FC&A September 2023

FUTURE CONSTRUCTOR & ARCHITECT MAGAZINE

EDITOR IAL

Rebecca Kemp rebecca@redhutmedia.com

Hannah Woodger hannah@redhutmedia.com

PRINT & DIGITAL ADVERTISING

Sam Ball sam@redhutmedia.com

Jim Moore jim@redhutmedia.com

PRINT DESIGN MANAGER

Jack Witcomb jack@redhutmedia.com

DIGITAL DESIGN MANAGER

Matt Morse matt@redhutmedia.com

ACCOUNTS/ CREDIT CONTROL

Rachel Pike accounts@redhutmedia.com

SALES SUPPORT & STATISTICS

Klare Ball klare@redhutmedia.com

PUBLISHER

Sam Ball sam@redhutmedia.com

WELCOME

SEPTEMBER 2023

In the ever-evolving landscape of construction and architecture, the intersection of technology has become a domain of endless possibilities. It's a space where tradition meets cutting edge, and creativity knows no bounds.

In this edition, we profile a project that exemplifies this dynamic fusion: the Future Car Park, a testament to how technology and architecture can harmoniously coexist to reshape how we interact with the built environment.

Designed by Daniel Statham Studio, this vertical parking complex in the heart of Hangzhou's CBD is more than simply a place to park vehicles; it's a balanced blend of forward-thinking automated parking technology and public spaces. A symphony of technology and design unfolds within the futuristic towers, where vehicles are seamlessly stacked using a lift and stacking system. The towers extend into a connected roof form, embracing not only the latest parking technologies but also entertainment facilities and roof gardens, creating an oasis within the urban fabric. Turn to page 1 2 to read about the project.

Elsewhere, in the wake of its recent RIBA victories, we showcase the Holborn House project by 6a architects, delve into Wienerberger's trailblazing efforts in achieving net-zero emissions, and discover the science behind flawless flooring installations with insights from Stephen Boulton, Technical Service Manager at F. Ball and Co.

I hope you enjoy this issue. Don’t forget, you can also access 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 KEMP

Editor, Future Constructor & Architect

ON THE COVER:

Heatherwick Studio has revealed the design of an exhibition hall on Shanghai’s emerging West Bund waterfront. SEE PAGE 08.

VOICE OF THE INDUSTRY:

Bruce Nepp, Lab Design Specialist and Director at Buro Happold, delves into the evolving landscape of scientific infrastructure.

LEGAL & BUSINESS:

FEATURES

20 22 24 28 32 34

WHOLE LIFECYCLE CARBON:

The UK ceramic manufacturing industry stands at a crossroads in the journey to net-zero emissions. Learn how manufacturers, like Wienerberger, are leading in innovating solutions for a sustainable tomorrow.

FLOORS, WALLS & CEILINGS:

Stephen Boulton, Technical Service Manager at F. Ball and Co., shares invaluable insights on finding the perfect adhesive for your flooring installation.

RCI:

Shail Chauhan, Marketing Manager at Carlisle Construction Materials, sheds light on the crucial role of roofing systems in addressing the causes and mitigating the impacts of climate change.

HVAC:

Adam Savitz and Paul Wrighton from Johnson Controls unravel innovative strategies to transform the skyline, reduce emissions and propel London towards a greener future.

30

TECHNICAL FOCUS:

Kelly Westwood, Head of Construction Projects at Knauf Insulation, looks at how combining rock and glass mineral wool insulation in your build up allows you to utilise the unique benefits of each.

PAINTS, COATINGS & FINISHES:

Jemma Saunders, Colour Consultant at Crown Trade, shares expert insights on crafting spaces that foster wellbeing for those with dementia.

BUILD FOCUS: HQ & Office Design :

AstraZeneca has relocated its Finnish offices to the business and innovation hub of Espoo’s Keilaniemi region. The brand-new building features biophilic interiors created in collaboration with Naava.

PORTFOLIOS

FUTURE CAR PARK, DANIEL STATHAM STUDIO:

Designed by Daniel Statham Studio, Future Car Park combines automated parking technology with lush green public spaces, offering 500 parking spots for electric and non-electric vehicles.

HOLBORN HOUSE, 6A ARCHITECTS:

James Butler, Managing Director of Vivalda Group’s Manufacturing Division, looks at the Government’s review of construction product testing. 12 16

Holborn House, a masterpiece by 6a Architects, has emerged triumphant with the prestigious RIBA National Award 2023 and RIBA London Award 2023. This transformational project artfully blends architecture and community, showcasing an integrated public artwork by Caragh Thuring.

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INDUSTRY UPDATES

IN BRIEF: GT3 ARCHITECTS TEAMS UP WITH US HEAVYWEIGHT SASAKI TO DESIGN STRATEGIC ALLIANCE

GT3 Architects has teamed up with Sasaki to create an alliance that brings together the skills and global expertise of more than 400 design specialists. The partnership aims to bring international perspective and experience to projects across multiple sectors – including sports and leisure, masterplanning, workplace design, landscape architecture and more – combining expert knowledge and global capabilities. Applying a creative, people-focused approach to UK design, projects will be delivered from GT3’s offices in Nottingham and Newcastle-upon-Tyne, and Sasaki’s locations in Boston, Denver, New York and Shanghai.

BAKERHICKS HELPS TO PRESERVE LONDON’S ROYAL PARKS

Responsibility for helping to protect the beauty and integrity of the eight Royal Parks in London has been awarded to BakerHicks, one of a handful of companies appointed to the new Royal Parks Highways Engineering Consultancy Services Framework. BakerHicks has agreed on a four-year deal with the Royal Parks, a charity that supports and manages 5000 acres of Royal parkland across London. This includes a range of professional consultancy services related to the engineering, repairs and maintenance of roads, bridges, reservoirs, culverts and abutments within the parks. BakerHicks will work in close partnership with the Royal Parks to further develop park infrastructure.

HEATHERWICK STUDIO REVEALS THE DESIGN OF A NEW PUBLIC EXHIBITION HALL IN SHANGHAI

Heatherwick Studio has revealed the design of an exhibition hall on Shanghai’s emerging West Bund waterfront. Named the ‘West Bund Orbit’, the building will represent the heart of the new Financial Hub in Xuhui District and will serve as a landmark on the Huangpu riverside.

Situated at the corner of the site, the hall is seemingly accessible from 360°. The design team looked to celebrate its primary function by placing the large exhibition space at the centre with its ancillary functions located above. A second perimeter gallery wraps around the main hall on the ground-floor level, opening the building up to the surrounding area with tall windows enticing the passers-by with glimpses of the events and exhibitions hosted inside.

Neil Hubbard, Group Leader at Heatherwick Studio, said: “This is an exhibition hall designed to be explored and experienced. Rather than merely boxing up

a gallery within an ornamental facade, the ‘Orbit’s’ appearance will be animated by the people who visit it. Its location on the bend of the river means it can be a real beacon for the area, drawing people in, not just for the events it hosts, but the whole of Shanghai West Bund.”

Nestled within the new district as well as connecting to the cultural riverside park, the ‘Orbit’ is designed as a public space to be experienced in its entirety, both inside and out. The facade resembles a series of interwoven ribbons that form an undulating set of publiclyaccessible staircases, bridges and terraces. These allow visitors

to the new district to ascend to the building’s rooftop garden and take advantage of the multiple viewing platforms.

The ‘ribbon’ staircases echo the form of traditional Chinese moon bridges but with a futuristic twist, making the building appear as if in constant rotational motion. As visitors walk up the structure, glazed openings in the facade reveal the inner exhibition hall framing the main entrances at every level. At the rooftop, the ribbons unravel into an open-air canopy with views over the river as well as the entire West Bund area.

www.heatherwick.com

©Heatherwick Studio

©Devisual

PERSONNEL

The latest appointments from the construction and architectural industries.

CHAS APPOINTS

LEE BRUNSDEN

Lee Brunsden has been appointed as the Head of Sales EMEA at CHAS – one of the UK’s leading providers of compliance and risk management solutions – as part of the supply chain risk management expert’s global expansion strategy. With a track record of over a decade in compliance and risk management, Lee has assisted numerous clients worldwide in enhancing their supply chain risk management practices. Lee’s expertise in sales strategy, adept team leadership and change management make him a valuable addition to CHAS as it expands its solutions to a broader international audience following its acquisition by Veriforce in January 2023. As a seasoned sales leader with over 20 years of experience across all disciplines, Lee specialises in new business development, major market expansion and fostering high-performance sales teams.

IN

BRIEF:

DHF OFFERS SUPPORT TO MEMBERS IMPACTED BY LONDON’S ULTRA LOW EMISSION ZONE

“ULEZ will increase the cost of construction workers using vans to go to work, could result in them to work longer hours to limit the number of times they need to travel, could cause companies to lose work due to the need to increase prices to cover additional costs on top of the cost-of-living crisis and increasing transport costs, and may undermine the Mayor of London’s plea for construction workers to work in the capital to help improve the city’s housing stock,” explains DHF’s Commercial Director, Patricia SowsberyStevens. “DHF cannot stress enough the considerable impact on businesses that have a legitimate reason to travel into the ULEZ, and we hope that alternative options will be considered that prioritise SMEs.”

NEW APPOINTMENT FOR DMWR

Senior Director John Neale has been appointed as a Compliance Inspector at DMWR Architects as part of the Government’s Building Safety Act to improve competence levels and accountability in the sector. The role further strengthens DMWR’s expertise in the cladding and remediation of non-compliant buildings for G15 Housing Associations, private developers, tier 1 contractors and resident groups. As Compliance Inspector, John will act independently of the contractor and design team to perform regular site inspections to ensure that the new cladding installation is consistent with the design specification and requirements set out in the works contracts and that the project is being completed in accordance with the project documents, the guidance and good industry practice.

CPMG APPOINTS ASSOCIATE

National award-winning architectural and interior design practice CPMG has appointed an accomplished associate who will be helping to meet the demand for services offered by its Birmingham studio. Derek Lee joins CPMG, having worked in Birmingham for local and national clients for more than 10 years. With extensive experience in the education and residential sectors, his expertise is well suited to CPMG’s client base and core sectors. Derek said: “I am very excited to join CPMG and to be part of the practice’s vision, which involves further expansion in Birmingham, along with the Nottingham and London bases. I’m naturally looking forward to being part of the team, consolidating existing client relationships and successfully delivering our projects while also looking for new opportunities and securing more work.”

PLANS SUBMITTED FOR PEDESTRIAN BRIDGE IN LONDON’S ROYAL DOCKS

A planning application for a striking pedestrian and cycle bridge at Royal Victoria Dock has been submitted, which will vastly improve public access across the docks while linking the new Silvertown development with Custom House Elizabeth Line station. The plans, submitted by the Silvertown Partnership, are part of a longstanding ambition associated with the wider £5bn development of the Silvertown site, which, when complete, will feature around 6500 new homes with 50% affordable housing alongside a new centre for the Royal Docks. The iconic Millennium Mills building, left derelict and largely disused for around 40 years, will be fully restored and form the centrepiece of the new community.

©Heatherwick Studio

ARCHITECT IN PROFILE

Nathan Craig, an Associate at Marchini Curran Associates, shares his unique path from engineering to architecture. Discover his inspirations, challenges and insights on sustainable design, construction complexities and adapting to a rapidly-changing industry.

www.mc-a.co.uk

Please tell us a bit about your career background.

Before architecture, my career began as an engineer. Upon leaving school, I was unsure of what career was best suited for me, and I was not eager to continue academic study. I preferred the idea of getting into work as soon as possible. I attended a local college where I gained myself a BTEC qualification in practical engineering skills, which then led me to be employed in an apprenticeship scheme at Rolls-Royce.

I continued my apprenticeship at another engineering firm, Slack & Parr. Based in Kegworth, South Derbyshire, they provide precision engineering equipment and solutions for the man-made fibres industry, as well as aerospace and automotive industries. My role was working as a CNC machinist on the shop floor, and then subsequently found myself in their design office as an engineering draughtsperson. Initially, I trained in pen-andink engineering drawing techniques on large, manual drawing boards before progressing to the CAD software packages.

Have you always wanted to pursue a career in architecture? Architecture was not something that had crossed my mind in the early days of my career. It was only after I had developed a sense of satisfaction from working in the design office at Slack & Parr. I would see my drawings being manufactured on the shop floor and become something physical and tangible.

I decided to take on the challenge and make the switch to architecture after a few years of working in the engineering industry to continue the pursuit of that same feeling of designing and then seeing that design being made. The biggest hurdle I found in switching careers was the entry requirements set out by the RIBA-accredited universities. At the time, there was a heavy emphasis on A-Level qualifications and very little opportunity for any other qualification or experience.

However, I was very fortunate to have been accepted for a place at the University of Nottingham.

What has been your greatest influence and source of inspiration?

I tend to find inspiration from various sources. It can often come from looking at many technical details on very small-scale projects, such as bespoke, oneoff residential buildings in remote, hard-to-reach locations such as cabins, sheds etc. These sources are interesting because you can often see some very clever designs due to the project’s constraining factors, such as budget, site and a client’s openness to something unique and personal.

Other sources of inspiration can often come from more unusual sources, such as automotive or aerospace design. In these scenarios, the engineering for such extreme situations usually results in a form that is something very interesting or unusual.

What has been your most notable project to date?

During my time at MCa, I have been closely involved in one of their largest projects in the practice, which is still ongoing and has recently started on site. It is a significant redevelopment project based in the heart of Oxford city centre.

Looking back through my career, one of my most notable projects was a small commercial laboratory for Nottingham Trent University and Boots. I really enjoyed this project due to its technical requirements to perform as a series of small commercial laboratories and cleanrooms. It was also small in scale, so I had the opportunity to draw many of the technical details.

I have often found that projects with more constraints are the easiest to design.

How do you approach your projects?

I always approach my projects first off in thinking of how they can be constructed and assembled. When you can think of how something is assembled, then you gain a much better appreciation of how you illustrate the necessary information and presentation of your drawings. Onsite experience has taught me a few things that have always stayed at the forefront when starting out.

Secondly, once you understand a client’s brief, visualising how each space interacts and flows from

MARCHINI CURRAN ASSOCIATES

NATHAN CRAIG IS AN ASSOCIATE AT MARCHINI CURRAN ASSOCIATES

Clarendon Centre

one to the other in three dimensions is also a good start. Sometimes you can get wrapped up in looking at the 2D plans only and easily forget you are designing in three dimensions.

What do you think is the greatest challenge for designing in sustainability?

I believe the biggest challenge is convincing your client of the benefits and, therefore, the likely uplift in cost associated. Currently, Building Regulations stipulate a minimum level of sustainable performance, so anything over and above is going to carry a cost –typically as additional time, fee and physical building elements and services. You can sometimes have a client who is on board from the outset, which makes the job easier, but sometimes it is not always the case. In situations where the client is not interested, you as a designer must be really switched on to the sustainable solutions out there that you can work into your design without adding cost or time.

Another big challenge I foresee in the industry is the more common approach for the re-use and readoption of existing buildings. There is always a risk of some unknown with existing buildings, and, therefore, how you can convince clients to retain elements rather than opting for demolition. And looking even further ahead, existing buildings planned for demolition could become sources of building material for re-use, such as brick. This is extremely good from a sustainable perspective; however, it becomes trickier when considering the quality of a material, the performance, the quantity, and to have it then warrantied and approved from a building safety perspective.

What is your favourite building and why?

This question reminds me of when someone asks you what your favourite band is. I do not think there is ever a single stand-out answer for me. It is always shifting and evolving, but being a former engineer; I do find myself admiring projects with an engineering and technical quality to them. Some examples are the International Space Station and Concorde. I like how the resulting form is very much driven purely by the engineering design being pushed to the limit and, in the end, what is produced is something very aesthetically pleasing to look at. This admiration for engineering is very akin to the high-tech style of architecture.

However, the most notable building that had the biggest impact on me was the Jewish Museum in Berlin by Daniel Libeskind. I remember visiting this building quite vividly; it was a very jarring and memorable experience.

What do you think is the greatest challenge for architects today?

Adapting to a very rapidly-changing industry. Regulations are constantly changing, so it is essential for all architects to remain up to date with any new developments. Similarly, technology is changing quickly, and it is about understanding the developments so we can make the most of the technology. There is a lot of talk of AI now in the creative industries, which some believe will remove much of the creative process and, therefore, put their job at risk. For architects, I do not believe this to be the case, AI will have its moment to help generate new ideas that inspire us, but it will not make the profession obsolete. As an architect, there will still be the human element/requirement of the process of checking and approving work before it is issued out to clients and the construction. The human element of mediating between various individuals is critical. The profession is very adaptable and must remain so.

What do you think is the greatest challenge for architecture students?

The profession itself has such a broad spectrum of tasks, challenges and statutory requirements to understand, as well as the roles of other professionals within the industry that are often integral to the delivery of a construction project. From my experience, there were so many facets of the role that were not taught early on within the academic course.

As new technologies and software are making our jobs easier and quicker to draw what would have been complex projects in days gone by, we can find ourselves relying too heavily on those new technologies. Too much dependency on digital methods can run the risk that we end up ignoring or forgetting – and in some ways limit ourselves – what we design is physical, requiring some thought to how it is constructed, performed and functions. More recently, I think some of the biggest challenges for students now is gaining the full experience in a work environment in a post-pandemic world. Many practices are now operating a hybrid method of working, i.e. half their time in the office and half at home. I learnt most of what I know through general conversations within the office environment. It is surprising how much you absorb from those situations.

What advice would you give to newly-qualified architects?

Get as much involvement with live projects under construction. When you are there on site and see things in the flesh, it is much easier to appreciate the complexities of construction. Having that site experience can really help you when it comes to designing the next project. For me, the first and biggest lesson I ever learnt was to make sure you think about brick dimensions when drawing up plans!

What can we expect to see from you over the next year?

The project I am currently working on has recently started on site after many years of design, thorough planning and some delays. Demolition is underway, with construction not far off, which is always reassuring to see those years of work coming to fruition.

Clarendon Centre

Katherine Road, Newham

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PENDOCK

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DRIVING INTO THE FUTURE

Future Car Park consists of a series of futuristic towers in which cars are stacked by a lift and stacking system. The towers extend upwards and blossom into a connected roof form, accommodating entertainment facilities and roof gardens. The structure invents a new way for people to commute to urban hubs while creating an urban oasis that is a synthesis of the latest automated parking technologies, public and event spaces and hanging gardens for the public.

A fully - automated parking journey

U pon entering Future Car Park, the circulation of cars and people are

separated at basement level -01. Cars are taken directly to the lower parking zones within the basement or stack parking zones within the towers. The automated parking system allocates a designated parking spot for each car based on the required parking time set by the user, while continuously adjusting parking arrangements according to the estimated pick-up time for each vehicle.

After entering the building, the user requests their car, which is returned to them by the automated system to the collection zone. They can then leave the building by choosing exit A or B, which guides them to the road system.

DANIEL STATHAM STUDIO

Located in the central CBD of Hangzhou, Future Car Park, designed by Daniel Statham Studio, is a vertical parking complex that combines automated parking technology with green public spaces, generating a capacity of 500 parking spaces for electric and non-electric vehicles.

©RAWVISION Studio

©Zhong Ke Li Heng

©RAWVISION Studio

©RAWVISION Studio

Fire rated glass Steel Framed Fire doors and screens

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A breathing parking oasis

I n many ways, the naturally sustainable building is an oasis that celebrates the harmony between car and city through breathtaking technology and architecture within a garden paradise. The semi-openair quality of the building allows an abundance of natural ventilation and daylight that significantly reduces the energy consumption from mechanical equipment to warm and cool the building throughout the year. It harnesses sunlight and stormwater to irrigate and clean the building.

T he architecture of the towers, with their porous cladding system, not only establishes the vertical structure for lateral stability of the whole building but acts as a ventilation system that penetrates into the basement areas of the building. Furthermore, the car park ventilates car fumes from non-electric vehicles around the basement edge via the sinuous ramping system and through the porous towers as a kind of 21stcentury chimney.

Beyond parking

Future Car Park combines its structure with unique spaces to celebrate cars of the future while providing a healthy, invigorating environment for families, friends and businesses. The building complex comprises six circular towers and four orthogonal towers on the site’s edges. Three circular towers at the centre serve for car stacking, while the lifts in the other three circular towers allow visitors to ascend to the rooftop. The four columns at the corners of the site contain fire escapes. While a plaza naturally forms at level 01 and basement level -01 for people to congregate and engage with the surrounding parkland. Outside, the towers act like a canopy of trees, offering shade from the sun and rain.

T his architecture generates outstanding public and commercial spaces. The building is transparent when in close proximity. The facade system is a louvred cladding that allows both a glimpse of the towers and automated parking technology and an outward aspect from the upper levels within the building. On the rooftop garden, people can enjoy an additional public space where fantastic views and perspectives of the city and the internal environment of this building are experienced.

www.danielstatham.com/studio

©RAWVISION Studio

©RAWVISION Studio

©RAWVISION Studio

©RAWVISION Studio

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BRIDGING ART, COMMUNITY AND ARCHITECTURE

In the wake of its recent victories, securing both the RIBA National Award 2023 and the RIBA London Award 2023, FC&A showcases the Holborn House project by 6a architects. This remarkable community building houses an integrated public artwork created for the Holborn Community Association (HCA).

Th is project transformed the home of a vital local hub that had been serving the community for a century from a rundown basement gym hidden deep within a city block into a fullyaccessible, visible and sustainable new building. It has been extended up into a luminous new two-storey, street-facing building with an integral public artwork by Artist Caragh Thuring. From here, HCA can expand its already-varied offering of cultural, social and sporting activities and now has the flexibility for multiple hires as a vital source of revenue.

R e-use is a core element, opening up the existing gym volume to the sky and

street, admitting daylight, views and transparency through a new roof and rooflights, and creating two new floors of light-filled spaces. At the same time, a new sprung floor, studios, changing rooms, workspaces and clubrooms provide spaces for new audiences.

E conomic construction and proprietary systems were adapted in collaboration with Caragh Thuring and the community to transform everyday moments into memorable public spaces, bringing visibility and identity to the organisation, reflecting the importance and culture of the community in this historic and dense inner-city borough.

6A ARCHITECTS

T he old basement was stripped to its concrete structure, relined, tanked and insulated, with a new lightweight steel roof and tall roof lanterns introduced over the gym. Elsewhere, rough concrete soffits, columns and beams remain exposed, intercut with new structures and materials, incisions made for level access, a ramped entrance hall and a lift.

The new building is highly insulated, passively ventilated and optimised for energy. With heating and cooling provided by a new air-source heat pump, it has been designed to decrease emissions as the grid decarbonises. Full accessibility throughout significantly increases the number of

people HCA can support, and improved access allows more multigenerational use of the whole building.

T he new street frontage offers transparency and connection; it is easy for children to orientate themselves and allows staff to assist when needed. White-painted steel trusses unfold from the street entrance and reception studio into the double-height gym, introducing views deep inside the city block and creating a welcoming filigree lightness over the interior. Construction is legible in exposed timber joists, steels and blockwork, bringing materiality, scale and informal ease of use to the upper floors.

Caragh Thuring’s artwork, ‘Great Things Lie Ahead (2020)’, is integrated throughout the architecture of Holborn House and has been built on old archive materials. A glazed facade is inscribed with local names, events and places, etched between the irregular mortar lines traced from

multiple eras of surrounding brickwork. Combined with the exposed steel structure, it results in a kind of ‘Georgian Meccano’ that acts to strengthen the dialogue between the surrounding historic building fabric and the new structure. Evolving with the community, the artwork has become embedded into the fabric of the building through the handwoven acoustic panels lining the gym, the proprietary bathroom tiling transformed with the artist’s gridded patterns and colour and the brightlycoloured metalwork that references Holborn’s forest origins.

Working with LB Camden, 6a and Dan Pearson introduced new wildlife habitats of flowers, climbing plants and a tree into the narrow alleyway. Caragh Thuring’s ‘Great Things Lie Ahead (2020)’ – originating from a line Thuring found in old archive scrapbooks dating back to the 1920s – and children’s games are inscribed into new Yorkstone paving.

FACT FILE:

Architect: 6a architects

Artist: Caragh Thuring

Structural engineer: Price & Myers

Environmental engineer: Ritchie+Daffin

Signage and typography: John Morgan Studio

Landscaping: Dan Pearson Studio

Contractor: Quinn London

Building control: Sweco Building Control

Project borough: London Borough of Camden

Joinery: Jones Neville, Nic Rhode

Facade artwork: Protoglass – Glassceramic fused silk screen print into double-glazed units

Photography: 6a architects

The new planters and greenery in the relit and re-paved Georgian passageway have created an external room and gardening opportunities as well as homes and habitats for local wildlife.

HCA and 6a architects worked closely in securing the funds for the project. Holborn House has been made possible thanks to the generous support of: Arper, Arts Council England, Bourne Amenity, London Borough of Camden, Camden Council Street Licensing & Highways, City Bridge Trust, Thomas Dane Gallery, Gardenlink, GreenBlue Urban, Hargrave Foundation, HS2 Community and Environment Fund, Hobson Trust, izé, Junckers, Kvadrat, Little Greene, London Marathon Charitable Trust, Marshalls Stone, Mayor of London Good Growth Fund, Power to Change, Sport England, Volker Highways, 3VB Charitable Trust, 29th May Charitable Trust and many private individuals.

REVOLUTIONISING SCIENCE SPACES:

THE ROLE OF THE ARCHITECT AND ENGINEER

Bruce Nepp, Lab Design Specialist and Director at Buro Happold, discusses the changing landscape of scientific infrastructure and how architects and engineers can play a role in supporting the scientific discoveries of tomorrow.

Th e life sciences, biosciences and pharmaceutical industries in the UK are all experiencing remarkable growth, supported by the Government’s emphasis on the knowledge economy. In parallel, companies are increasingly looking to take space in urban settings, especially in London, in a bid to recruit and retain the best and brightest scientists.

Against this backdrop, and as the pandemic and Brexit continue to reshape the priorities of property developers, underutilised office buildings are being turned into specialised spaces catering for the science sector. Developers are also now looking to create brandnew specialised buildings attracted by the higher rents life sciences spaces can achieve.

T his challenge for developers has fuelled an innovative push towards converting prime locations into cutting-edge laboratories and life sciences ecosystems. It’s also where architects and engineers will play a role in facilitating the scientific discoveries of the future by delivering the scientific infrastructure needed.

Repurposing existing buildings for laboratories may only be part of the story, but it is not without its challenges, especially given the intricate technical requirements of modern scientific setups. Architects, technical consultants and engineers must collaborate closely throughout the design process to ensure that repurposed spaces meet the highest standards demanded by cutting-edge scientific research. The Apex Building for Tribeca Developments at Camden, a project we worked on as a lab design team, stands as an early example of this, promising to create room for life sciences start-ups from what was once office space.

L ayout is also a key factor in any laboratory, with clever design needed to fit workspace and large scientific infrastructure efficiently. There are also MEP considerations, as laboratories are generally much more energy intensive than offices. They can also require changes, for instance, to ventilation if hazardous chemicals are being used. When compared to offices, labs also require enhanced logistics and health and safety considerations, including specialist extraction systems.

BURO HAPPOLD

S ustainability considerations are also high on the agenda, with designers seeking to tune the structural and MEP requirements for the most energy- or waterintensive aspects of lab work.

W hat’s more, developers are no longer just looking to retrofit offices; they are also looking toward purposebuilt structures within these burgeoning urban science clusters. These purpose-built structures not only cater to young spin-out companies but also offer a platform for collaboration between larger pharmaceutical companies and agile biotechs, together fostering a vibrant ecosystem.

U rban zones, such as King’s Cross, Whitechapel, Southwark and Canary Wharf, are all witnessing the emergence of specialised laboratory clusters. The construction of 1 North Quay at Canary Wharf, Europe’s largest vertical commercial laboratory building, underscores the gravity of this shift.

D emand for laboratory space is at an all-time high, and the solutions being proposed require cutting-edge sustainable design and engineering solutions. As lab design consultants, our work allows us to create solutions to these challenges.

I t’s an area that not many young architects and engineers consider. However, I’d personally encourage anyone reading this who feel they may be interested in working in this area to get involved.

W ith demand for laboratory space always needed, and given life sciences’ status as one of the UK economy’s leading industries, there’s a real opportunity to influence future design and engineering and build a successful career in a fast-growing and rapidly-changing life sciences sector.

www.burohappold.com

©Chromatograph on Unsplash

©Trnava University on Unsplash

PRODUCT TESTING REVIEW – WORTH A READ?

Published earlier this year, the Government’s review of construction product testing asks some tough questions about the industry’s current safety regime. Here, James Butler, Managing Director of Vivalda Group’s Manufacturing Division, takes a look at the report, which will have major implications for architects, contractors and product manufacturers alike.

Co mmissioned in the wake of Grenfell Tower, the Independent Review of Product Testing in the UK was undertaken by former Quantity Surveyor Paul Morrell OBE and Barrister Anneliese Day KC. Published in April 2023, the 174-page document is not an easy read and pulls no punches when pointing out fundamental inconsistencies that still need addressing when it comes to construction product testing. S ince it was published earlier this year, everyone that matters in the building industry is saying it’s a seminal piece of work that everyone needs to read. However, if I’m honest, I suspect very few of those involved in the manufacturing, specifying, distribution or installation of cladding have given the document much time. This is a shame, as the review heralds a new era for construction product testing that will affect all of us.

The current regime

T he main legislation currently used to regulate building products is the Construction Products Regulations (CPR), which was introduced in 2013 through EU regulations, along with a surveillance and enforcement system. However, the review is strongly critical of the existing regime and suggests several key changes to the current arrangements.

O ne of the biggest areas coming under scrutiny concerns the process of construction product testing in the UK. On this, the review says that: “The most obvious gap in the current system is that only construction products for which there is a designated standard are covered by the Construction Products Regulation.” It adds that the current regime only accounts for one third of all construction products being manufactured. This leaves a staggering 20,000 to 30,000 of building products that

are, effectively, unregulated in the UK. That figure was news to me – and indicates the magnitude of the task ahead.

The report also says that: “Many standards are outdated, inconsistent or non-existent.” Concerning the current testing system, the review also adds that there are: “Five different routes and up to six steps through the system,” which makes the CPR assessment process so complex that few people properly understand it. There is also “a concerning disconnect between those involved in the assessment process and those who design and construct buildings”.

A new regime is coming

T he big ‘take-out’ from the review is that we are all likely to be faced with a tough, new regulatory regime in the very near future. The review is recommending a completely new system for testing product safety, backed up by two new regulators to oversee it – a national regulator and a new building safety regulator.

T he independent review also recommends requirements for manufacturers to share technical information with the national regulator. This is a huge shift in the way building products are to be tested and monitored for safety. It will clearly put the onus on manufacturers to be more open about the performance and make-up of their products.

T here is a lot of information to digest here. But much of it will have a direct impact on the way that product manufacturers conduct themselves. This is a bold step ahead for the industry, which needs to continue to engage with policymakers to ensure that the UK regains its proud reputation for quality work and reliable, tested products. Government reports come along like red buses. But this one is worth reading.

VIVALDA GROUP

JAMES BUTLER IS THE MANAGING DIRECTOR OF VIVALDA GROUP’S MANUFACTURING DIVISION

CERAMIC MANUFACTURING’S QUEST FOR NET ZERO: INNOVATIONS AND CHALLENGES

The UK construction value chain finds itself at a critical crossroads in the race to net zero. Urgent change is undoubtedly needed across the sector, and it’s possible that manufacturers in energy-intensive industries could hold the key. Here, Stephane Vissiere, Head of Major Projects and Energy at Wienerberger, examines the challenges facing manufacturers and outlines some of the innovations being developed by the company to transform the way it operates.

Ceramic manufacturing: Paving the way to a net-zero future

Clay is the most important raw material in the production of ceramic. We use it to manufacture clay blocks, facing bricks, roof tiles and ceramic pipes, as well as clay pavements. After the clay has been mined, we prepare it in an automated process that adds water and sand. For certain products, we also use pore-forming agents, such as sawdust, straw or sunflower seed shells. This enhances the bricks’ heat insulation qualities. Following this, the clay is pressed into shape by extruders and cut into pieces or shaped in an automated process. At the end of the process, the products are dried, baked and packaged.

As a vital component of the industrial landscape, ceramic manufacturing faces unique challenges in decarbonisation. Achieving net zero demands a major shift in how goods are produced, and energy is consumed across industries. This transformation is unprecedented in terms of scale, pace and cost.

The British Ceramics Federation 1 highlights the crucial role ceramics play in achieving net zero. These materials are key to decarbonising society and contribute towards net zero by directly reducing manufacturing emissions and, indirectly, helping downstream consumers reduce energy and emissions. The importance of ceramics extends to renewable energy production, as they enable the production

of essential components, such as refractories for steel in wind turbines and glass for photovoltaic panels. Ceramics are necessary for the development of electric vehicle batteries and essential in high-temperature industrial processes that allow the construction of durable homes and commercial properties too.

However, the path to decarbonisation is not without its challenges for ceramic manufacturers. The production process is inherently energy intensive, with gas-fired furnaces operating at high temperatures. Additionally, the drying process contributes significantly to energy consumption.

To overcome these obstacles, the key lies in optimising manufacturing processes for efficiency. Success as a manufacturer will depend on continuous efforts to improve performance by adopting new solutions. While product innovation certainly plays a crucial role, it’s essential to understand that innovation doesn’t solely revolve around new products or technologies. It also incorporates novel ways of working, fresh ideas and leveraging existing solutions to create a sustainable built environment for the future.

Ceramic manufacturers like Wienerberger are at the forefront of this transformation. By acknowledging and addressing the challenges head on and fostering a culture of innovation, the industry can pave the way for a more sustainable future. Let’s explore some of

the pioneering solutions we’re developing to revolutionise the way we operate.

Electrification

Electrification stands as a cornerstone in our net-zero journey, demonstrated by our ambitious venture at our clay roof tile plant, Broomfleet. A monumental £30m investment is driving Europe’s first-ever industrial clay roof tile plant to eliminate the use of natural gas, eradicating associated emissions from drying and firing processes. We anticipate a substantial reduction of 75% in carbon emissions, showcasing our commitment to sustainability and leadership in the ceramic manufacturing industry’s decarbonisation drive.

Yet, challenges accompany this transformative path, particularly the disparity in electricity and gas costs. As electricity is more expensive than gas, we must look at the efficiency of our manufacturing processes, mitigating the impact of elevated costs without passing the cost onto our customers. This could include making products as light as possible during production to minimise energy use.

Another challenge we face is securing a dependable and sufficient electricity supply to our sites. At our Broomfleet site, we are actively working towards increasing the power supply by more than double. As we strive to get the

WIENERBERGER

most out of electrification’s full potential, we’re exploring heat pump technology to recover energy from the drying process’ steam. We will install heat pumps across some of our sites, where the technology has been tested by colleagues in Holland and Belgium.

Hydrogen

In our commitment to achieving sustainability goals, electrification is an important part of our net-zero journey at Broomfleet. However, for certain products, such as roof tiles, transitioning to electrification requires new furnaces, as the conversion of gas kilns to electric firing is not practical.

To overcome this obstacle, we are taking an ambitious step to look at the use of hydrogen as a cleaner fuel for our existing kilns. By shifting to hydrogen, we can achieve two significant benefits; firstly, it considerably lowers the investment needed as it allows us to maintain the structural integrity of our kilns and secondly, by using a combustion process similar to natural gas, the design and operation principle of the kiln should not change fundamentally. Working closely with the British Ceramic Confederation and a consortium of manufacturers from various sectors in the ceramics industry, we’re examining the practicality of adopting hydrogen as a fuel 2

The UK Government recognises hydrogen as the top low-carbon choice for high-temperature firing: “In the longer term, hydrogen is currently the most promising low-carbon option for high-temperature direct firing. These high-temperature hydrogen technologies are not yet commercially ready and require innovation and testing to bring them to maturity.”

Although hydrogen shows great potential as a low-carbon solution, it does come with challenges. Factors like health

and safety, transportation, availability and cost present significant obstacles to its widespread use. Green hydrogen is not yet produced at high volume, therefore, availability is limited, and the market price is high. Electricity is more expensive compared to natural gas but cheaper than hydrogen, but electrification of our thermal process requires new kilns, which incurs a cost.

There are different sources of hydrogen, too, with the most common being grey, blue, black and green. The colour describes the source of energy used to produce the hydrogen. For example, green hydrogen is produced by renewable energies and has a zero carbon emission tag compared to grey hydrogen. Grey represents around 90% of hydrogen produced in the UK and comes from natural gas through a steam reforming process and, therefore, has a high carbon emission tag.

While we recognise hydrogen as a viable option for medium- to long-term sustainability goals, we also understand the need to consider it as part of a broader approach. By exploring hydrogen alongside other innovative solutions, we can more effectively tackle the complexities of achieving our net-zero targets.

Heat recovery

Heat recovery is another solution we’re exploring in our efforts to prevent energy wastage. A recent report by global engineering firm Danfoss highlighted the staggering amount of excess heat in the EU, equivalent to the entire energy demand for heat and hot water across the region. At Wienerberger, we are making significant investments in our current processes to recover waste heat from our furnaces. By implementing heat recovery systems, we can pre-heat the air combustion for the burners, raising the air temperature up to

250°C. This approach reduces the amount of gas required for firing, contributing to greater energy efficiency.

Collaboration is key to advancing heat recovery solutions in the ceramic manufacturing industry. Working with other manufacturers in the steel and ceramics sectors, under the leadership of the Materials Processing Institute, we partner with organisations such as British Steel3 to enhance waste heat recovery from furnaces. By sharing expertise, we drive progress in heat recovery initiatives, fostering a culture of continuous improvement and sustainability across the industry4

Working towards a sustainable future in ceramics

Manufacturers now face a crucial choice: lead or follow the path to sustainability. While the challenges are there, this presents an exciting opportunity for innovation and transformation. It’s not business as usual; instead, it’s a chance for us to come together, rethink our approaches and create a more sustainable future for ceramic manufacturing. Let’s seize this moment and shape a greener and more sustainable tomorrow.

www.wienerberger.co.uk

FOOTNOTES:

1https://www.ceramfed.co.uk/central-role-of-ukceramics-in-decarbonisation-journey-ignored-bygovernments-net-zero-review/

2https://www.ceramfed.co.uk/fundinghelps-fuel-hydrogen-project-in-push-for-netzero/#:~:text=The%20British%20Ceramic%20 Confederation%20(BCC,work%20towards%20net%20 zero%20targets

3Materials Processing Institute leads project into furnace waste heat recovery | Bdaily 4https://britishsteel.co.uk/news/british-steelhelps-identify-ways-to-cut-carbon-emissions-byimproving-waste-heat-recovery-from-furnaces/

CHOOSING THE RIGHT ADHESIVE

Stephen Boulton, Technical Service Manager at F. Ball and Co., advises on selecting the optimum adhesive for a flooring installation, including checking the compatibility of particular floorcoverings and adhesives.

Th e drive to help flooring contractors work to ever higher standards, with greater speed and efficiency, as well as increase the longevity of flooring installations, has led to the development of high-performance adhesives with a range of specialist properties.

For this reason, when it comes to selecting an adhesive for an installation, it is always advisable to consider products that have been developed for particular applications and types of floorcoverings.

A dhesive selection should be based on the details of an individual flooring installation, including the properties required for ease of installation and the conditions to which the adhesive will be exposed. It is always advisable that contractors check the compatibility of adhesives and particular floorcoverings to ensure against floor failure.

V inyl floorcoverings

V inyl adhesives are available with a range of features, including pressure-sensitive characteristics, temperature tolerance and moisture resistance.

W hile wet-lay adhesives are fine where an immediate bond is not required, the instant grab and long open time of pressure-sensitive adhesive means that they are often the best choice for installing vinyl tiles or planks.

H ybrid adhesive technology has enabled the development of pressure-sensitive adhesives with a range of additional features. For example, as well as offering the characteristics of a pressure-sensitive adhesive, F. Ball’s Styccobond F49 Hybrid PS is resistant to water, making it ideal for installing LVTs in damp and humid environments. The water-based

adhesive also develops the extremely high bond strength to hold floorcoverings in place in areas exposed to extreme temperature fluctuations (from -20°C to +60°C).

Textile floorcoverings

W hen installing carpet over large areas that will be subject to heavy use, such as hotel corridors and events venues, contractors will typically require an adhesive that will develop a high bond strength to hold floorcoverings firmly in place over the lifetime of an installation. However, carpet and underlay installed with this kind of adhesive will require mechanical removal when they need replacing.

For this reason, dual-bond systems have been developed, utilising adhesives that dry to form a transparent, permanently tacky coating to prevent underlay moving laterally when subject to normal foot traffic but allow them to be easily lifted without damaging the subfloor. Carpet can then adhere to the underlay using a specialist adhesive for textile floorcoverings that will develop the high bond strength required to enable the installation to withstand expected levels of wear.

F. BALL AND CO.

C arpet tile tackifiers

L oose-lay carpet tiles are often specified in schools, offices and other commercial premises because they can be individually lifted and replaced if they become damaged, worn or stained, an advantage in offices with chairs on castors or busy walkways, for example.

For this to be possible, flooring contractors will need to install the carpet tiles with a carpet tile tackifier that does not create a permanent bond. Carpet tile tackifiers ensure that carpet tiles are held firmly in place when subject to lateral movements, including everyday foot traffic and equipment being wheeled around, while allowing them to be easily lifted vertically if they need to be replaced at a later date.

Rubber and linoleum

R ubber floorcoverings are a popular choice for schools, sports settings and even ships because they are durable, easy to clean and maintain, plus offer good grip in wet conditions. The strong initial tack and high bond strength of specialist rubber floorcovering adhesives make them ideal for securing

a wide range of rubber sheet and tile floorcoverings. Such adhesives have a high film strength to provide good dimensional stability and prevent the rubber floorcovering from moving when subject to heavy traffic.

W hen working with linoleum floorcoverings, F. Ball recommends the use of an adhesive that provides a high initial grab and has been specially designed to adhere to linoleum.

To be able to adhere hessian-backed linoleum floorcoverings, an adhesive must be able to ‘wet out’ the backing (i.e. transfer enough adhesive to create a good bond and deliver the instant grab that reduces the sliding of the linoleum when being installed).

Wood

C ontractors should select a specialist wood adhesive to install wood blocks or planks. Utilising the latest technology, flexible wood floor adhesives provide an elastic but strong bond, which will accommodate the natural movement of wood flooring over its lifetime, ensuring a long-lasting, visually-attractive floor finish.

Compatibility check

F inally, it is highly recommended that contractors always check the compatibility of particular floorcoverings and adhesives. To do this, you can consult the floorcovering manufacturer’s guidelines. Alternatively, F. Ball produces a Recommended Adhesives Guide (RAG), which lists adhesives recommended for use with over 6000 floorcoverings produced by over 200 manufacturers.

A constantly-updated version of the RAG is available on the F. Ball website and as a mobile app, which is free to download from the App Store or Google Play, allowing contractors to consult the trusted guide for advice on floorcovering adhesive compatibility via the smartphone in their pocket at any time.

T he guide is also available as a printed A5 booklet, free copies of which can be requested by emailing mail@f-ball.co.uk

TACKLING THE CAUSE AND EFFECT OF CLIMATE CHANGE WITH TPO

The summer weather in the UK may most accurately have been described as a wash out, but the damp July here belies the evidence from across the world that the planet is heating up at a speed that not even the scientists who warned of a climate crisis had anticipated.

According to the World Meteorological Organization (WMO), 6th July saw the highest ever daily average global mean surface air temperature, making it the hottest day on record, closely followed by 5th and 7th July. Europe has gone into meltdown again this summer. According to ERA5 data from the Copernicus Climate Change Service (C3S), the first three weeks of July was the warmest threeweek period on record, with temperatures reaching 47 C in Sardinia, and 20,000 people being evacuated from the Greek island of Rhodes due to forest fires caused by tinderbox conditions.

A ll of these factors present huge challenges for the specification and construction of our built environment. Not only do buildings need to be robust enough to respond to our changing climate, providing a safe and comfortable indoor environment without onerous levels of maintenance, but they also need to avoid exacerbating the problem due to the use of materials with high levels of embedded carbon and low life expectancy.

I ncreasingly, developers, designers, building owners and the whole construction delivery chain are looking for solutions that deliver a circular

approach to sustainability, and leading manufacturers, such as Carlisle, are enabling them to build those priorities into their specifications with highperformance, sustainable systems. So, as Carlisle launches the proven SUREWELD TPO (thermoplastic polyolefin) system in the UK, how can TPO reduce a building’s impact and improve its resilience to climate change?

Enhancing green credentials

R oofing is just one element of a potential green specification for a building. Still, it can play an important role in enabling other green credentials that may be included in the building design. This is particularly pertinent to larger roofs, which have the potential to be a resource for the building and its location, as well as part of the building fabric.

O perators of large buildings, such as logistics hubs and factories, are increasingly aware of the need to invest in environmental best practice as part of their ESG commitment. They are also cognisant of the operational cost and resilience benefits of using renewable energy rather than relying on the grid. As a result, companies like Amazon are installing solar panels at their sites, and both new-build and refurbishment projects for large roofs need to consider the potential for solar panels to be part of the specification, either at the build stage or as a future retrofit. TPO is an ideal partner for rooftop solar PV because it is robust enough to support

the installation, and its pale colour provides reflective properties that help to maximise the potential energy conversion of the panels.

S imilarly, large roofs have the potential to enhance biodiversity and embed green space into development projects with the specification of a green roof. Offering excellent root resistance, TPO is also suitable for green roof systems.

The urban heat island effect

O ne of the most instantly recognisable features of a TPO roofing membrane is its colour. TPO is available in a variety of colours, including pale grey or white. The significance of this is much more than aesthetic, as the light roof covering reflects heat, preventing solar gain that not only heats up the fabric of a building but also increases the heat of cities and urban environments.

H eat absorption and retention by buildings is a phenomenon known as the urban heat island effect, but it is not confined to urban areas; it can also affect industrial estates, logistics hubs, large hospital complexes – any environment where large expanses of roof have the potential to absorb or reflect heat. It is a problem that is growing exponentially as the level of urban density and the scale of industrial and logistics buildings increases. Moreover, the factors affecting the heat absorbed and retained by a building exacerbate each other: the warmer the climate, the more heat a building will absorb; the warmer buildings become, the

Shail Chauhan, Marketing Manager of Carlisle Construction Materials, the global specialist in building envelope solutions for roofs and facades, discusses the need for roofing systems that both address the causes and reduce the impacts of climate change, highlighting how TPO (thermoplastic polyolefin) waterproofing roof coverings fit the bill on both counts.

more they rely on cooling systems, which generate heat and require energy that may contribute to global warming.

W hile a heat-reflecting roof covering, such as SURE-WELD TPO, is not a complete solution to the urban heat island effect on its own, it is a key element of the role that the specification of the building fabric can play in reducing this issue. When specified in combination with energy-efficient building services and an insulated building envelope that reduces heating and cooling requirements, it can form part of a robust environmental strategy.

Robust performance

T he flip side to the higher temperatures the world is experiencing due to a changing climate is the level of rainfall we’re getting – which is also predicted to increase in the coming years. Waterproofing the roof is the main purpose of any roofing system, and any technology properly installed should have that fundamental principle at the heart of its performance. As best practice goals, however, specifiers should also be looking for waterproofing systems that enable the project team to make the structure watertight quickly, reduce the risk of leaks at seams or fixings, and provide consistently high levels of waterproofing performance throughout an extended service life. For larger roofs, a flexible membrane available in large sheets enables the project team to make the building watertight quickly. TPO is ideal in this regard. Carlisle’s SURE-WELD TPO system

is suitable for installation using induction technology, which not only enables a quicker and simpler installation process, but also means that the membrane can be removed cleanly and easily from the roof at the end of its service life.

L ongevity is also an important element of performance and environmental credentials. TPO contains no environmentally-hazardous toxins or plasticisers, so it will not crack or blister over time, retaining its elasticity and consistent performance throughout an extended service life. TPO membranes do not need softeners and have a high level of temperature stability, which is enhanced for the Carlisle SURE-WELD TPO system thanks to the use of Octaguard XT weather protection, an ingredient combining UV and temperature stabilisers, which improves durability and flexibility.

A more sustainable future

B oth the construction industry and the wider world are looking for solutions that reduce waste and avoid materials that are hard to recycle. In Berlin, for example, the authorities have banned PVC products, including PVC roof coverings, indicating a need to consider alternatives. TPO can be recycled at the end of its service life, and the SUREWELD TPO is made using recycled

materials and can be removed cleanly from the roof for re-use or recycling at the end of its service life, achieving improved performance, lower maintenance and reduced whole-life costs.

T PO roofing systems may be a less conventional choice for UK specifiers at the moment, but specifiers should work with trusted supply chain partners to understand the benefits of the various roofing systems available and explore the potential of TPO as one of the options that might meet their project requirements, particularly for larger roofs.

www.carlisleconstructionmaterials.com

THERMOPLASTIC POLYOLEFIN WHITE

THERMOPLASTIC POLYOLEFIN BLACK

POLYESTER FABRIC

BUILDINGS ARE RESPONSIBLE FOR 76% OF LONDON’S GREENHOUSE GASES: IT’S TIME TO ADDRESS THE ISSUE

Th e IEA recently highlighted the need to double the global pace of energy efficiency 1 from now to 2030 if we are to limit global warming to 1.5 . London will need to move towards this goal at an even more rapid pace, with its buildings responsible for 76% of the capital’s greenhouse gases 2 . The city’s diverse architecture presents a unique challenge. From sleek skyscrapers to Elizabethan-era theatres, every building presents unique demands when it comes to reducing emissions.

T hough addressing such complex requirements can be a challenge, it is also a prime opportunity for meaningful progress towards net-zero targets. 80% of infrastructure 3 that will be occupied in 2050 already exists, but at present is wasting 30% of energy consumed 4 Leaders can look to retrofitting existing building stock to drive energy savings that will last for decades to come.

To truly drive sustainable change, we need collaboration between all parties. The technology to transform buildings has already arrived. We now need this technology to be backed by commitment, new financing structures and upskilling schemes to create a green workforce. With all this in place, it will be possible to drive forward climate action that is fair, inclusive and just.

The green buildings revolution

Leaders and society in London are already stepping up pressure to decarbonise buildings. As organisations start to

recognise that energy-efficient technology is working and producing tangible results, legislators are starting to pave the way for widespread adoption. Strong indicators include the incoming implementation of new energy-efficiency and electrification standards for buildings and the move from voluntary sustainability reporting to mandatory climate disclosure for financial reporting. Government and legal backing of sustainability strategies and technologies is starting to push buildings to net zero faster.

T he key levers identified by the Greater London Authority (GLA) to make the biggest impact5 include retrofits reducing heat demand, mandated appliance and lighting efficiency, and financial mechanisms.

S ignificant change begins in the community

In domestic or smaller buildings, sustainable technology takes its form as insulation and heat pump installations, boosted by digital building control systems – more focused, small-scale technologies. In larger spaces and high-rises, there is more of a focus on overarching strategies around energy efficiency, electrification and systemic digitalisation to optimise entire buildings.

G oing one step further, district-wide electrification of heating and cooling, especially the move from gas to largescale heat pumps, takes the onus off building managers and tenants. Connecting properties to district networks that use high-temperature heat pumps to heat buildings, and even

cool them, will help communities with buildings of various sizes and uses to work towards net zero.

Real-time insights: The key to maximising energy efficiency

Digitalisation, data and the integration of IoT sensors and artificial intelligence (AI) are key enablers for energy efficiency and emissions reductions. The ability to baseline, measure and monitor a building’s energy consumption enhances optimisation strategies, enabling tenants, owners and managers to find opportunities for energy and cost savings. Digitalisation further boosts the energy and emissions savings from sustainable, high-efficiency equipment like heat pumps.

We can often be cautious when it comes to implementing these new technologies. However, as opposed to generative AI, like ChatGPT and Bard, that has no guardrails on its functionality, the purpose-built AI that underpins building management is completely contained, tested and outcome driven. This technology boasts huge benefits for real-time optimisation, as the system does not rely on an operator to detect anomalies and alert teams. For instance, AI-backed building management systems can work with IoT sensors to recognise how many occupants are in each room in a building and can change the rates of air conditioning, lighting, heating and power accordingly, saving energy, emissions and cost.

There is a misconception that these high-tech, net-zero solutions are expensive.

Adam Savitz, Director of Sustainable Infrastructure, EMEALA, and Paul Wrighton, Director of Sustainable Infrastructure, UK and Ireland, at Johnson Controls, investigate.

JOHNSON CONTROLS

However, with the right financing and tech partner, building owners can lower capital outlays and move to smart services –meaning that they can carry out building upgrades faster and with less risk. They can spread the cost and implement changes in stages, using energy savings at each stage to help fund projects, and making the swap to sustainable buildings more accessible. In some cases, where building systems are quite old, for example, the energy savings can even bring paybacks above project costs. This is especially important for London, where 77% of homes were built pre-19836

The green skills gap and the need for diverse talent

Although the technology exists and is proving its worth, there is a clear need for skilled workers to fit the volume of new equipment and systems needed to meet netzero goals. There is a huge skills shortage for technical engineers that can carry out this manual work, such as connecting pipes and installing electrical connections, as well as for employees who can help design and implement net-zero strategies.

Not only will these new skills drive sustainability benefits across London and the UK, but a focus on upskilling workers in poorer areas will help to boost disadvantaged communities socially and economically. Expanding the offering of equal opportunities for building a cleaner, greener economy is key to unlocking climate action across London’s boroughs, the UK and the world.

C an the capital win the race to net zero by 2030?

It’s clear that the process of transforming London into a net-zero city by 2030 will be no mean feat. But it is certainly possible. This begins with an understanding of the diverse needs of London’s unique architecture, where decisions to retrofit older buildings are backed by innovative financing structures. Importantly, transformation also begins with people. Upskilling local communities will create a workforce who are well equipped to meet the mayor’s targets. Buildings can be our fastest and most significant sustainability win. Armed with commitment and drive, we can empower leaders and communities alike to realise a net-zero future for all.

www.johnsoncontrols.co.uk

FOOTNOTES:

1https://www.electricaltimes.co.uk/doubling-globalpace-of-energy-efficiency-progress-by-2030-is-keystep-in-efforts-to-reach-net-zero-emissions/ 2https://www.london.gov.uk/programmes-andstrategies/environment-and-climate-change/ energy/energy-buildings/london-building-stockmodel#:~:text=The%20Mayor%20has%20also%20 committed,retrofitted%20with%20energy%20 efficiency%20measures.

3https://www.theclimategroup.org/our-work/ news/energy-efficiency-measures-will-lead-waynet-zero-buildings#:~:text=New%20builds%20vs%20 retrofitting,emissions%20for%20decades%20to%20 come.

4https://www.cityam.com/businesses-couldwaste-over-30bn-worth-of-energy-this-year/ 5https://www.london.gov.uk/sites/default/files/ arup_building_energy_efficiency_report.pdf

6https://www.ons.gov.uk/

GLASS AND ROCK MINERAL WOOL INSULATION: REAP THE BENEFITS IN YOUR RAINSCREEN SYSTEM

When it comes to insulating a rainscreen facade, many architects and specifiers rely on an all-rock-mineral-wool insulation solution. But as briefs broaden to encompass everything from stricter performance standards to embodied carbon targets, your chosen solution needs to work harder than ever. Here, Kelly Westwood, Head of Construction Projects at Knauf Insulation, looks at how combining rock and glass mineral wool insulation in the build up allows you to utilise the unique benefits of each.

No compromise on fire safety

W hen specifying insulation for rainscreen facade systems, you should always start with fire safety. Legislation bans the use of combustible materials in the external walls of all relevant residential buildings over 18m tall and in certain external wall build ups, such as rainscreen facade systems, of residential buildings between 11 and 18m, unless a full-scale fire test to BS 8414-1 and -2 has been undertaken.

T here’s a common misconception that in this application, rock mineral wool insulation is the only option, so glass mineral wool is overlooked. But this isn’t the case – both rock and glass mineral wool are non-combustible with a Euroclass A1 or A2-S1,d0 reaction to fire classification.

T his means they are both suitable for use for every height in rainscreen systems regardless of the building’s use.

Delivering the required energy efficiency

W hen it comes to thermal efficiency, architects and specifiers want to achieve maximum performance in the thinnest profile, as this gives them the most design freedom. But they may be surprised to learn that the type of U-value calculation used can affect the recommended thickness of insulation. That’s because inaccurate calculations can lead to under specification of insulation or, more often, over specification, which means a deeper insulation profile is recommended than necessary.

T here are two types of U-value calculation, the simplified method (2D calculations) and numerical modelling (3D U-value calculations). Most insulation

KNAUF INSULATION

manufacturers rely on the simplified method, which uses a correction factor. The problem for architects and specifiers is that they are just provided with a headline number, so they can’t see how the correction factor has been calculated to check if it’s accurate.

I n contrast, 3D U-value calculations to BS EN ISO 10211 provide the most accurate reflection of the finished building’s energy efficiency. That’s because they account for the large number of metal components that penetrate the insulation, which creates a thermal bridge. As well as the headline number, a full report of the calculation and the components used are provided – giving architects and specifiers reassurance that the calculation is accurate. And it means the supply chain partners can see how the U-value was calculated and how changes to the specification down the line will affect it.

W hen it comes to material, specifying a rock mineral wool in the rainscreen facade with a lowerlambda glass mineral wool in the SFS will usually mean you can achieve the required U-value with a slimmer profile of insulation. This has implications for the whole build. For example, it often means that you can use smaller helping hand brackets, which helps to reduce costs elsewhere.

Reducing levels of embodied carbon

The issue of the climate crisis is not going to resolve itself, so the sustainability of buildings must also be addressed. As well as reducing operational carbon through energy-efficiency measures, architects and specifiers need to address embodied carbon. There’s no legislation governing levels of embodied carbon yet, but the RIBA has already released guidelines, and many clients are also setting targets.

When calculating embodied carbon, remember that every construction product has a different carbon footprint. That includes materials that perform the same function, such as mineral wool and PIR insulation, and even products from the same ‘material family’, such as glass and rock mineral wool insulation.

It all comes down to how it’s made, packaged and transported. For example, the melting temperatures for rock and glass mineral wool are different, which affects the amount and type of energy used in production. And while rock mineral wool insulation contains up to 50% recycled content, the percentage for glass mineral wool is higher at 80%. Glass mineral wool can also be compressed more, so there’s more product per pack and per pallet, which helps to reduce transport emissions as more insulation can be transported per truck. As a result, glass mineral wool has

the lowest levels of embodied carbon of any mainstream insulation material.

T his means combining the benefits of both rock and glass mineral wool insulation in your rainscreen build up results in significantly lower levels of embodied carbon than if you used rock mineral wool for both.

O f course, architects and specifiers can only calculate the embodied carbon of their projects if they have accurate product data.

There are a variety of sources available, including the manufacturer’s Environmental Product Declarations (EPDs) to EN 15804 or Life Cycle Assessments (LCA). Other accreditations include BES 6001 for responsible sourcing within the construction supply chain and the DECLARE label, which brings transparency to sustainability claims. It includes a straightforward ingredient list and shows whether products contain harmful chemicals featured on the ‘Red List’.

Ultimately, rainscreen facades are subject to stricter legislation and greater scrutiny than any other building type. But that doesn’t mean that architects and specifiers are limited in their choice of insulation. By understanding the differences between rock and glass mineral wool insulation, they can deliver a solution without compromise. www.knaufinsulation.co.uk

DESIGN PRINCIPLES THAT CREATE A SAFE, COMFORTABLE ENVIRONMENT FOR PEOPLE LIVING WITH DEMENTIA

Jemma Saunders, Colour Consultant at Crown Trade, discusses the importance of interior design for those living with dementia and how architects and designers can create spaces that promote positive wellbeing.

CROWN TRADE

By 2025, it’s expected that over 1,000,000 people in the UK will be living with dementia*, so it’s vital that designers, architects and the health sector work together to create living spaces for those with the condition that are easy to navigate and prioritise occupant wellbeing.

T here are some core design principles that will allow people with dementia to navigate their homes more comfortably, provide comfort and clearly mark the functionality of each room.

One of the biggest challenges for people living with dementia is sensory impairment – making it tricky for many to have a good depth perception, recognise their spatial awareness and judge colour contrast.

A well-thought-out colour scheme and design principles can help to reduce the chances of falls and accidents, make it easier to navigate a building, improve accessibility and create a comfortable living environment for occupants.

Designing for vision impairment

W ith around 93% of people living with dementia being over 65**, many will also struggle with their vision due to ageing pupils.

I t’s estimated that the average 60-yearold retina receives two-thirds less light than the average 20-year-old retina***. It will also take longer for them to adjust to moving from light to dark spaces. With this in mind, designers should consider natural lighting and allow as much of it to flow through the building as possible. As a general rule, it’s a good idea to keep lighting levels for people with dementia to a minimum of 300 lux.

Colour vision also starts to decline in the ageing eye, so areas where we want the colour to capture the user’s attention should be vibrant with soft pastels and grey tones avoided as they can become lost.

Contrast can also be less noticeable as vision decreases. Designers need to carefully consider their colour schemes and how those using the space will see them.

Colour consideration

I t’s important that care homes or spaces for people living with dementia don’t feel too clinical. Of course, they need to be practical and use schemes that make it easier to navigate the building, but at the same time, interiors must feel homely.

A reas that feel cosy and less clinical will also allow family members and caregivers to feel more comfortable when using the space too, which will no doubt have a positive impact on residents.

S trong, rich colours can help to create warm, homely and welcoming spaces.

Warmer tones, such as reds and oranges, will also be more prominent to the ageing eyes than blues and greens.

W hen used correctly, colour can also be a wonderful tool for reducing the risk of bumps and falls, as well as making it easier for those struggling with memory loss or sensory impairment to navigate the building. Doors that are off limits to residents can be camouflaged by painting them in the same tone as the walls surrounding them. This makes them much less visible, and the desire to enter those spaces is significantly reduced.

To minimise the risk of trips and falls, we always recommend highlycontrasting tones for the floors, walls, doors and frames to differentiate between them. This will help reduce disorientation and confusion and help people with dementia navigate their way around the space.

Photo by Matthias Zomer

Feature walls can be used to highlight a change in direction and are most effective when they contrast tonally at least 20 points with the main wall colour. Contrasting colours can help highlight kitchen surfaces, toilet seats, taps and stairs too.

N ot only will creating a space that’s easy to navigate lead to fewer injuries, but it can also dramatically increase a sense of confidence and wellbeing in people with dementia.

C reating a comfortable living environment

D ecorating using unfamiliar designs and patterns or realistic wall prints can cause confusion. Some patterns may even lead to hallucinations in some residents. Instead, consider homely, welcoming artwork on the walls.

A rtwork or images of local landmarks can also be reassuring and allow those with dementia to reminisce. Homely items, like artwork, are best placed in living spaces, like bedrooms and living rooms, as opposed to functional rooms like bathrooms and hallways.

A nother consideration in busy environments, like care homes, is the paint used. For example, Crown Trade Clean Extreme Anti-Bacterial is a dualpurpose solution that’s not only stain resistant and easy to clean, but it’s also defensive against bacteria. The formula contains impressive technology that fights bacteria and E. coli that can develop on the surface of the paint film, allowing surfaces to remain clean and hygienic in order to protect venerable residents within a care setting.

For more information on designing for dementia, register your interest for one of Crown’s CPD courses below.

www.crownpaintsprofessional.com/ knowledge-hub/training-skills/cpd

FOOTNOTES:

*Alzheimer’s Society – https://www.alzheimers. org.uk/blog/how-many-people-have-dementiauk#:~:text=There%20are%20projected%20to%20 be,current%20and%20future%20care%20needs **Dementia UK – https://www.dementiauk.org/ new-figures-adults-affected-young-onsetdementia/#:~:text=By%20using%20an%20 alternative%20method,living%20with%20a%20 dementia%20diagnosis

***National Library of Medicine – https://www.ncbi.nlm. nih.gov/books/NBK218971/

Photo by Georg Arthur Pflueger on Unsplash

Photo by Pawel Czerwinski on Unsplash

BUILD FOCUS:

HQ & OFFICE DESIGN

AstraZeneca’s commitment to fostering a workplace environment that nurtures both employee wellbeing and innovation takes centre stage in its recent relocation of Finnish offices to Espoo’s Keilaniemi region.

ASTRAZENECA UNVEILS NEW OFFICES IN FINLAND WITH AIR-PURIFYING GREEN WALLS TO CREATE A WELLBEING-FIRST WORK ENVIRONMENT

AstraZeneca has relocated its Finnish offices to the business and innovation hub of Espoo’s Keilaniemi region. The brand-new building features biophilic interiors created in collaboration with Naava. The science-led design brings nature indoors, creating a workplace that optimises functionality while prioritising employee wellness.

As traZeneca has installed the latest generation of living walls from Finnish indoor nature technology company, Naava, as part of the workplace-wellbeing-first design of its newly-relocated Finnish offices. The pharmaceutical company has around 100 employees based in Finland, with the new premises located in the Keilaniemi region of Espoo. The installation extends Naava’s ongoing collaboration with AstraZeneca, which began in 2016.

O ne major goal of the relocation was to reinforce the company’s community culture by attracting people back to more frequent onsite work as part of a continued hybrid work model. This attraction extends to the offices’ nature-

inspired interior, purposefully designed to promote comfort and wellbeing by harnessing biophilic design’s stressrelieving, productivity-enhancing effects.

“ We’re proud to unveil our new offices in Finland. We believe the site reflects the culture of our workforce and our commitment to providing our people with the best possible working environments,” says Jaakko Viitala, Country Director for Finland at AstraZeneca. “The interior design and even the location itself were chosen after listening carefully to people’s preferences. As such, we’ve succeeded in creating a working environment where people feel happy and inspired, and their wellbeing is a priority.”

The biophilic interior includes 11 green walls located in larger communal areas and meeting rooms and as functional space dividers between work zones. The walls’ living plants purify the air, removing harmful chemicals to give an indoor air quality equivalent to that of the Nordic forest, as well as providing calming, stress-relieving visual, ambient and acoustic stimuli.

“As humans, we’re not biologically programmed to spend our lives indoors; we are naturally and instinctively an outdoor species, and our affinity with nature is inbuilt. It’s little wonder that when we spend so long confined to sterile, over-sanitised offices, our wellbeing begins to suffer,” says Eeva Niemelä, Head of Project Business &

Design at Naava. “We become fatigued, our productivity is reduced and our stress levels increase. Reconnecting people with nature indoors alleviates these effects; it is restorative, elevates our mood and promotes the creative thinking we need to succeed in our daily work tasks.”

O ne interior design challenge was to create a balanced environment catering for different working styles. Employees wished for a combination of collaborative spaces and designated quiet thinking zones, with a free-flowing, natural transition between areas that still felt cohesive and inclusive.

“ Most traditional office designs no longer meet the changing needs of employees and are unable to

accommodate new work behaviours,” Eeva continues. “Naava worked closely with AstraZeneca to understand what working environments people find most comfortable. We then created several design iterations using 2D floorplans and 3D renderings to bring the ideas to life. The final design was implemented to create the most human-friendly environment possible.”

T he office’s Keilaniemi location is itself a balance between technology and nature. The area is a business and high-tech hub, home to several of Finland’s most well-known global companies as well as many of its fastest-growing startups. In addition to its commercial importance, Keilaniemi’s

scenic environment incorporates several walking and cycling paths, strengthening the location’s popularity with AstraZeneca’s employees.

“ The office location is more attractive for many reasons. We’ve moved from overlooking a busy motorway to an area with sea views that is easily accessible on foot or by bike,” Viitala explains. “These additional nature-inspired benefits all contribute to creating a workplace experience built on wellbeing, where our talented people can thrive. The new location is also very well connected, promoting the sense of community alongside other leading innovators.”

www.naava.io/en

UK CONSTRUCTION WEEK BIRMINGHAM

3RD-5TH OCTOBER 2023

UKCW BIRMINGHAM TO SET THE CONSTRUCTION AGENDA AND TACKLE ISSUES HEAD ON

Innovative, inspirational and progressive, UK Construction Week (UKCW) Birmingham returns for its ninth year this autumn with a call to action for the sector to set its own agenda rather than wait for the Government to respond.

One of the UK ’s largest events for the built environment, registration is now live for UKCW Birmingham, which will run from 3rd to 5th October; it will take place alongside two co-located shows, Grand Designs Live and Timber Expo, which celebrates its 10th anniversary in 2023.

Nathan Garnett, UKCW Show Director, commented: “Construction is often criticised for being too disparate, lacking collaboration, not addressing its skills crisis, reverts to protecting the bottom line, is scared of innovation and too often ignores safety and environment.

“ UKCW, as one of the UK’s largest events bringing all parts of the industry together, is the place to learn from those shaping this rapidly changing industry. We’ll tackle key issues head on – including mental health, fire safety and the skills gap – if you work in any part of the industry, you cannot afford to not be at UKCW Birmingham.

“ We had a hugely successful UKCW London in May, but in such a fast-paced industry, the Birmingham show will give visitors invaluable insight into

the latest trends, legislation, innovation and tech, with many new exhibitors and demonstrations.”

T he three-day construction show, welcoming over 25,000 visitors, will hero culture change in construction and will feature over 6000 products and services. Over 150 CPD hours during sessions led by 400 thought leaders and keynote speakers, including West Midlands Mayor, Andy Street, will also be attainable at UKCW Birmingham.

V isitors will also be able to explore sections dedicated to Build, Infrastructure, Roadmap to Net Zero, Digital Construction and Offsite. The construction show, which has already allocated more than 80% of its available slots to the likes of 300 exhibitors, including Biffa, Topcon, Containex, SDS, Hanson Plywood, Expedeon, Celsa Steel UK and HP Construction Services, is on track to be the most successful one yet.

O fficially opened by Architect and Channel 4 Presenter George Clarke and championed by partners and sponsors such as HP, Northgate, Find It In

Birmingham, CIOB, BMF and NFB, the show will feature sessions and seminars led by industry experts across six stages:

UKCW Main Stage: Used to take on construction industry topics, with a mixture of keynotes, panel debates and case studies from industry leaders

S ustainability Hub: The heart of Timber Expo. The hub programme will tackle the issues, layout strategies and case studies to help the sector reach its net-zero targets

Infrastructure Hub: From digitalisation to improving quality and sustainability, this hub will deliver a three-day programme for those working on infrastructure projects of case studies, debates, networking opportunities and keynote speeches on crucial issues

D igital Construction Hub: The centrepiece of innovation at UKCW. This hub will deliver a series of presentations and panel discussions, including topics such as information management using BIM.

www.ukconstructionweek.com

C PD Hub: A mix of industryrelevant CPDs delivered by industry experts, association partners, Government departments and exhibitors

C ulture Change Hub: A focus on improving inclusivity within the built environment, wellbeing and mental health and professional development.

O ther key features include:

Future Lab: Featuring groundbreaking and innovative products, including the Exoskeleton from exhibitor German Bionic, a wearable device that can make users feel less tired and reduce the risk of strain injuries

Robotics Theatre: Sponsored by HP, this will showcase all types of construction robotic innovation

COBOD 3D Concrete Printer: Will be live printing a house

U KCW Role Model Awards: Celebrating the unsung heroes of construction, the award ceremony will be taking place on the main stage on 5th October

T imber Expo: Celebrating 10 years at UKCW this year, the UK’s largest display event for wood and timber presents the sector’s future – from sawmills, timber cladding and moulding to doors, windows and flooring products

Seminar programme: A comprehensive seminar programme and CPD opportunities covering the latest Building Regulations, the Building Safety Act and its implications and advice on retrofit.

UK CONSTRUCTION WEEK BIRMINGHAM

3- 5 OC T 20 23 I NEC

THE FLOORING SHOW: WHY YOU SHOULD BE ATTENDING AND WHAT TO EXPECT

In just a couple of weeks’ time, one of the UK’s largest flooring events will be back. Taking place from 17 to 19th September, the 2023 edition will return to Harrogate with the biggest show in recent history. Designed with retailers, contractors, architects, specifiers, builders, project managers and fitters in mind, this is the industry event of the year. So, what do you need to know?

The exhibitor line up at The Flooring Show is unmatched, with over 400 brands to see all under one roof. Big names confirmed to be exhibiting include: Abingdon Flooring, Adam Carpets, Ball & Young, Bostik, Cormar Carpet Company, Furlong Flooring, F. Ball & Co., Hanson Plywood, Hugh Mackay, Kellars, Likewise, Moduleo, Oneflor, Victoria Carpets and Design Floors, plus many more.

Fitter of the Year

I t wouldn’t be The Flooring Show without the annual Fitter of the Year finals, which will take place on the Sunday and Monday in the King’s Suite. This year, the focus is on LVT and the winner will be announced at 4pm on Monday 18th and will receive a cheque for £2000, a trophy and some great prizes including a selection of tools, plus one year’s free NICF Master Fitter membership.

Demo Zone

B ack by popular demand, the Demo Zone will be giving visitors brand-new insight into the newest floorlaying techniques and products. Run by the Flooring Industry Training Association (FITA) and supported by the Contract Flooring Association (CFA) and National Institute of Carpet & Floorlayers (NICF), qualified instructors will host the live demonstrations at a dedicated area in Hall B. FITA will also be offering the opportunity for visitors to ask the experts anything, as they open the stand up to bespoke demonstrations. Visit the website to view the Demo Zone timetable.

Wool Trends Centre

L ocated in Hall C, the Campaign for Wool, working in conjunction with the Wool Carpet Focus Group, will this year be focusing on the theme ‘Keep Warm with Wool’. With ever-rising utility costs, the conversation around the benefits that wool can bring to

maintain an ambient room temperature has never been more relevant. This creative space will feature wool carpet trends and ranges from the leading wool carpet suppliers.

New for 2023

N ew to 2023, The Flooring Show is also introducing the LVT Pavilion, the one-stop shop to finding the latest and greatest LVT products all in one place. Peruse a selection of brands’ (including Moduleo, Quick-Step and Leoline) most-innovative selection of this durable and versatile flooring solution, in a specialised area dedicated to championing the increasingly popular flooring material.

T he Flooring Show is a trade-only event and is free for industry professionals. Register for your complimentary pass on the website today.

SHOW ESSENTIALS:

Dates: Sunday 17th to Tuesday 19th September 2023

Opening hours: Sunday 9:30-17:30 |

Monday 9:30-17:30 | Tuesday 9:30-15:00

Venue: Harrogate Convention Centre, King’s Rd, Harrogate, HG1 5LA

THE FLOORING SHOW

ICONIC STONEHAVEN LIDO GETS MAPEI WATERPROOFING TREATMENT

A Mapei Polyurea waterproofing system has been used to restore the historic Stonehaven Open Air Pool in Aberdeenshire.

Apolyurea waterproofing membrane with excellent chemical resistance, exceptional flexibility and tear strength, Mapei Purtop 1000 N is

designed to waterproof structures above and below ground, including roofs, podiums, pools and storage tanks. Mapei was pleased to support Fairhurst Engineers as it

explored specification options to establish the right product fit for such a prestigious project.

W ith its extensive expertise in pool waterproofing, Mapei was first approached in 2015 and recommended its Mapelastic Smart system overlaid with a finish. Last summer, Mapei was asked for further advice, as the client was now seeking a seamless solution. With an in-depth understanding of previous works carried out –and after discussions with the engineers and careful consideration of the pool’s age, exposed location and position – Mapei recommended the specification of Purtop 1000 N, a two-component pure polyurea membrane, which forms a completely waterproof coating, with high chemical resistance, exceptional flexibility and tear strength.

Mapei’s proposal covered all aspects of the pool refurbishment, from repairs of the defective concrete using products from the Mapei concrete repair range to the Purtop 1000 N system build up required for the lido.

A ll joints and cracks were bandaged with Mapeband Flex Roll tape. The substrate was then primed with Mapecoat I 600 W epoxy-resin-based sealer and two layers of Triblock P epoxy-cement, which created a damp-proof membrane to hold back any moisture within the concrete. Following a further coat of epoxy primer, Primer SN, the surface was cast with aggregate. Purtop 1000 N was then spray applied across the 1200m 2 pool surface, followed by two coats of Mapecoat PU 20 N coloured aliphatic polyurethane topcoat and pool lines were painted.

www.mapei.co.uk

info@mapei.co.uk

F. BALL LAUNCHES NEW SMOOTHING COMPOUND FOR UNDERFLOOR HEATING

F. BALL AND CO.

HIGHLANDS HOUSEBUILDER ON THE BENEFITS OF STERLINGOSB ZERO

WEST FRASER

Kevin Rodgers Joiners is currently fittingout a four-bedroom detached property whose timber-frame construction is making good use of the SterlingOSB Zero’s strength, versatility and user friendliness. The 200m 2 two-storey house was designed by Colin Armstrong Architects and was conceived from the outset as a panelised timber structure. Rather than utilising a factory-fabricated kit, Kevin’s firm has fabricated all the components on site accurately, carrying out the erection and coordinating closely with other contractors. SterlingOSB Zero is available in a range of sizes and thicknesses up to 22mm and a T&G version ideal for flooring and decking applications. The high-performance panel product, free of added formaldehyde, has also earned BBA approval and meets the requirements of NHBC Technical.

uk.westfraser.com 01786 812921

F. Ball and Co. has launched Stopgap 1600, a new fast-drying, fibrereinforced smoothing compound formulated especially for use over underfloor heating systems before installing floorcoverings. Stopgap 1600 can be applied between 3 and 40mm thick to encapsulate electrical wired or water-fed underflooring heating and cooling systems installed over internal subfloors in domestic and commercial environments. The product is suitable for use over a wide range of absorbent and non-absorbent subfloors, including sand/cement screed, tile backer boards, concrete, plywood, granolithic, terrazzo, epoxy and polyurethane resins, ceramic and quarry tiles, as well as Stopgap waterproof surface membranes. It is walk-on hard from three hours after application and ready to receive floorcoverings in as little as 12 hours.

www.f-ball.co.uk

01538 361633

REALISING A BUILD-TO-RENT VISION WITH VANDERSANDEN VANDERSANDEN

This mixed-use development designed by GRID Architects delivers 396 Build-to-Rent dwellings. The specification of Vandersanden’s Majestic and Luna Taranis bricks responds to the setting. The architecture is simple and elegant, but there was a desire to visually separate the elements of the two stepped buildings. To achieve this, it was decided to use contrasting bricks with a light but warm brick for the taller elevations and a dark – but again warm – brick for the lower areas. Vandersanden’s Majestic brick, a light grey with a hint of buff, was selected for the upper part, while the darker Luna Taranis brick was chosen for the lower.

www.vandersanden.com

mail@f-ball.co.uk

01954 268075 sales@vandersanden.com

MAPEI

A budget friendly complete system of wall and door protection that’s maintenance free, hygienic and easy to clean. Available in the full standard range of Yeoman Shield colours, it’s easy to fit but we do offer an expert fitting service as well as a comprehensive Fire Door repair and maintenance service.

for more information call: 0113 279 5854 or email: schools@yeomanshield.com www.yeomanshield.com

NEW CLEMENT REPLACEMENT STEEL WINDOWS AT GRADE II*LISTED BUILDING IN LIVERPOOL

Clement Windows Group was selected to manufacture and install the new double-glazed steel windows at the India Buildings in Liverpool.

Th e India Buildings is located on Water Street in the centre of the city’s financial and business district. It was designed by Architects Arnold Thornely and Herbert J Rowse and built between 1924 and 1932 and the building’s design is influenced by the Italian Renaissance style with several features of the American Beaux-Arts style.

I n 2017, the building, which is Grade II* Listed, was purchased by Legal & General, and it was announced that HMRC would base a regional centre there. Renovation works commenced with a focus on creating modern, comfortable office space while retaining the heritage features of the building.

T he new Clement steel windows, which match the original single-glazed metal windows, have improved thermal performance and energy use within the historic building. Almost 1000 windows from the Clement MW40 range were specified, polyester powder painted RAL 9106 (White).

A lex Harrison of architect practice Falconer Chester Hall said: “We had the pleasure of working with Clement on the steel window replacements of the India Buildings refurbishment project. Their performance in every aspect of the work was outstanding, and we wholeheartedly endorse them for any future contracts of a similar nature. One specific area where Clement excelled during the early stages was the support we received from them during our discussions with the city planners regarding the bespoke windows. Their contribution proved very useful in moving matters forward, and the end result is exceptional.”

IKON ALUMINIUM ANNOUNCES PAS 24 APPROVAL FOR LOUVRE DOORSETS

IKON ALUMINIUM SYSTEMS

IKON Aluminium Systems is pleased to announce that its IKL50 PAS 24 outward-opening single and double aluminium louvre doorsets have passed the latest PAS 24:2016 testing regime. Both were independently tested against Annex A: Security hardware and cylinder test and assessment and Annex B: Enhanced security performance for doorsets. The doorsets sit alongside the company’s IKL50 PAS 24 fully-welded aluminium security louvre system to form a suite of PAS 24:2016-approved louvred products.

IKON Aluminium believes it is the only UK manufacturer to successfully achieve PAS 24:2016 certification on all these products. The outward-opening single and double doorsets are ideal for applications requiring ventilation and security. Typical use includes access to a computer server, plant or generator room, secure refuse areas, bike stores and underground car parks, or for the secure storage of high-value goods, with airflow. The doorsets can be integrated into a facade. They are fully welded with mechanically-fixed aluminium bird mesh.

0121 789 9936

www.ikonaluminium.com

info@ikonaluminium.co.uk

ZOO HARDWARE LAUNCHES NEW ELECTRO-MAGNETIC OVERHEAD DOOR CLOSERS

ZOO HARDWARE

Zoo Hardware has recently further extended its range of high-quality door-closing devices with the launch of its new VDC-EMS and VDC-EMT series Electro-Magnetic door closers. Widely considered an integral part of any door-closing device range, the new VDC-EMS (scissor arm) and VDC-EMT (slide track) series offer customers a tested, certified and compliant electrically-powered door-closing device solution for hightraffic doors. The product is ideal for installation within hotels, schools and hospitals where a preferable requirement would be to hold doors open during everyday use whilst maintaining fire safety compliance by being wired into the building’s electrical and fire alarm system to ensure the doors close fully and completely when they are required to. The VDC-EMS and VDC-EMT series are successfully tested in accordance with the requirements of BS EN 1155: 1997 and BS EN1634-1 and are suitable for use with up to 120-minute timber fire doors.

01228 672900

www.zoohardware.co.uk

sales@zoo-hardware.co.uk

L-COMPLIANT SLIDING DOOR

FROM ALUK

AluK is continuing its ambitious new product development programme with the launch of a stylish new inline sliding door system to replace its BSC94 slider.

Th e new AluK S140 has been developed in close consultation with customers, so it delivers on all the key areas that matter most to both fabricators and installers – from ease of fabrication and minimal stockholding to slim sightlines and easy compliance with Part L.

T he new door uses fewer profiles than the BSC94 and is available in both dualand triple-track options, with a twopart triple-track profile that is easy to fabricate and install.

T he S140 also offers improved aesthetics over the BSC94, with a flush frame-to-sash sightline. Externally, the sightline dimensions are almost identical,

CHOOSE COLOUR WITH BURGWÄCHTER’S POST BOXES

BURG-WÄCHTER

making sure end users still get the sense of more glass and less frame, which is such a key driver in sliding door purchases.

W hen it comes to Part L compliance, AluK’s new door system features enhanced thermal insulation and a triple glazing option so that it can easily meet the updated U-value requirements for both new build and refurbishment. Double glazed, it achieves a U-value

www.alukgb.com/s140

Burg-Wächter now offers a choice of 10 contemporary colours across both its Classic and Elegance ranges of galvanized steel post boxes. Ideal for those wanting to enhance the kerb appeal of their property, the post boxes provide an opportunity to colour coordinate with a new or existing front door or even window frames, with both the Classic and Elegance ranges coming in 10 distinguished colourways –White, Black, Pillarbox Red, Green, Silver, Chartwell Green, Anthracite, Midnight Blue, French Grey and Antique Cream. Both the Classic and the Elegance post box ranges are manufactured from galvanized steel with a high-quality coating to ensure long-lasting reliability. With no springs to corrode, customers can expect good looks and longevity with corrosion resistance and weather protection. Suited to hold envelopes up to C4 size, they have a drop-front opening to allow customers to easily retrieve their post, an outward opening letter flap for improved weather protection and a nameplate window for an extra touch of style.

01274 395333

www.burg.biz/uk

ukcs@burg.biz

of 1.3W/m 2 K and triple glazed, that is reduced to 1.1W/m 2 K. It also achieves a DER rating of A or B.

N ew, adjustable and self-levelling rollers, engineered with a new lowfriction polymer, make the S140 easy to install. Cycle tested up to 100,000 times, they also leave the customer with a reassuringly smooth, easy-to-operate door for years to come.

LARGE AUTOMATIC ENTRANCE POD CREATES STRIKING OFFICE RECEPTION

TORMAX

Creating a contemporary entrance solution, TORMAX recently installed a fullyautomatic, curvedsliding entrance pod to the Grade-A office facility, Granite House, in Leicestershire. Working closely with Benchmark Property and Beacon Commercial Solutions, which was undertaking an ambitious refurbishment of the entire reception area, TORMAX recommended this modern take on the traditional revolving door as a highlypractical option that offers easy access for all users whilst also helping maintain an ambient internal temperature. At busy times, the double set of curved bi-parting sliding doors can be programmed to open in tandem, creating an opening space up to 40% greater than offered by linear sliding doors. When foot traffic is light or in poor weather, the doors can be set to work independently, reducing heat loss from the building by creating an effective airlock between the reception and the outdoors. The pod doors are powered by discrete TORMAX iMotion 2202.A operators, which offer a multitude of impressive advantages.

01932 238040

www.tormax.co.uk

sales@tormax.co.uk

VICAIMA ADDS TO SPECTACULAR VIEWS AT PREMIER CORNISH RESORT

Commanding elevated and breathtaking views of the idyllic St Ives harbour, the Tregenna Castle Hotel and Resort covers 72 acres and presents a go-to location for tourists and families wishing to experience the delights of sea and countryside from within an attractive mix of traditional and contemporary settings.

The hotel complex itself is renowned throughout the area and beyond UK shores, having been the location where US President Joe Biden stayed during the G7 summit in 2021. Now, the resort looks to the future by expanding its portfolio with the help of Tregenna Homes in the building of a group of select properties for private sale.

Castle Village, as the development is known, provides a selection of two- and three-bed homes built to the highest design and environmental standards. With an emphasis on natural affinity and sustainability, Vicaima was approached by leading merchant partner Jewson of Hayle to provide doorsets that did justice to this ethos and embodied natural design excellence.

The Vicaima Easi-Fit door kit system was selected, which consisted of FD30 and third-party-accredited fire performance options and included over-height door dimensions in many areas. The kits included a striking

VICAIMA

door design with the use of Heritage Oak horizontal veneer, combining decorative grooves and contrasting black ironmongery. FSC-certified Heritage Oak from Vicaima’s Essential range presents figurative knots and distinctive woodgrain configurations that reflect all the much-loved characteristics and charm of natural wood veneers.

Taking full advantage of Vicaima’s design flexibility, door faces were further enhanced by the inclusion of four horizontal V-shaped grooves in a tasteful light brown stain and contrasted by the specification of black ironmongery to complete the ensemble.

E asi-Fit doorkits and the Heritage Oak finish are just two examples of fresh and imaginative design and performance options offered by Vicaima.

For more inspiration and to download a copy of the Vicaima Interior Door Selector, visit the website below.

Tregenna Castle Village development

Heritage Oak finish with PG4H V groove in light brown

SUSTAINABLE ARCHITECTURE WITH NORDIC COPPER

Despite its long heritage, roofing some of our oldest buildings, copper and its alloys today are competitive cladding materials for all types of buildings, delivering high-quality architecture. But there is more to Nordic Copper than meets the eye, particularly in terms of sustainability, as Aurubis explains.

Co pper’s unique architectural qualities are defined by its naturally-developing patina – which cannot be replicated successfully using other materials with surface coatings. The patina film provides impressive protection against corrosion and can repair itself if damaged, giving its exceptional longevity.

W ithin a few days of exposure to the atmosphere, a copper surface begins to oxidise, changing from the ‘bright’ mill finish to a chestnut brown, which gradually darkens over several years to a chocolate brown. Continued weathering can eventually result in the distinctive green or blue patina seen on older roofs.

Natural 'L iving ' surfaces

T he Aurubis Nordic Copper range provides all these surfaces straightaway.

The processes involved are generally similar to those taking place over time in the environment, utilising copper mineral compounds, not alien chemical processes.

A ll these surfaces form an integral part of the copper, generally continuing to change over time, and are not lifeless coatings or paint. The material is easily bent and formed, and there are no limitations on the length of copper sheet or strip because whole coils are treated on the production line, not just limitedsize sheets.

T he Nordic Copper range includes Nordic Standard mill finish and Nordic Brown pre-oxidised copper, offering lighter or darker shades of brown determined by the thickness of the oxide layer. The extensive Nordic Blue, Nordic Green and

©Peter Landers

©Tom Ferguson

new Nordic Turquoise ranges have been developed with properties and colours based on the same brochantite mineralogy found in natural patinas all over the world. As well as the solid patina colours, 'Living' surfaces are available for each, with other intensities of patina flecks revealing some of the dark oxidised background material.

Copper alloys

B ut copper alloys are growing in popularity as well, including Nordic Bronze and Nordic Brass – which can also be supplied pre-weathered. The innovative Nordic Royal is an alloy of copper with aluminium and zinc, giving it a rich golden through colour and making it very stable. It has a thin protective oxide layer containing all three alloy elements when produced. As a result, the surface retains its golden colour and simply loses some of its sheen over time as the oxide layer thickens with exposure to the atmosphere to give a matte finish.

A ll Nordic Copper products are suitable for internal applications, as well as exteriors. A wide choice of Nordic Decor mechanically-applied surface treatments is also available for various surfaces and alloys, particularly suited to interior design.

A part from traditionally-jointed, rolled material supported by a substrate, various other forms of copper for architecture are increasingly being explored by designers. For example, copper can be supplied in profiled sheets or extremely flat honeycomb panels, pressed to provide surface textures and modulation, or perforated, expanded or woven as mesh for transparency. But there is more to architectural copper than meets the eye, with an unrivalled lifespan, no maintenance and full recyclability.

Whole-life cost and carbon benefits

T he lifespan of copper roofing and cladding can be regarded conservatively as 200 years, subject to substrate and structure, and this is endorsed by experience. Naturally, this longevity has a significant beneficial effect upon comparative whole-of-life cost and carbon assessments. Copper’s longevity is due to a complex patination process. It ensures extreme durability with no maintenance and resistance to corrosion in virtually any atmospheric condition. And, unlike some other architectural metals, copper does not suffer from underside corrosion.

I n addition, copper requires no maintenance or decoration. As a lightweight and flexible covering, structural support demands are reduced, resulting in lower carbon and whole-of-life costs. Copper is also fully recyclable, utilising longestablished practices – 97% of copper in construction comes from recycling –and has other impressive sustainability and environmental credentials. And, of course, copper retains a high scrap value at eventual demolition.

F ire-safe cladding

W ith an A1 (non-combustible material) fire classification to EN 13501-1, Nordic Copper is suitable for cladding tall buildings using appropriate constructions. Low thermal movement makes it appropriate for any climate and location, and it is non-toxic and safe to handle, as well as non-brittle and safe to work. And, importantly, today, its inherent antimicrobial qualities make it ideal for touch surfaces internally as well.

A n expanding series of building studies showcases the diversity of surfaces, forms and applications available with Nordic Copper today. For more information, visit the below website.

©Maris Tomba ©Peter Bennetts

RENSON UK SUPPLIES FULLSOLUTION LOUVRES TO NEW LEEDS RESIDENTIAL PROJECT

Leading ventilation louvre specialist Renson UK has supplied its market-leading systems to two impressive residential buildings in Leeds.

Si tuated on the previous Doncaster Monkbridge Iron and Steelworks site, Latitude Purple is a £68m development that comprises 463 homes over two residential buildings at 17 and 21 storeys tall, spanning 17,000ft 2

Working with facade company M Clarke, main contractor John Sisk, developer Hub Group and architect firm Carey Jones Chapman Tolcher (CJCT), Renson UK has supplied over 1400 of its 414 glazed-in louvres with insulated blanking plates to the project.

M ade from extruded aluminium sections and stainless-steel 304 insect screen, Renson UK’s 414 glazed-in louvres have a blade pitch of 33.3mm and can accommodate most glazing thicknesses. They have a free area of 50% and are weather and aerodynamically tested to EN 13030.

R enson UK National Sales Manager, Martin Daniels, comments: “We were very pleased to be called on to supply our market-leading louvres to the Latitude Purple project. At Renson, we pride ourselves on our high-quality, fully-tested ventilation solutions, as well as our ability to deliver bespoke products for unique projects like this.”

Renson UK has spent the past 50 years designing, developing and manufacturing high-performance ventilation products,

KNAUF INSULATION LAUNCHES OMNIFIT SLAB 32

KNAUF INSULATION

supplying fully-tested, high-quality louvres and mechanical ventilation products for every application. These include removable louvre panels, door systems, cladding systems, specification trickle vents and self-regulating window ventilators. A ll products offer outstanding weathertightness and have been fully tested to the highest standards, having undergone rigorous BSRIA testing.

www.renson.eu/en-gb/for-professionals/contact

Knauf Insulation has launched OmniFit Slab 32, the first 32-lambda glass mineral wool insulation slab on the market for use in light steel frame systems (SFS) as part of a rainscreen facade or other external wall build ups. “From thermal performance to fire safety, the regulations governing how buildings are built and perform are getting stricter,” explains Liliya Luke, Glass Mineral Wool Product Manager at Knauf Insulation. “We have launched OmniFit Slab 32 to help our customers deliver the low U-values required without compromising on fire safety, acoustic performance or sustainability. Specifiers can now optimise their rainscreen facade systems by adding the benefits of glass mineral wool to their build up – delivering acoustic performance and reduced embodied carbon compared to rock-only solutions, with an insulation specification that remains completely non-combustible.” OmniFit Slab 32 is primarily designed for use with Rocksilk RainScreen Slab when used in rainscreen applications and is suitable for use in the external wall systems of all residential buildings over 11m tall and relevant residential buildings over 18m tall.

01744 766600

www.knaufinsulation.co.uk/omnifit-slab-32

info.uk@knaufinsulation.com

FURLONG FLOORING UNVEILS EXCITING NEW PRODUCTS AND INNOVATIONS AT THE FLOORING SHOW

FURLONG FLOORING

Furlong Flooring is thrilled to announce its participation in the highlyanticipated The Flooring Show, taking place from 17 to 19th September 2023 at the Harrogate Convention Centre. With an impressive display of must-see flooring innovations and market-leading features, Furlong’s stands, A22 and A36, promise to be hubs of excitement for visiting retailers and industry professionals. As part of its commitment to delivering cutting-edge flooring options, Furlong Flooring is introducing two new ranges to its esteemed Beyond Wool 100% recycled yarn collection: Stanton and Callanish, available in both pattern and plain designs. These ranges feature the revolutionary Combi-bac, an awardwinning backing material that offers a flexible yet robust alternative to traditional carpet backings in the market. With a two-ply pile construction, widths available in 4 and 5m, a 10-year warranty, and the added benefits of being moth proof and bleach cleanable, Stanton and Callanish are set to impress discerning customers.

01322

www.furlongflooring.com

GHELAMCO POLAND TEAMS UP WITH HID FOR MOBILE ACCESS CONTROL AT ITS FLAGSHIP DEVELOPMENTS IN WARSAW

HID, a worldwide leader in trusted identity solutions, has announced that leading international real estate investor and developer, Ghelamco, has standardised its mobile and physical access control solutions across its prestigious projects in Warsaw, Poland.

Offering a variety of office space, all the developments are multi-tenanted by blue-chip corporate clients. To support this, Ghelamco’s physical access control strategy includes HID Mobile Access solutions and door readers to bolster secure entrance to offer maximum flexibility, easy management and deliver upgradeability at four flagship sites in the capital:

Warsaw S pire: A 2017 MIPIM awardwinning building standing at 220m with a hyperboloid glass facade

T he Warsaw HUB: Finished in 2020, it features two 130m towers – purchased by Google for €583m – along with a third building, home to two IHG Group hotels as well as a conference centre

Warsaw UNI T: Completed in 2021 and 202m high, it is one of the most technologically-advanced and green buildings in Europe, using 30% less energy compared with similar developments

The Bridge: A new skyscraper under construction, expected to open in early 2025.

M obile-enabled smart card readers have been installed throughout Warsaw HUB and UNIT. In Warsaw Spire, while

physical cards are still predominately used, HID iCLASS SE readers with Bluetooth and NFC modules were fitted for testing to support a phased transition to mobile access. Moreover, mobileready HID Signo readers will be deployed in the upcoming Bridge skyscraper, leveraging Seos as its underlying credential technology.

“ Innovation is our hallmark, so we want to use the latest technology on projects. Many of our tenants want mobile access today. Others, however, still prefer physical cards, so selecting a vendor that supports both in tandem was imperative,” Michał Nitychoruk, Ghelamco Poland’s Communications Manager, says.

Technology integration

I n addition, feature-rich applications have been implemented from Signal OS, a Polish proptech software development company founded by Ghelamco. Utilising the Google Cloud Platform service at the backend, it manages not only all physical access control systems in the buildings but offers an easy-to-use way to integrate lift and parking systems, closed-circuit TV, visitor management and, in the future, other building management systems and sensors that monitor air and water quality, for example.

T he benefits of using the HID Mobile Access solution in combination with Signal OS have been immediate. It is enabling Ghelamco to attract new clients who want lease space in green, efficient and technology-led buildings. Money is also saved as PVC access cards are not required. They are commonly lost – leading to an obvious security risk – and create waste and carbon emissions to manufacture.

I n fact, the shift to mobile access control directly supports Ghelamco’s ambitious environmental, social and governance policy. Ghelamco was the first developer in Poland to join the Science Based Target Initiatives and has set targets to be a zero-emission company by 2025.

L ooking to the future, Ghelamco intends to extend and augment the access control approach in its estate by adding support for digital wallets to enhance the speed of access and user convenience.

Founded in 1985, Ghelamco Group has an impressive track record building spectacular WELL- and BREEAMcertified office buildings, particularly in Poland, where it has been instrumental in establishing Wola in western Warsaw as the capital’s new thriving business district.

The Bridge

The Warsaw HUB

ADI

KICKS OFF

TRAFFORD CENTRE’S DIGITAL

FACELIFT WITH FINEPITCH LED DISPLAY

Digital installation specialist, ADI, has installed a brand-new 4mm LED screen at the iconic Trafford Centre as part of the venue’s wider plans to strengthen its digital-out-ofhome offering.

Co mmissioned by Trafford Centre’s asset manager Pradera Lateral, ADI replaced the existing 4:3 aspect ratio LED screen within The Orient food court with a fine-pitch 16:9 display featuring ADI’s proprietary MT product. The 16:9 aspect ratio offers a more conventional platform for both video content and advertising, while the 4mm MT series guarantees exceptional image quality.

T he new 28m 2 display is located in the heart of The Orient food court, which remains the largest food court in Europe and the destination’s busiest area with high footfall and dwell time.

I t is being used to activate Clear Channel’s vast portfolio of brand advertisers, share Trafford Centre news and provide a dynamic backdrop for the wide variety of live events held in this location.

www.adi.tv

B ruce Gardner, Brand Experience Director at Pradera Lateral, added: “ADI’s extensive experience in LED display installations at high-profile retail and leisure destinations made them the ideal partner to deliver this upgrade. We are keen to inject the latest innovation into the Trafford Centre and revolutionise the experience for shoppers, and the

07971 007181

brand-new, high-resolution display is an important first step towards us achieving that.”

A DI is offering interactive, informative sessions for architects and construction professionals on LED screen technologies, where the ADI team comes to you. To find out more information or to book a session, please contact Drew Burrow on the below details.

drew.burrow@adi.tv

DOMUS VENTILATION’S SOLIS AIR BRICK SCORES AN AWARDS HATTRICK

DOMUS VENTILATION

DIFFUSION’S

NEW MODULAR HIGHLINE 235 FAN COIL RANGE SHORTLISTED AT THE PRESTIGIOUS RAC COOLING INDUSTRY AWARDS

DIFFUSION

Diffusion is delighted to announce that it has been shortlisted in the RAC Cooling Industry Awards 2023. The company has reached the final line up in the ‘Air Conditioning Innovation of the Year’ category for its new Modular Highline 235 Fan Coil Range. The new range has been developed to create the perfect indoor environment, offering modular design, compact dimensions and advanced components that deliver low sound levels, reduced energy consumption, optimal performance and significant sustainability benefits. The winners will be announced on 21st September 2023 at Grosvenor House, Park Lane, London.

www.diffusion-group.com

0208 783 0033

cooling@diffusion-group.com

Following its success at 2022’s London Construction Awards, the Solis Air Brick from Domus Ventilation has added a further two accolades to its collection, having recently won the Best External Product at the Housebuilder Product Awards and Innovation of the Year at the Wales Property Awards. It may be a seemingly simple product, but its ability to provide a cost-effective means of compliance with the revised Building Regulations Fire Safety Approved Document B has made it an extremely popular one amongst customers and award schemes. Made from 1.5mm galvanized steel (fire class A1) non-combustible material, the Solis Air Brick was one of the first to the market to meet these more stringent requirements and ensure compliance.

www.domusventilation.co.uk

FUSING HEADLINE PERFORMANCE WITH MASSIVE RUNNING COST SAVINGS

GILBERTS BLACKPOOL

vent.info@domusventilation.co.uk

A new ventilation with a heat recovery option can achieve performance better than anything else on the market, meaning massive savings on energy bills. MFS-HR is the concept of Gilberts Blackpool, which was instrumental in pioneering hybrid ventilation with its core MFS unit. The latest evolution achieves up to 75% heat recovery – significantly better than other similar type systems. That outstanding performance means that for a typical school, energy bills could be cut dramatically by recovering heat that would otherwise be wasted whilst ensuring an indoor air quality-compliant, well-ventilated space. Gilberts’ dynamic MFS-HR will become, the company believes, the go-to solution for net-zero building services design, especially in educational establishments.

01253 766911

www.gilbertsblackpool.com

info@gilbertsblackpool.com

VERTA COLUMN CASINGS GO PUBLIC

Creating practical and attractive interiors is never an easy task, but for public buildings, the challenges can be even more acute. This is particularly true in the leisure, education and health sectors, as well as local authority buildings and service centres, where the combined demands for durability, practicality and aesthetics all need to be met.

Encasement’s Verta column casing range provides architects and contractors with an unrivalled choice of solutions that are already widely used in a range of public sector projects. Metal column casings from Encasement’s Forma range were chosen by Brighton & Hove Council to conceal structural columns whilst also forming part of an integrated circular seating arrangement at its five-storey customer services centre in the city.

At Blackpool’s Moor Park Health Centre, 26 column casings were supplied by Encasement, including a bespoke-manufactured, 7m-high elliptical casing from its Polyma GRP range.

E lliptical Polyma GRP casings are also being used at a 40-bedroom extra care facility in Lincolnshire. Measuring 800 x 500mm and standing 2.7m high, the casings conceal internal structural columns and rainwater harvesting pipework.

Education, sports and leisure

Forma metal column casings are used to conceal exterior structural supports at Maidstone’s New Line Learning Academy while also helping create a feature entrance to the front of the building.

www.encasement.co.uk

ACCOLADES FOR WEST FRASER’S RELATIONSHIP WITH MERCHANT SECTOR

WEST FRASER

West Fraser has been recognised for the excellent relationship with the builders’ merchant community it serves. The Builders’ Merchant Federation has joined forces with Builders’ Merchants’ News to compile a list of the top 100 supplier influencers in the merchant sector based on involvement, presence and commitment to the industry. Making the list is not one, but two members of the West Fraser team, confirming the company’s position as a supplier merchants want to do business with. West Fraser’s nominees, Sanjit Dosanjh, National Sales Manager, and Simon Woods, European Sales, Marketing & Logistics Director, have been prominent voices in the merchant sector.

uk.westfraser.com 01786 812921

sales@encasement.co.uk

PORT SAID LIGHTHOUSE DANCES WITH SLICEDSTONE MARMOX

Marmox’s Slicedstone been used extensively to clad a new lighthouse in Port Said. Slicedstone was specified by Architect Karim Gabr’s practice to enhance the lighthouse and its environs, being that it is a natural material produced from large stone slabs, with each veneer being unique in appearance. The lightweight sheets are backed with a 100% waterproof decoupling membrane, allowing them to be secured using cement-based tile adhesive. Incorporating the latest technology, the re-engineered veneers of Indian sandstone, along with their stabilised backing, are treated with a clear polycarbonate solution to offer a flexible surface that is both durable and waterproof, as well as stain resistant.

01634 835290

SUSTAINABLE ACCOYA SAVES HISTORIC WELSH STATION

INTERNATIONAL TIMBER

International Timber and Peter Cox recently joined forces to restore a 155-year-old signal box in Wales, utilising sustainable Accoya to ensure longevity and maintain the structure’s historic charm. Found in Anglesey, the Valley Station signal box dates back to 1867 and was in desperate need of restoration following decades of decay. Keen to utilise a high-performance solution, the surveyors selected Accoya as the timber of choice to replace the historic, internal structural timber frames. The International Timber team took precise measurements to calculate the volume of timber required, replacing individual sections of the damaged wood rather than complete removal.

www.marmox.co.uk

sales@marmox.co.uk

Square and rectangular Quadra pre-formed plywood column casings are used extensively in public areas at both Howley Grange Primary School in Halesowen, and Farnborough Sixth Form College, to conceal structural elements and improve aesthetics.

OSCAR ACOUSTICS BRINGS ‘HOME BACK TO THE OFFICE’ AT 76 CHARLOTTE STREET

In 2022, award-winning architectural practice dMFK, in collaboration with architect firm Sher + White, embarked on the refurbishment of dMFK’s headquarters in Fitzrovia, Central London, seeking to create a visually-appealing, comfortable and collaborative space for its workforce.

Ju lian de Metz, Director at dMFK, said: “Our experience in developing commercial office space has taught us that one of the foundations of this concept is noise control. Without the right acoustic solutions, our 45-strong office would remain overly noisy, understandably keeping our workforce at home in quieter surroundings – a far stretch

OSCAR ACOUSTICS

from the ‘home-away-from-home’ environment that we wanted to create.

“ There were several challenges acoustically speaking, as the building featured an array of hard surfaces, including glass, timber and plasterboard, all of which combine to create a ‘lively acoustic environment’.

“ The resultant noise levels have the potential to cause undue stress and

distraction, making it difficult for staff to focus and converse. From our experience in the commercial office sector, we knew we needed a solution that could ‘soak up’ sound energy, creating a softness that would promote focus and wellbeing whilst still feeling ‘homely’.”

Seeking a solution to this issue, dMFK enlisted the help of acoustics expert Oscar Acoustics.

S ound solution

Ben Hancock, Managing Director at Oscar Acoustics, said: “dMFK’s brief was clear –they wanted a solution that would create an acoustically-balanced environment while also working with the aesthetics of the interior space.

“ With 45 years’ experience in providing acoustic solutions for busy commercial office spaces, we knew that SonaSpray K-13, from our acoustic spray range, was the ideal solution for this project. It is a premium acoustic spray that significantly reduces noise reverberation by absorbing sound instead of reflecting it.

“ We applied the product in a stunning pale grey colourway to the ceilings of the areas with the greatest potential for excess noise – the communal areas, large meeting rooms and co-working spaces and I’m pleased to say that it blends seamlessly with the warm interior decor.

“Application of the spray also required careful planning. For a seamless finish, pattresses were installed at the same depth as the acoustic spray, enabling surfacemounted fixtures and fittings to sit perfectly flush. Our team’s specialist experience made for a smooth installation process, easily meeting the project’s tight programme."

Green and clean

Ben continues: “ Our SonaSpray range is ideally suited to sustainable, low-carbon projects as it is made from recycled materials and is M1 Classified as a low-emitting building material. As such, it contributes towards many sustainable design and health certification systems, including BREEAM, SKA, Living Building Challenge, and adds up to 17 points towards the LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) rating of a project.

“ Further accreditations, such as its GREENGUARD Gold Certified compliance for indoor air quality, means that the range has met some of the most demanding and comprehensive standards for minimal VOC emissions into indoor air.”

S taff safety was also a key concern on this project. Hancock adds: “We’re extremely proud of SonaSpray’s fire safety credentials. It is one of the few acoustic sprays on the market to offer fire credentials that go above and beyond Approved Document B fire requirements (Class 0 to BS 476 and B-s1, d0 fire rating). It produces little to no smoke, and virtually no droplets – which can assist in the safe escape of occupants should an event occur.”

Photos by Killian O’Sullivan

CRITTALL IN THE SWIM WITH ENGLAND’S FINEST

An open-air swimming pool of a design described as the finest in England is being restored to its former elegance, with Crittall windows playing a significant role.

Saltdean Lido, some five miles east of Brighton, is a Grade II*-Listed Art Deco masterpiece built in 1938 utilising an innovative reinforced concrete structure designed by Architect Richard Jones. It is one of only three Grade II*-Listed lidos in the country and has been on Historic England’s Heritage at Risk register for many years.

T he structure epitomises the essence of the Modernist movement with sweeping lines designed to elevate

www.crittall-windows.co.uk

Saltdean’s status as a resort. In its heyday, immediately before WWII, holidaymakers and local residents would flock to it, paying sixpence to swim and sunbathe on the adjacent lawns.

Once completed, the building will house an Art Deco event space suitable for weddings, an exercise studio, a library, a community hub, a cafe and a heritage learning zone, plus a workspace.

A key element of the design is the generous area of glazing facing the pool.

01376 530800

Here will be installed Crittall Homelight Plus steel windows that replicate the original fenestration and, because of the slender frames, maximise the benefits of natural light in this bright coastal location. The windows are also hotdipped galvanized to prevent corrosion and Duralife coated with marine-grade polyester powder, which will offer the highest level of protection against the aggressive wind-borne sea salts that caused damage to the original building.

hq@crittall-windows.co.uk

ASWS HELPS DRIVE CONSERVATION EFFORT AT ICONIC MOTOR MUSEUM

ASWS

When ASWS was called in to advise on the condition of some early F7-type fenestration at the world-famous Brooklands Museum, the company outlined a viable repair strategy for the heavily-corroded casements and provided an enablement service to facilitate all other works.

CONSTRUCTION INDUSTRY UPDATES FROM SFS’ PODCASTS

SFS UK

SFS UK, one of the world’s largest manufacturers and distributors of carbon and stainless-steel fastening solutions for roofing, cladding and facade systems, has been offering support and advice to specifiers within the construction industry for more than 120 years. Today, this support includes a series of informative podcasts. There is a series of three podcasts focusing on fall protection and subframes, each lasting around 30 minutes, discussing fragile roof design trends, the effects of thicker insulation in rainscreen cladding subframe systems and the effect of rainscreen subframe systems on the overall performance of external walls. The podcasts address industry regulations and best practice in installation, and are designed for everyone in the construction industry.

uk.sfs.com

0330 055 5888

Director, Kris Bennell, explained: “We took all the elements of the old first-floor steel screen back to our workshops where they were grit-blasted, repaired and completely redecorated before being putty-glazed to match the surrounding frames, before finally being reinstalled. In between, our team spent some weeks on site conserving the halfdozen, large F7 windows there. These windows were also removed, blasted and fully redecorated and reglazed on site, while the museum and cafe remained open.”

www.asws.co.uk

0208 665 5335 info@asws.co.uk

SCHLÜTER-SYSTEMS HELPS ARCHITECTS AND SPECIFIERS WITH RIBA-APPROVED CPD PROGRAMME SCHLÜTER-SYSTEMS

Schlüter-Systems, a market-leading specialist in innovative solutions for tile and stone installations, has been offering support and advice to architects and specifiers for over 25 years. Today, this support includes RIBA-approved CPD seminars delivered by experienced Schlüter-Systems specification experts. The range of five 45- to 60-minute CPD seminars focuses on key application areas, including ‘10-point plan for a perfect wetroom’, ‘Considerations for tile and stone installations’, ‘Integrated underfloor heating systems’, ‘Solutions for crack-free tile and stone coverings’ and ‘External applications with tile and stone’. For further information on Schlüter-Systems’ CPDs, please get in touch via the details below.

eu.schluter.com/en-GB/cpds-bim-103.html

BARRY TOPS 25 YEARS

As GEZE UK honours 35 years in business, one of the company’s longest-serving members of staff, Area Sales Manager, Barry Topham, celebrates 25 years with the company.

In this time, Barry has seen the company grow hugely; back when he started, there were just 23 staff and a turnover of £3m. Today, the company employs over 250 people, and turnover is over £35m.

B arry has also witnessed many changes in the industry. He says: “The growth of automated doors and the windows sector is astounding, yet there have also been negative changes. There has been a deterioration of quality on site, such as the use of chipboard doors, and the influx of low-quality, inferior-finished products at the lowest price is not good – it means the expected product life is far too short. However, the GEZE brand is still recognised in the marketplace as a reliable, quality supplier of door and

window control products – and one of the reasons I have stayed.

“Another is my customers – I always do what is best for both GEZE and the customer and my relationships with the vast majority of them is excellent and akin to friendship, which makes doing business more pleasurable.”

B arry runs his sales area as if it were his own company. His extensive knowledge of the market and GEZE products enables him to ensure his customers get the advice they need and the best solution for their projects.

A ndy Howland, GEZE UK’s Sales and Marketing Director, said: “I have worked with Barry for many years. His knowledge of GEZE and the industry is second to

none, He is dedicated and passionate about what he does and is a real asset to the company.”

P revious to joining GEZE, Barry worked as an Architectural Ironmonger and was a GEZE customer, so he knows the business from both sides. Originally, he was employed at GEZE as a Specification Manager working with architects and planners, but as soon as an Area Sales Manager role became available, he snapped it up. Barry now covers central England and south Wales.

To find out more about GEZE UK and the comprehensive range of automatic and manual door closers, and window technology products, visit the below website.

OFFSITE EXPO: THE HOME OF OFFSITE TECHNOLOGY INNOVATION

Bringing together the sector’s most influential innovators who are driving change in the construction industry, OFFSITE EXPO provides fast and efficient access to a wealth of knowledge and offsite innovation. By attending this highly-focused event, construction professionals can gain a broad spectrum of offsite industry intelligence and practical insight – all under one roof.

Ta king place at the Coventry Building Society Arena on 19 and 20th September, OFFSITE EXPO is the focal point of innovative building and digital construction technologies. Presenting a compelling proposition, OFFSITE EXPO will feature a combination of advanced manufacturing approaches and smart digital construction technologies. With innovative displays, live demonstrations and

pioneering speakers, the event will play host to leading experts, offsite manufacturers and component suppliers showcasing a broad spectrum of panelised, volumetric modular systems, pod and prefabricated MEP solutions.

E xplore –offsite technologies

T he case is unequivocal – offsite technology challenges outmoded construction practices and is a

progressive and productive step that is set to revolutionise the way buildings are designed and assembled. Every major review of the construction industry has in some way recommended a move towards advanced factory-based construction methods.

T his specialist offsite technology event is destined to become Europe’s largest dedicated event, providing direct access to explore this innovative and fast-moving sector. Get to grips with the latest offsite methods and smart digital technology; OFFSITE EXPO showcases the widest and most comprehensive display within the built environment.

E xpertise –CPD-accredited masterclasses

P resenting the optimum personal development opportunity, rapid and efficient access to the latest information is crucial to success. Advanced offsite approaches and innovative technologies are changing the face of construction. The Explore Offsite Masterclass Theatre and Spotlight on Offsite Panel Discussions, in partnership with Offsite Alliance, provide over 40 hours of CPD-accredited presentations in a dynamic and interactive format for those looking to learn directly from eminent offsite industry experts.

E xpect –business development opportunites

T he Offsite Connect Forum is the most dynamic ‘meet the buyer’ business development opportunity of the year. OFFSITE EXPO exhibitors can gain access to key industry professionals with a buying or specifying remit. This forum offers a structured, highly-effective way for new and existing offsite industry suppliers to connect with potential customers easily and cost effectively in highlyfocused meetings.

E xposure – Offsite Awards

It is not only the exhibition that has exciting development plans, returning for 2023; OFFSITE EXPO will host the dynamic and innovative Offsite Construction Awards. Taking centre stage, the Offsite Construction Awards will take place at OFFSITE EXPO on 19th September. Since inception eight years ago, the awards have been on an upward trajectory presenting professionals operating in the sector with outstanding opportunities to showcase excellence and network with those who are gaining industry recognition.

E xperience – the offsite event of the year

S howcasing the greatest display of offsite building and digital construction technologies under one roof, OFFSITE EXPO aims to attract circa 4000 delegates and is geared towards creating the ultimate visitor experience. OFFSITE EXPO is the place for people to engage with key industry contacts, acquire new knowledge and network in vibrant surroundings.

Get connected

To join the offsite conversation, become a member of the Explore Offsite LinkedIn group: https://www. linkedin.com/groups/7456674. Or, to stay up to date with the latest announcements, follow #OffsiteExpo on Twitter at @ExploreOffsite. To register your FOC place at Offsite Expo 2023, visit the below website.

www.offsite-expo.co.uk

OFFSITE EXPO

THE GREENWASHING EPIDEMIC

Being ‘green’ is a top priority for people, and rightly so. To capitalise on this, some brands have been working hard to appear more ‘green’ than they actually are, which has led to ‘greenwashing’ becoming an increasingly well-known term. Major corporations, including Coca-Cola, H&M, easyJet and Tesco, have all been accused of making deliberately misleading claims about the sustainability credentials of their products and services. Whilst these high-profile, often retail-related cases have attracted the attention of national media, the issue is widespread and is also becoming commonplace in the housebuilding industry.

ORIGIN

Wi th architects facing increasing demands to design homes that are as sustainable as possible, it’s important to be aware of greenwashing and how to identify it to ensure products can be specified with complete confidence.

W ith this in mind, Ben Brocklesby, Director at Origin, the aluminium window and door specialist, explores the growing epidemic of ‘greenwashing’ within construction and offers his advice on how to identify suppliers operating in a genuinely environmentally-friendly way.

A n epidemic in housebuilding

G reenwashing is becoming more prevalent in the fenestration industry. We often see manufacturers deliberately manipulating the U-values of their products to meet new industry efficiency regulations. These brands exaggerate the time and money invested in product upgrades, claiming improved efficiency. In reality, these upgrades lack true innovation and merely involve short-term adjustments, like adding an extra pane of glass.

A lthough this may appear a viable solution initially, it is crucial to recognise the consequences. The production of additional materials, such as glass, contributes more carbon emissions, undermining sustainability efforts. Plus, glass is heavy and the added weight results in increased fuel consumption during delivery and fewer deliveries per trip.

Identifying greenwashing

B ecause ‘greenwashing’ is designed to be deceiving, identifying it can be a challenge, especially when the wording and terminology look right. Terms like ‘eco’, ‘green’, ‘sustainable’, ‘non-toxic’, ‘recyclable’ and ‘natural’ all appear to make sense when talking about sustainability, but they’re vague as standalone buzzwords. Reputable businesses will be transparent and specific in their claims, providing substantiation and explanations.

W hen specifying products, it’s vital to consider the sustainability of the material used. For instance, aluminium is increasingly favoured in construction due to its outstanding performance and minimal environmental impact compared to uPVC or timber.

Look out for third-party accreditations. These serve as a robust gauge of quality and ethical standards, so you can specify products with absolute confidence. Avoid brands that promote own-branded logos and self-appointed awards, as these lack meaningful validation.

In conclusion

The issue of greenwashing is significant, so it’s essential to be educated on what to look out for, providing the confidence to identify the businesses trying to mislead you.

A s bleak as it sounds, there is optimism on the horizon in the form of the upcoming Future Homes Standard. This regulatory change will diminish any potentially questionable practices, as compliance will be mandatory.

Zenon Insulator for GRP Rooflights MORE

EFFICIENT, LIGHTER SPACES, NATURALLY

Hambleside Danelaw’s unique honeycomb Insulator offers significant improvements to light transmission and diffusion in industrial rooflights. Its lightweight transparent cell structure is perpendicular to the plane of the rooflight, maximising natural daylight from every angle.

Unlike traditional alternatives, Insulator can deliver extremely low U-Values without compromising light transmission; and with a fraction of the embodied carbon.

And at the end of its service life, Insulator is compostable. The natural choice for low-carbon daylight.

www.hambleside-danelaw.co.uk

Whatever the space, divide it with style. The Origin Internal Door provides a sleek and stunning solution for creating functional footprints within a home. With endless configurations, hardware options and colours to choose from, let Origin help you create spaces that change the way people live.