FC&A September 2019

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September 19

Issue 115

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Mind the gap

A technology learning curve

Seal your way to airtightness

Jacksons Fencing discusses the knowledge

How to effectively integrate BIM

Improve the energy efficiency of properties

gap amongst the architectural community

into your business

with an alternative insulation

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

Cross Platform Media LTD Barham Court, Teston, Maidstone,Kent, ME18 5BZ Tel: 01622 232723 www.fca-magazine.com

Magazine September 2019

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

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 editor's hands. In the absence of an agreement the copyright of all contributions, literary, photographics or artistic belongs to Cross Platform Media Ltd.The publisher accepts no responsibility in respect of advertisements appearing in the magazine and the opinions expressed in editorial material or otherwise do not necessarily represent the view of the publisher.The publisher does not accept any liability of any loss arising from the late appearance or non-publication of any advertisement.

Front cover: Oodi, the new Helsinki central library, has proven to be extremely popular with Helsinki residents and visitors alike.

See page 12.

Welcome

to Future Constructor & Architect...

F

ollowing six months away from FC&A, it is with great pleasure that I announce my return. During my absence, it was a pleasure to recognise that the construction industry remained a hive of activity amidst the turmoil of a new Prime Minister, the political uncertainty that Brexit is still delivering and whispers of an upcoming recession.

With our EU divorce just around the corner, this Halloween may be the ending to – what seems like – a lifelong Brexit horror story. On the lead up to our departure, we've talked to Scape Group's Chief Executive, Mark Robinson, about his predictions for the construction industry post-Brexit. In this article, he highlights key concerns for the trade and offers his solution to mitigating ubiquitous issues. Turn to page 22 to read up on Mark's take on the construction world after October.

Meanwhile, in the portfolio pages of this month's issue, we've highlighted two outstanding projects from overseas. On page 12, you can find a remarkable example of modern architecture from architect firm, ALA Architects. Blending into its Finnish surroundings, the building has been constructed using only local materials and is the epitome of Nordic design. Our second project of the month can be found in Taiwan. Here you'll find a new restaurant concept, designed by renowned architect Ken Lo, which redefines the idea of a traditional dining space. Turn to page 16 to discover the modern choices implemented in this striking project.

I hope you enjoy this issue. Don’t forget, you can also access all of the magazine’s features, product news and supplier information on FC&A’s user-friendly and engaging website. Fully responsive, the website allows you to read all the latest stories on-the-go either on your phone or tablet. Simply search www.fca-magazine.com.

Rebecca

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

Rebecca Kemp Editor, Future Constructor & Architect

Follow us on Twitter: @fcamagazine

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Contents

28

Portfolios

News 10 Industry Updates:

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

20 Voice of the Industry:

In this article, industry experts at Vizwear offer their opinion on how the skills gap can be closed with five steps to creating a bustling workplace for Millennials and Gen-Zers.

22 Legal & Business: Ahead of the Brexit-themed Halloween the UK has planned for 2019,The Scape Group’s Chief Executive, Mark Robinson, forecasts what the future could look like for the industry following our departure.

Features 24 Technical Focus: Insulation: Following the BEIS Select Committee’s recent report,Andy Swift, Sales & Operations Manager at Iso-Chemie, explains how architects and designers can improve the energy efficiency of properties with an alternative type of insulation.

26 Kitchens, Bedrooms & Bathrooms:

FC&A takes a look at Commodore Kitchens' luxury installation of over 250 kitchens at a new housing development in rural Cambridgeshire.

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28 Building Access:

Peter Jackson, Managing Director at Jacksons Fencing, discusses the knowledge gap amongst the architectural community surrounding the unity of design and security.

30 CAD/BIM:

Erica Coulehan, Content Marketing Manager at GroupBC, offers her strategic guide on how you can effectively integrate BIM into your business.

32 Disability:

12 Oodi, ALA Architects:

Helsinki’s newest public central library, Oodi, positively responds to its surrounding Finnish cityscape.

Designed by ALA Architects and using local materials, the striking building is a real centrepiece for the residents of the capital.

16 The Green Isle,

Kaohsiung City, Taiwan: A new restaurant concept redefines the idea of a traditional dining space.

In this article, Stuart Reynolds, Head of Product and Marketing at AKW, sheds light on how designers, specifiers and installers can brighten up accessible bathrooms with solutions such as task focused lighting.

34 UK Construction Week Preview:

One of the UK’s largest construction shows returns this October with an impressive line-up. Here, FC&A runs through six reasons why you should visit this year’s UK Construction Week.

36 Fire Door Safety Week:

Fire Door Safety Week returns this year to the NEC, Birmingham. Running from 23rd to 29th September, this year’s campaign encourages all to learn more about fire safety.

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Industry Updates

NEWS

CONTACT US Submit your news and comments to: rebecca@crossplatformmedia.co.uk @fcamagazine

FC&A rounds up the latest industry news

In Brief TODD Architects celebrates handover of The Brinell Building

TODD Architects is celebrating the successful handover of the Brinell Building, a sevenstorey 80,000ft2 newbuild Grade A standard office, with basement car parking and cycling facilities, offering unparalleled views across the city and coast. Handed over in June 2019, the £15m workspace accommodates 700+ employees and is already fully let. Working closely with long-standing client McAleer & Rushe Property, TODD Architects designed the contemporary building which provides essential new office space. Located within three minutes' walk of Brighton's mainline rail station, The Brinell Building occupies a prominent and accessible address, benefitting from excellent transport links to London and Gatwick Airport and proximity to local amenities such as cafés, restaurants, bars and shops in the North Laine area.

Foster + Partners’ first project in the Philippines breaks ground

The Estate Makati, an innovative residential tower located in the heart of Manila’s Makati Central Business District, marks the practice’s first project in the Philippines. The design embodies a unique approach to residential living, creating expansive, flexible homes in the sky that combine lush landscaping with panoramic views of the city. Situated on the last undeveloped site along the famous Ayala Avenue, the 54-storey tower combines the life and bustle of Ayala Avenue, and the quiet calm of Urdaneta Village to create an unparalleled residential experience.

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ROM Welcome Project The ROM’s new Bloor Street Terrace and Plaza, designed

by Hariri Pontarini Architects, has been revealed.

In a ribbon-cutting ceremony attended by donors, board members and executives, the ROM marked the

opening of the new Helga and Mike Schmidt Performance Terrace and the Reed Family Plaza. The spaces, designed

by Siamak Hariri of Hariri Pontarini Architects (HPA) create a lively streetscape around the Michael Lee-Chin Crystal entrance providing a welcoming place to sit, relax, and enjoy outdoor performance programming.

“For me, this project is all about welcome – the realisation of the possibilities and rich opportunities of the public realm as it extends not only forward along Bloor Street but also to the west with its connection to Philosopher’s Walk. A space that creates a warm and open connection between the ROM and the city,” says Hariri.

A sentiment that was echoed by the ROM’s Director and CEO, Josh Basseches, who hopes this project will further the museum’s “commitment to being a place for all”.

The soft Algonquin limestone of the terrace and the gently curved edges of the

Personnel Changing of the guard at Henry Riley A North East property stalwart has announced his retirement after more than three decades in the industry.

Paul Nixon, who joined Henry Riley when the practice opened a Newcastle office in 1988, is stepping down from his role as equity partner of multi-disciplinary construction consultancy Henry Riley, and head of the Newcastle office.

He will remain in post until next March when he intends to work as a part-time consultant to the firm. His departure next year will pave the way for Joel Neasham, a senior associate at the firm, to step into the role from April 2020.

New Operations Director for H+H Market-leading aircrete manufacturer H+H has announced the appointment of Phil Ball as Operations Director, taking charge of the company’s three manufacturing plants in Borough Green, Kent, and Pollington,Yorkshire. Joining H+H from Finnish timber company Metsawood, Ball is a manufacturing specialist with a personal as well as professional belief in the importance and potential for UK manufacturing.

Ball will be based out of the company’s headquarters in Kent and dividing his time equally between the company’s two locations.

His responsibilities include Operations, Procurement and Health and Safety.

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Lendlease names new Construction boss Lendlease has named Simon Gorski as its new Managing Director for Construction in Europe. With nearly 15 years of experience at Lendlease, Simon Gorski joined the company as a Commercial Manager in 2004. He has undertaken various roles through the business ever since and leaves his current position as the Executive General Manager, UK Regions to take on the new role.

Simon takes over from Neil Martin who was recently promoted to the role of Chief Operating Officer for Lendlease in Europe. Simon Gorski’s career began as a quantity surveyor.

Industry Updates

In Brief BDG architecture + design takes the lead for WPP’s campus Further to the opening of its New York studio, BDG architecture + design will design the interior office space in collaboration with Universal Design Studios, both WPP companies, for a co-location campus in the heart of the US tech industry that will house over 1000 people from its companies in San Francisco. The project will target a “Gold” LEED rating. WPP will lease 115,000ft2 at 360 Third Street, a recently redeveloped building located in the South of Market area (SOMA)/Finance and Technology district.

the greenery of Philosopher’s Walk.

Upon arrival at the ceremony, just prior to the 10:00am opening of the ROM, visitors waited comfortably nestled on the benches of the planters under the soft shading of the trees, enjoying the warm summer morning – the space functioning exactly

as it was envisioned.

This marks the third and final phase of the ROM’s Welcome project that included the reopening of the heritage Weston Family Entrance on Queen’s Park in 2017, also designed by HPA, and free access to the Daphne Cockwell Gallery in 2018.

Trending on Twitter

“Delighted to see The Signal House project we did with

@fraherandfindlay winning at the #ajretrofitawards last night ” – @constantsd “Great news - The @UniNorthants Engine Shed which Purcell have helped design has won the @ArchitectsJrnal Higher & Further Education Retrofit Award for 2019” – @Purcelluk “Great evening at the #AJRetrofitAwards, and we are absolutely thrilled

Partnership housing specialist Lovell has contributed positively to the results released by Morgan Sindall Group plc for the half year ended 30th June 2019. Morgan Sindall Group has delivered strong profit growth in the first half of this year with adjusted operating profit up 18% to £37.5m (HY 2018: £31.9m) on revenue of £1,421m (HY 2018: £1,423m). The Group reports a secured order book of £4.2bn, up 19% from the year end, with the regeneration and development pipeline now £3.3bn, up 6% from the year end position.

Stepnell completes multi-millionpound premier yacht club

#AJRETROFITAWARDS

“Delighted that Buckingham Green won an award last night at the #AJRetrofitAwards in the Housing (£5m and over) category. What a great honour! We are also excited to announce that it has been shortlisted for the #AJArchitectureAwards in the Mixed-Use category!” @ArchitectsJrnal” – @FletcherPriest

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benches surrounding planting beds lush with trees and biodiverse gardens provide much needed public gathering and seating space in the heart of the city. The terrace, elevated off of Bloor street and nestled beneath the west side of the Crystal, provides a sheltered area for outdoor performances and connects to

Lovell posts improved results from renewed momentum

to have Buckingham Green win in the Housing category!” – @FletcherPriest “Congratulations to @TheisandKhan for Bat & Ball Station #AJRetrofitAwards - @SevenoaksTC @Se_Railway” – @RailwayHeritage

Construction firm Stepnell has completed a multi-million-pound state-of-the-art yacht club in Poole, Dorset. The contractor was appointed by Parkstone Yacht Club and collaborated with architects Boyle & Summers to design and build a new three-storey clubhouse. The new building, which offers external terraces overlooking Poole Harbour to make the most of the views of the club’s sailing events, features social function facilities, a restaurant and bar, conference committee rooms and bespoke youth training facilities for its 2800 members.

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Oodi, Helsinki

P

Oodi, the new Helsinki central library, has proven to be extremely popular with Helsinki residents and visitors alike.

Since its opening in December 2018, the building had welcomed its one-millionth visitor by March.

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Read between the compositional lines

eople visit to spend time, not just to borrow and return books – the ‘Urban Workshop’ is crowded continuously, and the rentable meeting rooms and halls are frequently fully booked. Oodi perfectly fulfils its function as a no-threshold community centre, open to all. What’s more, the building also has one of the best terraces in town to enjoy the summer sun.

Oodi truly represents the new era of libraries.The building in the heart of Helsinki, only a couple of minutes’ walk from the central railway station, consists almost entirely of public space and offers a wide selection of services – mostly free of charge. It is the new central point for the city’s impressive public library network, and its design divides the functions of the building into three distinct levels; an active ground floor, a peaceful upper floor and an enclosed in-between volume containing the more specific functions.

The building opens directly to the surrounding cityscape dissolving the border between indoor and outdoor areas. Outside, the wooden front facade arches over the ground floor as a dramatic bridge-like structure and the resulting column-free lobby space is suitable for all kinds of events.The massive entrance canopy forms a covered outdoor area and allows the building’s functions to expand to the square.The middle floor consists of flexible rooms, nooks and corners inhabiting the spaces between the trusses of the bridge structure.These enclosed spaces are designed to accommodate group working areas, recording studios, editing rooms and the Urban Workshop with such equipment as 3D printers, laser cutters, soldering irons and sewing machines for visitor use.

Oodi, Helsinki

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Oodi, Helsinki

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On the top floor, the best features of a traditional library meet the most recent technologies. The open space is topped with a cloud-like undulating ceiling. The serene atmosphere invites visitors to read, learn and relax. The top floor also offers unobstructed panoramic views of the city centre through the floorto-ceiling windows and from the large terrace on top of the canopy.

The office and logistic spaces are kept to a minimum on the public floors to maximise the accessible nature of the library. The administrative and storage functions of the Helsinki Public Library remain at the main library in the nearby Pasila district. The book circulation relies on HelMet, the e-service of the Helsinki Metropolitan Area Libraries, with 3.4 million works that can be reserved online and picked up from and returned to any of the 63 public libraries or six bookmobiles in the area.

The spatial concept has been executed by building Oodi as an inhabited bridge spanning over 100m over the open ground floor space. Two massive steel arches support the bridge structure, which consists of steel trusses and beams, tensioned together with a reinforced concrete slab. This innovative solution has enabled the columnfree interior spaces and the possible construction of a future road tunnel crossing underneath the building.

Secondary steel trusses support the cantilevering balcony and roof canopy asymmetrically from the arch structure.

Oodi has been built using local materials and with climate conditions in mind. The wooden facades are produced from pre-fabricated spruce modules, and the complex curved geometry was designed and manufactured using algorithm-aided parametric 3D-design methods. Detailed analysis of facade performance informed the environmental solutions and helped in minimising the requirement for mechanical, environmental control systems. The glass facades allow for large amounts of daylight in the public areas, while the optimisation of building services has enabled the flexibility of the spatial arrangements. Furthermore, the energy consumption level of Oodi is that of a ‘nearly Zero Energy Building’ (nZEB) – its estimated life span being 150 years.

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The Green Isle, Kaohsiung City, Taiwan

All Images: ŠMoooten Studio / Qimin Wu

Out-of-the-box thinking creates new restaurant concept A new restaurant concept redefines the idea of a traditional dining space.

Fact File Project name: The Green Isle Location: Kaohsiung City, Taiwan Client: Tan Zuo Ma Li Co., Ltd. Lead designer: Keng-Fu Lo Office name: Chain10 Architecture & Interior Design Institute Photographer: Moooten Studio / Qimin Wu

W

hen Ken Lo was asked to create a third restaurant in the successful Tan Zuo Mali chain, he knew he had to push himself to go further than his two previous designs. He knew he had to reorient his perspective about restaurant dining and green spaces.

Living in Kaohsiung, a fairly large city, most people never have the time to really appreciate nature. That is why he decided to create a one-of-a-kind space with the Green Isle.

The project is roughly about 5950m² which allowed the creation of a relatively complete living environment encompassing both a rest and dining space. It occupies a wide stretch of land but unfortunately, the nighttime lighting of this area in Kaohsiung is insufficient meaning any potential project would have to provide sufficient illumination to create its own atmosphere.

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The Green Isle, Kaohsiung City, Taiwan

emissions during transport. A large number of concrete exterior walls were barely painted, decreasing the need for elaborate environmentally detrimental materials.

The use of secondary materials also directly reduced the thermal effects and energy consumption of the building. In order to respect the relationship between the building and the green environment, the decorations of the indoor dining area were simplified. There was nothing overly

complex or intricate but rather a focus on simple modern choices.

The use of materials inside and outside the building takes into account recycling and sustainability, and the use of materials such as metal is modularised. That will give the client years of efficient replaceability of most components. The glass arboretum is placed in a central location along with some greenery on top of a permeable layer of soil.

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This lighting would be used as a visual landmark and also to highlight the forestlike greenery surrounding the project. The Green Isle was given its name hailing to ages gone by of magical places where you could go to relax and feel refreshed.

At the main entrance of the restaurant, a bridge was placed over the pool to accentuate the mood of guests as they enter. The nearly 120m landscape pool gives a strong impression of the building and creates a connection between the building and the water. Surrounding the property are over 250 large trees reducing the carbon emissions from the project and creating the feeling of being transported to another place.

In addition to analysing different service patterns and finding the best economic model, significant time was spent on environmental sustainability.

Even traditionally imported materials like marble were locally sourced to reduce the

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The Green Isle, Kaohsiung City, Taiwan

About The Designer Ken Lo is a well-known architect operating a boutique firm in the south of Taiwan. While having no formal training in architecture, in a relatively short time he has managed to assemble an impressive array of projects that have won numerous awards. Most recently he has been shortlisted for the Inside World Festival of Interiors.

These days his projects are all energy-saving green buildings. This means that all his buildings ensure adequate ventilation and airflow to minimise the need for extra cooling.

Within a building, the interweaving of natural light and artificial light provides a sense of stability in the indoor environment.

In addition, this space also increases the possibility of natural light entering the indoors. Contrasting the artificial light source with the natural light source helps to blur the boundary between the interior and exterior space. This gives the consumers more opportunities to fully enjoy the beauty of the natural environment and the aesthetics of indoor artificial lighting.

This project posed quite a challenge for the designer because, after two previous iterations, he knew that he would have to create a truly unique project that would meet the needs of the environmentallyconscious consumer. Approaching and walking around the property, it is easy to see that he has done just that. It is a project that has set the bar for what environmental sustainability should look like in the commercial restaurant space.

â–

Mr Lo’s relationship with the green environment, architecture and interior space are all presented in his work. This bears similarities between people, life and living space.

The thread of nature is something that he has held dear throughout his life and is something he hopes to carry forward into the future.

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Voice of the Industry Data from the 2011 census showed that in the construction industry, one in five employees were aged over 55.This means that by the early 2020s, when the industry should be hitting its home-building targets, most will have reached or be close to retirement age.

An ageing workforce and an uphill recruitment battle are a combination that could have a detrimental effect on the industry.

What steps can be taken to close the gap?

The biggest barrier facing the construction industry is presenting itself as a desirable career path to potential employees.

Although often seen in a bad light, there are fantastic opportunities to be had in construction, including mechanics, engineering and electronics.

There are a number of ways that construction companies can reach out to the right candidates and ensure them that a career in construction is exactly what they’re looking for. Here are a few suggestions:

How the skills gap has affected the Government’s homebuilding targets It’s no secret that the construction industry is currently facing an increasingly large skills shortage. The industry has long suffered from a lack of skilled workers, making it more difficult than ever to hit deadlines due to the shrinking talent pool.

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his is a big problem for the Government, whose plans to build 300,000 new homes a year by the mid-2020s is becoming more of a pipe dream. In fact, according to the Royal Institute of Chartered Surveyors (RICS), the lack of skilled construction workers is at its highest point since 2007. In order to get back on track, the industry needs to recruit over 200,000 more workers by 2020.

Below, industry experts at Vizwear explore what problems the skills shortage in construction is causing for the Government’s home-building targets — and what companies can do to help fill key positions.

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What’s causing the skills shortage?

The main problem that’s contributing towards the skills shortage is that as a whole, the construction industry is still battling with an image problem.

“The industry needs to attract a fresh workforce to keep up with demands,” says Daniel Ure from online PPE retailer,Vizwear.

“But for many on the outside, the thought of working in construction still conjures up images of wolf-whistling workmen on building sites. To attract a new stream of workers, the industry needs to shake this negative image and show how the industry has developed.”

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1. Increase education To ensure that the future workforce in construction is vibrant and engaged, young people need to be re-educated about what construction is really like.

A survey created by L&Q Group discovered that only one in 10 children between the ages of 16 and 18 would consider a career in construction, fearing that the industry would be ‘challenging and unexciting’. Although around 50% said that they were interested in a science, technology, engineering and maths (STEM) career, the construction industry simply wasn’t appealing enough. Interestingly, though, the students who said they would consider a construction career said that their reasoning was due to the excitement of the role.

Working closely with schools and colleges to promote the industry is a great way to show young people that there are a number of avenues their career path can take in construction. By setting up a formal work experience programme, you can attract future workers with real, hands-on experience to give students the chance to experience the industry for themselves.

2. Don’t neglect training By offering proper training programmes, construction companies have the opportunity to help close the skills gap with new talent. It’s not just labourintensive roles that are suffering from the skills shortage – there is also a demand for tech and digital skills.

Voice of the Industry But rather than looking externally for these roles, use it as an opportunity to upskill your current staff. Nurturing talent within your business is great for morale; plus, you’ll help to develop your team’s careers, skill sets and better utilise ambitious and forward-thinking workers.

The training involved with upskilling current workers can be as simple as oneon-one mentoring, or you can make use of the wide range of online and practical courses available for skill development.

There are also Government-funded schemes available to help train future construction workers. For instance, we are currently in the middle of an 18-month fund set up by the Government, launched with a budget of £22m. This scheme launched 20 on-site hubs, of which people looking to join the industry, as well as people switching careers, can apply their knowledge in a real-world environment.

3. Look for skilled workers in the right places

4. Address the gender imbalance Part of the problem is that construction is a historically male-dominated industry.

Between 2007 and 2016, reports found that the number of women workers in construction only rose by 0.7%, resulting in an incredibly low 12.8% total. But it’s not just workers in the industry, nearly half of construction workers claimed that they have never had a female manager.

Whatever the role, women in construction are being overlooked. As women make up half of the population, it seems crazy that the industry is ignoring so much potential talent that it sorely needs to help fill the skills gap.

Educating female students is a crucial step that companies need to take, as only 22% currently work with schools to help break the stigma of construction. But it’s not just about attracting more women to the industry – companies need to make sure they’re not ignoring their current talent due to their gender. For example, the international infrastructure group Balfour Beatty has taken strides to address gender inequality by introducing an initiative to support women through career breaks for childcare.

5. Embrace modern methods of construction The Government has already been warned by the Housing, Communities and Local Government Committee that an overreliance on traditional building methods will see the UK fall short of its homebuilding targets.

To keep the industry on target, construction companies need to look outside the norm and embrace more modern techniques. From off-site construction, manufacturing and assembly to modular constructions, there are a number of avenues companies can take to improve efficiency while maintaining quality.

“The construction industry is always changing,” concludes Daniel from Vizwear.

“We’re constantly seeing exciting new innovations that allow us to work smarter and more efficiently.

“In order to make the most of new industry methods, it’s vital that new talent is found to close the skills gap.

Construction is still trying to shake off its past image, but by pooling its resources into educating and training future generations and current talent, the industry can ensure it’s recruiting the right workers to hit its targets.”

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Ensuring that next-generation workers are knowledgeable about the industry is vital, but other skilled groups are waiting to be snapped up by the industry.

For example, over 14,000 leave the military every year, meaning the construction industry has a pool of highly trained individuals with transferable skills at their disposal. There are a number of companies that have already reaped the benefits of military leavers, and even provide specialist training and learning credits to get them fully trained as soon as possible.

Military leavers offer the unique opportunity for construction firms to hire workers that can effectively follow instructions, work well as a team and can keep calm under pressure. It’s a unique opportunity that is too good to pass up.

www.vizwear.com

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21

Legal & Business

Mark Robinson has enjoyed 28 rewarding years in the public sector, starting his career as a YTS apprentice spending 16 years in local Government.

Mark champions smarter procurement and best practice in efficient construction. He works closely with some of the biggest construction companies in the UK and leading industry bodies to help improve the built environment across the public estate.

Mitigating the risks of Brexit for the construction industry

Britain is just weeks away from leaving the EU, and ongoing political disarray and a lack of clarity on what life beyond the 31st October will look like is pushing the construction industry into a deepening state of distress. This month, data from the Office of National Statistics reignited fears the sector could fall into recession, as it suffered its sharpest drop in new orders in a decade, with clients delaying projects as they wait for the pre-Brexit ambiguity to clear. Here, Mark Robinson, Scape Group Chief Executive, investigates.

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jobs and found that salaries across the sector rose 9% annually in May alone – despite a drop in the number of vacancies being advertised – amid a ‘Brexodus’ of EU builders.

To mitigate the lasting impact on our workforce numbers, and our ability to deliver, we need to get serious about nurturing our home-grown talent.The Government has committed to improving skills and training time and time again, but vocational T-Levels are yet to take off, and apprentice numbers continue to fall. On top of this, a proportion of the young workers that are being trained through construction courses are not going into employment in skilled roles.We need to alter the perception of construction and open the eyes of young people to the opportunities the industry has to offer.That will require a joined-up approach from education providers, from the Government and from organisations within the sector itself.

Secondly, the industry must engage with the issue of construction materials.

Last year, 62% of our construction materials came from the EU; Europe plays a pivotal role in making sure we have the necessary materials to build.

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In a no-deal scenario, delays to imports seem almost inevitable. This could stop projects in their tracks, wiping out profits for businesses operating in the sector and delaying progress on some of the country’s most vital construction and infrastructure projects. Businesses should prepare by building in up to three weeks of extra lead time to deliveries of imported materials. But cost is also an issue. Not only does a larger inventory cost more, but the construction materials index also increased 3% in June this year – largely driven by the falling pound.

The double hit of materials and skills shortages – on top of the political carnage and continued Brexit uncertainty – will leave us in a situation where building in certain corners of the UK will grind to halt.That is something absolutely no one voted for.

We need to get our ducks in a row ahead of the 31st October to mitigate the risks associated with Brexit. If we get this wrong, the implications could be devastating for the industry and the UK economy.

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t is not just a lack of optimism and the dire state of domestic politics which has the potential to stop the industry in its tracks.

Operationally, we are reliant on the EU too – both in terms of the trade and our workforce.The combined increase in the cost of both materials and labour is expected to outstrip tender price rises in 2019, placing immense pressure on contractors’ margins.

The continuing success of the industry, in the face of Brexit, relies on tackling these twin threats, but how do we mitigate these risks?

Firstly, as it stands, construction trades such as bricklaying are classified as low-skilled jobs – despite the detailed knowledge required.

Under current Brexit policy, non-European Economic Area (EEA) workers will not be able to obtain a work permit for low-skilled employment.This means that after 31st October, the EU talent tap will be turned off.This is already having an impact. Since the referendum three years ago, there has been a 15% drop in the number of workers in the UK from the eight Eastern European countries that joined the EU in 2004.

Construction recruiter Randstad CPE has analysed almost 6800 permanent construction

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Technical Focus: Insulation

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New report highlights greater energy efficiency windows As a new report calls for action to tackle energy inefficient homes in the UK, Andy Swift, Sales & Operations Manager at Iso-Chemie, says architects who adopt new approaches to the sealing specification will improve the energy efficiency around window and door installations.

T

he Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy (BEIS) Select Committee’s report*,‘Energy Efficiency: building towards net zero’ – which follows recommendations laid out in the 2018 National Infrastructure Assessment – stresses

the importance of pushing more energyefficient buildings to help the UK meet its carbon reduction targets cost-effectively.

Specifically, it flags concerns that currently, public investment is inadequate when it comes to making homes energy efficient and urges

If Building Regulations remain lenient, we will continue to see window and door developments that only just comply with the minimum standards

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that greater attention and priority should be given to home insulation. The move also comes hot off the heels of an earlier report by the Committee on Climate Change (UK Housing Fit for the Future, February 2019) into energy efficiency in homes, which called for all new homes to be built to be as thermally efficient as possible.

These reports (the latest in a long line of similar studies) showcase seeming indifference among Government ministers when it comes to propagating more energy-efficient housing, rebuffing simple yet effective home insulation measures that could help people to pay less than they need to tackle climate change.

Undeniably, home insulation installations are among the cheapest carbon-cutting measures, reducing energy bills by £100 a year on average. However, the cancellation of Government incentives has seen a 95% fall-off in work in this area since 2012, according to the Committee on Climate Change.

Despite great strides in modern housing design and development, evidence points to doors and windows continuing to be among the biggest culprits when it comes to energy inefficient homes. Indeed, it might be said that in the light of product innovation, it’s almost ‘criminal’ that so many fenestration installations remain unchecked or unregulated, leaving a legacy of problems that last for years and cost hundreds of thousands of pounds to rectify.

This is a pity because, with advancements in cost-effective, simpleto-use technologies, there’s no longer any justifiable reason for procrastination around the specification of energy-efficient window and door sealing solutions.

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Heat will always find the fastest exit as it comes up against the ‘A’ or ‘A+’ rated window, and invariably this emanates from the 10mm or so expansion gap left around the window following fitment.This is normally left empty, but some amount of spray foam can be injected to fill the void before a silicone trim is applied for a smart-looking finish.

Unfortunately, as expedient as this might sound, none of these solutions create a measurable, long-term, high-performance thermal, acoustic or airtight barrier – the U-value of the installed window is simply reduced, which leads to heat escape and ultimately, financial loss.

If Building Regulations remain lenient, we will continue to see window and door developments that only just comply with the minimum standards. But the industry deserves better-insulating products to improve energy efficiency and save money for their end-users, and self-adhesive foam sealing tapes, which use ‘smart’ foams impregnated with different substances to create a measurable U-value as low as 0.6w/m2k, offer superb thermal insulation and can contribute to acoustic sound reduction by 63 dB. As these installation tapes are completely weathertight against driving rain up to hurricane-force wind speeds, installers can quickly apply them around the frame during

AFTER MOVEMENT

initial fitting.This provides the assurance that they have completed a comprehensive ‘A’rated installation rather than just supplying an ‘A’-rated window.This is a benefit that can be sold on to deliver enhanced energy efficiency advantages for customers and property owners.

There’s no question that those responsible for fenestration specification can do more to support greater energy efficiency.Technical innovation through sealing technologies is one way that this can be achieved. Indeed, as sustainability continues to be paramount in the development of low-carbon and eco-friendly housing schemes, we are seeing technologies such as foam tapes gaining traction as effective solutions for sealing window and door frame expansion joints and gaps in houses.

The challenge for new technologies is to provide those at the sharp end of designing the built environment with the confidence to assure customers that energy efficiency is at least as good as the window.

Self-adhesive foam sealing tapes, which use ‘smart’ foams impregnated with different substances to create a measurable U-value as low as 0.6w/m2k, offer superb thermal insulation and can contribute to acoustic sound reduction by 63 dB

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BE

TIMBER FRAME MOVEMENT

www.iso-chemie.co.uk *https://www.parliament.uk/business/ committees/committees-a-z/commonsselect/business-energy-industrial-strategy/ news-parliament-2017/energy-efficiencyreport-published-17-19/

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25

Kitchens, Bedrooms & Bathrooms Commodore Kitchens has been involved in the project since 2011 and worked closely with Countryside Properties’ interior design team to develop the design for the kitchens aligned to the tastes of target buyers

Commodore Kitchens completes fifth phase of Aura installations Leading contract kitchen specialist, Commodore Kitchens, has completed the installation of more than 250 kitchens across five phases for Countryside Properties’ Aura Development in Cambridge. Here, FC&A takes a look at the project.

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aligned to the tastes of target buyers and the spatial flow of each property.The completion of phase five marks a major milestone in the development, with further phases expected to be announced this year.

Commodore Kitchens’ Design Director, Darren Mahoney, explains:“There are numerous different kitchen designs and styles across this development depending on the property style and price point but, by working consistently with the developer across all five phases, we’ve been able to create a sense of synergy and deliver consistent quality for every kitchen.

“Neutral colour palettes are lifted by a mix of high-shine, neutral, reflective and natural materials to create stylish and tactile kitchens that complement the interior look and feel while creating a sense of luxury that has been very appealing to buyers.”

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All kitchen installations feature highspecification appliances and benefit from Commodore Kitchens' complete design, fabrication and installation service

The Aura development continues a longstanding relationship between Commodore Kitchens and Countryside Properties, a residential developer with a 60-year track record. The scheme was a RIBA Regional Award winner in 2018 and also won a commendation in the Civic Trust Awards in 2019.

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ocated in the sought-after area off Long Road in the Trumpington area of the city, the prestigious residential development is close to the city centre and offers a mix of apartments, duplexes and townhouses; all finished to an extremely high standard. Commodore Kitchens’ installations are an integral part of that aspirational specification, with highgloss handle-less units and modern laminate worktops in the apartments, and veneered oak units along with granite worktops in the larger properties.All kitchen installations feature high-specification appliances and benefit from Commodore Kitchens' complete design, fabrication and installation service.

Commodore Kitchens has been involved in the project since 2011 and worked closely with Countryside Properties’ interior design team to develop the design for the kitchens

www.commodorekitchens.co.uk

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27

Building Access

For architects, achieving aesthetic appeal can act as an obstacle to specifying riskappropriate physical security as practices are often required to make a site both inviting and safe

Perceptions of physical security design To understand the most pressing physical security concerns into the future and how best to prepare, Jacksons Fencing has commissioned original research among industry professionals to get a clearer picture of what is and might be. Here, Managing Director, Peter Jackson, talks us through the findings.

O

ur research shows that respondents implement measures primarily to make people feel safe (54%) and deter potential attackers with a secure appearance (47%).This suggests that for around half of respondents, the perception of physical security, whether by potential attackers or staff, is as important as the security measures actually protecting people (43%) and preventing unauthorised access (45%).This highlights the importance of designing with security in mind to contribute to a reassuring aesthetic.

The consequences of corner-cutting often result in inadequate security measures, potentially leading to serious breaches and costly updates

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Is security considered in the design of building and spaces?

Security and building design can and should work in tandem, but there’s a worrying knowledge gap within the architectural community. Almost half admitted to

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having limited or even poor knowledge of designing for physical security, while only two in five architects stated that while their knowledge of designing for physical security is good, there is room for improvement. These findings highlight there is significant work to be done to educate specifiers and planners about best practices in security.

Whether for safety, deterring malicious attacks, preventing unauthorised access, safeguarding reputation or aesthetics, the physical security of a building should always be considered as an integral part of the design.

Architects are expected to incorporate appropriate security requirements into their designs. Where practicable, this should be delivered seamlessly, without drawing undue attention to potential threats. People, rightly, expect to feel safe day-to-day.

Building Access Physical security doesn’t have to create intimidating or fortress-like sites

Ken Graham, Principal Consultant at Instrom, notes that many agencies are “focusing more on their statutory duties and withdrawing from complimentary services which could provide enhanced protection”.

This box-ticking approach results in bare minimum security and detracts from effective, risk-appropriate physical security solutions.

Is safe, secure and stylish achievable?

This in itself demands a disciplined approach often requiring specialist risk and security consultants to ensure effective implementation.

However, over a quarter of architects surveyed indicate they don’t employ these professionals.

Further, 21% of architects highlighted that security experts are not involved until the end of the design process, or after the design is complete.While some consultation is taking place, it needs to take place earlier to be effective. Delays could result in solutions being added retrospectively, not only resulting in unnecessary costs but also disruption.

Barriers to physical security in design 76% of architects cite that budget constraints lead to cutting corners with physical security.

It is clear many undervalue the importance of appropriate physical security.The consequences of corner-cutting often result in inadequate

security measures, potentially leading to serious breaches and costly updates.This has been well documented through inadequately financed prison security upgrades, particularly the failure of CCTV capabilities at high-security sites.

Access to and knowledge of physical security best practice is an issue.Architects identify finding relevant information and possessing requisite skills (47%) and clients’ limited knowledge of security products (23%) as hindrances to implementing effective physical security design.

When it is available, current guidance and specifications are largely based on the learnings from past events. Erika Gemmell, Director at Scott Brownrigg explains the importance of adapting to protect against newer threats: “Guidance on standoff distances has been significantly influenced by the IRA’s van attacks [but] today we have to design with modern threats in mind, such as suicide bombs.”

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The physical security of a building should always be considered as an integral part of the design

For architects, achieving aesthetic appeal can act as an obstacle to specifying riskappropriate physical security as practices are often required to make a site both inviting and safe.

For over two-thirds of respondents, aesthetics remain a high priority. While naturally an important consideration, they can increase the cost of physical security solutions when required to subtly integrate into a design without detracting from it.

This can have a detrimental influence on the project decision-maker who, rather than reaching a compromise, might fail to commit to anything at all.

However, physical security doesn’t have to create intimidating or fortresslike sites. Simple, innovative solutions can have a significant impact on safety, without impeding the flow of people or compromising the area’s visual appeal.

The majority of architects polled (73%) have used unobtrusive design elements to encourage behaviour conducive to creating a secure environment without exceeding set budgets. This includes using colour and floor plans to support wayfinding, designing out dark spaces or hidden corners to discourage anti-social behaviour and incorporating more windows.

Safety and security need to be considered synchronously.This means understanding that while a perimeter needs to maintain security at all times, architects and specifiers should also consider the area immediately outside the building.This gives weight to the argument that conducting an early risk assessment, followed by designing escape routes and protective measures into the site masterplan is essential.

The potentially devastating effect of attacks on sites designed without these considerations can be seen in events such as the Manchester Arena attacks and at the shooting in France’s Bataclan. Gemmell thinks our whole attitude to security needs an overhaul: “Security and high-quality building design ideally would be tied together, just like what happened with sustainability measures over the past 15 years, creating an integrated aesthetic solution.”

www.jacksons-fencing.co.uk

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29

CAD/BIM

Integrating BIM into your business Building Information Modelling (BIM) is changing the way we work, and for the better. However, according to construction research specialist Competitive Advantage, less than half of businesses are BIM Level 2 compliant and more than half are unable to name the person responsible for BIM in their business, says Erica Coulehan, Content Marketing Manager at GroupBC. The UK Government has embraced the use of BIM and mandated its use to Level 2 on centrally procured major projects

W

hilst BIM is a relatively recent mandated standard and approach that is delivering drastic improvements in terms of accountability, communication and traceability, its benefits are going unnoticed throughout the majority of businesses.Taking this into consideration, which methods can be adopted to ensure better integration of BIM within businesses? What lessons need to be taught to maximise the benefits of this transformational approach?

In terms of digital adoption, the construction industry is severely lagging behind other major industries. Whilst legislation will undoubtedly push the industry to make more of a conscious effort to adopt digital technologies – the Hackitt Review’s recommendations, 7.5 and 8.1, identify that consistent digital records are essential to the effective management of built assets – rules and regulations are not the only factors that will unlock the industry’s digital future.

Understanding ‘digital transformation’ The industry’s ‘digitisation’ is large and multi-faceted, touching every aspect of how organisations design, manufacture, procure, deliver and operate built assets.

Whilst indulging in dreams of a total digital transformation is no bad thing, it is crucial that this doesn’t blur our understanding of the sheer scale of this change. A digital transformation is by no means simply to do with implementing new technology; it is about supporting workforces during this transition to a digital way of working.

At the heart of these new ways of working is Building Information Modelling (BIM).

Often synonymous with digitisation, not only is BIM an approach to delivering and maintaining built assets, it ultimately cultivates a collaborative working environment.

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CAD/BIM

It is crucial that both clients and suppliers are involved from the early stages of digital transformation – Erica Coulehan, Content Marketing Manager at GroupBC

Medium-sized organisations on a regional or national scale are advised to have an in-depth understanding of their existing processes around information sharing

Why digital transformation?

Companies might decide to integrate BIM or other digital approaches into their businesses for more reasons than one. Many organisations are digitising their businesses to increase profit, reduce risk and increase project efficiencies. Other companies might be changing their paths as there is increased competition, new legislation or plans to secure Government work.

Even though it might seem like a relatively straightforward approach, 84% of companies fail to see their digital transformation through to completion.

Clearly, companies underestimate the time which has to be taken to understand the standards and implement systems successfully.

This statistic clearly signifies that the change must come from the top.This is in part because real cultural and behavioural changes must be set in motion throughout a company.

From key stakeholders to senior management, there needs to be a defined strategy; otherwise, complete failure will ensue.

To materialise a culture change, education is key. It’s about changing the perceptions that, for instance, BIM is just a 3D model; BIM is a collaborative approach to working, improving the way information is produced, managed and exchanged. By stressing the importance of these perceptions, companies will be able to showcase the drastic improvements digital, collaborative ways of working will make to a company.

Progressive approach Medium-sized organisations on a regional or national scale are advised to have an in-depth understanding of their existing processes around information sharing, so they can trace what the impact and risks are.

BIM cannot be chosen on a whim; leadership has to really see why and how BIM would help with business operation.

As well as this, it is crucial to map out what works within the organisation and what legislation and industry practice they must adhere to.Then companies need to ensure the information standards and workflows can be integrated into their business before they educate the project teams who will be working this way every day.

It is crucial that both clients and suppliers are involved from the early stages of digital transformation, as it is a process that will radically change a business’ culture. Suppliers need to know that they are not bringing risk into an organisation, and the client is responsible for planning the process and helping its workforce through the change.

Overall; however, to really enable this change, it is vital that business leaders push for a culture change across their organisation, so the people at the heart of this digital transformation can make the process work. Without question, bringing the workforce on board will make a substantial difference to the way BIM is adopted within a company.

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Currently, the UK Government has embraced the use of BIM and mandated its use to Level 2 on centrally procured major projects. Although the majority of large tier one contractors delivering Government projects comply with this mandate, many local suppliers are non-compliant and are at risk of falling behind.

www.groupbc.com

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31

Disability

Lighting the way for inclusive bathrooms Good bathroom lighting is essential for the avoidance of accidents; however, it is of particular importance in accessible installations. Here, Stuart Reynolds, Head of Product and Marketing at AKW, shows how specifiers and installers can ensure well-lit, inclusive bathrooms that promote independence and safety.

Good bathroom lighting – a mix of task and ambient lighting Good bathroom lighting needs to deliver adequate light levels for the user to perform a variety of tasks around the space, including showering, shaving and other personal care activities.

According to the Thomas Pocklington Trust, a charity committed to making a positive difference to the lives of blind and partially sighted people:“There should ideally be a high and even level of ambient light, to allow people to move around safely, and sufficient light for

specific tasks. Even levels of lighting mean that people’s eyes do not need to readjust significantly to different light levels when they stop an activity or move away from it.”

Key factors include: Ambient lighting with LEDs LED lights provide shadow-free illumination; ideal for those with visual impairment issues or those with dementia.To maintain ambient light levels in the bathroom, LED ceiling lights should be spaced to maximise coverage and minimise shadowing.

Accessible bathroom without task focused lighting

Narrow beam LED downlights To highlight tasks such as shaving, washing etc, narrow beams of light are needed on specific spaces, such as the shower area, or sink. Most LED downlights on the market have a beam angle of 60°; however, for those with low vision or mobility issues, a specialist task light with a 30° beam angle is required.

Easy-to-use light switch or pull cord Either a rocker switch or easy-to-hold pull cord is advised for use in accessible bathrooms. For those with visual impairment issues, a cord in a high-contrast colour is ideal.

What lights to put where?

For a standard-sized domestic UK bathroom (sized approximately 8 x 6ft or 2438 x 1829mm), it is recommended that two ambient LED ceiling lights are used, as well as task lights – distributed in the following way (with the user no closer than 300mm to any given task light): Toilet – one task light Hand basin – one task or mirror light Shower – three task lights (for a space of 1500 x 1500mm) And/or bath – three task lights.

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Accessible bathroom with task focused lighting

For those looking for guidance on this subject,AKW has created a ‘lighting accessible bathrooms guide’ in conjunction with occupational therapists. Free to download, it promotes best practice lighting design in inclusive bathrooms.

www.akw-ltd.co.uk/lighting

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Drainage & SuDS

Discover Discover Nordic Copper Nordic Copper for Architecture for Architecture Copper: Nordic Blue Living 1, Project: Royal Academy of Music, London Architects: Ian Ritchie Architects, Photo: Adam Scott

Copper: Nordic Blue Living 1, Project: Royal Academy of Music, London Architects: Ian Ritchie Architects, Photo: Adam Scott

Architectural Copper Surfaces and Alloys Copper is a constantly evolving, natural and durable material with an indefinite design-life. It is fully recyclable, safe to use, non-combustible and requires no maintenance. Nordic Copper is an impressive portfolio of surfaces and alloys for architecture, including Nordic Brown pre-oxidised copper. The Nordic Blue, Nordic Green and Nordic Turquoise pre-patinated ranges share properties and colours based on the same brochantite mineralogy found in natural patinas. Alongside Architectural Copper Surfaces and Alloys traditional Bronze and Nordic Brassand alloys, the innovative Nordic retains its rich golden colour over time.safe Nordic Copper offers limitlessand possibilities Copper is aNordic constantly evolving, natural durable material with an Royal indefinite design-life.

It is fully recyclable, to use, non-combustible requires for no innovative contemporary architectural and interior design.

Discover Nordic Copper now. maintenance. Nordic Copper is an impressive portfolio of surfaces and alloys for architecture, including Nordic Brown pre-oxidised copper. The Nordic Blue, Nordic Green and Nordic Turquoise pre-patinated ranges share properties and colours based on the same brochantite mineralogy found in natural patinas. Alongside traditional Nordic Bronze and Nordic Brass alloys, the innovative Nordic Royal retains its rich golden colour over time. Nordic Copper offers limitless possibilities for innovative contemporary architectural and interior design. Discover Nordic Copper now.

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33

UK Construction Week Preview

One of the UK’s largest construction events, UK Construction Week (UKCW), returns next month at the NEC, Birmingham. Here, FC&A lists six reasons to visit the event this year.

1. Products, products everywhere

Staying up-to-date with all the latest technology is essential to find the right product for the job. So, if you need to source a new heat pump, find a new sustainable material, discover new roofing products or even new BIM software, then look no further than UKCW. With over 10,000 products being showcased at the event, it makes it the ideal marketplace to source your new product. With eight different sections ranging from build to timber and from surfaces to civils, everything you need is right there under one roof.

2. That lucky encounter

Meeting face-to-face is the most engaging way to do business, and UKCW can facilitate that. If you have spotted a business that you want to connect with, contact them through the exhibitors’ portal and arrange the meeting in advance.

4000 business meetings were booked by UKCW visitors prior to the show last

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year, and exhibitors reported that they had generated 70,000 new business leads at the event. To help with meetings, there’s a new business and networking lounge with free Wi-Fi.

3. Genuine innovation, not another widget

This year, UKCW is shining a spotlight on the serious change-makers in construction. To aid the search, a new Innovation Zone has been established in partnership with the Construction Innovation Hub (the Hub).

Another new addition for this year is the Innovation Station in partnership with On the Tools. This is a demonstration area specifically for power tools, with all the latest biscuit jointers and heavy-duty bench grinders from top trade brands in action. Visitors can pick up tips from the experts on how to get the most from their range, try out the latest products, and cut a deal with the manufacturers as show discounts will apply.

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Condense your strategic business learning into one, two or three days of insights.

UKCW brings together more than 300 expert speakers. The UKCW main stage is the place to head to. It offers a programme of keynote talks and panel discussions on many of the big issues of the day around Government policy, digital innovation, MMC, sustainability, diversity, house-building, productivity and skills.

And if that’s all a bit too high level, get stuck into the details at a wide range of workshops. This year, there will be more than 150 hours of CPD content available.

5. A bit of myth-busting on MMC

Everyone knows that modern methods of construction (MMC) are back in vogue, but what is the reality this time? MMC is a strong theme at this year’s UKCW. Fullscale builds will be erected on site with live demos of MMC technology in action.

Head to the MMC Hub for other digital demos and simulations too.

6. An experience not easily forgotten

Make a beeline for the Coventry University stand and its site simulator. It’s hailed as one of the most powerful experiences of any construction show. If you’re feeling brave, you can step into the site hut, take on the role of the site manager and get first-hand experience of what it’s like to work on a busy project.

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UK Construction Week returns for 2019

4. Your own personal industry MBA

www.ukconstructionweek.com

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Fire Door Safety Week Preview

Helen Hewitt, CEO of the British Woodworking Federation

Here, Helen Hewitt, CEO of the British Woodworking Federation, runs through the highlights of this year’s Fire Door Safety Week campaign.

F

ire doors play a vital role as the first line of defence against fire and smoke, containing their spread while buildings are evacuated – but they must be properly installed and maintained, and good fire safety practice must be shared and followed.We all need to feel safe and protected in the buildings we occupy, and this is especially so when we are asleep.That’s why this year’s Fire Door Safety Week (from 23rd to 29th September) will highlight the life-saving role that fire doors play in protecting us while we sleep.

Now in its seventh year, the awareness week is run by the British Woodworking Federation and supported by several agencies, including the Home Office’s National Fire

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Safety campaign, the National Fire Chief’s Council and London Fire Brigade.

This year we will once again highlight the importance of fire doors and good fire safety practice. With a particular focus on sleeping, we on the campaign, will explore specialised housing such as care homes, children’s homes and sheltered housing as well as houses in multiple occupation (HMOs) and communal properties. Good practice in these environments is especially important as they have multiple occupants and residents who may be vulnerable, so a fit-for-purpose fire door can quite literally be life-saving.

To shine a light on the fire safety concerns in the care home sector, this year’s

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Raising awareness of fire doors that protect us while we sleep

Fire Door Safety Week research will reveal concerns from care home workers and highlight the serious lack of clarity about the crucial role that fire doors play in these buildings. We will also be launching a hardhitting video underlining the powerlessness of tenants and residents in a range of accommodation types to protect themselves from fire if responsible authorities fail to act over fire safety.

In the wake of the Grenfell Tower inquiry, which shines a light on the culpability of individuals and organisations for safeguarding failures, brand-new for this year’s campaign is an interactive mock criminal trial. This is aimed at providing manufacturers of fire safety products, consultants, contractors, designers, installers and other potential duty holders with an insight into where they may be liable in the event of a fire incident.

The unique event will enhance understanding of what can go wrong for duty holders in the event of a fire and provide exclusive insight into the prosecution of health and safety legislation breaches.

For individuals and organisations hoping to get involved this year, share our free resources and run publicity campaigns and events to support the campaign’s vitally important messages, please visit the website.

www.firedoorsafetyweek.co.uk

Fire Door Safety Week Preview ASSA ABLOY Opening Solutions’ events for Fire Door Safety Week

Fire doors protected by Yeoman Shield

To coincide with Fire Door Safety Week (from 23rd to 29th September), ASSA ABLOY Opening Solutions UK & Ireland will be hosting two dedicated events to help people responsible for fire doors unlock compliance to safety. The two events will take place at the Greater Manchester Fire and Rescue Service Conference Suite on 19th September and at the UBM Building in Central London on 24th September. The aim of the events is to educate and inform delegates about the fire door standards that can often be lost in translation. ASSA ABLOY will bring together its brands and wide-ranging experience to speak about the issues surrounding fire door compliance. It will then offer practical advice on how to overcome these issues, by breaking down current and future regulations and ramifications. The events will promote fire door safety and compliance to facilities managers, building owners, specifiers and contractors.

After carrying out a fire door survey,Warwick Hospital undertook measures to protect and refurbish the fire doors throughout their sterilisation unit with Yeoman Shield door protection products.

Yeoman Shield fire rated door protection products were used to refurbish and then protect from further impact damage. Door edge protectors were fitted to the leading and meeting edges of the doors with door protection panels installed to a height that would shield the most vulnerable areas. For additional protection, particularly to ward off blows to the glazing bead section of the doors,Yeoman Shield’s rub rail was fitted to the face of the door just below the vision panels. Colours of blue and red were chosen to distinguish between the contaminated and sterile areas within the unit.Yeoman Shield door protection products come with current and relevant fire certificates and do not affect the integrity of a fire door when installed.

8 www.assaabloyopeningsolutions.co.uk/firedoorsafety

8 www.yeomanshield.com

* customerservices@assaabloy.co.uk

* sallyann@yeomanshield.com

( 0845 070 6713

( 0113 279 5854

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Roofing, Cladding & Insulation One of the most important things we all possess is the raw hunger for new opportunities and innovations – we are agile and know how to have fun, so these are exciting times.

Construction is still seen as a male-dominated profession. Have you experienced any challenges as a female boss in the industry?

For me, the bigger challenge has always been my age – I’m always the youngest in every meeting.

So, I always have a plan – a clear vision about the results I want to achieve. I find it interesting to observe people’s behaviours because attitudes to stereotypes such as age and gender can lose companies time and money.

Fortunately, Staticus is a positive, collaborative company largely free from bias.

Q&A with Aušra Vankeviciute, new CEO of Staticus

Staticus, one of the largest facade contractors in northern Europe, has named Aušra Vankeviciute as its new CEO. Following her appointment, Aušra sat down with FC&A to discuss her new role and industry experience.

Aušra Vankeviciute is CEO of Staticus

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Please tell us about your career with Staticus to date Staticus is a family company, my father is the owner, and I’ve been involved since I was a child in some form or another.

I was always fascinated by what the company did, and when I graduated in economics, I chose Staticus for my internship in the accounting department. I quickly realised that accounting was not for me, so I moved to marketing.

After my internship, I wanted to move to New York, but my father persuaded me to stay and work at Staticus, offering me the opportunity to go to Norway and run the business there.

I moved to Norway in 2011, at the age of 23, to run the office, which was a big challenge

and I was scared that I would disappoint my father as well as myself. I started from scratch and learned fast, including the language, culture, policies, the products, budgets; absolutely everything! Now, Norway is one of Staticus’ leading markets, so I feel that I did a good job while I was there.

Why is this a good time to be at Staticus?

The company is growing. We recently expanded and opened a new design and engineering centre in Vienna, Austria, which has project management staff and capabilities.This offers great potential to expand our markets and, of course, the company’s product portfolio.

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What do you enjoy most about working in the sector?

Walking through a city and seeing the developments that Staticus has helped create.We are not architects, but we help and give advice as to what a building should look like in terms of the facade.Those buildings will be visible for 50 years or more, and I’m so proud that we have been involved in how they look.

What are your plans for the future of Staticus?

We want to grow our turnover gradually and organically, by 10% a year, by having the highest competencies and being the most professional and politest contractor.This way, we will attract the best employees, attract new clients and bring them back again and again by being the contractor of choice for building facades.

I want Staticus to be known as the company that delivers.

For me, it’s more about fostering a culture of professionalism and being the best company to work for, than about increasing turnover and growing to a point that’s out of our control.

8 www.staticus.com

* info@staticus.com ( 0203

984 0774

ENVELOP YOUR BUILDING WITH INNOVATION As one of the largest facade engineering contractors in Northern Europe, Staticus provides design, production and installation services, ensuring high quality every step of the way.

Contact us to find out how we can assist you in delivering your next project paulius.gurksnys@staticus.co.uk

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Doors & Windows

Sensitive secondary glazing the primary choice for listed former mill The Grade II* Listed Blue Mills in Witham, Essex, dates back to the 18th century. However, its history goes back considerably further. The original 16th-century cottage is attached to a Georgian house (at the front), a sequence of early Victorian extensions, and a later Victorian house in 1872 (at the rear).

The recent owners have lived in Blue Mills for almost 20 years and required a thermal solution, with acoustic benefits to make their home at the mill more comfortable.The thermally inefficient primary windows across most of the house did little to retain heat.

To begin with, a Technical Advisor and Surveyor from Selectaglaze visited the mill to measure and evaluate all the windows that required improving. Despite the property being listed, Maldon District Council confirmed that no formal listed building consent was required for the works.

22 windows have been treated thus far using a number of window styles: fixed light, vertical sliding and side-hung casements.Two windows in the wood-panelled room were treated with Selectaglaze’s Heritage Series 47 hinged casement system which was able to sit tight behind the wooden shutters, allowing their continued operation.

As the secondary glazing has proved to significantly reduced heat loss, along with high-performance seals eliminating draughts, more windows are due to be treated at Blue Mills later this year.

Ecclesiastical access solution

Established in 1966 and a Royal Warrant Holder since 2004, Selectaglaze is at the forefront of the product development and design of secondary glazing.

8 www.selectaglaze.co.uk

* enquiries@selectaglaze.co.uk ( 01727

837271

New 3D BIM service launched

by ISO-CHEMIE

TORMAX recently completed the installation of an elegant automatic glass entrance system at Gloucester Cathedral, ensuring all visitors receive a warm welcome to come and enjoy this magnificent building. Creating a light and airy lobby area, two sets of glass sliding doors provide access into the Norman Nave, the main visitor entrance. Powered by unique TORMAX iMotion 2202 operators, the doors silently slide open as people approach thanks to advanced engineering and design that ensures a level of reliability that is unsurpassed in the marketplace. “With over 400,000 people visiting each year and a tradition of welcome going back to our roots as a Benedictine Abbey, Gloucester Cathedral’s front doors are in constant use,” said Lorna Giles, Head of Visitor Experience at the cathedral.

“Our new glazed draught lobby lets our visitors see into the cathedral on arrival, and the new automatic doors have improved visitor flow whilst helping to demonstrate that all are welcome.”

ISO-CHEMIE has extended the scope of its specialist services with the launch of new 3D BIM (Building Information Modelling) technology. The move will enable architects and designers to integrate high-quality scaled digital information around window and door sealing solutions as part of their 3D visualisations and client presentations. Product information and specification data from the company’s joint sealing tapes, multi-function joint sealing tapes and in-front-of-wall installation systems such as Winframer will be available initially for downloading free as BIM-ready items via www. portal.iso-chemie.eu or an external database. It can also be used in CAD software such as ‘Autodesk Revit’, while an electronic CAD product catalogue will be available as a supplement to this as more products are at the planning stage. The new service will facilitate the planning, delivery and management of window and door design and installations using a common data model for all participants.

8 www.tormax.co.uk

8 www.iso-chemie.eu/en-GB/home/

* sales@tormax.co.uk

* a.swift@iso-chemie.co.uk

( 01932 238 055

* info@iso-chemie.co.uk

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Doors & Windows

Comar 7P.i FSDX – British by design The next generation of aluminium bi-fold, folding sliding door has arrived. FSDX: Superior, stabilised rolling action with the quietest roller in the industry and improved weight bearing capacity means fit-once and reduced call outs.

FSDX eXtra Roller The stainless steel dual roller seamlessly integrates with the stainless steel running track, with a stabiliser the wheels always remain in contact with the track, which, means that even if the track is slightly mis-aligned due to building tolerances

the smooth rolling action is not hindered.

The weight bearing capacity is increased to 120Kg which with the FSDX’s glazing pocket of 62mm triple glazed or acoustic glass can easily be incorporated.

FSDX eXtra – Track Superior thermal performance with integrated stainless-steel rail means that low U-values and continued performance are guaranteed. The intelligent design of the profile means the same profile is used for the jambs and the head, providing mitre frame construction and two options for site transport – preassembled or stick using pinned crimped cleats or mechanical cleats.

FSDX eXtra – Glazing The view out of the FSDX door offers the homeowner that little bit extra. With the slimmest sightlines available of 60mm, the doors maximise daylighting into the home. Maximising glazing without lacking performance the maximum width of the doors has been increased allowing door sets to be over 4m with only three doors.

hinge gasket prep and site installation. Even the roller pillar has been treated with consideration and pre-applied foam pads seal the roller to the door. This increases homeowner satisfaction with a draft-free solution and no call backs for the installer. Adequate sealing between the sliding doors ensures that a long-term solution is guaranteed.

FSDX eXtra – Hinges The new hinge design incorporates a central gasket strip, which actively reduces

8 www.comar-alu.co.uk

* projects@parksidegroup.co.uk ( 0208

685 9685

Safe and secure windows with heritage appeal A high-specification security window that also respects the external appearance of heritage and historic buildings has been launched by Crittall Fendor.

The SwingVent Heritage window acknowledges the fact that many NHS and private healthcare providers occupy buildings that were designed and built in the Victorian era. In many cases, these beautiful buildings are listed and altering or upgrading them so as to meet modern care requirements is challenging as local planners retain strict control on matters concerning external appearance.

However, where the medical facility is one caring for people with mental health problems, the windows need to be both extra safe and secure. The modern security window that also meets current energy requirements is popular in new-build projects but is unsuited to older facades.

In order to remedy this, Crittall Fendor has combined the qualities of the thermally broken steel-framed

T60 window specified extensively on heritage buildings with its very successful SwingVent. The T60 provides a traditional steel window external appearance while the inner SwingVent window presents the full range of special safety and security features. These include an anti-ligature flush internal frame so as to help prevent attempts of self-harm. Patients can control their own level of ventilation through a specially designed ventilator with a flush control mechanism that cannot be forced.

The slim steel frame maximises natural light and ventilation, and double, triple, security grade, solar or acoustic glazing can be fitted depending on requirements.

The window is available in top hung, side hung and fully fixed options and offers impressive U-values.

8 www.crittall-windows.co.uk/spe-

cialist/healthcare * hq@crittall-windows.co.uk ( 01376 530800

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41

HVAC

Rinnai 1600i gas-fired water heaters delivering energy and cost efficiency Now available is Rinnai’s ErP A-rated Infinity 1600 range of continuous flow condensing gas-fired water heaters, designed to deliver the most energy-efficient and cost-competitive hot water heating units to any UK site or application.

Rinnai manufactures over two million hot water heating units each year and so can offer advantageous cost savings for installers and end-users. The units are probably the most competitively priced type of their kind currently available to the UK sector.

The company’s low-NOx Infinity HDC 1600i models utilise Rinnai’s patented pre-mix burner technology with a 14-1 turndown ratio – the largest on the market – of 58.4kw to 4.05kw with extremely quiet operation.

Integral controls on the units enable the water heater to achieve high efficiencies, whether locally or integrated into a building management system. In reducing legionella

proliferation, Rinnai has developed additional ‘SMART’ controls for secondary return DHW systems in the form of an advanced temperature control system which allows for the safe running of water at 42°C core temperature during the day and 60°C overnight.

Another Rinnai innovation addresses an age-old industry problem with hot water delivery – limescale build-up. The company’s integrated scale control system is an innovative solution and comes in the form of an LC (lime check) code on the display of the controller.

Ultimately, ongoing use with hard water may shorten the lifespan of conventional

water heating appliances and systems.

To safeguard against this, Rinnai units continually self-monitor for limescale deposits around the heat exchanger.

8 www.rinnaiuk.com * info@rinnaiuk.com ( 01928

531870

Domus Ventilation makes debut at two construction shows this winter Domus Ventilation, part of the Polypipe group, will be exhibiting at UK Construction Week and London Build this year for the first time. Domus will be on stand E10 at UK Construction Week (from 8 to 10th October at the NEC, Birmingham) and stand V22 at London Build (from 27 to 28th November at Olympia, London).The focus of the company’s stand will be on the new CMXMULTI Mechanical Extract Ventilation (MEV) units, plus its industry-leading ducting systems.

Domus Ventilation’s CMX-MULTI MEV unit is an extremely compact and highly energy-efficient centralised MEV, designed for use in apartments and small- to medium-sized houses. * vent.info@domusventilation.co.uk

( 03443 715523

8 www.domusventilation.co.uk

Vortice Vort Phantom installed at Roomzzz hotel Newcastle NEC Services has installed Vortice’s new Vort Phantom voidmounted heat recovery units and Lineo in-line fans to the ongoing 74-room extension at the Roomzzz aparthotel in Newcastle.This boutique townhouse aparthotel is a beautiful Grade II Listed building containing 14 individually styled, spacious apartments, situated on the bustling Quayside.Vortice has supplied six Vort Phantom heat recovery units and 68 Lineo in-line fan ventilation units to NEC Services which has been installing the units in the apartments along with Broadley Group contractors and Park Lane Properties. * sales@vortice.ltd.uk

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( 01283 492949

8 www.vortice.ltd.uk

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Happy 20th anniversary JS Air Curtains Having been founded in 1999, JS Air Curtains is celebrating two decades of preventing doorway draughts across the UK. The West Sussex-based air curtain specialist is still located at its original head office in Rustington, but has grown from having around 90 units in its catalogue to offering over 450 air curtains.

Commenting on the anniversary, JS Air Curtains’ UK Sales Manager, Kerry Jones, said: “The company’s successful growth over the last 20 years has largely been due to offering a comprehensive range of air curtain styles, supported by friendly expert advice at very competitive prices.”

8 www.jsaircurtains.com * sales@jsaircurtains.com ( 01903 858656

It takes a long time to create perfection.

Once in a while a product comes along and changes everything, from the way it’s crafted to the way it works. Products are often copied and many are great ideas that never really see true success in their application. Many years are spent searching for a product that will ultimately surpass expectations, stand the test of time and become recognised as the leader in its field.

We created one of those successful products nearly two decades ago and still today it has never been equalled.

Why? Because we have never compromised on quality.

UNIFOLDÂŽ Unrivalled excellence in gutter lining technology. www.gutterliners.com

Floors, Walls & Ceilings

A gap revealed?

Masonry faces are usually uneven, undulate and have irregular or textured finishes. These variances permit the architect to create interesting visual elevations.

But, to what extent can such finishes affect common window and door openings within external cavity walls where a fire-rated reveal is required?

If one considers when fire-rated closers undergo testing at an approved testing station, the disciplines and procedures are first-class, with the closers located between two noncombustible mediums. Fire is applied, and the period a closer continues to act as a fire barrier is recorded.The question arises of whether the actual standard of build on site will match the standard of incorporation used when the product was tested?

Masonry variances can affect the fit of a fire-rated closer, which should integrate squarely and tightly between the leaves of the masonry to act as a continuous unpunctuated barrier. Uneven or incomplete (gap) integration may compromise performance in the event of a fire.

There is now available a fire-rated closer with a 60-minute fire rating, that is being offered with optional intumescent side strips. Known as the Cavi60 Type WCA (wide cavity applications), it is designed for use in cavities up to 150mm wide. The Cavi60 indicates the fire resistance rating in minutes.

The optional intumescent strips available on the Cavi60 Type WCA expand when initiated by fire and can aid infilling of gaps.

The manufacturer has pointed out the expandable strips are not a remedy for poor building standards, but are designed to improve functional incorporation in the event of being activated by fire, compared with alternatives.

Helifix nondisruptive masonry repairs restore Welsh period cottage

8 www.cavitytrays.com

* enquiries@cavitytrays.co.uk ( 01935

474769

Designer Contracts celebrates longserving employees

Helifix engineers have designed sympathetic non-disruptive repairs for a Grade II Listed period cottage in South Wales which was suffering from a number of defects, including outward movement of the gable end wall, internal cracking along the ceiling lines and cracking over the front door entrance. The Helifix product range and associated ‘Repair Details’ provided lateral restraint and restored structural integrity to the damaged masonry leaving the cottage’s original aesthetics and materials intact. Deep masonry beams were created across the full width of the gable wall by bonding pairs of stainless steel HeliBars into slots cut above and below the first- and second-floor joists.

These stabilised and reinforced the masonry and addressed the cracking over the front door. SockFix stainless steel anchors were then inserted into clearance holes drilled within the Helibeam zone, through the rubble-filled wall and the first two parallel floor joists.

Designer Contracts has acknowledged 70 long-serving members of staff with special recognition awards.Three of the longest-serving – those celebrating 20 years with the business – joined members of management at the company’s AGM for a celebratory meal at the Casa Hotel in Chesterfield. MD, Peter Kelsey, presented Louise Walters, Louise Barrett and Angie Cresswell with engraved iPad Pros as a token of gratitude for their dedication and loyalty. Said Peter: “As a business, we are incredibly lucky to have such a loyal workforce. As a thank you, each year we are acknowledging every member of the team who celebrates in excess of five, 10, 15 and 20 years.We really do believe that we have so many long-serving employees because of the friendly and caring environment that we are so lucky to have across the business. In addition, we make sure our team is trained and supported throughout their career to ensure they’re achieving the goals that they want to reach.”

8 www.helifix.co.uk

8 www.designercontracts.com

* sales@helifix.co.uk

* enquiries@designercontracts.com

( 0208 735 5200

( 01246 854577

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FIRE SAFETY

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Floors, Walls & Ceilings BE.YOND takes green credentials in furniture manufacturing to a whole new level, and we are very proud to be at the forefront of this innovation for the UK market through our exclusive distribution partnership – Dave Huggins, Business Development Director at IDS

B

Swiss Krono launches world’s most environmentally-friendly board for furniture manufacturing Global decorative panel manufacturer Swiss Krono has launched BE.YOND, a unique furniture-grade particleboard with an emission level equivalent to natural trees, making it the world’s most environmentally-friendly product for kitchen, bedroom, bathroom, office and general furniture manufacturing, with the aim of improving indoor air quality.

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E.YOND is available in all 158 decors in the Swiss Krono One World Collection of plain colours, patterns and woodgrains and in a wide choice of textures. It is exclusively available through its long-standing nationwide distribution partner IDS with an MOQ of just one pack of 21 boards on any decor.

A true product innovation, BE.YOND is made from a minimum of 98% natural wood materials and its no added formaldehyde board incorporates Ecosynthentix, a bio-based adhesive system during its manufacture.

Featuring only the naturally re-occurring formaldehyde traces in the wood itself of just 0.01 part per million (ppm), it exceeds all other legislation currently in place in any other country, including the superior levels set by Japan at 0.03ppm and the new legislation being introduced in Germany in 2020 set at 0.05ppm.

BE.YOND also exceeds CARB phase two standards, improving ‘Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design’ (green building certification) levels and boards can also be supplied with FSC and PEFC certification.

Being made from natural materials, it is easily machined and can be recycled into biomass at the end of its lifecycle.

Says Dave Huggins, Business Development Director at IDS:“BE.YOND takes green credentials in furniture manufacturing to a whole new level, and we are very proud to be at the forefront of this innovation for the UK market through our exclusive distribution partnership. Sustainability and emission levels are increasingly important considerations for the environments we live and work in and the air we breathe. BE.YOND is at the vanguard of green technology, and there is no better product for furniture manufacturers to work with than this if they are serious about these issues, giving them both an ethical and competitive edge.”

8 www.idsurfaces.co.uk

* solutions@idsurfaces.co.uk ( 08457

298298

Kalwall helps famous brewery take the LEED Kalwall translucent cladding has helped the New Belgium Brewing company accomplish a raft of sustainability awards for its latest brewery on the East Coast of the USA. Specified by international architect firm, Perkins + Will, the new brewery in Asheville has been hailed as a showcase for the art of sustainable practice and design. The project earned three LEED Silver Certifications for the ‘Distribution

Center’, Gold for the ‘Brew House’ and Platinum for the ‘Liquid Center’. At the SEAL Business Sustainability Awards event, all this helped New Belgium Brewing be recognised as one of ‘The 50 most sustainable companies in the world’.

The innovative use of Kalwall in the clerestory adds to the building’s striking appearance as well as contributing valuable points for the LEED ratings. Not only does Kalwall diffuse daylighting deep into the interior, but it removes shadows and glare and the stark contrasts of light and shade.The system also enhances simplicity in external design by eliminating the need for blinds, curtains or solar control. Kalwall’s insulating properties also mean that U-values down to 0.28 can be achieved, thereby helping with the important requirements of Part L. All this contributes to a more comfortable and safer environment for the occupants. In addition, studies have shown that the use of natural light in commercial spaces improves employee satisfaction, reduces absences and boosts employee productivity levels.

Kalwall’s exterior face is colour stable and formulated with a UV-resistant self-cleaning resin. This means that normal rainfall helps to keep the surface free of dust and dirt, while at the same time retaining its original colour during the weathering process.

8 www.structura-uk.com/kalwall * mail@structura.co.uk ( 01233

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©Mark Herboth

Floors, Walls & Ceilings

Building Elements

In an uncertain world, Kidde’s new CPD guides will help housing providers, developers and other specifiers understand the issues involved with fire and CO safety

New fire & CO alarm guidance Kidde has launched new editions of its CPD discussion documents to help all those involved with housing rethink their approach to fire and carbon monoxide alarms. In particular, they address issues raised by a new code of practice, wide-ranging requirements in Scotland and conflicting new English Building Regulations.

I

n an uncertain world, Kidde’s new CPD guides will help housing providers, developers and other specifiers understand the issues involved with fire and CO safety. One certainty today is that smoke, heat and CO alarms offer the first line of defence against fire or carbon monoxide in all types of housing, providing a critical early warning at low costs.

But the right provision of alarms, both to detect fire or CO, and also ensure that occupants are alerted throughout the home, is critical. Here, Kidde’s independently certified ‘Guide to regulations & standards’ documents – one covering smoke and heat alarms, the other CO alarms – can help. In addition to reviewing current minimum requirements, topical issues and conflicts between the

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various current and proposed standards and regulations are addressed as ‘talking points’ to help readers question recommendations and make their own judgements.

New code of practice

For example, BS 5839-6:2019, the new code of practice for fire detection and fire alarm systems in housing, includes important changes focused on alarm system ‘grades’ (the reliability of a system in terms of its power sources) and ‘categories’ (in which areas smoke/heat alarms are required for detection). Minimum recommended grades and categories for various types of housing are set out in table 1 – the key part of the code – now slimmed-down at Kidde’s instigation. But conflicts with the brand-new Building Regulations Approved Documents B remain.

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As also recommended by Kidde, the 2019 code now anticipates combined installations and a systematic approach to carbon monoxide and fire alarms in homes.The Scottish Government has also made major changes to the ‘Tolerable Standard’, applying to all housing tenures and taking effect from February 2021. In essence, the minimum safety standards currently in place for private rented properties will be extended to all other tenures, including social housing, and owner-occupied homes.

These requirements are based on the BS 5839-6 Code of Practice,‘Category LD2’ level of protection, mirroring Scottish Building Regulations for new builds, changes of use and extensions.This means a system of interconnected smoke and heat alarms, including smoke alarms in principal living rooms and heat alarms in all kitchens, as well as smoke alarms in circulation areas on each storey.

In addition, CO alarms will also be required in all homes with combustion appliances. The Scottish requirements consider that: “It makes practical sense to combine installation programmes for … smoke alarms and carbon monoxide alarms together”. This enlightened approach heralds the way for combining smoke, heat and CO alarms to provide more coverage and ensure that occupiers are awoken and alerted wherever they are in the property, whatever the risk. Kidde’s well-established Smart Interconnect facility was developed to meet this very need.

To download ‘Guide to regulations & standards’ documents, visit the website or to arrange a CPD presentation email: cpd@kiddesafety.co.uk.

8 www.kiddesafetyeurope.co.uk * sales@kiddesafety.co.uk ( 0333

772 2227

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

For demonstrably safe, skilled and compliant contractors it has to be NASC. www.nasc.org.uk

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Rinnai hot water: Instant, continuous, limitless and sensibly economic for every type of commercial site.

©Chris Hodson

Building Elements

©Anthony Weller

Copper heritage

The Nordic Green Living 1 copper used at Ram Quarter is part of an extensive range of pre-patinated surfaces from Aurubis

Nordic Copper – the real thing Ram Quarter is an exciting new mixed-use development at the heart of the London Borough of Wandsworth, incorporating rooftop cladding of Nordic Green Living 1 pre-patinated copper, reflecting the site’s intriguing industrial heritage.

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ormerly home to the Young’s brewery, the site’s regeneration encompassed restoration of historic buildings alongside the construction of new-build apartments.The three phases of Ram Quarter will deliver 713 homes, nearly 100,000ft2 of shops and community and leisure facilities over eight acres.The development is located on the banks of the River Wandle, this section of which has now been opened to the public for the first time in centuries through the redevelopment.

Quality materials

Greenland Group UK, the developer of Ram Quarter, was keen that the site’s material specification should reflect its

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history and deliver high-quality design and long-term durability. EPR Architects, the appointed architectural practice for the scheme, ensured that the development design complemented both the industrial character of the site and its transformation into a residential neighbourhood.

EPR Director, Pascal Wensink, explained: “The Brewery had evolved in line with modernisation of beer production, resulting in a wide variety of building sizes, architectural styles and materials.The older, more interesting buildings used traditional brick, and most were retained within the masterplan, including the prominent brick chimney – a constant on the Wandsworth skyline for over a century.

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“The oldest fermenting and brewing vessels within the old brewery were copper. It was this association that inspired us to predominantly clad the upper two floors of the tallest residential buildings in Nordic Green Living 1 copper.We also introduced a playful vertical expression to one of the new buildings – a nod to the industrial vats that once covered the site.This is raised from the ground with softer rounded corners and vertically-ribbed profiled Nordic Green copper cladding, with a GRC concrete soffit.”

The Nordic Green Living 1 copper used at Ram Quarter is part of an extensive range of pre-patinated surfaces from Aurubis, developed with properties and colours based on the same brochantite mineralogy found in natural patinas all over the world. Essentially, they bring forward changes that happen over time in the environment without taking away the integrity of copper as a natural material.

Natural surfaces

All these surfaces form an integral part of the copper and are not coatings or paint, and ongoing changes will continue over time, depending on the local environment.As well as the solid patina colours,‘living’ surfaces provide various intensities of patina flecks revealing some of the dark oxidised background material.

Other Nordic Copper ranges from Aurubis include 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. Nordic Copper alloys include Nordic Brass – which can also be supplied pre-weathered – Nordic Bronze and the innovative Nordic Royal, an alloy of copper with aluminium and zinc that enjoys a rich golden through-colour which remains very stable.A wide choice of Nordic Decor mechanically applied surface treatments is also available.

8 www.nordiccopper.com * g.bell@aurubis.com ( 01875

812144

Building Elements

Designing for endurance Sharp edges, venting, flow.

How do these three words make the difference between fully protected galvanized steel and a surface vulnerable to corrosion? Richard Besant of Powdertech Corby gives FC&A the low-down on ‘designing with the finish in mind’.

Before your component even sees a powder coater there are simple yet critical design decisions that will ensure the protection offered by galvanizing and powder coating is the most effective it can be.

If these are attended to in the early stages, the galvanizing and high performance powder coating will offer protection for 35 to 40 years. Correct venting and drainage points for both galvanizing and powder

coating must be included in the fabrication design to ensure that the finished part sinks fully into the molten zinc during galvanizing and into the chemical pre-treatment prior to powder coating and also drains completely on removal from both processes.

Sharp edges should be rounded off to avoid localised thinning of the coating for any finish, zinc, paint or powder coating. Welds need to be checked to ensure that chemicals will not become trapped and then leach out during finishing operations. There are other considerations to be borne in mind too, such as the metal’s final site.

For marine locations, narrow gaps and blind crevices should be avoided and the surfaces should be free draining and easy to clean. It also makes sense to clearly identify the ‘seen’ faces of the design so that suspension points (for jigging) can be located in positions unseen after installation. We always advise our customers to ‘Design with the finish in mind’.

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

400890

Record orders announced for contract furniture manufacturer BMI helps shield school children from sea storms Students at George Hastwell School, an academy in Barrow-in-Furness for children with severe or profound learning difficulties, are now sheltered by a robust roof that is built to a specification from BMI UK & Ireland and is guaranteed to withstand the harsh coastal climate for 20 years. The 1050m2 project consisted of a number of roofs with either concrete or plywood decks. For the non-flammable concrete substrates, BMI Icopal Tecnatorch Sand and Siplast Primer were applied as the vapour control layer. For the plywood decks, the vapour control layer comprised BMI Icopal TorchSafe TA VCL Sanded and SA Primer.

8 www.bmigroup.com/uk * sales.redland@bmigroup.com ( 01908 015760

Deanestor has announced a record order intake, with £12.5m of orders secured in the last six months.This is a significant increase on the same period in 2018. Contracts have been awarded for delivery through to 2020 and across a diverse range of sectors.A large proportion of the projects are for repeat clients – both developers and contractors – following Deanestor’s successful performance on previous schemes.The trend towards larger furniture and fit-out contracts of over £1m continues for Deanestor, requiring a high degree of technical design input and project management from its teams.The latest contracts to be awarded are also spread across the UK – in England, Scotland and Wales. * enquiries@deanestor.com

( 01623 420041

8 www.deanestor.co.uk

Closomat ready to help meet recommendations on housing A Parliamentary inquiry into decent and accessible homes is highlighting the importance of utilising a universal design approach to make adaptation products appealing to all age groups. Closomat, manufacturer of toilet assistive technology, is already positioned to equip housing designers, developers and officers, to meet that challenge (at least in the bathroom). Its brand-leading wash & dry (smart) toilets feature contemporary design to make them aspirational as well as assistive. Uniquely, they can be personalised to individual user preference and needs, not just at initial install, but retrospectively, as needs change. * info@clos-o-mat.com

( 0161 969 1199

8 www.closomat.co.uk

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51

Building Elements

Hauraton drainage systems at Bonus Arena – Hull Venue Built on brownfield land located on the edge of the main shopping district in Hull and adjacent to Princes Quay, the Bonus Arena – Hull Venue and its associated multi-storey car park were opened in August 2018.

The £36m development progresses the legacy of the social and economic impact generated by Hull’s 2017 UK City of Culture status.

The Arena, designed by AFL Architects, is a state-of-the-art music and events complex with a flexible capacity of up to 3500 people. The facility can provide a venue for concerts or corporate conferences in an 800-seat auditorium. A 2000m² adaptable space can be utilised for sporting events or exhibitions and trade shows.

Surrounding the Bonus Arena is a public realm laid with grey stone paving and landscaped by re-form landscape architecture Ltd with trees, lawns, flowerbeds and permanent stone seating.

An effective surface water drainage

system was essential to ensure all-weather access to the venue. 140m of Hauraton RECYFIX PRO 100 channels with FIBRETEC heel-safe gratings were chosen for the job which blended well with the stone paving and would resist damage from applied grit rock salt in freezing weather.

The material, PA-GF used to make the FIBRETEC grating, was especially developed by Hauraton; the tough, UVresistant, fibre-reinforced moulding offers high stability and huge strength for its weight. Complying with loading category Class C250 (BSEN 1433), the grating can easily take the weight of commercial delivery vehicles. The design is a real innovation as its non-corrosive material provides a visually appealing surface finish that retains its colour.

8 www.hauraton.com

* janine.kennedy@hauraton.com ( 01582

501380

Franke launches pioneering Vital Capsule tap range

Franke has launched its iconic Vital Capsule filter tap range in three models and two vogue finishes featuring a unique ‘above the work surface’ design and the most advanced water filter system in the world to deliver unrivalled purity. Developed and made in Switzerland by Franke, the water filter system features pioneering and patented technology. It is the firstever filter system to combine activated carbon with a hightech membrane filtering water through 0.3-micrometre pore holes, almost 100 times finer than a human hair, setting the new standard for filtered drinking water. * ks-info.gb@franke.com

( 0161 436 6280

Imperial introduces first dual-faced brick 8 www.franke.co.uk

Marmox appoints new national sales manager The British supplier of waterproofing, wetroom and insulation solutions, Marmox (UK), has appointed a new national sales manager to its team, who will be promoting the company’s products both at local level and across the country. Jonathan Parsons will be looking after a sales force of six and, strictly, is not ‘new’ to Marmox. Indeed, he is returning to the business after a break of seven years, having worked previously for Marmox from 2002 to 2012. With the task of getting the centre up and running smoothly, Jon was drawn back to Marmox due to his keen interest in sales as well as construction. * sales@marmox.co.uk

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( 01634 835290

8 www.marmox.co.uk

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Imperial Bricks has introduced a new range of Pre-War Common bricks with a difference.

Unique to the UK and available from Imperial Bricks, the bricks are ‘dual-faced’, with one ‘clean’ face/header, and one weathered.This allows builders to use either face, whether matching up to existing brickwork for RMI, using the ‘clean’ or weathered faces or create a blend of mixed finishes to add character.

The dual-faced brick is available from a reliable, sustainable supply, in a standard metric size suitable for new build, restoration or refurbishment.The Pre-War Common brick is hydraulically pressed and was a popular brick type for 19th and 20th-century housing across North West England.

8 www.imperialbricks.co.uk * sales@imperialbricks.co.uk ( 01952 750816

Building Elements DML expanded metal lathing hits 100,000 sheets a year This summer, Simpson StrongTie is celebrating the production of its one hundred thousandth ‘DML’ expanded metal lathing sheet – the UK’s most versatile, reinforcement mesh option, available in a sheet size of 2400 x 700 x 0.40.The bead and mesh range is going from strength to strength, increasing in popularity as builders opt for a solution to suit a wider variety of applications.The DML is easy to install and comfortably capable for many internal and external purposes. UK Marketing Manager, Kyle Perry, explains: “Our DML is something of a fan-favourite; used as a general-purpose reinforcement mesh, helping prevent cracking when different materials meet.We can also provide this galvanised for internal use or stainless steel to fight those unforgiving weather conditions externally. Made in the UK at our head office and manufacturing facility, it’s a marvel and a joy to watch the efficiency these are being made with by our very skilled team.”

VitrA Tiles introduces new and revamped CPD presentations VitrA Tiles is launching a new RIBA-approved CPD presentation on ‘Swimming Pools with a Tile Finish’. At the same time, the company is introducing revamped versions of its existing CPDs on ‘Specifying Tiles in the Hospitality Sector’ and ‘Understanding Designing and Specifying with Tiles’. The introduction of a new CPD and the enhancement and updating of the two existing documents is an important part of VitrA Tiles’ strategic goal to strengthen its profile in the architects’ and specifiers’ sector.

Being RIBA-approved, the VitrA Tiles CPDs count towards architects’ professional accreditation. The presentations cover the full range of tiling issues in the areas in question, bringing to each subject VitrA Tiles’ enormous capabilities and experience as a global market leader in tiling. The company’s tiles feature in projects all over the world, ranging from domestic to the most prestigious commercial projects.

8 www.strongtie.co.uk

8 www.vitraglobal.com/vitra-tiles

* uksales@strongtie.com

* tiles@vitra.co.uk

( 01827 255600

( 01235 750990

Testing in progress...

From Durability and Aesthetics, Structural and Mechanical testing to Weather Resistance and Fenestration Security assessments, BBA experts test products to make sure they meet the highest industry standards. When testing construction components and systems as safe and fit-forpurpose, don’t cut corners. Go to the experts.

Works of passion. Built on integrity. Tested by the best.

Contact our dedicated team on testing@bbacerts.co.uk, T: 01923 665300 or visit our website www.bbacerts.co.uk/test-services to learn more.

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Building Elements

The value and opportunities within modular construction

Having gained considerable momentum over the past few years, modular construction makes up 60 to 70% of the off-site manufacturing sector and reduces build times by an impressive 50 to 60%. At the forefront of off-site approaches, volumetric modular methods have a remarkable impact on reducing costs while increasing quality and safety measures in the construction arena.

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odern methods of construction are making headway following the announcement that the Government would adopt a presumption in favour of off-site construction for all public sector building projects.

As off-site construction is rapidly becoming the preferred delivery model, it is important that volumetric modular building technology is considered for all areas of construction.

Although house-building gains a lot of media and industry attention, modular solutions are also widely used in the healthcare and education sectors.

What are the benefits of modular construction?

Modular building is revolutionising the construction industry. While traditional build processes are laced with pitfalls, hidden costs and are highly disruptive – volumetric modular buildings are easy

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to plan, budget and are quick to erect, as most of the work takes place in factorycontrolled conditions. Modular technology brings a host of benefits to the construction industry, contributing to healthier, safer and more cost-efficient environments.

A step forward for productivity in construction, the pre-fabrication of units leads to shorter build times, which, by extension, leads to net savings of around 7%.

Each material is selected specifically for its performance characteristics, ensuring it is suited to its industry use in every way.

The modular industry operates an environmental approach, using sustainable building materials and recycling waste for future projects where possible.

Components are available in a range of sizes to expand facilities whenever necessary.

Modular constructions can have unlimited floor space.

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Modular buildings can be customised to blend in with any surrounding – they are designed to be adaptable and meet clients’ specific requirements.

Interiors can be designed and refurbished to meet exacting requirements, using internal and external finishes.

Modular construction enables site work and building processes to be completed simultaneously, reducing labour costs.

Pre-fabrication relieves the constraints of weather dependence, meaning that materials remain in ultimate quality and efficiency is improved.

Pre-constructed, self-contained units can be easily transported to virtually any location, providing quick solutions for new buildings.

Modules are designed to withstand longdistance transportation and craning onto foundations, meaning that they are stronger than traditionally constructed buildings.

Pre-engineered units are transported to construction sites in varying levels of completeness: from empty shells to complete rooms with facilities.

Meet the modular experts at Offsite Expo on stand B5

As the single recognised voice for promoting and marketing members’ products and services, the Modular and Portable Building Association (MPBA) is a silver sponsor for the inaugural Offsite Expo, taking place from 24 to 25th September at the Ricoh Arena, Coventry.

Not only will the exhibition host a Buyers and Specifiers Forum for over 100 VIP buyers, a summit representing 28 countries and 100 world-class exhibitions, delegates will also have access to over 40 masterclasses to learn from leading off-site specialists.

8 www.mpba.biz

* mpba@mpba.biz ( 0870

241 7687

Building Elements Seek fee-earning work in adjudication OMNIE ground source solution for unique Plymouth After waiting a decade to gain planning permission to build their new home in a location steeped in British Naval history, a Devon couple were determined to optimise not just the views available, but also the technical specifications, choosing an OMNIE ground source heat pump to deliver the high hot water demand underfloor heating requirements throughout the spacious four-bedroom property.The owners have worked with architect Miles Lynch and the main contractor, to optimise the spaces created, while Cornwall-based heating and plumbing company is the building services and renewables specialist which recommended installing the OMNIE SWCV 92H1 ground source heat pump.

8 www.omnie.co.uk * projects@omnie.co.uk ( 01392 363605

The process of adjudication has become the construction sector’s dispute resolution method of choice. Parties will often seek someone with the core skills and subject matter knowledge required to understand and deal with technical questions pertinent to the issues in dispute.

Ensure you have the skills and knowledge you need to successfully apply the law of adjudication to the construction industry and seek feeearning work as an adjudicator. * drstraining@rics.org

( 02476 868555

8 www.rics.org

Safeguard’s Stormdry dries out seaside tower block Residents of a 12-storey tower block on the Essex coast are now enjoying damp-free conditions and unspoilt interiors after contractors waterproofed their building with Stormdry Masonry Protection Cream from Safeguard Europe – one of the UK’s leading specialists in damp-proofing and waterproofing technology. Within a few months of Stormdry Masonry Protection Cream being applied, both the building owners and the residents reported walls drying out and the damp patches receding. They should also find that their properties become more energy-efficient – bricks have twice the thermal resistance when dry than when wet, making them insulate more effectively. * info@safeguardeurope.com

( 0140 3 210204

8 www.safeguardeurope.com

Bostik helps Dunstable Leisure Centre refurb go swimmingly

Brett Martin adds tranquil Chartwell Green to the Cascade range

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

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

8 www.brettmartin.com

8 www.bostik.com

* building@brettmartin.com

( 01785 272625

( 01246 280000

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Building Elements

Sika Pro-Tecta CE Previous projects have included high profile clients and sites, such as an operational refurbishment of Pinewood Studios’ Cardiff location and the Mercedes Car Dealership in Newcastle

Sika Liquid Plastics launches Sika Pro-Tecta Metal Roof solutions Here, Gavin White, Sika Liquid Plastics’ Product Manager for Liquid Applied Membranes, introduces the company’s new Sika Pro-Tecta Metal Roof Refurbishment range.

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he ease and speed of metal roof construction means that metal roofs are a popular choice for large, new industrial-type buildings, across a range of sectors, including manufacturing, retail and leisure, to name a few. Factors, such as geographical location, the type of sheet used and the type of coating applied at the point of manufacture, all influence a metal roof’s lifespan. Very often, some maintenance will be required after a period of time to prevent degradation of the sheet coating, and if left untreated, the integrity of the roof system, and potentially operations within the building could eventually become compromised.

That’s why Sika Liquid Plastics has launched the Sika Pro-Tecta range of systems; a complete solution for metal roof refurbishment, which builds on the

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extensive track record of Sika Liquid Plastics’ acclaimed Sikalastic-625 and Decothane Ultra coatings in metal roof refurbishment.

Complete range

The new range includes both a cut-edge corrosion treatment option and a full roof sheet encapsulation system, backed by guarantees.

The cut-edge corrosion system, Sika Pro-Tecta CE, combines a newly-developed primer and topcoat, which have been specifically formulated as a system by Sika’s globally-recognised ‘Industrial Coatings Division’. Meanwhile, the full waterproofing system, Sika Pro-Tecta WP, incorporates an easy-to-use, self-adhesive tape which dramatically reduces the installation time associated with reinforcement of metal roof sheets, prior to the main coating application.

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Sika Liquid Plastics’ Sika Pro-Tecta CE system has been developed to offer a costeffective solution for targeted treatment of cut-edge corrosion, where the ‘cut-edge’ of the metal sheet has been exposed to the elements and weathering over time, causing the sheet coating to peel away and expose the metal sheet core to further corrosion.

If cut-edge corrosion is fully addressed at an early stage, where the sheet is still structurally sound and not leaking, the service life of the sheet can be extended.

The Sika Pro-Tecta CE system comprises a high-performance primer, Sika Poxicolor HE New, which has been specifically formulated for application in a single coat to manually-prepared surfaces. This is followed by two coats of SikaCor EG-5, an acrylic polyurethane hybrid. The Sika Pro-Tecta CE system provides an unrestricted and hardwearing solution across the UK mainland and is backed by a product guarantee.

Sika Pro-Tecta WP

For metal roof sheets that are at an advanced stage of degradation, including loss of primary waterproofing function, Sika Liquid Plastics has developed the Sika Pro-Tecta WP system, which incorporates Sika Joint Tape SA as part of a solution that is faster and easier to install than many conventional metal roof refurbishment systems.

The innovative, self-adhesive Sika Joint Tape SA is available in two widths: a 150mm tape, for the reinforcement of the end laps, side laps and their associated fixings, and a 75mm tape for reinforcement of non-lap and random fixings.

8 gbr.liquidplastics.sika.com

* liquid.plastics@uk.sika.com ( 01772

259781

MIN D

MA L SRUPTION MAXIMUM PROTECTION. THE TERAIN LIVE STACK REPLACEMENT SERVICE WITH FIRETRAP SLEEVES AND COLLARS Partnering with you, Polypipe delivers unique fabricated replacement drainage stack solution, featuring Terrain drainage systems; ready to install, ready when you are – and without having to move residents from their homes.

For complete peace of mind, they’re also available with our Terrain Firetrap sleeves and collars, designed to go beyond today’s fire regulations.

It’s what you’d expect from a trusted product range and a company of innovators.

Discover all of the benefits at: polypipe.com/minimal-disruption

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57

Building Elements

Peter Burchill, Business Development Manager for EOS

Peter Burchill, Business Development Manager for EOS, will present an in-depth case study on The Ram Quarter at this year’s Offsite Expo

Fast-track construction taking centre stage at Offsite Expo Through advanced Design for Manufacture and Assembly (DfMA) protocols, EOS achieves fast-track construction programmes without compromising on quality. As a major project delivery strategy, these factorybased methods reduce construction time, delivering an earlier return on investment.

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ntil the end of the 20th century, delivery processes tended to follow a sequential process: design, bid, build. Lengthy time periods between each phase dragged construction processes out and stunted productivity.

Fast-track off-site manufacture for on-site assembly provides a clear schedule for high outputs, with stringent systems to track professional schedules, milestones and enable the smooth collaboration between contractors and clients.

Construction clients may not fully understand the dynamics of fast-track construction. EOS sees part of its role as a specialist steel framing designer and manufacturer, helping the brand to get to grips with the cost model and where savings can be made without compromising on quality.

The adoption of off-site construction involves upfront capital costs – this is often the point where the comparison is made

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between traditional building methods, that in isolation could potentially be viewed as the cheaper option, without taking into consideration the numerous advantages of factory-based methods.

From less material waste on site with vast reductions in associated disposal costs, to improved quality with less investment in snagging, reworking and delays – comparing cost models is complex. The greatest gain of fast-track construction is shorter construction times with reduced premiums and site management costs – bringing developments rapidly on-stream. The main benefit of these shorter schedules is improved cash flow. By generating earlier rent or sales income, construction financing costs are reduced – delivering a better and faster return on investment.

Working in full compliance with all relevant building standards, including

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the new Building Regulations relating to residential builds over 18m – which came into force at the end of 2018 – EOS manufactures robust light steel framing panelised systems and volumetric modules for non-load-bearing and load-bearing applications. Delivering a consistently high quality of finish with fewer defects than traditional building methods, EOS achieves advanced lean manufacturing processes in a BSI-compliant facility.The prefabrication of the individual steel elements takes place under controlled, highly regulated and safe factory conditions where the use of leading-edge technology delivers precisionengineered components.

EOS headline sponsor of Offsite Expo

EOS strives to develop excellent working relationships, and its team of specialists will be on hand at Offsite Expo on stand G17 to offer advice and discuss project requirements. EOS has also designed and constructed one of the two Masterclass Theatres where Peter Burchill, Business Development Manager for EOS, will present an in-depth case study on The Ram Quarter – a multi-award-winning project delivered through fast-track construction methods using a range of bespoke solutions from the EOS product portfolio including: SFS infill, load-bearing steel systems for internal pods, together with a complete Thruwall systems delivered in partnership with other members of ETEX Building Performance which includes Promat, Siniat and EOS. With a comprehensive spectrum of products and services – underpinned by a substantial investment in state-of-the-art technology – EOS has the capability and capacity to meet the exacting demands of the construction industry.

8 www.eos-facades.co.uk * enquiries@eosuk.org ( 01325

303030

Building Elements Slovenian manufacturer installs Advanced at state-ofthe-art head office

Vibrant new student accomodation in Norwich

envelope

Pushing the

The Carbon Trust estimates as much as a quarter of a building’s heat loss occurs through the roof.

A fabric-first approach to building design on the whole building envelope is known to deliver some of the most thermally efficient buildings on the market.

When it comes to specifying high performing non-combustible insulation, the majority of focus has been on external walls - but overlooking the roof could introduce a weak link into the building envelope.

According to government reports, between 2010 and 2018 there were 4,290 fires in England where the roof was deemed to have been “mainly responsible for the development of the fire”.* We urge you to push the envelope and specify ROCKWOOL on your build as it is just as important to have non-combustible, thermally efficient insulation on the roof as it is on the façade.

www.rockwool.co.uk

*source: gov.uk - FIRE0603: Primary fires fatalities and non-fatal casualties by item first ignited

8 www.osmouk.com * info@osmouk.com ( 01296 481220

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