PSBJ April 2013

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April 2013

Ambitious construction Design and function combine to meet challenging brief Added value the power of a procurement consortium

Living with longevity H+H discusses the lifespan of housing

Accurate placement looking beyond specification for safety

Cover image

At Barnsley College, partitions were used to carefully manage the flow of sound to and from the new music department, as well as the £50m new build project's workshops, dance studios and fully operational TV and radio recording studios.

Welcome. . .

Editor Hannah Frackiewicz hannah@mixedmediainfo.com Managing Director Sam Ball sam@mixedmediainfo.com Publication Manager Steve Gull steve@mixedmediainfo.com Account Executive Adam Barron adam@mixedmediainfo.com Studio Manager Chris Lilly chris@mixedmediainfo.com Artworker/Sub-editor Ben Bridgeman ben@mixedmediainfo.com Accounts Simone Jones simone@mixedmediainfo.com Publisher Mixed Media Information Barham Court, Teston, Maidstone, Kent, ME18 5BZ T: 01622 232702 F: 01622 816874 www.mixedmediainfo.com www.psbj.co.uk

For many of you, the recent Ecobuild show served to provide an essential resource for sustainable building and design. The event, which took place last month, placed particular emphasis on sustainable procurement, especially against a backdrop of the announced £5b spend across the public sector. We look forward to bringing you all the show highlights in next month’s issue, but in the meantime please do not hesitate to get in touch to let us know your thoughts on the show.

Following on from Ecobuild, this month PSBJ brings you all the latest news and special features planned for Sustainability Live and BFE UK. Incorporating three shows, Sustainability Live, taking place from 16-18th April, is an essential destination for all those involved in sustainable business management – turn to page 30 for more information. For those working within the education sector, BFE UK is the ideal event to attend in 2013 – a year which is proving crucial for the building schools sector.

Design briefs in the education sector are increasingly becoming more challenging. In an age where a building’s design is proven to have an impact on students’ achievement, greater importance is placed on individual features. In this month’s issue, we highlight Siniat’s recent involvement at Barnsley College, who, through its specialist plasterboard, managed to bring the project back under budget and reduce installation time.

Also in this issue, PSBJ explores furniture as part of an overall care package. Furniture in healthcare environments must not only serve to be functional but be safe and reliable for its users. With mental health patients, familiarity is key therefore items that aren’t durable and do not stand the test of time are forced to be replaced, therefore resulting in disruptions, plus cost for the provider.

Approaching new facilities and construction with longevity in mind is further explored in our Housing focus where masonry specialist H+H considers the lifespan of homes. With no minimum design life, Mark Oliver, Managing Director of the aircrete block manufacturer, questions whether we are moving in the right direction.

I hope you enjoy this issue. If you wish to comment on any issues or contributions within this edition, please feel free to get in touch via the email below.

Hannah Frackiewicz

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

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Contents

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08 Upfront Community buy-in is key when undertaking significant development schemes. Leadbitter unveils the key to success in its recent Loudoun Square regeneration.

14 Housing Masonry specialist H+H talks to PSBJ about the lifespan of homes and the future of housing construction.

18 Talking Point What can suppliers and contractors do to add value to procurement?

Social housing procurement consortium expert, Procure Plus, offers an insight.

20 Drainage & Wastewater Phil Green, Head of Technical at Saint-Gobain PAM explains the material benefits of ductile iron.

22 Fire, Health & safety

26 Education

Correct placement is integral in the performance of CO alarms.

Michael Wright of AICO highlights the essential checklist when specifying and installing these.

Ambitious design is requiring companies to enhance and develop their product offering. To meet acoustic demands at Barnsley College, Siniat were put to the test.

24 Roofing

28 Healthcare

Redland is moving further into the roof than ever before by launching two roof insulation products, Rapid Rafter Insulation and Rapid Loft Board.

In specialist mental health care facilities, familiarity is key. Knightsbridge Furniture discusses the value of furniture and how it is integral to the overall care package.

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Public Sector Build Journal

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The Brit-Spec system has been designed to provide a wealth of information within 30 seconds.

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26

28

30 Sustainability Live Preview

36 BFE UK Preview

Sustainability Live is the ultimate event for energy, water and energy from waste sectors. With three shows under one roof, the fair is set to provide an essential resource.

Building Future Education is the only event covering all types of education building from the planning stages through to delivery.

32 Leisure Brockwell Park and its users are reaping the rewards of a significant refurbishment realised by a partnership formed of LUC and Timberplay.

34 Roofing & Cladding Pushing the boundaries of contemporary design, Aurubis Architectural explores the evolution of copper as a leading material.

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38 Canopies, Shelters & Shading Maple Sunscreening considers the key aspects of converting an architectural aspiration into a buildable canopy solution.

42 Landscaping

45 Product Showcase

Addagrip explains how textures, pathways and paving patterns are essential in providing sensory outdoor spaces.

A dedicated focus of industry news, products and installations to help public sector professionals make informed choices when planning and specifying.

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News

Excellence in sustainability Harton Quays Park, the £2.3m waterfront park in South Shields designed by landscape architects Grant Associates for South Tyneside Council, has been awarded a specialist CEEQUAL Client & Design Award for excellence in sustainability.

Scheduled for completion in May 2013, Harton Quays Park will stretch along the River Tyne from South Shields ferry landing to the Customs House and feature curved embankments, an amphitheatre, lawns and colourful planting, a promenade,

sheltered gardens and a dramatic pine grove viewing point. A curved ribbon wall made up of 144 precast concrete panels is just one of the key features of the new scheme.

The park is part of a wider regeneration masterplan for South Shields Riverside, joint-funded by South Tyneside Council and the Homes and Communities Agency.

CEEQUAL is an evidence-based Sustainability Assessment and

Awards Scheme for civil engineering, infrastructure, landscaping and the public realm. The award celebrates the achievement of high environmental and social performance.

Harton Quays Park has received a ‘Very Good’ commendation as part of the CEEQUAL award assessment, thanks to the collaborative efforts of designers working on the scheme, led

by Grant Associates and civil engineers Mott MacDonald.

Four Housing Group leads the way

Council extends low-energy scheme Following the second phase of a hugely-successful, council-wide programme to cut carbon, West Sussex County Council has now upgraded the lighting at more than 50 of its properties, replacing outdated fluorescent lamps with energy-efficient equivalents using the retrofit converter device, ‘Save It Easy’ from Energys Group.

The project was funded through the government-backed Salix initiative, which provides interest-free loans to public sector organisations making energy-efficiency upgrades. Due to the instant savings on energy bills that have been unlocked by energy efficient projects including the lighting upgrades, the Council has been able to establish a revolving fund, which has been used to greenlight further carbon-reduction projects.

In order to maximise the funding available, the Council also applied for Salix Energy Efficiency Loan Scheme (SEELS) funding for two of the largest T5 lighting projects.

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Public Sector Build Journal

Not-for-profit housing association Four Housing Group has been reaccredited with the ISO 14001 environment management standard after becoming one of the first housing associations to achieve this accreditation in 2010.

The ISO 14001 standard assists companies who want to minimise the way in which their processes and operations negatively impact the environment and also provides guidance on how to comply with applicable laws and regulations.

Four Housing Group owns and manages over 5000 properties across the North East of England stretching from Redcar and Cleveland to Berwick-upon-Tweed. With a number of offices across the region

and a workforce of over 220, there is the potential to have a substantial environmental impact. The Group is monitoring its consumption of fuel, gas, electricity and water in an attempt to reduce waste and energy usage and improve its environmental performance. Waste control systems are also in place to ensure the environment is protected from harmful waste at all times.

David Brown, Head of Assets at Four Housing Group says: “We are delighted to be recognised for our continued commitment to operating in an environmentally conscious manner. Achieving this accreditation is testament to the green and environmental ethos that runs through our organisation.”

HSE appoints new construction chief A new chief inspector of construction has been appointed by the Health and Safety Executive (HSE). Heather Bryant, who is currently HSE’s divisional director for London, the East and South East, has replaced Philip White. After four years in post, Philip moves to lead another key division at HSE. The post of chief inspector of construction is influential within HSE and the industry, and it involves heading a division of 260 specialist inspectors, policy officials and support staff.

Despite significant improvements in

recent years, construction remains one of Britain’s most dangerous industries – 49 people were killed and 2,884 seriously injured in 2011/12.

Heather Bryant comments: “Construction is one of Britain’s most important industries and employs a huge number of people. All of those people have a basic right to return home safe and well from their day’s work. To its credit, the sector has already been making good progress in reducing the number of people killed, injured or made unwell by its activities.”

News

Naidex announces free conference programme

Financial close reached for Walton Hospital site Liverpool and Sefton Health Partnerships (LSHP), has reached financial close for Mersey Care NHS Trust’s new specialist health facility at Walton in Liverpool. This is the ninth and largest single tranche of LSHP’s LIFT programme in the Merseyside area.

The former Walton Hospital site will be transformed into a £28m new mental health in-patient facility providing 85 single occupancy bedrooms with en-suite bathrooms to facilitate best practice in modern

mental health care. Each of the five wards is supported by its own dedicated therapeutic and safe courtyard facilities as well as light, airy communal areas.

John Doyle, Project Director at Mersey Care NHS Trust comments: “Walton is the culmination of hard work, consultation and negotiation to create a facility at the leading edge of 21st Century mental healthcare provision. Critical to the process was aligning the development scheme with the affordability of the service model.”

Naidex National, the UK’s largest disability, homecare and rehabilitation event, taking place at NEC Birmingham from 30th April, today announces its conference programme. Running alongside the main exhibition, the free CPD certified conference supported by the College of Occupational Therapists and the Health, Chartered Society of Physiotherapy and Care Professions Council features more than 100 expert speakers in 140 sessions across eight theatres.

Fiona Davies, Event Director for Naidex said: “We are delighted to be able to offer such a comprehensive programme at Naidex this year. All of our speakers are leaders in their fields and anyone attending the conference will gain access to the core issues affecting independent living in 2013 and they will be emailed their CPD certificate after the event.”

Willmott Dixon extends care portfolio Willmott Dixon will further strengthen its track-record for building high-quality care homes after being appointed by Housing 21 for a £4.7m contract to provide 21 one-bedroom and 17 twobedroom flats.

The scheme, called Leacroft, is located in Common Lane, Harpenden, and is being developed by Housing

21 in partnership with St Albans City and District Council. It forms part of the Council’s strategy to redevelop sheltered housing sites in the St Albans District to replace dated facilities that do not meet current space standards or requirements for wheelchair accessibility.

Debbie Waldron, care sector manager for Willmott Dixon says:

“Working with Housing 21, we’ll be bringing our collective experience and know-how to provide homes and a living environment that allow people in the latter stages of their lives to enjoy an active and independent lifestyle, while also living in a community they can depend on, with close support and care provision when required.”

Balfour Beatty joins construction initiative Balfour Beatty joined with Britain’s other leading construction contractors last month in an effort to kick start the industry as part of the Creating Britain’s Future campaign.

Creating Britain’s Future is an initiative by the UK Contractors Group, of which Balfour Beatty is a member, to make the case for investment in infrastructure across the country.

In Birmingham, an audience of leading contractors, suppliers and guests from the public sector, heard from Sir Albert Bore, Leader of Birmingham City Council. He talked about the economic and social

benefits of investing in his city, which is one of the most successful regions in the UK and a net exporter to China.

It’s widely acknowledged that investment in construction is one of the most effective ways to stimulate the

economy and it generates local jobs and kick-starts growth. Construction is a jobs creator and employs 3.1 million people, or put another way, 10.5% of the UK workforce.

Steve Davies, Regional Managing Director, Midlands, Balfour Beatty Construction Services UK, says: “Birmingham is a world class city which has seen huge improvements in the past thirty years. As a local employer, we are ready to help keep that momentum going by delivering innovative solutions, understanding the city’s needs, and supporting growth and communities to create a better future.”

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Upfront

Community engagement Creative regeneration programmes in the heart of communities are complex and Loudoun Square is no exception

Winning the hearts and minds of locals has been key to the success of the regeneration of Loudoun Square in Butetown in Cardiff, says Russell Houghton, Business Development Director of Leadbitter's Western division.

W

hen it is completed in Spring 2013, the Loudoun Square development in Butetown, Cardiff, will create a vibrant new community, with 61 new affordable homes, a parade of 11 shops and @Loudoun, home to a state-of-

the-art health centre, a Culture and Media Centre, three social enterprise units and Cardiff Council information services.

The development, which is being built by the Leadbitter, part of the Bouygues Construction Group, began

in June 2010. It has now entered its final phase, with demolition of the dilapidated Butetown Health Centre and construction of the 48 remaining apartments, 13 of which are specifically designed for disabled people.

Creative regeneration programmes in the heart of communities are complex by their very nature and Loudoun Square is no exception. Key to the project’s success has been to support community development from the very outset.

Building communities is about so much more than bricks and mortar.

It is about giving residents a sense of identity, pride and belonging, which can only be achieved through a combination of good design, quality construction and first rate community engagement.

Considerate involvement

Key to the project's success has been to support community development from the very outset

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Public Sector Build Journal

An experienced contractor will, of course, be involved with the design and specification of a social housing scheme at a very early stage – not least because it requires a great deal of skill and engagement to balance the

Upfront Community buy-in is key, as the initial feel-good factor of a new home will soon wane if the overall design of the development doesn’t work for the residents. If decisions are being taken on their behalf, with no consultation, then antipathy may soon become animosity, possibly resulting in a rise in anti-social behaviour, negating the good intentions of the redevelopment.

Close collaboration

needs of all the stakeholders. These stakeholders may include the planning authority, which will initially set out design requirements; the client, who wants to offer its residents the best it can; and the residents, who ultimately have the clearest understanding of what they really want from their homes.

At the design stage, a good contractor can advise on buildability and how to combine aesthetics with affordability. But they will also be able to accommodate these needs while delivering a commercially viable development and ensuring community ‘buy-in’.

At Loudoun Square, because a 1960s apartment block and parade of shops had to be demolished before new buildings could be constructed, the challenge was to programme the works in such a way that they took into account local sensitivities and ensured business continuity for the retailers affected, some of whom had been trading there for more than 30 years.

Leadbitter achieved this by working alongside its client, Cardiff Community Housing Association (CCHA), to manage the expectations of more than 40 stakeholders, including Cardiff Council, Cardiff and Vale University Health Board, the Welsh Assembly Government, 11 retailers and 21 community organisations.

The outcome was an innovative,

t

Leadbitter's commitment to the community has been recognised with a Gold Considerate Constructors Scheme award

At a glance @Loudoun, which opened in Summer 2012, is home to a stateof-the-art health centre, a new Culture and Media Centre, three social enterprise units and Cardiff Council information services.

The new Butetown Health Centre provides the local community with a whole host of services under one roof, including two GP practices, a dental practice and a community pharmacy.

A cinema, digital film making suite, celebration space and training and meeting rooms all make up an exciting new culture and media centre, CMC@Loudoun. Designed to be as flexible as possible, this space will form a creative hub for a wide range of community activities.

Council services are also available in the ‘The Hub at Butetown’ and the BEST centre, a training and enterprise service which provides help for jobseekers.

Three social enterprise units provide affordable office accommodation for hire by local services providers or those wishing to set up a business.

Building communities is about giving residents a sense of identity, pride and belonging

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Upfront

Liaison with schools, both primary and secondary, has played a major part in the community engagement programme

phased approach, which involved building a portion of the new houses first, so that the local businesses could be decanted into the ground floors of these properties, enabling them to trade with minimal loss of business.

Leadbitter then took its lead from the retailers who were free to choose the layout, fixtures and fittings for their

new units. Following a smooth transition into the completed retail units at the end of 2011, the entire community was invited to the official opening of the shopping parade and a ‘before and after’ photographic display.

Bringing all the units together has created a vibrant and accessible retail parade, which has made it more

convenient for people to shop locally, reinforcing the sense of community and maximising opportunities for passing trade.

However, managing the retailers’ transition has been only part of the story. Leadbitter has delivered an extensive programme of community engagement initiatives including: a dedicated on-site community room; face-to-face interaction with residents and regular newsletters to 300 homes.

In addition, Leadbitter held consultations for women, elders and young people, to take into account the needs of all sectors of the multicultural community, and more than 15 events and celebrations have been held to mark milestones, generate community ownership and maintain enthusiasm for the project. In total, there have been in excess of 125 community meetings.

Liaison with schools, both primary and secondary, has also played a major part in the community engagement programme. The company took health and safety education to local primary schools using Leadbitter’s bespoke Safe Play At All Times presentation.

Educational initiatives have included site tours for schoolchildren, careers events and work experience placements.

Social value Helping to increase local employment opportunities and raising the skills set of local people has been an important part of Leadbitter’s approach to supply chain

The new Butetown Health Centre provides the local community with a whole host of services under one roof

10 Public Sector Build Journal

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Upfront

Bringing all the units together has created a vibrant and accessible retail parade

12 Public Sector Build Journal

Leadbitter’s commitment to the community has been recognised with a Gold Considerate Constructors Scheme award. However, the company’s most rewarding prize is delivering a

successful project to a fully engaged community that takes immense pride in its physical surroundings.

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engagement. The company devised a targeted recruitment and training agenda and an employment register was established resulting in seven appointments made: two labourers, a security guard, a machine driver, a bricklayer, a bricklayer apprentice and a carpentry apprentice.

Similarly, local firms were recruited for the supply chain, with 33 out of 46 sub-contracts awarded to companies with Cardiff postcodes.

To date, 87% of the project value has been awarded to firms in Cardiff, with 94% going to Welsh companies. In fact, 100% of subcontractors working on the final phase that is currently being completed are based in Cardiff.

Leadbitter has also implemented an ‘orange helmet’ policy on-site. Two site labourers – wearing orange helmets – have a dedicated community role, helping with traffic management and assisting people crossing the street, looking out for any issues occurring around the site and lending a hand when needed.

www.leadbitter.co.uk

Community engagement initiatives • A dedicated on-site community room; face-to-face interaction with residents and regular newsletters to 300 homes.

• Consultations for women, elders and young people, to take into account the needs of all sectors of the multicultural community.

• More than 15 events and celebrations held to mark milestones, generate community ownership and maintain enthusiasm for the project. In total, there have been in excess of 125 community meetings.

• Liaison with primary and secondary schools, including Leadbitter’s bespoke Safe Play At All Times presentation for primary school children, site tours, careers events and work experience placements.

• Helping to increase local employment opportunities and raising the skills set of local people, with a targeted recruitment and training agenda for local people.

• Using the local supply chain, with 33 out of 46 subcontracts awarded to companies with Cardiff postcodes. All subcontractors working on the final phase were based in Cardiff.

• Employing two site workers with dedicated community roles, helping with traffic management and assisting people crossing the street, looking out for any issues occurring around the site and lending a hand when needed.

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Housing

Making longevity an objective will have a huge impact on the way buildings are designed

How long should a home last?

How long should a home be expected to last and what types of construction are best for longevity? Is timber the future, or is masonry better? Mark Oliver, Managing Director of aircrete block manufacturer H+H UK, looks into the lifespan of homes.

T

he checklist for a new build is growing. Under the weight of increasingly stringent regulations, the industry is conducting scrupulous assessments of every material used, every measurement taken, every decision made. And yet no-one seems to require a minimum lifespan for a building.

This fundamental question seems to have taken a back seat in recent years. The (now withdrawn) BS 7543: 1992 suggested a 60 year design life, which still appears to be the accepted norm, but this was not included in the standard BS ISO 15686 which replaced it.

The recent London Housing Design Guide does not include this either.

14 Public Sector Build Journal

This Guide was formulated to act as blueprint for all housing to be built in the city: there is a meticulous attention

to detail with regards to room sizing, housing density, waste disposal; and yet there is no requirement for the building life.

There does seem still to be a general acceptance of a 60 year lifespan (and indeed the BRE Environmental Profiles are based on a 60 year life expectancy). I would argue that this is a rather arbitrary figure, one that apparently has its origins in a financial model, being used as the time over which financial assets are written down.

There are currently moves to introduce a 50 year reference period for Life Cycle Assessment studies, which would harmonise this thinking across Europe, but surely this is moving in the wrong direction.

Consider our own housing situation in the UK: 39% of houses are over 65 years old. If we continue to build houses at the current depressed rate then any house built today will need to last for over one thousand years. In this context any standard that suggests an acceptable lifespan for new buildings of just 50 years seems odd to say the least.

This is not just a problem for the next generation, however, it has huge significance for both builders and building occupiers right now. We are being asked to consider the embodied as well as the operational carbon footprint of new buildings, but you can only do this if it is considered over the lifespan of a building.

Making longevity an objective will have a huge impact on the way buildings are designed: the focus

Completed homes built with H+H Celcon Blocks

Housing

of the designers will then be on the performance of the building in use rather than the embodied energy of the original structure. Given how long our houses are going to need to last, this is surely a more sustainable approach.

We urgently need new housing to cope with a growing population. All construction uses resources, but surely the less often buildings are replaced the better. It could not be a sustainable approach to accept that new buildings could need replacing after just 50 years.

Our focus surely must be on building sound, energy efficient structures that will last several lifespans with the energy efficiency built into the fabric.

So what are the best ways to achieve this?

construction continues to be popular in the social housing sector, Hackney Council declared last year that it was considering a ‘wood first’ policy that would see a presumption in favour of using timber in all new build projects.

Speed and sustainability are two often cited reasons for this thinking.

However, masonry constructions can be quick to build, environmentally sound and offer many other advantages over alternatives.

t

H+H Celcon Blocks installed with thin joint mortar

Lightweight structure Looking at private housing for a minute, brick and block construction is the most widely used method for constructing the external walls of homes. The most common alternative is to use a lightweight frame structure, normally made of timber.

The most recent statistics from the NHBC suggests that timber frame currently accounts for 12% of new housing, with masonry and other forms of construction accounting for the remaining 88%.

This is interesting as timber frame

On site for Ashford Borough Council

Public Sector Build Journal 15

Housing First is the performance of masonry construction. The robust and durable nature of masonry is very popular with public sector specifiers. This was the case for Ashford Borough Council. It wanted to build houses that would last for decades, being able to withstand the rigours of a number of different tenant families over time, and turned to an aircrete Rå Build method of aircrete construction to build 44 brand new council houses.

Robust masonry The Rå Build method enables the structure of a building to be built faster and to a better quality, allowing follow-on trades to start work sooner in a weatherproof environment, whilst retaining the flexibility of on-site construction. The Rå Build method is a labour inclusive package which enables full storey heights to be built in a day using quick setting thin-joint Celfix mortar.

Giles Holloway, Ashford Borough Council, says: “On this development we wanted to build to Code Level 4 so we were looking for an effective way to build to this standard. We wanted to go with an all masonry solution for several reasons. We wanted a really robust solution to help with our longerterm planned maintenance programme

H+H Celcon Blocks installed with Thin-Joint Celfix mortar

and feel that masonry provides us with the reassurance of a really solid structure.

We also considered that air-tightness that the Rå Build method offers, particularly the assurance that this level of air-tightness will be maintained over time. The masonry solution also gave

us the flexibility to include bespoke designs – which is key to the success of this project, given the nature of the sites we were developing.”

There is now a wider recognition that masonry offers greater speed and flexibility for the builder. As masonry products are all manufactured in the UK there is very little lead-time for orders, meaning that product can be delivered to site ready to start construction as soon as an order is received. The excellent noise and thermal insulation inherent with masonry structures are all further benefits of its use.

Structural performance

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Aircrete block manufacturers such as H+H have invested considerable resources into developing technical solutions for ever-tightening building performance requirements. We can offer assurance that homes built using H+H aircrete will not only deliver the structural performance they demand, but are also easily able to meet the thermal insulation requirements of current (and likely future) building regulations.

Solid external wall construction using Celcon Blocks

16 Public Sector Build Journal

www.hhcelcon.co.uk

Get qualified and get recognised!

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As well as holding a prestigious qualification, membership is an assurance of quality and a demonstration of your professional achievement that sets you apart from the crowd. Being a member means that you can attend a range of networking and CPD events, keep up to date with the latest developments in the industry and have access to professional opportunities and qualification.

In joining the Chartered Institute of Architectural Technologists provides you with the opportunity to qualify as a Chartered Architectural Technologist, MCIAT or a professionally qualified Architectural Technician, TCIAT; recognised building professionals of the highest standard and regarded as one of the best within the industry CIAT is a progressive, enthusiastic and proactive Institute and its members are at the forefront of Architectural Technology.

To consider your options please visit www.ciat.org.uk

If you apply to join quoting FCA13/02, the ÂŁ60 application fee will be waived and you will receive 50% off your first year annual subscription, which is a total maximum saving of ÂŁ183. This offer is only valid until 1 May 2013 and is subject to the necessary membership registration approvals.

For further information about joining CIAT, please visit www.ciat.org.uk or alternatively email membership@ciat.org.uk.

To gain a further insight into the qualifying processes and the type of work our members undertake, visit our YouTube channel: www.youtube.com/ciatechnologist.

If you have any queries about membership or routes to attaining Technician (TCIAT) or Chartered (MCIAT) membership, please do not hesitate to get in touch - membership@ciat.org.uk.

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Talking Point

Adding value With budgets for new build homes and refurbishment projects tightening, it's essential that all parties involved are working together to maximise efficiency and deliver long-term best value. Mike Brogan, Chief Executive at social housing procurement consortium, Procure Plus, outlines best practice ways of working and how to add value through procurement.

A

s part of initiatives such as ‘Get Britain Building’ and the Decent Homes Backlog Programme, there is funding for new build homes and refurbishment works available. However, with the quantities of cash being a limited supply and to help budgets go further, it’s critical that those involved in the delivery of social housing – whether new or existing stock – work closer.

Historically, Registered Providers (RPs) have approached the market for goods and services individually, organisation by organisation. By purchasing everything from kitchens to gas servicing separately, and as and when they need it, housing providers inevitably end up paying more for what they need. But as well as the financial implications, this discrete approach also has an impact on the supply chain, and those providing services to landlords.

For example, a contractor working with a single housing provider may only

be required sporadically, and therefore, their workload comes in peaks and troughs. Because of this, it’s often the case that such contractors have to take on and lay off staff seasonally, and there’s enormous unpredictability for the business. This volatile way of working is a problem for smaller, local repairs and maintenance firms, as changes in demand can be the difference between surviving and going under in a challenging market.

One way to address this flux in demand, however, is to adopt a collaborative approach and utilise the facilities available from procurement consortiums. Consortiums work by aggregating demand for materials or services to leverage economies of scale, and in turn, get the best possible price.

Putting this approach into practice, Procure Plus recently worked with Stockport Homes to create 17 new affordable homes on a former school site in Greater Manchester.

Adopt a collaborative approach and utilise the facilities available from procurement consortiums

18 Public Sector Build Journal

Effective procurement can bring huge social benefits to the wider community

Via partnership working between Stockport Homes, Wilkinson Cowan Partnership Ltd and Procure Plus, and in particular the use of the consortium’s brokerage model, an 11% saving against budget was achieved.

Shared learnings In addition to the cost saving benefits for RPs, pooling local demand for services also has significant advantages for the wider supply chain.

By smoothing out peaks and troughs in demand, it’s possible to ensure greater consistency and availability of work for employees.

This approach is particularly beneficial to SMEs in the construction industry, and as a testament to its effectiveness, Procure Plus is currently working with a Cabinet Office task force group set up to make the construction industry fairer for smaller business to share its learnings.

At present, the new build housing sector in particular just isn’t a viable option for the smaller contractors.

Typically, the major contractors are awarded the work, it’s then subbed off to smaller firms, which due to their distance down the supply chain often end up being owed money

Talking Point and therefore are unable to pay their suppliers or staff on time. In fact, according to the Insolvency Service around 1600 SME construction companies went out of business in October 2012.

By employing an aggregated approach however, it’s more feasible for SMEs to be employed directly, and by limiting the number of jobs the major players can bid for, the marketplace is opened up much more widely.

Wider community

For every £1m spent with a Procure Plus contractor, a minimum of two local people are actively given sustainable employment

social considerations back on to public authorities’ agendas, so organisations now have to consider how procurement can help improve the economic, social and environmental

Mike Brogan began his career with a national financial services provider, working at a senior level in sales and operations management.

12 years ago, Mike decided to put something back and began working with Arena Housing Association, helping the organisation to build social enterprises. It was one of these ventures which became the seminal project for what is now Procure Plus Limited.

interests of a particular area.

The Act is a great step for the sector, as it improves communities beyond bricks and mortar, and ensures the industry works closely to consider the wider social benefits of spending decisions, with a stronger focus on regeneration, supporting social enterprises and providing apprenticeships and jobs for local people. These opportunities help to give marginalised people the chance to build a career, and deliver benefits to the local community in terms of improving deprived areas, which is truly ‘added value’.

To ensure we deliver true value within the housing sector – whether that’s in terms of cost efficiency or in making a positive difference to local areas – it’s important that organisations really start to think about how they do business with and what they can achieve socially from the project. Every decision within the housing sector will have a direct effect in a community, so by ensuring like-minded businesses and suppliers work in partnership, it’s possible to improve our local area, and without blowing the budget.

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Looking beyond the immediate supply chain, effective procurement can also bring huge social benefits to the wider community, and this outward-looking approach is of growing importance in line with the Localism and Social Value Acts.

There’s much debate about the role of RPs in adding value to their local community and while many are already doing ‘their bit’, activities can be maximised to ensure best effect.

Procure Plus, for instance, encourages members to consider the wider community effects of their projects, in addition to their immediate impact. As such, for every pound spent via the organisation, staff work with the housing provider to reinvest a proportion of the savings back into the community, helping to create local jobs and encourage regeneration.

In addition, for every £1m spent with a Procure Plus contractor, a minimum of two local people are actively given sustainable employment with career development. So far, this has resulted in over 400 individuals getting local paid permanent employment in construction trades, many of which are now reaching NVQ Level 3 in their chosen trade.

While the majority of housing providers have a natural desire to ensure that local residents benefit as much as possible from the investment – both in terms of the project itself and the long term benefits that it should bring – it’s now become a legal requirement for the public sector.

The Social Value Act was introduced in 2012 to shift the importance of environmental, economic and

www.procure-plus.com Public Sector Build Journal 19

Drainage & Wastewater

Ductile iron has established itself as the leading pipe network material for industry specifiers

Recent media coverage has highlighted alarming water leakage levels relating to the use of polyethylene pipes replacing older, metal-based systems. Phil Green, Head of Technical at SaintGobain PAM UK, explains why the material benefits of ductile iron should be making the headlines instead.

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hroughout 2012, the media reported on increasing levels of water leakage for pipelines, particularly in polyethylene (PE) pipelines.

One article outlined how, in 2011, pipes owned by one utility provider alone leaked the equivalent of 32 Olympic swimming pools, spilling an average of 81 mega litres a day from 9000 miles of pipe. Meanwhile, industry regulator Ofwat estimated that while it would cost £100b to replace old and poorly maintained networks, leakage levels would only be halved. Many water companies are also failing to meet set targets on leakage levels, incurring substantial costs as a result, with one firm spending as much as £33m on repairs last year.

Media stories surrounding high levels of water leakage from PE pipes are nothing new. However, it is particularly frustrating that these issues are being

20 Public Sector Build Journal

highlighted as these pipes continue to replace many older, metal-based networks, when the material benefits offered by metal-pipe products are continuously demonstrated. Indeed, the performance of ductile iron has been emphasised by UK Water Industry Research which stated that, on trunk mains, ductile iron repair rates were 30 per 1000Km per annum compared with 68 for PE1.

Since its introduction in the early 1970s, ductile iron has established itself as the leading pipe network material for industry specifiers seeking optimum performance and durability, alongside cost-effectiveness and lowest environmental impact. Polyethylene is often perceived as the modern alternative that overcomes the perceived ‘problems’ of iron pipes, but does that perception stand up to scrutiny?

One of the key issues surrounds the

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A watertight solution

jointing of PE systems. While correctly made butt fusion generally delivers a trouble-free jointing solution – due to the controlled monitoring and testing procedures involved – electrofusion coupling is far less reliable. The joint may pass initial pressure tests but may fail prematurely once installed. Electrofusion jointing can also be highly susceptible to poor pipe and joint preparation, while the integrity of the pipe may be compromised through external contaminants, as the environment may not be controlled during installation.

Another issue is cost. Essentially, as the diameter of the pipe increases, so does the price. For many PE systems, manufacturers have reduced wall thickness to the minimum level required, relative to the working pressure of the pipeline. Furthermore, PE pipes have a relatively low safety factor of typically 1.2 for load performance, while ductile iron has a minimum of 2.5. Contractors have been known to encourage the use of dug materials for bedding and sidefill, when in fact these should only be used as trench fill above the pipe.

This approach to bedding may not be suitable to sufficiently support a flexible pipeline in the ground and, consequently, large diameter but thin-walled PE pipes are often installed without the proper structural support needed.

The properties of PE degrade with time and oxidation, both internally and externally, which can compromise pressure capability. While iron may corrode if left bare or inadequately protected, Saint-Gobain PAM UK manufactures pipes with a wide range of internal and external coatings, both active and barrier, which protect the metal and ensure the pipe properties and capabilities remain unchanged.

Where short-term cost is the major consideration and risks from system failure are negligible, PE systems will continue to be frequently specified.

However, as reports of PE pipelines leaking continue to grow, there is an opportunity to re-evaluate the materials used in water pipe replacement. When it comes to total cost, installation, longevity and performance, ductile iron offers a clear advantage.

www.saint-gobain-pam.co.uk

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Fire, Health & Safety

by Radio Frequency signals. When one alarm sounds, they all sound providing audible warning throughout the property.

Since it is important to differentiate between fire and CO once the alarm has been raised, a wall-mounted Alarm Controller should be used to locate the exact alarm which has registered the fire or CO.

Accurate placement

The CO alarm can be wirelessly interlinked with the existing smoke alarms

Next to selecting a good quality Carbon Monoxide (CO) alarm, the most important consideration is ensuring that it is installed and positioned correctly. Michael Wright, Product Manager at Aico, reflects on the necessary procedure.

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n HSE survey (Domestic Carbon Monoxide Alarms: Long Term Reliability And Use Scoping Study) recently found over 20% of CO alarms had not been fitted properly, often at an incorrect height or too far away from the potential source of a CO leak.

In such circumstances there can be a delay in detecting or inability to detect CO at all.

Recent Building Standards regulations for England and Wales require a CO alarm in every room of a new build property containing a fossil fuel building appliance but in an ideal world, a CO alarm should be fitted in every room containing any fuel-burning appliance.

However, BS EN 50292 recognises that this may not always be possible for financial reasons. It suggests that the next best option may be to install a detector in the room containing a flue-

22 Public Sector Build Journal

less or open-flued appliance. Rooms where the occupants spend most time could be the next priority, not forgetting room(s) where the appliance is most used.

It’s good advice, but obviously less than ideal. The main appliance could be in the lounge – in which case the occupants will very probably not be able to hear the alarm from their bedroom.

A compromise in this case would be to have the alarm sited downstairs, but with an interconnected repeater/sounder in the bedroom.

Alternatively, the CO alarm could be wirelessly interlinked with the existing smoke alarms. Only certain systems are able to do this, including Aico’s RadioLINK Professional. The alarms do not require hard wiring to each other, which is time consuming and disruptive to retro fit, but instead communicate

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Location, location, location

After considering how many alarms are to be fitted and in which rooms, the next consideration is the physical positioning of the alarm itself within the rooms. In any room with an appliance, the CO alarm should ideally be sited on the ceiling at least 300mm from a wall or any obstructions (e.g. light fittings) and from one to three metres horizontally from the appliance. If it has to be wall mounted, it should be fitted as high as possible but not within 150mm of the ceiling.

It should always be higher than door or window levels and away from anything that could affect the airflow to the alarm (such as extraction fans). It should also be away from any sources of moisture, such as a sink. If there is a partition or beam, always site the alarm on the side closest to the appliance and if the room has a sloping ceiling, site the alarm towards the highest area.

More and more landlords in the social housing sector are now installing CO alarms in their properties as standard practise; they understand the role these alarms play as life safety devices. But ensuring they are installed correctly to work to their best is just as important as specifying the best quality mains powered alarms you can afford.

www.aico.co.uk

A CO alarm should be fitted in every room containing any fuel-burning appliance

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Roofing

Rapid roof innovation Rapid Loft Board offers an excellent solution for contractors

Redland is moving further into the roof market than ever before by launching two roof insulation products. Rapid Rafter Insulation and Rapid Loft Board keep Redland at the forefront of roofing innovation and help to create a warm and comfortable home environment for occupants.

Rapid application With the recent launch of Green Deal, Rapid Loft Board offers an excellent solution for contractors looking to work within the scheme. Insulation is a measure included under Green Deal funding and may also attract cashback for the homeowner.

24 Public Sector Build Journal

Alternatively, Rapid Rafter Insulation is applied directly to the rafters with tiles laid on top. This creates a habitable loft space, fully sealed to create a ‘warm roof’. Consequently, Rapid Rafter Insulation is perfectly suited to re-roofing projects where work has to comply with the Building Regulations requirement to upgrade insulation when installing a new roof.

our Rapid Rafter Insulation and Rapid Loft Board products will help them do it.

“With energy prices skyrocketing and impetus from the Green Deal, contractors and merchants are ideally placed to take advantage, installing these products and helping the nation’s homeowners save energy.”

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apid Loft Board is especially relevant for homeowners who invariably like to utilise their loft space for storage. Rapid Loft Board goes in the loft space, horizontal at ceiling level – instead of mineral wool – with the board laid across the joists.

This converts the loft into a walkable storage area, as well as insulating the home, in one layer, to current Building Regulations.

Rapid Loft Board is incredibly easy for contractors to fit due to its tongue and groove edges. There is no messy mineral or glass wool required, except to seal around the perimeter, which saves on labour and installation time.

Off the shelf fixings are also used.

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Energy savings Rapid Rafter Insulation has an integrated vapour permeable underlay.

Bonded to the upper surface, with easy to seal self adhesive laps, this provides excellent vapour permeability.

Fewer fixings are required than comparable helical fixings and each insulation board has tongue and groove edges. This makes installation quicker and easier.

Steve Rose, Redland Product Portfolio Manager, comments: “Redland is on a mission to help homeowners make their homes warm and toasty and the launch of

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Online Enquiry 013 Public Sector Build Journal 25

Education

New schools of thought The public sector can solve many of its design challenges by using high-performance materials

Building for education is a challenging brief. Design has to be ambitious, so that students have inspiring environments in which they can learn. It also has to be functional as Steve Maskill, Technical Sales Manager for Siniat explains.

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chieving a blend of both is an acute challenge, not least when schools and colleges are incorporating ever more ambitious elements in their builds. Vocational training is now an important draw for prospective students, and highquality, specialist facilities can be a key differentiator when choosing

The college worked with architect Jefferson Sheard and contractor Miller Construction for the nine storey build

26 Public Sector Build Journal

between schools, especially so in the competitive post-GCSE market.

Accommodating these facilities, which span industries as diverse as construction, catering and the creative industries, into already demanding spaces requires a thorough understanding of the regulations.

Specialist equipment and larger learning areas often create higher volumes of noise and, in some cases, require heavier-duty materials for fire and impact resistance too. All of these are governed by exacting standards which, ultimately, ensure that the building is fully fit for purpose.

The result is that public sector contractors and designers have to plan carefully. One approach has been to turn ubiquitous, staple materials to a project’s advantage by specifying highperformance products that deliver far greater technical benefits. These can be varied for specific areas and, when specified, provide an efficient way of incorporating specialist facilities.

Acoustics are a case in point.

Managing sound levels is an intricate process when you consider the complex acoustic environments that schools provide. Areas of intense quiet,

like libraries, must be balanced with vibrant social spaces and recreation areas. In some situations sound has to carry, elsewhere it must be contained.

There are also exacting requirements to make sure that schools are providing the right learning environment when it comes to sound. In 2003, Building Bulletin 93 Regulation was published by the Department for Education to provide guidance for the acoustic design of schools. Its recommendations now have to be followed in order to comply with Building Regulations, as described in Building Regulations Approved Document E – Section E4.

The regulations set out requirements for noise control – both within the school premises and building, and from external sources – as well as the required sound quality for speech and music. Many of these can be demanding, especially for advanced facilities, like recording studios, that produce a high level of noise but have very low tolerance to sound from other spaces. Measures to meet these regulations can be complex. They can also be expensive.

However, advanced building materials are making compliance easier and more efficient to handle, even when complex, specialist facilities are involved. Take partitions. Once seen as a rather straightforward aspect of a project, modern partitions are delivering greater performance for acoustics, impact and fire resistance – vital when working noisy or active areas into the design of a school.

Sound control At Barnsley College, partitions were used to carefully manage the flow of sound to and from the new music department, as well as the £50m new build project’s workshops, dance studios and fully operational TV and radio recording studios. Careful specification also helped to reduce the cost. The college worked with architect Jefferson Sheard and contractor Miller Construction for the nine storey build, which was completed in summer 2012.

The project had a wide variety of requirements for its acoustic performance, with the necessary

Education

Partitions were used to carefully manage the flow of sound to and from the new music department

studios. Building Regulation Bulletin 93 contains no outline standard practice for incorporating these studios and recommends ‘seeking specialist advice’. Our experience at Barnsley College shows that the public sector can solve many of its design challenges by using high-performance materials within existing supplier frameworks.

Using a high-performance board also brought wider efficiencies for the project. The original specification was taking the main contractor over

Barnsley College is a £50m new build project, which opened for the start of the 2012 school year

budget. Because Siniat’s system only required a single layer to achieve the required technical performance for the majority of the project, the overall cost of the drylining element was reduced by around £45,000. That was a 7.5% saving, bringing the project back in line with the budget.

Dual challenge The board also saved time for decoration. It has an all-in-one presealed decorative white face with tapered edges, meaning that there is no need for the contractor to apply a primer sealer to the surface of the board. The result is that an entire work process is taken out of the installation.

Public sector building is constantly facing the dual challenge of incorporating more sophisticated facilities, while reigning back cost, and that’s nowhere more prominent than education. As an industry, we won’t be able to deliver these projects without embracing new, more efficient ways of working. Advanced materials have a huge role to play. Our experience at Barnsley College and elsewhere shows that, by embracing innovative, often unfamiliar products and practices, the public sector can make considerable savings.

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laboratory sound insulation ratings varying from 40RwdB (the measure for airborne sound) for the corridor walls up to 80RwdB for the recording studio walls.

For the classrooms, sub-contractor Ace Partitions worked with Siniat’s technical team to develop a partition lined with a single layer of the company’s 15mm GTEC Megadeco, instead of two layers of standard plasterboard, which would otherwise be required. The result not only fulfilled the requirements for sound, impact and fire resistance, but also made the job more efficient with only one layer to install, saving time and cost for the project.

For specialist areas of the building, such as the music department, the requirements were much tougher. As the music department contains two recording studios and has to withstand frequent use, and high levels of traffic passing by, it needed to balance sound insulation with durability. As a result, the team decided to create a timber frame around the studios that was lined with GTEC Megadeco and GTEC dB Board. A space was then left between the recording studio frame and the corridor wall to provide additional sound insulation, without compromising the durability of the corridor.

The project was particularly significant given the lack of specific guidance for specialist areas such as recording

www.siniat.com Public Sector Build Journal 27

Healthcare

Part of the package Knightsbridge Furniture at the Redwoods Centre in Shrewsbury

Furniture in any healthcare environment today has to be based upon a careful balance of functionality, durability, safety and visual appeal. Yet within environments catering for those affected by mental health issues, furniture and furnishings are expected to bring familiarity. Here, Alan Towns of Bradford-based manufacturer Knightsbridge Furniture considers how furniture is integral to the overall care package.

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“

lose your eyes and envisage the hospitals of a generation or two ago,” Alan urges. “I bet that, apart from the memory of unpleasant medical procedures or holding the hand of a poorly patient, the first thing which springs into your mind is the furniture.

Its look, its touch and even its smell were all so distinctive, typified by hard chairs, tacky surfaces, garish fabrics and mismatched styles!”

This rather random approach to decor styling paid scant regard to aesthetic appeal, being all too often the result of decisions made by hard-pressed clinical staff or well-meaning hospital friends seeking a cost-effective response to an immediate need. “Thankfully, things have changed, and they continue to do so,” asserts Alan. “Buying cheap and cheerful just isn’t an option any longer.

Furniture which isn’t durable simply won’t be up to the job and the cost of replacement can be high, both in terms of investment by the provider and in the emotional disruption to patients with an already fragile grip on stability.”

The benefits of a more holistic approach to furnishing hospitals, care homes and residential units are increasingly being acknowledged.

28 Public Sector Build Journal

Interior designers now consider furniture to be an essential element within an overall scheme, and making the right choices when it comes to seating, tables and occasional furniture has become as vital to the establishment of an ambience as the specification of lighting, flooring, draperies and art.

This move has necessitated a change in working practices too, with close relationships now being forged between interior architects and product designers in order to develop furniture to meet the needs of specific healthcare projects. Working together, architect and manufacturer can ensure a careful balance of colour, fabric, style and function to meet individual needs and expectations.

Amongst the earliest projects to demonstrate the effectiveness of this approach was the pioneering Norbury Ward ‘Healing Environment’, a King’s Fund initiative for South Staffordshire Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust, where a range of bespoke seating and dining furniture was created by Knightsbridge to meet guidelines for ‘active furniture’ formulated by architects Nightingale Associates – now part of the IBI Group.

“Of course we are looking for quality, durability and ease of maintenance,” explained the architects at the time.

“But we’re driven by the principle that patients and staff should derive pleasure from their surroundings – whether they are working, living or undergoing treatment there. Furniture can actually foster a healing experience, simply by nurturing a respect for surroundings.”

The Norbury Ward caters for people with severe mental health problems and the decision to include what might have been seen as ‘indulgent’ details – on-trend styling and leather upholstery for instance – was rewarded by the residents’ respectful response and careful treatment of their new furniture.

‘You’re doing this for us?’ was the simple and emotive question from one of the patients.

Safe and robust Yet despite its luxurious appearance, the furniture for the Norbury Ward was from the specialist Challenging Behaviour Furniture Collection by Knightsbridge and therefore comprised seating, tables and cabinet units designed to be safe and robust in situations where extremes of behaviour are expected. ‘Extreme’ specification seating has been designed with the aim of preventing it from being used in a threatening or self-harming context, for instance, with its comforting cosiness and stylish lines disguising plywood skinning, additional weighting and non-retractable fixings. This is complemented by furniture for residents with special needs, from seating for

For challenging environments - Slide

by Knightsbridge Furniture

Healthcare

bariatric users to bedroom cabinets developed with visual and tactile clues to aid dementia patients.

Whilst designed to meet individual needs, furniture for use in facilities where residents demonstrate violent behaviour can also form the basis of complete bespoke projects, again demonstrating the benefits and importance of a close designer-manufacturer-client relationship. Recent examples include the contract to design, manufacture and install furniture in the new State Hospital at Carstairs: the facility was formally opened by Health Secretary and Deputy First Minister Nicola Sturgeon in June 2012 to mark the completion of a £90m programme of rebuilding and upgrading.

One of only four high-security hospitals in the UK – Broadmoor, Rampton and Ashworth being the other three – the State Hospital at Carstairs treats some of Scotland’s most violent and dangerous psychiatric patients.

Employing around 700 staff, the facility has 140 beds for male patients who require the maximum level of secure care, including 12 beds for patients with learning disabilities.

“The State Hospital strives to establish an environment that is as comfortable as possible without compromising safety and security,” says Tom Hair, Head of Procurement with the State Hospitals Board for Scotland. “Finding the balance between looking good and being safe is always a difficult call but with support from the Knightsbridge mental health team

we were able to select aesthetically appealing furniture which meets our rigorous security needs.”

The bespoke wardrobes, beds, desks and bedside cabinets now in use throughout Carstairs are manufactured from laminated board and incorporate anti-tamper and non-ligature features to provide maximum safety and minimal risk for patients and staff alike. All surfaces are maintenance-free, easy to clean and finished in aestheticallypleasing contemporary shades.

To ensure the bedroom units are sufficiently robust and safe for such a highly secure environment, all products were tested to destruction by the hospital’s own security directorate.

Design modifications made in response to client feedback included the elimination of doors, hinges, rails and hangers and the concealment of fixings: thorough retesting then took place before the final products could be declared ‘fit for purpose’.

Therapeutic design Seating and tables from the same specialist collection have also been specified for the Redwoods Centre in Shrewsbury, the £46m inpatient mental health facility just opened by South Staffordshire & Shropshire Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust. Replacing the town’s old Shelton Hospital – which was built as an asylum in the 1840s – the village-style Redwoods Centre comprises seven wards offering 112 beds for adult mental health patients

'Extreme' spec Affinity seating

by Knightsbridge Furniture

cabinet units, all selected to create and complement a therapeutic ambience.

“I am delighted to say that the new furniture has been well-received by service users, staff and the managers of the Trust, and everyone has commented on how smart and modern it looks,” says Margaret Hughes, Operational Commissioning Manager of the Redwoods Centre. “The furniture meets all the varying needs of service users, yet there is no feel of being in an institution.”

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'Extreme' spec Lynx armchair and settee by Knightsbridge Furniture

from Shropshire, Telford and Wrekin as well as from further afield.

Whilst the emphasis of the care package provided by the centre is on supporting patients in their own homes wherever possible, the new facility enables them to be admitted as inpatients for periods of up to four weeks to provide intense support during crisis periods. In keeping with the feeling of a ‘village community’, the furniture in the day rooms, lounges, dining areas and bedrooms therefore needed to be homely and welcoming, yet with in-built longevity and resistance to abuse.

The order included upholstered seating, stacking chairs and foam block ‘soft’ seating together with tables and

www.knightsbridge-furniture.co.uk www.furniturewithpurpose.co.uk Public Sector Build Journal 29

Sustainability Live Preview its EcoStruxure and StruxureWare solutions on stand M10. Schneider will present in the Building Energy Management Systems session and take part in a Supply Chain and Procurement seminar, both on Thursday 18th April.

Celebrating innovation

Smart energy showcase This April will see the return of NEMEX energy Live, part of Sustainability Live, at the NEC in Birmingham on 16-18th April 2013.

Sustainability Live comprises not just NEMEX energy Live, but IWEX water Live and the brand new EfW EXPO energy from waste Live also.

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he theme of this year’s NEMEX energy Live is New Energy Management Excellence.

Responding to the ever-changing marketplace, the show will see a major focus on building energy management systems (BEMS), energy efficiency and innovative energy management – from lighting to building fabrics and software to solar. Like all Sustainability Live shows and seminars, NEMEX is free to attend.

Donna Bushell, Event Director at Sustainability Live, says: “There is so much on offer at NEMEX and all three shows, making it a must-attend event for professionals across the energy, water and energy from waste industries looking to network with like-minded individuals and source the latest product and services information to keep their organisation at the leading

30 Public Sector Build Journal

edge of innovation.”

Reflecting the issues and opportunities facing our sector today, the opening session of the NEMEX energy Live seminars, is on Energy Policy, featuring a presentation from the Association for the Conservation of Energy on the Government’s Energy Efficiency Strategy, whilst the DECC session is on the Energy Bill and its current status following its introduction into Parliament last November.

Other organisations in the seminar programme include KiWi Power, British Gas, OfGem, the Energy Networks Association, Energy Team, Siemens and NEF. Amongst the many topics being discussed are: Behavioural Change, PV/Solar, the Green Deal and Energy Management Standards.

NEMEX energy Live is sponsored by Schneider Electric which will showcase

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A must-attend event for professionals across the energy, water and energy from waste industries looking to network with like-minded individuals

NEMEX this year has attracted industry leading exhibitors including Business Stream, which has just reported that it expects to save Glasgow City Council £1.3m through its Gainshare scheme through the life of its contract; BSI, CODEL International and Worldview Learning will be showing new initiatives; Micronics, whose meters were recently installed at a large NHS hospital in Bedfordshire to improve energy monitoring and efficiency, will display new products and Energys Group will show its full range of energy saving devices and talk about how its ‘Save It Easy’ low-energy lighting has helped West Sussex County Council to save 389 tonnes of CO2.

Other exhibitors include: NQA, Lucy Switchgear, powerPerfector, EIC, Utility Partnership, Stokvis Energy Systems, IMSERV and Marshall Tufflex.

The well-established Environment and Energy Awards, celebrating excellence and innovation from private and public sector businesses and technology providers takes place on the first evening of the event (Tuesday 16th April) at the National Motorcycle Museum.

www.sustainabilitylive.com

Responding to the ever-changing marketplace, the show will see a major focus on building energy management systems

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Leisure

The Brockwell Park play development is a perfect illustration of the positive impact shared green spaces and play provision can have on the local community

Variety is key Brockwell Park in Herne Hill, South London is registered grade 2 on the English Heritage Register of Historic Parks and gardens. Under the management of Lambeth Council since 1982, Brockwell Park has received an essential upgrade with thanks to land use specialist, LUC and play equipment expert, Timberplay.

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he popular 50 hectare park was in need of redevelopment, in addition to the new play area there was also a need to carry out essential work on the drains and some improvements to the paths and landscaping. LUC were retained to work on the rejuvenation of the park from 2005, part of their remit included securing funding for the entire project. The completion of the ‘natural’ playground marks the first stage in the redevelopment program.

LUC have worked with Timberplay on a number of high profile play developments over the past decade and, once again, they used several products from the well-respected play company’s extensive range to create a real stand out play area.

range of equipment. The playground is made to look as natural as possible with large glacial boulders, sandblasted concrete, timber benches and wooden walkways. The aquatic history of the site is celebrated with a combination of water play equipment, including spray jets, water pumps and dams. There is also an extensive sand pit and picnic lawns.

The larger playground opened in May 2012, comprising three new playground areas within a natural setting, with picnic area grass mounding, rocks, tunnels and planting.

Covering three distinct areas, this playground has been created to appeal to all ages. There is a dedicated toddler area with swings, playhouse, wobble dish, sailing boat, ramps and slides. The junior play area includes equipment such as a log bridge, suspension bridge, hut, see-saw and a climbing wall. And the senior play area has a zip wire, timberwood tangle, nest swing and whirlwind feature.

The Brockwell Park play development is a perfect illustration of the positive impact shared green spaces and play provision can have on the local community. Not only are play areas vital for children to let off steam,

The first new playground has a beautiful location in the heart of the park, replacing an old Victorian paddling pool. LUC created designs for a natural play area that reflected the historic surroundings of Brockwell Park and used a varied and exciting

32 Public Sector Build Journal

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Natural appeal

©LUC

Brockwell Park is now a community hub - which is the ideal outcome for any park development program

Leisure

©LUC

The new playgrounds have been very well received by the local community.

The site is a destination playground for children and families not just within the immediate community, but neighbouring communities also.

Councillor Florence Nosegbe, Lambeth Council Cabinet Member for Culture, Sport and the 2012 Games, who opened the natural playground said: “I can’t imagine many places better for children or their families to come and play and enjoy themselves.”

LUC have also received several pieces of positive feedback from park users, here is just a selection: “We have always loved the park and the improvements have only added to our enjoyment of it. The waterpark and new playground are wonderful, our children love them and the fact that they get so busy is a testament to how good they are and what a draw they are to the park. The ponds are looking beautiful and the general work such as relaying of paths and new railings, seats etc has made the park more attractive and user friendly. All the work has been done very sensitively and the

park has retained its character.”

“The tunnel of trees is so lovely and my kids always find a new climbing frame to explore every time we go. My sons think the pipes in the sandpit are really cool and I feel very proud to bring friends from other parts of the country to see the great place we live.”

“The design is spectacular and stimulates all age groups. I’m glad to see equipment that really challenges older children’s abilities. The new play park has reinvigorated the community and really brought people together. It is difficult to over-estimate the positive social impact it has had on a huge number of families, not to mention the effect on health and wellbeing.

Furthermore, it is satisfying to think that these benefits will be felt by future generations.”

Paul Collings, Managing Director from Timberplay says: “Working with LUC is always a very gratifying process. They approach to play is extremely innovative, they perfectly demonstrate the creative process of delivering a wide variety of play opportunities within a given site, effectively using landscaping alongside play equipment to create destination playgrounds. We are very proud to be their supplier of choice.”

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Reaping the rewards

©LUC

The playground is made to look as natural as possible with large glacial boulders

www.timberplay.com www.landuse.co.uk

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but they are also very valuable for the wider community, an opportunity for parents and carers to get together and a pleasant environment to spend an hour or two. An overlooked and underutilised community space for several years, Brockwell Park is now a community hub – which is the ideal outcome for any park development program.

©LUC

LUC used several products from Timberplay's extensive range to create a real stand out play area

Public Sector Build Journal 33

Roofing & Cladding

Redefining copper Vertical copper panels with various Nordic surfaces from Aurubis Architectural

Often we need to look back to understand the dynamics of architectural product and material developments and where they might lead in the future. Copper cladding is one example with an increasingly diverse presence in contemporary design, explains Chris Hodson, architect and consultant to international copper specialist Aurubis Architectural.

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opper was one of the first metals used by man and is one of our oldest building materials, with unique properties and characteristics. It’s tempting to still think of it in terms of historic city roofscapes but with the twentieth century and international modern movement came a transformation from copper’s historic role as a durable roofing material to a flexible architectural skin over any external surfaces including walls. The malleability of copper sheet allows it to be used as a covering for architectural elements of all shapes with minimal constraints.

Surfaces can be flat, curved or faceted and used at any inclination or pitch, and in any environment. As a result, modern architects have focused on copper as a wrapping for building forms with material continuity. They continue to exploit this capability today, fired by the complex forms made

34 Public Sector Build Journal

possible and, indeed, encouraged by computer aided design techniques – now expanded further with building information modelling (BIM). But, with the move to postmodernism and beyond, many designers have been keen to explore other possibilities of the material as well.

against corrosion and can repair itself if damaged, defining the exceptional longevity of copper cladding – counted in hundreds of years.

A complex combination of factors determines the nature and speed of patination, which can take several years or even decades to develop naturally. Not surprisingly, factory applied surface treatments have been popular for some time to provide straightaway green patination or brown

Weathered appearance Designers have always been fascinated by copper’s continuously changing surface appearance and the natural development of its distinctive patina in the environment. Within a few days of exposure to the atmosphere, the surface begins to oxidise, changing its colour from the ‘bright’ mill finish to a chestnut brown, which gradually darkens over several years to anthracite. Continued weathering can then result in the appearance of the distinctive green patina – or blue in coastal locations. This patina film provides impressive protection

Factory applied surface treatments have been popular for some time to provide straightaway green patination or brown oxidisation

Roofing & Cladding

Added dimension As well as these surfaces, designers are also using copper alloys for cladding, such as brass and bronze, as well as a recently developed alloy with a long-term golden colour.

Architects are now experimenting with combinations of all these different surfaces, in the knowledge that most will continue to change over the years, adding a living time dimension to their designs. But they are also using new installation techniques and material forms of copper as well.

Traditionally, copper has been used as a lightweight, fully supported covering with joints defining ‘bays’, determining its structured look. A more modern interpretation is the ‘long strip’ system where copper trays up to around 10m in length eliminate cross-welts, creating a strong linear appearance.

More recently, other, generally prefabricated and self-supporting, systems have appeared. For facades, copper panels pre-formed on two sides can be used vertically, horizontally or diagonally. For larger flat areas, cassettes have squarer proportions with folded edges to

For facades, copper panels pre-formed on two sides can be used vertically, horizontally or diagonally

all four sides, while shingles offer a distinctive ‘fish scale’ appearance with shapes including squares, diamonds and rhomboids. These installation techniques or systems give ‘grain’ and structure to the external skin of a building, helping to define its character.

Probably the most exciting developments in metals generally now are with new material forms creating extra dimensions of modulation, texture and transparency for architectural surfaces – and copper is well-suited to this new approach. Designers are now working with embossed and pressed shapes, and profiled sheets to add an extra dimension, as well as with perforated or expanded sheets and mesh for transparency and veiled effects. Copper is also being used to form specific building elements such as

slatted or louvred systems.

Today, we can see that copper is effectively being redefined in terms of new surfaces, forms and systems and how they can be combined. But what of the future? There is a real impetus now for more exploration of the wider design opportunities of copper for contemporary architecture, with a definite sense of freedom. This is driven by architects. The challenge for the copper industry is to realise designers’ concepts, no matter how innovative, while making sure that technical and performance criteria are met. And the key to this is effective working partnerships between copper specialists and architects, based on mutual understanding.

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oxidisation. Most recently, designers have been keen to explore variants of these surfaces and far more choice is available today. These include different levels of brown pre-oxidisation and various intensities of green or blue patina flecks, revealing some of the dark oxidised material behind.

At Aurubis, the pre-patination processes involved are very similar to those taking place in the environment and utilise copper mineral compounds, forming an integral part of the copper.

The various surfaces have properties and colours based on the same brochantite mineralogy found in natural patinas all over the world. Essentially, they bring forward the environmental changes without taking away the integrity of copper as a natural, living material. It is important to realise that they are not coatings or paints, and natural changes will continue over time in the environment. So, there are no effective means of arresting the natural processes to ‘freeze’ the copper surface in time.

www.aurubis.co.uk

Modern architects have focused on copper as a wrapping for building forms with material continuity

Public Sector Build Journal 35

BFE UK Preview speak on one day.

Taking place on 7th May in Westminster, the EFA’s thoughts on strategy, project delivery and design will be explored by Peter Lauener, Rachel Stephenson, Mairi Johnson, Mike Green and Mike Coleman in a series of keynote addresses.

Interactive event

Cutting through complexity 2013 is shaping up to be a crucial year for the building schools sector. Several important changes are set to take place which will usher in a new era. Understandably the progress of the Priority Schools Building Programme is generating headlines, but of equal importance is the expiry of established frameworks for Academies, Free Schools, Studio Schools and UTCs.

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s the very last BSF schools enter their final build phase it really is a case of out with the old and in with the new. A lot of work is up for grabs – research firm Barbour ABI estimates the education building market is worth £6b a year overall.

The last 10 years has seen constant and sometimes surprising change in the building schools sector, since 2006 the Building Future Education (BFE) event has helped contractors, architects and clients navigate their way through several policy and funding revolutions. A vital nexus between clients and design and build teams, BFE has been one of the few events to cover all types of school and have a pure built environment focus to it.

Dedicated focus Since its launch BFE has had a close relationship with the main delivery body for schools, formerly Partnerships

36 Public Sector Build Journal

for Schools and now the Education Funding Agency (EFA). The EFA’s senior managers are now a regular fixture on the conference circuit but BFE is the only event that will have all of the organisation’s main practitioners

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School children taking part in the Elliott RoR £100k classroom competition

Major industry figures will join the EFA executives, including world-renowned expert on learning environments Professor Stephen Heppell, Rob Charlton of BIM pioneers _space group, superhead Rachel de Souza who ran England’s most improved school Barnfield West, and Andrew Aisthorpe of Lloyds, funder of the flagship £50m Bradford College.

This year what will delegates most want to hear about? Major contractors in particular are hungry for knowledge about the £2.4b PSBP, and the recently launched Targeted Basic Need programme for primaries which has an eye-popping £5b allocated to it until the end of 2015. The challenge for the industry is to keep abreast of client needs – schools will be built in different geographical locations for different reasons and for a different client than before.

The PSBP is expected to lead to Spartan schools with few specialist classrooms, while Academies retain idiosyncratic specialisms, and other new schools such as UTCs will be tailored to a distinct curriculum. BFE covers the planning, design and procurement of all these schools. For this reason we will see church diocese officers and council officials rubbing shoulders with architects, contractors, QSs and engineers at the event.

With such a top level and experienced audience, BFE will let delegates have their say in the most interactive event we’ve ever done – live polling, a twitter wall and a Question Time-style session will enable delegates to probe officials and relate project experiences to their peers.

For more details and to register for the event, log on to the BFE UK website.

www.bfeuk.com

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Canopies, Shelters & Shading

The entire canopy, membrane and supporting framework must be fabricated and installed to strict building and BS standards

Get it covered A canopy is not just about providing shelter from the elements, these versatile outdoor structures can be custom-designed to make a striking visual statement as well as provide practical functionality.

Maple Sunscreening considers the key aspects of converting an architectural aspiration into a buildable canopy solution.

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he term ‘canopy’ encompasses a wide range of architectural structures, from practical allweather shelters and public walkways to bespoke feature canopies designed to cover an outdoor performance area or to enhance the entrance of a landmark building.

Tensile canopies, or fabric structures, are an increasingly popular architectural feature in all kinds of public space, from airports and shopping malls to sports arenas. Dramatic sail canopies, for example, so called because of their saillike tensioned fabric membranes, can be twisted, overlapped and angled into a virtually limitless array of soaring forms.

Whether they are providing a subtle architectural accent or expanded over a large area, a fabric tensioned canopy system offers architects and designers a highly versatile and colourful feature that is easily integrated into any environment.

In addition to fabric membranes, canopies can be designed with clear, frosted or tinted glass roofs for classic aesthetic appeal. Depending on the construction, curved, flat or cantilevered roofs are all possible, while a hipped

38 Public Sector Build Journal

will withstand anticipated wind and snow loads to potential maintenance issues and vandal resistance.

So there’s clearly more to a canopy than meets the eye. From Maple’s experience, establishing a workable design begins with the answers to a few basic questions. These include: What is the main purpose of the canopy, eg solar shading, rain protection, or style? What size area do you want to cover? Who will use the area, eg children, which can affect the regulations that may apply?

Where will the canopy be located, so any specific environmental conditions can be accommodated in the design? Are there any specific design requirements in terms of canopy style, shape and finish to complement an adjoining building, for example?

Let’s take a look at some of these design considerations in more detail, starting with the size of area to be covered. A hipped roof canopy system is an attractive and effective solution for any large outdoor area, converting it into a usable space whatever the weather. It provides a strong, ridged

roof solution provides a robust, rigid structure. And as part of a fully bespoke design, supporting steel structures can be polyester-coated to RAL or specialist colours to complement or create a dramatic contrast with the surrounding landscape or buildings.

Whilst the design possibilities are seemingly endless, developing an architect’s aspiration into a buildable solution can be more of a challenge.

Specifying a canopy for any outdoor public space, whether it’s large or small, simple or complex, involves more than just aesthetics. Whilst creating the right visual effect is obviously important, every canopy needs to be fully engineered to ensure structural integrity and regulatory compliance, just like any other external structure in a public location.

Structural performance Needless to say, the entire canopy, membrane and supporting framework must be fabricated and installed to strict building and BS standards. Regional location, and who is likely to use the covered area, will also have an impact on the design, from ensuring the structure

The canopy's steel framework needs to be specified to suit the location to ensure a long and corrosion-free life

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Canopies, Shelters & Shading structure, which unlike a sail canopy won’t have the tendency to sag or flap.

This option also offers good resistance against climbing or vandalism, making it particularly well suited for a children’s playground in a public park or school.

Local environmental conditions will have an influence on the design and build specification, as well as ongoing maintenance requirements once the canopy is installed. For example, are leaves likely to collect on top of the canopy, particularly if it’s a flat-roof structure? Will bird droppings, air pollution from traffic, or strong, direct sunlight pose potential problems?

Increased stability Every canopy needs to be fully engineered to ensure structural integrity and regulatory compliance

and corrosion-free life. A galvanised finish is recommended for maximum durability, particularly in marine or coastal environments. Exterior grade 316 stainless steel should be used for all cables, fixings and tensioning accessories as it offers high resistance to rusting for a longer lifespan and reduced repair and replacement costs. As well as being extremely durable, galvanised steel can have striking visual appeal.

However, achieving a consistent finish on all structural sections can be quite difficult. For this reason, and for aesthetic effect, a polyester powder coating or paint is often applied as a top coat. This adds extra protection and most canopy

manufacturers offer a choice of standard RAL colours or special finishes to satisfy individual design requirements.

In the UK, it’s probably fair to say that most canopies are built to protect people from rain rather than shade them from the sun! So in addition to ensuring a structure will withstand anticipated wind and snow loadings, one of the primary design considerations has to be, what happens to the rainwater. The natural path of water across the surface of the canopy can take many routes depending on the curvature of the roof.

The shape of the canopy can be used to direct water to preferred areas.

Any areas where water might build up, or ‘pond’, should be identified and eliminated during the design and engineering process. Where required, a drainage system can be incorporated into the design. With many different ways to deal with rainwater effectively and aesthetically, it’s important to give this common problem careful consideration at an early stage.

Correctly designed, manufactured and installed, canopies have exciting architectural potential. At Maple, we believe close cooperation between designer and manufacturer, from the initial concept to completion on site, is essential to the success of any canopy project in terms of both looks and lifetime performance.

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Fabric PVC membranes incorporate various agents and pigments to provide colour stability and to minimise dirt build-up, which looks unsightly and can become ingrained into the surface if left unchecked. Special fabric coatings can reduce the potentially damaging effects of climatic degradation, including the aesthetic appearance and levels of light under the membrane. Of course, colour stability isn’t a problem for glazed canopies, and specifying self-cleaning glass, often used in conservatory roofs, helps reduce cleaning frequency and will keep the canopy looking like new for longer.

In addition to the choice of roof membrane, the canopy’s steel framework needs to be specified to suit the location to ensure a long

Curved, flat or cantilevered roofs are all possible, while a hipped roof solution provides a robust, rigid structure

40 Public Sector Build Journal

www.maplesunscreening.co.uk

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Landscaping

A safe and stimulating environment

Roger Critchley, Managing Director at Addagrip Surface Treatments, looks at how paving and surfacing in hospital gardens can create a calming and sensory experience for patients and their families.

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isiting a friend or relative in hospital can be a worrying and stressful experience – so having somewhere quiet and calming to escape to even for a few minutes, could really make the difference. The majority of new hospitals and hospices are designed nowadays to include some outside space and garden areas and this also often provides comfort to patients who are well enough to take a short stroll or sit out in a wheelchair or people attending outpatient appointments.

Hospital and hospice gardens can also play a key role as sensory spaces – where sick children, for example, can enjoy different scents from a variety of herbs; experience a range of textures to touch; enjoy a variety of colours through the imaginative use of planting and different tones in the hard structure, such

42 Public Sector Build Journal

as the paving; and hear attractive noises as gentle breezes touch wind chimes.

While designers could probably let their imagination go wild in such spaces, it is important to bear in mind that hospital gardens need to be designed to accommodate a number of key design and practical features. Importantly, they should offer easy and safe access, with smooth but non-slip paving and paths wide enough to take a bed if necessary.

They also need to be safe, with a limited number or no steps, no trip hazards and be low maintenance.

Addagrip has recently worked on a landscaping project at the new Pembury Hospital, near Tunbridge Wells in Kent.

A state-of-the-art building which opened in 2012, it was the first hospital in the UK to offer exclusive single occupancy rooms on each ward. Outside, the

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Terrabound Resin Bound Surfacing offers a smooth, seamless finish with no loose stones

external spaces were designed to maximise the impact of the surrounding woodland and provide an inviting habitat for local birdlife and wildlife.

The contractor chose to use our Terrabound Resin Bound Surfacing on the pathways – as it has a number of features which work well in hospital environments. It is, for instance, hardwearing, has good slip resistance and is especially good for areas with an incline – the Pembury Hospital site is quite hilly in places – and complements a scheme with a natural feel.

While the colour chosen for the pathways at Pembury Hospital was neutral – to introduce a calming, natural feel – it is possible to introduce colour into the product, which is useful in schemes requiring a stimulating environment, such as sensory gardens and hospital or hospice schemes for children.

The whole scheme was designed to be low maintenance. Terrabound Resin Bound Surfacing offers a smooth, seamless finish with no loose stones – making it comfortable to walk on and easy to navigate with a wheelchair or hospital bed. To improve slip resistance the product is finished with a fine layer of glass grit.

With the typically varied UK weather, it also makes sense to have gardens which do not end up covered in puddles after a rainstorm. Terrabound is porous, so there is no surface water issue.

A spell in hospital is never ideal but the Pembury Hospital project shows that the hospital environment and the grounds can be made to be as userfriendly and inviting as possible.

www.addagrip.co.uk

Hospital gardens should offer easy and safe access, with smooth but non-slip paving and paths

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Roofing, Cladding & Insulation

With ever increasing pressure on thermal performance, every design team is tasked with producing a high-efficiency envelope

Specification made easy with Britmet Brit-Spec is the professional's quick and easy system for producing complete Tactray 90 project specifications and associated information requirements within four to five 'clicks' on www.britmet.co.uk. Lee Attley Managing Director of Britmet Tileform explains this unique development. regulations and environmental considerations place increasing pressure on all elements of the design and construction teams to produce highly efficient envelopes capable of producing ideal working, teaching or living spaces.

High efficiency envelope Tactray 90 is ideally placed to contribute towards achieving these demands. The product allows versatile designs whilst providing a large range of U-values for thermal performance now down to 0.1µ; acoustic performance including sound absorbency and sound separation; air leakage rates 60% better than current Building Regulations.

Structural performance including large spans, lateral restraint and diaphragm actions, colour coated or plain galvanised internal soffit, thin cantilevers, bespoke internal coverings to suit project requirements – i.e. swimming pools, environmental benefits including easy recyclability, BREEAM Excellence.

The Brit-Spec system incorporates 54 different specifications, each of which can be adjusted to suit a minimum of at least eight alternatives creating a minimum of 432 potential roofing specifications.

With ever increasing pressure on

thermal performance, every design team is tasked with producing a high-efficiency envelope. With Brit-Spec, simply click and a full range of thermal performance data becomes available. Tactray 90 is the only structural tray with a BBA Certificate and the only structural tray with a factory fitted air seal. BBA tests prove an air leakage performance nearly 60% better than current Building Regulations.

Therefore the combination of thermal calculations (based on physical tests by the BBA) alongside proven performance gives the entire design and construction team total confidence.

Modern construction methods include stringent confirmation regarding the whole life cycle of the project. The Brit-Spec system provides Technical Data Sheets and can be included within your overall project submissions.

Even with a wealth of tests and performance figures, it is always good to have the back up of a range of successful projects to refer to when discussing design proposals. Simply click on the Case Study section and add to the project folder.

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he Brit-Spec system has been designed to provide a wealth of information within a few seconds.

All information can then be stored in a Project Specific Folder for future use and for distribution to the entire design team.

The information provided by Brit-Spec can be specifically tailored to suit the designer’s personal requirements or the requirements of each individual project.

Brit-Spec will provide all of this information for a wide variety of applications which in turn allows for unrivalled levels of performance linked with unparalleled flexibility and continuity of design.

The Tactray 90 Structural Support System provides unique and BBA Certified qualities and benefits for each and every project. For this reason Tactray 90 forms the Structural Foundation for the Brit-Spec System.

Brit-Spec generates project specific information across a range of 6 different roofing disciplines. Each one incorporates Tactray 90 as a structural liner. Future developments of Brit-Spec will extend into further roofing options, photovoltaics, structural ceilings, vertical cladding, rainscreen and flat to pitched conversions.

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Public Sector Build Journal 45

Roofing, Cladding & Insulation

New dual tested ACTIS insulation

Insulation manufacturer ACTIS has introduced the HYBRID range - a range of three products aimed at addressing longstanding, DECC recognised, evidence of a performance gap between predicted and actually achieved building energy savings.

ACTIS, known for its innovative insulation products – as the pioneer of multifoils since 1980 and for its wood fibre insulation range launched in 2009 – has developed a new range of thermally efficient products whose performance, once installed in buildings, matches that predicted in the lab.

The trio of products in the HYBRID range has been dual tested in the lab according to EN 16012 and their declared thermal performance has been verified on site according to ISO 9869 by Glasgow Caledonian University. These test address the issue that there may be a difference between how insulation performs in situ and its effectiveness predicted by laboratory test results.

The lab testing sees the products’ thermal performance measured under steady state conditions at a pre-defined temperature difference.

Then, once installed in a building, the products are subjected to a range of

Recticel launches new class of eurothane range Recticel Insulation has announced the launch of a Class 0 version of its popular Eurothane GP board.

Eurothane GP Class 0 is composed from a closed cell, rigid polyisocyanurate foam core, which is faced on both sides with an aluminium foil. It has an exceptionally low thermal conductivity of 0.022 W/mK making it ideal for applications that require very high levels of thermal insulation.

What’s more, it is both CFC and HCFC free, meaning it has zero ozone depletion potential. ( *

 enq 026 01782 590470 enquiries@recticelinsulation.co.uk

46 Public Sector Build Journal

climatic conditions including wind, humidity and solar effects. On site confirmation of the declared product thermal performance means that its thermal behaviour is under control and cannot be the reason for a building’s

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performance gaps, which can be as great as 35% according to DECC. All hybrid products can be used as standalone solutions or in a combination to achieve the highest U-value requirements with a minimal thickness.

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Extended choice in walling products Wienerberger has added to its extensive brick offering by launching six new products into its Terca range. The launch of Marpessa Multi, Rudgwick Multi Stock, Staffordshire Smooth Crimson, Staffordshire Smooth Brown, Staffordshire Brown Dragfaced and Staffordshire Red Dragfaced represents the latest stage of the company’s drive to provide an unrivalled and market leading selection. These new bricks have different characteristics and are targeted at different market sectors. The Staffordshire Smooth Crimson, Staffordshire Smooth Brown, Staffordshire Brown Dragfaced and Staffordshire Red Dragfaced are precise, extruded bricks specifically designed for specification projects, commercial developments and select housing projects. *

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0161 491 8200

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Roofshield to the rescue The A. Proctor Group recently donated 10 rolls of its high specification pitched roof underlay, Roofshield, to renovate The Meal Mill on the Scottish Isle of Raasay.

The refurbishment of the old Mill will help to sustain and develop both the economy and cultural heritage of the remote island of Raasay. Roofshield has unique vapour and air permeability characteristics, which allows even the most complex of pitched roofs to breathe – without the need for traditional air gaps or secondary venting products. Roofshield is as easy to install as traditional roofing felt. *

ask@proctorgroup.com

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01250 872261

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185 x 122 Shorguard.pdf

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H O S P I TA L S

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POWER

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PUBLIC BUILDINGS

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SCHOOLS

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SHOPPING CENTRES

SG4 FREESTANDING GUARDRAIL SYSTEM  Unique patented lifting shoe  Safe, secure and cost effective flat roof edge protection Please visit our website or call David Crabb at Whelan Plant:

SG4

Tel: 01959 571788 Fax: 01959 571068 Email: info@shorguard.co.uk www.shorguard.co.uk UNIQUE LIFTING SHOE

SG1

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PERMANENT

TEMPORARY

SHORGUARD EDGE PROTECTION SYSTEMS

Public Sector Building Journal 90x122mm (Rob)_Layout 1 13/03/2013 17:49 P

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Natural Selection

LEVATO MONO, a next generation paver system Pavers comprised of a 20mm single layer of loadbearing porcelain stoneware, with incredible technical and aesthetic features. Self-levelling and height adjustable pedestals allow for rapid installation over uneven sub-surfaces and any waterproof membrane.

Experience the art of landscaping with the dramatic effect of stone

Apricot

Black Polished Pebbles

Plum Slate

Coral

Blue Slate

Cornflint

Scottish Pebbles

Eco Aggregates

Long Rake Spar has developed this range of Eco Aggregates as part of our commitment to the environmentally responsible management of natural resources.

Ivory White

Just a few of the benefits: • • • • • • • • •

Ideal for roof terraces & balconies ‘Floating’ floor - installation over single ply membranes High load bearing - static load up to 1 tonne per paver Eternal product - massive over life savings Zero maintenance Slip resistance: BS pendulum test up to +65 wet Timber & stone effect - 11 finishes available Completely non-pourous Lightweight - 45kg per sqm

Terracotta

Flamingo Pebbles

Eco Mix

EcoRoc Green Roof Substrates

Long Rake Spar produce three categories of Green Roof substrates, each containing a blend to specific proportions of recycled and lightweight aggregates with composted bio-waste products.

The three products have been designed to suit most landscaping and ecological specifications.

Long Rake Spar Co Ltd The Deck Tile Co. Ltd PO BOX 3576, Wokingham, RG40 9GR W: www.thedecktileco.co.uk • E: info@thedecktileco.co.uk • T: 0845 2700 696

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Youlgrave, Nr. Bakewell, Derbyshire DE45 1LW. Tel: 01629 630133 Fax: 01629 636247

www.longrakespar.co.uk admin@longrakespar.co.uk

Online Enquiry 031 Public Sector Build Journal 47

HVAC floor heating and solar thermal.

The lower operating temperature in underfloor heating applications results in higher operating efficiencies.

Following in-depth discussions with the Plumbing contractors (a Space Air Solutions customer), the builder and the Housing Association, it was agreed that the Daikin LT 8kW integrated system would be applied with Space Air Solution’s bespoke adaptations to enable the addition of solar water heating to the 250L storage cylinder and the internal components to fit the space provided.

Complete monitoring

A bespoke solution, that fits In order to offer tenants a low cost heating solution that was simple and easy to use, a reputable housing association called on the services of Space Air Solutions to provide its recognised and suitable system - the Space Air Daikin Altherma.

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n independent, charitable housing association that has been providing high quality affordable homes in Surrey, Sussex and South West London, planned to demolish six old and tired bungalows – three of which were uninhabitable – and replace them with 12 new two-bedroom and threebedroom apartment homes. Six of the two-bedroom and three-bedroom apartments, situated on the ground floor, were specifically designed for people with serious mobility issues.

It was vital for the housing association to provide the homes with low cost heating and an ‘easy to operate’ system. Each apartment, measuring 94m2 required low temperature systems to connect to

48 Public Sector Build Journal

underfloor heating throughout and domestic hot water which would also be linked to solar thermal panels. The buildings were off mains gas and the original heating systems had been all electric storage heaters and emersion DHW cylinders.

Minimal disruption The Space Air Daikin Altherma heat pump systems had to be installed in stages, to minimise disruption for the tenants. The first phase, required a quick turn around to enable the existing tenants to be rehoused. The remaining eight apartments build and heating system installations began on completions of phase 1.

The Daikin Altherma low temperature system is ideally suited to both under

■

It was vital for the housing association to provide the homes with low cost heating and an 'easy to operate' system

For this project energy consumption and low running costs were top of the housing association’s priorities, combined with confidence that the choice of system would be able to maintain low operating costs during its life.

The existing tenants were enthusiastic about the adoption of green technologies.

Space Air Solutions provided the housing association with a full simulation report which detailed the cost of operating the Daikin equipment for both heating and hot water as well as carbon emissions and compared this to other fuel types, such as gas, oil and direct electric. Every Daikin Altherma system supplied by Space Air Solutions comes complete with a consumer unit and wattmeter, to monitor the systems energy usage.

Space Air provided one day’s training to the existing tenants, builder, plumbing contractor and representative from the housing association, showing them how to control the system – set temperatures and times etc. Easy user guide booklets and a step-by-step quick guide, designed by Space Air’s in-house marketing team were left in each apartment.

The housing association advised that it is very happy with the heat pump installations. The tenants have also commented that the systems are warming the apartments up nicely.  *

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marketing@spaceair.co.uk ( 01483 252252

HVAC

Evinox named main distributor of Fontecal Corolla boilers Evinox has been appointed official UK distributor for the Fontecal Corolla range of commercial boilers. The Corolla range has been available in the UK since around 2004 and the new arrangement with Evinox assures continuing availability of both boilers and spare parts for existing and new customers.

The Evinox Corolla series of wall hung, condensing, pre-mix boilers consists of four models – 381, 382, 501 and 502.

These boilers feature either one or two heat exchanger modules within a single casing, with boiler outputs of 38, 50, 76 and 100kW to provide closer load matching.

The Corolla has an innovative bimetallic heat exchanger with large waterways, constructed from copper internally on the waterside and stainless steel externally on the flue side. The high efficiency design results in low flue gas temperatures, meaning a simple fit 60mm diameter Polypropylene flue system can be used.

With efficiency figures as high as 108.7% nett at (30%) part load, and

European Class 5 NOx emission levels as low as 28 mg/kWh, the Corolla has excellent environmental benefits, and far exceeds current requirements for Part L Building Regulations.

To simplify installation and maintenance, optional hydraulic connection kits, polypropylene flue headers and low loss header kits are available. Sophisticated controls, based on the master and slave principle, enable the Corolla to manage multiple heating zones and up to 60 boiler modules in cascade.

Evinox specialises in the supply and maintenance of heating and hot water systems for commercial and residential buildings, and offer comprehensive, integrated H&V solutions.

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info@evinox.co.uk ( 01372 722277

ADEY expands UK sales operation Heating industry manufacturer ADEY has expanded its UK sales operation with the appointment of three further area managers to meet demand for its awardwinning MagnaClean filters. Kevin John joins ADEY from Glow-worm Boilers and will strengthen the sales team in central southern counties. Also reinforcing sales in the southern region will be Steve Warrington previously with Veissmann and Ideal Heating who will focus his energies in London and counties south of the capital. In the north, David Robb takes on a dedicated sales role across the border becoming ASM for Scotland. He brings with him experience from Mitsubishi and Worcester Bosch. *

info@adey.co.uk

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01242 546700

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Daikin Europe launches LT Hydrobox Daikin Europe has launched a Low Temperature (LT) Hydrobox for the latest generation of the VRV heat pump, which offers all the benefits of air-to-air VRV technology, plus the ability to integrate an air-to-water system to provide highly efficient space heating and cooling. The LT Hydrobox indoor unit (HXY-A) is designed specifically to work with VRV IV, the only VRV system on the market today capable of automatically adjusting output in response to changes in external temperatures. With the launch of the new LT Hydrobox, VRV IV offers the option of highly efficient air-to-water heating and/or cooling in small commercial buildings. *

renewable@daikin.co.uk

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0845 641 9000

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Xpelair keeps things quiet Xpelair Ventilation Solutions’ Customvent division has been specified by Omega Building Services to provide a bespoke high efficiency ventilation system at Halliford School, Shepperton. Omega Building Services installed a number of Xpelair’s market leading Xcell 1200 high efficiency heat recovery units, along with XSRA single speed and XTRA twin speed fans with controls. The acoustic properties of the system was also one of the primary concerns of the project, with the units needing to perform within certain noise parameters specified during the planning stages. ( *

 enq 036 0844 372 7750 danielamartino@redringxpelair.com

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Floors & Surfaces

Marmoleum incorporates a water based Topshield finish for easy and cost efficient cleaning and maintenance

Forbo helps to create healing environment

Over 20,000m2 of Forbo's Marmoleum flooring has been installed at Salford Royal's new Hope Building, part of the Trust's £200m redevelopment scheme. Combining exceptional infection control properties with superior environmental performance and a contemporary design aesthetic, the installation has helped deliver a safe and attractive healing environment.

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aving specified Marmoleum extensively across a wide variety of healthcare projects, the main contractor, Balfour Beatty, was already familiar with Marmoleum’s suitability for creating healthy indoor environments – most notably due to its excellent inherent bacteriostatic properties, coupled with the fact that it does not harbour allergens.

Anne Symons, Design Manager at Balfour Beatty comments: “As a sustainable product that is resistant to MRSA and other bacteria – as well as being durable, easy to clean and available in an impressive variety of colours – it was the obvious choice as Salford Royal is extremely proactive in its approach to infection control.”

Marmoleum has been proven to be naturally bacteriostatic in independent testing conducted by both the

50 Public Sector Build Journal

University of Glasgow and the Centre de Recherche Industrielle in Quebec, as it inhibits the growth of MRSA, Norovirus and Clostridium Difficile. It is also one of only two floor coverings to be awarded the prestigious ‘Seal of Approval’ from Allergy UK, thanks to the positive impact it has on reducing allergens.

environmental quality marks than any other floorcovering product, including the Swan Mark which is presented to the best product in class. It also achieves an A+ rating in healthcare, as assessed by BREEAM. Additionally, Marmoleum incorporates a water based Topshield finish for easy and cost efficient cleaning and maintenance, ideal for hospital environments frequently subjected to heavy footfall and wheeled hospital beds and equipment.

Available in a wide range of colours and styles, Marmoleum is also a versatile design solution for healthcare environments. Marmoleum Real in Dove Grey provides the main palette in the Hope Building and large colour blocks of contrasting shades, including Fresco Blue and Hyacinth, mark out receptions and seating areas and define bed bays and other zones within the floor plan.

Marmoleum’s fiery Bleeckerstreet was installed in the nearby Mayo building, a teaching block incorporating meeting rooms, a library, break out areas and mock up wards.

“The aim was to create a clean, welcoming and calming environment that is visually appealing without being either overbearing or bland,” says Anne.

“We are extremely happy with the finished flooring and its performance, providing durability in a demanding environment, and also a practical and hygienic solution making the cleaning and maintenance regime one of ease.”  *

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info.flooring.uk@forbo.com ( 0844 822 3928

Green commitment “Sustainability was also a major factor in the specification of Marmoleum,” Anne continues. “The Trust was keen to involve environmental ‘best practice’ throughout the build and as it is predominantly made from natural and recycled materials, Marmoleum had proven green credentials.”

Marmoleum contains 97% natural raw materials, 72% of which are rapidly renewable, and has a 43% recycled content. It has been awarded more

Marmoleum has been awarded more environmental quality marks than any other floorcovering product

Floors & Surfaces

Instarmac to showcase cost-saving innovation at Traffex 2013 Join Instarmac at Traffex 2013, 16-18th April, the international event for the traffic management, road safety, parking, highways maintenance and transportation industry. The exhibition will be held in hall 5 at the NEC in Birmingham and will feature even more exhibitors, show features and an exciting free seminar programme over the three days.

Instarmac can be found on stand G10 where it will be showcasing its innovative range of Asset Management Solutions from its highways maintenance brand, Ultracrete. This will include the Rhinophalt surface preservation system.

Ultracrete’s HAPAS approved manhole reinstatement system is the ideal solution for planned maintenance that really lasts. It includes Envirobed HA104, Ultracrete’s high performance bedding mortar, which has been used successfully in over 250,000 installations to date with no failures reported. This can be used in conjunction with Ultracrete’s coverTEC composite frames and covers. This unique range of covers are ideal for use in areas prone to theft, repetitive

failures and skid related accidents.

Combat the pothole blight with Ultracrete’s Permanent Pothole Repair cold lay asphalt (macadam), perfect for planned and reactive maintenance. Use with Ultracrete SCJ Seal and Tack Coat spray for a permanent repair. It won’t break loose after installation and withstands all weathers.

Visitors can witness it being used in Instarmac’s Fill & Go! challenge being held in the Instarmac Live! area adjacent to the stand. Opponents will be battling it out daily to repair potholes against the clock, before racing a remote control car over their handy work to cross the finish line.

Ultracrete’s sister brand, urban regeneration specialist Ultrascape,

will also be exhibiting its BS 7533 compliant mortar paving system as well as a brand new permeable paving system.  *

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roadpreservation@instarmac.co.uk ( 01827 871871

Kährs gets into the Spirit Kährs has introduced a new range of 10mm one-strip wood floors. Available in a variety of wood grains and surface finishes, Kährs Spirit Range includes the Rugged Collection and Unity Collection, each developed with the environment in mind. All floors feature Kährs multi-layered construction and incorporate an EcoCore – and provide a range of affordable surface options in both rustic and chic contemporary designs. Crafted from sustainable timber, the two Collections offer a total of eleven new designs. Floors from Kährs Rugged Collection are crafted from rustic grained timber and have a micro-bevelled edge and handscraped surface finish. *

sales@kahrs.co.uk

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023 9245 3045

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ISO-Chemie tape seals new Bath college ISO-Chemie’s high performance expanding foam sealing tape has been specified for an innovative low carbon technology college in Bath. The ISO BLOCO One tape has been specified to provide a high performance airtight, acoustic and thermal interior and exterior seal between the ModCell straw-filled, cassette-style prefabricated panels used in the construction of the new two storey 1200m2 Nucleus building teaching block at the Hayesfield Girls’ School. The Nucleus building incorporates a layout of labs and classrooms arranged around a super lab and double-height learning resource centre to allow the school to extend its provision of science teaching. *

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Tarkett saves tonnes Flooring specialist Tarkett sent less than one per cent of its waste to landfill in 2012 according to figures recently released by the company.

In total the company recycled more than 500 tonnes of the waste produced at its UK manufacturing facility in Lenham, Kent. David Jenner, Production Director at Tarkett, says: “We take recycling and sustainability very seriously at Tarkett so I’m proud to be able to announce such impressive figures. We’ve worked hard to introduce recycling procedures that were easy to follow and maintain and it’s paid dividends.” (

 enq 041 01622 854040 * uksales@tarkett.com

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Doors & Windows

Safety first with Tectus hinge Simonswerk’s award-winning flush fitting Tectus hinges incorporate a number of anti-ligature features that improve safety over conventional hinges. Tectus hinges are the ideal solution for use in detention centres, young offenders’ institutions, prisons, mental health institutions, hospitals, immigration centres and care centres, providing the high security necessary to minimise the risk of self harm. The Tectus hinge is fully concealed and eliminates fixing points for ligature and has the added advantage of no protruding knuckles which are often used for self harm.

The hinge has been designed with a small pivot gap to help prevent finger injury. *

sales@simonswerk.co.uk

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01215 222848

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Metal Technology meets the challenge in Aberdeen Metal Technology has supplied more than £500,000 (installed value) of curtain walling, window and door systems on the new £110m Aberdeen Emergency Care Centre (AECC). In a demonstration of confidence, the project design team at Mackie Ramsay Taylor specified Metal Technology Architectural glazing products on the scheme. System 4-20 Thermally Broken Casement Windows; System 5-20D Thermally Enhanced Doors; System 17 High Rise Curtain Walling and System 1-30 Thermally Broken Top Swing Windows were installed, providing guaranteed structural integrity, weather performance, thermal enhancement and security. *

sales@metaltechnology.com

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028 9448 7777

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Geze UK has recently helped to create a bespoke access solution for Treloar School and College in Hampshire, which caters for residential and day students from the age of 7 to 25 with a range of physical disabilities and associated learning difficulties. Geze UK’s Slimdrive SF operators were integrated with a special access control system, which meant that the proximity tags would pre-trigger the radar on each automatic door, ensuring it opened in time. The Slimdrive SF was ideal for the educational environment as its high performance motor ensures the doors open smoothly, while being highly efficient and quiet. (

 enq 044 01543 443000 * info.uk@geze.com

Keeping residents safe and warm Schueco's secure systems Schueco has recently reviewed its existing ‘Enhanced’ range – comprising blast- and bullet-resistant facades, windows and doors – and has undertaken a comprehensive development and testing programme aimed at making the systems easier to specify and more cost-effective to install. As part of this exercise, Schueco tested four ‘Enhanced’ blast-resistant product types – two facades, FW 80+ XR and FW 60+ XR, one window, AWS 90 XR and two doors, ADS 90 XR – at RAF Spadeadam in Cumbria. A thorough analysis of the results showed that the systems’ performance fully supported the claims made for them in terms of protecting property and human life. (

 enq 045 01908 282111 * mkinfobox@schueco.com

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Anglian Building Products are undertaking a multi-million pound window and external doors replacement contract for St Albans City and District Council. As part of the council’s planned improvement programme, over 500 council owned homes were selected to have their wooden or metal windows and doors replaced with A-rated PVC-u casement windows and composite doors. Throughout the duration of the works, all residents are visited by Anglian’s Resident Liaison Officer whose aim is to keep residents fully informed as to how works are progressing, provide on-site support and answer any questions. *

abp@angliangroup.com

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0870 428 0274

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Masterdor launches Thermal door Masterdor has launched its first Thermal door with a u-value of 0.9 W/m2K. The 0.9 Thermal door is the Litchfield Group’s latest solution to the stringent standards of Passivhaus and the Code for Sustainable Homes, and initiatives such as the Green Deal. The door features thermally efficient materials that achieve the lowest u-value on the market for a complete door set. With a solid timber encasement delivering the solidity, security and elegance of a timber door, the door benefits from the added thermal advantages of a high performance, insulating foam core made from CFC and HCFC free Polyisocyanurate (PIR). *

gary.doxey@lbplastics.co.uk

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Kitchens, Bedrooms & Bathrooms took the decision to diversify and offer these complete guaranteed integrated solutions for tilers. The fact that we’ve already witnessed such an increase in turnover for our wet room range really speaks volumes about the popularity of these packs. Liaising closely with tilers has allowed us to identify the opportunity to provide these all-inclusive solutions and it’s proving to be one they are really appreciating.”

He adds: “We’re also putting the increase in sales of these products down to another trend we have been monitoring, which is a rise in the number of self-build projects in the UK. It seems people’s desire to add a touch of luxury to their new build home or renovation by adding a wet room instead of the more conventional bathroom, is increasing.”

Schlüter-Systems Tiling Trade Packs are available from Schlüter-Systems stockists and distributors nationwide.

Schlüter trade pack success Schlüter-Systems, a leading provider of tiling systems, has seen a dramatic 40% increase in turnover for its wet room range after creating all-in-one kits for tilers.

The Coalville-based company recently launched new tiling trade packs after identifying the opportunity to increase sales by combining products together in different packs. These kits provide waterproofing and uncoupling solutions for walls and floors and wet

room and shower kits for wet rooms and bathrooms. They provide all the necessary products to carry out these projects, allowing tilers to easily create more reliable tiling installations.

Such has been their popularity with tilers across the country that after just a couple of months the company has reported a 40% increase in turnover on products in their wet room range.

Carl Stokes, Divisional Manager at Schlüter-Systems, comments: “We are pleased with the success of our new tiling trade packs which comes after we

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technical@schluter.co.uk ( 01530 813396

Welcoming prints from Maxwood

Take a seat for inclusive bathing

Simpsons, the wet room and shower enclosure brand in the Crosswater portfolio provides a complete product offer for every type of showering concept. The brand which offers a range of eight different enclosures also provides a wide-ranging and innovative wet room solution. To complete, what is probably the most comprehensive range of showering enclosures in the UK, Simpsons has now added a line of smart fold-down, wall mounted showering/bathroom seats. Simpsons new wall-mounted shower seats are available as a square or oval design, each with a neutral opaque resin seat. (

 enq 052 0845 873 8840 * sales@crosswater.co.uk

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Maxwood, the washroom system specialist for education, healthcare and commercial buildings, has launched a new collection of screen-printed laminate designs for toilet cubicle doors. Primarily aimed at young children, the three new designs feature multi-coloured bubbles, jigsaw pieces and funky fish. These complement Maxwood’s popular crayons design which is available with a blue or red background. For those wanting something more individual, bespoke designs can be produced, subject to additional lead time and set-up cost. *

sales@maxwoodwashrooms.com

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024 7662 1122

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Pegler tap leads the way Pegler Yorkshire is, in line with the recommendations set out by the Health Protection Agency (HPA), leading the way for all manufacturers to improve designs of mixer taps suitable for the healthcare environment. The new design of the Pegler Yorkshire Performa hospital mixer tap range includes an inbuilt flow straightener negating the need for an additional component within the tap outlet. The Pegler Yorkshire Antimicrobial Copper hospital tap range boasts the CU+ mark which signifies the products are capable of continuously killing pathogenic microbes even in between cleans. Antimicrobial Copper is inherently antimicrobial through and through even when the surface is scratched the antimicrobial efficacy continues to work. *

brochures@pegleryorkshire.co.uk

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0844 243 4400

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Drainage & Landscaping

Stone love for Timberplay at Ecobuild One of the runaway successes of the Ecobuild show this year was the Seating Stones, provided by Timberplay, which were used around the Arena area. These large, oversized, tactile pebbles were a key draw to delegates, who were compelled to touch the products or rest their feet and take in the Ecobuild atmosphere within the beautiful Arena setting.

Manufactured in fibre glass concrete, the seating stones are exceptionally hard wearing and relatively light, so suitable for both outdoor and indoor environments.

Joanne Sheridan, Head of Marketing at Timberplay comments: “Although made out of Concrete, these stones sit very comfortably within both natural play areas and urban settings. As well as being great seating solutions, they have high play value, whilst being a very good sensory addition to any space as you cannot help but reach out and touch them.”

All three stones within the collection were on display, ranging from 160 to 240cm width. Patrick Collins, designer

of the Ecobuild Arena selected the products in grey, but they are also available in several other colours including anthracite and terracotta.

Alongside the Seating Stones, Patrick had also selected the Tuning Stone from Timberplay’s range of play equipment from Richter Spielgeräte.

This mesmerising piece of kit works on the same principle as a tuning fork, emitting a low resonating tone when rubbed in the correct way.

Manufactured in solid granite, the Tuning Stone makes a wonderful sculptural addition to any public space.

In addition to its products within the Ecobuild Arena, Timberplay also introduced delegates to their extended

Makita launches five new submersible models

The new five-model range from Makita offers a comprehensive choice of capacity and capability. All models have motor shut off protection triggered by adjustable floats that cut off the power if the float drops below the desired setting.

The new Makita PF0300, 300 watt electric submersible pump will deliver 140l per minute at up to a 7m head height and can be submersed to 5m depth. It will pump with water levels as low as 20mm and is ideal for clean water irrigation as well as removal of flooded areas with a maximum particle size of 5mm. *

leads@makitauk.com

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01908 211678

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RonaScreed stands up in court During busy court sessions the waiting area inside Oldham Magistrates Court frequently became overcrowded, so it was decided that the area should be expanded by removing the internal lobby, thus providing more space in the waiting area. A screed had to be laid to an area of 50m2 which would raise the floor level up to that of the building’s interior. RonaScreed DPM and RonaScreed Mortar were specified for the project, the DPM was required to suppress the residual moisture in the concrete floor, RonaScreed Mortar was specified because it is fast curing and suitable for exterior use. *

sales@ronacrete.co.uk

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01279 638700

range of play equipment from Richter Spielgeräte, street furniture and lighting from Santa & Cole, skate products and design from Concrete and multi-use games areas from TransAlp.  *

VMZINC launches new zinc rainwater brochure The 2013 VMZINC Rainwater Systems brochure provides detailed design and installation information on products for commercial and residential projects. It outlines the benefits of VMZINC’s unique preweathering process, choice of gutter profiles and accessories and how features such as concealed brackets are used to create a distinctive flowing gutter line. Systems are light in weight with downpipes having sleeve connections and self-locking brackets.

All are fully recyclable, require minimal maintenance, have a design life which can exceed 50 years and are often less expensive than equivalent systems in aluminium. (

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info@timberplay.co.uk ( 0114 282 3474

 enq 058 01992 822288 * vmzinc.uk@umicore.com

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Focus & Innovation

Greenguard certificates awarded to Signbox

First application of new Yorkon system Off-site construction specialist, Yorkon, has just craned the final modules into position on site at Cambourne Village College as part of a major project with Kier Construction.

The scheme is also the first application of the revolutionary new Yorkon offsite building system. The new Yorkon off-site building system has reduced the number of steel-framed modules to just 60, which were craned into position in only 14 days. Each 18m long module was installed with a concrete floor already in place, further reducing work on site and providing a robust finish for a demanding secondary school environment. (

 enq 059 0845 2000 123 * contact@yorkon.co.uk

Demand for large format printing produced by Signbox’s revolutionary Durst Omega 1 print technology is certain to increase still further now that the inks it uses have been awarded Greenguard certificates and cover ‘Indoor Air Quality’ and ‘Children & Schools’. Greenguard certified products must meet stringent chemical emissions requirements, such as being screened for more than 10,000 volatile organic compounds (VOCs). To gain Greenguard certification the inks must first pass rigorous independent testing before being awarded the certification and undergo re-certification and quality monitoring tests on a regular basis to maintain this prestigious accreditation. *

sales@signbox.co.uk

(

01784 438 688

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Extended options for interim office buildings Portakabin has launched a new range of exterior options and outdoor amenities to help integrate and equip interim facilities and provide a complete, ready-to-use working environment. It includes canopies and shelters, covered walkways, vinyl wraps, free-standing outdoor structures, cycle storage, smoking shelters and street furniture. Applications for interim modular buildings are diverse and include open plan office accommodation, security buildings, canteens, training suites, teaching blocks, shower and changing rooms, clinics and decant ward buildings. These facilities can be supplied and installed just days from receipt of order complete with fire and security systems, access ramps and furnishings. *

information@portakabin.co.uk

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0845 401 0010

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SAS meets partition demands SAS International, manufacturer of interior fit-out solutions, has supplied over 700 linear metres of its System 8000 fully glazed partitioning system for the refurbishment and extension of Derby Council’s main administrative and community building. In-keeping with modern open plan offices, over 35 internal meeting pods with glass doors were specified using System 8000 single glazing with ±25mm deflection heads; while internal office and meeting areas were installed with double glazing. To answer occupant comfort demands, 12.8mm acoustic laminate glass was specified to manage required levels of privacy. In total the project required 103 doors which SAS International installed throughout. *

enquiries@sasintgroup.com

(

0118 929 0900

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Portakabin Group appoints new CEO The Portakabin Group, a leading modular building manufacturer, has announced the appointment of Derek Carter to the role of CEO. Based at the Group’s international headquarters in York, Derek has taken overall responsibility for all its brands which include Portakabin, Yorkon, Portaloo, Konstructa and Foremans, and its operations in the UK, Ireland, France, Belgium and Holland. He is also a Board Director of the Shepherd Group.Commenting on his new role, Derek Carter says: “Coming from a successful background heading up two of the world’s leading leisure marine manufacturers, I am looking forward to taking the Portakabin business to the next stage in its evolution.” *

information@portakabin.co.uk

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0845 401 0010

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New STI Wireless Alert Series STI (Europe) introduces the new Wireless Alert Series, specially designed to protect and monitor all areas of a business from one convenient location. The STI device(s) emits a localised alarm and also transmits a triggering alert signal to the 8-Channel Receiver.

The receiver provides a visual and optional audible indication every time there is unauthorised/authorised opening of a fire door or the removal of a fire extinguisher. By combining the unique features of the Exit and Extinguisher Stopper fire doors and fire extinguishers will be monitored 24/7. (

 enq 064 0800 085 1678 * info@sti-europe.com

Focus & Innovation

A new wave in hospital lighting Healthcare technology specialist, The Wandsworth Group, has launched an innovative hospital lighting solution that reduces costs, energy consumption and infection control risks. Ergonomically designed to provide both uplighting and downlighting in a single unit, ‘The Wave’ provides high light output with low viewed luminance (luminous intensity).

As a result, the undulating unit can function as both an observation light for medical staff and a reading light for patients, reducing the number of luminaires required for the patient environment, which lowers installation costs and can reduce energy consumption by up to 80%. *

info@wandsworthgroup.com

(

01483 713400

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Guernsey school to breathe easy WindowMaster, provider of natural comfort and smoke ventilation solutions, has supplied natural ventilation control systems for the new Les Beaucamps High School in Guernsey. One of three ‘super schools’ to be built on the island, the 500-pupil Les Beaucamps secondary school was designed from the outset to be naturally ventilated. WindowMaster was chosen to provide the window automation system for Les Beaucamps because of its ability to provide a complete installation, in particular the central computer control system.

The installation includes window actuators, various sensors and a weather station. *

info@windowmaster.co.uk

(

01536 510990

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Borri wins Data Centre contract Leading Uninterruptible Power Supply (UPS) specialists, Borri will provide a full turnkey design and build package for a completely new data centre facility on behalf of Portsmouth City Council. Two Borri B9000 160kVA/144kW UPS systems will be operated in a 2N configuration with diverse power supplies supporting the Data Centre IT load for complete redundancy at all times, and removing any single points of failure.

Certified by TÜV NORD Cert as one of the most efficient and resilient transformer based UPS systems on the market, Borri’s B9000 UPS units come with Isolated Gate Bipolar Transistor rectifiers. (

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 enq 067 0800 136993 * info@borri.co.uk

Memco helps businesses become more inclusive

Security to your door

Security manufacturer Hoyles Electronics has extended its range of door alarm equipment. The launch of the Red Label Exitguard Hoyles has put the final tick in the box for installers and distributors alike. The Red Label Exitguard allows the user to immediately recognise that the door is alarmed and will sound if opened. There are three models in the new range, battery, 12v and mains. All feature selectable alarm tones up to 105db, door open to long delays, auto reset/re-arm options and tamper switch. This product goes all the way to effectively eliminating misuse of fire doors and exits. (

 enq 068 01744 886600 * sales@hoyles.com

Memco, provider of lift safety and communication systems, is supporting an initiative designed to make Irish businesses more inclusive of people with disabilities.In partnership with Sharkey Lifting, Memco has supplied a free induction loop to Dublin City Library & Archive, the first participant of the Kanchi100 scheme to approach the two companies. Kanchi100 requires businesses to commit to making one change that will have a positive impact on people with disabilities, whether they are customers or employees. Memco and Sharkey Lifting are also offering 30% off lift induction loops to any customer that mentions Kanchi for the duration of the initiative until June 2013. *

sales@memco.co.uk

(

01628 540100

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Leased Living Hoardings from Mobilane Mobilane’s Living Hoardings have been installed at Ponders End in Enfield as regeneration work takes place following the riots of August 2011. This is the first time that the company’s pre-grown ivy Living Hoardings have been supplied as part of a leased arrangement. The council has leased the Living Hoardings for three years, from Mobilane installers Treebox, to help create an aesthetically pleasing, yet secure solution for enclosing the site, whilst demolition and building work is completed. Planting the 70m2 hoarding has the same impact on reducing pollutants as three full-sized city trees but takes up a fraction of the space. *

sales@mobilane.co.uk

(

07711 895261

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Disability

T

o help specifiers better understand the legal and ‘best practice’ requirements, leading disabled toilet provider Total Hygiene has published a white paper: Considerations & Specification of Disabled Toilet Facilities in Educational Establishments.

“Some 60% of statemented children are now in mainstream schools, and almost 6% of the higher and further education student population has a disability,” says Robin Tuffley Total Hygiene Marketing Manager. “Yet according to research by the Bog Standard campaign for better school toilets, 57% of schools surveyed did not have any disabled toilet facilities.

The Equality Act now requires 'reasonable' adjustments are made to accommodate disabled people

Total approach simplifies specification The number of pupils and students with special needs has grown by over 60% in the past 25 years, prompting an increase in the need of appropriate toilet facilities in educational buildings.

Essential guidance “Everyone knows about Building Regulations Approved Document M, but few specifiers are aware of the raft of additional guidance which is either a legal requirement or ‘good practice’.

For example, the Equality Act replaced the Disability Discrimination Act, and now requires ‘reasonable’ adjustments are made to accommodate disabled people. Every building to which numbers of the public have access – including schools – should implement BS8300:2009; Building Bulletin 102 requires that schools have appropriate disabled toilets, but also the bigger, and better equipped, hygiene rooms.”

The white paper covers all the relevant legislation and guidance in one place, and can be downloaded direct from Total Hygiene’s website www.clos-o-mat.com.

Expert service

■

Total Hygiene, founded 50 years ago, is the only company in its field with the in-house capability and expertise to design, supply, install, commission and service all the equipment for an accessible toilet or hygiene room, from grab rails through hoists and height adjustable basins to automatic (‘wash and dry’) toilets and toilet lifters.

enq 071 * i nfo@clos-o-mat.com 

Total Hygiene has the in-house capability and expertise to design, supply, install, commission and service

58 Public Sector Build Journal

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0800 374 076

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