits of modular are relatively well-known across the industry. It’s efficient, it’s fast, it’s cost-effective, it’s sustainable, and perhaps most importantly right now, it’s safe – requiring fewer people on site and; therefore, more suited to social distancing practices. Research by the UK Commission for Employment and Skills (UKCES) estimated that if 25% of the UK construction sector moved to off-site building, it would achieve a 3.6% increase in productivity, while new homes could be built 30% faster. As a prime example of this need for speed, you only need to look at somewhere like Greenwich, which has more than 20,000 people on the housing 30

waiting list, with an average wait of almost three years. In August, its council signed a £300m contract for the delivery of up to 750 new modular homes to address this. The homes can be built in less than two weeks, rather than the typical six-month construction period. Just a few days later, Caledonian Modular was appointed by Lewisham Council to deliver 112 affordable modular homes – demonstrating a clear shift towards modular in this space. Modular construction is not only faster and more efficient, but it’s also better for the environment. Working in bulk numbers has a variety of sustainability advantages, for example, transporting large parts of a building in one go cuts down on the transport required to take each individual item to site on its own, thereby cutting down on emissions. An analysis comparing the carbon footprint of traditional construction to modular found that modular cut greenhouse gas emissions by anything from 17 to 30% and that modular materials tend to be more energy-efficient. It’s likely that this will be extremely attractive in helping the Government reach its net zero-carbon target

MMC

as well as tying in with the Government’s recent drive to encourage existing homes to be upgraded with solutions that will make them more efficient and environmentally-friendly.

New materials and fresh ideas Modular construction also provides an opportunity to rethink the materials that go into our buildings. As the products are being produced in a controlled environment, without the complexities of completing all the work on site, manufacturers can be more flexible in their choices and use solutions that wouldn’t have been practical previously. One example of this is the ability to use PVC alternatives to replace products that have been a mainstay of construction but which are less well-suited to today’s realities. This is the case with tiling in kitchens and bathrooms, which is typically heavy, expensive and time-consuming to install. Instead, PVC panels that look identical to traditional tiles are not only perfect for off-site construction practices, as they can be quickly applied within volumetric modular factories, but they can also be more easily tailored to the developer’s specific requirements. PVC solutions produced in a factory can be rapidly and simply altered to the design, size and form the project needs, as they aren’t restricted by the typical constraints of ceramic tiles, where extensive customisation can be difficult or cost-prohibitive. Plus, the use of PVC panels means the end-user is given a bathroom or kitchen environment free from the issues associated with tiles, including removing the need for grouting, which can harbour mould. In addition, the end-user benefits from the fact that they have a robust, Class 1 fire-rated material that is really easy to repair and replace. As mentioned above, off-site solutions often have a sustainable edge over

traditional materials. Despite the bad environmental reputation that PVC has, this is also the case with PVC panels made, as compared to ceramic tiling it incurs a much smaller carbon footprint to produce, move and install. Over the lifetime of the building, PVC panels are 20% more thermallyefficient than tiles, and when it comes time to repair or replace them, they are much easier to recycle. The innovations that are now possible thanks to off-site techniques are mirrored in a number of other building materials. Fully glazed and finished window systems connected to cavity barriers can be supplied in one go and simply slotted into a building’s timber frame, removing a long list of tricky and technical processes that would otherwise have to take place onsite. When it comes to heating, many developers are turning to off-site-fabricated boiler rig modules due to the fact that they allow for multi-boiler installations to be quickly carried out while simultaneously helping to improve safety levels onsite.

Modular: how do we make it stick? Despite the numerous benefits, currently only around 5% of construction in Britain is built off site. A traditional sticking point when it comes to modular construction has been negative perceptions around the look, feel and quality of homes developed via this method. Unfortunately, the image of ugly post-war, prefab developments has stuck. However, innovations in both processes and products within modular mean that house-builders are now able to create unique looking homes with highquality materials. Plus, many modular developments are now created with new neighbourhoods and facilities as part of them, fostering an active sense of community. So, thankfully, the old notion that these developments are somehow second rate to others is becoming obsolete. 31

Plus, with many large house-builders, architects and top-class design teams now firmly with their toes in the modular waters, it’s to be expected that many more will follow suit. A recent survey found that 80% of social housing providers will utilise modern methods of construction over the next five years. The more great case studies of affordable and attractive modular housing the industry can get under its belt, the quicker this type of construction will start to become the first-choice for affordable housing projects.

www.recosurfaces.com FC&A – OCTOBER – 2020

BUILD FOCUS: LEISURE

BUILD FOCUS:

LEISURE

This month, we shine a light on the environmental benefits and heightened productivity advantages of opting for modular timber-framed buildings for leisure and educational use. Here, TG Escapes’ Mark Brown looks at how modular timber frame can help meet net-zero carbon goals.

MARK BROWN CONSULTANT AT TG ESCAPES

THE BENEFITS OF USING TIMBER FOR LEISURE BUILDINGS Timber is the oldest and most sustainable building material ever known. Not only does its use have significantly less environmental impact than steel or concrete, but it has other properties which bring additional benefits to those using a leisure building day in, day out. TG ESCAPES

imber is the only construction material that is truly sustainable. 97% of timber used in Europe is registered under the FSC and PEFC schemes, resulting in the European forested area increasing by 30%. In fact, there are numerous benefits of using timber, such as: Timber uses far less energy to harvest and manufacture (-676kg/CO 2 e/m 3) Timber is not only a carbon sink (sun, water and carbon); but it releases oxygen and improves air quality during its 60-year life cycle Timber weighs 20% the dead weight of concrete and 6% the dead weight of steel According to the Athena Calculator, wood outperforms concrete and steel on a number of environmental measures Versus timber, concrete causes +470% more water pollution, 150% more fossil fuel consumption and 240% more smog potential. Steel causes 300% more water pollution, 140% more fossil fuel consumption and 120% more smog potential. FC&A – OCTOBER – 2020

BUILD FOCUS: LEISURE

FEEDBACK Customer responses show that these natural buildings provide spaces that feel very different from other types of buildings.

So on environmental considerations alone, a timber-framed building solution is a good choice. However, when constructed well, a modular timber frame system can also produce a building which is net-zero carbon in use and one that looks and feels much warmer than alternatives. Weitzer Parkett, ProHolz Austria and partners undertook a research project called ‘School Without Stress’, where the idea was to try to scientifically demonstrate the advantages of using timber within a classroom and its longterm benefits to students who study within them. They found that, on average, children in a timber classroom had 8600 fewer heartbeats per day than those in a traditional building. At TG Escapes, we combine the use of natural materials with floor-to-ceiling windows and doors and covered decking areas for easy access to the outdoors. This enhances wellbeing and educational outcomes.

A study by A Sigman shows that children exposed to nature: Scored higher on concentration and self-discipline Improved awareness, reasoning and observational skills Better reading, writing, maths, science and social studies Were better at working in teams Showed improved behaviour overall. We conduct regular research amongst customers in leisure and education to understand how our timber frame buildings perform. We have provided sports pavilions, changing facilities and performing arts studios.

“Giving the children a new setting to learn in has had a big impact on their motivation. Working amongst natural surroundings has enhanced imagination and creativity. Talking to the pupils about the eco-friendly features has been a great way to teach them about sustainability and the environment.” – Helen Chalmers, Headteacher

“Our pupils feel valued and like the roominess and light of their new learning space. The cedar building also has a warmth that is hard to put into words but, basically, they feel comfortable.” – David Duncan, Headteacher

www.tgescapes.co.uk 33

FC&A – OCTOBER – 2020

TECHNICAL INSIGHT: WATERPROOFING

GOING BENEATH THE SURFACE ON CAR PARK WATERPROOFING By providing convenient access to shops, bars, restaurants and other leisure-related places of interest, public and privately-owned car parks help oil the wheels of the urban economy. Therefore, it’s vital these sites are in the best possible state of repair in order to remain operational and help maintain town and city centre trade. Exposed car park surfaces are at the daily mercy of the elements, as well as heavy, motorised traffic, which is a potential cause of waterproofing failure if not addressed at an early stage. Mohammed Ashfaq, Senior Sales Manager at Sika, looks at the challenges involved with car park refurbishment in a ‘live’ environment to ensure sites stay safe and ingress-free. SIKA

uch is their importance to town and city centres; car park repairs need to be carried out in as short a time as possible. No project is the same, but common situations occur that need to be regularly overcome. For example, contractors find store managers are often reticent to surrender parking spaces and run the risk of inconveniencing customers. Disgruntled shoppers will take their trade elsewhere if disrupted even for a short time and once lost; they can be very difficult to win back. It’s understandable, therefore, that store managers are keen to keep as much of their car park open as possible during refurbishment. FC&A – OCTOBER – 2020

Managing the flow For the contractor, a part-open car park means employing the highestpossible health and safety standards to ensure public wellbeing is maintained during working times. This can involve introducing a traffic management system to ensure vehicle flows are managed for the safety of customers and on-site teams alike. Providing clear instructions and signage to indicate works are being carried out is an important part of the safety programme. Temporary site fencing and barriers are also required to keep the workforce safe in the ‘live site’. Car park refurbishment requires contractors to be mindful of the surrounding environment at all times, which means restricting noise levels to a minimum. When this isn’t possible – due to the number of materials and machinery 34

involved, noise is an unavoidable byproduct in concrete repair and waterproofing projects – out-oftrade-hours working is essential. Having mentioned the importance of delivering waterproofing projects in a time-effective manner without compromise to the installation’s quality, the use of rapid-curing materials is paramount, particularly when car parks are open to the elements and poor weather can hamper a project’s progress. Sika has a range of quick-setting waterproofing systems suitable for a variety of car park applications, such as top decks and exposed areas, intermediate decks, ground-bearing slabs and ramps. One of the company’s latest innovations – Sika FloorJoint PDRS – for instance, provides car parks with an integral rubber seal that reduces mechanical vibration and the potential for cracking and ingress when used in decks and ramps. Suitable for vertical and horizontal movements, Sika FloorJoint PDRS is simple to install and trafficable after 24 hours, thus significantly reducing a site’s operational downtime.

Honesty pays In terms of installation, clear lines of communication are essential to the successful completion of a car park repair and waterproofing project to an agreed timeframe. Clients and those nearby affected by work being carried out should be updated at all times as to how it’s progressing. In some cases, it may mean managing expectations, giving an honest assessment on completion times of different phases of the project. The answer a contractor gives won’t necessarily be the one someone wants to hear, but better to give a realistic estimation than one designed to make them popular. Such a response can add unnecessary pressure to an already challenging installation.

TECHNICAL INSIGHT: WATERPROOFING

Material wealth Sika has spent many years working alongside contractors on live refurbishment car park projects, and during such time, the formula to waterproofing success has remained unchanged: get the basics right. This means phasing the work in the right order, managing traffic flows safely and efficiently, and keeping clear and open lines of communication at all times. Not forgetting, of course, the importance of specifying the right materials to ensure the flooring itself remains durable and watertight throughout its lifespan. Sika has a proven range of products to satisfy such a requirement, with our expert teams on hand to guide customers through every stage of the refurbishment – from specification to installation and beyond.

Case study: Meadows retail short stay MSCP, Chelmsford Sika, in conjunction with Cemplas Waterproofing and Concrete Repairs, delivered a rapid-cure surface to provide Meadows multi-storey car park in Chelmsford with watertight protection in just seven weeks. The city centre site was in need of an urgent upgrade due to time and the elements taking their toll on concrete surfaces throughout the building, leading to water ingress in areas. The client, Chelmsford City Council, required a waterproofing solution that not only

offered the ultimate watertight protection, but its rapid-install properties were also essential to ensuring the project was completed in good time in order to minimise driver disruption. Sika had the ideal solution. All concrete repairs, deck waterproofing, movement joints and linemarking at the 391-space car park was carried out by Cemplas Waterproofing and Concrete Repairs – a Sika-accredited car park specialist contractor. As members of the scheme, Cemplas is able to provide the client with a dual guarantee – that the products specified will perform to the highest standards and the installers applying them have met the requisite standards of workmanship and have an excellent track record in supplying Sika car park systems. For the Meadows refurbishment, following surface preparation and repairs, Sika Ferrogard-903+, a surface-applied, multi-functional liquid corrosion inhibitor was applied to all 7200m 2 of internal decks. This preceded the application of Sikafloor-18 Pronto, a high-performance, rapid-curing deck waterproofing system. Sikagard-550 W Elastic, a plasto-elastic, anti-carbonation coating, was applied to approximately 15,000m 2 of concrete soffits and beams and columns to dramatically transform the car park’s internal appearance. The existing asphalt rooftop, which totalled 1800m 2 in area, was re-waterproofed. This was installed directly onto the existing asphalt layer. 35

Completed within the client’s sevenweek deadline, the refurbished Meadows multi-storey car park will provide longstanding testimony to a perfect match: Sika’s superb waterproofing systems and Cemplas’ outstanding workmanship.

www.sika.co.uk FC&A – OCTOBER – 2020

DOORS, WINDOWS & BALUSTRADES

ALUK INVESTS IN COMMERCIAL SUPPORT ALUK

Simon Cray has joined aluminium systems specialist AluK as a project consultant for the London, East Midlands and East Anglia region. With more than 30 years’ knowledge and experience in the sales and application of aluminium windows, doors and curtain walling systems, Simon is a significant new addition to the AluK team. He brings with him considerable expertise in helping consultants, specifiers and contractors to develop fenestration solutions which satisfy both the design intent and the commercial constraints of every project. As well as collaborating with clients directly on specifications, Simon will be providing a whole raft of support services such as CPD seminars, CAD blocks, BIM models, samples and literature.

www.aluk.co.uk

01291 639739

info.uk@aluk.com

SUNRAY TIMBER DOOR DIVISION LAUNCHES FIRE-SECURE SUNRAY

FIRE-SECURE is a brand new ground-breaking combined timber fire and security rated door revolutionising door safety and standards. FIRESECURE is a timber door which offers two unique benefits; timed protection from fire and timed protection from physical attack. Having invested a six-figure sum in the development of this range, Sunray has achieved the ability to provide a 30-minute fire rating on either face of the door – interior or exterior – as well as it having the accredited LPCB SR – Security levels 1 and 2 – certification. The timber door provides aesthetics with a range of colour or veneer finishes, vision panels and locking options.

www.sunraytimberdoors.co.uk

01252 645534

sales@sunraytimberdoordivision.co.uk

SAPPHIRE STEPS UP TO THE CHALLENGE AT ALLEN COURT SAPPHIRE

Sapphire’s balcony design and manufacturing expertise has addressed the technical challenges posed by the renovation of a London housing estate by Linden Homes and Notting Hill Genesis. The transformation of homes at Allen Court in Greenford included an intricate perforated leaf pattern in the balconies’ balustrade panels. The project also required Sapphire to manufacture as much as possible offsite to overcome restricted access through the narrow residential streets around the building. The hilltop location also meant ground levels varied across the site, and the building had various steps in the slab, requiring adjoining balconies to be staggered to different areas.

www.sapphire.eu.com 0344 880 0553 sales@sapphire.eu.com

NATIONWIDE LAUNCHES NEXT-GENERATION GRP FIRE DOOR RANGE NATIONWIDE WINDOWS & DOORS

The vital role that fire doors play in protecting the occupants of a property has never been more compelling as it has been in the past few years. Nationwide Windows & Doors has devoted time, clever product design and testing at levels never previously seen to launch its next-generation GRP fire door range. As one of the UK’s leading fenestration partners to social housing and new builds, Nationwide’s expertise in fire doors makes it the ideal partner of choice when it comes to large-scale replacements or new installation programmes. “It’s been a very difficult time for many involved in the fire door supply chain,” says Nationwide Managing Director, John Whalley. “The country has witnessed what can happen when things go wrong, and the tragedy of Grenfell is still very fresh in our minds. That’s the reason that we’ve dedicated so much time and effort into ensuring that our newly-launched fire door range has been third-party, independently accredited at every stage of the fire door process – from site survey to manufacture and installation – giving specifiers, landlords and residents complete peace of mind.”

www.nwd.co.uk

FC&A – OCTOBER – 2020

SAINT-GOBAIN GLASS LAUNCHES VISIOSUN PRIVACY GLASS SAINT-GOBAIN GLASS

A new privacy glass featuring parallel lines to create a reeded effect has been launched by Saint-Gobain Glass. Ideal for both interior design and external architectural projects, Visiosun provides high levels of privacy whilst also allowing large amounts of natural light to flood into a room. Visiosun is ideal for interior design projects such as doors and partitions, showers and bath screens, display cases, shelves, tabletops and countertops, as well as external architecture including canopies, parapets and facades. Jenni Young, Market Manager – Premium Residential and Design & Deco at Saint-Gobain Glass, added: “This really is a versatile and stylish privacy glass product that will help to create dynamic interior spaces and architecturally interesting buildings. It is a welcome addition to our existing range of high-quality textured glass designs.” Visiosun is easy to process, cut and handle and is available in a wide range of thicknesses and dimensions.

0808 1234 000 enquiries@nationwidewindows.co.uk

uk.saint-gobain-building-glass.com 36

FC&A – OCTOBER – 2020

RCI & FACADES

WEATHERING THE STORM WITH ALUMINIUM ENDURAWOOD

When a metal becomes brittle, it can become prone to cracking. When water freezes inside these cracks, it can expand and causes render to fall off. This reduces the building’s protection from weather conditions, increasing the need for maintenance. Unlike steel, aluminium does not become brittle at low temperatures and is freeze and frost resistant. This means that the likelihood of cracks forming is extremely low, making it an ideal material for exterior wall cladding. However, the natural appearance of aluminium cannot deliver the desired effect that many people require when constructing outdoor projects. Endurawood offers a colour palette of natural wood-effect shades that can be applied to its range of aluminium batten and decking board systems. Using advanced powder coating technology, the appearance of wood is sprayed onto aluminium, with all of the metal’s structural benefits maintained underneath. Whether it’s for exterior cladding or outdoor decking, aluminium provides a durable alternative that warns off weather problems.

NEW ROCKWOOL RED BOOK LAUNCHED

www.endurawood.co.uk

www.rockwool.co.uk 01656 862621 customersupportcentre@rockwool.co.uk

ROCKWOOL

As part of continued investment in tools which help to save specifiers time and make it easier to identify the correct insulation solutions for facades, walls, floors and roofs, ROCKWOOL has launched the new Red Book – a fully interactive guide which provides digital access to technical data, product certification and a wide range of specification support materials. Always well-regarded by specifiers, the ROCKWOOL Red Book has been out of print for several years. Now back and digitally revamped to meet the needs of building professionals, the Red Book provides an essential and practical resource that brings all the relevant specification data for ROCKWOOL acoustic, fire and thermal solutions, into a single place. Application-driven, the Red Book provides detailed guidance for designing ROCKWOOL stone wool insulation into facade, wall, floor and roof build-ups. This includes NBS Clauses, BIM objects, BBA certification and technical datasheets.

0330 1340290 info@endurawood.co.uk

MARMOX MULTIBOARDS CARRY MARBLEMOSAICS ACROSS CINQUE PORT SELF-BUILD MARMOX

BMI PROVIDES WATERSHED MOMENT FOR PRIMARY SCHOOL BMI UK & IRELAND

Cost-effective and guaranteed for 20 years, the bespoke solution devised by BMI UK & Ireland and contractor Watershed Roofing gave a Yorkshire primary school roof a new lease of life and solved its ponding problems. Working together with David Yeadon Surveyors, Watershed and BMI determined that stripping out the existing roof would be complex and unnecessary as an alternative less invasive system that offered better value for the academy was identified. The refurbishment roof specification included utilisation of the existing system as the substrate, with the subsequent application of the BMI Thermaweld FireSmart warm roof system, incorporating a new cut-to-falls insulation scheme.

www.bmigroup.com/uk 01908 015760 marketingukandi@bmigroup.com FC&A – OCTOBER – 2020

A strikingly modern residential property in one of Kent’s most famous coastal towns is making articulate use of Marmox Multiboards as part of its cladding solution, around both the inside of an elevated balcony terrace, as well as across the main entrance elevation. Self-builder Gerald Glover opted to use 35 of Marmox’s 12.5mm-thick boards direct from the manufacturer, together with Marmox 360 adhesive, jointing tape and special metal washers which combine with the fixing screws. Externally, the Multiboards are being fixed over a breathable membrane and timber battens at 300mm centres with the use of the special Marmox sealant, jointing tape and washers ensuring the creation of a watertight surface.

www.marmox.co.uk

01634 835290

sales@marmox.co.uk

STO DECORATIVE PANELS CHOSEN TO REFLECT COVENT GARDEN HERITAGE STO

A package of products from Sto has been used to redesign a prominent building in London and create a major new retail and commercial facility. StoDeco facade panels and StoColor Maxicryl facade paint were used to achieve a new character which blends the refurbished Sussex House with its surroundings in Covent Garden. Sussex House is owned by Longmartin Properties, a joint venture between Shaftesbury and the Mercers’ Company. Sto worked closely with the architects, and with NA Curtain Walling, which installed the panels, to develop an effective and visually striking solution which met the project requirements.

www.sto.com

0141 892 8000 38

info.uk@sto.com

RCI & FACADES

Images: ©Katherine Lu

CINEMATIC CHEVRONS WITH NORDIC COPPER Chevron screens of Nordic Copper tiles announce a Sydney hotel, created from the regeneration of an 80-year-old warehouse, celebrating neighbouring Art Deco buildings and its film precinct location.

Some suites include an external terrace tucked in behind the copper screen, to provide shade, natural ventilation and interaction with both streetscape and climate. With a combination of perforated and opaque Nordic Copper tiles, the chevron facades – and their selective omission – curate views to the city, as well as modify daylighting and reduce glare. The same theme has also been employed for copper partition walls throughout the hotel’s reception lounge, inside the former film storage vault.

AURUBIS

mid heritage and inter-war buildings in Sydney’s Surry Hills, Paramount House Hotel occupies a 1930s brick warehouse, neighbouring a landmark Art Deco building. Completing an irregular city block once associated with film pioneers Paramount Pictures Studio and 20th Century Fox Film Association, the hotel’s design by Breathe Architecture reflects this historic context. The copper chevron screen crowns the building’s threestorey brick shell, enwrapping an added storey. Nordic Copper was formed into rectangular tiles by CASA Group. Architectural Roofing & Wall Cladding Pty then designed, using 3D modelling, and assembled the modular sub-frame facade system off site before delivering and installing the 7m-long modules. With some tiles perforated and others tactically omitted, the system comprises three scenarios, adding richness and visual interest.

Unrivalled performance Copper has an unrivalled lifespan, no maintenance and full recyclability. With an ‘A1 (non-combustible material)’ fire classification to EN 13501-1, it is suitable for cladding tall buildings, using appropriate constructions. It is also non-toxic with inherent antimicrobial qualities making it ideal for touch surfaces internally as well. Nordic Standard is part of an extensive portfolio of architectural copper surfaces and alloys from Aurubis, part of the world’s leading integrated copper group and largest copper recycler. Choices include Nordic Brown pre-oxidised copper offering lighter or darker shades of brown determined by the thickness of the oxide layer. The extensive Nordic Blue, Nordic Green and Nordic Turquoise ranges have been developed with properties and colours based on the same brochantite mineralogy found in natural patinas all over the world. As well as the solid patina colours, ‘Living’ surfaces are available for each with other intensities of patina flecks revealing some of the dark oxidised background material. Copper alloys include Nordic Bronze and Nordic Brass, which can also be supplied pre-weathered. The innovative Nordic Royal is an alloy of copper with aluminium and zinc, retaining its golden colour. Nordic Decor mechanically applied surface treatments are also available.

Contextual response A representative for Breathe Architecture said: “Contextually responsive to its Sydney location, Paramount House Hotel is truly unique. It is about expressing everything that was old and true, honest and raw, about the existing warehouse. To the existing brick and timber shell, we brought a robust, authentic palette of structural and architectural metalwork, concrete, recycled timber, locally designed tiles, textiles, fixtures and fittings. The delicate jewel-like Nordic Copper chevron crown captures the spirit and excitement of the golden era of film. The project explores the narrative between artefact and ornament, of place and of home.”

www.nordiccopper.com

01875 812144 39

g.bell@aurubis.com FC&A – OCTOBER – 2020

RCI & FACADES

Optimus Point, one of many CA Group projects

CA GROUP ANNOUNCES NEW BRAND POSITIONING – REFLECTING COMPANY EVOLUTION CA Group has recently announced a new brand positioning strategy, unveiling a new visual identity, signifying a new era for the northeast-based building envelope manufacturer and construction company. CA GROUP

ntroducing a new group logo and division logos (CA Building Products, CA Roofing Services, CA Specialist Cladding Systems and CA Refurbishment Projects), the new identity presents a modern and bold new look for the company, which, since its inception over 37 years ago, has largely been recognised by its former logo depicting a roof profile. The striking, modern icon incorporates three visual cues; a solid, geometric shape (a construction and building reference), three north eastfacing arrows (reflecting the company’s advancing technical focus) and the abstract letters ‘C’ and ‘A’ stacked together (retaining the company’s name, derived from its founders). The move follows a succession of developments. In the past year, CA Group has broadened its strategic alliances with leading building products manufacturers and property developers, while strengthening long-established supply chain partnerships with companies such as Tata Steel, Knauf and Brett Martin. Production output capacity has multiplied with new state-of-the-art machinery, the company’s product and install range has been extended to include a range of new wall finishes, and a broader colour spectrum of metal cladding options has been introduced for aesthetic flexibility. Stuart Brown, Development Director, commented: “Although we’re operating in a more challenging environment at present, we’ve maintained our continuous improvement programme across the business, with particular emphasis on our product and service range. Our own-branded Twin-Therm ® Built-Up Roof and Wall system has secured FM approval, and enhancing our build-adaptability has broadened market appeal for our building envelope systems, and increased occupier interest for our clients.

www.cagroup.co.uk FC&A – OCTOBER – 2020

01388 830626 40

“More and more, our technical and support services are proving to be a valuable resource for architects, contractors and developers, as we work closely aiding with specification development, and technical guidance, particularly on challenges like temperature control, finding ways to reduce the carbon footprint and operating efficiency gains. “We’re seeing a wider range of product application and new schemes, such as special factory environments, distilleries and Energy for Waste centres, along with some impressive multi-room, educational and residential builds. There’s continued demand for high-spec warehousing and logistic operational centres, stimulated by e-commerce growth, and we’re exploring the use of Twin-Therm® in Europe and America. “Over the years, we’ve accumulated an impressive track record of industry firsts, a vast project portfolio, and have firmly established own-brand building products. Much of our success is underpinned by technical innovation with our focus on advancing product and build application – something that has earned us a strong reputation in the marketplace and which we continue to develop. “Our new identity reflects both the evolution of the company as well as our vision for the future, while acknowledging our history. It better connects our company strengths, our company brand and will position CA Group for our next era.”

development@cagroup.co.uk

RCI & FACADES

WEMBLEY PINK COACH AND CAR PARK This award-winning, Potter Church & Holmes Architectsdesigned multi-storey car park in London features a stunning perforated metal facade from RMIG. RMIG

embley Pink MSCP is part of an extensive regeneration project that will also include new housing, shops, venues etc. The multistorey car park has been built to serve the needs of the national stadium and can provide parking for 290 coaches and 730 cars. It will also house 18 outdoor broadcast units for large international events. RMIG provided a colossal 4665m 2 of perforated metal to create the facade that encases the car park. Using RMIG ImagePerf, the facade depicts images of trees as well as silhouettes of cheering fans, whether it be at a rock concert or a football match.

This innovative building received a double accolade at the British Parking Awards 2020, winning two awards within the ‘Special Projects’ category.

TECHNICAL CHARACTERISTICS: Raw material: Galvanised steel Pattern: RMIG ImagePerf and round hole perforation Thickness: 3.0mm Finishing operation: Bending Surface treatment: Powder coating RAL 9016 HWF

www.rmig.com

01925 826326

info.uk@rmig.com

EXCEPTIONAL THERMAL PERFORMANCE FROM RAVAGO BUILDING SOLUTIONS Ravago Building Solutions, one of Europe’s largest manufacturers of XPS insulation, launched Ravatherm XPS X 200 SB earlier this year. RAVAGO BUILDING SOLUTIONS

avatherm XPS X 200 SB is a highperformance thermal insulation board specifically designed for the residential market. The product is robust and durable, meaning it can endure foot traffic on site. Capable of withstanding 200kPa, the boards meet all requirements regarding compressive loads in the domestic/residential market. Ravatherm XPS X 200 SB products offer exceptional thermal performance. The 50mm boards have a declared lambda of 0.030W/mK, and the 75mm, 100mm and 125mm thicknesses achieve 0.031W/mK. With low water absorption, Ravatherm XPS X 200 SB has a natural resistance to rain, frost, snow and water vapour, making it an ideal choice of product for residential flooring applications. Manufactured at Ravago’s UK plant in King’s Lynn, Norfolk, Ravatherm XPS X 200 SB has a lead time of just three to four days from order to delivery. Ravatherm XPS X 200 SB can be supplied

in individual packs or a 15m 3 bulk unit (2.5×2.5×2.4m) on foam bearers. Bulk units can be broken down on-site into four pre-wrapped units or split into individual packs, offering a variety of easy ways to transport material around a busy construction site. For further information, visit the below website or contact Natalie Sutton on natalie.sutton@ravago.com for enquiries in the south of England, and adam.hilmi@ravago.com for enquiries in the north.

www.ravagobuildingsolutions.com

natalie.sutton@ravago.com 41

FC&A – OCTOBER – 2020

FLOORS, WALLS & CEILINGS

THE IMPORTANCE OF SPECIFYING THE CORRECT PERFORMANCE FLOOR The correct dance floor makes an important contribution to the safe performance of dancers without the risk of slips and falls or longer-term stress injuries. Harlequin Floors has developed floors specifically for dance, offering the exact requirements needed for varying genres of dance, which commercialgrade, industrial and sports floors cannot. HARLEQUIN FLOORS

hen specifying a floor for dance, using general flooring or sports floor standards will not ensure the right floor is installed. Only a floor developed specifically for dance will do. There have been some high-profile examples where floors have had to be replaced by a dance company after the building is complete because the floor was not considered fit for purpose by the dancers using it.

Why sports floors are not suitable for dance There are some critical factors that distinguish the requirements of dancers from those of sports played on a sports floor. Many sports require a firm floor which allows balls to bounce predictably. Sports footwear is generally cushioned to protect against impact injuries and provides grip for the sportsperson. By contrast, dancers need more absorption or cushioning on landing from jumps. Their footwear varies

www.harlequinfloors.com

according to dance style and doesn’t cushion landings. Dancers also need the right degree of traction from the dance surface. Harlequin works extensively with dance scientists and biomechanics experts to investigate the effects of the choice of dance floor on dancer performance and injury, and to research and develop floors that minimise these risks.

01892 514888

architects@harlequinfloors.com

EARTHBORN – DOING THINGS DIFFERENTLY EARTHBORN

Earthborn is delighted to introduce the Earth Collection, a palette of five harmonious new paint shades inspired by the natural world, themed around the earth, land, sand, sea and clouds. The Classic Earthborn colour card will remain unchanged for now; instead, a simple bookmark is available displaying real painted swatches of the five new colours. The new colours, and the full range of 72 shades on the Classic shade card, are available to buy online now, or from Earthborn’s network of stockists. They include: Crocky Road – with a faint green undertone. Up Up Away – a cool, calm and collected off-white shade. Grassy – an elegant grey-green, reminiscent of misty, mountainous landscapes. Skipper – a warm denim shade with a casual charm. And, Sandy Castle, which evokes the feeling of sunlight on sand dunes to create take on cream. With Earthborn, you get no acrylics or oils, but you get high quality and high performance and a full list of ingredients to help you make a more informed choice.

SETCRETE EXTERIOR FLOOR LEVELLING COMPOUND SEES 300% SALES GROWTH SETCRETE

Setcrete Exterior floor levelling compound has seen year-on-year growth of 300% in leading builders’ merchants. Used to prepare patio areas and other outdoor spaces prior to the installation of floorcoverings such as porcelain tiles – popular for creating a continuous ‘outsideinside’ flooring solution for areas connected by bi-fold or sliding doors – and for creating a wear coat surface in garages and garden outbuildings, Setcrete Exterior offers a quick and easy way to smooth and level rough, worn or mechanically-damaged concrete or sand/cement screeds. The resulting base provides the perfect platform on which to lay tiles to optimise the finished aesthetics. Alternatively, it can be left uncovered as a standalone wearing surface or painted over, with a suitable floor paint, for example, in converting a garage into a gym. It’s advanced, water-mix formulation makes the product quick and easy to apply, providing a surface that is ‘walk-on hard’ from two hours after application. When set and cured, it’s unaffected by rain or frost.

www.setcrete.co.uk

FC&A – OCTOBER – 2020

01538 361633 mail@f-ball.co.uk

www.earthbornpaints.co.uk 01928 734171 sales@earthbornpaints.co.uk 42

FLOORS, WALLS & CEILINGS

BRITISH BRICK – BUILDING A SUSTAINABLE FUTURE The idea of bricks and mortar are so totally ingrained in British psyche that the phrase has become a byword for stability, and have done more than any other materials to shape the appearance of the villages, towns and cities that we live in. So much so that for residential housing, brick is closely associated with safety, security and wellbeing, says Sean Wilkins, Technical Manager at the Brick Development Association. BRICK DEVELOPMENT ASSOCIATION

rickwork is so common that perhaps it’s easy to forget what a brilliant material it is. Brick making was brought into the UK by the Romans, and it’s remarkable to think that many of the structures they built are still standing 2000 years later. Simply put, brick has a long, long history of proven performance. Before the COVID-19 pandemic, the UK was using around 2.5 billion bricks every year, the vast majority of which was manufactured within the UK. Although construction has been badly disrupted, there is still a fundamental shortage of housing in the UK, which needs to be addressed. The brick industry has invested significantly over the last few years, to increase production capacity and do our bit to ensure that these much-needed homes can be built. What better way to revive the economy than by building homes and creating jobs with our British supply chain?

www.brick.org.uk

Brickwork has long been favoured by architects, and they continue to innovate with different ways of using the product. There is obviously something very appealing about the versatility and the wide range of textures and colours. For me, it’s the same reason that LEGO has been one of the best-selling toys since its invention to the present day. Fashions may come and go, but brick is built to last. Brick manufacturers are equally progressive and have always tried to be at the forefront of change in the construction industry. The performance requirements of our facades have changed significantly over the last 20 years; improving the performance with regards to water penetration, thermal insulation, acoustic insulation and airtightness. We should be pleased with our progress but also aware that sustainability will continue to shape the agenda of construction for the coming decades.

0207 323 7034 43

Brick manufacturers are fully committed to sustainability in the broadest possible sense. Significant improvements have been made in energy and resource efficiency by recycling heat from kilns, investing in renewable energy and reducing the amount of water consumed by the process. Bricks also benefit from the fact that very little packaging is required, and minimal waste is generated during the manufacturing, transportation and construction process. Brick manufacturers have also made improvements in the social element of sustainability by investing in local communities and injury prevention systems for employees. Environmental protection and particularly restoration of quarries have made significant contributions to improving natural habitat and biodiversity. For example, the creation of the King Dyke nature reserve. In a sense, sustainability within the factory gate is easier because the industry has direct control. However, manufacturers have also engaged with the wider sector to support sustainability outside of the factory gate. Luckily for us, clay brick has a very strong sustainability message. Brick has longevity – a minimum of 150 years Brick has durability – it’s robust and can stand up to the wear and tear of multiple generations, with very little maintenance Brick is beautiful – the most sustainable building is the one that lasts, and no one wants to knock down a beautiful building. As well as this, brick provides comfort and flexibility. Brick buildings are easily adapted to extend or sub-divide, depending on need. The high thermal mass of brick means that they lessen the impact of big changes in the external air temperature. Then at the end of a building’s life, it is possible to reclaim and re-use the bricks, giving them a second life. Probably the most important challenge is the commitment to net-zero carbon emissions by 2050. Brick is going to be an important element of this journey, and it is very pleasing to see housing projects like Goldsmith Street Estate being recognised with the Sterling Prize for achieving very high energy efficiency. Hopefully, this project can be a template for all social housing going forward. Making design decisions can sometimes be a complex assessment, but there are two simple rules that can be applied to all sectors – buy local and buy quality.

brick@brick.org.uk FC&A – OCTOBER – 2020

HVAC & ELECTRICALS

THE IMPORTANCE OF URBAN LIGHTING As we move into the autumn and winter months, when the nights draw in and the mornings shrink, it becomes more pressing to discuss the benefits of high-quality urban lighting. The primary purpose of exterior lighting is to make us feel safe once it gets dark outside – but modern lighting solutions have been designed to do so much more. TAMLITE

S EN 12464-2:2014 gives a range of specific requirements for the lighting of outdoor spaces, from minimum lux levels to uniformity. Many traditional lighting fixtures in exterior applications do not put enough of an emphasis on uniformity, despite reaching the minimum required lux level. These images demonstrate the problem with focusing too heavily on lux levels without considering uniformity. The path to the right has fittings that do achieve 20 lux at ground level, whereas

www.tamlite.co.uk

in the top image, only 10 lux is reached. However, the uniformity of both examples is 0.01 and 0.56 respectively (on a scale between 0 and 1, where 0.25 would be the minimum required level), indicating that the luminaires used in the bottom image provide a much more even spread. Achieving this even distribution comes from the use of optical control, directing the light where it should go. Tamlite offers a wide range of luminaires for external applications, including its new range of CITY luminaires.

From road and post-top lanterns for private roads and car parks, to bollards and wall packs for pedestrianised pathways and building entrances, Tamlite provides the complete outdoor lighting solution.

01527 517777

KNIGHTSBRIDGE LAUNCHES SELF-TEST EMERGENCY LIGHTING RANGE

ADVANCED FIRE PANELS SELECTED FOR SITE-WIDE SYSTEM UPGRADE AT MAJOR UK HOSPITAL

KNIGHTSBRIDGE

Knightsbridge is introducing a range of self-test emergency lighting products that offers convenience, compliance, cost savings and ease of fault identification. The comprehensive, LED-powered range, which is ideal for retail, commercial, industrial and HMO applications, comprises a robust bulkhead unit, a contemporary downlight, high lumen twin spotlights and a versatile exit sign. The self-test feature is built into each product and conducts routine functional and duration testing in accordance with the relevant standards, obviating the need for costly manual testing and intervention other than to record and rectify faults. With no requirement to isolate the mains supply to test, there is no disruption to the normal working day and no loss of productivity. After installation and an initial 24hour charging period, the product conducts its own self-test operation. This consists of a three-hour duration test, after which a 30-second ‘monthly’ function test is carried out every 28 days, and then yearly, another three-hour duration test. Following each self-test sequence, the unit will revert into charging mode.

ADVANCED

130 Advanced fire alarm control panels have been chosen to protect one of the UK’s largest acute teaching hospitals. Selected for their performance, quality and ease of use, 96 intelligent addressable MxPro 5 fire alarm control panels and 34 custom AdSpecials panels will be installed at Wythenshawe Hospital, Manchester, as part of a comprehensive upgrade. Grainger Fire & Security, responsible for the 18-month project, chose Advanced’s industry-leading fire protection for its robustness, versatility and ease of installation in complex and critical sites. The system change over to Advanced will involve the installation of network cable across a live hospital environment as well as BMS integration, and the introduction of a graphics package to provide a visual representation of the fire system to end-users. The 34 custom-engineered, six-loop panels with 600 zonal LEDs included in the installation will be designed and manufactured by Advanced’s AdSpecials department. The network of Advanced panels will work with over 20,000 devices using Apollo and Hochiki protocol.

www.advancedco.com

FC&A – OCTOBER – 2020

export@tamlite.co.uk

0345 894 7000 jmountain@advancedco.com

www.mlaccessories.co.uk 44

01582 887760 sales@mlaccessories.co.uk

HVAC & ELECTRICALS

LUTRON LAUNCHES AN RA2 SELECT LAMP DIMMER Lutron Electronics, the lighting and shade control pioneer, has announced the launch of a new lamp dimmer for its RA2 Select home lighting solution. LUTRON ELECTRONICS

he RA2 Select plug-and-play lamp dimmer allows homeowners to customise and control their lights from anywhere via the Lutron app, a Pico remote, or voice assistants, including Amazon Alexa, Apple HomeKit, Honeywell Home, SONOS and Google Assistant.

www.lutron.com

0207 680 4481

The UK smart home market is experiencing exponential growth, with revenue projected to reach £72m by the end of the year. In the first three months of 2020 alone, UK households spent approximately £475m on small electrical appliances, thus highlighting the proliferation of technology in the home. The RA2 Select lamp dimmer enables homeowners on any budget to make their lighting remotely customisable and controllable. “The Lutron RA2 Select lamp dimmer is an ideal solution for homeowners seeking a costeffective entry into smart home lighting control. Its compact and convenient design makes it suitable for any home. With the potential to scale-up and complement other products within the RA2 Select family,” said Steven Detmer, Residential Programme Manager at Lutron Electronics. Available from £110, the RA2 Select plug-in lamp dimmer is compatible with 200W LED, incandescent and halogen lamps. Visit Lutron Electronics’ website for more information.

eatechnicalsupport@lutron.com

TADO° ADDS NEW PRODUCTS TO ITS SMART THERMOSTAT PORTFOLIO TADO°

tado° has launched its new wireless Smart Thermostat Starter Kit. This will provide a clearer customer choice, easier installation and deliver compatibility with all heating setups. Furthermore, tado° also presents its new Wireless Temperature Sensors to provide more precise room readings, control and comfort. Being wireless, they can be positioned anywhere in the room at the user’s discretion and allow residents to conveniently adjust the room temperature on the wireless temperature sensor itself. Compatible with 95% of all heating systems, the expanded Smart Thermostat V3+ Starter Kits offer unmatched integration and control of all kinds of boilers from any manufacturer.

www.tado.com

VENT-AXIA’S ENERGY-EFFICIENT VENTILATION HELPS PROVIDE COMFORT IN LUXURY HOME VENT-AXIA

Vent-Axia has been specified as part of a luxury 1300m2 new-build family home in Kingswood, Surrey. Designed to provide privacy, space, luxury and comfort the property spans four floors, with five Vent-Axia Sentinel Kinetic High Flow Mechanical Ventilation with Heat Recovery (MVHR) units providing ventilation for this extensive project. The impressive build was project managed by the owner who appointed Built Environment Technology as the MVHR specialist. Built Environment specified the Vent-Axia Sentinel Kinetic High Flow MVHR units to provide energy-efficient ventilation throughout and the units were selected thanks to their high efficiency, their ability to meet the substantial airflow demands of the property and to ensure excellent indoor air quality with proportionate control – the units are factory-fitted with an integral humidity sensor, which intelligently tracks air quality and adjusts ventilation rates accordingly.

www.vent-axia.com

0344 856 0590

sales@vent-axia.com 45

NEW UK WEBSITE FOR DRAKA’S MULTIMEDIA SYSTEMS DIVISION DRAKA UK

With the continued growth of Draka’s Universal Cabling System, Prysmian Group has now launched a UK-specific website dedicated to its datacom and multimedia cabling solutions. mms.drakauk.com has been designed to provide Draka UK customers with a single source of information on the brand’s extensive range of fibre and copper structured cabling, making it easier to keep up-to-date with latest Draka UK developments. Draka is investing heavily in the Universal Cabling System to deliver a continual stream of upgrades to cables and connectivity. Customers can expect to see new products released shortly, specifically designed to increase system performance and ease of installation.

mms.drakauk.com 023 8029 5555 draka.mms@prysmiangroup.com FC&A – OCTOBER – 2020

BUILDING ELEMENTS

F. BALL PROVIDES SKY WITH GOOD NEWS F. BALL AND CO.

High-performance subfloor preparation products and adhesive from F. Ball and Co. have been used to create a blemish-free, high-quality floor finish for one of the main newsrooms at Sky News studios in Central London. A combination of luxury vinyl tiles and rubber sheet was installed over a total floor area of 80m 2 at Sky’s Millbank Studios in Westminster. To provide a firm, smooth base over which the floorcovering could be installed, contractors from Croydon-based iFlor Flooring Contractors installed F. Ball’s Stopgap 700 Superflex flexible levelling compound over the existing plywood subfloor, having first primed it with Stopgap P131 generalpurpose primer.

www.f-ball.co.uk

01538 361633

mail@f-ball.co.uk

OFFSITE SOLUTIONS DELIVERS SECOND BATHROOM POD CONTRACT FOR ZEAL HOTELS OFFSITE SOLUTIONS

Offsite Solutions has delivered its second hotel bathroom project for developer Zeal Hotels – a £700,000 contract for main contractor Midas Construction. Offsite Solutions has manufactured 136 steel-framed bathroom pods for the new £11.8m Ibis Plaza Hotel at Woodlands Court Business Park in Bridgwater, Somerset. The stylish shower rooms for the Ibis Plaza were fully fitted-out off site and craned into position to reduce the installation time to just a few hours. The pods feature a large walk-in shower with a fixed glass panel and pivot glass door; a contemporary square hand basin mounted on a floating black granite-effect shelf with a black-finished metal towel rail below; wallmounted toilet with brushed satin dual flush fitting, and Roca sanitaryware.

www.offsitesolutions.com/hotels

01278 780807 info@offsitesolutions.com

EAGLE PLATFORMS REACHES NEW HEIGHTS AT POWER STATION PROJECT Eagle Platforms has been chosen to deliver safety training and working-at-height equipment for the construction of an ambitious zero-emission biopower plant at Ellesmere Port, Cheshire. The facility will provide energy for around 50,000 homes once fully operational. The current scheme is one of a number of projects at which Eagle Platforms has provided such services. The skills imparted through Jamie Fleetwood, Training Manager at the Anston-based company, as well as the working at height equipment, will enable managers and employees on the large site to carry out work safely and efficiently, helping to complete the exciting project in a timely fashion.

FC&A – OCTOBER – 2020

EJOT

EJOT has secured ETA approval for its IsoCorner, a load-bearing fastening element for medium to heavyweight attachments in external wall insulation applications. The ETA confirms the engineered value of IsoCorner, which is moulded from high-density polyurethane foam to minimise thermal bridging – and easily cuts to sit flush with the insulation face. Structural strength and adaptability combine to provide a dependable supporting bracket ideal for attaching building elements to a facade that is to be treated with an EWI composite system. These could include railings and Juliet balconies, which require a secure attachment to the load-bearing wall and not the wall insulation system itself.

www.ejot.co.uk 01977 687040 m.newell@ejot.co.uk

OSMO POLYX-OIL OFFERS A NATURAL FINISH

EAGLE PLATFORMS

www.eagleplatforms.com

ETA-APPROVED EJOT ISO-CORNER PROVIDES ASSURED FIXING SOLUTION FOR EWI

OSMO

Polyx-Oil is a premium wood finish keeping wooden surfaces in top condition. Ideal for solid or engineered wood flooring, it is a high-quality, water-repellent and tread-resistant wood finish based on natural ingredients. Offering all the professional features of a traditional oil-based finish, Polyx-Oil allows the natural texture of the wood to still be apparent. Polyx-Oil’s natural components penetrate deeply into the wood to create a micro-porous finish. This allows the wood to breathe naturally. After treatment, the wood is nourished from within and retains its elasticity. It becomes water repellent, stain resistant and more hard-wearing.

0344 693 3303 hire@eagleplatforms.com

www.osmouk.com 46

01296 481220

we make ideas come to life

WEMBLEY PINK COACH AND CAR PARK

INSPIRING FACADE CLADDING A FACADE WITH AN EYE-CATCHING CHEERING CROWD MOTIF MADE FROM PERFORATED SHEETS Wembley Pink MSCP is part of an extensive regeneration project that will also include new housing, shops, venues etc. The multi-storey car park has been built to serve the needs of the national stadium and can provide parking for 290 coaches and 730 cars. It will also house 18 outdoor broadcast units for large international events.

RMIG provided a colossal 4665m2 of perforated metal to create the facade that encases the car park. If you are interested in booking a CPD presentation or require further information, please contact wgw@rmig.com

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

01206 396446

          

www.steponsafety.co.uk

FC&A – OCTOBER – 2020

K C I R HB

IS T I R YB

Buy your clay bricks from a Brick Development Association Member and ensure quality every time Bulmer Brick & Tile Co Ltd www.bulmerbrickandtile.co.uk

Michelmersh Brick Holdings Plc www.mbhplc.co.uk

Coleford Brick & Tile Ltd www.colefordbrick.co.uk

Northcot Brick Ltd www.northcotbrick.co.uk

Forterra Plc www.forterra.co.uk

Raeburn Brick www.raeburnbrick.co.uk

H.G. Matthews www.hgmatthews.com

W H Collier Ltd www.whcollier.co.uk

Ibstock Plc www.ibstockbrick.co.uk

Wienerberger Ltd www.wienerberger.co.uk

Ketley Brick Company Ltd www.ketley-brick.co.uk

York Handmade Brick Company Ltd www.yorkhandmade.co.uk

The Brick Development Association is the national authority on clay bricks and pavers. Our membership accounts for almost 100% of the sector’s productivity here in the UK. Our role is to communicate the collective interests of our members and to ensure their products remain the material of choice in the UK’s built environment. The Brick Development Association The Building Centre, 26 Store Street London, WC1E 7BT

Matclad Ltd www.matclad.co.uk FC&A – OCTOBER – 2020

brick@brick.org.uk 020 7323 7030 www.brick.org.uk

FC&A october 2020

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