23 minute read
Product Showcase
from PSBJ April 2022
MODULAR CONCRETE PERMEABLE PAVING AND TREES IN SYNERGY
Street tree planting and retention of existing trees in developments, with provision for long-term maintenance, are now embedded in planning policy. Concrete block permeable paving (CBPP) offers an important opportunity to help satisfy these requirements simply, integrated with SuDS and contemporary urban design, as Interpave explains.
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The 2021 ‘National Planning Policy Framework’ (NPPF) for England lays out what local planning authorities (LPAs) will require, when setting local policies and also considering planning applications for all developments. The NPPF states that: “Planning policies and decisions should ensure that new streets are tree-lined and that opportunities are taken to incorporate trees elsewhere in developments.”
This is backed up by other recent Government and local guidance such as the ‘National Model Design Code’ which says: “All schemes will be expected to follow national policy by achieving a 10% net gain in biodiversity. All new streets should include street trees.”
Maintenance requirement
However, measures need to be put in place to nurture and allow trees to mature, generally for decades, enabling them to actually deliver their real potential – including net-carbon storage, urban cooling through shading and evapotranspiration, biodiversity and public wellbeing. So, the NPPF also requires that “appropriate measures are in place to secure the long-term maintenance of newly-planted trees, and that existing trees are retained wherever possible”.
Local planning authorities now need to incorporate long-term tree maintenance measures in their planning consents and a straightforward spatial solution, such as permeable paving, offers a holistic multifunctional solution. Urban trees and paving have traditionally been seen as in conflict. But this is not the case with concrete block permeable paving, a key sustainable drainage (SuDS) technique to reduce flood risk and make cities more liveable. CBPP offers unique opportunities to collect, attenuate and treat rainwater runoff, removing pollutants for a gradual supply of clean water irrigating green infrastructure. Irrigation and gaseous exchange
Unlike conventional impermeable hard landscape materials, CBPP allows the same pattern of runoff transfer to the ground as natural vegetation, allowing water to reach tree and shrub roots, despite providing an attractive hard surface above. In addition to irrigation directly from rain, with CBPP there is scope for water storage and rainwater capture away from trees and their umbrella canopies for gradual conveyance laterally to trees – essential during the summer.
In addition, CBPP enables air to reach roots and poisonous CO2 to escape from them. The favourable environment created for tree roots avoids pavement surface disruption from upward root growth and facilitates natural growth into lower levels for stability in high winds and longevity. CBPP can be used within new-build or regeneration schemes with new tree planting and also for ‘rescuing’ mature trees. It can be used in conjunction with raingardens/ bioretention, tree-pits or proprietary systems avoiding air pipes, reservoirs or other structures for irrigation and gaseous exchange.
Beneficial relationship
A recent Interpave case study (available via www.paving.org.uk) explored the 20-year beneficial relationship between CBPP and trees at the Martlesham Park and Ride scheme. Here, concrete block permeable paving has operated efficiently with minimal maintenance amongst extensive tree planting without root disruption or other issues.
The benefits of CBPP for trees, while retaining accessibility, are recognised by the current Code of Practice for accessibility in the external environment, BS 8300-1:2018, which states that: “Tree grilles should be avoided. Smooth or paved permeable surfaces should be used wherever practicable.”
Permeable paving can be laid level and still avoids puddles without the need for drainage gulleys. It provides a safe, firm, pot-hole-free surface for everyone – including wheelchair users and people pushing prams. Two decades of experience in the UK demonstrate the long-term performance of CBPP with minimal, if any, maintenance.
Low-intervention retrofit
Another important innovation – particularly for regeneration – is the retrofitting of CBPP as an overlay to existing, conventional road bases or other hard surfaces. These thin overlays create attractive, safe and sustainable shared surfaces. They can be particularly effective when used to supply a gradual flow of clean water horizontally into raingardens or bioretention areas with trees and other green infrastructure, via simple slot inlet/ outlets, to store water for irrigation and biodiversity, as well as SuDS. Such low-intervention techniques enable transformation of the public realm in response to the raft of recent active travel, low traffic and open space initiatives.
This approach is exemplified in Bridget Joyce Square, London, an important regeneration project designed by Robert Bray Associates (RBA) in conjunction with McCloy Consulting for the London Borough of Hammersmith and Fulham, which won the top prize at the 2017 Landscape Institute Awards. Here, a typical, adopted asphalt street and adjacent parking areas were transformed for community use with CBPP overlay shared surfaces and tree-planted raingarden basins – an exemplar for future urban landscapes. The basins provide water storage for SuDS to reduce overloading existing drains (in the absence of the CBPP sub-base), as well as for irrigation.
Well-established green infrastructure
Interpave revisited the project in August 2021, around five years after completion, and noted that trees and other green infrastructure were healthy, substantial and particularly well-established. The permeable paving is also performing well and, it is understood from local sources, experienced no problems during recent extreme summer storms, despite extensive flooding nearby.
RBA founder, SuDS expert and Landscape Architect, Bob Bray, commented: “All the plants have grown really well. Birches are particularly sensitive to drought and urban heat island effect but they have thrived here and the vegetation has remained green all summer. The critical thing seems to be that even small rainfall events are captured by the permeable paving in summer and with larger events concentrated in the basins.”
Photos: ©Peter Bennetts
SPIRALLING NORDIC BRASS
Three dramatic spiral staircases clad in Nordic Brass copper alloy announce intersecting looped pathways, helping visitors to explore intuitively a new museum in Perth, Australia.
The WA Museum Boola Bardip in the Perth Cultural Centre was designed as a joint venture by international design practices Hassell + OMA. The new museum, effectively taking up a whole city block, was designed as a series of virtual ‘stories’ that guide visitors through the major galleries to experience the state’s collections. The design aims to make wandering up and down the Nordic Brass staircases, between restored heritage-listed buildings and the new contemporary development, feel seamless to visitors.
Fabricator and installer of the three Nordic Brass spiral staircases, Carter Roofing, worked closely with the architects and managing contractor Multiplex on design revisions to achieve cost-effective layouts, dimensioning and details while retaining the original design intent. Sean Carter said: “Everything we do is handmade. No CAD software was used on the project for fabrication or installation... just pen, paper, tape measure, mathematics and, most of all, patience. We all loved working on it.”
As well as Nordic Brass, which can also be supplied pre-weathered, copper alloys include Nordic Bronze and the innovative Nordic Royal – an alloy of copper with aluminium and zinc, retaining its golden colour. The extensive Nordic Copper range of architectural surfaces includes Nordic Standard ‘mill finish’ and Nordic Brown pre-oxidised copper with lighter (Nordic Brown Light) or darker shades of brown.
The Nordic Blue, Nordic Green and Nordic Turquoise pre-patinated ranges have been developed with properties and colours based on the same brochantite mineralogy that can be found in natural patinas worldwide.
As well as the solid patina colours, ‘Living’ surfaces are available for each with other intensities of patina flecks revealing some of the dark oxidised background material. A wide choice of Nordic Decor mechanicallyapplied surface treatments is also available.
A growing series of ‘copper stories’ – building studies exemplifying the best in contemporary architecture – showcase the diversity of surfaces, forms and applications available with Nordic Copper today.
SPORTING 2 SECURITHERM SHOWER PANEL DELIVERS STYLISH, SAFE AND SUSTAINABLE SHOWERING
DELABIE has launched a touch-free thermostatic version of its flagship SPORTING 2 shower panel, bringing the comfort of home to public washrooms. The new SPORTING 2 SECURITHERM ingeniously combines the hygiene benefits of touch-free, electronic control with anti-scalding thermostatic technology in a stylish, yet compact, silhouette.
Inside the showerhead, a thermostatic cell blends the water at the point-of-use to a safe temperature, simultaneously ensuring user comfort and removing any scalding risk. A failsafe shuts off the hot water if the cold supply fails (and vice versa), further reducing the scalding risk. The same showerhead also houses a solenoid valve which opens and closes the water flow automatically when a hand passes in front of the sensor. Designed specifically for public places, SECURITHERM SPORTING 2 helps combat legionella. The hot and cold water supplies connect directly to the mixing valve, removing potential dead legs where water can stagnate – ideal conditions for legionella bacteria to develop. If unused for long periods, a duty flush occurs, ensuring the water circulates within the system, also minimising stagnation.
SPORTING 2 SECURITHERM promotes fractional showering: water only flows when required, avoiding waste due to user neglect. A pre-set 6 litres/minute flow rate guarantees water efficiency without compromising comfort, while an antiblocking system prevents voluntary waste. Powered by batteries, the solenoid valve uses active-pulse infrared technology, ensuring low energy and water consumption, delivering up to 80% water savings compared to domestic showers.
The panel is easy to install with no electrical connection required thanks to integrated batteries. With the flow rate and detection distance preset, no additional adjustments are required on installation. Accessible filters, integrated non-return valves and standardised components ensure maintenance is kept to a minimum. The SPORTING 2 SECURITHERM integrates recycled materials and standard parts that require minimal resource to install and maintain. And, at the end of its considerable lifespan, the materials are fully recyclable. It, therefore, has a very low environmental impact.
Intended for non-domestic use, its sleek profile is discreet, blending naturally into any architectural style. Thanks to low water and energy consumption, building owners also benefit from lower utility bills, perfect for gyms, leisure centres, education buildings and offices that offer employee changing facilities.
WHY DO THE WORLD’S LEADING DANCE UNIVERSITIES AND SCHOOLS CHOOSE HARLEQUIN FLOORS?
Dance students can spend hours working in a dance studio, it is their place of work and should offer a safe environment fit for purpose. The floor is a dancer’s most important work tool and dancers need reassurance they are not going to slip and fall, that lifts can be performed safely and, on landing from jumps, the response of the floor consistently returns the right amount of energy absorption.
It is a common assumption that a well-designed sports floor will suit the needs of dancers, but this is not the case.
There are some critical factors that distinguish the requirements of dance from those of sports played on a sports floor. Unlike sportspeople who wear increasingly high-tech air-cushioned shoes to give grip and protect against impact injuries, the modest ballet shoe has barely changed in design since the mid-18th century. Made from soft leather, canvas or satin, the ballet shoe is very flexible, has a thin sole and offers little protection for the wearer.
But not all dance floors are the same, only a floor developed specifically for dance will do. There may be a temptation to specify floors for aesthetic or budget reasons, or to specify sports floors in the mistaken belief they will be suitable for dance but there have been some high-profile examples where floors have had to be replaced by a dance company after the building is complete and dancers have their first experience of dancing on the floors.
Harlequin is widely recognised as one of the world’s leading authorities on dance floors. As an enlightened manufacturer, Harlequin has always worked closely with the dance community to develop floors that dancers want to dance on. There is no doubt, the choice of flooring is critical. For over 40 years, Harlequin has been the performance floor of choice for the world’s most prestigious dance and performing arts companies, theatres, venues and schools.
Harlequin offers free advice to ensure dance companies, schools and venues install dance floors best suited to their particular use.
F. BALL SUPPORTS COVENTRY CARIBBEAN CENTRE RENOVATION
Products donated by F. Ball and Co., including the company’s Stopgap 1200 Pro levelling compound, have been used to prepare subfloors as part of the renovation of the Coventry Caribbean Community Centre prior to its reopening to coincide with Coventry’s UK City of Culture status last year. Installers opted to use F. Ball’s Stopgap 1200 Pro to smooth subfloors as it can be applied directly over minimal, well-bonded old adhesive residues. In such applications, there is no need to prime surfaces beforehand. It is also moisture tolerant, meaning that it can be used to smooth rough or uneven subfloors prior to the application of a waterproof surface.
www.f-ball.co.uk 01583 361633 mail@f-ball.co.uk
M-AR CPD PROVIDES INVALUABLE OFFSITE INSIGHT
Offsite contractor M-AR has launched a brand-new CPD module focused exclusively on modern methods of construction (MMC) and exploring how best to maximise the benefits of offsite. Typifying M-AR’s open and collaborative approach to improving standards across the industry, the new CPD is designed to provide architects, specifiers, cost consultants and end clients alike with insight on the offsite manufacture and installation process as an alternative to traditional build. The benefits of offsite, from cost predictability to programming efficiency and improved site safety are well documented so the new CPD from M-AR delves deeper into the concept of offsite. The free CPD presentation is now available and can be delivered either face-to-face or virtually by M-AR’s expert team.
FIRE BARRIER SPECIALIST TAKES EXPANDED RANGE TO FIREX
TBA Firefly is returning to London’s ExCeL Centre for this year’s FIREX (17 to 19th May) with new products to interest visitors and to build on its success of 2021 in terms of winning new business. Staff will be on the manufacturer’s stand (No. F1I044) to explain the benefits of recent launches such as Penowrap and the FR120 Access Panel, as well as its versatile Athena fire barrier, ideally suited to timber lofts. The new 600 x 600mm, IFC-certified panel has been developed to facilitate regular maintenance access to roof spaces and other fire compartments, created using the Firefly barriers and offers two hours’ fire resistance. Penowrap, meanwhile, is a lightweight and flexible wrap which complements other TBA Firefly flexible fire barrier systems.
MODULAR SCHOOL BUILDING DELIVERS ON SPACE AND AESTHETICS
Gartree High School appointed modular provider Wernick to supply a standalone building to accommodate an increase in students. The school required a seamless transition with minimal intervention from teaching staff and timely student occupation. More importantly, the building had to look the part, mimicking the school’s existing building.
With decades of experience within the UK education sector, Wernick specialises in the design and build of modern school buildings. Each project is managed by Wernick’s dedicated construction division to ensure a thorough service and the utmost levels of health and safety.
Gartree’s Deputy Head, Ben Rackley, and Assistant Head, Edward Wilson, talk to PSBJ, describing the project and their experience of working with Wernick to procure their new building in Leicestershire. How did you settle on a modular solution for the new building?
BR: Before obtaining our new building, all Gartree’s classes took place within one large building. Student numbers have increased, and it was time to increase capacity by adding at least four new classrooms. A modular classroom block made sense to us due to the timescales involved. We were aware of neighbouring schools who have chosen this route, and they helped to demonstrate the speed and aesthetics achievable with this building method.
It was vital to us that the new addition matched the look and feel of the existing building, with green, metal window surrounds and brick cladding. Inside the new building would be two science classrooms and two ‘all-purpose’ rooms.
Why was Wernick Buildings chosen to deliver the new building?
BR: During the procurement process, Wernick’s designs were the closest match to the school’s brief – they looked like Gartree. Wernick Buildings quoted for a two-storey, 414m² block and it was well within our budget – in fact, the quote gave us some room to specify additional features, such as reinforced flooring, triple glazing and PIR lighting.
Wernick really paid attention to every detail on the project – for example, I was pleasantly surprised to see that Wernick had included elements of the existing building in the new block without being asked.
What feedback have you received from users of the building?
EW: I’m lucky enough to teach in the new building and a few things are really clear; first of all, we’ve noticed no difference in the behaviour of the children and students who are working in the building, which is exactly what we want.
Teachers find the new building very comfortable – air conditioning throughout ensures a consistent temperature yearround, which is something they are not used to. Rooms are also more spacious – the whole building has an open feel to it.
Triple glazing creates a peaceful environment, which is ideal for pupils sitting exams. The quality of the finish is really excellent, it’s a lovely place to work in and we’re finding that teaching here is a real pleasure. BR: I wanted people to see this as a permanent building, and that is exactly what we have achieved. The modular building fits in perfectly and the finish gives it that ‘wow’ factor when you walk in.
How did you find the process of working with Wernick?
EW: Wernick provided us with a bespoke, onplan building that followed our wish for the new building very closely. I was genuinely impressed with that and impressed with what they have supplied. BR: I had absolutely no time or inclination to manage a traditional building project, but Wernick’s dedicated construction division managed the project from start to finish. A project manager attended site every day – this was a major selling point for me. The team on site were brilliant and having the same point of contact throughout was invaluable.
NEW LOW SURFACE TEMPERATURE RADIATORS FOR THE EDUCATION SECTOR
Midlands-based safe heating product provider, Contour Heating, has launched a brand-new low surface temperature radiator that is set to provide the education sector with a cost-effective alternative to their current heating products.
Covora Lite launches alongside a range of other safe heating products as part of the all-new brochure made available earlier this year.
Aimed at helping school and nursery refurbishments working to tight budgets and timelines, its launch is in line with specification for summer heating fit-outs, providing contractors with a cost-effective low surface temperature radiator.
“Covora Lite is our most affordable low surface temperature radiator to date,” said Commercial Director, Robin Mansell. “With all the features expected from Contour’s extensive range, Covora Lite is still a premium product, but one that makes safe heating much more affordable.”
Including bullnose corners for added safety precautions, pencil-proof grilles to prevent foreign objects from entering, and with BioCote – helping protect against 99.9% of bacteria – Covora Lite low surface temperature radiators are available with a much shorter leadtime than other Contour products.
This unrivalled delivery means school projects can be made easier without the need of chasing heating product suppliers. On top of this, split delivery is also available, helping customers optimise projects and work more streamlined with other trades.
Contour Heating’s complete product range also includes other low surface temperature radiators as well as a variety of anti-ligature solutions, helping provide safer heating to a wider range of industries.
SPORTS HALL SPACE MAXIMISED WITH STYLE MOVEABLE WALL TARMAC SUPPORTS BAND OF BUILDERS GARDEN MAKEOVER
The large sports hall in the new £22.5m Whitwick and Coalville Leisure Centre offers considerable functionality thanks to a Dorma Hüppe Variflex moveable wall installed by partitioning expert, Style. Featuring semi-automatic operation with an impressive 59 dB acoustic barrier between divided areas, the wall allows the hall to be quickly separated into two dance and fitness studios or opened up to accommodate activities requiring the entire area. Ensuring a long-term return on investment, the Variflex panels are manufactured separately from the frame, allowing individual ones to be easily changed if they become damaged. This represents a highly cost-effective solution, compared to having the entire moveable wall replaced, and is an essential feature for a busy facility like this where a wide variety of sports are being enjoyed. Finished in a contemporary pearly grey laminate, the Variflex benefits from semi-automatic operation which means, once the wall has been moved into position, the acoustic seals are applied to the perfect pressure every time without the need for manual intervention. Tarmac has teamed up with Band of Builders, a national charity for tradespeople, to help transform the garden of a South Shields woman whose dog alerted her to ovarian cancer. The landscaping project, which took place last month, was supported by the team from Tarmac’s cement business and saw half a dozen voluntary tradespeople landscape Tess Robinson’s garden to make it a more peaceful and relaxing space for her to continue her recovery from chemotherapy. These volunteers – who are part of the Band of Builders community – offered their time and expertise to ensure Tess can benefit from a newly-renovated garden. The main element of the project was to build a new decked area in the garden so that Tess can sit outside and enjoy the sunshine. Friends of Tess Robinson told her and husband Paul – who is a plasterer – about the support offered by Band of Builders. Founded in 2016, the charity was formed to offer fellow construction workers hands-on help during challenging times and has since grown to a nationwide community offering emotional, mental and physical support.
FOCUS & INNOVATION AKW LAUNCHES UPGRADED DOC M RANGE AND INSTALLATION COMPLIANCY GUIDE
AKW, one of the UK’s leading providers of accessibility solutions, is pleased to announce the launch of its upgraded Doc M sanitaryware range for public-use accessible toilets and washrooms.
Committed to ensuring that compliance is as straightforward as possible, AKW has also launched a design advice guide alongside the range.
Ensuring toilets and washrooms conform to Document M of the UK Building Regulations involves buying and correctly installing the appropriate products. As well as giving examples of how a fully-compliant Doc M washroom or toilet area should be designed and installed, the guide also includes the latest AKW Doc M pack options.
There are 10 AKW Doc M packs to choose from and they range from fully-compliant Doc M washrooms (including hand dryers, soap dispensers etc.) to individual toilet cubicles. As well as traditional styling, there are two contemporary Doc M packs that feature stainless-steel rails to fit in with any modern design aesthetic.
Designed with hygiene in mind, the packs include an AKW Navlin Doc M close-coupled or low-level rimless, raised-height toilet pan, a watersaving cistern and direct flushing system. The ergonomic, soft-close toilet seat and the grab rails are also available in a range of colours to enable high colour contrast between surfaces for those with visual impairments. All of the Doc M packs feature either fixed or fold-up rails, and the washroom options are available with easy-to-use taps and British Standard BS 8300 wash basins.
Stuart Reynolds, Head of Product and Marketing at AKW, comments: “Our upgraded AKW Doc M packs offer specifiers even more choice when it comes to installing a publicuse accessible toilet or washroom. Our Doc M guide has also been created to help make the whole process even more straightforward and can be downloaded at www.akw-ltd.co.uk/ documentation/catalogues-brochures-guides.”
COMPLIANCE AND A COMPETITIVE EDGE WITH CPD COURSES
ASSA ABLOY Project Specification Group is inviting architects and specifiers to complete its practical RIBA-accredited training courses to remain compliant and well informed. As part of its commitment to delivering safe and secure door-opening solutions, Project Specification Group runs a comprehensive training and education programme to provide expertise and insights to help architects and specifiers secure a competitive edge. Kevin Campbell, Sales Director at Project Specification Group, explains: “It is critical for architects and specifiers to stay up to date on new legislative developments, topical industry discussion points and best practice guidelines surrounding product specification and installation. We are a RIBA-accredited training provider, catering to individual or combined CPD courses, which architects can earn points for towards their annual target. Alternatively, we deliver product training or education programmes tailored to meet your specific needs.” Courses available include: Inclusive Design – Why should you care?; Demystifying Ironmongery; Steel Doors: Performance and Specification; Opening Your Eyes to Door Controls and Enhancing the Efficiency of BIM Door Object Development. www.setcrete.co.uk 01538 361633 lisa.shirley@f-ball.com
SETCRETE ENABLES A SUPERSMOOTH FINISH
Setcrete High Performance floor-levelling compound is recommended for smoothing flooring screeds that contain underfloor heating systems, prior to the installation of a floorcovering. The levelling compound can also be used to encapsulate mesh-mounted wire underfloor heating systems installed over both screeds and well-fixed timber (plywood) subfloors. Its fibre-reinforced formulation ensures the compound will retain its integrity throughout the warming and cooling cycles of the heating system, ensuring that the supersmooth surface it delivers will remain intact and uncompromised during the lifetime of a flooring installation. The levelling compound is suitable for use over both absorbent and nonabsorbent subfloors, including sand/cement and concrete screeds, as well as granolithic, terrazzo, epoxy and polyurethane resins, ceramic and quarry tiles. Commenting on the product, Setcrete Brand Manager, Peter Wilson, said: “We always recommend that merchants include Setcrete High Performance in their levelling compound range, because of its wide-ranging capabilities and the extra assurance it gives to builders that their flooring projects won’t be compromised, especially when they involve underfloor heating and/or flexible subfloors.”
