35 minute read
TECHNICAL FOCUS
CREATING A NEW AESTHETIC WITH AN INNOVATIVE TAKE ON TRADITIONAL MATERIALS
Roland Jackson, Commercial Director of roofing, waterproofing and insulation specialist, Soprema, discusses alternatives to copper and why they should be considered to create stunning design features.
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SOPREMA
Across all aspects of building design, architects constantly face the challenge of balancing the creative with the practical. Their work needs to combine aesthetic appeal and some level of context with the local built environment. It may also need to make a statement, create a landmark or articulate the prestige of its purpose. Meanwhile, practical considerations not only include cost and length of programme, but also buildability, ease of maintenance and length of service life.
As buildings become more complex, sustainability considerations take higher priority and legacy costs and management increasingly influence design choices. It’s the role of the construction supply chain to develop new products that fuel creativity, practicality and sustainability for architects. By re-thinking traditional materials to pioneer practical alternatives with a comparable aesthetic, the supply chain can open up new design possibilities for architects to transform roofs into jawdropping features.
Copper vs synthetic
Copper has been a versatile and prestigious building material for centuries. Eye-catching, hardwearing and recyclable, it ticks lots of boxes for both aesthetics and practicality. But amongst its many advantages, there are some significant issues with specifying copper as a construction material in any sizeable quantity. Indeed, when it comes to designing a roof, the pitfalls of specifying copper can sometimes outweigh the benefits.
The first – and often biggest – issue is cost. Copper is a material that will offer excellent longevity, but it can substantially increase the build costs of a project. Using a synthetic alternative costs 50 to 60% less per square metre, which, for a larger roof area, equates to a saving of thousands of pounds.
The high monetary value of copper also creates risk for the building owner following completion. Like lead, copper is often stripped from buildings to be re-sold. For example, at Leigh Road Baptist Church in Leighon-Sea, thieves stole the copper used to refurbish the spire just before the scaffolding was removed. It was a devastating blow to the congregation, who had raised £20,000 to pay for the project. To protect the church from further incidents of theft, the spire and cupola were then refurbished using Soprema’s Flagon Copper Art. The synthetic waterproofing membrane has provided high performance and the appearance of copper at a lower cost and risk.
Collateral damage
The potential for copper theft not only has an immediate financial impact; it can also have longer-term consequences too. When copper is stripped off by thieves, the building may suffer additional damage and, with the copper gone, water ingress can cause more costly issues with the substrate and the internal areas.
Alongside the cost of replacing the copper is the impact on insurance premiums. Following one incident of copper theft, a premium is likely to rise. If the theft recurs, it may become uninsurable. By comparison, a synthetic membrane is more difficult to remove and, as it has no value as a scrap material, it is not attractive to thieves.
Comparing performance
For many architects, copper’s natural ageing over time is one of its attractions, but for the building owner, the patina that develops and changes the appearance of copper features is not always considered a benefit. If the client prefers a copper appearance that will retain its freshly-built aesthetic for decades, a synthetic membrane, impregnated with copper particles for a genuine copper appearance, provides a durable and highperformance alternative.
A synthetic membrane is also more temperature-stable than traditional copper. The natural expansion and contraction of copper can result in distortion to the roof or copper feature in hot or cold weather conditions. During the summer months, copper’s natural property as a conductor can also increase the building’s solar gain, which may affect indoor temperatures and cooling load requirements.
Buildability and design potential
While copper is a soft and malleable metal, it cannot provide the flexibility of a synthetic roofing membrane, which will flex to any shape, including complex curves. The membrane can also be cut to accommodate the contours of any building design.
What this means for architects is limitless design possibilities for using ‘copper’ as an exterior feature of the building, while providing a high-performance and durable waterproof surface with an extended service life. Flagon Copper Art is suitable for either fully-adhered or mechanically-fixed installations, and can be installed as a standing seam roof with joints hot-air welded onto the membrane following installation. For example, the cupola at the Baptist Church in Leighon-Sea was installed as eight triangular pieces of membrane with standing seam joints installed to complete a perfectly symmetrical feature.
Looking to the future, referencing the past
Whether the design ambition is a complex structure, copper-clad vertical surfaces, a wave-form roof or a conceptual building that plays with form and materials, a synthetic alternative can be used to offer all the aesthetic advantages of copper, combined with the versatility of a flexible, durable waterproof membrane.
There will always be a place for traditional construction materials but, just as architects are pushing the boundaries of traditional building form and function with innovative design, the construction supply chain must innovate to provide versatile new materials.
NORDIC COPPER BRISTOL FASHION
A major new residential building in Bristol is defined by its 170m-long facade, clad in Nordic Brown Light pre-oxidised copper, complementing its modern, listed neighbour.
AURUBIS
Designed by Ferguson Mann Architects (FMA), the Copper Building is the second phase of Bristol’s Lakeshore residential development for Urban Splash, set in 10 acres of established landscape surrounding a lake. It follows FMA’s redevelopment of the iconic Grade II Listed former headquarters of Imperial Tobacco, designed during the 1970s in the International Style by Skidmore, Owings and Merrill (SOM).
The new Copper Building replaces the SOM-designed factory, demolished in the 1990s, and provides 136 apartments for rent or for sale, including purchase through shared ownership. FMA Project Architect, Nick Brown, explained: “The form and language of the Copper Building were always intended as a reference to its Cor-ten steel-clad predecessor. We sought a more friendly and economical material to speak of the industrial heritage of the site, yet in a warmer and more refined way – a material with some life, that would patinate subtly over time.
“The warm colour of the Nordic Brown Light pre-oxidised copper, along with the longevity, sustainability and natural credentials of copper made it the perfect choice. The new Copper Building still maintains a dialogue with the neighbouring Cor-ten clad Lakeshore building and they both sit comfortably together, just as the original factory and office did. Importantly, local feedback has been really positive.”
Nordic Brown Light is part of an extensive portfolio of architectural copper surfaces and alloys from Aurubis, with an unrivalled lifespan, no maintenance and full recyclability. With an ‘A1 (non-combustible material)’ fire classification to EN 13501-1, copper is suitable for cladding tall buildings, using appropriate constructions.
The range includes Nordic Standard ‘mill finish’ and Nordic Brown pre-oxidised copper offering lighter or darker shades of brown determined by the thickness of the oxide layer. The extensive Nordic Blue, Nordic Green and Nordic Turquoise ranges have been developed with properties and colours based on the same brochantite mineralogy found in natural patinas all over the world. As well as the solid patina colours, ‘living’ surfaces are available for each with other intensities of patina flecks revealing some of the dark oxidised background material.
Copper alloys include Nordic Bronze and Nordic Brass,
which can also be supplied pre-weathered. The innovative Nordic Royal is an alloy of copper with aluminium and zinc, retaining its golden colour. A wide choice of Nordic Decor mechanically applied surface treatments is also available. Nordic Copper is produced by Aurubis, part of the world’s leading integrated copper group and largest copper recycler.
RAVATHERM XPS X 300 SB SPECIFIED FOR R-WALL INSULATED CONCRETE FORMWORK (ICF) SYSTEM
Ravago Building Solutions’ Ravatherm XPS X 300 SB high-performance extruded polystyrene (XPS) thermal insulation boards are being used in the construction of R-WALL, a new innovative, Government-supported build system, revolutionising how houses are constructed in the UK.
RAVAGO BUILDING SOLUTIONS
R-WALL is a type of insulated concrete form (ICF), meaning two panels of insulation are installed and the cavity filled with concrete. The majority of ICF systems use EPS; however, R-WALL uses Ravatherm XPS X 300 SB XPS boards supplied by Ravago.
Ravatherm XPS X 300 SB is a flame retarded XPS board with exceptional thermal performance and a Global Warming Potential (GWP) of less than five. This is important to R-WALL’s objective of not only building an energy-efficient future but doing so in an environmentally conscious and sustainable way.
Natalie Sutton, Account Manager at Ravago Building Solutions, said: “Our range of high-performance XPS insulation products offer exceptional thermal performance and they are produced at our plant in King’s Lynn, ensuring a three- to four-day lead time for delivery
www.ravagobuildingsolutions.com
to site. Ravatherm XPS X 300 SB combines high compressive strength, low moisture uptake and exceptional lambda values into a product ideally suited for a range of applications.”
Lisa Trewin, Director at R-WALL, said: “We chose to work with Ravago for its highquality products, continuous dedication to development and innovation within the industry, and its environmentallyconscious production methods.
WOODEN ROOF OF MACALLAN DISTILLERY RESONATES AUTHENTICITY AND HONESTY
The Macallan Distillery and visitor experience centre in Craigellachie, Speyside in Scotland is a stunning sight. Five meadow-covered hills hide the undulating roof of the distillery. The contemporary building combines a wooden roof with glass and steel. Fast, light and green Kerto LVL (laminated veneer lumber) was used as part of the prefabricated roof.
METSÄ WOOD
The building includes a visitor experience centre, three still houses and a mash house with a common roof and fully glazed wall. This reflects the wishes of the Macallan Distillery, a premium brand, whose single malt whisky production dates back to 1824. The goal was a contemporary facility celebrating phasing, authenticity and honesty.
“Enthusiasts can see how whisky is produced because the machinery can be viewed from the fully glazed visitor experience area. The architecture elevates the beautiful copper stills into something special,” says Toby Jeavons, Project Architect at Rogers Stirk Harbour + Partners, a renowned international architectural practice responsible for the architecture. “We wanted to celebrate the honesty of materials rather than hide the roof structure with a ceiling,” continues Jeavons.
Prefabricated roof structure
The roof consists of a wooden waffle structure, supported by a steel structure. The wooden parts were manufactured at the Wiehag factory in Austria. The glulam beams feature Kerto LVL used as cheeks on both sides, and triangular Kerto LVL panels have been used as roof panels.
“Kerto LVL is a very good engineered wood material because you can trust the material dimensions,” says Johannes Rebhahn, Sales Director International Timber Projects at Wiehag, which was responsible for the roof construction.
“The Ravatherm XPS X 300 SB board delivers outstanding thermal performance as demonstrated by its lambda values which enables us to provide our customers with the most energy-efficient system on the market. R-WALL is currently the leading ICF company for the lowest U-value to wall widths, whilst being able to maintain that all-important maximum four-hour burn rating.”
info@ravago.com
The construction of the Macallan Distillery and visitor experience centre took only six months. It was a carefully coordinated operation because the roof contains some 3600 beams and 2500 roof panels.
“In general, offsite construction is a great way to save construction time. When prefabrication such as cutting is done in the factory and connections have been designed to be simple, the easier, safer and more cost-effective life on the site is,” Rebhahn continues.
SELECTAGLAZE CREATES QUIET, COMFORTABLE AREAS FOR PLUMSTEAD LIBRARY
Plumstead Library is located on the busy A206, so noise was of great concern. Also, the single glazed metal-framed windows did little to prevent heat loss or draughts. As the building is Grade II Listed, the original windows could not be changed, so a reversible adaptation had to be found.
SELECTAGLAZE
Secondary glazing posed the most effective solution to improve thermal efficiency as well as dramatically reduce the noise ingress. Wellsealed secondary glazing significantly improves the performance of the original windows. If used in conjunction with metalframed openings, U-values of 1.9 and reductions of 45 dB can be achieved.
A total of 63 Selectaglaze units were installed, including Series 10 three-pane horizontal sliders, Series 80 three-pane horizontal sliders and more.
Each sweeping bay overlooking the high street was built up with seven Series 20 vertical sliders, transom coupled to seven Series 45 side hung casements. This configuration complemented the sightlines of the primary windows and allowed full access for cleaning, maintenance and natural ventilation if required.
After months of highly skilled refurbishment works, the library re-opened in early 2020. It is set to become a
sustainable and cultural destination in the Plumstead area and a great legacy for one of the remaining Carnegie libraries in the UK.
Established in 1966 and Royal Warrant Holder since 2004, Selectaglaze offers a free technical advisory service and RIBAapproved CPD seminars.
VICAIMA LAUNCHES NEW WEBSITE STRENGTHENING THE USER’S EXPERIENCE
Always aiming to build the perfect online experience for its customers and partners, Vicaima has launched a new website, which aims to improve the ease of navigation for its users, providing spontaneous and differentiating interaction with all features and tools. Yet another innovation, from a company which is continuously investing in a close, modern and intuitive digital footprint.
VICAIMA
Among the new features, Vicaima highlights the speed of the platform and the contemporary, functional and responsive redesign, strategically created to facilitate the search process for users, in line with their intentions, needs and desires.
Thus, the new website is characterised by dynamism, accompanied by carefully selected content, as well as a wide range of products, performance and solutions, with a view to boosting the digital presence of the brand in the national and international arena.
This redesign includes aesthetic improvements allowing for more immersive experimentation and improved navigation, which allows visitors to easily find the information they need.
“After many months of work and dedication by our entire team, we are very pleased with the launch of the new Vicaima website. This latest step reflects the company’s ability to anticipate trends, innovate, propose complete and exciting to the market. With the new website, the user can easily and intuitively access the commercialised products, news, catalogues, technical information, projects and news, as well as request the download of BIM solutions from Vicaima, quickly and effectively. We believe that we will strengthen our position as one of the dominant players in the market.
“With the new design, we expect an increase in the number of visitors and consumption of content on our page. We look forward to feedback and the new and exciting developments to come,” stresses Antonio Moutinho, Director at Vicaima Group.
CLEMENT STEEL WINDOWS, DOORS AND SCREENS FEATURE THROUGHOUT EAST SUSSEX VINEYARD
Clement Windows Group has manufactured and installed a series of steel windows, doors and screens at the fabulous Sedlescombe Vineyard in East Sussex.
CLEMENT WINDOWS GROUP
Sedlescombe is England’s oldest organic wine estate comprising 22 acres of organically certified vineyards. It is one of the main tourist attractions in the ‘1066 Country’ region in and around Hastings, attracting approximately 5000 visitors per year to its Vineyard & Woodland Nature Trail.
After more than 35 years of pioneering awardwinning organic wine production, the previous owners decided it was time for a change, so they sold the vineyard to local couple, Sophie and Kieran Balmer, who were excited to invest in an established, independent business.
The new owners have totally transformed the vineyard shop and tasting room with a stunning combination of steel and glass incorporated across the whole building design. The enormous pair of radius head door screens provide a magnificent feature both internally and externally and are in keeping with the natural surroundings, providing a stunning backdrop to the shop. Inside, there are further Clement EB24 door screens and doors which are used to beautifully partition rooms and allow light to flow through the building.
The owners are delighted. Sophie commented: “The dark metal frames of our new Clement steel windows and screens, which were recently installed at the newly refurbished shop and tasting room, bring the premises up to date while keeping some of the
original charm. We are thrilled with how much natural light floods in through the windows and the way that the sky and trees are reflected in the glass making the building blend in as part of this historic landscape.”
AliClad Decor soffit cladding on a balcony underside
ALIDECK’S OFF-THE-SHELF NONCOMBUSTIBLE ALUMINIUM BALCONY SOFFIT CLADDING OPTIONS
Decking manufacturer AliDeck continues to grow its range of extruded aluminium products for balconies with the launch of two new soffit cladding solutions.
ALIDECK
The AliClad Decor profile
Following hot on the heels of the recent release of its AliClad Flow balcony underside watermanagement system, AliDeck has announced the addition of two further soffit cladding products to its range; AliClad Decor and AliClad Lite.
Manufactured from 100% aluminium, these new AliClad products deliver off-the-shelf, quick-fit, cost-effective specification solutions for steel balcony undersides.
Richard Izzard, AliDeck Managing Director, said: “We have worked very closely with steel fabricators as we’ve developed and grown our decking line and those conversations have helped us understand how an off-the-shelf balcony soffit system would really simplify the process of balcony construction. By removing the need for expensive, bespoke sheet metalwork in the soffits, fabricators are able to manufacture balconies quickly and more cost-effectively.”
The previously launched AliClad Flow system neatly encapsulated this philosophy of simplifying balcony design and manufacturing and has seen a great early response from architects, being specified on projects within days of its launch. The two new AliClad products are sure to be similarly well received.
AliClad Decor is, as the name suggests, a decorative product, with an attractive box profile providing excellent visual impact as it seals the soffit, with drainage managed in the balcony deck above. Finally, AliClad Lite is a simple, cost-effective, freedraining soffit cladding option that neatly conceals the steel framework of the balcony underside.
“We believe that AliClad will help change the way that fabricators approach balcony construction and have been delighted to see it specified into projects already,” remarked Richard. “By removing the need for bespoke folded steel and providing an entirely off-the-shelf cladding solution, architects can be sure that cost, compliance and design concerns are satisfied from the moment of specification.”
Crucially, the AliClad range has been designed to be fully compatible with the already wellestablished AliDeck range of balcony decking products. Consisting of decking boards, support joists, pedestals and a wide range of accessories, the AliDeck decking system is the most complete aluminium decking range on the market and has seen excellent take-up by specifiers and developers since its launch as a standalone brand in spring 2019.
With the combination of AliDeck and AliClad, balcony design and integration into schemes has just become markedly simpler. It also fully resolves questions of compliance, as all components of the three systems have undergone independent fire testing to achieve the EuroClass A Rating required by Building Regulations.
It is this guaranteed compliance that is perhaps the most impactful element of the AliDeck and AliClad proposition. Against a backdrop of turmoil in the leasehold mortgage market due to issues surrounding the External Wall Fire Review/EWS1 scheme, the value of the certainty of the balcony specification exceeding legislation requirements cannot be understated.
ALUMAFLEX FLEXIBLE MULTI-FOIL GAINS LABC RECOGNITION FOR MAGPLY MAGPLY
As a slim and highly efficient thermal multi-foil insulation for use in roofs, walls and floors, Alumaflex is ideal for barn or loft conversions and in general timber frame construction. The proven, high-performance product has UKAS accreditation and thanks to further investment by IPP (Magply), was also awarded LABC Certificate No EW 1045 in July. Alumaflex comprises four components in 14 layers which include aluminium foil bubble, aluminised foil, fibre wadding and polyethylene foam. It was assessed by LABC for ‘Energy Economy and Heat Retention’ with the registration meaning Alumaflex is recognised by Building Control for use in England, Wales and Scotland although the product is normally used in conjunction with additional insulation such as PIR or mineral wool, to achieve the required U-value. Manufactured in the UK by IPP, Alumaflex is very versatile and installer-friendly, being initially fixed with stainless-steel staples, before normally being secured with battens to create a cavity.
www.magply.co.uk 01621 776252 john@magply.co.uk
WINTER GARDENS UTILISE STYLE’S PARTITIONING SOLUTION STYLE
The newly built Waterson Building is home to a boutique collection of luxury residential accommodation located in the heart of Shoreditch, E2. Aiming to maximise floor space in the stylish lofts, apartments and penthouses, elegant glass-enclosed winter gardens are accessed from both the bedroom and lounge areas of many of the properties. Successfully delineating the winter garden from the rest of the interior, a Dorma Hüppe Varitrans glass moveable wall system has been installed by sole UK distributor, Style. “The high-quality Varitrans internal partition can be effortlessly moved into position, instantly creating versatile indoor-outdoor space that is suitable for all year-round use, as required by some planning authorities and developers,” said Julian Sargent, Group Managing Director at Style.
20% RISE IN SMOKING-RELATED FIRES DEMONSTRATES NEED TO REPLACE COMBUSTIBLE MATERIALS ALIDECK
London Fire Brigade (LFB) has published figures showing a startling rise in smoking-related fires in the capital since the start of the UK lockdown. Richard Izzard, MD at AliDeck, said: “We are seeing balcony fires all around the UK with worrying regularity, most of which have been started either by the use of barbecues or carelessly discarded cigarettes. Short of an apparently unlikely change in smokers, the only way to reduce the risk of fires on balconies being caused by Products from F. Ball and Co., including and Styccobond F46 pressure-sensitive
discarded cigarettes is for all combustible materials to be removed and replaced with non-combustible options, such as aluminium decking which is A-Rated for fire-safety. Removing combustible materials will result in safer buildings.”
www.alideck.co.uk 01622 534 077
STO BRICK SLIPS USED TO COMPLETE FACADE OF BIRMINGHAM TOYBOX BUILDING STO
A combination of external wall insulation and brick slips from Sto were specified for a major new landmark building in Birmingham. The StoTherm Mineral K insulation system and StoBrick were chosen for the city’s new Toybox student accommodation building for their ability to combine outstanding thermal performance with a traditional brick appearance and blend with other construction materials. The StoTherm Mineral K insulation system uses mineral fibre boards which were adhesively fixed to the substrate. This allowed for fast and easy installation, and the accommodation of the curved
www.sto.com info@alideck.co.uk
F. BALL HELPS INFECTION CONTROL AT LONDON HOSPITAL F. BALL AND CO.
its Stopgap 300 HD levelling compound surfaces found on the building’s facade.
adhesive, have been used to create a high-quality flooring finish as part of the transformation of a former car showroom into a sterile and decontamination unit for the Royal Free London NHS Foundation Trust. F. Ball’s Stopgap F78 one-component waterproof surface membrane was applied in two coats, the second 30 minutes after the first. Once the membrane had cured, F. Ball’s Stopgap 300 HD levelling compound was then applied to provide a smooth, hard-wearing base for the receipt of new floorcoverings.
www.f-ball.co.uk 01538 361633 mail@f-ball.co.uk
FTSE 250 TECH-FIRM CHOOSES ADVANCED FIRE PROTECTION FOR UK HEADQUARTERS
ADVANCED
A network of fault-tolerant MxPro 5 fire panels from Advanced, have been installed at the UK headquarters of Computacenter. As a leading independent provider of IT infrastructure services, having robust fire protection measures in place at Computacenter’s UK logistics and distribution centre is crucial to ensuring smooth operations. As part of a fire system upgrade and move towards a more open-style protocol, Advanced was selected as the preferred solution at Hertfordshire-based Computacenter’s headquarters which, at over 220,000ft 2 , are some of Europe’s largest and most sophisticated purpose-built warehousing and operations facilities. Advanced partner, Controlled, was responsible for the complete replacement of the fire system, including installation, configuration and commissioning of one eight-loop, one five-loop and two one-loop MxPro 5 panels that form the core of the site’s active fire protection. Controlled integrated the new Advanced control panels alongside several third-party systems in the warehouse and operations building, including auto conveyors, sprinklers, gas suppression, aspirator systems and fire doors and shutters.
www.advancedco.com 0345 894 7000 jmountain@advancedco.com POTTERTON COMMERCIAL LAUNCHES NEW PREFABRICATED SIRIUS THREE WH RIG SYSTEMS POTTERTON COMMERCIAL
Potterton Commercial has introduced new prefabricated rig systems for its flagship Sirius three 90, 110, 130 and 150 stainless-steel, wall-hung condensing boilers to provide installers, contractors and end-users with a safe, rapid, quality solution to multi-boiler installation within four to five weeks of order. Potterton Commercial’s new turnkey heating solutions consist of pre-assembled Sirius three WH boiler cascades supplied on a modular boiler framework with insulated pipework set, pumps, a dosing pot, pressurisation unit, and customised controls and panel. There is additionally the option to integrate either a Low Loss Header or Plate Heat Exchanger into the rig, either left- or right-handed. Dan Martindale, Commercial Sales Director at Baxi Heating, commented: “Our Sirius three WH boilers have been designed to offer exceptional environmental and efficiency benefits with ultra-low NOx levels from 17mg/ kW, a modulation ratio of up to 9:1, advanced controls and above-average season efficiencies of 97.3%. Now, with our new Sirius three WH rig systems, we can offer the same benefits in a turnkey solution.”
REVOLUTIONARY PRODUCT
RECEIVES SAP RECOGNITION SIME
Sime, the Yorkshire-based boiler manufacturer, is pleased to announce that its Murelle Revolution 30 hybrid boiler is now recognised in SAP. This means that the product satisfies compliance with Part L of Building Regulations. Sime has been working closely with the Building Research Establishment (BRE) over the last two and a half years as part of the Hybrid Working Group to help define the methodology for SAP calculations for hybrid air source
www.pottertoncommercial.co.uk 0345 070 1055
UK-MADE INFRARED HEATING SOLUTIONS FROM JIGSAW INFRARED JIGSAW INFRARED
Infrared heating panels are sleek, stylish and highly efficient. The clever thing about the people and objects in the room as it touches them – rather than heating the air. Jigsaw Infrared heaters are incredibly smart – they are at least half the cost to run versus other heating systems and are also very efficient and emission-free, meaning they’re a whole lot better for the planet. They are easy to install and maintenancefree – so no annual service contracts. With their minimalist design, they are also incredibly thin so don’t take up valuable space – and can even be ceiling mounted which actually increases the heating coverage of the panels.
infrared heating is that, like the sun, it heats heat pump and boiler appliances. The Murelle Revolution is the first completely integrated boiler and heat pump in a single cased product and the first product of its kind to receive SAP recognition.”
www.sime.co.uk 0345 901 1114 enquiries@sime.co.uk
VORTICE LAUNCHES NEW VORT QUADRO DMEV VORTICE
Vortice has announced the launch of a new de-centralised continuous mechanical extract ventilation (dMEV) system complying with system 3 of the Building Regulations. This sleek and stylish new fan comes in four models, a standard and a timer with humidity control (T-HCS), both available in a surfacemounted and a recessed design. Units are equipped with a trickle and boost function, with one of four trickle functions (ranging from 5 to 12 litres per second). The timer function allows the user to programme the boost mode to come on immediately or after 45, 90 or 120 seconds selected at the time of wiring.
A UK-FIRST AS CLARKE INFINITY STRETCHES WHAT IS POSSIBLE IN A HOME CINEMA
The home entertainment specialist has been shortlisted for a CEDIA award for its cinema installation featuring the first-ever deployment of a Barrisol Clim stretch ceiling in the UK.
CLARKE INFINITY
Clarke Infinity has been shortlisted as a finalist within the EMEA Home Cinema category of the 2020 CEDIA Awards for its unique El Padrino home cinema installation, featuring a Barrisol Clim stretch ceiling – a first for the UK. The Essex-based outfit designed the bespoke cinema room to include a one-of-a-kind stretch ceiling to deliver perfect acoustics and provide a sumptuous, luxurious finish.
The specialist perforated stretched fabric evenly distributes the air, ensuring the ceiling becomes a diffuser for any sound coming from the air conditioning – as well as keeping any unsightly equipment out of view. The Barrisol Clim ceiling ensures you cannot see or feel the HVAC; you cannot feel it because the velocity in the occupied area is around 0.2m/s (and human beings cannot feel the air movement when the velocity is less than 0.3m/s) and you cannot hear it due to the unique design – yet it delivers an aesthetically pleasing finish and allows the air conditioning to keep the room at the perfect temperature.
Simon Clarke, Owner and Founder of Clarke Infinity, said: “The CEDIA Awards spotlight the best the industry has to offer, and it is exciting to be part of it. The awards are a great way for us to showcase big projects and the great things that Clarke can achieve with their clients’ needs in mind. We’re delighted to have been shortlisted, especially with a project as unique as the El Padrino cinema.”
The winner will be announced at the 2020 CEDIA awards ceremony this October.
WERNICK DELIVERS SECOND MODULAR BUILDING FOR SWANSEA UNIVERSITY
Swansea University procured a £4.9m teaching facility from Wernick Buildings for its Bay Campus. With the use of modern methods of construction, the two-storey, 2600m² building was completed over an end-to-end build programme of just 28 weeks.
WERNICK BUILDINGS
Situated on Swansea University’s prestigious Bay Campus, the H-shaped structure offers eight spacious teaching areas for up to 2000 students and space for the Student’s Union. The comprehensive interior fit-out includes folding partitions to create flexible spaces, lecture suites, PC labs and quiet zones.
The building, officially named ‘Y Twyni’ (meaning The Burrows), was procured through Fusion 21’s Education and Modular Buildings Framework and was built ‘offsite’, using the latest innovations in modular design and build.
Modules were manufactured in a quality-controlled factory environment in six weeks, with groundworks on campus taking place simultaneously. The modules were then craned into place to form a complete building.
While the principal driver of a modular solution is time, the method presents a range of environmental benefits too. For example, up to 90% fewer vehicles arrive on site, and less waste for landfill is produced at each stage of the build. Concrete and plaster use are significantly reduced, as are CO2 emissions from onsite generators.
Wernick utilised its latest modular system – Swiftplan. As well as ensuring building efficiency, the system allows for greater versatility for the addition of architectural features. In the case of Y Twyni, these include curtain walling, which provides open, sun-drenched areas and rainscreen cladding, which gives the exterior a contemporary feel.
Swiftplan’s industry-leading non-combustible wall panelling system will ensure an extra level of safety, and a hybrid natural ventilation system will provide a comfortable environment for occupants.
The innovative structure sits alongside a range of pioneering buildings on the campus, including the UK’s first energy-positive office – the ‘Active Office’, delivered by Wernick in 2018. Like the Active Office, manufacture of the new teaching facility took place at the Wernick Buildings factory in Port Talbot – 13 miles from the Bay Campus.
Swansea University’s Pro-Vice-Chancellor, Martin Stringer, said: “Y Twyni represents the university’s commitment to developing
flexible learning spaces, sustainable building methods and working with local manufacturers.”
Stuart Wilkie, Managing Director at Wernick Buildings, added: “We are delighted that our local university is embracing modern methods of construction and all that modular buildings have to offer. Higher education institutions such as Swansea University are leading the way by providing innovative and inspiring spaces to enhance the student experience.”
0800 112 4640
TG ESCAPES PROVIDES TIMBER FRAME OFFSITE SOLUTIONS FOR SCHOOLS
There are occasions when schools need extra space quickly, cheaply and with minimal disruption. TG Escapes’ modular offsite process means it can work with main contractors to deliver projects that would not normally be achievable.
TG ESCAPES
Rather than temporary or volumetric solutions, TG Escapes’ designs are bespoke and provide inspiring learning spaces that have a real impact on a school setting. Smaller buildings can be completed on site in as little as six weeks, and the construction areas are selfcontained with deliveries managed to minimise disruption to the school.
TG Escapes offers a free site survey and bespoke building design to all customers in education. This service helps schools to explore ideas and visualise what can be achieved with a timber frame building without obligation.
From single classrooms or breakout rooms to chapels, canteens, sports pavilions and performing arts studios, all buildings are completed to an A+ energy rating using sustainable materials on a timber frame. They enhance wellbeing by following biophilic design principles, including:
Incorporate natural elements
Provide easy access to the outdoors
Use materials and textures that reflect those in nature
Maximise penetration of and exposure to natural light
Provide a healthy level of interior air quality
Provide views of the natural world outside.
Schools benefit from energy savings in the long-term as well as an eco-friendly addition to the school estate. Buildings can include living roofs, sun pipes, covered decking for easy outdoor access, flexible partitions, multiple access points and separate security.
Customers like that these ecobuildings use natural materials and provide fantastic naturallylit interiors and views of the outside. Customer feedback shows that they become very special spaces in an educational setting. The calming, natural buildings are good for student and staff wellbeing and enhance educational outcomes.
The fully inclusive fixed price turnkey service also includes:
Planning permission/ Building Regulations
Foundations and clearance
Service connections. WHAT TG ESCAPES’ CUSTOMERS SAY: “The buildings have a very ‘tranquil’ feel to them,” – Assistant Head.
“This building has a real ‘wow factor’ that lifts the whole school. I am over the moon with the final result. It is a great building, and we are incredibly proud of it,” – Bursar
“You are, in effect, getting a permanent building for half the cost of bricks and mortar. We were intrigued by TG Escapes’ different approach to learning environments, and after visiting their other projects we were blown away,” – Head of Finance
TG Escapes’ eco-buildings are fully compliant, its sites are managed with safety first, and more than half their business comes from recommendations.
A Construction Line Gold member, an approved partner of the Institute of School Business Leadership (ISBL) and a member of the British Educational Suppliers Association (BESA), TG Escapes has built over 700 eco-buildings country-wide, and customers score them 4.9 out of 5 based on 142 reviews.
Buildings range in price from £60k to over £2m, and larger sizes can cost from as little as £1500 per m 2 .
100% ISO SUCCESS FOR EOS
Quality, testing and certification are central to the Etex business. It is therefore, with great pride, that EOS announces that the team has successfully completed three quality badge audits with 100% success and zero non-conformances.
EOS
Steve Thompson, Managing Director for the advanced light steel frame design, engineering and manufacturing specialist, said of this accomplishment: “I would like to congratulate the EOS team for this outstanding achievement and acknowledge the work and dedication that went in to ensuring all procedures, records and management systems were in first-class order providing the auditors with all the necessary information to award EOS total compliance with zero non-conformances.
“With EOS becoming part of Etex New Ways, there has been significant
changes since the last full audit, all documentation has been re-branded, and all processes have been reviewed and updated. I would like to offer thanks to Lee Allison, our Quality Control Officer, and our Factory Manager, Gary Wedgewood – a special mention goes to our Operations Manager Lisa Mcgill, who managed the entire process.”
The EOS team successfully passed the five-day re-certification
audit against ISO 9001:2015 quality management systems, ISO 14001:2015 environmental management systems and ISO 45001:2018 health and safety management with no non-conformance issues or even any opportunities for improvement or areas of concern. EOS was also able to incorporate the SSIP Assessment into the audit, which will allow the company to obtain Gold Membership of Constructionline.
The UK Timber Frame Association’s ‘Differential Movement Calculator’ document suggests that even on a two-storey dwelling, the first-floor windows will move by upwards of 16mm while second-floor windows on a three-storey house can move by almost as much 30mm. The quality of the window installation is paramount because any problems are usually laid at your door. It also means that using a silicone solution to provide a seal, which gives a MAF (movement accommodation factor) of between 15% to 50% to accommodate the timber frame movement, could be largely ineffective – unless extremely large gaps around the window are required to accommodate movement. Alternatively, the use of advanced foam sealing tapes can be beneficial, adding value to the quality of the final finish. The current generation of tapes, such as ISO-Chemie’s ISO BLOCO T-Max, can accommodate up to 36 mm of movement (MAF = 257%) while remaining weatherproof to Storm Force 10.
STATE-OF-THE-ART HOSPITAL BENEFITS FROM P C HENDERSON’S SIROCCO SYSTEM
P C HENDERSON
Sliding and folding door hardware manufacturer, P C Henderson, has been specified for a state-of-the-art hospital build in Breda, Holland. Covering 128,000m 2 , the new ultra-modern Amphia Hospital was officially opened in November 2019. The design brief focused on creating a new world of medical care – aiming for increased one-to-one patient contact, shorter waiting times, the highest level of healthcare and a peaceful and comfortable environment. A key solution in achieving this was through the specification of a sliding door system to separate the main room from the bathroom. P C Henderson’s Sirocco system was identified as the best solution for the project. Rene van den Biggelaar, Business Unit Manager at P C Henderson Holland, commented: “Our Sirocco sliding door system is extremely popular in healthcare applications due to its integrated hydraulic self-closing feature which ensures the door always comes to a safe and gentle close”.
FILTERING THE OPTIONS TO REDUCE CONTAMINATION RISK GILBERTS
There is an innovative way to make air as fresh as possible within educational buildings, and thus achieve compliance with Government guidelines. Gilberts, the UK’s leading independent air movement specialist, has developed a range of modular filter boxes to integrate with its innovative stand-alone hybrid natural ventilation unit, the Mistrale Fusion System (MFS). Added during initial installation or retrofitted to the MFS through-wall or through-window unit, the filter units help minimise ingress of unwanted and/or harmful airborne particulates into the internal space. Gilberts’ core MFS unit comprises a box fitted through the external facade with louvres that mixes internal and external air to ventilate the internal space.
SENIOR PROVES A SAFE BET AT DONCASTER RACECOURSE HOTEL SENIOR ARCHITECTURAL SYSTEMS
With a successful track record of working in the hotel and leisure sector, Senior Architectural Systems has supplied the full aluminium fenestration package for the new Hilton Garden Inn hotel located at Doncaster’s famous racecourse. Designed by KKA Architecture, the new hotel features Senior’s slimline aluminium curtain walling, thermally-efficient windows and robust commercial doors which have been installed by supply chain partner Danum Windows for main contractor Galliford Try. With both Senior and Danum Windows being based in South cost of the build and contribute to a timely delivery.
SEVEN ECO-FRIENDLY ROOFS IMPROVE HEALTH IN HATTERSLEY BMI
NHS Property Services chose to replace the roof of the Hattersley Health Centre in Hyde, Greater Manchester, with a roof system that reduces the effects of pollution, by converting nitrous oxides Yorkshire, the use of a local supply chain has helped reduce the financial and environmental
that are present into benign nitrates. Working in collaboration with the BMI technical specification team, Urban Design & Consult (UDC) developed the remedy for the failing roof. The new roof was the Icopal Noxite Classic built-up felt system, in which the Noxite Capsheet reduces the effects of traffic pollution. Developed by BMI, Noxite torch-on roofing membrane turns harmful nitrous oxides produced by traffic into benign nitrates, a depolluting effect that lasts as long as the waterproofing membrane.
