FC&A October 2017 by Red Hut Media Ltd

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October 17

Issue 92

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Greenhouse Architectonic pyramidal science centre utilises hexagonal photovoltaic glass

Sustainability in Development Organic bamboo-constructed sports hall is an exemplar model of sustainable architecture

Design & Desire FC&A recapitulates the accolades from this year’s CIAT Architectural Technology Awards

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

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Front cover:

Magazine October 2017

Welcome

to Future Constructor & Architect...

n the environmentally-conscious environment we live in, renewable technologies have never been more important. Second-generation technologies have evolved leaps and bounds since commercialisation and have shaped the future of an eco-friendly infrastructure the world over.

There is one energy-generating component, however, that has taken the industry by storm – photovoltaics (PV).With incentives and prototypes unveiled year on year, such as US-based Tesla’s recently-disclosed ‘invisible’ photovoltaic roof tile and the UK Government’s Feed-In Tariff (FIT), both architects and homeowners are opting for the deployment of solar PV panels. Often associated with new-build energy-efficient developments for the interested layman, the possibilities that come with solar PV options for architects should not be underestimated. Of course, every project varies and has its different requirements and limitations, however, when it comes to building an architectonic structure; the structural possibilities are endless. One example of this is Denver Botanical Garden’s Science Pyramid, featured on this month’s cover. Its futuristic, pyramidal design comprises hexagonal photovoltaic glass manufactured from crystalline silicon. A visually-intriguing form, the Science Pyramid, placed within the Mid-Century Modern estate of Denver Botanical Gardens, creates a contrasting effect against the organic, green environment in which it proudly stands.The project, a collaboration between photovoltaic specialist Onyx Solar and general contractor GH Phipps, serves as an exemplar of what can be achieved with solar PV. Onyx Solar invited FC&A to dig through its archive to uncover an interview it conducted with all parties involved in the project.To find out more about the discussion, turn to page 14. I hope you enjoy this edition. Don’t forget you can also access all of the magazine’s features, product news and supplier information at your fingertips via Future Constructor & Architect’s state-of-the-art app.To download your version free of charge, simply search ‘fc&a’ on Google Play or the App store.

Rebecca Rebecca Kemp Editor, Future Constructor & Architect

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

1. Schöck’s Isokorb range meets project demands at an inner-city housing complex in Berlin: Pg 82 2. Knauf AMF has been chosen to provide sound absorption at a stylish Croatian resort: Pg 71 3. Karndean Designflooring adds four new wood designs to its Art Select collection: Pg 64 Denver Botanic Garden’s Science Pyramid comprises hexagonal glass photovoltaics. See page 14.

Terms and Conditions: Contributions are invited and when not accepted will be returned only if accompanied by a fully stamped and return addressed envelope. No responsibility will be taken for drawings, photographs or literary contributions during transmission or in the editors hands. In the absence of an agreement the copyright of all contributions, literary, photographics or artistic belongs to Mixed Media Information Ltd.The Publisher accepts no responsibility in respect of advertisements appearing in the magazine and the opinions expressed in editorial material or otherwise do not necessarily represent the view of the publisher.The Publisher does not accept any liability of any loss arising from the late appearance or non publication of any advertisement.

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Contents

News

10 Industry Updates:

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

22 Voice of the Industry:

Simon Lomax, Managing Director at Kensa Heat Pumps, looks at the Government’s take on ground source heat pumps.

26 Legal & Business:

Nifty Lift looks at the ways in which our departure from the EU will affect those working within the UK construction industry.

Features 24 Technical Focus:

Terry Wain, Technical Secretary at the LRWA, discusses specification best practice for hot melts.

32 Build Focus: Office:

Boss Design examines the various habitats that can be created within a workplace that can enhance the happiness of employees.

34 HVAC: Andrew Nixon, Area General Manager – Energy, HVAC and Industrial Refrigeration at Johnson Controls, advises how to maximise return on investment when it comes to new builds.

38 Acoustics: Action on Hearing Loss has launched a nationwide campaign for quieter dining experiences supported by Oscar Acoustics.

40 Lighting: Tony Ludlow, Director at Connected Light, explains why workplaces should be incorporating humancentric lighting into their designs.

42 Building Access:

Steve Bailes, Business Development Manager at Zaun, explains why an ‘onion-skin’ approach to building access is highly effective.

44 Fire, Health & Safety:

Within high-rise buildings, passive fire protection solutions are crucial to prevent the passage of flames from one compartment floor to the next.

50 Specification Spotlight: In this focus, FC&A pays tribute to tile and natural stone installation expert, Schlüter-Systems.

Portfolios 14 Greenhouse:

The Mid-Century Modern aesthetics of Denver Botanic Gardens have been juxtaposed with the inclusion of a photovoltaic Science Pyramid.

18 Sustainability in Development:

Chiangmai Life Architects has recently designed and built a sports hall built entirely from bamboo.

28 Design & Desire:

In this feature, FC&A looks back at the accolades received at this year’s CIAT Architectural Technology Awards.

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

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Industry Updates

NEWS

FC&A rounds up the latest industry news

ecobuild reveals the 2018 Futurebuild districts ecobuild owner, Futurebuild Events, has revealed more details about the Futurebuild districts which have been created following feedback that the event had lost its way in previous years.The unique districts will showcase cutting-edge industry innovations and help tackle headon the big issues facing the built environment. A clear message from the industry following the 2017 event was that ecobuild needed to evolve and become more relevant. Futurebuild Events has listened and, as part of the planning of the 2018 edition of the event, the Futurebuild districts have been developed to surround the eco showcases and feed into the main conference programme which has sustainability at its heart.Together, they will allow the most innovative, exciting and inspiring brands, companies and speakers to not only discuss the highly topical issues facing the built environment, but also to create an action plan for change.The focus of this plan will be helping to deliver the UN Sustainable Development Goals by 2030.

Retention fee will remain at £107 for fourth year running The ARB Board has agreed that the retention fee will be held at £107 for 2018. This is the fourth year running that the fee has been set at this level. In addition to the retention fee being held at £107, the board also decided that there would be no changes to fees for joining and re-joining the register, prescribed examinations and the provision of the PDF register and certificates. The board operates a ‘user pays’ policy with regard to the fees it sets. This means that the fees link directly to the costs of registration. For example, the retention fee payable by architects who wish to remain on the register is £107, whereas the fee for first-time registration within two years of obtaining their Part 3 qualification is £142.

Westminster Council gives go-ahead for transformation of Snowdon Aviary

Image ©Tom Miller

In Brief

Foster + Partners’ plans for the rebirth of the Snowdon Aviary at ZSL London Zoo have received planning approval from Westminster Council. The Grade II* Listed structure, designed by Cedric Price with Frank Newby and Lord Snowdon in 1962, was – and still is – a sensational

statement. It was the first aviary in Britain that gave visitors a ‘walk-through’ experience, bringing them closer to the birds in their

natural habitat. The new design adapts the heritage structure to suit its new inhabitants – a troop of colobus monkeys and parrots – and offers visitors an enhanced experience. It replicates their natural habitat, with a series of vertical elements at different heights

Personnel BSRIA appoints information and knowledge manager The appointment of Steve Sansom demonstrates BSRIA’s continued commitment to highlighting the extensive access to knowledge provided to members within this department, to give them the ‘competitive edge’. Such services include: an information centre, library, bookshop, expert advice, networks, training and events.

tp bennett expands board tp bennett has further strengthened its board of principal directors with the promotion of three directors and the appointment of a new nonexecutive chairman to the practice. After a successful year of growth, Directors David Blair, Nick Hirst and Leigh Dimelow have been promoted to the principals group, while Non-Executive Director at Investec Wealth & Investment UK, Liz Catchpole, also joins tp bennett as a Non-Executive Director.

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Two brand-new starters at Brewster Bye Architects Leeds-based Brewster Bye Architects has expanded its team with the appointment of Architect, Emily Cain, and Architectural Technologist, Luke Goodson. Emily has gained a reputation for designing highly sustainable and cost-effective buildings that have achieved ‘Outstanding’ BREEAM ratings. Luke joins from a Leeds architecture practice and has three years’ experience.

Industry Updates

In Brief CPMG awarded for BIM expertise

Image ©Foster + Partners

The design team behind the East Midland’s flagship bioscience facility – The Discovery Building – has scooped an award for sub-contractor engagement at the national RICS BIM4SME awards. CPMG Architects was presented with the award at a ceremony held on 12th September at London’s HMS Belfast.The building was realised through Level 2 BIM, with the design team using BIM to work collaboratively in a 3D environment to design and develop construction information.

that the monkeys can climb onto, encouraging them to leap, jump and swing to the higher levels of the aviary. Norman Foster, Founder and Executive Chairman at Foster + Partners, said: “The rebirth of the Snowdon Aviary continues our work with historical structures. It is about the fusion of the old and new, but also about repurposing this extraordinary structure. The brand-new walk-through home will allow it to extend its role for decades to come. It will ensure the preservation of an iconic structure and honour its distinguished authors from the past, while preserving a

unique built example of Cedric Price’s work.” The proposal also features an education and community space for zoo visitors. Hosting up to 30 people, the indoor space will allow school groups to learn more about the colobus monkeys, their habitat and conservation, ZSL’s history and about the architectural legacy of the zoo. Zoological Director, Professor David Field, said: “We’re delighted that the council has recognised the value of the restoration of ZSL London Zoo’s Snowdon Aviary, and has granted us planning permission to carry out this

Trending on Twitter

exciting work. The new exhibit is set to be turned into a walk-through colobus monkey enclosure, which will give visitors a unique and up-close experience of the stunning primates. Our plans for the aviary will both improve its use as an important habitat for our animals and ensure it serves as an educational hub for the millions of people who visit the zoo to be inspired by wildlife – while recognising its heritage status and prominent position on the Regent’s Canal.” www.fosterandpartners.com

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European Construction Institute joins BRE The European Construction Institute (ECI) has become part of BRE alongside Constructing Excellence.Working with, and for, its membership, the ECI’s mission is to drive project execution and deliver best practice across the international engineering construction sector.The move is designed to strengthen and grow the ECI membership.

Jo da Silva wins gold medal Jo da Silva, Director of Arup’s International Development Group and Arup Fellow, has been awarded The Institution of Structural Engineers’ 2017 Gold Medal.The medal recognises the outstanding leadership she has provided as both a Structural and Humanitarian Engineer and for her distinguished and crosssectoral work on urban resilience.

RIBA International Fellows 2018 unveiled The Royal Institute of British Architects (RIBA) has announced the 2018 RIBA International Fellowships which will be awarded to 10 non-UK architects.The RIBA’s 2018 International Fellowships will be awarded to: Farrokh Derakhshani – AGA KHAN Award for Architecture, Switzerland/Iran; Jeanne Gang – Studio Gang, USA; Antonio Gonzalez-Capitel – Antonio Capitel, Spain; Andreas Heller – Studio Andreas Heller Architects & Designers, Germany and Sebastian Irarrazaval – Sebastian Irarrazaval Arquitectos, to name a few.

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Industry Updates

Architect in Profile After studying architecture and environmental engineering at the University of Nottingham, Lizzie Webster set up Fraher Architects back in 2009 with Joe Fraher in the wake of the last recession. Both directors had been working at Amin Taha Architects and AEM Architects respectively and were given the opportunity to work on two private jobs that started the studio.

Fraher Architects’ Lambeth Marsh House project had been left unoccupied for over 10 years and is a two-storey listed house situated within a conservation area in Lambeth, London

Please tell us a bit about your career background In the early years of the practice, we juggled office projects whilst running design studios at Nottingham University. Since a number of early projects have been published, we have been developing our practice working in the private residential and commercial sectors in London.

Lizzie Webster is an Architect and Director at Fraher Architects

www.fraher.co

Had you always wanted to pursue a career in architecture? I knew I always wanted to work in a creative and designoriented industry. Art and design technology was my great love at school and, after work experience at practices in Manchester and Belfast, I considered studying architecture at university. It certainly wasn’t love at first sight and I didn’t really get into the swing of things until the second degree after working in London for my year out at Julian Harrap Architects.

What has been your most notable project to date? Probably our smallest;The Jewel Box, as it started the practice. Also, our work on Spiritland was our first major commercial project working alongside our partner joiner business, Shape. How do you approach your projects? We always start with an indepth briefing workshop with our clients to try and lift the lid of their way of life – spatial environment requirements etc. Then we try and look at the historic influence of the site that we are working on. By rooting out a narrative from history we can often work on a unique design approach that is totally site-specific. What do you think is the greatest challenge for designing in sustainability? The end-user management of whatever hybrid system that you use. Explaining to clients that it is changing the way that they use their environments and not to revert to wanting instant control over the environment, i.e. cranking a radiator up to warm up.

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What is your favourite building and why? The house I grew up in north Manchester. It’s a Grade II* Listed building, Tudor base and then overclad in Georgian brick. I grew up with wonky stairs, and wattle and daub walls that I took into my history lessons at school as a child. What do you think is the greatest challenge for architects today? Balancing a commercial business whilst delivering honest design for the right agenda. What do you think is the greatest challenge for architecture students at the moment? Finance – it’s an awfully long course considering the tuition fees and the relative salary expectation at the end. What advice would you give to newly-qualified architects? Be a sponge for the first couple of years post-qualification. Be assertive, take all the opportunities offered and respect the fact that it can be a struggle, but also a great reward. What can we expect to see from Fraher Architects over the next year? We are currently in the process of completing our very first project overseas in France. And, we are also focusing our attention on more in-house development-led projects giving us a bit more creative control.

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Who has been your greatest influence and source of inspiration? From a work ethic point of view, both my parents continue to be a great influence. My first mentor in practice at Julian Harrap Architects really encouraged me to return to university and complete my training. From a design point of view, I have a great sense of inspiration from young practices setting up and my peers.

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Greenhouse

In full bloom Denver Botanic Gardens in Colorado, USA, is a community-based botanical garden that aims to educate and enthuse its visitors around the importance of conservation. With green intentions at its core, the Denver Botanic Gardens team further implemented its environmentally-friendly ethos with the inclusion of the Science Pyramid.

his new addition to the garden has allowed the community of Denver to look at nature in a completely new way; with an exhibition that makes use of interactive technology, inclusive of touchscreens, light, sound as well as video. The execution of the Science Pyramid was a result of a collaboration between solar energy company, Onyx Solar, and general contractor, GH Phipps. The project, with its pyramidal shape, comprises hexagonal photovoltaic glass using crystalline silicon with a 100% customised design. After completion of the project, Onyx Solar interviewed the parties that were involved in the execution of the Science Pyramid. Here, FC&A looks at the discussion. Commenting on the design on the Science Pyramid, Brian Vogt, Chief Executive Officer at Denver Botanic Gardens, said: â&#x20AC;&#x153;To Denver Botanic Gardens, great architecture has always been important. The dominant design is Mid-Century Modern; but with the Science Pyramid, we really wanted an icon that would both fit in and exude a charisma that visitors would find irresistible. The building itself, using biomimicry, tells many stories, including a reference to pollinators, about the tectonic plates that formed the Rocky Mountains and, of course, the Sun. â&#x20AC;&#x153;The pyramid teaches visitors about the main eco-systems of Colorado and explores similar environments around the world. The lighting and vibrations within the pyramid are determined by current weather conditions. The emphasis is on gaining perspective by looking at the microscopic as well as the bigger picture.

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Greenhouse With green intentions at its core, the Denver Botanic Gardens team further implemented its environmentallyfriendly ethos with the inclusion of the Science Pyramid

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Greenhouse

The project comprises hexagonal photovoltaic glass using crystalline silicon with a 100% customised design

Photovoltaic glass The complexities associated with a pyramidal shape were highlighted by Diego Cuevas,VP Business Development at Onyx Solar. “Our engineering and fabrication teams designed a fully functional, hexagonal photovoltaic glass with crystalline Silicon solar cells,” he explains. “The solar cells were laid out in such a way that the unit could generate as much electricity as possible while allowing a beautiful design to delight visitors. The PV unit is made of two lites of fully tempered glass that encapsulate the solar cells. The in-board lite has a ceramic frit pattern that matches the rest of the elements of the facade. Additionally, all the bus bar ribbon was hidden so that it couldn’t be seen.

“Working with GH Phipps, the general contractor of the project, was a great experience.They are professional and demanding, trying to keep all trades coordinated for the successful delivery of the project. Besides them, Burkett Design, the architect practice, and Studio NYL, the facade designers and structural engineers, were great to work with.They completed a unique design, featuring a blend of building materials that enhance the architectonic value of the building. It is always great to work with forwardthinking firms as they are. Regarding Denver Botanic Gardens, they now count on state-ofthe-art facilities to delight their visitors. It is a must-visit.We appreciate the opportunity we were given to contribute with our footprint, which allows us to balance the many variables on facade projects to arrive at the most effective design and construction solutions. “We believe today the Denver Botanic Gardens has more to offer to its visitors.The design and construction works undergone have set them as one of the most innovative gardens to visit in the country. Regarding our

The execution of the Science Pyramid was a result of a collaboration between solar energy company, Onyx Solar, and general contractor, GH Phipps

contribution, we believe that visitors will be delighted when they get there and notice that hexagonal pieces of glass from a facade can generate free, and clean electricity.We are demonstrating the evolution of the solar industry and showcasing smart alternatives to traditional PV panels, and traditional facade materials.”

The facade Will Babbington, Facade Performance and Design Director at Studio NYL, added: “As a key element to the architectural design of the pyramid was the biomimicry – the building’s form is derived tectonic plates or a sprout breaking the surface and the cladding panels’ hexagonal shape nod towards the geometries of the honeybee – it was fitting that the facade’s rain screen system’s layers protect itself from the elements in a manner found elsewhere in nature, such as a tree canopy. “As Studio NYL was also the structural engineer on the project, we had the good fortune to integrate the structure and facade to work in concert with one another. Four layers of structure and skin afforded structural efficiencies as well as continuities in the thermal, air and moisture control barriers. The primary challenge of this rainscreen was the selection and connection of the layers’ components.As this rainscreen is oriented towards direct exposure to weather – the sun’s ultraviolet rays, rain, snow and wind – the components were required to be especially resilient.The fibre-reinforced cement (FRC) panels selected had the strength, stability and moisture imperviousness to withstand these harsh elements. In the case of Onyx Solar’s PV panels, the product not only stands up to the solar exposure, but it embraces the sun’s rays. Connecting all of these layers together while minimising thermal bridges was accomplished by intermittently spaced fibreglass thermal spacers supporting two layers of corrosionresistant subframing. Careful design and construction of the subframing’s alignment was rewarded with ample surface on which to set the cladding FRC and panels.”

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“Onyx Solar was great to work with. When we needed a custom hexagonal PV panel, Onyx was the only company that could produce it. Onyx also worked with the design to help finalise the construction documents.”

The structure is formed of a pyramidal shape

www.onyxsolar.com

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Sustainability in Development The hall needed to provide modern sports facilities and use only bamboo in its construction to maintain a low carbon footprint

The best of bamboo

Fact file

Thailand-based organic-focused architect practice, Chiangmai Life Architects, provides earth and bamboo architecture construction and design for offices, resorts, homes or public landmark features. Here, FC&A explores its latest project for a sports hall at an international school in Thailand.

Engineers: Phuong Nguyen, Esteban Morales Montoya

An exacting brief The brief was to build a hall that would be large enough to hold the projected capacity of 300 students, but still smoothly

integrate with the previous earthen and bamboo buildings of the school as well as the natural hilly landscape of the area. It needed to provide modern sports facilities and use only bamboo in its construction to maintain the low carbon footprint and the ‘green school’ mission of Panyaden. The hall covers an area of 782m2 and hosts futsal, basketball, volleyball and badminton courts, as well as a stage that can be lifted automatically. The backdrop of the stage is the front wall of a storage room for sports and drama equipment. On both long sides, balconies provide space for parents and other visitors to observe sporting events or shows.

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hiangmai Life Architect’s Bamboo Sports Hall for Panyaden International School combines modern, organic design, 21st-century engineering and a natural material – bamboo. The design was based on the lotus flower as Panyaden International School is in Thailand and uses Buddhist education to infuse values into its academic curriculum and teach the underlying mechanisms of the human mind.

Lead Architects: Markus Roselieb, Tosapon Sittiwong

Client: Panyaden International School Budget: USD 300,000 Carbon footprint: Zero Manufacturers/Products:

Chiangmai Life Construction: Borax/boric acid-treated bamboo Yang Ma Sports Tech Co: ZEPDM/SBR indoor sports floor PSC Commercial Co, Cree Multipurpose LED lights.

Sustainability in Development

The design was based on the lotus flower as Panyaden International School is in Thailand

Chiangmai Life Architectsâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; technical representation

ELEVATION SCALE 1:150 2

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Sustainability in Development

Chiangmai Life Architect’s Bamboo Sports Hall for Panyaden International School combines modern, organic design, 21st-century engineering and a natural material – bamboo

Pushing the boundaries Both the design and materials enable a cool and pleasant climate all year round through natural ventilation and insulation. At the same time, the exposed bamboo structure is a feast to the eye and an exhibition of masterly handicraft. The hall was designed with the help of two independent engineers to modern safety standards of loads, shear forces etc to withstand the local high-speed winds, earthquakes and all other natural forces. The innovative structural design is based on newly-developed prefabricated bamboo trusses which span of over 17m without

steel reinforcements or connections. These trusses were prebuilt on site and lifted into position with the help of a crane.

Reducing the carbon footprint The Panyaden Sports Hall’s carbon footprint is zero; the bamboo used absorbed carbon to a much higher extent than the carbon emitted during treatment, transport and construction. The bamboo was all well selected for its age and treated with borax salt – no toxic chemicals were involved in the treatment process. The life-span of the bamboo hall is expected to be at least 50 years.

Building with bamboo The practice, which specialises in modern bamboo assembly and earth architecture whilst considering quality construction, focuses its attention on large bamboo structures such as bamboo trusses for halls, eco-resorts, villas, houses, schools as well as office and factory spaces. Chiangmai Life Architects favours organic, free-flowing designs and believes in the superior functionality of organic materials. At the same time, sustainable designs and lifestyle are important hallmarks of the firm’s projects and, as a result, it treats all bamboo used in its buildings with natural borax salts. The philosophy is to increase the quality of life by using natural materials combined with modern, light and clean architecture. Specialising in adobe, wattle and daub and rammed earth walls, rammed earth floors, bamboo roofs, bamboo structures, bamboo pavilions, the firm has transformed the perception of these materials having a stigma of being “poor people’s materials” or outdated,“dirty” materials.

Go natural

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Both the design and materials enable a cool and pleasant climate all year round through natural ventilation and insulation

The practice uses natural materials because they provide great thermal and noise insulation and they last longer. At the same time, the firm embraces any useful progress and knowledge that mankind has produced over the years. Concrete is the best foundation material, modern tools are a joy to work with, but the main factors for outstanding work are still a creative human mind and skilled hands. Modern technology can effortlessly be integrated with bamboo and earth architecture.

www.bamboo-eartharchitecture-construction.com

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Voice of the Industry

Ashfield Court drilling

Allowing the GSHP sector to flourish Many in the ground source heat pump (GSHP) industry are encouraged by the proposed refinements outlined in the Government’s 2016 response to the Renewable Heat Incentive consultation. At the time, the Government made clear it intended to pass legislation in the spring of 2017 but the unexpected General Election put paid to that schedule, says Simon Lomax, Managing Director at Kensa Heat Pumps.

evertheless, it would appear that BEIS Ministers are still committed to the reforms and intend to introduce legislation later in 2017. Most importantly, the response made clear Government’s continuing support for GSHP technology: “The Government recognises that GSHPs are likely to be a strategically important technology for decarbonising heat, and anticipates the potential for significant growth in deployment of this technology through the period to 2050”. This statement is vital as Government policy over the past few years has prompted a significant reduction in GSHP sales. According to BSRIA, sales peaked way back in 2008 with 2016 volumes at barely half that figure. Government’s own research has revealed that over 90% of all recipients of a Government grant were pleased with their ground source installation so this drop in sales is not the consequence of any misgivings about the technology’s performance; instead, the subsidy support has not been packaged in a way that is attractive to the market.

So, what changes are in store? According to the consultation response: “The Government is keen to support the deployment of GSHPs making use of shared ground loops”. And: “This route (shared ground loops) will improve investment confidence and...will also offer the greatest flexibility, encouraging a broad range of shared loop projects to come forward including new-build and mixed-use projects”. As a market leader, Kensa has pioneered the use of shared ground loops in the UK via micro-district installations.Very simply, individual heat pumps installed at each dwelling are linked to a communal ground array, or shared ground loop in Government parlance. This system architecture qualifies as district heating and, so, both retrofit and new-build installations are eligible for support via the nondomestic RHI. Crucially, the Government’s planned reforms will introduce a significant change to this support. Previously, RHI payments were based on the metered heat consumption at each dwelling served by the shared ground loop. This requirement forced system owners to

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Exterior risers from the ground arrays to the ground source heat pumps

Managing Director of The Kensa Group and former Chair of the GSHPA, Simon has overseen Kensa’s rise to UK marketleader status and has been heavily involved in policy discussions at Westminster and Whitehall as a Top Tier Stakeholder to BEIS.

install expensive (and notoriously unreliable) heat meters and engage in an onerous quarterly claims process. Worse, they had no certainty on the level of RHI income as they could only estimate the amount of heat consumed at each property, an estimate that was significantly impacted by occupant behaviour, a factor beyond their control. This uncertainty discouraged many potential system owners so Government embraced industry’s proposal to base payments on the deemed heat consumption (taken from the property’s Energy Performance Certificate); a step which mirrors arrangements in the domestic RHI. Vitally, the non-domestic RHI pays an indexlinked tariff over 20 years so returns are far more attractive. And it is also possible to cofund retrofit installations with upfront grants via the Energy Company Obligation. Of course, the pursuit of subsidy support should never be allowed to trump the technical elegance of any solution so it is helpful that there are multiple arguments for supporting the use of micro-district GSHP schemes rather than conventional district heating.

Voice of the Industry Micro District Heat Network with Kensa Shoebox

So small and quiet, the Kensa Shoebox can be installed inside the home

Of course, this system architecture is only practical in situations where there are neighbouring properties who all agree simultaneously to embrace GSHP technology. As such, early installations have focused on the social housing retrofit and all new-build sectors but emerging financing models are encouraging adoption in private housing. Indeed, Kensa is currently developing plans for a villagewide installation using sea water as the heat source and will shortly deliver the country’s largest private housing retrofit installation in Scotland.

The Fourth Carbon Budget calls for three million heat pump installations at residential properties by 2030, so it is vital that Government introduce policy refinements which will finally allow the sector to flourish. The reducing carbon intensity of the electricity grid is an ideal backdrop to the increased deployment of heat pumps and, increasingly, many stakeholders are recognising the sense in focusing on the most efficient variant: the time for ground source heat pumps has arrived.

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District heating systems featuring large central plant (of any flavour) require costly insulated pipes to protect the heat as it is circulated away from the source and often impose high bills on householders who have no opportunity to select an alternative heat supplier. Bills based upon heat meters are often questionable and householders typically dislike a distant entity being responsible for the upkeep of the heat source. Most are used to a smaller appliance in their own property: all are relentlessly encouraged to ‘switch’ by Government. Thankfully, these issues disappear with a micro-district system. Heat is only generated close to the point of use so the fluid circulating around the distribution pipework (within any housing estate or apartment block) is at ambient temperature, massively reducing the cost. Construction costs are also helped by the opportunity to provide a lower number of deeper boreholes as drilling contractors can be more productive whenever rig movements are minimised. The architecture also enhances system integrity. Under the ‘one heat pump/one borehole’ arrangement, there was some risk that any house with exceptionally high heat use might exhaust its individual borehole unless a very conservative (and expensive) design was adopted. Now, the high heat use house is simply balanced by a lower heat use house so the overall borehole depth can be reduced. Householders can source electricity from their own preferred energy company, switching as required to secure the most competitive tariff. And the circulation pumps within each heat pump move the fluid around the shared ground loop so there is no need for any separate equipment imposing additional running costs. Householders typically benefit from a 300 to 350% system efficiency which means running costs are consistent with mains gas and are far lower than other renewable heat technologies. Ownership costs are also appealing thanks to the remarkable reliability and durability of the technology.

www.kensaheatpumps.com

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Technical Focus Specification of a hot melt system is often favourable for green roof designs

Technical roofing focus: hot melts Here, Technical Secretary at the Liquid Roofing and Waterproofing Association (LRWA), Terry Wain, discusses specification best practice in a niche yet growing sector of the liquid roofing market – hot melts.

ot melt monolithic systems have delivered a viable waterproofing solution for flat, trafficked, inverted and bio-diverse roofs for more than 40 years.Yet, many do not realise they fall under the liquid waterproofing umbrella – albeit a niche sector. However, the use of this technology is on the rise and has provided an ideal waterproofing solution for many new-build and suitable refurbishment projects. Despite its increasing popularity there are some challenges and, aligned with the recently-published LRWA ‘Hot Melt Code of Practice’, there are some key considerations to make during specification and application.

The case for hot melts Hot melts offer a highly durable solution, providing excellent waterproofing performance with toughness, flexibility and adhesion over a wide range of temperatures. Systems are quick to apply and some hot melt monolithic membranes have a BBAcertified life expectancy of “the life of the structure it is applied to”, providing clients with reduced building maintenance, peace of mind and whole-life cost benefits.

Although the LRWA endorses the British Standards with regards to design falls in the flat roof sector, in some circumstances, such as the development of water features, certain green roofs and podium roof decks, zero falls, or perfectly flat roof surfaces, may be required. More often than not, hot melt systems appear to be favoured in these cases, and manufacturers’ instructions and advice should be taken.

Specification considerations In the last decade, the industry has seen an influx of new manufacturers emerging to meet demand.With many ‘newcomers’ to the market, if a hot melt system is specified it’s important to seek advice from a trusted trade association such as the LRWA, which is the only recognised body in liquid-applied membranes to produce compliance guidance notes, a ‘Hot Melt Code of Practice’, plus stringent manufacturer membership criteria. Most hot melt systems comprise two, 3mm layers of product with the reinforcement sheet enclosed between each layer. However, in the past few years, we have seen single-layer systems being introduced into the market. The specifier

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Terry Wain is the Technical Secretary at the Liquid Roofing and Waterproofing Association (LRWA).

must consider the sustainability of this system, bearing in mind, in some cases, it will be buried under a substantial amount of surface ballast in the way of green roof materials, paving slabs or water – if a water feature is included in the project. To ensure a sound, long-term waterproofing solution, it’s important the correct decisions are made during specification. A pre-inspection should be undertaken prior to installation, to assess its readiness for application.The performance of a system is dependent on the substrate construction and its condition, and documented bond and peel tests should be conducted to ensure correct bond strength to the substrate and suitable adhesion to the roof surface can be achieved. All work also requires a post-inspection covering membrane thickness, reinforcement application, access sheet application, flashings and detailing, adherence to the design specification and electronic leak detection. Contractors should also be aware of the adequate certification – these include ensuring products meet ISO 9001 standards and achieving independent product accreditations such as BBA and ETA certificates.

Technical Focus Staying safe Where operatives are working at height, fundamental working practices within the Health and Safety at Work Act should be adhered to. It is important to gather as much health and safety information about a project and the site before work begins. A site survey should be made by qualified personnel, also ensuring Safety Data Sheets are issued by the product manufacturer. These are essential reading prior to handling any materials, which detail the products ingredients, handling techniques, storage and disposal considerations.

Looking ahead

Application best practice Site access can often present challenges if not planned properly before work begins. With hot melt materials, an agitating melter will be required on the roof at all times to prepare the product before application, a key consideration to have in mind during specification and before application. To ensure a project stays within budget and is delivered on time, adequate access to the roof is required, as well as space for equipment to be stored on site before a project begins. During installation, contractors should also make sure they achieve the correct thickness or depth of the product and always adhere to manufacturer’s guidance to the correct temperature it should be when poured. All materials must be stored carefully in accordance with the manufacturer’s instructions to prevent product damage or a health and safety risk to operatives or the general public.

The BCP acknowledges the contribution of manufacturers towards providing a skills base through training in the use of their materials to satisfy the requirements of the red ‘Experienced Worker’ CSCS card. Additionally, the LRWA has also developed and delivers a Specialist Applied-Skills Program (SAP) and Specialist Up-Skilling Program (SUP), aimed at improving the skill quality of all operatives and supporting the young installers of tomorrow, and provides a route to NVQ2.

A key consideration for specifiers and contractors – and something the LRWA continues to assess – is ensuring correctly calculated U-values are in place for every project. In inverted roof systems, the design Lambda value should always be used, as this takes into account the rainwater cooling effect. Not using the declared Lambda value means the insulation will not meet the U-value requirements. Looking ahead, the LRWA looks to work with the wider industry to develop an official guidance to explain how calculations are undertaken correctly.

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A key consideration during hot melt specification is ensuring correctly calculated U-values are in place for every project

www.lrwa.org.uk

The importance of training In an ideal world, operatives should achieve a National Vocational Qualification (NVQ) for Hot Melt Monolithic Waterproofing Systems, and gain Construction Skills Certification Scheme (CSCS) cards – which new-build and local authority projects often insist contractors have before access to site. However, hot melt manufacturers should provide their own approved-contractor schemes, ensuring operatives are fully trained to work with the products properly. All LRWA manufacturer members offer this as part of meeting membership criteria. To help address this, the LRWA launched its Basic Competency Programme (BCP) in 2015, recognised by the Construction Industry Training Board (CITB).

Hot melt monolithic systems have delivered a viable waterproofing solution for flat, trafficked, inverted and bio-diverse roofs for more than 40 years

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Legal & Business Brexit could prove to be the motivation the UK industry has needed to stand on its own two feet

How will Brexit affect the construction industry in the UK? In recent news, The Irish Times revealed that 70% of Irish construction firms have cut exposure to the UK ahead of Brexit and have begun looking for new opportunities elsewhere in mainland Europe. Like most other industries, Brexit has cast a shadow of uncertainty over the construction industry, with the risk of currency volatility looking to be one of the industry’s main issues for longer-term projects.

Skills shortage The industry has raised concerns that Brexit could result in higher project costs as labour demand outweighs supply.This is because the UK’s construction industry has always heavily relied on sourcing skilled and unskilled workers from overseas.As the transition to leave the EU continues, the UK could face a shortage of workers for the industry as the free movement of people into the UK becomes an uncertainty.A shortage of workers could then have a knock-on effect on building projects, including the Government’s housing targets. 30% of UK construction professionals admitted that hiring non-UK workers was an important factor for the success of their business – however, surveyors have warned that key projects could be at risk following the exit – the Government has been told they could lose 8% of the industry’s workers. Scarily, skilled construction workers have not been added to the UK shortage occupation list which gives some sectors priority during the visa application process.

Exporting and importing materials As members of the EU, previously the free movement of goods in and out of the UK to overseas EU countries was allowed. However, once the UK stands alone, we could face duties and restrictions that have previously been eliminated thanks to our EU membership. As Irish construction firms have already cut exposure, we question which countries are next? Currently, according to the Department for Business Skills and Innovation, the UK imported 64% of their building materials from the EU and exported 63% of building materials to countries within the EU. Following Brexit, the UK could face limitations on importing and exporting which could lead to a shortage in materials or an increase in cost. The cost of materials has already experienced an increase since the announcement of Brexit, with the cost of imports from the EU increasing by 5.8% in January.

Regulations and standards For some construction professionals, this is a great opportunity to take back more control over contractual risk and law clauses. Compliance across the UK is generally already strong, with Brexit not forecast to affect it. However, some fear that Brexit will lead to the removal of several red tapes outlined by the EU, but this does not necessarily mean that all ties will be broken between the UK and its former partner. Instead, a new model is likely

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to be negotiated and adopted, which is likely to also consider the current trading standards across the UK.

An industry standing on its own two feet Brexit could prove to be the motivation the UK industry has needed to stand on its own two feet. Following the news that the UK voted to leave the UK, the number of EU-qualified architects registering to work in the UK has risen by more than 10% – in 2016 alone, suggesting that a fear of a skills shortage might not be a problem after all. The Government could have the opportunity to negotiate their own terms to employ non-UK workers. Whilst there are fears of uncertainty in the construction industry regarding the export and import of vital materials, the UK’s plan to leave the EU could actually open up new doors for the industry. Following its exit, the UK could have the opportunity to stand tall on its own and negotiate its own trade agreements with trading countries across the UK, and other importing countries such as China and the USA. In addition, the Irish firms that plan to retain a presence in the UK indicate that the key opportunities within our country are housing, the Government’s Build to Rent scheme and public infrastructure.

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ut is it all doom and gloom for the industry following Brexit? The industry’s main concerns include the potential skills shortage, the import and export of materials and the regulations and standards. It’s no surprise that the industry fears what the future might hold, as only 15% of construction professionals favoured the UK’s exit.

www.niftylift.com

Design & Desire

The Architectural Technology Awards: 2017â&#x20AC;&#x2122;s winners The Chartered Institute of Architectural Technologists (CIAT) has declared the winners for its annual Architectural Technology Awards. Announced and presented by CIAT President Gary Mees on 15th September 2017, the awards celebrated the latest achievements and highest quality in architectural technology. adaptability to future-proof its functions.The design concept and architecture have been informed by architectural technology and its building anatomy and physiology are clearly articulated in the primary and secondary elements, services and external envelope.

The Award for Excellence in Architectural Technology

Highly Commended: Family Stand, Dover Athletic Football Club, Lee Evans Partnership (02) The Family Stand is a complex project that provided the designers with a functional, aesthetic and technological challenge, creating an inclusive structure that caters for all.

Winner: The Word, National Centre for the Written Word, FaulknerBrowns Architects (01) The Word was a challenging project that inspired a building for the present, with inbuilt

Commended: Fieldsend, Mitchell Evans Architects (03) Fieldsend is a building that departs from traditional architecture and architectural technology towards a contemporary bespoke house and the creation of a dwelling.

The 2017 winners are:

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The Alan King Award for Excellence in Architectural Technology (for projects valued ÂŁ750k or under) Commended: New Dwelling at Craigwell, Aboyne, Stuart Davidson Architecture (04) The design of this new dwelling meets the clientâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s brief to create a contemporary focal point property that had a triple role of firstly a dwelling, but also a base for their professions. Commended: Harefield House, Plaice Design Company (05) Harefield House is a design exemplar of the use of integrated architectural technologies, energy performance and building management system with its prefabricated timber kit construction.

he event, hosted by Matt Allwright, was attended by a cross section of the built environment sector and showcased architectural technology both in practice and as a key academic discipline, demonstrating the growth and impact within the UK and internationally. This was the first time the AT Awards have been a standalone event and is an exciting milestone for the discipline.

Design & Desire

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Design & Desire Student Award for Excellence in Architectural Technology (Project) (Recognising outstanding design achievement in architectural technology based upon a university/college assignment) Winner: The Gateway Hotel Design Project, Edward Kercher, Southampton Solent University (06) The proposed design addresses its location and functionality by considering and integrating architectural technology. This is achieved through designing for production and optimising construction, alongside the use of materials and components for performance and use.

Highly Commended: Chandler’s Ford Infant School, April Rapley, Southampton Solent University (07) Chandler’s Ford Infant School is a creative design that focuses on inclusivity linked to function and use. Commended: Imagination Works – Embracing an Urban Future, Gerard Langley, Sheffield Hallam University (08) A design project that is linked to design futures through imagineering and creativity.

Winner: Sharrow Nursery and Community Centre – An Integration of Renewables, Efficiency and High-performance Materials, Daniel Black, Sheffield Hallam University (09) This research investigated how advanced technology and innovative construction methods adapted to increase the quality and performance of buildings. The research output provides a sound technical understanding of material and engagement to comply and exceed regulation standards, which may, in turn, inform a change in the industry. Highly Commended: The Importance of Soil Analysis Prior to Frame Construction, Sunil Singh Seera, Coventry University (10) This research project demonstrated a clear understanding of the issues and how important it is in determining appropriate design solutions.

Commended: Building a Safe and Therapeutic Hospice: An Evaluation of Structural and Thermal Properties in Structural Insulated Panels, Isabelle Foster, Coventry University (11) The research embraces the structural and scientific behaviour of the composite material and compares and contrasts the different specifications and summarises the results.

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Student Award for Excellence in Architectural Technology (Report) (Recognising outstanding research achievement in architectural technology from a dissertation assignment)

www.ciat.org.uk

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The shortlisted entries for both awards were once again all of an exceptional standard and the winners all shared one thing — a clear demonstration of architectural technology as a key design function – Kevin Crawford MCIAT

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Build Focus: Office Wates Group successfully made the most of its restaurant space by creating a multi-functional area for working, socialising and refuelling

Workspace habitats boost wellbeing and productivity Here Oliver Ronald, Sales & Marketing Director at Boss Design, explains how creating successful habitats in the workplace can help transform the happiness and wellbeing of staff, as well as boosting productivity and the bottom line too.

hen it comes to workplace design, it’s no longer just about making furniture fit the space available.Today, the modern office is all about how people work and are managed, and the technologies that enable

their work. Incorporating new and better ways to structure time, and to design space that will bind the happiness, success and wellbeing of individuals, is also high on the agenda. Many of us spend a large chunk of our lives at the office and, as such, it can have a

At Birmingham’s latest conference venue,The Vox, modular seating features single and double benches, as well as corner pieces and curved sections

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major impact on our work-life balance and wellbeing. Hence, it makes perfect business sense for organisations to create a work culture and environment that makes us feel valued and supported in our work roles. Not only does this foster our own individual health and wellbeing, it can have a significant impact on the company’s productivity and, more importantly, on its bottom line. At work, we need to be able to easily switch our mode of focus – be it focusing, learning, socialising or collaborating – in order to stay fulfilled and productive.This has led to the birth of a series of ‘Habitats’ within the office – specific locations that help create a more streamlined and connected workplace. Let’s take a closer look.

Welcome First impressions count, and the foyer or reception area is the place where visitors discover what defines an organisation.When planned correctly, this area can double up as a lobby and a business lounge, and by introducing a range of furniture options, it can be exploited to maximise efficiency and utilisation. Relaxed, informal and versatile seating solutions ensure that waiting time is both comfortable and productive. The award-winning offices of Energy Systems Catapult, located in Birmingham, demonstrated this perfectly by creating a ‘transparent’ Welcome habitat. Within this dynamic, shared space, a range of furniture meets the demands of a variety of transient and customer-facing roles. Luxurious soft seating helps bring a boutique hotel-feel to the area, along with timber-framed tables, chairs and high stools. For added vibrancy and energy, bold fabrics are featured on the upholstery throughout.

Build Focus: Office Home

Collaboration In the modern office, people tend to be away from their desks holding meetings formally or informally, on or off campus, and, as such, there is a growing trend towards collaborative work hubs that help continue the flow of nomadic working patterns and teamwork. In the offices of Arthur J Gallagher in London, glass-fronted meeting pods create the ideal space for both private meetings amongst employees and visitors. Some systems also feature a unique human-centric lighting system to further aid wellbeing.

Formal Meet These habitats focus on accommodating planned and traditional meeting requirements, including board meetings, seminars, client presentations or informal networking events. As traditional meeting

At the Dolphin Square apartment complex in London, SW1, a highly versatile conference table and seating helps create the perfect formal meeting space

High-backed meeting booths were specified throughout the Home habitat at the head offices of Wates Group in Leatherhead, Surrey

chairs may not deliver the necessary levels of ergonomic support demanded by emerging work styles, ergonomic seating becomes a priority in these settings. At the Dolphin Square apartment complex in London, SW1, a highly versatile conference table and seating helps create the perfect formal meet space. Featuring a series of fliptop tables in a striking black American walnut veneer finish, the tables present a highly flexible layout to suit a range of meeting scenarios and, complete with power and data facilities, they can meet the demands of any meeting.

WorkCafé This habitat is a compelling new way to generate energy – a hub where people choose to work.Whereas a standard cafeteria’s activity spikes at breakfast and lunch, with some activity around break times, the WorkCafé is a dynamic hub throughout the entire workday. Soft seating solutions with integral USB and power points are essential here.

Wates Group successfully made the most of its restaurant space by creating a multi-functional area for working, socialising and refuelling. A new dining area with low chairs, benches and high stools creates a dynamic hub throughout the workday, whilst booth seating provides added comfort and privacy, and additional meeting space.

Flow These spaces are the primary paths through the workplace that provide plenty of opportunities for planned and unplanned encounters. Knowledge moves quickly through networked groups, and from chance encounters in transitional spaces like hallways, coffee areas or outside a doorway. Furniture that can provide easy access to power can also support the use of mobile technology. At Birmingham’s latest conference venue, The Vox, modular seating that features single and double benches, as well as corner pieces and curved sections, was chosen to provide optimum seating and comfort in busy thoroughfare and Flow areas. In conclusion, the walls are coming down. By creating habitats within the workplace, we are able to continually switch between our main modes of working throughout the day. By creating an environment that enables workers to easily move to a different area of the office to complete their tasks, or to collaborate with colleagues and visitors, the end result is greater wellbeing for staff and improved productivity for the business too.

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Alongside traditional workspaces, more and more offices are introducing touchdown, hot-desking facilities; enabling employees to have access to the tools and technology to perform their job. Well-planned Home spaces help people improve individual work processes, speed up the development of ideas, improve learning and gain access to information quickly. The Home habitat is also vital for when people need to concentrate, make phone calls or conduct confidential interactions. Hence, telephone pods are gaining ground and provide a much-needed place to concentrate and make private calls. High-backed meeting booths were specified throughout the Home habitat at the head offices of Wates Group in Leatherhead, Surrey. As well as providing a comfortable breakout area, they enhance collaborative working and make it possible to hold short meetings there too.

www.boss-design.co.uk

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HVAC

An essential requirement for all factory managers is to ensure the long-term high performance of HVAC and refrigeration systems

Maximising HVAC ROI in new builds Heating, ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC) systems are frequently overlooked as a key part of building design. Far from a mere afterthought, HVAC systems will have a direct impact on users’ health, working environment, energy use and running costs, explains Andrew Nixon, Area General Manager – Energy, HVAC and Industrial Refrigeration at Johnson Controls.

Choosing your system HVAC systems have a long-life expectancy – around 20 years – so it is essential for businesses to make the right investment decisions around plant procurement when considering building new facilities. Historically, plant procurement decisions have predominately been focused on the technical performance of the plant and initial capital value. However, with increasing energy and carbon compliance pressures, plant efficiency has started to be a key part of the selection process. In recent years, the market has been moving towards procuring plant with a ‘lifecycle cost’ analysis. Essentially, this takes into account the initial capital value plus the associated annual operating costs for maintenance and energy consumption for the life of the plant.This evaluation can help during the decision-making process, highlighting options with higher

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annual operating costs and the associated impact on the user’s cost base. One trend that has been observed in recent months is that companies are beginning to shift back towards making procurement decisions based on which system requires the lowest initial investment. Effectively, this is a shift from an opex model to a capex.This has likely been driven by Brexit concerns, with businesses facing capital spend restrictions and budget pressures as a result of economic uncertainty. However, higher company costs are directly associated with the cost per item. In a competitive market, any increase in these costs can cause a problem if the company is unable to pass on these additional costs. As a result, lifecycle cost evaluation should be the basis for all plant procurement – it’s important to remember that the lowest initial investment cost is not always the best basis for long-term investment decisions.

well-designed system can, therefore, help businesses stay efficient, be environmentallyfriendly, cost-efficient and improve employee engagement. For some industries, such as manufacturing, the design and installation of HVAC systems in a new building will also play a key role in product quality and production volume. As a result, construction firms and architects need to be able to call on the right expertise when it comes to designing and installing HVAC systems. Although the equipment is a replaceable component of the whole build, it is a considerable investment likely to last for at least a decade, so it needs to be done right. With that in mind, there are two key areas that architects and construction companies need to bear in mind when evaluating HVAC system choices.

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HVAC Keeping your HVAC running An essential requirement for all factory managers is to ensure the long-term high performance of HVAC and refrigeration systems. HVAC plant maintenance can be seen as a low priority or a short-term cost saving within businesses but, in reality, this is a false economy as eventually, poor maintenance will impact costs and also decrease the plant’s operational years. Typical HVAC system plant maintenance is usually performed as scheduled works planned on the basis of the number of hours run. However, a more effective solution is to incorporate connected IoT devices to enable condition-based predictive maintenance solutions and remote monitoring of plant. Condition-based monitoring is an essential solution for predictive maintenance. It usually incorporates a combination of vibration analysis for rotating plant and thermal analysis for electrical plant and components. With the costs of the IoT-based test equipment continuing to fall over the years, this solution should now be utilised on all relative plant as part of a comprehensive maintenance schedule. Remote monitoring provides regular plant status updates. This data can then be analysed by off-site services utilising rules engines specifically designed for the installed plant, which can identify plant degradation and provide early notification of failure for maintenance requirements. The trend data and associated reports available from condition and remote monitoring systems can be essential tools to support maintenance scheduling, but also in prioritising capital investment. This is becoming a standard solution on new plant but is also increasingly becoming available as a retrofit option, so facilities that aren’t able to completely replace their plant can still upgrade their maintenance systems.

HVAC plant maintenance can be seen as a low priority or a short-term cost saving within businesses but, in reality, this is a false economy

In the US, office buildings typically use more than 20% of energy on IT equipment, in some cases, this figure can be as high as 70%[1], so it is essential for customers to continually look for an opportunity for efficiency improvements and energy savings. In addition to planned and reactive maintenance works, companies should also ensure their maintenance service provider engages with the need to identify and deliver energy-saving opportunities on the plant and associated systems. This could be in terms of technology advancements for plant replacements, changing systems from their original design to improve actual operation or the optimisation of control parameters and logic.

The right supplier With all this in mind, it’s key that construction companies find the right HVAC supplier to consult on plant installation.They need to speak with experts who can provide a full-service portfolio, advising them from a long-term point of view and considering all the options in terms of equipment. In particular, construction companies need to

Condition-based monitoring is an essential solution for predictive maintenance. It usually incorporates a combination of vibration analysis for rotating plant and thermal analysis for electrical plant and components.

work with companies that have experience with a wide range of industry sectors and building types – there’s a wide variety of HVAC devices that could be applicable depending on whether you’re building an office block, a factory or a residential building. In manufacturing, for example, HVAC is essential to the occupant’s bottom line and regulatory compliance – a faulty air cooling system can damage products and risks producing unsafe working conditions. As a result, the company tasked with designing and building the factory in the first place must consider HVAC from the earliest stages and incorporate the specific requirements of the system into the build. A custom HVAC system may require bespoke building features and specifications, so consultation with HVAC specialists must be central to the building process rather than an afterthought.

Summary At first, construction and HVAC may not seem like the most obvious of bedfellows, but the best results are achieved when they work hand-in-hand from the earliest stages of project development. Construction companies need to be aware of their clients’ heating, ventilation and air conditioning needs and work with expert sector consultants to ensure best practice. A well-designed HVAC system is a key part of any building and can be an essential component of industrial builds. Don’t treat HVAC as something to be outsourced and forgotten – successful projects must take the time to consider it in depth and secure the correct equipment for the job.

www.johnsoncontrols.com [1]

– Cisco – Smart Grid: Transforming the Electricity System

to Meet Future Demand and Reduce Greenhouse Gas Emissions – November 2008.

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Acoustics

Ottolenghi has opted for acoustic sprayapplied ceilings in both Ottolenghi Spitalfields and Nopi in Soho

Charity launches a campaign to take noise off the menu Eight out of 10 people have left a restaurant, pub or cafe early because of the noise according to a new survey from Action on Hearing Loss – with the charity launching a nationwide campaign for a quieter dining experience supported by acoustic solutions provider, Oscar Acoustics.

he charity’s ‘Speak Easy’ campaign is calling on the catering industry to take action on background noise. The online poll, that surveyed both people with and without hearing loss, showed that 81% of respondents had difficulty holding a conversation because of the high level of environmental noise. They were also united (91%) in saying that they will not make a return visit to a place where the noise levels were too high. The high level of background noise, which includes noise made by other diners, noise from the kitchen and background music was also responsible for over a quarter (27%) of all respondents receiving the wrong order during a meal out.

The problem is exacerbated by recent interior design trends that have seen venues employ industrial, minimalist aesthetics with lots of hard surfaces and high ceilings, which have led to increased noise levels due to a lack of furnishings that absorb sound. Paul Breckell, Chief Executive at Action on Hearing Loss, says: “Through our campaign we want to help the restaurant, cafe and pub industry to create a more welcoming dining experience for all customers. Whether you’re out for a meal with friends, or if you’re on a date, you should be able to enjoy it without having to repeat yourself, raise your voice or receive the wrong order due to high levels of background noise. There are 11 million people in the UK with hearing loss so, financially, it’s

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a no-brainer for the industry to help make dining out even more enjoyable and accessible. Three-quarters of people believe that restaurants, cafes and pubs have become louder in the last five years and we look forward to working with the catering industry to help take noise off the menu.” Ben Hancock, Director of Oscar Acoustics, adds: “Having discussed the subject of acoustics with many restaurateurs, it seems that most are worried about losing the atmosphere in their venue and cannot see the larger picture or do not know that this can be calculated to a fine-art to retain the buzz. Online reviews are great but, unless everyone makes the effort, restaurateurs are not going to see a couple of complaints as an issue. We British are

Acoustics

Oscar Acoustics was approached to undertake the acoustics at Ottolenghi Spitalfields

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a funny bunch; quite often we will just not go back rather than make a fuss. I have found that those who call us have undertaken their own research following a suspicion that there may be a problem with the research confirming this with alarming results. “There are few restaurants that take the subject seriously. Ottolenghi does, having installed acoustic spray-applied ceilings in both Ottolenghi Spitalfields and Nopi in Soho, with a new acousticallytreated restaurant in the planning. Both places are completely different with Ottolenghi Spitalfields opting for a feature textured finish at a depth that gives a beautifully relaxed feel. Nopi has chosen to have a completely smooth plaster-like finish to complement the design concept but gave the brief that it required a more ‘on the edge’ feel, enabling you to have a conversation over the table without leaning in, but retaining a huge amount of buzz. It was just a case of us building an acoustic model to tell us how thick to apply the finish. The results in both are great and they should be commended for taking the subject seriously. If you have ever tried to book an evening table in either, the wait suggests there is no shortage in diners wishing to visit. I’d like to take full credit, but the food is simply out of this world!”

www.hearingloss.org.uk www.oscar-acoustics.co.uk

Both establishments are completely different with Ottolenghi Spitalfields opting for a feature textured finish at a depth that gives a beautifully relaxed feel

Nopi has chosen to have a completely smooth plaster-like finish to complement the design concept

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Lighting

Daylight management, active ambient lighting systems, automated shading and dimming are just some of the options WELL lays out

Shining a light on improved productivity: human-centric lighting in the workplace The latest figures released in July 2017 by the Office for National Statistics (ONS) reveal that UK workers spend an average of 37.5 hours week at work. However, a recent overtime survey conducted by totallymoney.com showed that they also put in 8.4 hours of overtime each week, which adds up to 68 days of unpaid work each year. Indeed, for a large part of the year, people spend most of their daylight hours in the workplace, writes Tony Ludlow, Director at Connected Light.

t may therefore also seem surprising that while energy efficiency has been a key factor in specifying workplace lighting over recent years, less attention had been paid to the effects of lighting on staff health. But this is changing and the question is now: “How do you harness these principles and achieve results in SMEs?”. The WELL Building Standard, launched in 2014, sets evidence-based performance requirements in seven concepts – air, water, nourishment, light, fitness, comfort and mind.

Bringing WELL building into business The WELL Building Standard, which should be the gold standard for businesses looking to adopt a human-centric approach to lighting, notes that: “Strategies to enhance human health and wellbeing have played a relatively small role in the evolution of building standards. We believe that the time has come to elevate human health

and comfort to the forefront of building practices and reinvent buildings that are not only better for the planet, but also for people”. Evidence gathered shows the number of benefits that stem from better buildings with a human-centric focus is significant; better productivity, happier people, increased profit and longer employee retention – all resulting from more holistic approaches to lighting. Among the options to consider, daylighting is a crucial component.

Well-designed buildings ensure the optimum use of natural light to meet the WELL Building Standard recommendation of 3% daylight reaching a person’s working area. Daylight gives an emotional quality to a space and the opportunity to look outside is an added bonus. Where artificial lighting is required, it should correspond to the colour temperature of the daylight. At noon, the sky’s colour is a very cool 10000K but at sunset, it is a much warmer 2000K.

Daylighting

Positive days

Daylighting is the practice of placing windows or other openings and reflective surfaces so that natural daylight provides effective internal lighting. According to the WELL Building Standard: “Exposure to natural light can improve occupant mood, alertness and overall health. Ideal lighting involves proper exposure to diffuse daylight, as well as careful design of windows and glazing to avoid excessive glare and heat gain”.

The positives of well-implemented daylighting are almost endless. Employees who are around more light – specifically natural light – during the day are more likely to be healthier and maintain a good mood. Test participants with windows in their offices got a startling 46 minutes more sleep per night than their natural lightstarved counterparts and even reported getting more exercise after work.

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Lighting

Evidence gathered shows the number of benefits that stem from better buildings with a human-centric focus is significant

The effects of taking a human-centric approach to building design, and lighting specifically, are demonstrably positive for a company’s bottom line in reduced sick days and improved productivity

As Phyllis Zee, MD, PhD, Director of the Sleep Disorders Center at Northwestern Memorial Hospital, explains: “Light can affect the metabolism and efficiency of how your body utilises food, which can be important for weight.”

impact on an individual’s health, wellbeing and, ultimately, workplace productivity. Lights of high frequency and intensity promote alertness, while the lack of this stimulus signals the body to reduce energy expenditure and prepare for rest.

A connected, holistic approach – the next steps to take

Does it work? The 2016 World Green Building Council report on the business case for wellbeing and productivity in green offices illustrated the clear and positive benefits to the business of having a human-centric health and wellbeing approach to their workplaces. Skanska UK reported a saving of £28,000 in 2015 in absenteeism costs and increased employee comfort and satisfaction. In addition, Saint-Gobain call centre staff in their North American headquarters achieved a 97% increase in sales-generated leads and a 101% increase in leads per call since moving into their new building.The effects of taking a human-centric approach to building design, and lighting specifically, are demonstrably positive for a company’s bottom line in reduced sick days and improved productivity.

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However, windows alone are not the answer. A connected, holistic solution lies in carefully balancing natural light availability with the tasks employees need to carry out, available budgets and the building’s infrastructure. Daylight management, active ambient lighting systems, automated shading and dimming are just some of the options WELL lays out. Another is circadian lighting, which is about ensuring that lighting is designed to match circadian rhythms – a 24-hour cycle which synchronises bodily functions in humans and animals – and responds to a number of external cues, including light. Circadian rhythms can influence a number of important biological functions, including alertness, digestion, sleep and hormone release – factors that can greatly

A connected, holistic solution lies in carefully balancing natural light availability with the tasks employees need to carry out

www.connectedlight.co.uk

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Building Access

Zaun has employed hostile vehicle mitigation measures to avert against vehicle-borne attacks

Building access and security is a case of knowing your onions For all the startling advancements in technology, building access and security – whether in the public realm, at CNI sites or secure corporate facilities – must start by limiting access at the perimeter and integrating systems that can monitor, check and allow passage through perimeters with those that then offer access to buildings themselves, says Steve Bailes, Business Development Manager at the Zaun Group.

The balance between maintaining this flow and locking out unauthorised people is a tricky one to strike, as would-be intruders have become increasingly adept at ‘tailgating’ to get through security barriers and doorways

echnology in access control is advancing at a staggering pace. A few years ago, it was felt sufficient to block unwanted access with oldschool metal keys or basic swipe cards. Now, IP-based security systems can monitor and record in HD signals, warnings and alerts from a multiplicity of sensors and systems anywhere on site and send responses back in real time. Seamless integration of physical, electronic and human systems is creating a protective cordon around sites. This means every event is recorded and analysed, both in real time and for training, learning and prosecution purposes after the event. One of the most significant events is entry through building access points.The swipe of a card, the print of a thumb or even the scan of a retina can trigger a cascade of recording and monitoring systems, allowing security operatives to track personnel while on site. We are even now seeing a growth in the use of trusted identities with smart cards, mobile devices, wearables, embedded chips and other ‘smart’ devices, especially in industries with

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a focus on regulatory compliance, such as Government, finance and healthcare. This will accelerate the move from legacy systems to NFC, Bluetooth Low Energy and advanced smart card technology. But, for all the smart technology security managers now have at their disposal, I wonder if we are losing sight of the old ‘onion-skin’ principle to security. This approach ensures an increased level of security the closer an intruder gets to the most critical and sensitive assets. As with the old saying about poachers turned gamekeepers, it is vital that intelligent security solutions are designed from the mindset of the potential intruder and the multiple methods of attack they might use to get in.

The outer skin starts with the perimeter The principle is perfectly, but tragically, illustrated by the story of former England one-day Captain Adam Hollioake, who remained in the International Cricket Stadium in Kabul, where he was working as a coach, while a bomb blast killed at least three this month.

Building Access

Limit the number of entrances and exits to a site through the perimeter and secure them more effectively with speed gates, ANPR and appropriate turnstiles

Biometrics are being incorporated into advanced CCTV-based face-tracking systems to identify unique facial traits

develop multiple layers of security protection around the potential target – much like the skins around an onion. The idea is to design from the perimeter in towards the centre, taking each successive boundary as an opportunity to harden the security to thwart an intruder and enable security personnel to respond to any attempted security breach. Clearly, the latest technology at access points is beneficial in this fight. But this is worthless if the physical security of the centre isn’t up to the same standard.

Thorough site audits will take into consideration existing security measures and identify any potential weaknesses, and will play an active role in the development of a fully integrated security system, fit to face the challenges of the various methods and forces of attack employed by the modern-day intruder. CCTV and enhanced video analytics on the outer layers and at doorways allow us to gather intelligence about attackers and relay them live to guards via their mobile phones or tablets.We also integrate lighting, surveillance and perimeter intrusion detection systems to deliver a holistic solution to security. Limit the number of entrances and exits to a site through the perimeter and secure them more effectively with speed gates, ANPR and appropriate turnstiles to allow the effective flow of authorised personnel onto the site. The balance between maintaining this flow and locking out unauthorised people is a tricky one to strike, as would-be intruders have become increasingly adept at ‘tailgating’ to get through security barriers and doorways. In this instance, it may be necessary to introduce airlock-type control ‘sterile zones’ to lock down high-security areas more securely. This is where biometrics may come into their own, offering the ability to identify personnel uniquely, with an ‘unlock code’ that only an individual inherently possesses. Biometrics are even being incorporated into advanced CCTV-based face-tracking systems to identify unique facial traits. But just make sure that you don’t get wowed by the sci-fi and forget the basic knowhow of time-honoured security principles.

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As he explained: “The protocol is that we have three stages of security. They have to get through the first stage, which was probably 100m from the ground; then there is the second stage, which is about 50m from the ground, and the final stage is about 15 to 20m from the ground. “The gentleman was caught at the first checkpoint and, on being caught, he detonated his device and, unfortunately, several individuals from our security and some members of the public were killed.” Our approach to building access and security systems design mimics this.We

www.zaun.co.uk

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Fire, Health & Safety

Products used for fire safety installation should carry an independent third-party certification in order to ensure that the product supplied is the same as that tested

Firestops: a passive route to safety is on the rise Tall buildings continue to play a significant role in meeting our housing and workspace needs with high-rise curtain wall systems being one of the most recognisable components of today’s tall buildings. But along with this has come the increasing importance of passive fire protection solutions playing a vital role in these buildings, mitigating the effects of fire, saving lives and property. Safe solution hris Hall, Commercial

When the gap/cavity at the perimeter edge between the floor and curtain wall is not properly sealed, flames and smoke can spread vertically to higher floors

Development Officer at SIDERISE, feels that passive fire protection solutions such as firestops are crucial to prevent the passage of flames and noxious gases from one compartment floor or room to the next. Fires in high-rise buildings can generate large quantities of smoke that tend to spread vertically throughout the building, even if the fire is contained to one room. Smoke travels up to 130m every minute and, whilst most people can easily move at this rate in normal circumstances, the majority of survivors of fires stated that smoke restricted their ability to see to no more than four metres. When the gap/cavity at the perimeter edge between the floor and curtain wall is not properly sealed, flames and smoke can spread vertically to higher floors, and horizontally from one room to the next. Addressing these gaps/cavities by properly installing firestops maintains the floor’s fire compartmentation of the building. This delays vertical smoke-spread and reduces the risk of smoke-related injury in the upper floors of the building, and adjacent rooms.

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The perimeter barrier firestops seal the gap between the edge of the compartment floor slab and external curtain wall. Due to project designs and site tolerances, this linear gap can be variable, so the firestop system used needs to have a degree of ‘dynamic’ movement capability – compression and recovery – in order to accommodate serviceability movement and more significant movement under fire load. It’s critical the firestop system does this in combination with the primary functional requirement, which is to maintain continuity of fire resistance between the compartment floor and the external wall.The installed firestop system needs to match the same period of fire resistance as the compartment floor. All firestop systems need to be tested to two criteria – Integrity and Insulation (EI). Integrity (E) refers to the ability of the system to prevent the passage of flame, smoke and combustible gases either through, and around, the material or through joints in an assembly; while Insulation (I) refers to a measure of the increase in conducted heat transferred from the exposed to unexposed surfaces of 180°C rise above ambient.

Fire, Health & Safety

Key design considerations

All firestop systems need to be tested to two criteria – Integrity and Insulation (EI)

The firestop should have test evidence to show that it is capable of accommodating movement of a facade. It is imperative that the installed seal is able to function effectively with due regard to all designed movement serviceability limits. Curtain walling and cladding facade systems will deflect due to positive and negative wind loads, as well as occupational live loads.These criteria are covered by EN 13116:2001. Typically, a project may stipulate that the curtain walling system may have the following allowable deflection limits: under the declared wind loads, the maximum frontal deflection of the curtain walling’s framing members shall not exceed L/200 or 15mm, whichever is less, when measured between the points of support or anchorage to the building’s structure in compliance with EN 13116 (extract from EN 13830:2015). These factors may inevitably combine to preclude the suitability and, therefore, use of certain systems e.g. highdensity material slab products. Perimeter barriers must be installed to provide horizontal compartmentation at every floor level.Vertical cavity barriers should be provided as a minimum to fall in line with any compartment wall and more frequently if dictated by the fire strategy of the building.

Products should be fitted tightly around all bracketry to restrict the passage of smoke. Where there is potential for gaps, the product must be sealed with a sealant that carries the same fire insulation and integrity rating as the perimeter barrier. All installations should be in accordance with manufacturers’ instructions and, where fixing brackets are required, these should be fitted and spaced in accordance with a certified fire test report. Products used for fire safety installation should carry an independent third-party certification in order to ensure that the product supplied is the same as that tested. The gap between the slab edge and the facade is often a weak point acoustically. Any products used to improve the acoustic performance must not contribute to the fire load or inhibit the performance of the perimeter barrier.

Seal the voids At the $135m Al Fattan Crystal Towers, recently completed at the Dubai Marina in the UAE, fire safety was paramount in a development which houses hotel rooms, suites and residential apartments. With both vertical and horizontal fire compartmentation requirements, the specification of SIDERISE CW-FS 120 firestops provided the contractor, Cladtech, with a ‘one-stop shop’ solution that could maintain a fire and smoke seal in one product and could successfully fill linear gaps at the podium levels in excess of 300mm. For the two towers, Cladtech installed 12,000LM of SIDERISE CW-FS 120 firestops including horizontal (floor slab) and vertical compartmentation. With the timeline on the project critical, the use of this dry fix system enabled the work to be completed quickly and efficiently, ready for handover to sub-contractors. Throughout the application, SIDERISE provided comprehensive support including drawing assistance, liaison with the authorities for approval, installation training and periodic site inspection and assistance. Whilst specifying the correct product is vital, the quality of installation is equally as important. Contractors installing life-saving measures such as perimeter barriers and firestops must have adequate training on the particular manufacturer’s products and be qualified to install it in the first place. When it comes to saving lives and protecting businesses and property, a welldesigned and installed system can make the difference.

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These two criteria are critical in the development of curtain wall perimeter firestop products.The most effective products combine a number of material features – density, thickness, resin content, fibre structure and controlled compression – which, together, determine the resistance properties. When looking at the Integrity (E) criteria, the material chosen must be impervious to the transfer of flame and gases, easy to install with minimal site management and accommodate all real-world requirements at interfaces, joints and details. In order to meet the fire and smoke stop requirements in all external facade applications, Certifire-approved perimeter barrier and firestop systems offer an unrivalled combination of fully-qualified performance, practical installation and service benefits. The principal function of these systems is to maintain continuity of fire resistance by sealing the gap between the compartment floors or walls and external curtain walls horizontally and vertically. These systems can offer fire rating options ranging from 30 minutes to five hours and accommodate void widths up to 1200mm. In addition to providing an effective seal against the passage of smoke and fire, the products can also function as an effective acoustic barrier and plenum lining.

www.siderise.com

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The RCI Show The RCI Show 2017 offers those operating in these sectors a great opportunity to make contact with, and pick the brains of, key professionals and experts

The tragedy at Grenfell Tower has highlighted the need for closer attention to be paid to fire safety when constructing high-rise buildings.

aterial choice, methods of construction and standards with regards to fire safety have dominated the discussion postGrenfell, but being able to separate the facts from the sensationalism within the media is crucial for those working within construction. With this in mind, one of the debates at November’s RCI Show (November 1st and 2nd) will focus on fire safety, the current regulations and any changes in policy or regulations that might be required going forward.

Skills and recruitment The lack of skilled workers and new entrants to the roofing sector is still a key issue affecting our sector and visitors to the RCI Show will also be able to give their point of view on this problem

in another of the show’s debates. With an ageing workforce and seemingly disinterested youth, construction, in general, faces a real problem if we are to meet the Government’s ever-growing housing targets and deliver the strong pipeline of projects in the coming years. A panel, including IKO MD Andy Williamson, RCI Technical Note Author Keith Roberts, and a representative from the CITB, will give their thoughts on how to tackle this problem in a debate chaired by NFRC’s CEO, James Talman.

18 RIBA-approved CPDs In addition, visitors to the RCI Show can make the most of 18 RIBA-approved CPDs from leading manufacturers including RCI Show sponsor Jablite, Knauf Insulation, IKO Permanite, Whitesales, Ash & Lacy, FM Approval, SIG Roofing and Moy Materials.

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Key professionals and experts As we stand, the roofing, cladding and insulation sectors are under more scrutiny than ever before, so the need to source accurate information is now more crucial than ever. With this in mind, the RCI Show 2017 offers those operating in these sectors a great opportunity to make contact with, and pick the brains of, key professionals and experts to ensure they are up-to-date with the latest views, products and legislation affecting the market. Visit the RCI Show 2017 at the Ricoh Arena, Coventry, from 1st and 2nd November 2017.

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Fire safety is one of the issues under the spotlight at November’s RCI Show 2017

Visitors can also hear Dusty Gedge, Livingroofs.co.uk Founder and Author of the first UK Green Roof Market Report, discuss the report’s findings, plus Dusty will outline his map for the progress of the sector in the coming years. Elsewhere, Livia Williams, from the National Construction Training Services (NCTS), will host a seminar on ‘Developing Modern Methods of Construction’ in the roofing sector. Ms Williams will outline why she feels modern methods of construction can offer key opportunities in addressing the skills issue affecting the sector and reduce waste in the industry.

www.rcishow.co.uk Visitors to the show can make the most of 18 RIBA-approved CPDs from leading manufacturers

UK Construction Week UK Construction Week is also hosting ÖÖDHOUSE’s first UK unveiling. It’s a simply incredible rapid-construction pod building made from timber and privacy glass so that it reflects its exterior surroundings.

This year’s impressive line-up of speakers includes TV Architect George Clarke and Architecture Expert Tom Dyckhoff

Three major motifs Off-site construction is a recurring theme; it’s the future of the way we build.This part of the event is supported by the Modular and Portable Building Association and the Structural Timber Association. The present and future of BIM. Experts will share insights on delivering collaborative 3D BIM at the Building Research Establishment’s BIM Prospects Theatre.

This year’s UK Construction Week promises to be the most impressive yet, with 35,000 visitors and more than 650 exhibitors. It takes place at the NEC, Birmingham, from 10 to 12th October.

t’s one of Britain’s biggest construction industry events, with business networking, knowledge-sharing and, of course, the first public viewing of plenty of innovative products. And it’s completely free for construction professionals.

Nine shows Nine shows cover every area of building, design and construction; the Build Show sponsored by Easy-Trim, Timber Expo, Smart Buildings 2017, Surface & Materials Show (featuring Kitchens & Bathrooms Live), Energy 2017, Grand Designs Live, Plant & Machinery Live, HVAC 2017 and Civils Expo.

Nine shows cover every area of building, design and construction

Among the exhibitors are some of the industry’s best-regarded specialists, including Easy-Trim, Rockwool,VELUX, Portakabin, Steico, CAT, Cemex, Gripple, Screwfix, plus HS2, HP and a long list of international names, such as Bisen Smart Access Co, Hauff-Technik, Kessel, Randek and the Jiangxi Songtao Bamboo Industry Company. There will also be international pavilions from Turkey, China, Belarus and Poland.

Show premieres Along with demonstrations of the latest in construction techniques, materials and new products to benefit every domestic and international sector, the show is proud to be hosting a world premiere. Ten Fold will give the world’s first-ever live demo of the TF-64 – a fully relocatable building that arrives, self-unloads and self-deploys in minutes using almost no power. These units are furnished, ready for immediate use and can fold away and move on effortlessly.

Seminar speakers This year’s impressive line-up of speakers includes TV Architect George Clarke and Architecture Expert Tom Dyckhoff, Zaha Hadid Architects, drMM, Arup, Pier Architects and Design for Homes, Heathrow Airport, Network Rail and HS2 Growth Partnership. Extra zones and theatres include the Offsite Theatre in association with the Modular and Portable Building Association, the Development and Regeneration Hub, the BIM Prospects Theatre delivered by BRE, the Education Hub featuring the BIS conference and How-to Theatre, sponsored by Trimaco.

The Innovation Trail UK Construction Week will showcase the very latest products and services to the largest gathering of construction professionals of the year via the Innovation Trail including: Innovative Mobile Mapping from Central Alliance, Solar EV-Port Systems from Solisco and woven dome buildings from Linus Industries.

What else is happening? In a unique communications partnership, the Chartered Institute of Building and ITN Productions are producing a news and current affairs-style programme which explores the opportunities, challenges and future of the UK construction industry live at the event.

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An important date in the construction diary

Building safety is an absolute priority. Visitors will benefit from free CPD advice covering changes to legislation, guidance on product safety and fire prevention strategies.

www.ukconstructionweek.com

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London Build London Build features over 100 hours of CPD-accredited content to allow you to develop your own skills

London Build returns London Build is back from 25 to 26th October with more content, networking and entertainment than ever before, and you can sign up for a free ticket today.

ore than just your standard exhibition, London Build features over 100 hours of CPDaccredited content to allow you to develop your own skills, including exclusive contract and tender announcements from the largest projects within London from the residential, commercial and infrastructure sectors. Gain access to endless networking opportunities, hundreds of facilitated one-onone meetings to create new business and live entertainment to ensure that you’re having a great day outside the office. Across the two days, London Build will see thousands of construction professionals, contractors, architects, developers and

Government representatives come to Olympia, London, to meet with over 250 exhibitors showcasing the very latest products, solutions and technology across the sector. 150 top-level speakers will be delivering exclusive content in what is the most diverse and progressive programme in the industry, covering topics such as BIM and digital construction, off-site construction, sustainability, skills, the future of London’s construction industry and much more. The Department for International Trade will also be on hand to provide expert oneto-one advice to help your company take a step towards growing your business abroad in London Build’s Export Hub.

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Across the two days, London Build will see thousands of construction professionals, contractors, architects, developers and Government representatives come to Olympia, London

A free ticket to the show will give you the opportunity to meet with all key players from the biggest construction companies, including Mace, Balfour Beatty, Crossrail, Arup, BDP, Atkins, Brookfield Multiplex, Taylor Wimpey, Tideway and thousands more. People from the construction sector’s different disciplines, trades, suppliers and associations, from various parts of the UK and internationally, gather in one place to meet and discuss with a passion their differing perspectives, ideas and needs. And, of course, the differences that they can “bring to the party” to add value to the construction process. It all makes for a wonderfully energetic and highly interactive couple of days that produce moments at London Build’s seminars, workshops and individual stands that are illuminating, captivating and, quite often, downright funny. If you’re looking to get more out of your visit, you could even upgrade to a VIP pass to the show’s London Construction Leaders Summit. Meet with C-level executives over exclusive networking breakfast and lunch sessions. Access premium conference sessions throughout the day with speakers from the Department of Health, Kier Living, London Borough of Southwark, London Borough of Hounslow, Transport for London and NHS Procurement, among others. The evening of October 25th will celebrate the most-deserving companies in the industry at the third annual London Construction Awards. Last year saw a range of companies winning awards for their dynamic approach to working in London. This year, at a ceremony presented by Canadian Comedienne Katherine Ryan at the Royal Garden Hotel, a host of companies will be receiving the plaudits of the industry having been selected by the event’s elite panel of global construction experts.

www.londonbuildexpo.com

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Specification Spotlight This project is a joint showroom, for which Pentagon Tiles has partnered with Schlüter-Systems and Ardex

Meet, greet and be inspired at Leather Lane One of the most fashionable neighbourhoods of Central London, once-industrial Clerkenwell, has long been renowned as a hive of architectural activity. Within this tangle of streets is nestled the newest addition to this community – 49 Leather Lane is Schlüter-Systems’ latest collaborative venture in the heart of the capital.

his project is a joint showroom, for which Pentagon Tiles has partnered with Schlüter-Systems and Ardex. The unassuming exterior conceals a tactile project with a dual purpose – this is not only a place for display, but also for discussion. Architects are invited to hold meetings at 49 Leather Lane, where they can observe the details incorporated into the renovation, experience products in-situ and gain inspiration. Examples of Schlüter’s innovative technologies are abundant, giving direct examples of the benefits associated with installation.

Coming through the main entrance, visitors first find themselves in a smart reception area, the walls and floors of which are installed with Schlüter’s versatile electric surface heating system, SchlüterDITRA-HEAT-E, and integrated with appropriate profiles. Advancing further into the building, a wetroom (a fully functioning convenience for the showroom) demonstrates the various effects and features that can be achieved using products from the Schlüter-KERDI range – including shower niches, shower trays and linear drainage solutions, as well as the multi-functional Schlüter-KERDI-BOARD

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49 Leather Lane is Schlüter-Systems’ latest collaborative venture in the heart of the capital

installation board – which combine to create a CE-Marked waterproofing solution. The integration of IP67-compliant Schlüter-LIPROTEC illuminated profiles allows for unique lighting scenes. At the rear of the building, three shipping containers have been combined to form additional showroom and meeting spaces, again installed with Schlüter-DITRAHEAT-E. The walls of this area are clad with large-format tiles, mitred beautifully to give the impression of stone slabs and Schlüter-KERDI-BOARD provides the perfect substrate to underlay and support the installation. In climbing an aged corten

Specification Spotlight

Advancing further into the building, a wetroom (a fully functioning convenience for the showroom) demonstrates the various effects and features that can be achieved using products from the Schlüter-KERDI range

Examples of Schlüter’s innovative technologies are abundant, giving direct examples of the benefits associated with installation

BEKOTEC and the hydronic underfloor heating system Schlüter-BEKOTECTHERM. Samples and assemblies on show allow visitors to choose their product experience. A wicket door within the large wooden double doors once used for deliveries then leads back onto the bustling street. With the opening of these gates during the numerous events anticipated to be held at this space gets into its stride, its thresholds will blur, integrating into the community surrounding its creation. 49 Leather Lane is open and available to host your next architectural meeting. For booking enquiries, please email Schlüter-Systems.

Product areas: Bathrooms, washrooms and wetrooms; balconies and terraces; staircases, heated floors; industrial floors; swimming pools; offices; kitchens and living spaces Sectors: All market sectors including hotel, architectural, retail, leisure and domestic

Contacts:

Website – www.schluter.co.uk

steel staircase echoing the history of the area, a fourth container – functioning as a hot-desking office – comes into view, boasting full-length glazing which perfectly frames the surrounding landscape. This intimate space again features SchlüterKERDI-BOARD and Schlüter-LIPROTEC, and the terrace upon which it sits makes use of Schlüter-DITRA-DRAIN, to provide effective drainage and uncoupling for another stretch of large-format tiles, installed across the area. Finally, a step back inside and a walk to the left reveals the Porcelain Gallery, installed with the floor substrate Schlüter-

Company at a glance:

Phone – 01530 813396

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Specification Spotlight

Schlüter-DITRA 25 is a polyethylene membrane of just 3mm thickness, with square, dovetailed recesses and an anchoring fleece laminated to the underside

Uncoupling an icon There are few landmarks in the world more famous than the Eiffel Tower. When it came to the latest round of renovations for this romantic French landmark, two of Schlüter’s own iconic products proved to be key.

onstructed between 1887 and 1889, the Eiffel Tower was inaugurated at the Exposition Universelle of 1889, held to commemorate the 100th anniversary of the French Revolution. It was a feat of engineering and architecture and today welcomes almost seven million visitors a year. With these extraordinary visitor credentials, it is hardly surprising that the structure has undergone a number of renovations in recent years; the latest of these was the overhaul of the firstfloor platform, situated at a height of 57m, self-financed by operator company, SETE (Société d’exploitation de la tour Eiffel), with a sum of approximately €25m. A delicate operation due to the unique characteristics of the building and the levels of interest it attracts, it involved rebuilding the Eiffel and Ferrié pavilions as well as three access structures to the elevators, along with renovating the facade of the restaurant. As part of the project, natural stone coverings were installed across 300m2 of floor space, 85m2 of wall space and a selection of other items, including a staircase, seating benches and counters; Schlüter-Systems was engaged to provide an uncoupling solution that would support and protect the material.

In selecting the exact products for the installation, particular emphasis was placed on achieving maximum durability whilst minimising assembly height and weight, a task for which Schlüter’s uncoupling membrane of 30 years’ standing, Schlüter-DITRA 25, was well suited and specified.With the architect having requested large-format natural stone panels of 100 x 100cm for the bulk of the floor area, EDM enlisted the services of Stone Performance, which provided a material mix panel consisting of a 10mm natural stone layer on fibreglass, structurally bonded across the entire surface.The panels were installed over a steel substrate panel, following the application of a bonded primer and installation of the Schlüter-DITRA 25, and were set into place with suction lifters.The entire covering area was subdivided into 40m2 segments, using Schlüter-DILEX-EKSN movement joints. These movement joint profiles, which were also installed in the door transition areas, are ideally suited to absorbing the expansion and contraction anticipated. An uncoupling membrane is always recommended for tile and stone installations and is installed in between the tile and substrate to prevent cracking and debonding of the materials. It also helps manage the vibrations of a building, a particularly useful feature by account of the installation team’s experiences during

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When it came to the latest round of renovations for this romantic French landmark, two of Schlüter’s own iconic products proved to be key

the project: “When we were calibrating our laser-levelling device, the display kept moving back and forth,” recalls Sebastien Sollier, Project Manager at EDM Paris. “The tower is constantly in motion, which is particularly noticeable at peak visiting hours. The level only was reasonably stable in the morning, when the tower was still closed for visitors.” Schlüter-DITRA 25 is a polyethylene membrane of just 3mm thickness, with square, dovetailed recesses and an anchoring fleece laminated to the underside.The bottom of the recesses, when filled with thin-bed adhesive, directly transfers load impact on the tile covering through to the substrate, preventing damage.The design of the recesses also facilitates the creation of a system of interconnected air channels between the fleece and the membrane, which allows moisture to evaporate from the substrate and neutralises vapour pressure.The fleece itself ensures secure bonding of the membrane to the tile adhesive. The specifiers of this project found their perfect solution in Schlüter-DITRA 25. The Schlüter-DITRA range also contains solutions specially designed for underfloor heating, sound reduction, large format tile and external drainage (DITRA-HEAT/ DITRA-HEAT-DUO, DITRA-SOUND and DITRA-DRAIN respectively).

Specification Spotlight

SCHLÜTER-DITRA-HEAT-E

Product in focus: Schlüter-DITRA-HEAT-E is a marketleading electric system for providing heating on walls and floors under tile and stone. It also provides uncoupling, crack bridging and waterproofing properties along with load distribution and vapour management, guaranteeing a lasting installation. The uncoupling matting prevents cracks in the finished installation and eliminates the need for self-levelling, and its unique studded design means that the cable is easily pressed into place with no need for tape, glue or measurement.

Benefits for specifiers/installers: 70% faster installation time compared to loose cable systems No need for self-levelling compound Low assembly height CE-Marked waterproofing simply by sealing the matting joints and connections Suitable for installation over timber and concrete substrates. Benefits for building users: Faster response time with SchlüterDITRA-HEAT-DUO matting, bringing 80% more heat to the surface Greater control over your heating zones, saving energy and running costs Reduces impact sound by up to 13 dB, with Schlüter-DITRA-HEAT-DUO matting option.

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SCHLÜTER-DITRA-HEAT-E-DUO

Provision of the mat and cable as separate elements means that the heating system can be custom designed around the features of a room, ensuring the most efficient use of materials and saving on running costs.

Specification Spotlight BRAND-NEW FASHIONABLE FINISHES FOR DILEX-AHK Schlüter-Systems’ popular range of trendled textured profile finishes expands its reach to wall corner profiles, allowing for even closer coordination of tile and stone protection. Three of the most in-demand profile finishes available from the stylish SchlüterTRENDLINE range can now be applied to the internal wall corner profile, SchlüterDILEX-AHK, as well as all associated accessories. This brand-new opportunity to finish these items in ivory, stone grey or dark anthracite will allow specifiers and tilers to achieve flowing expanses

of matching profile protection from wall edges to corners, creating a smooth visual harmony or continuous bold accents as desired. Schlüter-DILEX-AHK is a cove-shaped aluminium profile that protects tile edges and allows for easy and thorough cleaning of corners, preventing mould growth; it is available in heights of 8, 10 and 12mm, and also features an integrated joint spacer for neat grouting of the tile. Accessories are available to handle internal and external corners and include end caps and connectors for complete coverage.

GRATE NEWS FROM SCHLÜTER-SYSTEMS Further enriching its drain portfolio, Schlüter-Systems showcased three new grate designs at Cersaie 2017, available soon across both its point and linear drains. With so many options available in the way of tiles, Schlüter recognises that drains are an increasingly important element in creating a cohesive whole for a wetroom. The new designs for Schlüter-KERDIDRAIN and Schlüter-KERDI-LINE – Floral, Curve and Pure – have been developed with current bathroom trends in mind, yet are versatile and neutral enough to stand the test of time.

Floral: a geometric design with just the right amount of softness, Floral’s uniform pattern makes it equally suitable for wetrooms with a structured industrial or softly textured theme. Curve: the simple, playful accents of the Curve design translate into grates that are the perfect complement to all manner of trends – from the organic feel of a natural retreat to the clean-cut lines of a reduced geometric wetroom. Pure: crisp and minimalist, Pure is a nofuss, no-frills design that is great to have at hand for its timeless looks.

INTRODUCING ALMOST-INVISIBLE EDGE PROTECTION Following an intensive research and product development process, SchlüterSystems is pleased to welcome a revolutionary new slimline contour profile to its ranks. Schlüter-FINEC offers near-invisible edge protection for the corners of tile and stone installations, satisfying the demands of both tile protection and design aesthetics. The profiles are particularly ideal for use with glass mosaics and thin-format tiles as they are extremely slimline, allowing for the creation of discreet flowing detail.

Unlike comparable offerings from other suppliers, Schlüter-FINEC is available in both anodised aluminium and V2A stainless steel, meaning that discreet edges are possible in both standard and heavy-duty applications. This new addition to Schlüter’s renowned range of profiles is also easy to cut and mitre, making for quick finishing, less wastage and reduced frustration on the part of the installer.

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Request Schlüter-Systems’ brochure, which includes further details on its products, technical advice and areas of use. Schlüter-Systems, Units 3-5 Bardon 22 Industrial Estate, Beveridge Lane, Coalville, Leicestershire, LE67 1TE T: 01530 813396 E: pr@schluter.co.uk

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PROBLEM SOLVED

Schlüter ®D IL E X movement joint

Schlüter ® -PROFILES When specifying tile and stone, you need a partner you can trust. From functional to decorative, our product range includes profiles for finishing wall and floor coverings, stair nosings, expansion, perimeter, edge, and transition joints. With a wide range of finishes, colours, materials, textures and capabilities there’s an option for every application, all suitable for use in commercial and residential installations with tile and stone coverings. Backed up by expert technical support, whenever, wherever you need it. Making the decision to choose Schlüter-Systems even easier. To find out more call 01530 813396 or visit www.schluterspecifier.co.uk

HVAC/HVP Focus The range includes the new outlook ARTCOOL Mirror, The Deluxe and the Standard Plus models

LG launches new embedded Wi-Fi wallmounted air con units LG has launched a new range of wall-mounted air conditioning units with a plethora of new features including embedded Wi-Fi and compatibility with its multi-split range. In addition, the 10-year compressor warranty that already applies to its single-split wall mount units is now extended to include the multi-split range.

he range includes the new outlook ARTCOOL Mirror, The Deluxe and the Standard Plus models. All units are A++ in cooling and have added to the ranges existing high-efficiency rating with A+ in heating, along with

active energy control, and smart diagnosis. ARTCOOL and Deluxe models are also equipped with ‘Plasmaster’ Ionizer Plus filters. They are all quick and easy to install and operate from as low as just 19 dB, offering fast heating and jet cooling.

All three new units feature embedded Wi-Fi so you can easily access your air conditioners by using smart internet devices such as Android or iOS-based mobile phones

All three new units feature embedded Wi-Fi so you can easily access your air conditioners by using smart internet devices such as Android or iOS-based mobile phones – wherever you are and however many air conditioners you may have. LG’s Active Energy Control adjusts the energy consumption level by controlling the maximum frequency of the compressor motor.This allows you to select a default 100% available system capacity, to meet highload conditions, to 40% relative energy usage if the load is lowered in a situation such as where there are very few people in a room and very little activity taking place. It simply offers inbuilt, remote energy usage flexibility. Smart diagnosis offers exactly what it says on the tin. It allows users to conveniently check setup, installation, troubleshooting and other related information directly from a smartphone. This is achieved by utilising LG’s ‘LG Smart ThinQ’ app. By clicking ‘start smart diagnosis’ you can monitor and check diagnosis results conveniently via Wi-Fi. The Plasmaster Ionizer Plus filters available with ARTCOOL Mirror and Deluxe reduce harmful microscopic particles by infusing the air passing through the air conditioner with over three million ions.The simple effect is that the filters sterilise up to 99.9% of all bacteria and deodorise the air as well. If that wasn’t enough, LG’s unique technology with a larger skew fan and the outdoor unit’s fan create high-efficiency cooling and heating and a 9m-long power airflow from the units. The skew fan is 25% larger than previous models and the larger cooling outlet expels air farther and cools space faster than previous models without causing a draught. 8 partner.lge.com/uk

* hvac.marketing@lge.com ( 01932

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HVAC/HVP Focus

The LG equipment is capable of delivering a maximum of 12.5kW of cooling for the five studios in the basement

New music studios choose LG air conditioning Some of the most intriguing buildings are ones you can walk past and simply not know they are there. So walking down Broad Passage in Acton, west London, you can walk past the door to five impressive new music studios and have absolutely no idea what has been cleverly crafted in the basement of a building which sits under a row of shops in The Vale that have apartments above them, right in the centre of Acton.

he door to the studios opens to reveal a narrow entrance pathway to steps down into the basement of the building and, on entering the studios, you find yourself in a small reception area with a fully-equipped kitchen. A corridor in front of you leads to the five studios that have somehow been incorporated into the building; each one effectively a soundproofed pod that ‘floats’ in its own space so that noise generated in any of them does not interfere with the studio next door, or cause issues with the shops above the studios or the apartments on the first floor and above. Created by Nick Sonuga of StudioSixMusic, these studios offer recording facilities to the highly-active music scene in west London in plush surroundings that benefit from all the facilities you would expect of such a facility, but not exactly where you might expect to find them. This includes highly effective, very low noise air conditioning with a high-efficiency heat exchanger, to keep each studio comfortable, however many people are in them at any one time. The air conditioning was supplied and installed by M3R Climate – a specialist specifier of LG HVAC equipment based in Milton Keynes. M3R supplies splits,

VRF, AHUs, ventilation and controls and supplies spares as well. M3R is an expert in LG equipment: “We like the options LG equipment offers us,” says Ryan Kontoh. “The equipment we specified for the studios in Acton was a perfect fit because we were able to fit the LG ECO V unit and the condenser in a very tight space in what is effectively an alleyway and to ensure that it was capable of delivering a maximum of 12.5kW of cooling for the five studios in the basement. We find the equipment simple to install and very flexible – in this

project, space was at a premium but we were able to overcome any issues easily. We also love the LG controls – with the LG pedigree in electronics it is no real surprise that the controls are excellent – very user-friendly and easy for new users to pick up and understand to control the climate in each studio as they need it.” 8 partner.lge.com/uk

* hvac.marketing@lge.com ( 01932

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The equipment M3R specified for the studios in Acton was a perfect fit because it was able to fit the LG ECO V unit and the condenser in a very tight space in what is effectively an alleyway

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HVAC/HVP Focus Phase 2 of Inglewood Retirement Village benefits from cuttingedge heating courtesy of the latest Therma V Split units from LG, providing cost-effective and comfortable heating

LG Therma V makes luxurious retirement that little bit warmer Inglewood Retirement Village nestles gently into 39 acres of superb grounds, close to the Berkshire border. Offering stunning surroundings, it’s one of a number of luxury retirement villages provided across the country by Audley Retirement Villages – one of the UK’s leading retirement living providers.

The exterior units are installed on the roof of the building, completely hidden from the sight of the owners

nglewood is built close to the village of Kintbury, near Hungerford on land once owned by William the Conqueror. It’s a very old manor house with a huge history that has been totally transformed by a succession of owners over the centuries. Today’s Inglewood is an impressive, modern, extended – and quite majestic – luxury retirement village for the over 55s. And it has the best of everything, including the heating system to keep its owners warm in the winter. Phase 2 benefits from cutting-edge heating courtesy of the latest Therma V Split units from LG, providing costeffective and comfortable heating and hot water for each individual apartment. There are 26 individual units in Phase 2, with the internal installations fitted neatly in a cupboard in the quite exceptional kitchens. The exterior units are installed on the roof of the building, completely hidden from the sight of the owners. Each room within the apartments is separately zoned and controlled by simple dial thermostats allowing the owners total control over the level of heating in each room. The reality is that most owners are totally unaware of the fact that their heating is provided by an air source heat pump installation, rather than a traditional boiler and they are pleasantly surprised by the low level of the heating costs in their new homes. The LG units were installed by Bristolbased heating and renewables specialist, IntoHeat. “We were happy to be asked to install the LG Therma V split units in this project – they’re quality products and we find them easy to fit and reliable to operate,” says IntoHeat’s Dave Canning. “They’ve only been in the property for a few months but we’ve had only positive feedback which is encouraging.” John Wilcock is the Facilities Manager at Inglewood, responsible for the building and for keeping owners happy. “You might expect with a new and refurbished core building project that there will be teething problems and new owners will point out any issues they have with the apartments they have purchased,” explains John. “Suffice to say that I have had no complaints at all about the heating and hot water systems which tells pretty much the whole story. I’ve been very impressed by the units themselves and the quality of the installation.” 8 partner.lge.com/uk

* hvac.marketing@lge.com ( 01932

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HVAC & Electricals The average sports hall will be around 690m2 in floor area with a roof height of 8m – up to 10m to the apex. The volume of air in the building is, therefore, approximately 6210m3.

Radiant vs underfloor in the great sports hall heating battle or debate? There can be no doubt about it – radiant tube is the acknowledged leader when it comes to heating large multi-use sports halls. Whichever way you look at it – comfort levels, economy, ease of maintenance, safety – overhead radiant systems are so far ahead of the competition that they can’t see it for dust. Why, then, does anyone consider specifying underfloor heating for sports halls? The choice is wrong in every aspect.

nderfloor is a great heating system in a huge variety of applications; from homes and offices to smaller shops. But sports halls have very different requirements from domestic and retail settings, and these are at odds with the benefits of underfloor heating. Take the average sports hall – one attached to a school, for example. It will be around 690m2 in floor area with a roof height of 8m – up to 10m to the apex.The volume of air in the building is, therefore, approximately 6210m3. An underfloor heating system delivers all its heat up from the floor, directly under the feet of active players, and can thus produce ‘stuffy’ conditions at low level, which are not conducive to playing sport. Spectators at higher levels will only feel residual benefits as the warmed air rises.The balance is inappropriate – spectators need more warmth than players – but underfloor heating does not compensate for different activity rates. Radiant tube heating, by contrast, keeps everyone warm to the level of their need. Suspended from the roof at a high level, the radiant tubes emit infrared rays that warm people and objects in their path. The air remains relatively cool and conducive for active sports – at a low level it does absorb some of the heat given off the people and the building fabric, but it is not heated directly. Building occupants feel comfortably warm at all times. And should people feel too warm, the close control possible with radiant means it can be turned down or off and temperatures reduce immediately.

Economy As it doesn’t heat the volume of air in the building, a radiant system operates very economically. Energy consumption levels can be reduced still further by zone control. This allows areas of the building that are not being used to remain unheated, without compromising comfort temperatures in areas that are in use. Underfloor systems consist of continuous tubes sealed under the floor. Zone control is not an option and the whole building must be heated, regardless of occupancy. Furthermore, a radiant system burns fuel efficiently at the point of use whereas an underfloor system requires a separate boiler plant. A boiler can be inefficient in itself – particularly if it is running constantly – and heat may be lost transferring energy between the plant and the underfloor tubes.

Cracking up What about the effects on the building fabric of the two systems? Radiant tube heaters are positioned overhead, some metres away from the people and objects they heat, with no risk of overheating or damage to building or equipment. Roof or wall flues are kept to a minimum, with the average sports hall of 690m2 requiring only one flue. By contrast, underfloor heating acts directly on the surface of the floor. To achieve temperatures for sports activity,

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exam and sedentary functions the floor will often have to be heated to 27°C. Over time, this may have a detrimental effect of the floorcovering. It has been known that floors fail within three years. Replacement is an expensive option. This is what happened at Ysgol Dyffryn, a secondary school in north Wales. The 640m2 sports hall was equipped with underfloor heating as part of a major refurbishment and new-build project throughout the school. The floor began to crack and the underfloor heating system had to be changed for safety reasons. A Nor-Ray-Vac radiant tube heating system with a twostage temperature control was installed to provide a background warmth of 16°C for sports activity, rising to 20°C for exams and other sedentary functions. Continuous gas-fired radiant tube heating is among the systems recommended by Sport England for use in the Optimum and also the Affordable Sports Hall, off-the-shelf sports hall designs that are configured to enable multi-use with minimised running and maintenance costs. If all these benefits weren’t argument enough for the case for radiant heating in sports halls, cost is the final nail in the coffin. Capital outlay for installing a radiant system is around half that of underfloor heating. 8 www.nortekhvac.com

* ryan.ashley@nortek.com ( 01384

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HVAC & Electricals The Canary Wharf Group decided this was the ideal solution as many apartments require both heating and cooling throughout the home.

Smart connected control

District heating at Southbank Place, Canary Wharf Evinox Energy is delighted to be working with Canary Wharf Group on the Southbank Place development. This outstanding scheme features a district heating system that incorporates a highly efficient energy centre, which will reduce the carbon footprint of the site. The district network will supply residents with thermal energy for heating, cooling and the production of domestic hot water. Southbank Place is being developed by Braeburn Estates, a joint venture between Canary Wharf Group and Qatari Diar Real Estate Investment Company.

Heating and cooling interface units Evinox Energy has supplied ModuSat heating and cooling interface units, including twin-plate units, for instantaneous heating and hot water, single plate units for cooling and models that feature an integrated hot water storage tank.

The interface units at Southbank Place feature the SmartTalk two-way communication technology, which operates using the same hard-wired network as the metering data collection without additional costs.This enables all dwellings to be remotely metered, controlled, interrogated and tested, and enables operation and maintenance routines to be run remotely – including the diagnosis of faults.

Credit towards Code for Sustainable Homes Each home also features an Evinox ViewSmart ENE3 controller, which can display all the information required to gain credits for Code for Sustainable Homes. This includes historical consumption data in a graphical format to enable residents to view information about their usage and compare different periods. 8 www.evinoxenergy.co.uk * info@evinoxenergy.co.uk ( 01372

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Get multizoned with Consort Claudgen’s MRX1 controller

Air curtains by design Architects and consultants can now enjoy a freehand with air curtain design thanks to the Zen from JS Air Curtains. Fascia panels can be custom-made in many different materials, screen printed to carry logos or images, and manufactured to incorporate elements such as clocks and LED displays. Materials designers have specified on custom Zen fascias range from stainless steel, wood, PU leather, highimpact polystyrene and PET, each chosen to perfectly match the architecture of the entrance.As the fascias can also be provided with vinyl graphics, fire exit signs and illuminated 3D lettering, the possibilities are limited only by the designer’s imagination. 8 www.jsaircurtains.com * sales@jsaircurtains.com ( 01903 858656

Consort Claudgen has launched its latest innovation, the MRX1 Multizone wireless controller, which offers ‘zoning’ of your electric heating system. This central controller can control up to eight heating zones via existing CRX2 controllers which operate multiple Consort RX heaters in the same room or zone. The MRX1 has a large colour LCD touchscreen, is simple to set up and easy to programme. A sevenw-day programme featuring six time periods a day can be set separately for each space or duplicated across other areas, if required, saving time. Temperature adjustments for all zones can also be done simultaneously. With extensive heat control options and energy-saving features. * sales@consortepl.com ( 01646 692172

8 www.consortepl.com

LED floodlights built for the British weather Rusty fittings, casings, screws and brackets on outdoor lights are no longer an inevitable result of the British climate. Timeguard’s new Coastal range maintains good looks for longer because all the metal parts are made of high-grade stainless steel, from the brackets to the screws and even PCB components. 10, 20 and 30W floodlights with integral PIR detectors are available, all with slave terminals for external loads.You can also connect floodlights in parallel so that any detector will switch them all on. Another great new feature is the curved Timeguard panning bracket. No longer do you have to align floodlights flat to the wall, this clever curved bracket enables you to pan as well as tilt. * sales@timeguard.com ( 0208 452 1112

8 www.timeguard.com

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CPD Focus

Earn double points with two new CPDs from Rockfon Rockfon has used its expertise to create two informative RIBA-accredited CPDs designed to explain the unique benefits of stone wool acoustic ceiling and wall solutions. ‘Interior Acoustic Surfaces for Monolithic Architecture’ is a must for all architects and designers involved in monolithic building designs. Traditionally, to achieve good acoustics a tiled, suspended ceiling would be installed. But now, there is no need to compromise on aesthetics as monolithic systems made from naturally-occurring stone wool, can achieve Class A sound absorption with seamless surfaces. ‘Natural Benefits of Stone Wool for Acoustic Ceilings and Walls’ explains how to create beautiful, healthy spaces which protect people from unwanted noise and the spread of fire. * rockfoncpd@m-spring.com

( 0800 389 0314 8 www.rockfon.co.uk

Saint-Gobain Weber introduces WeberSpec and RIBA-approved CPD Saint-Gobain Weber manufactures a comprehensive range of high-quality products for professional tile fixers and applicators and is recognised for bringing innovative, highperformance technologies to the market. “WeberSpec is a completely free M40

specification tool constructed on an easy-to-use platform, but when advice is required our technical team is on hand,” says Tracey Dempster, Head of Marketing at Saint-Gobain Weber. “And, to support WeberSpec, we have also introduced a new RIBA-Assessed CPD, ‘Floor Tiling onto Calcium Sulphate Screeds’. This is a subject frequently raised by architects, contractors and applicators with our technical team.” The main learning aim of the new CPD is to assist in the design and specification process. * enquiries@netweber.co.uk

( 08703 330070 8 www.weberspec.co.uk

CPD now available from Ocula Systems Partitioning expert and developer of the established Tenon and System 8000 products, Ocula Systems, is now offering RIBA-approved CPD training on ‘Specifying Performance Fully Glazed Partitioning Systems’. The training, designed to be just an hour in length, looks at the benefits of using glazed partitioning, where it’s best used, its performance and design capability and integration flexibility. It details the building standards that need to be considered when specifying partitions, offers an explanation on acoustic performance and sound attenuation and, very importantly, fire testing and safety. The training finishes with a selection of case studies showcasing some of the latest glazed partitioning projects, offering inspirational ideas to attendees. * info@oculasystems.co.uk

( 0118 935 8152 8 www.oculasystems.co.uk

Zaun joins RIBA-approved CPD network Steel fencing manufacturer, Zaun, will be educating architects on integrated perimeter systems after becoming a RIBAapproved CPD provider. Zaun will be delivering the RIBAassessed, seminar ‘Perimeter and Integrated Systems, The Trusted Advisor’, and giving factory and demo area visits at its Wolverhampton head office to help architects fulfil their annual CPD requirements. Zaun joins the RIBA CPD Providers Network, which consists of over 500 manufacturers and suppliers who provide RIBA-approved CPDs to architects and other specifiers. The network partners deliver free RIBA-assessed CPDs face-to-face in architects’ practices or on factory tours, at RIBA CPD roadshows or online. * sales@zaun.co.uk

( 01902 796699 8 www.zaun.co.uk

ELCO Heating Solutions creates new CHP-focused CPD ELCO Heating Solutions has introduced a new CIBSEapproved CPD module to bolster its hugely popular learning programme. The latest CPD has been meticulously designed to help building services engineers maximise the benefits of Combined Heat and Power (CHP)

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when incorporated within a commercial heating system. The module considers all major aspects of commercial CHP installations, including: how to size a CHP unit and the different design approaches for optimum running times and efficiencies; fundamentals of a thermallyled CHP installation, including correctly sizing a buffer vessel/ thermal store; followed by details on combining a CHP with gas condensing boilers. * sales@elco.co.uk

( 01268 546700 8 www.elco.co.uk/cpd

Saint-Gobain Building Glass launches CPD seminar The complexities, range and versatility of glass used inside buildings, is explained in a new ‘Glass for Interiors’ RIBAaccredited CPD, now available from Saint-Gobain Building Glass. Free to attend, the CPD seminar contributes to professional learning hours and will cover the required topics under RIBA’s core curriculum, including material on; British Standards and regulations, manifestation, design features possible with glass and glass performance including safety, privacy and acoustic characteristics. Jenni Young, Marketing Manager at Saint-Gobain Building Glass, commented: “The leading manufacturer of flat glass in the UK is once again proving its commitment to giving architects the information they need to benefit and inspire their work.” * glassinfo.uk@

saint-gobain-glass.com ( 01977 666100 8 www.saint-gobain-glass.com

Advantage Tennis Mesh - Now Available with Super Rebound

(t): +44 (0)1902 796 699 | (e): info@zaun.co.uk | (w): www.zaun.co.uk Tennis Mesh 185mm x 122mm.indd 1

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Floors, Walls & Ceilings Karndean’s newly-updated Art Select collection will now feature a total of 27 wood designs and 21 stone designs

Karndean Designflooring introduces new Art Select wood designs with multiple formats A UK market-leader in luxury vinyl flooring, Karndean Designflooring, is updating its sophisticated Art Select collection with four new wood designs.

esigned to accommodate the growing desire for zoning individual spaces and matching room-to-room designs, Karndean Designflooring is introducing the cool and multi-tonal grey hues of Storm Oak in a matching full-length plank (1219 x 178mm), parquet (228 x 76mm) and basketweave (305 x 76mm, 114 x 114mm) formats. With an existing Spring Oak full-length plank and parquet design already available, the collection will also welcome a new Spring Oak basketweave design. These new designs are perfect for architects, interior designers and contractors looking to achieve the same colour floor throughout with an alternative format or as a standalone rug effect to break up individual areas and create a sense of direction. Full of charm and character, Karndean’s Art Select collection is recognised for featuring the most beautiful and inspiring natural timber effects, with intricate and realistic handcrafted embosses.

“With traditional dark and rich brown tones already available as part of our Art Select Oak Royale collection, our new cool grey tone will work well in contemporary and industrial spaces,” explains Matthew Speck, Commercial Sales Director of Karndean Designflooring. He continued: “Having the same design in multiple formats will allow specifiers more flexibility when designing a space. They’ll be most popular in retail, hospitality and education spaces. “We also know traditional basketweave effects are back in style and, when paired with parquet or full-length designs, they can make a real impact in commercial environments.” Available now, Karndean’s newly-updated Art Select collection will now feature a total of 27 wood designs and 21 stone designs. 8 www.karndean.com

* commercial@karndean.co.uk ( 01386

820104

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Karndean’s Art Select collection is recognised for featuring the most beautiful and inspiring natural timber effects, with intricate and realistic handcrafted embosses

Floors, Walls & Ceilings

FILA protects In Situ encaustics at Jamie’s Italian A FILA tile protection and care regime has been specified, alongside In Situ London’s Moroccan cement tiles, at Jamie’s Italian.

Kalwall puts on a show Kalwall translucent cladding has been extensively used to clad the multi-million-pound Exeter Road leisure development in Bournemouth, designed by architect practice Broadway Malyan. Almost 1000m2 of Kalwall have been used in this bold scheme which has transformed a former bus station into a 10-screen multiplex cinema, cafe, restaurant and retail complex.

Recognised as a key material in this project, the translucent cladding encapsulates the building across all nine elevations and encloses the external fire escapes. At night, the cladding creates a warm, inviting

The stunning installation spans the restaurant and bar area, on floors and on walls below open serving counters. FILA protection and finishing treatments were chosen to protect and enhance the encaustic-style Moroccan tiles throughout the fixing process. One of the latest additions to Jamie’s chain, the new restaurant is situated within the Hilton Hotel at Tower Bridge. Designed by Stiff + Trevillion, the stunning interior broadly follows Jamie’s established style but with a more contemporary feel.Throughout the restaurant, the tiles’ distinct oblique pattern mirrors the suspended ceiling and lighting design and the restaurant’s rustic, earthy tones. During the installation, In Situ initially applied FILAPRW200 pre-grouting protector to the cement tiles.The water-based treatment, from FILA’s Green Line, is specially designed for absorbent materials and protects against grout, water and building site residues, without altering appearance or affecting adhesion. FILAPS87 was then used to deep clean the tiles, before protecting the tiles and grout lines against stains with solvent-free FILAMP90 ECO PLUS. 8 www.filasolutions.com

* filauk@filasolutions.com ( 01584

877286

and ethereal glow proving a beacon for visitors while mitigating any issues with light pollution to the surrounding residential and commercial buildings. Kalwall is frequently specified for this type of prestige project where high-end performance and quality need to be coupled with aesthetics, practicality and a long lifecycle. Not only does Kalwall provide a neat and cost-effective solution but it also offers complete line-of-sight protection, maintaining privacy for building occupants while bathing the interior with diffused daylighting regardless of the weather. Importantly, Kalwall will eliminate shadows and glare and the stark contrasts of light and shade.The system also enhances simplicity by doing away with the need for blinds, curtains or solar control. Even on cloudy days, the interior is flooded with natural daylight, which means less artificial lighting and, because Kalwall is highly insulating, energy costs are reduced.The standard Kalwall 70mm-thick panel offers insulation up to 0.28W/m2K – equivalent to a cavity-filled solid wall. 8 www.structura-uk.com/kalwall * kalwall@structura.co.uk ( 01233

501504

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Over 400 separate CAD drawings were required to ensure each panel was precision-cut to the finest tolerances, including around each stair tread

An impressive staircase clad in Corian connects seven floors of the atrium in the new St. James’s Market by Make Architects, creating a feature from every floor and angle

Cantilevered staircase clad in Corian connects seven floors of the restored St James’s Market A hidden gem in the heart of London has recently been restored to full glory, modernising the space for contemporary use while honouring its historic character. St. James’s Market, tucked away to the south of London’s Piccadilly Circus, has been given an entirely new lease of life by Make Architects in a flagship investment scheme from the Crown Estate and Oxford Properties.

he development comprises two buildings housing high-end commercial, leisure and retail units together with the creation of a new pedestrianised exterior space to the rear. One St. James’s Market is behind the renovated Grade II Listed Regent Street facade, whilst Two St. James’s Market fronts Haymarket. A new public space and art pavilion sits between the two. Each aspect of the scheme is part of a holistic design integrating new and existing buildings with the public realm, and which sympathetically echoes the quality, scale and materiality of nearby structures. The distinguished elegance and renowned capabilities of Corian have been employed within One St. James’s Market to create a show-stopping centrepiece in the new building’s light-filled atrium, which serves 210,000ft2 of office space. Corian has been cleverly designed to form the sleek and pristine cladding for an impressive staircase that cantilevers

between seven floors, and which is constructed in a way that leaves minimal slip joins to allow for movement. Versatile, sophisticated and reliable, Corian was the obvious choice to achieve the demanding specifications of this high-impact installation. In total, 280 sheets of Corian in Glacier White were applied, encasing the structural framework seamlessly. Over 400 separate CAD drawings were required to ensure each panel was precision-cut to the finest tolerances, including around each stair tread.These lightweight panels were then transported to site and fitted using a method that creates invisible joints to ensure a smooth visual flow from one floor of the building to another. The expertise of Corian industrial partner, Unique Fabrications, was called upon for the meticulous demands of the project, which were skilfully met by the company’s considerable technical ability and creativity. Greg Beaver, MD of Unique Fabrications, is justifiably proud of the results: “This fabulous

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building on iconic Regent Street needed something really special to complement the finesse of the new workplace, hospitality and retail spaces. Corian was the obvious choice, primarily because this incredible staircase had to appear as one uniform design that is as beautiful as it is practical. Corian is also easy to maintain so will keep looking great.” Vicky Brown, Partner at Make Architects, adds: “Our aim was to both restore the site and celebrate its historic identity in a vibrant, new destination defined by world-class architecture. It was important that we remained respectful of the site’s unique history, so we collaborated closely with Historic England, the St. James’s Conservation Trust, the Westminster Society and Westminster City Council to ensure our design preserved its character and quality.” 8 www.corian.com

* info@corian.co.uk ( 0800

962116

Floors, Walls & Ceilings

Terrazzo floor installation blends heritage with modernity According to the National Federation of Terrazzo, Marble and Mosaic Specialists, the popularity and specification of terrazzo as colourful and highperformance flooring is growing. Spokesman Brian James comments: “A good example is the new terrazzo floor laid in the reception and lift lobby areas of the Grade II Listed One King William Street development in London which provides an impressive welcome for visitors.” “Our design intent was to use terrazzo for its robust and hard-wearing performance but also because it is a visually interesting material,” explained Ben Leach of architect practice AAMM. “The grey-white tone chip of the terrazzo with flecks of Thassos and Giallo Siena suitably reflects the palette of materials and colours used throughout.” Working with an existing building with varying build-ups, it was critical that different thicknesses could be used for the different applications as needed.

This required continual review of sizes as site conditions were uncovered during construction. In addition, the requirement of a luxurious inlay in the reception area of two-tone triangular tiles tested skills in design, fabrication and installation. The installation itself was completed by another NFTMMS member,TRI Contracting. “We won the business as a result of assisting the architects in specification, samples and advice and competing in the tender costs,” explained TRI’s Brian Connor. “We supplied and installed factory-finish terrazzo tiles to all lift lobbies over seven floors and the bespoke terrazzo pattern tile to main reception.” The NFTMMS represents companies who wish to maintain and improve the standards of craftsmanship and technical control on

which the industry depends. It includes companies involved in terrazzo, mosaic, marble, granite, limestone and quartz and NFTMMS members freely offer technical advice and assistance with specifications. 8 www.nftmms.co.uk

* bjames@nftmms.org ( 0845

609 0050

The grass is greener with F. Ball products London GP surgery gets the Pendock treatment Pendock has supplied a range of products for work on a doctor’s practice.When undertaking the refurbishment of the Albion Street Group Practice in Rotherhithe, the contractor,Westwise Service Management, identified that there was a potential risk of burn/scald injury to the building’s occupants from the heating system’s exposed pipework and radiators as well as aesthetic issues.The specialist contractor decided to purchase 17 standard and bespoke Ultima Plus Radiator Guards for the surgery: these low surface temperature (LST) guards have been designed to provide the ultimate in protection against burns, while the ‘bullnose’ corners afford further safety in situations where patients might fall accidentally or be at risk from self-harm. 8 www.pendock.co.uk * sales@pendock.co.uk ( 01952 580590

F. Ball and Co.’s Stopgap Fill and Prime twocomponent flexible cement-based primer and Stopgap 700 flexible smoothing underlayment have been used to prepare the subfloor of Long Barn Garden Centre in Alresford, Hampshire, prior to the installation of vinyl floorcoverings.The regional F. Ball representative advised the contractors to use Stopgap Fill and Prime to create a smooth, even and primed subfloor prior to the application of the smoothing underlayment. Stopgap Fill and Prime is a cement-based primer suitable for use over raised access panels and flooring grades of plywood, chipboard, MDF and OSB. * mail@f-ball.co.uk ( 01583 361633

8 www.f-ball.co.uk

Polyflor donates flooring to new Salford Institute of Dementia Hub Polysafe safety flooring was recently donated by UK manufacturer Polyflor to the new Salford Institute for Dementia Hub at the University of Salford. Polyflor donated approximately 90m² of Polysafe Wood fx PUR safety flooring in the Oiled Oak shade which was installed by Flooring Supply Centre, Liverpool. Polyflor has a number of flooring ranges suitable for use within dementia-friendly environments and has forged a close relationship with the Salford Institute for Dementia to better understand the needs of care homes and other healthcare facilities. Polyflor collaborated with the institute to produce its specialist care brochure, available on the Polyflor website, which presents dementia-friendly flooring principles. * info@polyflor.com ( 0161 767 1111

8 www.polyflor.com

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Floors, Walls & Ceilings The revised Focus family of products encompasses an expanded range of 16 Akutex colours, inspired by the tones found in nature

Ecophon offers new ‘Focus’ on acoustic design The spectrum of sounds that surround us in the workplace, and the different acoustic characteristics created by the way we use interior spaces, can be as varied as the colours of the rainbow; a fact highlighted by the timely update of Ecophon’s comprehensive Focus range.

Ecophon recognises the way in which the senses of sight and hearing are inextricably linked in creating people’s perception of their surroundings; and, therefore, the necessity of considering both together when designing interiors

long with an even greater choice of colours and improvements to installation and transition details, the acoustic ceiling family now also includes a new and innovative solution – Ecophon Focus Ez. Ecophon recognises the way in which the senses of sight and hearing are inextricably linked in creating people’s perception of their surroundings; and, therefore, the necessity of considering both together when designing interiors.Through the combined offering of vibrant colour and outstanding acoustic control, the essence of Focus is in delighting the eyes while soothing the mind. As Ecophon’s most comprehensive product family, Focus was created with people and their activities in mind. Focus offers excellent acoustic properties and appealing looks giving the opportunity for visual flair and flexibility so almost any project need can be met. But, before the solution can be implemented, it is important to truly understand the acoustic challenge of the room itself. Ecophon calls this approach ‘activity-based acoustic design’, a concept that considers three main influences: activity, people and space. The designer is invited to evaluate the noise, which could be generated by occupants from phone calls, meetings, lessons or, perhaps, a performance; as well as the personality, age range and other attributes of the occupants. These factors must then be considered alongside the size, location and materials forming the space. Analysis completed, the appropriate acoustic treatment is utilised to control the reflection, propagation and reverberation of sound within the space, helping to create acoustic comfort as well as visual interest. The revised Focus family of products encompasses an expanded range of 16 Akutex colours, inspired by the tones found in nature. There are 11 standard sizes, 10 edge details and six innovative design solutions addressing locations such as level changes and wall transitions. New to the family is Ecophon Focus Ez: an asymmetric tegular tile, which can be installed in different orientations to create angles and forms across the ceiling. Ez also integrates easily with any of the three different lighting solutions available to enhance a ceiling installation. Focus offers interior designers, architects and acousticians an unrivalled toolbox for creating an activity-based solution to a building’s audible performance, combined with visual impact. 8 www.ecophon.com/uk * info@ecophon.co.uk ( 01256

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850977

Floors, Walls & Ceilings

One step closer to the sweet sound of silence Schlüter-Systems is delighted to report the pleasing results of impact sound reduction tests on its latest innovative uncoupling membrane for crack-free tile and stone. Schlüter-DITRA-HEAT-TB has been renamed as Schlüter-DITRA-HEAT-DUO, in recognition of the fact that the matting now offers two officially-verified features over its parent product DITRA-HEAT: thermal breaking and impact sound reduction. The newly-confirmed impact sound reduction of up to 13 dB is perceived as a 50% reduction by the human ear. This new development brings the tally of features offered by this product to seven in total – which, together, aid the construction process, protect the fabric of the building and improve privacy for occupants. DITRA-HEAT-DUO is a universal substrate for tile and stone coverings; as well as providing thermal breaking and impact sound reduction, it serves as a bonded

waterproofing, uncoupling, crack bridging and vapour pressure equalisation layer. The matting is also designed for the secure attachment of heating cables as an integral part of the no-nonsense electrical underfloor heating system, SchlüterDITRA-HEAT-E. In terms of thermal break credentials, DITRA-HEAT-DUO pushes 80% of its input to the surface during the heatup phase, whereas alternative systems can lose up to half of the heat into the screed or subfloor.

DITRA-HEAT-DUO consists of a polypropylene membrane with a cut back stud structure, with a unique 2mm anchoring fleece laminated on the underside. It can be installed on floors or walls as part of a complete DITRA-HEAT-E system, for ultimate flexibility.

Hinchingbrooke Hospital, part of North West Anglia NHS Foundation Trust, prides itself on providing the highest standard of healthcare, therefore, it was particularly important to use products that were both EC1 and low emission. UZIN NC 163, UZIN KE 2000 S and UZIN U 2100 fit perfectly as they are low emission and have been awarded EC1 accolades. UZIN NC 163 has the added benefit of being easy to use and can be installed without

a primer. This allowed the sexual assault referral centre to be up and running relatively quickly. The refurbishment of the sexual assault referral centre was successful and the floor was exceptionally well finished.

8 www.ditra-heat.co.uk * pr@schluter.co.uk ( 01530

813396

UZIN products chosen for sexual assault referral centre at Hinchingbrooke Hospital UZIN products were recently used by Superior Finish Contracts to install approximately 1000m2 of flooring at the new sexual assault referral centre at Hinchingbrooke Hospital in Huntingdon. UZIN NC 163 smoothing compound was used on all areas, UZIN KE 2000 S was used to adhere the vinyl flooring, while the carpet tiles were installed with UZIN U2100 tackifier.

8 www.uzin.co.uk * info@uzin.co.uk ( 01788

530080

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Armourcoat presented a stunning range of hand-applied polished plaster wall finishes and the latest additions to the Signature Collection at this yearâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Decorex

Armourcoat Acoustic creates a calm and inviting environment Decorative specialist Armourcoat exhibited at the Decorex International exhibition in September. Taking place at the start of the London Design Festival in the grounds of historic Syon House, Decorex is synonymous with luxury design offering a collection of over 400 hand-selected exhibitors.

rmourcoat presented a stunning range of hand-applied polished plaster wall finishes and the latest additions to the Signature Collection. The company also launched its new Armourcoat Acoustic Plaster System designed to optimise the acoustics of interior spaces. From large theatre halls, offices, classrooms, hotel receptions and private residences, the use of hard sound reflective surfaces such as glass, wood and stone can cause excessive sound reverberation which leads to unpleasant noise levels. The Armourcoat Acoustic Plaster System offers a clean and smooth mineral surface that can be applied seamlessly over large expanses to both flat and curved surfaces. The correct control of sound can create a calmer and more pleasant environment. Comprising a special mineral wool composite panel that is bonded onto the

substrate and finished with a seamless layer, the Armourcoat Acoustic Plaster System offers an elegant marble-based plaster finish while allowing sound energy to pass through the surface. The zero-VOC system, which consists of 80% recycled material, achieves Class 0 fire rating and a Class A Noise Reduction Coefficient rating. An array of global projects for an impressive list of international blue chip clients in the residential, hospitality and boutique retail sectors have established Armourcoat as a leading supplier of high-quality surface finishes. Armourcoat products are made from natural minerals including recycled Italian marble, contain low or zero VOCs, and have the added confidence of a full 10-year guarantee. 8 www.armourcoat.com

* specsales@armourcoat.co.uk ( 01732

467993

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The company also used the exhibition as an opportunity to launch its new Armourcoat Acoustic Plaster System, designed to optimise the acoustics of interior spaces

Armourcoat products are made from natural minerals including recycled Italian marble

Floors, Walls & Ceilings

Knauf AMF adds shine and colour to create a stylish resort Amarin is a stylish hotel in the popular coastal resort of Rovinj, Croatia. Part of leading hospitality company, Maistra AG, this contemporary new resort combines style and luxury throughout its recreation and relaxation spaces. Acoustic ceiling systems from Knauf AMF were chosen to provide the necessary sound absorption required to ensure the hotel’s active and quieter zones work in harmony. Guests are welcomed in the hotel’s spacious and elegant reception area. For the ceiling design, 700m² AMF Mondena System A metal ceilings were installed to enhance the chic, polished interior and add a visual contrast to the smooth white surfaces around the hotel entrance.The ceiling was fitted using a concealed grid system.The 412 x 1215mm planks sit together to form an almost seamless, mirror-finished surface. AMF Mondena metal ceilings are ideal for this opulent reception area because they offer excellent sound absorption, improving speech intelligibility.The sound absorption of AMF

Mondena ceilings also help create a relaxing ambience in the hotel bar and lounge. The architect created visual contrasts in his interior design to help define the active from the quiet areas. The recreation spaces are brightly coloured which accentuate the external landscape. Natural colours add warmth and were chosen for the accommodation and relaxation areas. With its unique, organic wood-wool woven surface, Heradesign was the perfect choice for helping the architect to realise his vision, it can be specified in any colour enabling true design freedom.

1770m² of Heradesign is installed throughout the hotel in a palette of different colours. Aesthetics are not the only characteristics that set Heradesign apart; it offers outstanding Class A sound absorption which effectively reduces intrusive background noise coming from the activity zones and ensures guests relaxing in the quieter areas are not disturbed. 8 www.amfceilings.co.uk * info@knaufamf.co.uk ( 0191

518 8600

Friends of the Earth: creating a positive workplace Polyflor achieves a BES 6001 ‘Excellent’ rating Polyflor, a UK-leading commercial and residential vinyl flooring specialist, has become the only flooring manufacturer to achieve an ‘Excellent’ rating for BES 6001 certification, a standard for the Responsible Sourcing of Construction Products as certified by the BRE.After being the first flooring manufacturer to obtain BES 6001 certification in 2015 with a ‘Very Good’ rating, Polyflor has further improved responsible sourcing procedures at its Whitefield and Riverside manufacturing facilities to successfully achieve the highest possible ‘Excellent’ rating. Polyflor remains the only floorcovering manufacturer to obtain the BES 6001 standard.This thirdparty audited certification gives independent assurance that Polyflor’s products are manufactured conforming to the highest responsible sourcing standards. 8 www.polyflor.com * info@polyflor.com ( 0161 767 1111

Environmental campaigning charity, Friends of the Earth, has brought its brand identity to life through the design of its new London-based office space. Interface’s biophilia-inspired Urban Retreat collection was used throughout the office space to mimic elements of nature. The collection offers 11 dynamic modular flooring products, ranging from refined textures to broad organic forms to create an illusion of the natural world. The carpet tiles were utilised in the openplan office space and represent different aspects of the environment, ranging from textured grass to sandy deserts. * interface.uk@interface.com

( 01274 690690

8 www.interface.com

Bright and beautiful Bloc flooring brings colour to architect’s office Eye-catching Bloc solid colour vinyl flooring from commercial flooring specialist Polyflor was recently installed in the refurbished office of Ashworth Parkes Architects in Cambridge. Bloc PUR in the bright yellow Lemon Punch design was selected to add a pop of bold colour to the modern, minimalist office space at Ashworth Parkes Architects’ HQ.The subtler Studio Grey shade from the Bloc collection was used for an upstairs meeting area. Bloc PUR is a vibrant collection of solid colour sheet flooring in a broad spectrum of 16 enticing shades, with a fully pigmented, homogeneous 0.7mm wear layer of pure colour. * info@polyflor.com

( 0161 767 1111

8 www.polyflor.com

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The pixelated pattern of carpet tiles celebrates the long history of the Bristol University’s Department of Computer Science

Forbo helps to energise new student accommodation Manchester design studio, Jasper Sanders + Partners, has used a variety of Forbo’s products in a combination of bright colours to create an energetic and enriching environment for the tenants of Bristol’s latest student accommodation development.

asper Sanders, Design Director, outlined the design brief for New Bridewell, which offers students contemporary studioliving with communal social spaces and quiet study areas. “Students are now very discerning about the quality of their living environments,” he said, “and our client, Fresh Student Living, wanted us to create an inspiring and vibrant place, which would not only attract future tenants but also help them to connect easily with one another once they had moved in.” Jasper chose to fit-out all communal areas with Tessera Layout carpet tiles which he specified for their modular format, contemporary colour palette and robust durability. Anthracite grey provides a unifying backdrop, connecting the different activity spaces which are highlighted with bright colour pops, yellow being the dominant colour in study areas, and a mix of blue shades in more social areas.

The ‘pixelated’ layout was specifically designed to reflect the long history of the university’s department of computer science. Tessera Layout was not the only Forbo range used. “We needed to ensure that students living here would not be disturbed by noise pollution,” said Jasper. “We installed Sarlon Acoustic Vinyl in the studio flats, as the softer surface and acoustic performance should significantly reduce impact sound and, in turn, improve the health and wellbeing of the tenants. “When it comes to student accommodation, you need to create interiors that will excite and energise students. It has been great working with the team at Forbo as the service is quick and efficient and the products on offer are very stylish and well designed – helping us to create the interiors we envisage.” The New Bridewell project was awarded the winning prize in the Fly Forbo 2016/17 competition.

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8 www.forbo-flooring.co.uk/education * info.flooring.uk@forbo.com ( 0844

822 3928

Tessera Layout carpet tiles have been installed in communal areas at New Bridewell student accommodation in Bristol

Floors, Walls & Ceilings

Office partition systems are safe and sound with CRL Glass partitions are an ideal way of creating an openplan ambience within office buildings, but often have the problem of poor sound insulation which can be a real issue in busy buildings where quiet areas are necessary. The Office Partition XL from CRL can accommodate 28mm-thick insulating glass which insulates sound up to 42 dB, allowing people to work undisturbed by noise around them. Combined with its acoustic benefits, the Office Partition XL System makes

installation quick and easy, enabling the feeling of openness and light created by large glazed walls simple to achieve in practically any space. With the Office Partition XL System from CRL, the height of hinged doors can

be easily adjusted, glass fabrication is not required and the doors can be installed in mounted ceiling profiles in wall-to-glass or glass-to-glass applications. Even floor-toceiling doors can be mounted, if desired. CRL offers a choice of high-quality door hinges, latches and handle sets to complete the installation. Offering a creative and effective solution for modern interior designs, the standard dry-glazed system provides a maximum transparency and an elegant appearance thanks to its thin, powder-coated profiles available in a satin anodised or brushed nickel finish. The profiles can be fixed to ceilings, floors, walls and door frames for a complete look, are suitable for 8 to 16mm monolithic toughened glass or laminated glass and are supplied with EPDM fixing gaskets available in black or grey.To help with the glass panel installation, the CRL Vacuum Ratchet Tensioning Kit enables the glass panels to be easily placed and pulled together. With no silicone sealant required, a clean and neat finish is achieved with polycarbonate joints that simply clip on the glass. 8 www.crlaurence.co.uk * crl@crlaurence.co.uk ( 01706

863600

Heckmondwike shortlisted for award Heckmondwike and Forth Valley College are celebrating their achievement in being shortlisted for an exciting Education Buildings Scotland award. The shortlisting is for the ‘Inspiring Learning Spaces’ award in recognition of the flooring solution at Forth Valley College’s flagship Stirling Campus. The college selected Heckmondwike’s Array carpet tile range, which features a mid-width rib design and a charcoal background enhanced with a subtle linear pattern. The Array range was used in conjunction with Heckmondwike’s popular Broadrib carpet to provide natural bordering to a number of its rooms. The Array range comprises 12 colour options including peacock, blue, black, red, lime, purple, magenta, copper, emerald, marble, violet and fuchsia. * sales@heckmondwike-fb.co.uk

( 01924 413637

8 www.heckmondwike-fb.co.uk

The ultimate defensive line-up from BAL

BAL Tiling Solutions has expanded its portfolio with two new preparation products to provide fixers, contractors and specifiers with strong and protected backgrounds for fail-safe tiling. For the first time ever, BAL has introduced a new lightweight tile backer board for all internal environments. BAL Board is a moisture and waterresistant alternative to plasterboard and timber and helps tilers tackle problem walls and floors when fixing tiles. Easy to cut and install, it provides a solid base for tiling. BAL is also introducing to its line-up BAL DPM – a new multi-purpose damp-proof membrane, waterproofer and primer for use on walls and floors. * info@building-adhesives.com

( 01782 591160

8 www.bal-adhesives.com/newproducts

Polyflor’s Forest fx flooring collection is growing

Vinyl flooring manufacturer Polyflor has added new wood-effect designs to its relaunched Forest fx PUR flooring collection, incorporating the latest commercial interior trends into one of its most popular sheet vinyl ranges.The expanded 18-design heterogeneous collection features nine exciting new shades, including two parqueteffect designs for creating dramatic statement floors as well as a selection of contemporary grey-toned oaks and rustic wood designs which add variety to the collection.The Forest fx range is available in a practical and resilient 2.0mm gauge vinyl sheet format with a 0.7mm wear layer, making it ideal for high traffic, heavy commercial environments. 8 www.polyflor.com * info@polyflor.com ( 0161 767 1111

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Floors, Walls and Ceilings

Armstrong Ceiling Solutions has marked the first use in the UK of its wood-effect metal baffles, alongside other innovative systems, in a prestigious £3.9m office refurbishment

New-look offices pioneer use of Armstrong’s bespoke metal baffles A variety of Armstrong Ceiling Solutions feature in the redevelopment of Blake House.

rmstrong Ceiling Solutions has marked the first use in the UK of its wood-effect metal baffles, alongside other innovative systems, in a prestigious £3.9m office refurbishment. The manufacturer’s VP-500 vertical metal baffles with a US Walnut finish were specified by frequent Armstrong user, BPR Architects, for Blake House (formerly Teal House), a three-storey office building on Cowley Business Park, coincidentally about one mile from Armstrong’s own offices in Uxbridge, Middlesex. The 300mm-high metal baffles bring a contemporary linear aesthetic to a new lobby extension and refurbished main stairs alongside 2800m2 of Armstrong’s 600 x 600mm metal MicroLook tiles in a Prelude 15mm grid in the open-plan office areas, Armstrong’s new Drywall Grid System (DGS) for plasterboard ceilings in staircase areas, and Ultima+ Vector 600 x 1200mm mineral tiles on a 24mm grid in the core areas. The new look for client Henry Boot Developments involved increasing the size of the 1990s steel-framed building from 22,000ft2 to 30,000ft2 by adding extra office space to the rear, remodelling the internal core layout and building a new double-height entrance lobby at the front to enhance its dated appearance and attract large corporations as lease holders. Special attention was also given to the specification of fixtures and fittings and communal spaces, much of which feature black walnut to echo the Armstrong baffles, without over-prescribing the design.

As well as delivering an exciting architectural aesthetic, the Armstrong metal baffles enable easy integration of services and achieve the required acoustical level via the use of perforated sides and an acoustic inlay fleece.They are also highly scratch resistant, manufactured from up to 30% recycled steel and are quick and easy to install. BPR Project Architect, Ross McMahon, said: “We used Armstrong’s wood-effect metal baffles in the new lobby extension. They soften the acoustics in the lobby and the timber effect brings the outside environment of trees inside the building. They also matched the walnut finish with ‘real’ wood used in the interior such as the doors, reception desk and hand rails.” Ross added:“We specify Armstrong because their product portfolio is comprehensive.We have used and trusted their products over many years and so unless they didn’t provide a particular product that a client requested we would be unlikely to look elsewhere.” For this particular project, Ross added: “We have a long-standing relationship with Armstrong.The sales rep who visited us was very knowledgeable and we were impressed by him.The client likes the softening of the acoustics and is pleased with the aesthetics tying in with the real wood finishes.” Ian Mitchell of CPC Interiors, which carried out the ceilings package of the Category A fit-out for the principal contractor, Apex Contractors, said: “Our team worked closely with the electrical contractors to ensure the Armstrong baffles and the

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The manufacturer’s VP-500 vertical metal baffles with a US Walnut finish were specified by frequent Armstrong user, BPR Architects, for Blake House

lights were installed in consideration of the reception desk and seating. “This was a refurbishment of an existing building to get it ready for future letting. The landlord gained planning to extend the building by approximately 30% which entailed a new escape staircase at the rear of the property. While all necessary approvals and construction of this area was undertaken, works to the existing areas had to continue to keep to the client’s programme.” 8 www.armstrong.com

* sales-support@armstrong.com ( 0800

371849

Roofing, Cladding & Insulation Superglass launches insulation guide

One of the UK’s leading glass wool insulation manufacturers, Superglass, has launched an in-depth guide on maximising insulation in residential and commercial properties. Designed for use by engineers, builders, architects and surveyors, the guide outlines best practice and suitable product specifications for particular jobs.The advice comes from Superglass’ specification experts and outlines how energy efficiency and heat retention can be incorporated on; internal and external walls, timber frames, floors, lofts, roofs and metalclad structures. Ken Munro, Chief Executive Officer at Superglass, said:“Getting the insulation right is the quickest and most economical way to deliver energy efficiency benefits into a build project, and maximise the performance of any other green technology included.” * technical@superglass.co.uk

( 01786 451170

8 www.superglass.co.uk

Firestone signals commercial roofing growth with product sales manager appointment EPDM roofing specialist, Firestone Building Products, has signalled the implementation of an ambitious growth strategy for commercial and industrial roofing with the appointment of Product Sales Manager, Steve Clowes. Responsible for driving sales opportunities for Firestone’s RubberGard EPDM roofing products and UltraPly TPO commercial roofing membranes range, Steve takes on the newly-created post with a 20-year track record in the roofing sector, bringing considerable technical expertise in correct specification and installation of single-ply membranes to the role. His remit is to engage with architects, specifiers, main contractors, roofing contractors and building surveyors across the UK and Ireland. * info@fbpl.co.uk

( 01606 552026

8 www.firestonebpe.co.uk

Actis and Hybris insulation shortlisted for two national awards Pan-European insulation specialist, Actis, has been shortlisted for two national awards this autumn – one for its innovative Hybris product. Comedian, Lenny Henry, was guest speaker at September’s National Energy Efficiency and Healthy Homes Award for which Actis was been nominated in two categories – National Product of the Year and National Supplier of the Year.The awards, held at Birmingham’s National Exhibition Centre on September 29th, recognised companies which make a major contribution towards improving the energy efficiency of the UK’s housing stock, help tackle fuel poverty and reduce carbon emissions. 8 www.insulation-actis.com ( 01249 462888

SPSenvirowall makes first cladding division appointment Ravatherm UK sets the standard

Polyfoam XPS insulation manufacturer, Ravatherm UK, has been awarded two prestigious certifications following an external audit by Bureau Veritas (BV). Awarded by the International Organisation for Standardisation (ISO) for achieving a ISO 50001 – Energy Management certification, the extruded polystyrene manufacturer has also received a British Standard Occupational Health and Safety Assessment Specification (OHSAS) 18001 accreditation. ISO 50001 showcases Ravatherm UK’s commitment to manage its energy use as the company provided evidence of developing and implementing an energy policy, setting targets for energy use and designing action plans to reach them. Auditors were impressed by Ravatherm UK’s achievable targets for improved energy efficiency and data gathering techniques. 8 www.ravatherm.co.uk * info@ravatherm.co.uk ( 01429 855100

SPSenvirowall has appointed a new technical specifications manager to drive forward its new rainscreen cladding division. Gavin Ross is tasked with heading up the new division and introducing its innovative A1 non-combustible and bomb blast-rated cladding systems to the UK for the first time. Gavin, who was Specification Manager for the London Olympics 2012 and joins the team from a leading cladding manufacturer, said: “A major part of my role with SPSenvirowall is to work alongside architects, contractors and installers, supporting them with the right specification, technical detailing and cladding products for their projects, assisting the process from project conception to on-site completion.” * info@spsenvirowall.co.uk

( 01535 661633

8 www.spsenvirowall.co.uk

YBS appoints new specification manager Such is the growth in demand for its multi-layer insulation products that YBS has taken the step of creating a new position within the company, by appointing a specification sales manager to influence and support key decision makers across the industry. Carefully selected for the role, Paul Horton will have responsibility for working with a wide range of professionals, right across the country, assisting them in understanding the unique performance benefits and potential of the diverse YBS product range, suitable for the majority of newbuild and refurbishment projects. Paul Horton commented: “I am really looking forward to being involved in what is a completely new role for YBS.” * sales@ybsinsulation.com

( 01909 721662

8 www.ybsinsulation.com

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KBB Preventing injury In order to prevent trapped fingers, school cubicle doors should have a door hinge safety system. Privacy should be protected by ensuring that the cubicle doors all have working locks that are easy for students of all ages to use. Amwell’s Skittles and Arches pilaster options in the ‘Playtime’ range can accommodate differing door heights to meet supervision and privacy requirements of both younger and older children, as well as the all-important anti-finger trap hinges and emergency release locks.

Hand-washing facilities

Where there is a requirement for floor-to-ceiling units, Amwell’s durable Splash system is ideal

Top five health and safety considerations within a school environment Talented teachers and inspiring lessons are not the only things that a pupil needs to flourish in their school environment. While schools are busy focusing on improving the learning environment for their students, they still need to ensure that the everyday practical facilities are up to scratch.

f school washrooms are not meeting users’ needs, then pupils become reluctant to use them. In extreme circumstances this could result in them not drinking enough water throughout the day, greatly affecting their ability to focus and learn. Primary schools, secondary schools and colleges need to provide suitable washroom facilities for their pupils as a duty of care. If you’re looking to build or refurbish school washrooms, Amwell has listed the top five health and safety considerations to bear in mind:

Accessibility First and foremost, the amount of school toilet facilities should be adequate for the number of students and must consider age, gender and any special requirements they have.The location of school toilets is incredibly important, pupils with learning difficulties or physical disabilities may find it hard to access toilets that are far from classrooms.

Furthermore, more able-bodied pupils may be deterred from using toilets if they are the other side of the school, for example.

Space Though it is vital that schools ensure that there are enough washroom facilities for the number of students, providing enough space and not overcrowding is equally as important. Adequate washroom space for students is important not just for safety, but comfort. Amwell’s Splash range is ideal for schools with pupils of varying ages.Whether there is a requirement for floor-to-ceiling units (offering complete privacy for pupils, ideal for unisex toilets) or with ceiling level space (to avoid antisocial behaviour and offering emergency access), Amwell’s durable Splash system is ideal. Available in solid grade laminate, Splash is suitable for the heavy traffic and use that school washrooms are subject to, being both completely water and vandal resistant.

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Germs can be found pretty much everywhere. Providing students with the appropriate facilities for them to wash their hands thoroughly is the most effective way of stopping germs from being passed from pupil to pupil. Amwell provides a range of washroom accessories, including liquid soap dispensers and hand dryers, that help promote a clean and hygienic environment within schools and colleges.

Monitoring In order to maintain and keep an eye on the condition of their toilets, schools should have a monitoring process in place. In the same way teachers rotate ‘break-time duty’, staff should adopt a system of checking the toilets at break and lunchtime to ensure that they are clean and safe. Regular maintenance checks will ensure that washroom facilities are kept in the best possible condition. A reliable washroom supplier will always ensure that their equipment comes with a warranty for peace of mind, such as Amwell’s five-year guarantee. 8 www.amwell-systems.com

* contact@amwell-systems.com ( 01763

276210

Amwell’s Skittles and Arches pilaster options in the ‘Playtime’ range can accommodate differing door heights to meet supervision and privacy requirements of both younger and older children

KBB Bathroom pod manufacturer on target for record year

Offsite Solutions, a UK-leading bathroom pod manufacturer, has secured £30m of orders in the last six months – a record order intake in the history of the business. This unprecedented performance is a 50% increase on the same period last year, and has secured projects for the business from 2017 through to 2019. It is a reflection of the increasing demand for pods, which improve the quality, speed and efficiency of bathroom construction. Offsite Solutions has seen a significant increase in orders and enquiries for residential schemes, particularly mixed-use developments and in the build-to-rent sector which is performing strongly in urban centres across the UK. * info@offsitesolutions.com

( 01278 780807

8 www.offsitesolutions.com

Bushboard to exhibit Nuance at Sleep 2017 Bushboard will be at this year’s hotel design event Sleep to showcase its outstanding Nuance bathroom wall panelling. Nuance panels are manufactured using a patented core that is 100% impervious to water so there is never any danger of warping, peeling or leaking. The panels can be used for walls, around the bath or basin, inside a shower enclosure or to create a true wetroom. Because there is no need for trims or extrusions, Nuance panels present a sleek, seam-free look. * worktops@bushboard.co.uk

( 01933 232242

8 www.bushboard.co.uk

CCL Wetrooms launches new LoSeal Trap for shallow concrete floors

CCL Wetrooms, a UK-leading wetroom specialist, has launched its shallowest ever waterless trap – the new Lo-Seal Trap – at a cutting-edge depth of only 55mm. Developed specifically for use in wetroom construction projects with screed depths of below 60mm, the trap allows wetroom drainage to be installed where standard depth drains cannot be accommodated.The Lo-Seal Trap is the latest technological development to the market-leading Linear Screed Drain from CCL Wetrooms.Whilst the current trap provides a shallow drain height of 67mm, the 55mm Lo-Seal Trap offers all of the same benefits but with the added advantage of a new slimline trap for installation into shallow screed depths. 8 www.ccl-wetrooms.co.uk * info@ccl-wetrooms.co.uk ( 0844 327 6002

Charity residents given level access showering thanks to Marmox Fibo introduces new installation videos Kitchen and bathroom wall panel manufacturer, Fibo UK, has completed a series of new installation videos demonstrating the benefits of wall panels over traditional tiles. The oneand two-minute videos show just how quick and easy it is to fit panels and how they can transform refurbishment projects. Filmed at a social housing development in North Lanarkshire, the videos record a genuine installation completed in one day with only a joiner and a plumber required for the job. The videos are a useful guide to wall panels and a great selling aid for stockists, specifiers, installers and contractors. 8 www.fibo.co.uk * sales@fibo.co.uk ( 01494 771242

Marmox has supplied 10 of its specialist Showerstone level access trays for an apartment development in Newark, aimed at those likely to have mobility issues. The new-build project is being built for a local charity by Taylor Pearson Construction and will eventually provide 22 high-specification dwellings for retirees. Phase 2, where the trays have been used, has created 10, one-bedroom flats, on two floors where, on the ground floor, the Marmox Showerstone trays were set within a screeded floor, while those upstairs have been installed into the timber joists to maintain level access. All of the 1200 x 1200mm Marmox trays were supplied via the Chesterfield branch of SIG. * sales@marmox.co.uk

( 01634 835290

8 www.marmox.co.uk

University of Kent focuses on accessibility in new student bathrooms The University of Kent is maintaining a strong focus on accessibility within its residential student accommodation with the completion of four newly-refurbished bathrooms in its Kemsdale Court and Stock Court buildings.The fully accessible bathrooms have been furnished with the latest design of heightadjustable products from Pressalit Care, providing the flexibility and functionality required for students living away from home.The new bathrooms feature the Matrix Curve handbasin where the ergonomic design helps with the practicalities of everyday use. Also chosen for the new bathrooms is the Pressalit Care shower seat, with back and armrests. Electrically height-adjustable by 500mm with a wired hand control, the armrests are independently height adjustable. * uk@pressalit.com

( 0844 880 6950

8 uk.pressalit.com

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Doors, Windows, Balustrades & Facades New Schueco Jansen renovation window has additional features

New from leading steel specialist, Schueco Jansen, is Janisol Arte 2.0, a refined version of the original Janisol Arte renovation window that now comes with an enhanced specification and improved performance characteristics. As elegantly retro in appearance as its predecessor, Janisol Arte 2.0 offers a new and enlarged range of profiles with sightlines from 25mm, including a new profile shape with an integrated weatherstrip groove which offers a push-in rebate gasket to simplify and speed-up fabrication times.There are also more glazing bead shapes – right-angled, bevelled, scotia and flat – making it even easier to find an exact match for steel windows that are being replaced. * mkinfobox@schueco.com

( 01908 282111

8 www.schueco.com

The best choice for aluminium bi-fold doors For aluminium bi-fold doors, AluFoldDirect is the best choice for architects. Manufactured to order, AluFoldDirect aluminium bi-fold doors give builders the opportunity to build the aperture in the building before the bi-fold door is ordered.This means there’s no guessing of measurements and it ensures a precise fit for faster installation on site.With precision manufacturing and expert advice for the entire supply chain, AluFoldDirect’s aluminium experts work with architects on the design and specification of aluminium bi-folding doors.With more than 50 sets of aluminium bi-fold doors flying out of the factory every week and more than 800 regular customers, AluFoldDirect’s dedication to great service is proving popular for architects. * info@alufolddirect.co.uk

( 01706 260700

8 www.alufolddirect.co.uk

Increasingly popular glass balustrade posts and spigots

Barrier Components’ selection of stainless steel posts and spigots are proving to be increasingly popular, triggered by the current growth in sales of glass balustrade systems. Available to buy on Barrier Components’ website directly or by phone via the company’s technical sales team, there are a range of preassembled posts, tilt-loc spigots and stand-off adapters suitable for a wide range of applications. Posts are available 42.4 or 48.3mm in diameter and handrails are also sold to match.All posts come with pan head fixings on the top and are designed for an easy installation with maximum flexibility to meet many design requirements. 8 www.barrier-components.co.uk * sales@barrier-components.co.uk ( 01708 891515

Eurocell slots in timely solution for off-site construction

Boon Edam provides elegant entry solution for iconic London hotel

Eurocell, a UK-leading manufacturer, distributor and recycler of window, door, conservatory and roofline products, is promising to deliver a whole host of benefits to the timber frame and off-site construction sectors with the launch of its new InSite window solution. InSite will enable timber frame manufacturers to install fully-glazed, fully-finished windows into wall panels as part of the factory production process, thereby reducing on-site disruption and labour costs while saving time on build programme schedules.There are also significant health and safety benefits with factory fitting and reduction in manual handling, as well as an estimated 30% improvement in transportation yields because the windows are fully recessed. * chris.coxon@eurocell.co.uk

Boon Edam was consulted to provide a stylish entry solution to London’s Berkeley Hotel, to complement its refurbished lobby entrance and reflect its brand image. Boon Edam’s Crystal Tourniket door was chosen for the entrance; one of the most impressive and eye-catching revolving doors available. A Crystal Tourniket is constructed almost entirely from glass, with added stainless steel accents to support the solidity of the door.With 140 years’ experience, Boon Edam ensured the bespoke design blended seamlessly with the building. 8 www.boonedam.co.uk * contact@boonedam.co.uk ( 01233 505900

( 0300 333 6525

8 www.eurocell.co.uk

Innovation delivered Comar 10 offers a new departure; a Passivhaus-certified ‘B’ product with U-values as low as 0.66 W/m2K coupled with processes that cut manufacturing costs by up to 70%. The Comar 10 window range includes: inward opening, tilt and turn and fixed lights and are internally beaded and glazed and is future-proof and energy saving. The Comar 10 has high thermal insulation with ground-breaking technology, 90mmdeep outer frames and promises minimal care and maintenance. * projects@parksidegroup.co.uk

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( 0208 685 9685

8 www.comar-alu.co.uk

Doors, Windows, Balustrades & Facades Q-railing unveils near-invisible Juliet balcony system

Q-railing has launched a brand-new innovative railing system; Easy Glass View.The minimalist glass Juliet balcony provides uninterrupted views and high fall protection for floor-toceiling windows. A key feature of the product is its fast and intuitive installation procedure. Easy Glass View benefits from its almost-invisible design.Thanks to the slim, verticallypositioned profiles holding the glass infill, there is nothing to interrupt the view. Nevertheless, this brand-new system can be used to create Juliet balconies up to 2500mm wide and 1400mm high. Like all other Q-railing products, Easy Glass View has been extensively tested and certified. * bruce.bradshaw@q-railing.com

( 01782 711676

8 www.q-railing.com

REHAU renews commitment to sustainability REHAU has renewed its membership to the Passivhaus Trust, reaffirming the company’s commitment to delivering the most sustainable and energy-efficient solutions to its customers. REHAU has been a member of the Passivhaus Trust since 2015, and offers a number of products which bear the Passivhaus Standard certification – namely its GENEO windows, Polytec 50S composite curtain walling system and AGILA Passivhaus doors. These products are ideal for Passivhaus projects, and also for customers looking for high-performance windows and doors with exceptional levels of insulation to minimise their energy costs. * enquiries@rehau.com

( 01989 762600

8 www.rehau.uk/passivhaus

Living the high life

Upgrading the manual access system to the iconic Sussex Heights building in the centre of Brighton, TORMAX was contracted to install two sets of automatic sliding glass doors, creating a contemporary entrance befitting this prestigious residential tower. Powered by the incredibly reliable TORMAX iMotion 2202 operator, the doors silently slide open in tandem, allowing

residents and their guests smooth access into the lobby, whilst minimising heat loss from the building.

Change of role for Luke at GEZE UK

The recent expansion of GEZE UK’s external sales teams has seen Luke Carroll appointed to the role of Sales Manager for Window Technology Systems. Luke will look after the Southern region – managing key accounts, providing customer training, specifying widow technology and raising awareness of the GEZE Window Technology portfolio throughout the Southern region of the UK. His area covers Lincoln, Derby and Nottingham in the east, through to mid and south Wales in the west, and from Birmingham and the Midlands, to London and the South East, and down to Cornwall. 8 www.geze.co.uk * info.uk@geze.com ( 01543 443000

Sussex Heights is a luxury apartment block designed by Richard Seifert. Rising to 102m high, it is the tallest residential building on the south coast and offers outstanding views across the sea, the South Downs and over the city of Brighton. It consists of 115 soundproofed and spacious flats on 23 floors and a large penthouse taking up the top floor. In keeping with the upmarket environment of Sussex Heights, the old manual swing doors were replaced with an automatic entrance system more befitting a luxury apartment block.TORMAX recommended its iMotion 2202 operators to power the doors as they are housed in a slim casing, making them particularly unobtrusive and suitable for a sophisticated, minimalist entrance.Vibration absorbent mountings of the guide rails ensures elegantly quiet operation. Understandably security is an important consideration for residents and the new TORMAX automatic doors feature an electromechanical locking mechanism to ensure a high level of burglary protection.They are also certified for rescue and escape routes. 8 www.tormax.co.uk

* sales@tormax.co.uk ( 01932

238040

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Building Elements

James Latham often recommended American Red Elm for furniture projects such as this due to its excellent shock resistance and flexible bending properties

Red Elm is on the menu at itsu James Latham, one of the UK’s biggest independent distributors of timber and panel products, has recently supplied American Red Elm for the new concept booth seating found in Japanese restaurant, itsu.

he American Red Elm tables can now be found in itsu outlets at Victoria,Camden, Heathrow T5 and Bristol. And, following the success of the new concept booth seating, there are plans to re-fit more restaurants across the UK later in the year. itsu as a company prides itself on providing beautiful high-quality food, so it was imperative for the chain to find beautiful high-quality materials to reflect its company ethos.

American Red Elm is known for its attractive appearance, boasting a smooth texture and distinctive visible grain so it was the perfect choice. However, American Red Elm was not only chosen for its aesthetic qualities but also its sustainability credentials as well as its hard-wearing attributes. James Latham often recommended American Red Elm for furniture projects such as this due to its excellent shock

One of itsu’s specifications for the booth area incorporates USB chargers inside the wood so that customers can recharge their phone with ease whilst enjoying a delicious, nutritious meal with friends

resistance and flexible bending properties, enabling joiners and furniture makers to produce superior craftsmanship. To add a modern twist to the traditional material, one of itsu’s specifications for the booth area incorporates USB chargers inside the wood so that customers can recharge their phone with ease whilst enjoying a delicious, nutritious meal with friends. Mitch Jackson,Timber Sales at Latham’s Leeds depot, said:“Our customer was delighted with the overall finish which American Red Elm created, these new concept booths really do stand out and give the itsu restaurants the wow factor. “American Red Elm is great for furniture projects such as these as it is a light and porous species of wood. Plus, as well as being fantastic at absorbing noise, which is useful in a busy restaurant such as itsu, it is also resistant to moisture.And with its elegant and distinctive finish showing visible grains, American Red Elm is simple to work with and stain, making it an ideal material for commercial dining tables such as these.” 8 www.lathamtimber.co.uk

* marketing@lathams.co.uk ( 0116

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257 3415

Building Elements

Powder coating for striking colour contrast Creativity with colour on building facades is changing our cityscapes. Powdertech Corby used highquality powder coatings by Tiger Drylac to produce a fabulous metal finish for the facade elements of Chapter Lewisham, award-winning modular-construct student accommodation in Lewisham. The accommodation is based on over 600 modular prefabricated units with an entrance canopy and large windows creating a light and open environment. Powdertech Corby coated soffits, sills, jambs and head sections for the modular build using pearlescent grey (RAL 7048) for the main sections, and a combination of four yellow shades (RAL 1016,1018,1023 and 1032) for the window panels. The high-quality architectural powders from Tiger Drylac have excellent weathering properties and colour retention and will give a fresh and bright appearance for many years with minimal maintenance.

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

400890

Metsec provides off-site solution for new school Novus rolls out tyre factory upgrade for Michelin

National property maintenance solutions company, Novus Property Solutions, has completed a multi-million-pound refurbishment at the Michelin tyre plant in Stoke-on-Trent.The £4.7m project involved refurbishing two industrial buildings at the plant. As part of the project, the site’s existing warehouse building was transformed into a national state-of-the-art logistics centre, while the team also created new high-quality office facilities as well as a bespoke main entrance area to the factory site. Novus also undertook substantial works to another existing building on the site which involved the reconfiguration of the existing delivery bays, including new insulated clad dock levellers and remodelled access routing, to optimise workflow. 8 www.novussolutions.co.uk * info@novussolutions.co.uk ( 01782 237249

Palmerston School identified a need for a new school building and the former Aigburth High secondary school site was selected for its new £7m facility. Originally planned as a timber frame construction, the main contractor asked voestalpine Metsec to review the school design and see whether a load-bearing steel frame solution (SFS) could be offered. Taking a consultative approach, Metsec was able to advise the main contractors on the layout, and worked in conjunction with installer, local company Mark One. Metsec used its BIM capabilities within the design stages to provide detailed plans and costings. * metsec@metsec.com

( 0121 601 6000

8 www.metsec.com

McAvoy contracts manager wins major industry award Gerard Donnelly, Contracts Manager at the McAvoy Group, has been named ‘Project Manager of the Year’ at the Offsite Construction Awards.The award is in recognition of the outstanding delivery of the £20m Lynch Hill Enterprise Academy project in Slough – one of the UK’s largest ever modular schools.The Offsite Awards recognise and celebrate best practice, innovation and expertise in offsite construction, through landmark projects, influential individuals and manufacturing excellence. Under Gerard’s exemplary management, the 8750m2 Lynch Hill project was delivered an unprecedented 17 weeks ahead of schedule, giving the school the benefit of earlier occupation. * info@mcavoygroup.com

( 0288 774 0372

8 www.mcavoygroup.com

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Building Elements

Schöck Isokorb combination meets Berlin project demands Affordable living space is scarce in Berlin and Paragon Apartments, a contemporary inner-city housing complex, is helping to ease the problem. The project centres on the historic and now disused Prenzlauer Berg Hospital. Two new upper storeys have been added to the original building, three further existing buildings modified and two new structures added. The ‘cube-theme’ design comprises 217 high-specification

apartments – ranging from compact studios to rooftop duplexes – plus a cafe and a supermarket. All are designed as a three-dimensional facade, with terraces and a shifting stacked balcony pattern.

The balcony construction is complex and, to minimise potential thermal bridging problems, Schöck has supplied three Isokorb types. First, the Isokorb KXT, for concrete-to-concrete. Its low ‘thermal bridge construction‘ certificate from the Darmstadt Passivhaus Institute, confirming its suitability even for Passivhaus construction. With the balcony design, the plate and the canopy element below act structurally on the same floor. So the two free-cantilevered reinforced concrete plates are connected by alternating the standard Schöck Isokorb type KXT that has straight shear and tension rods, with the Isokorb type KXT-HV. In addition, the Isokorb types EXT and KS are also incorporated. The EXT supports the side wall loads; and the KS is installed where there is a requirement for the free cantilevered steel girder canopy elements, to be secured to the reinforced concrete slab. The Paragon Apartments project provides an interesting example of how, by designing-in a combination of Schöck Isokorb types, a variety of differing project specification challenges can be met. 8 www.schoeck.co.uk

* design@schoeck.co.uk ( 01865

290890

Hanover building unveiled by Remmers SFS intec’s powdercoated fasteners deliver on aesthetics and performance

Powder-coated high-performance fasteners from SFS intec have played a key role in enabling leading roofing and cladding contractor, Roofdec, to create a striking new building envelope for a major extension to the White Rose Shopping Centre in Leeds. Meeting the colour consistency and longterm performance brief across the various elements of the contemporary facade, Roofdec turned to SFS intec for 40 variations of fasteners, many of which were powder coated in-house to match the different forms and colours of the rainscreen exterior. This included ensuring that fastener heads complemented the building’s unique curved fascias which were formed of purpose-made anodised panels in various colours. 8 www.sfsintec.co.uk * uk.info@sfsintec.biz ( 0113 208 5500

The Grade II Listed building located in Manchester City Centre is being refurbished to provide Grade A office space, retail and leisure facilities. Constructed in 1905, the interior walls had accumulated a thick build-up of dust, dirt, polish and even nicotine residue, all of which needed to be removed. Following trials of various products, Remmers’ Arte Mundit Eco was selected as it is a self-vulcanising cleaning paste designed for thorough, water-free removal of residues and soiling on a wide range of substrates.The Arte Mundit Eco was applied using a 4" brush and left to ‘set’ overnight.The set rubber-like material was then removed by hand the following day revealing the original white marble finish. * sales@remmers.co.uk

( 01293 594010

8 www.remmers.co.uk

Helifix launches new enhanced website Masonry repair specialist, Helifix, has launched its new website offering enhanced navigation, functionality and content.The site contains over 100 Repair Details that cover most common masonry faults, such as crack stitching, reconnecting separated walls and creating loadbearing masonry beams. In addition, there are an evergrowing number of case studies on all types of structures including listed buildings, converted properties and bridges.The redesigned site provides optimised viewing on any device, whether you are in the office on a desktop, at home on a tablet or on site on your smartphone. It provides 24/7 access to installation videos and blogs examining commonly occurring structural faults and appropriate repair strategies. * info@helifix.co.uk

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( 0208 735 5200

8 www.helifix.co.uk

Building Elements

High capacity channel system drains car park at McArthur Glen, Designer Outlets McArthur Glen, the leasing management and marketing company, has 21 Designer Outlets in eight countries across Europe and is still expanding its business. The new Designer Outlets’ indoor mall at Fulford, York, features over 120 designer brands including clothing, footwear, eyewear, homewares, restaurants and cafes. The mall is set in 60 acres of landscaped grounds, including an extensive free car park available for customers. Hauraton introduced the RECYFIX MONOTEC surface drainage system in January 2016.The McArthur Glen Designer Outlets mall joins numerous installations successfully completed in the United Kingdom. The RECYFIX MONOTEC system was installed to provide surface drainage in a section of the car park’s asphalt surface. Having a grating width of 100mm (channel internal dimension) with an overall height of 230mm and a cross-section of 190.5cm2, the 66m of

channel supplied provide a total water capacity of just over 1260 litres. The MONOTEC 1m-long channel component is of a sturdy monolithic design where the HEELSAFE grating and the tongue and groove linking system are integral to the channel moulding.The whole unit is made of tough, virtually unbreakable polypropylene (PP) formulated to be very resistant to daily temperature fluctuations from frost conditions to strong sunlight, including the ultraviolet

(UV) spectrum. PP is naturally resistant to deicing salt. Complying with the requirements of EN 1433, the PP is given its UV resistance by adding just sufficient stabiliser so that the structural strength of the material is unaffected and a consistent appearance is maintained.The MONOTEC channels have a loading category of up to Class D400. 8 www.hauraton.co.uk

* sales@hauraton.co.uk ( 01582

501380

Wigan’s Robin Park Arena could become ‘world class’ under Warriors UVEX SAFETY partners with HexArmor

Following the announcement in October 2016 that the UVEX SAFETY Group had acquired a substantial interest in HexArmor enabling its re-entry into the North American safety market, uvex and HexArmor are pleased to announce their partnership in the United Kingdom. UVEX SAFETY (UK) will now stock, sell and market HexArmor safety products, adding high-level cut, puncture, impact and abrasion resistant hand protection to its existing range.“We’re extremely excited to have the opportunity to offer industry-leading technology in cut, puncture and needlestick protection to our customers,” said John Gill, Managing Director of UVEX SAFETY. 8 www.uvex-safety.co.uk * safety@uvex.co.uk ( 01252 731200

A state-of-the-art multi-sports pitch in Wigan installed three years ago could receive further investment and upgrade under plans proposed by the town’s rugby league side.Wigan Warriors has entered negotiations with Wigan Council to look at the feasibility of moving the club’s Central Park operations to Robin Park Arena.The 3G FIFA two-star pitch is surrounded by 5m-high Zaun Duo8 Super Rebound to aid ball retention.The twin horizontal wire panels are highly durable, low maintenance,‘graffiti-proof’ and offer great rebound properties similar to a wall. 10 gates provide access at all points of the pitch. * sales@zaun.co.uk

( 01902 796699

8 www.zaun.co.uk

SAE joist hanger from SST – four million and counting This autumn, Simpson Strong-Tie is celebrating the pressing of its four millionth ‘SAE’ joist hanger.The versatile, heavy-duty timber connector is going from (load-bearing) strength to strength, increasing in popularity as builders opt for a connector solution to suit a wider variety of applications, is easy to install and comfortably capable of supporting higher loads. UK Marketing Manager, Chris Sanders, explains: “The SAE is something of a fan-favourite; it can either be nailed to solid and engineered joists, or bolted directly onto masonry, comes with an impressive load-bearing capacity and can support joist widths from 38mm right up to 200mm and offer up to 20.9kN of safe working load.” * sgreenway@strongtie.eu

( 01827 255600

8 www.strongtie.co.uk

Find this issue plus much more on the fc&a app and fca-magazine.com

DEDICATED TO SPECIFICATION

Call the GEZE UK helpline hotline on: 01543 443013 info.uk@geze.com www.geze.co.uk

GEZE Slimdrive at just 7cm high still the slimmest, most stylish operators available Sleek, elegant entrances designed to cope with high volumes of traffic can be achieved with the Slimdrive SL NT sliding automatic door system. From the simplest of entrances to the grandest all-glass façade the Slimdrive SL NT gives architects and specifiers flexibility to design. Blending seamlessly into any façade, even glass, the Slimdrive SL NT helps meet the demands of the Equality Act and provides safe efficient and convenient access. Virtually silent in operation and suitable for retrofitting this versatile automatic operator is perfect for so many applications. GEZE – helping you to achieve quality specifications.

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