PSBJ December 2014

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December 2014

Outdoor dimension

Exploring opportunities for enhanced student learning

Contractor integration

Train to gain

Environmental strategy

– community engagement and customer service

– equipping the industry with a highly skilled workforce

– optimising timber to fast-track construction

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Cover image: With leading thinkers in education identifying advantages to an outdoor dimension to the curriculum, schools and colleges across the UK are exploring ways to create opportunities for students to learn outside the traditional classroom. See page 41.

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Welcome...

On top of the welcome news that the construction industry has been boosted by a surge in public sector housebuilding, we can also reveal that the value of education construction contracts awarded in September reached its highest level in two years, according to figures published by data specialist Barbour ABI. The report has revealed that the sector accounted for 14% of the total value of all construction contracts UK-wide, with nearly a quarter, 22%, of these awarded in the North West.

Michael Dall, lead economist at Barbour ABI, commented: “Construction in the education sector is booming at the moment, boosted by a number of Priority School Building projects valued at £10m individually. This plethora of Priority School Building means that state primary and secondary school projects dominate the sector this month, accounting for 60% of the total value of projects awarded in September.”

Ensuring school facilities are fit for purpose is a key objective of this latest scheme.

Raising the standard of learning environments has been a priority in public sector construction, especially since the introduction of The Building Schools for the Future programme. We have seen some ambitious and complex school builds across the country, but few as ambitious as the project profiled in this month’s Upfront.

A multi-million pound school build programme in Blackpool has preserved the site’s rich Victorian Heritage while creating a 21st century campus that incorporates primary and secondary education alongside Catholic worship and pastoral care. Turn to page 8 to find out more.

Elsewhere in this issue, we bring you the latest high profile case studies and talking points on Floors, Walls & Ceilings; Fire, Health & Safety; Paints, Coatings & Finishes; Modern Methods of Construction; Roofing & Cladding and Shelters & Shading.

I hope you enjoy this edition. Don’t forget you can also access all of the magazine’s features, product news and supplier information at your fingertips via PSBJ’s state-ofthe-art app. To download your version free of charge, simply search ‘PSBJ’ on Google Play or the App store.

Hannah Frackiewicz Hannah Frackiewicz | Editor | hannah@mixedmediainfo.com

Public Sector Build Journal 3

Contents 08

06 News A round up of the latest industry news including charity events, awarded contracts, show partnerships and responses to timely construction announcements.

42

08 Upfront A multi-million pound school build programme in Blackpool has preserved the site’s rich Victorian Heritage while creating a 21st century campus.

14 Housing John Lewthwaite, Group Business Improvement Director at Lakehouse discusses the importance of integrating the contractor into the community.

18 Talking Point Steve Hale of Crofton explains why we need to start dealing with skills and training problems immediately to avoid hindered growth of the construction industry and wider economy.

22 Health & Safety

26 Education

The Association for Project Safety considers whether now is an opportune time to think about what is really needed by way of construction health and safety risk management advice under a new set of CDM Regulations.

With an increased range of energyefficient heating solutions on offer to meet the low carbon requirements of Part L, Chris Meir of Remeha looks at the options.

24 Doors & Windows

20 Floors, Walls & Ceilings The new 1100-bed South Glasgow University Hospital installed a complex arrangement of integrated flooring solutions from Flowcrete.

An automatic swing door operator from Gilgen Door Systems has become one of the first of its kind to be approved for use on fire doors.

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28 Healthcare Alex Goodfellow of Stewart Milne Timber Systems explains why offsite timber frame construction is perfectly placed to support the NHS goals and deliver sustainable buildings that meet demands.

08

30 Fire, Health & Safety Ray Turner, Compliance Manager at Hochiki Europe, talks to PSBJ about public sector safety and understanding the fire safety supply chain.

32 Leisure FT Leisure was recently appointed by Serco Leisure to enhance and refurbish the filtration and leisure water equipment of North Shields’ Wet ‘n’ Wild.

34 Paints, Coatings & Finishes Ewa Czapracka at Armstead Trade discusses how value for money can be achieved by choosing the best paint for the job no matter how tight the budget.

32

26

36 Modern Methods of Construction In fast track construction speed is the key but commonly used methods are not necessarily the most efficient or cost-effective. Should we therefore be changing our approach?

46

38 Roofing & Cladding Jacobs Architecture’s sustainability engineers were tasked with maximising a youth centre’s potential by building it with the lowest-possible carbon footprint.

40 Canopies, Shelters & Shading

42 Product Showcase

Schools and colleges across the UK are increasingly exploring ways to create opportunities for students to learn outside the traditional classroom. Solardome explains more.

A dedicated focus of industry news, products and case studies to help architects and specifiers make informed choices when planning their building project.

Read the latest issue online Gain insight from industry experts Source products and suppliers Keep up to date with industry news Discover new innovative technologies Browse the archive of features and issues Manage your subscriptions Download the PSBJ app for your iPad, iPhone or Android

Public Sector Build Journal 5

News

Education contracts at highest level in two years Barbour ABI, which is a chosen provider of construction data to the Office for National Statistics (ONS) and the Government, has published its latest Economic & Construction Market Review revealing that the value of education construction contracts totalled more than £811m in September, a 62.5% increase on the same month last year and 8.5% higher than August.

The report also shows that the sector accounted for 14% of the total value of all construction contracts UK-wide, with nearly a quarter (22%) of these awarded in the North West.

Michael Dall, Lead Economist at Barbour ABI, comments: “Construction in the education sector is booming at the moment, boosted by a number of Priority School Building projects valued at £10m individually.

“This plethora of Priority School Building means that state primary and secondary school projects dominate the sector this month, accounting for 60% of the total value of projects awarded in September.”

Experian launches Social Housing Tenants Study A new study among social housing tenants in the UK reveals aspirations towards home ownership, with almost a third (29%) hoping to move onto the property ladder to buy their own home in the future.

The Social Housing Tenants Study 2014 was conducted among more than 1000 social housing tenants in the UK by The Rental Exchange, a partnership between Experian, the global information services company, and Big Issue Invest, the investment arm of The Big Issue.

With 4.8 million Britons living in social housing, the Study found that on average, tenants typically reside in social housing for 12 years; and two-thirds of tenants today (6%) have lived in social housing for more than a decade.

The goal of the Rental Exchange is to help address the financial, digital and social exclusion challenges faced by many social housing tenants in the UK. Through the Rental Exchange, both social and private landlords will be able to submit information about their tenants’ payment

6 Public Sector Build Journal

history. In the same way as mortgageholders are able to build a credit history, rental payments can now be factored into credit decisions, securely and compliantly, to significantly improve the level of insight available to help credit and service providers assess risk and affordability.

Photo-finish for Eltherington challenge

Work to redevelop Lytham St Annes school complete A £4.25m project to expand and redevelop Heyhouses Endowed CofE Primary School, Lytham St Annes, has been completed by Conlon Construction.

Designed by Preston-based architecture and planning consultancy, Cassidy + Ashton, the 16 month project has expanded the school, from a twoform to three-form entry, increasing capacity from 420 to 630 pupils in order to meet demand.

The former school with infants and juniors on a split site was outdated and unsuited to modern teaching methods within a primary school environment.

The project, commissioned by Lancashire County Council and the Diocese of Blackburn, has provided a new school, comprising 15 new classrooms, a main hall and small hall, a kitchen, sports pitches, playground(s) and parking. It has an open plan design for the reception years and resource space, with plenty of natural light and minimal corridors to make maximum use of available space.

Pupils have been in-situ since the start of the Autumn term in September 2014 and external works have recently been completed.

The project also saw Conlon Construction build a 2281ft2 nursery school on site which replaces an old prefabricated building and utilises photo-voltaic panels to ensure that it is sustainable and environmentally-friendly.

A student from Tresham College, Kettering, has received a £100 voucher from Hull-based Eltherington following an architectural photographic competition.

Eltherington set the challenge to students on the photographic course of capturing the architectural beauty of its curved, perforated aluminium internal cladding which it supplied to the college.

The competition generated a large number of entries and following much deliberation by the management team at Eltherington, the winner was announced as Robin Alex Ralph.

“I was delighted when my photographic work was selected as the winning entry and the £100 prize will definitely come in useful,” said Robin Alex Ralph. “I walk past the perforated internal cladding everyday and so it made it even more interesting when Eltherington set the challenge.”

The lecturer in photography at Tresham College said: “We always appreciate it when a business takes the time to get involved with our students learning experience. All the students on my course will one day enter the world of commerce and so this project gave them valuable insight into what to expect from a client.”

The winning photography will feature on Eltherington’s marketing materials, and on its newly-designed website.

Eric Wright completes £2.8m college extension Eric Wright Construction, a division of the Eric Wright Group, has completed work on a £2.8m development at a college in Greater Manchester.

The 44-week project at Bury College, saw the Preston-based firm design and construct a four-story extension to the existing Enterprise Centre.

The pioneering facilities provide its students with 14 purpose-built classrooms, two social learning spaces

News seminar rooms, two meeting rooms and five offices, as well as state-of-the-art conference and lecture facilities.

The Enterprise Centre will run higherlevel skills study programmes including training programmes for employers, undergraduate courses and advanced apprenticeships, which will equip students with the skills required by business.

Designed by Seven Architecture Limited, the BREEAM Excellent training facility adheres to the highest standards of environmental performance, helping to boost energy efficiency and minimise pollution.

It followed the successful completion of Phase 7 and 8, both delivered by Eric Wright Construction, which comprised a new £4.6m five-storey teaching facility and £2.1m twostorey Construction Skills Centre.

HCA confirms organisations on multidisciplinary panel The Homes and Communities Agency (HCA) has confirmed the successful companies appointed to its new £100m multidisciplinary panel. The panel will be used to procure a wide range of technical services required to support the construction and development of homes by public sector bodies.

Services available through the panel, which covers all areas of England and will run for 4 years, include: project and cost management, engineering, architecture, planning, masterplanning, landscape architecture, ecology, construction design and management (CDM) and property consultancy.

The panel replaces the HCA’s existing multidisciplinary and engineering panels and has been procured through a fully OJEU compliant process. It is made up of 18 organisations in one national lot as follows: AECOM LTD; AMEC Environment and Infrastructure UK Ltd; Atkins Limited; Building Design Partnership Limited (BDP); CH2M Hill United Kingdom (CHUK); Hyder Consulting (UK) Limited; Mott MacDonald Limited; Mouchel Limited; NPS Property Consultants Ltd; Ove Arup & Partners International Ltd; Parsons Brinckerhoff Ltd; Pell Frischmann Consultants Ltd; Peter Brett Associates LLP; Savills (UK) Ltd; Tibbalds CampbellReith Joint Venture; URS Infrastructure & Environment UK Limited; WSP UK Ltd and WYG Engineering Limited.

highest quality outcome for clients, for the best value and in a time efficient way.

For nearly a decade Scape Group has saved clients 70 years in procurement time. The Group’s national frameworks continue to deliver sustainable growth to local communities. Local spend within 40 miles of project sites is £1bn and projects have created 8,500 weeks of on-site apprenticeships. Scape Group has also diverted over 500,000 tonnes of waste from landfill.

Novus maintains position at top of class Specialist contractor Novus Property Solutions has completed more than £15.5m of work in schools and universities so far this year as it continues to maintain its robust presence in the maintenance marketplace.

Work has been carried out by the contractor all over the country, with Novus’ 30 regional offices – including those in Staffordshire, Bristol and Warwickshire – completing projects in a multitude of educational establishments throughout the year.

The summer holidays saw Novus’ teams in high demand, with many projects being carried out during the break.

Skilled operatives from Novus’ Staffordshire office constructed an extension and completed refurbishment work at Picknalls First School in Uttoxeter, while at Biddulph High School in Knypersley, the firm’s usual high quality refurbishment work was carried out.

In Bristol, a £1m refurbishment of student accommodation was completed for UPP at Reading University, while student accommodation was also worked on for Bristol University. Novus’ Bristol office also carried out redecoration work for the University of Wales.

In Warwickshire, meanwhile, the Novus team built a new extension for Tysoe C of E Primary School, valued at about £220,000.

These are just a few of the education sector contracts which have been completed by Novus teams across the country.

Willmott Dixon chosen for Welsh ‘super’ school In the biggest ever building commissioned

by Ceredigion County Council, Willmott Dixon will create a new school that merges five schools, Ysgol Dyffryn Teifi, Aberbanc, Coedybryn, Llandysul, and Pontsian, to form the county’s second ‘all-through’ school.

The build, which will be completed for the 2016/17 academic year, involves the construction of a new two storey 11,200m2 facility to accommodate 1000 primary and secondary school pupils.

Neal Stephens, Managing Director at Willmott Dixon in Wales, said: “We’re proud to be playing a pivotal role in Ceredigion County Council’s largest ever construction project. Since the Welsh Government released the 21st Century Schools programme, we are seeing a radically different approach to education provision in Llandysul that is being mirrored across Wales. Schools are leaning towards a more open plan, ‘all through’ school provision for students.”

“The design of the school has incorporated many sustainable solutions.

We will be installing photo voltaic panels to use the sunlight to generate heat and light to help create an energy self-sufficient school. By integrating five schools onto one site, this new educational facility will also create huge efficiencies in comparison to the current arrangement.”

Scape unites under new ‘Scape Group’ banner Scape, the leading public sector procurement specialist, has rebranded as ‘Scape Group’ in order to bring unity to the diverse range of services the organisation offers.

The rebrand also serves as a visual milestone of the Group’s renewed focus on thought leadership and delivering the

Public Sector Build Journal 7

Upfront

The scheme included the demolition and refurbishment of existing facilities and extensive new build extensions

A towering achievement

A multi-million pound school build programme in Blackpool has preserved the site’s rich Victorian Heritage while creating a 21st century campus that incorporates primary and secondary education alongside Catholic worship and pastoral care.

T

he Building Schools for the Future programme has seen the delivery of some extremely ambitious and complex school build programmes across the UK. Few, however, are as ambitious as the £22.8m, multi-phase project at St Mary’s Catholic College in Blackpool.

The existing school estate was constructed in the 1850s and had undergone a number of ad hoc extensions over the years, adding to the size of the school accommodation on offer but failing to adapt to changing educational requirements. As a result, the buildings were no longer fit for purpose as a 21st Century school.

A collaboration between Eric Wright Construction, a division of the Eric

8 Public Sector Build Journal

Wright Group, and IBI Group, a global architecture, planning, engineering and technology firm, the 46-month project to redevelop the school site has transformed the school estate, amalgamating both primary and secondary facilities within a single footprint.

Vision for the future The scheme included the demolition and refurbishment of existing facilities and extensive new build extensions to establish a 1220 place secondary school along with a 210 place primary school, an integral sixth form college and place of worship for use by students and staff.

Explains John Wilson, Managing Director of Eric Wright Construction: “As the contractor, Eric Wright Construction’s main aim was to develop an innovative, forward-thinking solution that would answer the key objective of helping to raise standards of educational provision across Blackpool and Fylde laid out in the original brief.

“That meant creating an environment that would boost the area’s long term economic prosperity and create opportunities for young people by transforming the existing built

The second phase included the construction of a new school hall, dining hall and staff facilities

Upfront contemporary facilities, but it also meant that the construction programme was complicated by the necessity to underpin parts of the existing structure and incorporate new service and drainages trenches.”

Not only was the construction programme extremely complex, it also had to take place within a live campus, so careful logistical planning and phasing of the project was required, with projectcritical sectional completion dates. Eric Wright Construction also had to carry out temporary works to overcome the many challenges of working on an occupied, constrained site, including the erection of pre-fabricated temporary units during the demolition and remodelling stages of the project.

John continues: “We had to balance the need to deliver the programme with the project’s budgetary constraints while maintaining high standards of site safety for staff and students throughout. We were able to minimise accommodation costs by designing the programme so that two-thirds of pupils could remain in the existing premises but, because we were converting some of the existing building for alternative use, it wasn’t as simple as decanting part of the student population for the duration.”

For example, the former staff room was converted into a new drama hall, following underpinning of the relevant area of the structure. Work on distinct areas of the building meant that 

Not only was the construction programme extremely complex, it also had to take place within a live campus

environment on the site, while protecting the rich heritage of the existing structure and providing a school environment that can grow and adapt to changing needs in the future.”

Complex programme Although the existing school layout and facilities were no longer fit for purpose, there was never any question of demolishing the school and creating a new build project from scratch, despite the fact that this would have been a much more straightforward process.

“From a planning perspective, the existing school wasn’t in a good state,” explains Adrian Swain, Studio Director at IBI Group.

“However, historic interest in parts of the school building meant that around 30% of the estate needed to be refurbished in order to retain the iconic Victorian facade. The remaining 70% required demolition and an extensive rebuild project.

“This created an opportunity to design a layout that worked better for the school and incorporated state-of-the-art

Secondary school teaching accommodation is organised as five faculty-based learning houses

Public Sector Build Journal 9

Upfront

These general learning areas are supported by specialist teaching nodes

services had to be disconnected in parallel with the programme, however, the Eric Wright team ensured that services were diverted to enable the school to remain fully operational and prevent works from interfering with core activities.

The complexities of the project also necessitated a collaborative approach between the school and all the delivery partners. “An open forum of communication was developed between all parties,” John continues, “including key school figures and local education

Although the existing school layout and facilities were no longer fit for purpose, there was never any question of demolishing the school

10 Public Sector Build Journal

authority representatives, to ensure that everyone remained well versed throughout the project. This also helped to convey any specific requirements, such as halting work during critical exam periods and reorganising operations outside of school hours.”

Multi phasing Health and safety remained paramount throughout the project with a hoarding and segregation system put in place to ensure staff, pupils and visitors remained

completely isolated from the live works.

Phase one of the redevelopment included the construction of new sixth form facilities, cutting-edge science and computer laboratories, 40 contemporary classrooms and a fitness gym.

The Sixth Form learning centre offers ultra-modern facilities with the introduction of a communal area with quiet spaces for study alongside a separate learning resource centre.

Secondary school teaching accommodation is organised as five faculty-based learning houses; each designed to be flexible and interactive, with three double sized classrooms located around a central double height presentation area. These general learning areas are supported by specialist teaching nodes, including large open plan science laboratories.

At the heart of the school runs a central concourse, formed by utilising the existing 1950s building. This runs the length of the premises, visually and physically linking all the elements of the scheme together.

The second phase included the construction of a new school hall, dining hall and staff facilities, with the final phase seeing Christ the King Primary School and Christ the King Parish Church move on site.

The schools were created with innovation and technology in mind, with new buildings featuring light and spacious classrooms, each decorated with fun vibrant colours to provide a creative and inspirational learning environment.

John adds: “For me, the most pioneering aspect of the build was during phase two, where we introduced an 11m wide, two-storey extension to the existing 1850s building which formed part of the rear of the drama hall. This required extensive underpinning of the aged property to support this additional structure.

“In addition, we also provided a section of the church with a large glazed screen which overlooks the existing alter to create a striking centrepiece.”

The new school building has achieved a BREEAM ‘Very Good’ rating through the specification of materials with low embodied energy and the use of natural ventilation. The fabric of the existing buildings will be utilised to increase thermal mass, with photovoltaics used to create renewable energy. 

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Upfront

Eric Wright provided a section of the church with a large glazed screen which overlooks the existing alter to create a striking centrepiece

The scheme was also highly commended in the Best Educational Building category at the 2014 LABC awards.

Sustainable improvements The new school will now act as an enabler to improve attendance, academic achievement, health, wellbeing, behaviour and a sense of worth for the young people of Blackpool aged from five through to 19.

Stephen Tierney, Executive Head Teacher of St Mary’s Catholic College and

The new school building has achieved a BREEAM ‘Very Good’ rating through the specification of materials

Christ the King Catholic Primary School, added: “This outstanding partnership of the schools, Blackpool Council and Eric Wright has helped establish a beacon of excellence on the top of Layton Hill.

“All students are now benefitting from the new buildings and the future looks bright for both schools.”

Carl Baker, Assistant Director of children’s services at Blackpool Council, added: “The school together with the local authority are extremely pleased and fortunate to have been granted

approval of this new building by the Department for Education under the Building Schools for the Future Programme back in 2010.

“It has been a long journey, but one which will provide the young people and staff with an exceptional environment for their future learning and work.

“The project team, from the architects to the constructors, have worked incredibly hard over the last four years to deliver this outstanding school campus.

It has been a very successful project and one which could only be delivered through a collaborative approach and a positive team ethos; it is a credit all those involved.”

John concludes: “We are very proud to have been involved in this multi-phase project which will change the face of primary, secondary and further education in the area.

“This scheme also provided us with a platform to provide employment opportunities for budding builders thanks to the Apprenticeship Training Association which saw us, our supply chain and subcontractors recruit apprentices to work on the project.

“St Mary’s Catholic College is a great example of what can be achieved with many parties working closely together and we’re delighted to have finished the programme of works by the estimated deadline.” 

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12 Public Sector Build Journal

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Housing

Contractors in the community As a contractor working predominantly in social housing and the public sector, Lakehouse regularly find itself amongst established and inhabited neighbourhoods and homes as opposed to empty building sites. It’s therefore important to recognise that its site team is very much a part of the community.

Here, John Lewthwaite, Group Business Improvement Director at Lakehouse, explains more.

14 Public Sector Build Journal

W

orking with housing associations and local authorities, clear communication and close collaboration underpin effective asset management.

But as well as working in partnership with our clients, it’s also vital to continually review our relationship with customers – those on the receiving end of our service.

By putting customer service front and centre, we are better able to deliver works smoothly and on time, reduce complaints, and make a positive impact on the communities in which we work. Customer service is a key part of a more holistic approach to community engagement – we

The think tank Policy Exchange recently published a report on the difficulties facing some of the country’s most troubled social housing estates

also need to be making better use of modern technology and looking at creative, effective ways to fulfil our social value obligations.

At Lakehouse, we’ve focused on creating a culture that means every member of the business has a responsibility when it comes to customer service. Building one-to-one relationships with customers is central to the role of resident liaison officer (RLO), site-based operatives who are dedicated to bridging the gap between customers and the construction labour team.

We’ve worked on expanding this customer service responsibility across the business so that residents can expect the same consideration and care from all

Housing

By putting customer service front and centre, Lakehouse is better able to deliver works smoothly and on time

members of the team, and we’ve developed our ‘Customer Journey’ programme to encourage all employees to provide a consistent service to the highest standards.

Crucial to achieving this has been the introduction of behavioural management training to support our site teams, and we’re the first contractor in the country to implement this. One result of this process has been establishing a code of conduct and customer charter, reinforcing the responsibility that all our employees have to our clients, customers and the business.

Introducing a set of group-wide standards for personal behaviour on site (as well as health and safety standards) means we can be comfortable in knowing that our work is consistent, and we can pass on this offer to our clients.

The code sets out the expected behaviour for all aspects of our work, from driving, parking and working practice, to carrying the correct identification and uniform standards. The code is detailed – guidelines on how to announce your presence at a residence, how to introduce yourself and when to enter a home are all included under access arrangements. While this may seem

Building one-to-one relationships with customers is central to the role of resident liaison officer (RLO)

pedantic or process-focused, it reduces misunderstanding and conflict as well as providing assurance for residents that their home is being treated with care. This focus on behaviour is particularly important when working with construction apprentices and trainees, many of whom were previously not in education, employment or training (NEETs).

and housing associations need and helping them to assess our performance.

To help facilitate positive relationships with our customers, modern technology can be used to make our work on social housing estates more efficient, more flexible and less intrusive. Whether checking boilers for hundreds of homes or upgrading residents’ kitchens and bathrooms, technology from tablets to online portals can help the process run smoothly.

In our compliance division, which specialises in gas safety, heating, fire protection and air and water hygiene, gaining access to homes to perform crucial checks and servicing is a challenge for both contractors and housing associations.

Technology can help us to offer residents the choice and flexibility to manage appointments with a contractor.

Working with housing association L&Q in Kent and the East Thames region, we offered residents access to an online portal with bespoke log-ins to manage their appointment slots and choose a time which suited their requirements. This was coupled with a 24-hour call centre, staffed with Arabic, Punjabi, Hindu, Bengali 

Monthly audits As part of the Customer Journey, employees across both the business and the supply chain are supported by regular training and talks which set out the business’ expectations and help maintain a consistent standard across the board.

Progress is measured by monthly audits to ensure all our teams are meeting these same standards. At each point of contact, we map our customers’ experience to track where changes to their service have been effective and where they are still needed.

This new approach has led to the Lakehouse Group establishing KPIs on customer service. This allows us to better integrate our approach to resident engagement into our bid process, aligning our offering with what local authorities

Public Sector Build Journal 15

Housing

To enable effective local intervention, Lakehouse believe it’s crucial to offer a range of training and recruitment options

and Gujarati speakers to meet the specific needs of these residents. These two progressive measures allowed us to reach 100% compliance levels for gas servicing in the area, ensuring the safety of these residents within their homes.

Gaining access is not the only way we can better engage with customers via modern technology. To help record accurate stock data and residents’ preferences, we’ve equipped some of our surveyors and engineers with tablets running specialist programmes.

Delivering improved customer service is not only about effective asset management, it’s about making an impact on the communities in which we work. As local authorities continue to see funding squeezed, there is considerable pressure to ensure that value and social impact is derived from every penny of public spending. The need to demonstrate these values in the procurement process has helped to bring obligations introduced under the Public Services Act (Social Value)

2012 to the fore, with local authorities increasingly looking to maximise on the social value of their framework contracts, as well as Section 106 agreements.

Given the skills shortage facing the construction sector, focusing on sustainable employment and training of local people is no bad thing. However, it is becoming more obvious to our local authority clients which contractors are merely making token efforts to meet contractual obligations and which are taking innovative steps to make a real social impact.

To enable effective local intervention, we believe it’s crucial to offer a range of training and recruitment options.

While boosting employment numbers is important, it’s not just about advertising jobs locally and offering single trade apprenticeships. This isn’t necessarily the best and only answer for some communities. Multi-skill traineeships, for example, offer unemployed 16-24 year olds up to six months’ training in English

Employees across both the business and the supply chain are supported by regular training

Customer service is a key part of a more holistic approach to community engagement

and maths, practical work experience and employability skills. This focuses on transferable, longer-term skills for young people and enables them to sample different trades before committing to an apprenticeship.

Modifying our approach to customer service, modern technology and training initiatives is a clear method to ensure contractors are delivering in the social housing sector. But when working day-to-day with residents of established communities, the approach needs to be bespoke.

The think tank Policy Exchange recently published a report on the difficulties facing some of the country’s most troubled social housing estates (particularly in terms of crime). The report highlighted communities which have turned desperation into inspiration, where committed partnerships have brought about improved approaches to crime, domestic wellbeing and community cohesion. In every case, there was no onesize-fits-all solution, and change initiatives were led by on-the-ground intelligence and community-based organisations.

We all know that construction is about more than bricks and mortar. In social housing, it is fundamentally about people – our customers. When it comes to them, there’s no room for resting on one’s laurels.

If standards are being met, raise them – there is always scope for improvement.

Building the right culture and processes is important, but making these changes isn’t about saddling employees with more work.

Instead, it’s about building our workforce and helping our employees to make the right decisions intuitively and encouraging these attitudes to come naturally, so that going above and beyond becomes the standard approach. 

 www.lakehouse.co.uk

16 Public Sector Build Journal

Talking Point Central and local government contracts could include skills and employment requirements to promote long term training within the industry

The skills shortage Steve Hale of Crofton explains why we need to start dealing with skills and training problems immediately – if we don’t we will hinder growth not only of the construction industry, but the wider economy as well.

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peak to anybody in the construction industry and they will tell you the same thing, the work is back.

However, recruiting the skilled people required to significantly increase capacity and actually deliver more sizeable jobs is near impossible for most firms. There is no doubt that construction skills shortages are significantly affecting the delivery of public sector projects across the industry and hindering growth.

Skills to Build, a report published by the London Chamber of Commerce and KPMG in November 2014, raises some frightening facts about the skills shortage. It states that £95.7bn worth of construction output is currently in planning and due to occur in 201417, although this is expected to be substantially higher as more projects come into the system. The report estimates that 20% more workers will be required on average to meet this pipeline demand in 2014-17, than were needed in the 2010-13 period.

A 51% average increase in training provision will be required to meet demand for construction labour between 2014-17, to plug a gap of over 14,800 trainees. A significant

18 Public Sector Build Journal

increase in competency-based training is needed to meet demand for construction managers, roofers, bricklayers, roofers, scaffolders, electricians, labourers and non-construction operatives.

We all constantly hear about targets relating to housing, and other areas of infrastructure that need to be met.

However, we must appreciate that targets

Steve Hale is Managing Director of Crofton. Crofton Design are award winning consulting engineers providing structural, mechanical, electrical and civil engineering design for the construction industry.

such as 250,000 homes a year will never be met with the construction labour market in its current state. We need to start dealing with skills and training problems immediately – if we don’t we will hinder growth not only of the construction industry, but the wider economy as well.

Issues surrounding public sector procurement for housing, schools and healthcare projects, need addressing to deal with the problem. Central and local government contracts could include skills and employment requirements to promote long term training within the industry.

However, it must be well thought through, and any training needs to have a real link to the construction workplace, and preferably lead to a full-time job. Encouraging contractors to fund training that has little relevance to construction, just so they can win public sector work is not sensible.

I also suspect that a lack of skilled people working in public sector procurement roles is costing local authorities serious money. Too many tenders are clearly written by people that lack technical skills, which means poor procurement strategies that lead to increased costs, project delays, and a lower quality product. If politicians

Talking Point understood the amount of money that was being wasted they might start taking the skills and training issue in construction more seriously.

Quantitative research Politicians tend to only hear anecdotal evidence of public sector construction inefficiencies, which they hardly ever act on. One way to resolve this could be by undertaking quantitative research to compare the performance of public sector procurement teams with private sector teams to the number of skilled people, such as engineers, surveyors and architects that they employ.

For example, the research could measure the costs of projects per square meter, project overruns and add on costs for private and public sector teams (most of this information would be available under The Freedom of Information Act, and many private organisations would provide data for the common good).

I suspect the research results would undoubtedly show that private sector procurement teams with more skilled people, deliver projects for significantly lower costs, on time, and on budget.

The research would essentially measure the value of qualifications, and just might ensure that politicians take the skills and training issue more seriously and inform policies that address it. Cutting skilled

people from public sector procurement teams will not save money. The public and private sector should come together as a body to conduct this research and influence policy. A university or industry organisation could conduct research.

Both the public and private sector urgently need to take steps to address the skills shortage, increase training and attract young people to the industry.

Problems have built up over a generation and will take a generation to resolve unless we act fast.

In my opinion, one key problem that is rarely mentioned in debates concerning skills and training is the misuse of HMRC’s Construction Industry Scheme (CIS) to avoid taxes. Construction firms recruit tradesmen to work for them long-term but the tradesmen are technically selfemployed. The firms employing them pay little attention to employment rights and entitlements such as holiday pay, sick pay, pensions and, of course, training.

A firm employing self-employed tradesmen for the long-term won’t fund training due to the tax implications.

Although the rules are well meaning, and aim to create a flexible labour market, misuse has led to real unintended consequences for an industry facing a vast skills shortage.

It is estimated that up to 50% of people working in construction, are essentially

falsely self-employed. With a figure this high, one can see why a systemic lack of training has become a problem.

The government needs to undertake a fundamental review of the tax rules to remove false self-employment. This will promote training, and put good firms that do provide training, on equal terms with the ones that do not.

Another key cause of the skills shortage is the cyclical nature of the construction industry. People leave it in recessions, and slowly come back in the good times – but as we can see currently, certainly not fast enough. Many would claim that nothing can be done about the industry’s cyclical nature, and would argue that’s the way it is. But surely part of a resolution lies in improving the image of construction as a career choice.

Long term commitment from government and private sector firms to fund training and apprenticeships, will help attract young people to the industry and enable them to develop the skills that make them want to work in it for life.

Currently construction is seen as a poor career choice.

Crucial collaboration We need to become better at engaging with and supporting organisations such as the Construction Youth Trust, a charity that helps young people access training.

This is in addition to working with schools to promote the industry as a career, so students understand the difference between an engineer, architect, quantity surveyor and so on. More also needs to be done to ensure that schools prioritise employment and vocational training in addition to academic qualifications.

Also, many construction focused college courses include elements that are out-dated and not relevant to current methods of construction.

The government should work with industry bodies to develop training and apprenticeship frameworks that support more modern building methods.

If the major public sector building projects that the UK so badly needs are to ever be delivered, the public sector and the construction industry need to pull together. Without trained, skilled people on both sides we will never be able to raise capacity to the necessary level. 

A 51% average increase in training provision will be required to meet demand for construction labour between 2014-17

 www.crofton-design.com

Public Sector Build Journal 19

Floors, Walls & Ceilings

The chosen solutions have been designed to meet the specific operational challenges experienced within car park facilities

Surfacing in good health The new 1100-bed South Glasgow University Hospital installed a complex arrangement of integrated flooring solutions across the sprawling facility to ensure that the floor finish at every part of the site was fully optimised for the task at hand.

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To provide a reliable floor surface in its car parking facility, the hospital installed 20,000m2 of two methyl methacrylate (MMA) based car park deck coating systems

20 Public Sector Build Journal

hese flooring challenges included installing a fast curing car park deck coating system, ensuring the floors in plant rooms and back of house areas were moisture proof and that a special subterranean tunnel would be able to withstand the constant movement of Automatic Guided Vehicles (AGV).

To provide a reliable, colourful and longlasting floor surface in its car parking facility, the hospital installed 20,000m2 of two methyl methacrylate (MMA) based car park deck coating systems, this included the building’s exposed top deck and ramp.

The chosen solutions have been designed to meet the specific operational challenges experienced within car park facilities. For example, being able to withstand heavy wheeled traffic, exposure to the elements and the inevitable spillages of automotive oils and liquids. The robust nature of the system’s resin make up means that the finish will be able to maintain an unblemished surface for an extended period of time despite these conditions.

The car park’s floor was supplied in both grey and blue so that bright and colourful walkways could be incorporated into the surface to aid the safe navigation of pedestrians. These systems allowed for a fast track installation, as their MMA formulation means that a full traffic and chemical cure will typically be achieved within 2-3 hours.

A damp proof membrane was installed across 50,000m2 of the hospital’s plant rooms and back of house areas to protect the floor finish from the damaging effects of moisture vapour emanating from the concrete substrate. A flexible polyurethane coating was then installed to create a surface able to withstand continuous foot traffic and impacts from the heavy on-site equipment.

To support the scope and scale of the South Glasgow University Hospital, a subterranean tunnel was built for AGV’s to transport the majority of the hospital’s goods. This innovative tunnel was a key logistics request, as an efficient system for moving equipment around the vast complex was vital.

The AGV tunnel required a 6000m2 floor area that would be able to withstand the movement of the 22 robotic drones that would be carrying heavy loads along the route 24 hours a day and exerting up to 725 pounds of pressure per square inch.

An assortment of flooring products was utilised to meet this demand. A fast drying, pump applied floor topping that has been purpose built for areas that need a hard wearing and level floor was first applied. This was followed by a 3mm layer of a self-levelling epoxy solution and then finished with another epoxy system. Aluminium Oxide particles were incorporated into the floor finish to enhance traction underfoot.

For all of these areas it was important that the floor finish was both seamless and robust to ensure an easy to clean and hygienic environment. The impermeable, flat, chemically resistant surfaces that have been created will avoid unwanted bacteria build up and provide a crack-free finish for an extended period of time. 

 www.flowcrete.co.uk

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Door & &Wall Health Safety Protection Many of the construction industry's leading commercial clients are now advocating the use of experienced, knowledgeable CDMCs

A waiting game It is now eight months since the HSE consulted the construction industry on their proposals for revising the CDM Regulations.

As we all await their final set of regulations, perhaps it is an opportune time to think about what is really needed by way of construction health and safety risk management advice under a new set of CDM Regulations. James Ritchie at the Association for Project Safety explains more.

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f construction projects are to really benefit from health and safety, then clients need to embrace it from the start, set realistic health and safety goals and be prepared to appoint a person or company with proven ability to work with the project design team – a CDM specialist that allows designers to get on with designing and coordinating the design effectively, provides appropriate advice to both clients and designers where required, plays an active part in project team meetings, offers solutions through persuasive discussion and generally becomes a key player in an integrated project team.

For the past seven years good CDM Coordinators have provided construction Clients with advice and guidance regarding their projects and the health and safety implications that need to be considered.

If the CDM2015 Regulations are approved

22 Public Sector Build Journal

by the Minister, then this will all change.

The provision of good independent advice from a CDM Coordinator will be a thing of the past and the HSE’s proposed new duty holder, the Principal Designer, will be responsible for pre-construction coordination of health and safety without any explicit requirement to advise and assist their clients.

CDM2015 provides an opportunity for the industry to reject bureaucracy and incompetence and use people with skill, knowledge and ability in construction health and safety risk management to the benefit of the whole project team and the client in particular.

Many of the construction industry’s leading commercial clients are now advocating the use of experienced, knowledgeable CDMCs as construction health and safety consultants having discovered the tangible benefits they bring

to their projects for remarkably modest costs – and it is not only the clients that have been benefitting from this service but also the designers and contractors. So, if clients are wanting to employ advisers with demonstrable skills, knowledge and experience in design, construction and health and safety, and so many designers are apprehensive of taking on health and safety responsibilities being suggested in the HSE’s proposed Principal Designer role, then the answer is surely for project teams to equip themselves with a competent and capable CDM Consultant, with a capability proportionate to the complexity of the project involved.

Our design institutes have a lot of work to do to ensure that their members are familiar enough with CDM2015 to know when they do not know enough and need to bring in a CDM Consultant to advise and assist both them and the client. The HSE’s CDM2015 proposals may well help in this regard as architects, surveyors and engineers will find themselves on many projects automatically appointed as the Principal Designer with an associated legal responsibility for coordinating the design phase health and safety.

Designers are usually good coordinators as this is part and parcel of a designer’s role and they need to look at the Principal Designer role as less about being an expert in health and safety and more about being a good coordinator of information. If they really want to deal with the ‘health and safety’ issues and have the capability, then great. If they don’t have the capability, then they will need to go looking for someone who does and can provide them with independent advice and assistance.

 www.aps.org.uk  

info@aps.org.uk 0131 4426 600

CDM2015 provides an opportunity for the industry to reject bureaucracy and incompetence

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Doors & Windows

Hospitals and healthcare facilities by their very nature need to provide easy access and escape in the event of an emergency

Ultimate fire protection with Gilgen An automatic swing door operator from Gilgen Door Systems has become one of the first of its kind to be independently tested and approved for use on fire doors.

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he Gilgen FD 20 swing door operator fitted with safety sensors recently passed stringent fire safety tests carried out through Exova Warringtonfire, one of the world’s leading fire safety and resistance testing specialists. The tests examined the resistance of the operator when fitted to fire doors exposed to extreme fire and heat up to 1000°C. Following successful tests the FD 20 was approved for use on timber fire door sets providing up to two hours protection and metal fire door sets providing up to one hour protection, thereby meeting the requirements of BS EN 1634-1:2014 regulations.

The news is seen as highly significant for estates managers and construction industry specifiers as Rob Archer, National Technical Manager for Gilgen Door Systems, explains: “Hospitals and healthcare facilities by their very nature need to provide easy access and escape in the event of an emergency through

24 Public Sector Build Journal

the installation of powered fire doors.

However, when specifying this type of equipment managers should be aware that Gilgen Door Systems is one of the few, if not only, manufacturer to have approval for the use of automatic swing door operators with safety sensors on fire doors."

The approval for the FD 20 covers installation to a number of passive door sets including EI120 (FD120) Timber door Timber frame with Intumescent protection, EI60 (FD60) Metal door Metal frame and EI60 (FD60) Timber door Metal frame with Intumescent protection.

Since its launch in 2013 the highly versatile Gilgen FD 20 has proven an ideal solution for facilities such as hospitals, education facilities and transport hubs that experience high pedestrian footfall and require easy and hygienic access.

Incorporating a powerful yet silentrunning electro-mechanical drive the FD 20 can automate doors up to 250kg and is even suitable for externally facing doors

facing wind speeds up to 50MPH. Of Swiss design the FD 20 incorporates high quality components chosen for their performance and durability. The master switch and illuminated program selector buttons are integrated into a high quality aluminium housing for intuitive operation.

An extensive range of configurations is possible for single and bi-parting doors, emergency exit, fire safety operation and bespoke solutions. Safety features are built in as standard and the drive is tested to EN16005 and BIN 18650.

Gilgen Door Systems has over 50 years’ proven experience in designing, manufacturing, installing and maintaining automatic door systems. Its comprehensive range includes automatic sliding, folding and swing doors, hermetic doors, privacy screens, fire doors, security doors and escape way solutions.

 www.gilgendoorsystems.co.uk 

info@gilgendoorsystems.co.uk  0800 316 6994

The approval for the FD 20 covers installation to a number of passive door sets

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Public Sector Build Journal 25

Education

Sunderland College opted for condensing technology when it came to specifying its heating equipment

An education in energy saving With an increased range of energy-efficient heating solutions on offer to meet the low carbon requirements of Part L, Chris Meir looks at the options and how best to maximise energy and carbon savings in new-build educational developments.

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s fuel prices continue to rise and a question mark falls once more on the security of our energy supply, it is more important than ever to use our energy effectively and efficiently. Becoming more energy efficient will also reduce harmful greenhouse gas emissions, help us meet our environmental commitments and in turn slow climate change.

New build developments are designed to use less energy in keeping with tighter environmental legislation. Yet, according to a report by Carbon Buzz, there is an energy

Biomass has proved a successful choice at the ÂŁ8m eco-teaching centre known as PA@G

26 Public Sector Build Journal

performance gap between how a building is predicted to perform and the actual results, with the average building consuming 1.5 to 2.5 times the predicted values. This figure can rise to as much as 6 times for heat consumption. With space and water heating typically responsible for the greatest slice of energy use in a building at around 60%, it is therefore crucial to engineer for optimum efficiency from heating.

But firstly, why the performance gap in heating? This is often due to a misunderstanding as to the most effective

ways of integrating renewable heating technologies into a modern heating system. Good design, specification and installation are essential in order to achieve the maximum benefits and savings. It is therefore important to factor in at the design stage how the chosen renewable technology will work for a particular building and how it will operate with additional components in the heating system. One solution for bivalent solutions combining renewable and condensing technologies is to try to use, where possible, the same supplier as their in-depth knowledge of each product will support smarter system design and installation.

The arrival of new generations of traditional heating products brings a greater choice of solutions for energyefficient heating and hot water that meet the carbon requirements and accommodate all budgets. However, as with renewables, smart system design and implementation is necessary if these products are to achieve the exceptionally high efficiencies of which they are capable.

Affordability was a key criterion for Nigel Griffin, Project Engineer at Cardiff University

Education for the University’s flagship new 179-bed student accommodation, Talybont Gate.

He specified six ‘super condensing’ Quinta Eco Plus boilers incorporating passive flue gas heat recovery (PFGHR) technology “as an affordable, quality solution… to provide reliable, low-carbon, energy-efficient heating and hot water with a rapid recovery time and good financial payback.”

Recovered energy Boilers using PFGHR devices are superefficient as they recover what would otherwise be wasted energy from the boiler and pass it back into the heating system for the benefit of space heating or cold water pre-heat. At Talybont Gate, the recovered energy, equivalent to up to 15% of the gross input, is used to pre-heat the two 2000 litre cylinders that supply domestic hot water to the 179 en-suite bathrooms, effectively reducing the energy required to heat the water and maximising carbon and energy savings. Not only was installation made easy with these prefabricated units, but for Mr Griffin, the specification of the super condensing PFGHR boilers is an important contributory factor in Talybont Gate’s forthcoming assessment for BREEAM ‘Excellent’ status.

Sunderland College opted for condensing technology when it came to specifying the heating equipment for its newly-opened £22m Sports and Visual and Performing Arts (VPA) facilities.

They chose to use two new generation, high efficiency condensing boilers in a well-designed heating system that David Wright, Director at Desco and M&E Consulting Engineer on the project, described as “one of the best installations that we have ever seen”.

Today’s clean-burning gas condensing boilers are widely considered the bridge to decarbonisation as they offer both minimal carbon and NOx emissions together with exceptionally high efficiencies. With their small footprint, ability to be installed side-to-side and modern design that allows them to be disassembled into parts for easier access, they also enable more efficient and flexible design in the smaller plant rooms often found in new build developments. From a financial stance, they are also the cost-effective option, offering speedy returns on investment.

Highly effective and efficient, the Remeha Gas 310 Eco Pro boilers at Sunderland College assisted in meeting the ‘Very Good’ BREEAM target rating achieved by the

Affordability was a key criterion for Nigel Griffin, Project Engineer at Cardiff University for the University's new student accommodation

At the heart of this BREEAM 'Excellent' building is a lowcarbon Remeha 120kW biomass boiler fuelled by woodchips

Sports and VPA buildings.

Correctly sized, fitted and controlled, biomass heating systems are an effective and high performance provider of low carbon heating in new-build developments at schools and universities. The popularity of biomass is boosted by the governmentbacked Renewable Heat Incentive (RHI) which was introduced to assist with the initial outlay costs. Payments, administered

by Ofgem and made quarterly over a 20year period, equate to around 15 to 20% return on investment, with one school reporting receiving as much as £25 to £30K a year. While biomass heating systems deliver significant carbon reductions compared to fossil fuel alternatives, they also require more space and maintenance.

boiler fuelled by woodchips that the College manufactures sustainably from its own surrounding woodland. “Our aim throughout has been to create the most environmentallyfriendly, sustainable building possible,” explained Sam Faire, Estates Manager at Meirion-Dwyfor. “So it’s a satisfying achievement to be able to use our own natural resources to fuel the heating system.”

Manufacturers have risen to the challenge to improve the heating efficiency of our new-build developments with new and improved technologies.

Now, we in the building services industry are actively working more collaboratively with initiatives such as Building Information Modelling (BIM) to improve building performance efficiencies and bring further long-term savings in maintenance and operation to end-users. At Remeha Commercial we look forward to helping more educational establishments schools become energy smart with our range of high performance, low-carbon, energyefficient heating solutions. 

Natural achievement Biomass has proved a successful choice at the £8m eco-teaching centre known as PA@G (Pentref Addysg @ Glynllifon), at Glynllifon, Coleg Meirion-Dwyfor’s land-based campus near Caernarfon that has scooped numerous awards for its sustainable design. At the heart of the BREEAM ‘Excellent’ building is a low-carbon Remeha 120kW biomass

 www.remeha.co.uk

Public Sector Build Journal 27

Healthcare

Priorities in healthcare construction Now is a time of pressure for the UK's health service. Building high-quality, sustainable health facilities within timescales and budgets is key. Offsite timber frame construction is perfectly placed to support the NHS goals and deliver sustainable buildings that meet demands, says Alex Goodfellow, Group Managing Director of Stewart Milne Timber Systems.

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he winter months often exacerbate the demands placed on the health service, with bed space and other resources often stretched thinly. Getting new facilities up and running is, therefore, more important than ever as the NHS seeks to meet growing demands on its services.

Not only is there pressure from a time perspective, in terms of ensuring facilities are available where and when required, but quality is clearly of the utmost importance. Sustainability is also a key consideration, both from the perspective of environmental benefit, and as an effective way to optimise operational expenditure by saving on fuel bills.

Indeed, at the beginning of this year leaders in the sector came together to outline a strategy which would reduce its environmental impact, while acknowledging the financial restraints in which the NHS currently finds itself.

Timber systems, combined with offsite build techniques, are able to meet all of these requirements within rigid quality and deadline requirements. That’s why an increasing number of health boards and trusts are turning to timber systems for their new facilities. It’s a trend reflected in

28 Public Sector Build Journal

many other sectors too.

There are a number of reasons for this.

Firstly, it’s one of the most technologically advanced forms of construction. It assures the timescales of build programmes through the use of offsite construction methods. Manufacturing in factory conditions means projects don’t rely on favourable weather conditions. During the winter months, that’s particularly useful given the poor weather we’ve come to expect across the UK. What’s more, with offsite construction there’s a reduced requirement for labour on site, streamlining the project even further. In fact, according to industry body Buildoffsite, companies that manufacture offsite finish construction 50% faster than firms which use traditional construction methods – that has clear benefits for NHS projects with non-negotiable timescales.

Secondly, timber systems enable the project to be value engineered from the very earliest stages. The flexibility, sustainability and predictability of timber in terms of timescales, budget, and energy performance – as well as a range of other associated benefits – make it a perfect choice for many construction projects.

Timber systems enable the project to be value engineered from the very earliest stages

Healthcare

Getting new facilities up and running is more important than ever as the NHS seeks to meet growing demands on its services

Thirdly, it’s renewable, and extremely sustainable. Timber can reduce the embodied carbon of a structure by up to six times when used instead of more energy intensive materials. For every cubic metre of wood used instead of other building materials, an estimated 0.8 of a tonne of CO2 is saved from the atmosphere.

Similarly, facilities can expect excellent energy performance from their timber system facilities. We often talk about a ‘fabric first’ approach; that is, selecting a build fabric which inherently possesses the required qualities for the project objectives.

Through the use of energy efficient timber, combined with a fabric first approach, it’s possible to eliminate the requirement for

Timber can reduce the embodied carbon of a structure by up to six times when used instead of more energy intensive materials

Through the use of energy efficient timber, combined with a fabric first approach, it's possible to eliminate the requirement for

“bolt-on” devices to meet energy standards.

What’s more, it can deliver an overall energy reduction of up to 33%.

As cases in point, earlier this year we announced our involvement on a major project in Ayrshire where we’ll be working with Balfour Beatty and NHS Ayrshire & Arran on a major £47m initiative to deliver the health board’s Acute Mental Health and Community Development project. The timber systems will be manufactured offsite to ensure an on-time, on-budget delivery.

Starting this month, we’ll be working to a 23-week build schedule on this 12,465m2 project. The wall panels we provide will offer a U-value of 0.22 w/m2K, and the roofs 0.16 w/m2K, while we will also achieve an air tightness of 5. Combined, these factors will provide excellent energy efficiency and thermal performance for the facility.

The hospital will also feature 140mm external wall closed panels with 120mm, 0.022 polyurethane insulation, and roof trusses with 18mm plywood sarking. All internal partitions will be erected with 9mm OSB sheathing, with bathroom pods loaded in. To further speed up the build, our teams will manage a scaffold-free build onsite.

We’ve also worked on projects with Laing O’Rourke on two facilities for the Tyne and Wear NHS Foundation.

Monkwearmouth Hospital is a 24-bed facility for patients living with dementia, while Ryhope Hospital is a 122-bed mental

health treatment centre. Both projects specified the highest standards possible for timescales, waste reduction, safety measures, and overall cost of the projects.

Timber systems were, therefore, the ideal choice. Working with both Laing O’Rourke and Medical Architecture from an early stage, a number of opportunities were identified to maximise value, streamline the build programme, and ensure efficiency.

Prior to beginning the project, we employed Building Information Modelling (BIM) to maximise the lead-in period and design efficiencies to help meet the challenging timeframes. This meant we were able to design both the structure and the services in tandem, avoiding any clashes and subsequent delays.

To realise the exacting energy standards required for both hospitals, we employed a closed panel wall system to achieve a U-Value of 0.26w/m2K. This had the added benefit of maximising cost efficiency through reduced labour time and less waste. This approach also achieved excellent thermal bridging, with an air tightness of 4, on the latter project.

As the NHS endeavours to cope with a broad range of pressures, timber systems are an excellent way of ensuring that new construction facilities are completed on time, on budget, and to extremely high  quality standards.

 www.timbersystems.stewartmilne.com

Public Sector Build Journal 29

Fire, Health & Safety

Safeguarding the public Ray Turner, Compliance Manager at Hochiki Europe, talks to Public Sector Build Journal about public sector safety and understanding the fire safety supply chain.

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t can be all too easy for those in the public sector to regard the purchase and installation of life-safety equipment as a simple tick-in-a-box measure that allows them to remain compliant. However, given the growing number of automated life safety systems appearing in schools, hospitals and social housing across the country, it is vital that devices installed are 100% reliable, dependable and fit-for purpose.

The lives of patients, schoolchildren, staff and tenants within these buildings are, in essence, put in the hands of those in charge of choosing the systems. As an emergency system can fail with just one faulty component, specifiers and purchasers need to fully understand the development background and regulation requirements of the products they’re buying.

My recommended top-five considerations for those seeking to purchase fire-safety equipment for public sector buildings are: 1. What is the manufacturer’s product development process?

Understanding how fire-safety products progress from concept to delivery can provide key insight in determining the quality and reliability of systems. A

30 Public Sector Build Journal

robust product supply chain takes place over an extended period, involving many product prototypes and rigorous testing.

2. How are products tested to exceed your expectations?

In order to ensure optimum safety levels of fire-safety solutions, every element within a device should be individually tested for reliability and durability during the development process. The most reliable fire-safety manufacturers will test each product before its release.

3. How are compliance and safety standards assessed to meet your needs?

Specifiers are responsible for ensuring the devices they purchase are compliant with the relevant regulations. For example, products which ascribe to internationally recognised safety standards, such as IEC EN 61508 (defining Safety Integrity Levels – SIL), are the logical choice for purchasers of workplace safety systems. Choosing a manufacturer that stays at the forefront of the latest legislation will ensure only fit-for-purpose systems are installed, preventing any potentially expensive or dangerous breaches of regulation.

4. What preventative measures have been taken to reduce your involvement in after care?

By making the testing of individual devices standard in the supply chain, manufacturers ensure optimum product performance and long-term reliability.

When a robust design process and a network of trusted partners is behind a system, the lifespan of products is maximised with only simple on-site maintenance required, once installed.

5. How is the supply chain audited to improve your experience?

In order for public sector buildings to remain compliant, it is important for specifiers to ensure that they have a ready supply of equipment at their disposal. Manufacturers who regularly have their management systems audited to the latest ISO standards are more likely to have efficient ordering and delivery systems to support critical time pressures.

By choosing fire-safety manufacturers with transparent and robust supply chains, the public sector can ensure it continues to purchase and install the safest and most reliable fire and lighting safety equipment  that safeguards its public.

 www.hochikieurope.com

Entrance Systems

Public Sector Build Journal 31

One of the key requirements of the client's brief was to achieve optimum energy efficiency with any equipment being replaced

Image courtesy of FaulknerBrowns

Image courtesy of FaulknerBrowns

Leisure

FT Leisure gets Wet 'n' Wild W

hen the Wet ‘n’ Wild family water park in North Shields, Tyne and Wear first opened in October 1993, it was the UK’s largest indoor water park boasting a number of pools and slides, including the Kamikaze, which featured an 80ft drop. But on October 14th last year, in its 20th year, the popular attraction closed as Wet ‘n’ Wild Enterprises Ltd entered administration with the firm’s 69 staff being made redundant.

Moirai Capital Investments acquired the water park in October 2013 and has appointed Serco Leisure to manage and operate it for a period of 25 years. Both Serco and Moirai Capital Investments have extensive experience in the UK leisure market: Serco manages 75 leisure centres including two national sports centres on

32 Public Sector Build Journal

behalf of Sport England and Moirai Capital Investments is a leading developer of sport, leisure and entertainment facilities.

Moirai Capital Investments has invested in excess of £1.1m to refurbish the water park and transform it into a modern family leisure attraction. The project has also brought a much needed employment boost to the area with a total of 56 new jobs including lifeguards, receptionists, cleaning staff and catering staff.

Over the past 10 years, FT Leisure Ltd has worked in partnership with Serco Leisure, servicing, maintaining and refurbishing all of their aquatic sites throughout the UK and Ireland. The founding members of FT Leisure were previously employed

by Thermelek Engineering Services Ltd, who were responsible for the design and

The Wet 'n' Wild water park offers over 1km of slides including the Hurricane, the Kamikaze, the Abyss and Calamity Canyon

Image courtesy of FaulknerBrowns

FT Leisure was recently appointed by Serco Leisure to enhance and refurbish the filtration and leisure water equipment of North Shields' Wet 'n' Wild. Having received a significant investment, this public facility has now been transformed and is a place for all the community to enjoy.

Leisure

Image courtesy of Serco

Serco Leisure appointed FT Leisure to enhance and refurbish the filtration and leisure water equipment

Over the past 10 years, FT Leisure Ltd has worked in partnership with Serco Leisure

installation of the original facility, 21 years ago. FT Leisure therefore had good in-depth technical knowledge of the systems and was best placed to take on this project. Serco Leisure therefore appointed FT Leisure to enhance and refurbish the filtration and leisure water equipment, to bring it up to current design standards and to extend the life of the equipment.

The scope of works included the shotblasting, relining and replacement media in the mild steel lined filtration vessels. All of the circulation and leisure water pumping systems were replaced. The wave machine

was fully refurbished, along with all the grilles in the swimming pool. Finally, based on the age of the original installation, all of the system controls and electrics were replaced to current IEE regulations.

One of the key requirements of the client’s brief was to achieve optimum energy efficiency with any equipment being replaced. All of the circulating and features pumping systems were therefore Grundfos high efficiency motors and variable speed drives.

The most challenging element of this refurbishment project was the programme.

All of the above works had to be completed within eight weeks, to get the facility ready for the opening date to the public.

The Wet ‘n’ Wild water park offers over 1 kilometre of slides including the Hurricane, the Kamikaze, the Abyss and Calamity Canyon.

The popular North Shields attraction’s refurbishment also features a new and improved reception entrance and shop; a new cafe and catering area; the former health suite has become an expansion of the Wet Changing Village to provide additional dedicated family changing facilities and showers; the former gym and dance studios has been converted into specially designed toddlers’ and younger children’s soft play and birthday party area – Discovery Play Island; and there is new, improved external signage around the water park.

The refurbished water park re-opened in August with lower admission costs than

before the park closed.

FT Leisure Managing Director, Simon Whittingham said: “We are very pleased to have been associated with this prestigious project and that Wet ‘n’ Wild has benefited from significant investment and refurbishment to bring it back into use. Wet ‘n’ Wild was a very popular facility with residents and visitors alike and it’s great to see it open again. It’s also good news for the local community that the investment has created so many extra job opportunities and will have a significant positive impact. Whilst this project was challenging for everyone involved, it has further cemented our partnering relationship with Serco Leisure.”

FT Leisure specialises in the provision of innovative products and professional technical services to the commercial, municipal and private swimming pool industries. Its range of services includes the design, manufacture, installation, commissioning and/or refurbishment and maintenance of water treatment and filtration systems, moveable floors, booms and disabled access platforms, ozone and UV sterilisation, wave machines and leisure water features.

Other recent FT Leisure projects include the Beswick Community Hub in Manchester, Witham Leisure Centre and AT7 Centre, Coventry. 

 www.ftleisure.co.uk

Public Sector Build Journal 33

Paints, Coatings & Finishes

Painting within budget For anyone charged with sourcing products for a public sector painting project, achieving a quality finish at an affordable price is key. Ewa Czapracka, Marketing Manager at Armstead Trade – the new trade paint brand from AkzoNobel – discusses how value for money can be achieved by choosing the best paint for the job no matter how tight the budget.

I

n any public sector area, from a residential communal room to a school chemistry lab, the woodwork is often the first barrier of defence for protecting walls from knocks and scrapes from furniture or from dirty finger marks forming around door openings.

Well-maintained trim – from skirting boards to door frames – is an easy way to enhance the overall look of a room, however freshening up the woodwork is often one of the most time consuming aspects of a painting scheme. That said, the advent of new water-based formulations which offer quicker drying times means that overhauling trim need no longer add a significant amount of time to the length of any project.

Making smart choices Whether the project is painting a resident’s home or sprucing up a reception area, quick dry paints make it possible to complete the job in a shorter timeframe and with less disturbance – vital when you’re trying to

34 Public Sector Build Journal

keep labour hours down in order to keep a project within budget. Where previously it may have been necessary to close off rooms and find other areas to host displaced users, the quick-drying properties of water-based paints means that surfaces can now be repainted in around four hours.

As a result, while rooms may need to be vacated for a few hours, those using them won’t be disturbed too much while their areas are refreshed.

Another benefit of water-based coatings is the significantly lower levels of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) they contain compared with their solvent counterparts, making them, in comparison relatively low-odour. Further, the high levels of VOCs in solvent-based paints can have a negative effect on health and well-being, particularly in older and more vulnerable people, especially those with pre-existing conditions like asthma. By choosing a water-based paint, those managing the job can actively seek to reduce the harm that can be caused by VOCs.

By choosing a durable trade paint the specifier can be assured of a quality finish that helps minimise surface imperfection

Paints, Coatings & Finishes

Quick dry paints make it possible to complete the job in a shorter timeframe and with less disturbance

The advantages of water-based paint need not come in over budget. Armstead Trade’s Quick Dry Gloss and Satin woodwork formulations, for example, use acrylic quick-dry technology. As well as having all the benefits of water-based paints, these also deliver a longer lasting whiteness when compared with solventbased paints, which can suffer from yellowing over time. As a result, despite its smart price point, it can be used to extend maintenance cycles – further improving the value it offers.

Durable value For any public sector organisation looking to refresh its decorative scheme, it may be tempting to choose the very cheapest paint option in order to keep costs as low as possible. However, making a decision based simply on which paint has the lowest price tag may be more costly in the long run if the type of paint chosen doesn’t meet the needs of the area in which it is applied. Instead, you should consider the range options within your budget that are available that offer added benefits, designed to suit the needs of different types of spaces.

For example, busy hallways in residential or school blocks are likely to suffer frequent knocks and scuffs and, as a result, a standard paint may quickly become worn down or stained and the area will need repainting frequently. The consequences of specifying the wrong type of paint for these areas can be significant, leading to increased material and labour costs, as

Freshening up the woodwork is often one of the most time consuming aspects of a painting scheme

well as increasing the level of waste and disruption that will be necessary.

In a busy location, the smart choice is a coating that offers a greater level of durability – that can be scrubbed clean without affecting the finish – a paint that will extended maintenance cycles, such as Armstead Trade Durable Matt. By choosing a durable trade paint the specifier can be assured of a quality finish that helps minimise surface imperfection, while also withstanding the rigours of daily life.

Once the correct type of paint has been identified, it can be easy to assume that if it provides specialist benefits – such as increased durability – the choice of colours will be limited. However, this doesn’t have to be the case – a good manufacturer will offer you a wealth of colours to choose from, no matter what the type of environment you are looking to decorate.

Armstead Trade’s Durable Matt, for example, is verified according to British Standards testing, yet is also available in over 3000 colours. When these colours are chosen using the brand’s Commercial Colour Scheming Brochure it’s easy to ensure your scheme meets the standards set out in the Equality Act 2010. By selecting one of the ready-made, compliant colour schemes you can help building users to navigate their way around safely.

painted areas for their input early on in the process, you can help ensure they take real pride in the newly finished work and are encouraged to take care of it.

Using available literature can be a really easy way to share your plans and ask for feedback, allowing you to showcase some of the different options that are available.

Ultimately, this will help inject further value into the project and help to extend the maintenance cycle.

When beginning any public sector project it’s important to remember three key points: while there may be a range of paints within your budget that you’re considering to keep costs down, simply choosing the cheapest of these will not necessarily offer the best value; choosing the right type of paint for the job is essential to extending maintenance cycles and reducing downtime; and gaining buy-in from those who will be using the spaces is vital for a successful finish. 

 www.armsteadtrade.co.uk

Keeping it colourful In addition to ensuring your scheme is compliant, it can be invaluable to get input from those who will be using the space.

By asking those who’ll frequent the newly

Armstead Trade's Quick Dry Gloss and Satin woodwork formulations use acrylic quick-dry technology

Public Sector Build Journal 35

Modern Methods of Construction

Rapid delivery In fast track construction speed is the key but commonly used methods are not necessarily the most efficient or cost-effective.

Should we therefore be changing our approach? Laurence van Belle, Technical Sales Manager at Xella UK explains more.

W

hen assessing common features of fast track construction, the high thermal efficiency, airtightness and ease of installation of SIPS systems have all combined in their favour.

Despite such widespread use, however, there can be a trade-off in terms of some elements of performance. Silka calcium silicate ‘big blocks’, which have been proven in the UK over the past 10 years and have a history of use in Western Europe, can provide a more economic and quicker method of construction than either SIPS or block and steel frame. Perhaps more importantly, they also offer significant technical advantages.

Calcium silicate has been in use as a construction material for more than a century, but the development of the ‘big block’ principle has given it fresh impetus.

BBA-certified blocks in sizes up to 1000 x 645mm make construction quick, efficient and extremely cost-effective. Steel frame and SIPS require minimal installation skill but a two-man team laying calcium silicate blocks (using a small construction crane which is moved between floors) can lay in excess of 60m2 per day, far more than a three-man team can achieve with traditional masonry. For projects such as schools, hotels, hospitals and apartment blocks this can be hugely beneficial given the tight build times involved and implications of overrun.

Silka blocks are suitable for load bearing,

36 Public Sector Build Journal

non-load bearing and interior leaf cavity walls, a single leaf wall 150mm thick providing an acoustic value of 50-55dB, well above regulation requirements. An unfinished 140mm 7.3N aircrete block provides a value of just 44dB (rising to 46dB with drylining or lightweight plaster).

High thermal mass enables calcium silicate to absorb heat and release it slowly, helping maintain a comfortable living environment and reducing CO2 emissions from heating, lighting and air conditioning.

By contrast, timber absorbs heat too slowly to provide effective thermal mass (a fact often overlooked in favour of U-value), while steel conducts heat too rapidly to accommodate a building’s naturally variable heat flow. The comparison is similarly marked in terms of fire resistance, a SIPS system typically offering a rating of 30-60 minutes compared to 120 minutes provided by a calcium silicate block.

As part of a package of specification support, drawings for this type of construction are supplied for each individual wall showing the designated position of standard, cut and faceted blocks. Laying into a thin joint mortar, a practice commonly used in Western Europe and an intrinsic part of the large format wall system, makes the structure stronger and more airtight while reducing the critical drying out period. There is no need for pointing and invariably work

Silka calcium silicate 'big blocks' can provide a more economic and quicker method of construction

can carry on in conditions which are too cold for traditional mortar. With blocks cut off-site to requirements laid down in architect’s drawings, build heights of up to 7 metres per day are not unusual.

At 25N/mm2, blocks have a high load bearing capacity, greater resistance to tensile stresses and a density of 17501850kg/m3. Unlike concrete blocks, which achieve their shear strength from the aggregate and cement content, calcium silicate derives its strength purely from the chemical reaction that takes place between lime and water. The finished block is water resistant but does not form a vapour barrier so accumulated moisture can diffuse slowly into the atmosphere.

Among the first UK projects to use the big block principle, Laing O’Rourke built 7 schools in North Swindon between 2005-7 for Swindon Borough Council. The £68m PFI scheme utilised 5700m3 of blocks and prompted specification for a further 14 schools in Scotland as part of Edinburgh schools PPP2 and Perth & Kinross PFI schools projects. Laing O’Rourke was supported with a continuous programme of onsite training for installers, with projects all closely monitored. 

 www.xella.co.uk Calcium silicate has been in use for more than a century, but the development of the 'big block' principle has given it fresh impetus

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Public Sector Build Journal 37

Roofing & Cladding

MyPlace has been constructed to the highest environmental standards

Facilitating change I The landmark £4.7m, lottery-funded MyPlace Havering youth centre project, designed by Jacobs Architecture, is one of few commercial buildings in the UK yet to achieve a ‘zero carbon’ rating. Jacobs’ sustainability engineers were tasked with ‘maximising the site’s potential’ by building it with the lowest-possible carbon footprint.

The zinc complements exposed external timber beams and aggregate cladding panels

38 Public Sector Build Journal

ndeed, it was environmental and sustainability goals which helped shape the centre’s exterior form, using materials only from demonstrably sustainable sources. With the external envelope playing such a critical role in terms of overall thermal performance, a standing seam VM Zinc system in preweathered Quartz-Zinc was specified for the ‘caterpillar-shaped’ structure.

The compact roof construction reduces thermal bridges and increases airtightness, thereby making a major contribution to the achievement of a BREEAM ‘Excellent’ rating. The zinc complements exposed external timber beams and aggregate cladding panels fixed with colour-coded screws, all of which combine to make a distinctive contemporary design statement.

Catering for 11 to 21-year-olds but with a particular focus on those from 14 to 19, the building has replaced the former Albemarle Centre. The greenest building in the borough of Havering, MyPlace has been constructed to the highest environmental standards, with natural ventilation, natural day lighting, high insulation levels and solar panels.

Senior Project Architect Shelley Smith commented: “The council’s aspiration was for the building to be out of the ordinary, so we suggested it should be ‘zero carbon’ with electricity generated through use of roof-mounted

Roofing & Cladding photovoltaics. The concept received widespread support, with the London Borough of Havering meeting additional costs beyond grants received from the Big Lottery Fund and the Veolia ES Cleanaway Havering Riverside Trust.

“It is part of the council’s multimillion pound Harold Hill Ambitions Regeneration Scheme and the additional £200,000 invested covered such features as higher specification windows, wind catchers, sun pipes and insulation.

“We went for a passive design approach to minimise the operational energy used, so the building has 250mm wall insulation, thick Foamglas panels on the zinc roof and high-spec double glazing. The roof overhang has also been designed specifically to provide shading.”

The architects developed a brief with stakeholders who, in addition to primary users included local radio station Link FM and the Prospects Graduate Careers Centre. Shelley Smith added: “I met about

Teenagers formed their own board in order to ensure proposals affecting the building design would meet all the needs of the borough’s youth

15 teenagers and worked with them through every stage of the design. The caterpillar came out of 3D modelling but it is also a metaphor for what it provides – change and development.”

The teenagers formed their own board in order to ensure proposals affecting the building design would meet all the needs of the borough’s youth. In addition to working with the architects they liaised closely with local residents to identify requirements that the building needed to fulfil.

much to a pre-weathering process which enables the installed appearance to be retained while the metal continues to develop a self-protecting patina. Cold or warm roof constructions can be used on pitches as low as 3°.

The Quartz-Zinc colour is obtained by immersing natural zinc in a solution which modifies the surface’s crystalline structure. This is a durable chemical conversion rather than a coating and the end result is a finish reminiscent of aged zinc but with complete consistency across the surface. The matt, velvet grey tone has a subtle appearance which draws attention to the roof without being overwhelming. As a result, it can be used to blend with a diverse range of materials.

MP Tim Loughton, the Parliamentary Under Secretary of State for Children and Families who officially opened the centre praised the futuristic building as “an innovative, iconic facility which owes much to the young people who have been at the heart of the project”.

The new building boasts dance and performance space, a recording studio, games room, cafe, art room, a bike and motorcycle workshop, a sports and activity hall and computer suite. It will also provide counselling and health and information services for young people. 

Reliable escape

The roof is of a complex curved design, the type which lends itself perfectly to zinc

The roof is of a complex curved design, the type which lends itself perfectly to zinc and its scope for use in compact roof build-ups. Convex or concave curves and tapers can be formed routinely and in this case the VM Zinc Plus system was used with Foamglas. The system requires no underside ventilation and both materials have low environmental impact.

Foamglas benefits from Natureplus accreditation while a wide range of VM Zinc roofing and cladding systems have been audited by the BRE, with all systems receiving a Green Guide rating of A+ or A. The insulation is also totally impervious to water vapour so it retains its K-value throughout the building’s design life. No mechanical fixings penetrate it so the risk of thermal bridging is also all but removed. The metal’s combination of sustainability and low maintenance owes

 www.vmzinc.co.uk

Public Sector Build Journal 39

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Canopies, Shelters & Shading

Education providers are now seeking the most advantageous and cost-effective ways of providing facilities that support outdoor learning

Thinking outside the classroom

“We wanted to create multipurpose facilities that are suitable for all ages and can be used in every area of the curriculum to enhance lessons and inspire learners. In particular, facilities that can give learners the experience of being outside, but with all the benefits of being inside so they can be used all year round.

“In terms of market dynamics we know that secondary schools and colleges are most likely to set their outdoor facility aside for a specific subject area like STEM, whereas primary schools typically want a facility that can be used across the curriculum.”

A prime example of what Solardome Industries do is the new outdoor classroom at Norman Gate School in Andover Hampshire, which teaches children aged 2-11 who have a range of special educational needs.

Head teacher Chris Gayler said: “The dome is a space that is very stimulating because it is so different. The children always feel like they are on a bit of an adventure when they go there.

“We are working to develop outdoor learning at the moment, and the dome is a great facility because the children can use it as a base for their activities, which means they don’t have to return to the main building. Being able to fit a whole class inside is definitely one of the advantages of this particular design.” 

Right now schools and colleges across the UK are exploring ways to create opportunities for students to learn outside the traditional classroom. This is because leading thinkers in education have identified a whole range of advantages associated with adding an outdoor dimension to the curriculum.

D

id you know OFSTED has published an influential report containing evidence-based findings that learning outside the classroom is beneficial? It concludes that lessons conducted in this way have the potential to improve the quality and depth of learning.

As a result, education providers are now seeking the most advantageous and cost-effective ways of providing facilities that support outdoor learning. Not only that, some are using the opportunity to create extra utility by building outdoor facilities like gazebos and glasshouses on previously unused spaces like rooftops. In some cases this has led to an additional return on investment because these spaces can be made available for community engagement projects.

However, while all this sounds good there are many different factors for schools and colleges to analyse when choosing an outdoor learning facility. These include issues of safety, security, accessibility, versatility, and longevity. Other key considerations are the reputation of a contractor and the quality of their aftercare.

Samantha Bradley, who works for Hampshire-based geodesic glass dome designer and manufacturer, Solardome Industries, told PSBJ: “Nowadays, far from being just an occasional treat, holding lessons outside the traditional classroom is an integral part of school life. That is because it is good for experiential learning and developing interpersonal life skills like cooperation.

Furthermore, it provides a creative stimulus that encourages young minds.

 www.solardome.co.uk

Public Sector Build Journal 41

Floors, Walls & Ceilings

The crystal-shaped venue is home to the world’s largest exhibition focused on urban sustainability

Mapei contributes to outstanding green spec A Mapei subfloor and tile installation system has been specified at The Crystal–Siemens’ iconic Sustainability Centre, located in East London’s Royal Docks.

Mapei’s system was specified throughout a floor and wall surface area exceeding 3500m2

D

esigned by Wilkinson Eyre Architects and Pringle Brandon Perkins+Will, the glass-clad structure is one of the world’s greenest buildings, achieving Outstanding BREEAM and Platinum LEED accreditation. Mapei systems contributed to the eco-specification and included Mapei Topcem screed and low VOC adhesives and grout – Keraquick, Keraflex and Ultracolor Plus. Corinthian Ceramics installed Domus porcelain and stone wall and floor tiles using Mapei products, for main contractor ISG. The crystal-shaped venue, into which Siemens invested £30 million, is home to the world’s largest exhibition focused on urban sustainability – and is a world-class centre for dialogue, discovery and learning.

Features include a 270-seat auditorium, which brings together political decisionmakers, experts and the general public, to develop concepts for the future of cities and their infrastructures.

Mapei’s system was specified throughout a floor and wall surface area exceeding 3500m2. It included high performance, fast-drying screed – Mapei Topcem – which reduces installation time to 24 hours for ceramic and two days for stone tiling.

Following subfloor preparation, fast-setting flexible S1 adhesive – Mapei Keraquick – was used to install Domus Evo tiles in the reception areas and Domus Architect surfaces in washrooms.

In the Centre’s canteen, Mapei Keraflex Maxi S1 low-dust adhesive was specified for bonding Domus Soho. All wall and floor tiles, throughout the centre, were fixed with Mapei Ultracolor Plus; a fast setting and drying flexible grout, featuring anti-efflorescence, water-repellent and antimould properties. 

 www.mapei.co.uk 

info@mapei.co.uk 0121 508 6970

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42 Public Sector Build Journal

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Public Sector Build Journal 43

Roofing, Floors, Walls Cladding & Ceilings & Insulation

Ceiling installation from Knauf AMF goes swimmingly The Knauf AMF Aquatec ceiling system has been installed in the new pool hall at Leytonstone Leisure Centre, London. The refurbished centre is part of an ongoing £24.5m regeneration programme. The hall is equipped with a 25m main pool and a teaching pool.

Architects AFLS+P specified the Aquatec ceiling system to meet the demanding requirements for the public pool. The ceiling has to withstand a tough combination of extreme humidity, a range of temperatures, water, and exposure to the corrosive atmosphere caused by chlorine.

1000m² Aquatec ceiling tiles were installed using AMF Donn DX24 grid system. Aquatec panels are moisture resistant up to 100% RH and can withstand the wet conditions of the pool environment without deteriorating, even at temperatures as high as 40˚c.

The AMF Donn DX24 grid has an advanced anti-corrosive coating. The grid is specifically designed for use in high humidity areas and can cope with the highly corrosive environments. The grid features a quickrelease clip design which makes it easy to remove the ceiling tiles without the use of tools allowing access to the void above. The cross-tees come with override-ends which resist twisting and have no exposed edges.

High noise levels could have been a problem in the pool hall because it features brick and tiled surfaces which reflect sound.

So, potentially, the noise could build up the busier the space becomes. Thanks to the Aquatec ceiling with its superior

sound absorption and sound attenuation characteristics, the acoustics are controlled creating a pleasant environment for swimmers to enjoy.  www.amfceilings.co.uk 

info@knaufamf.co.uk  0191 518 8600

Restoration excellence at Brick Awards

The first phase of an extensive regeneration of a listed Town Hall complex in East Ham, London, has won the Best Public Building category at the 2014 Brick Awards.

Situated amongst Edwardian Buildings that front the busy Barking Road, the London Borough of Newham decided to return its core team after years of relocations elsewhere within the borough. The client’s brief was to create a building of civic presence but was also a natural fit within surrounding area.

Brick was the natural material choice for Rick Mather Architects as the Town Hall conservation area is home to some of the finest examples of Edwardian Grade II* brick and terracotta buildings in Newham. Michelmersh’s i-line bespoke

44 Public Sector Build Journal

blend and Farnham Red/Light Victorian Red bricks were selected to complement the surrounding re-pressed Victorian and London stock bricks.

Built by Brickwork Contractor Pyramid Builders Ltd, the external appearance of the Customer Service Centre and Library is solid and arranged in large brick planes framed by expanses of glass with some areas of terracotta dressing.

A long, thin modular brick has been used in vertical and horizontal courses and to create further visual interest, vertical brick ribbing was used in choice

locations. Reveals, soffits and setbacks were also faced in brick. A lime based mortar with 10mm struck joints and minimalist weep holes rounding off the brick detailing.

The judges felt the quality and use of brick detailing is high and consistent throughout and its solid structure is beautifully put together and well executed.  www.brick.org.uk/brick-awards 

brick@brick.org.uk  020 7323 7030

Floors, Walls & Ceilings

Altro Xpresslay helps cut costs at new Cardiff school Altro XpressLay safety flooring has provided a significant time and cost saving solution in the construction of the new St Teilo’s Church in Wales High School in Cardiff.

The new £26m school was designed by architects Austin-Smith: Lord. It is a contemporary design, with classrooms clustered in blocks off a main central ‘street’.

Kate Smith, Designer at Austin-Smith: Lord, said: “Due to the huge length of space of the school’s main street, the floor construction included many movement joints, which had a knock on effect to the movement requirements of the floor finish.

“The main contractor, Willmott Dixon, suggested that we look at Altro XpressLay

“We also specified the product for corridors, some classrooms, and in the toilets and changing rooms in conjunction with Altro Walkway 20, which shares the same colour palette.”

Altro XpressLay is the world’s first adhesive-free, truly sustainable safety floor. It is installed using a tape system instead of adhesive, so can be installed without a surface DPM. It can be easily removed post-installation, re-used elsewhere and then at the end of its life be recycled.

as it can be laid straight to slab with no DPM and no fixing joints – creating a huge time and cost saving for the project. We were now confident we had a product that could meet this specific need.

“In addition to the main ‘street’, we specified Altro XpressLay for the break-out areas within each of the school’s blocks that come off the main street. We used a variety of different wedge-shaped colours of the product to delineate different areas.

It looks very striking.



 www.altro.com enquiries@altro.com  01462 489516

Frontrunner Plus goes to school

Sika Comfortfloor is a winner at leisure centre The seamless, durable and easy to maintain Sika Comfortfloor has found a new home at a £26m Leisure Centre in Streatham. Constructed by Vinci Construction UK Ltd on behalf of Spenhill Regeneration in partnership with the London Borough of Lambeth, the stunning new leisure centre includes an ice rink, swimming pool, sports hall, gym and forms part of the multimillion Streatham Hub Development. Combining noise suppression and durability with a flawless finish, Sika ComfortFloor proved to be the ideal solution – meeting the client’s aesthetic requirements, whilst delivering a hard-wearing system that guarantees outstanding long term performance.  www.sika.co.uk  

enquiries@uk.sika.com 0800 112 3863

As part of a refurbishment project, Frontrunner Plus entrance matting was installed in several entrances at the University of Copenhagen. Supplied by distributor Top Matting, this entrance flooring system was chosen for its ease of maintenance, quick installation time and ex-stock availability. Manufactured from flexible PVC in the UK and USA by Plastic Extruders Ltd (Plastex), the product features an open grid which scrapes dirt off shoes and allows it to fall through, whilst the absorbent inserts capture moisture, keeping internal floors clean and dry. This translates to a reduction of cleaning and maintenance costs.  www.frontrunnerplus.com



sales@plastex.com



01268 571116

University safe and secure thanks to Schlüter An array of innovative Schlüter-Systems products have been used in the building of a state-of-the-art academic facility at Bath Spa University. Schlüter’s products were installed throughout the new academic building named ‘Commons’, both in the atrium and in the facility’s washrooms.

Schlüter-DILEX offers the ultimate in flooring protection and is ideal for use with floors that are exposed to pedestrian traffic as the stainless steel movement joints ensure that tiles won’t bulge, dent or crack. Whilst Schlüter-DITRA acts as a universal substrate for tile coverings offering a proven solution for uncoupling and bonded waterproofing.  www.schluter.co.uk



sales@schluter.co.uk



01530 813396

Public Sector Build Journal 45

Balconies Door & Wall Protection

The £2bn initiative is claimed to be the largest single passivhaus development in the world

Passivhaus scheme is well connected The historic city of Heidelberg, in south-west Germany, is residentially very popular, with barely any property available in the city’s picturesque old town and no room for expansion. The spectacular solution is to build a completely new district – the Bahnstadt – on a 286 acre area that was once Heidelberg’s rail freight and marshalling yards.

T

he €2bn initiative is claimed to be the largest single passivhaus development in the world and by 2022 will provide living space for around 5000 residents. All buildings, not just residential properties, will meet advanced passivhaus standards.

There are green roofs with only a small number of solar panels, large windows on south facing aspects and small windows to the north. The energy supply is 100% renewable.

An important feature of apartment living in Bahnstadt, is the aesthetic and practical requirement for balconies.

However, with the demands of high insulation levels and the prevention of thermal bridging being critical elements in passivhaus design, the incorporation of balconies has not always been a popular choice with designers. However, the development of the Schöck Isokorb type XT structural thermal break unit has played a major role in resolving that particularly challenging connectivity issue.

Schöck, a specialist in the provision of advanced solutions for thermal energy structural insulation, is best known for its range of structural thermal break

46 Public Sector Build Journal

units. And its latest generation product for concrete-to-concrete applications – the Isokorb type XT – offers such a high level of insulation that the Passivhaus Institute in Darmstadt has awarded the product with the “low thermal bridge construction” certificate and confirmed its suitability for passivhaus construction.

Thousands of type XT units are being incorporated into the Bahnstadt develop-ment and the major reason for its suitability is the thickness of the insulation body, which is increased from the standard 80 to 120mm. As a result the unit not only improves thermal insulation performance by up to 30% in comparison to to the standard range, it also improves impact sound insulation by around 50% as well. A further reason for the superior performance of the type XT is the HTE module, a pressure bearing block made of steel fibre reinforced high-performance concrete with Kronolith, a titanium ore aggregate from Kronos Titan. The unit offers architects and engineers a variety of design options and there is even the capability to construct stepped height balconies, with increased fire protection also taken into account, as the HTE

module offers fire-resistance class F 120.

The Schöck Isokorb range allows connections to be made between concrete-to-concrete, concrete-to-steel and steel-to-steel – and in the UK, all units meet full compliance with the relevant building regulations, while also providing BBA Certification and LABC Registration. There is a requirement described in BRE IP1/06 – a document cited in Building Regulations Approved Documents Part L1 and L2 and Section 6 in Scotland – that the temperature factor used to indicate condensation risk (fRSI) must be greater than, or equal to, 0.75 for residential buildings and this is easily met by incorporating the Isokorb.

In addition, there is also compliance with the Government Standard Assessment Procedure, SAP 2009, concerning CO2 emissions from buildings and respectively heat losses through non-repeating thermal bridges. Here, the lambda values of the Schöck Isokorb enable energy loss in various connective situations to be  reduced by as much as 84% to 91%.

 www.schoeck.co.uk 

design@schoeck.co.uk  01865 290890 Thousands of type XT units are being incorporated into the Bahnstadt development

SBP ARY

LIBR

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HVAC to simplify the solution, particularly as the mechanical and electrical equipment is just one part of a much larger project.”

Varying outputs

Boilers take pride of place The ‘Pride Project’ for NHS Northumberland Tyne and Wear was set up to improve mental health and dementia care inpatient facilities for people living in Sunderland and South Tyneside.

T

he £60m capital project consisted of a new 122 bed hospital on the former Ryhope hospital site and a new 24-bed dementia care unit on the Monkwearmouth Hospital site in Sunderland.

The new facilities needed an efficient and reliable heating and hot water system that would meet the strict energy standards required for new buildings and supply heating and hot water for the patients 24/7.

With energy efficiency being a key driver to product selection the Project Manager at Crown House Technologies, chose to specify Hamworthy Heating’s

48 Public Sector Build Journal

condensing water heater, the Dorchester DR-FC Evo, and Fleet condensing wall hung boilers. The products offer gross seasonal efficiencies up to 98% and 97% respectively.

The Project Manager commented: “I selected Hamworthy’s condensing water heater for this project as it has exceptional efficiencies and comprehensive controls that enhance the energy saving condensing performance.

From past experience I know it is a product I can really depend on. This coupled with the wall hung condensing boiler all sourced from one supplier helps

The new hospital, named Hopewood Park, comprises six, 18-bed, wards and a 14-bed psychiatric intensive care unit, plus offices, a cafe, treatment suites and a faith centre. With the hospital split into wards each has their own dedicated plant room with the same equipment and layout. A Fleet wall hung boiler and two Dorchester DR-FC Evo water heaters, with varying outputs depending on the heat demand and hot water usage, are installed in each plant room. Altogether six boilers and 12 water heaters are installed at Hopewood Park and one boiler with two water heaters installed at Monkwearmouth Hospital.

The Project Manager concluded: “All deadlines were met on the project. The hospital has been up and running for six months and we are all pleased with the outcome of the project.”

Both products exceed the minimum efficiency required for new buildings outlined in the Building Regulations Part L 2013 and the Energy Related Products directive which will take effect from September next year. 

 www.hamworthy-heating.com 

sales@hamworthy-heating.com  0845 450 2865

Dorchester DR-FC Evo condensing water heaters provide the critical hot water for Hopewood Park and Monkwearmouth Hospital

HVAC

T

he system has been installed throughout the UK, Europe and Asia in a range of applications including potable water supplies, cooling towers, humidifiers, swimming pools, spas, showers and process water. It has proved significantly more efficient than any other physical and chemical treatment systems.

The Titanium AOP unit produces a proliferation of Hydroxyl Radicals (OH) that are extremely unstable and aggressive. These radicals react instantaneously with micro-organisms and other organic contaminants within the water and literally tear them apart by removing hydrogen atoms from any living organism present within the reactor chamber. This hydrogen extraction and electron transfer completely destroys their cell structure and continues to break down all by-products and pollutants eventually to carbon dioxide, oxygen and water.

The chemical reaction is so quick that the Hydroxyl Radical exists for only a few milliseconds before it reverts back to the stable state of water. The system been shown to provide an exceptional capacity to ‘kill-all’ waterborne organisms as well as to decompose the resulting organic matter.

Having gained an excellent reputation, the system was tested for the NHS on the mains water supply to a community hospital. The AOP replaced an older chlorine dioxide unit which had proved unreliable and difficult to maintain.

Subsequently a number of samples were taken over the test period from two outlet taps within the hospital. These were then analysed for Coliform, E. Coli and Colony Counts at both 22°C and 37°C. The results showed a clear and significant improvement in the bacteria count within the hospital water system.

Of the two sample points tested at both 22°C and 37°C the percentage decrease in colony count was 99.8%, 100%, 99.7% and

The Rodin Titanium AOP system has proved significantly more efficient than any other physical and chemical treatment

The gatekeeper solution to water treatment The Rodin Titanium Advanced Oxidation Process (AOP) is an environmentally friendly ‘gatekeeper’ solution that prevents Legionella and other organisms from entering the water system of a building while preventing the formation of bio-films.

100%. The mean reduction for bacterial count at 22°C and 37°C was 99.8% and 100% respectively.

Overall the bacterial count in the hospital water was reduced by 99.9% and the AOP was able to deliver clean water into the potable water system and reduce bacteria within the hospital.

Traditionally the most common form of Legionella control has been achieved by

using a biocide treatment such as chlorine dioxide but that involves both the safe storage, and usage, of chemicals within the water system. Many organisations are now looking for an alternative, chemicalfree solution to address this requirement.

The Rodin Titanium AOP system is a fully WRAS approved, environmentally friendly, water sterilization system that is also more cost effective.

Following the successful NHS tests Rodin Titanium AOP units have been installed by Skanska Group Limited, at the Royal London Hospital in Whitechapel, at a prison facility and Ministry of defence establishment, with other installations most appropriately described as “in the pipeline”. 

 www.therodingroup.co.uk 

The chemical reaction is so quick that the Hydroxyl Radical exists for only a few milliseconds

info@therodingroup.co.uk  01795 423400

Public Sector Build Journal 49

Roofing, Cladding & Insulation

Over 5000m2 of ceramic granite facade panels were supplied to BENCHMARK for installation with the Karrier system at the three new Avon & Somerset police facilities

Shackerley and BENCHMARK

join forces

Shackerley, a leading UK manufacturer of ceramic granite ventilated cladding systems, has supplied BENCHMARK with over 5000m2 of gleaming white ceramic granite facade panels for three striking new build facilities developed for Avon & Somerset Police in Bridgwater, Keynsham and Patchway, South Gloucestershire.

T

he large format panels with their highly polished finish were specially prefabricated at Shackerley’s ISO 9001 accredited manufacturing facility in Lancashire for installation onto the BENCHMARK Karrier Engineered Facade System.

The developments were delivered by Blue Light Partnership – an investment joint venture between Miller Construction (now owned by Galliford Try), Bilfinger Project Investments and Cofely – as part of an £80 million PFI project to provide attractive, modern and energy efficient accommodation for the police, comprising custody and crime investigation centres, specialist support units and new police stations.

Ryder Architecture took responsibility for the centres at Express Park in Bridgwater and Gloucester Road in Patchway whilst Haverstock led the design

50 Public Sector Build Journal

of the Ashmead Road centre in Keynsham (together with an indoor firearms training centre of a different style and construction). The practices collaborated closely to ensure commonality of design across the three buildings.

Whilst the BENCHMARK Karrier Engineered Facade System was specified

by Miller Construction, the polished white ceramic granite facade panels were specified by architects at Ryder, who, from past experience of working with Shackerley’s Sureclad facades, were very confident of the aesthetic effect that would be achieved.

“We’ve used Shackerley’s ceramic granite cladding with great success on many recent projects,” explained Associate Jonathan Seebacher, “so we knew exactly how this material could help us to achieve the high quality, timeless

appearance we were seeking across the suite of projects.”

“The office volumes have a linear ‘tube’ appearance and are clearly visible from all approaches. They sit above a solid plinth and are framed in white ceramic granite which actively responds to varying intensities and qualities of natural light, whilst contrasting strongly with the colour of the plinth walling below. Careful detailing has achieved crisp and sharp junctions at corners and projections, providing an elegance and quality of appearance to the simple geometry.”

The police centres are now fully operational and are the latest additions to a long list of prestigious projects featuring a Sureclad ceramic granite facade coupled with the BENCHMARK Karrier Engineered Facade System. Specifiers are able to take full advantage of synergistic benefits provided by this exceptionally attractive and well insulated engineered cladding solution, thanks to a long term strategic alliance forged between Shackerley and BENCHMARK By Kingspan. 

 www.shackerley.com 

info@shackerley.com  0800 783 0391

Roofing, Cladding & Insulation

From past experience with Shackerley’s ceramic granite, architects at Ryder knew how the aesthetic appearance of these buildings would change in response to different lighting conditions

At all three centres, the office volumes have a linear ‘tube’ appearance and sit above solid plinths

Careful detailing has achieved crisp and sharp junctions at corners and projections

LEVATO MONO – porcelain paver system Designed for fast cost effective installation over most surfaces; including single ply waterproof membranes and other waterproofing systems using height adjustable/slope correcting supports. Available in 40+ plus colours and finishes in both ultra-realistic timber and stone effects, combining 3D printing and mould making technology, to reproduce identical copies of natural materials and with up to 30 prints available for each paver range , once laid, the eye is unable to discern any replicated pattern allowing for a completely natural looking surface – as specified for Theatre Royal Portico terrace and ZSL external dining areas.

• 20mm porcelain pavers 40x80 45x90 60x60 75x75 30x120 40x120 60x120 • ‘Floating floor’ – installation over single ply membranes • Eternal product - zero maintenance required – offering massive over-life savings • Highly abrasion and stain resistant • Highly slip resistant ; R11 and achieved up to +65 wet in the BS pendulum test • Lightweight – 45kgs per m2 • High load bearing and impact resistance • Timber & stone effects ; 40+ finishes available • Ideal for balconies, roof terraces and piazzas, for both commercial & residential use • Completely non porous • Fire & frost proof • Height-adjustable support from 9mm up to 550mm

t: 0845 2700 696

e: info@thedecktileco.co.uk

www.thedecktileco.co.uk

Public Sector Build Journal 51

Roofing, Cladding & Insulation

Gebrik System awarded BBA certificate Aquarian Cladding Systems Ltd has announced that the wide range of applications of its Gebrik Insulating Brick Cladding System has been recognised by the British Board of Agrément (BBA) with the inclusion of an additional product sheet within its existing BBA certificate 07/4403.

The new product sheet covers the use of the innovative brick cladding system onto lightweight steel frame systems (SFS), timber frame and structural insulated panel (SIP) systems up to a height of 18m, and for use on SFS over 18m in accordance with the recent successful BR135: Annex

B fire test, carried out at the Building Research Establishment (BRE). This is in addition to the certification for use onto clay and concrete masonry buildings, which has been held for over 10 years.

The system was subject to rigorous evaluation by the BBA across a range of factors, including thermal performance, strength and stability, behaviour in relation to fire, the risk of condensation and durability. The certificate confirms that when correctly installed, used and maintained, Gebrik satisfies or contributes to satisfying the relevant

requirements of the Building Regulations (in England, Northern Ireland, Scotland and Wales), the CDM Regulations (2007) and the NHBC Standards (2014).

Already proven in a wide range of education, residential, commercial and healthcare applications throughout the UK, the Gebrik insulating brick cladding system delivers significant operational, performance, construction and aesthetic benefits.  www.aquariancladding.co.uk 

info@aquariancladding.co.uk  0844 334 0077

Radmat returns Guy’s tower roof to full health In its challenging city-centre location, Guy’s Tower has undergone a huge refurbishment with the ageing building upgraded to current performance, environmental and aesthetic standards. Overcoming a series of unique on-site challenges, Radmat Building Products Approved Contractor Richardson Roofing installed more than 1000m2 of high performance roofing membranes to help bring the landmark building back to its best. With safety absolutely paramount across the development, Radmat’s Esha range of membranes proved the perfect solution minimising material cost, application time and waste disposals. The use of Esha systems also enabled Richardson Roofing to meet Balfour Beatty’s highest safety standards in line with its Zero Harm Vision. 

01858 410372



techenquiries@radmat.com

 www.radmat.com

Dual win for Saint-Gobain Weber at INCA Awards In the Insulated Render and Cladding Association (INCA) Awards 2014, Saint-Gobain Weber has received Project of the Year and Best Domestic High Rise Refurbishment awards for the Kilburn Gate, North London, thermal upgrade programme completed in 2013. “Understandably we are delighted to have taken not one but two high profile awards for this project,” says James Mead, Marketing Manager, Saint-Gobain Weber, “which acknowledges the technical, innovative and sustainable excellence of Weber’s external wall insulation systems complemented in this project by the quality of application by Primars Coating Services Ltd.” 

08703 330 070

52 Public Sector Build Journal



mail@netweber.co.uk

Enhanced thermal performance with A.Proctor Reflectashield TF 0.81 has been supplied by the A. Proctor Group for affordable housing at Ilex Close, Colchester. The high performance breather membrane is specifically designed to enhance the thermal performance of timber and steel frame structures. Reflectashield TF 0.81 is a non-woven polypropylene film laminate, providing excellent emissivity and breathability, as well as secondary protection to the building during construction. Profloor Dynamic Battens were also supplied for this project. Profloor Dynamic Batten are RDcompliant FFT1, FFT3 & FFT80 (Scotland) and provide excellent levels of impact and airborne sound insulation.  www.proctorgroup.com 

 www.netweber.co.uk

ask@proctorgroup.com  01250 872261

Roofing, Cladding & Insulation

Sixth form centre gains its own identity Cladding panels by specialist manufacturer Steni UK were specified for a new £1m sixth form centre for a multitude of reasons. Four colours of Steni’s fibreglass reinforced polymer composite Colour panels form the rainscreen cladding of the 750m2 centre for 350 students at Ashmole Academy in Southgate, north London.

The white, grey, cream and orange panels were specified by architects Hunters LLP for the modular steel-frame building for five reasons in particular.

Associate Director Peter Gibson said: “We specified the Steni panels because

they are lightweight, strong, weatherresistant with a long lifespan, and available in a wide range of colours.”

The Colour panels, which feature a smooth surface of 100% acrylic that is electron beam cured without the use of solvents, have a life span of at least 50 years, are warrantied for 40, and are available in up to 60 standard colours.

A total of 250m2 were installed to the main entrance and side elevation on an aluminium sub-frame using structural adhesive over six weeks by specialist sub-contractor OSG appointed by main contractor MTX Contracts who are a specialist modular building provider and undertook all aspects of the project, from

conception through to completion.

Hunters’ brief was for new study space and relaxation areas in modern, flexible space, and their design provides a contemporary feel as well as a separate identity for the sixth form centre that nevertheless does not dominate the existing school buildings.

It comprises a cafeteria and relaxation areas on the ground floor with a study centre on the top floor, and features a personalised permanent display over two walls of the entrance of Perspex bricks etched with the names of donors to the centre.  www.steni.co.uk  info@steni.co.uk  01978

812111

Sika Liquid Plastics specified for Infirmary refurb Hull Royal Infirmary has been crowned with a 1000m2 Sika Liquid Plastics fully built up roofing system as part of its £8m facelift, after government funding was awarded to the NHS in the city. There were a number of major factors that led to leading national industrial and commercial roofing company, Briggs Amasco installing this particular Sika Liquid Plastics roofing system. In keeping with the project’s design, the roof was installed with a fully built up system.

A vapour control layer was applied with 130mm of Decotherm insulation and Gamma 20 waterproofing on the surface, with non-slip walkways.

Carea in a class of its own Cladding manufacturer Carea has supplied over 3000m2 of its Acantha cladding to The College Merthyr Tydfil – a £33m state-ofthe-art building which marks the beginning of a new chapter in the educational history of South Wales.For the new building, a cladding system was required that would complement the project’s contemporary architecture. Installed by specialist contractor Massey Cladding, the entire structure was encased in striking Acantha panels – perfectly demonstrating Carea’s ability to create stylish, modern buildings.

Carea Acantha composite stone panels are designed for building ventilated facades with insulation and non-ventilated facades without insulation. Available in a range of colours, textures and sizes, the panels were supplied in Opaline 9029.  www.carea.uk.com  carea@carealtd.co.uk 

0121 222 2366

 www.liquidplastics.co.uk

 liquidplastics@uk.sika.com



01772 259781

Click, click & away with new Swish website With the launch of its new-look website Swish Building Products has made browsing easier and more rewarding for its visitors. Using the latest in responsive design technology www.swishbp.co.uk is now fully optimised for mobile, tablet and desktop use. Coupled with faster loading speeds, navigation is simple with the site organised into three distinct areas; products, design and installation. This ensures that each visitor receives targeted and relevant information with every click. The company’s digital literature library has also been updated with visitors benefiting from free and easy to download product brochures, technical guides and installation manuals, as well as valuable business information, ideal for contract and tender applications.  www.swishbp.co.uk

 information@swishbp.co.uk

 01827

317200

Public Sector Build Journal 53

Roofing, Doors & Windows Cladding & Insulation

The door is fitted with a Von Duprin 9957 3-point panic bar that provides both security and access control

The Loddon Flood Door consists of a powder coated modified fire rated metal door with a bespoke flashing and seals

Flood door meets demanding requirements Loddon Door Services Limited based near Reading have been supplying bespoke steel doors to utility companies for many years to address not only fire protection (up to six hours on single doors) and security issues but also those arising from floods. In July of 2014 a double door version of the Loddon Flood Door was tested to PAS 1188-1 for flood resistance by the BRE at their facility at Garston.

T

he floods of last winter were not a unique, once in a lifetime event.

Since 2007 insurance claims for flood damage in the UK are estimated to be over £3 billion pounds. Many insurance companies are now starting to offer flood cover based on the actual level of risk. This is focussing attention on flood protection products and the standards that assess them.

One of the foremost of these is PAS 1188-1 which refers to Building Aperture products and was developed in 2009. Among other things it provides test methods for evaluating the effectiveness of doors to withstand a static head of water at 3 depths up to 1460mm which is close to 5ft.

54 Public Sector Build Journal

The Loddon Flood Door consists of a powder coated modified fire rated metal door with a bespoke flashing and seals to suit the structural opening. The door is fitted with a Von Duprin 9957 3-point panic bar that provides both security and access control.

Testing was conducted at 3 depths and assessed against a maximum allowable leakage of 7.1 litres per hour. At a depth of 487mm the actual leakage was only 0.24 litres per hour. At 973mm it was only 0.49 litres and at the full depth of 1460mm it was still only 0.58 litres per hour. The BRE declared the doors had passed the test using the criteria in place at the time, however, in a fast moving world PAS 1188 has already been updated to reduce the

allowed leakage levels by half. The Loddon Flood Doors still achieved the new more demanding requirements with ease.

A PAS is a Publicly Available Specification. This is a sponsored fasttrack standard driven by the needs of the client organisations and developed according to guidelines set out by BSI. Key stakeholders are brought together to collaboratively produce a BSI-endorsed PAS that has all the functionality of a British Standard for the purposes of creating management systems, product benchmarks and codes of practice.

Numerous utility premises, including electricity sub-stations, have been fitted with Loddon’s commercial steel door solutions to protect against floods and fires as well as providing security and access control for the end user and enabling vital utility services to continue to operate in even in the most adverse conditions. 

 www.loddondoors.co.uk 

info@loddondoors.co.uk  0118 934 4034

Doors & Windows

Reduce risk with slim sightline interleaf hinges Master hinge maker Cooke Brothers has reported a growing demand for the new and innovative Interleaf Continuous Hinges, particularly where the doorset design requires an ultra-narrow unobtrusive sightline between the door and frame. The new Phoenix Interleaf hinge reduces the typical gap created by a traditional heavy duty continuous hinge from 12mm down to a mere 3mm. Ideally suited for 44 and 54mm timber and metal doorsets, the aesthetical lines of the Interleaf hinge completely fills the void between the door and frame, reducing the risk of finger trapping considerably.  www.cookebrothers.co.uk



sales@cookebrothers.co.uk

 01922

Promoting strength in the supply chain Specialist commercial window installer The Window Company (Contracts) is proudly promoting the strength of its supply chain after its main REHAU frame supplier was shortlisted alongside it in the finals of this year’s glass and glazing G-Awards. The Window Company (Contracts)’ Managing Director David Thornton said: “We always stress the importance of the strength within our supply chain to all of the main contractors and clients that we work with. In terms of product quality and reliability, efficiency and on time deliveries, it really matters that we choose the right fabricator for the window and doors that we fit.”

740011

Dow Corning launches new solutions at Glasstec Dow Corning, a global leader in silicones, silicon-based technology and innovation, recently introduced at Glasstec 2014 a new Dow Corning 3363 Insulating Glass Sealant and Dow Corning Transparent Structural Silicone Adhesive. These are two new highly-engineered silicone technologies designed to help architects and manufacturers conserve energy, improve design freedom and extend durability for state-of-the-art building facades. Dow Corning also launched a next-generation warm-edge system by Kömmerling Chemische Fabrik, based in Pirmasens, Germany, for improved energy savings; and a leading-edge Dow Corning Architectural Insulation Module for seamless, space-saving and energy-efficient facades.  www.dowcorning.com/construction



eutech.info@dowcorning.com

 www.win-co.co.uk   0800



9172 071

thornton@win-co.co.uk 01245 603841

MI Products launches VENT SAFE+ window restrictor

A natural choice for hotel specification Comar Architectural Aluminium Systems, with its approved fabricator PAGE Group Peterborough Ltd, recently completed a new build hotel for the Holiday Inn Express chain in Windsor, Berkshire.

Comar 5P.i top hung and top swing windows were specified in conjunction with Comar 7P.i CD auto sliding and swing doors for the main entrances. For safety, the Comar 7P.i Commercial Doors were fitted with Anti-Finger Trap stiles which were hung directly from the Comar 6 curtain walling. Comar 6 stick build/ step cut curtain walling was selected for the hotel restaurant and bar area which features a large glazed roof.



 www.comar-alu.co.uk projects@parksidegroup.co.uk  020 8685 9685

Ideal for home, public and commercial applications, VENT SAFE+ is a versatile window restrictor from hardware specialist MI Products providing enhanced safety and security for window, door and patio door openings. Manufactured from high performance alloys with a plastic-coated steel braided cable, the restrictor is available in white or black with 100, 200 and 300mm cable lengths. The VENT SAFE+ is fitted in minutes, either under the handle or using an aluminium locking block direct to the window or door frame, depending on the application. Suitable for PVC-U, aluminium, steel or timber in either newbuild or refurbishment projects, it delivers maximum peace of mind for minimal cost.  www.miproducts.co.uk

 info@miproducts.co.uk

 02476

305 943

Authentic restoration with SCHOTT The international technology group SCHOTT offers a wide variety of architectural glasses for use in restoring old architectural monuments. The many different glasses are manufactured using the traditional Fourcault process and made to resemble window glass from various eras. The restoration glass TIKANA is particularly well suited for Bauhaus style buildings.

TIKANA glass from SCHOTT was the only material that came into question for the Palace of Tears because it imitates the slightly irregular glass used in the early 60s just perfectly. Furthermore, the TIKANA panes were combined with a thermally coated float glass pane on the inside to meet the demands of thermal insulation.  www.schott.com/uk

 info.uk@schott.com

 01785

233166

Public Sector Build Journal 55

Focus & Innovation

Fike protects waste incinerator from fire The SigniFire Video Image Detection (VID) system from Fike Safety Technology has been installed in Prague’s waste incinerator to replace ageing flame detectors as part of a major upgrade to their fire detection system.

The incinerator and cogeneration plant is operated

by Pražské služby a.s. and processes all of Prague’s household waste to produce both electricity and heat.

“A waste incinerator is a very demanding environment for a fire detection system and in many areas is unsuitable for traditional detectors,” explains Filip Langer, Managing Director of Avalon, Fike’s local approved partner. “We therefore chose SigniFire for its unique advanced technology, resilient and redundant architecture and its field proven reliability.”

Rapid delivery of 20-bed ward When additional ward space was required at Princess Alexandra Hospital in Harlow to help the Trust manage increased demand over the winter period, Portakabin Hire constructed a fully serviced 20-bed ward facility in less than three months and handed it over ahead of programme. The building is on hire for an initial one year and in order to meet the challenging deadline for completion a partnership approach was critical. Portakabin worked closely with the Trust on the design of the new interim Short Stay Assessment Unit and final drawings were approved overnight.  www.portanews.co.uk  

information@portakabin.co.uk 0845 401 0010

 www.fikesafetytech.co.uk

 fstinfo@fike.com

 01633

865558

Waterproofing systems succeed in adverse The construction of a new multi-storey car park for a pharmaceutical company in Slough has been completed despite prolonged bad weather and concerns about residual moisture levels in the concrete decks where the waterproofing system manufacturer, tremco illbruck Limited, was involved with repeatedly testing moisture levels and providing site supervision.

Cemplas Limited was the specialist sub-contractor responsible for laying the two TREMCO waterproofing systems. A total of 1300m2 of TREMCO CP Urethane System was installed across the top deck, along with a further 5200m2 of the MMA internal system for the lower levels.  www.tremco-illbruck.co.uk



info.uk@tremco-illbruck.com



01942 251400

Unique application of modular construction The first nuclear facility of its kind to be built using modular construction has been handed over and is now undergoing active commissioning at Dounreay in Scotland. The laboratory for the analysis of radioactive materials was constructed using a Yorkon off-site building solution from the Portakabin Group. The 1300m2 building was manufactured off site at the Portakabin Group production centre in York and was craned into position in only four days to minimise disruption to operations at Dounreay. It provides six laboratories to allow DSRL to comply with its statutory and environmental monitoring requirements until the Dounreay site is closed.  www.yorkon.info



contact@yorkon.co.uk



0845 2000 123

Galvanizer scores with latest project Edward Howell Galvanizers Ltd, part of Wedge Group Galvanizing has supported the £7m development of a new state-of-the-art youth football training academy in Wolverhampton.

The plant partnered with Spatial Structures, a division of Dove Construction to galvanize approximately 200 tonnes of lattice steelwork for the Wolverhampton Wanderers’ Compton Park training ground. The training ground will house two indoor pitches, changing rooms and support facilities. Wolverhampton Wanderers FC boasts one of the highest premier league classifications. The improved facilities were required under major new reclassification plans for academy football by the FA Premier League.  www.wedgegalv.co.uk

56 Public Sector Build Journal

 architect@wedgegalv.co.uk



01902 600704

New tennis centre serves an ace A brand new £1.2m tennis centre has been opened in Portsmouth and is the first of its kind to benefit from LED lighting, all of which has been provided

by Luxonic. Luxonic’s HI-MAX LED was installed in the sports hall, a range of luminaires designed for mounting at heights of up to 18m. High power OSRAM LEDs allow the light fitting to work at increased heights while the options of either surface or suspended mounting allow the scheme to be easily incorporated into existing ceiling systems. The life expectancy of the luminaire is significantly increased by the protection of the LED array by optics.  www.luxonic.co.uk  

info@luxonic.co.uk 01256 363090

Focus & Innovation

Potterton Commercial improves its boiler range Potterton Commercial has extended its Sirius two WH commercial boiler range with the addition of a range of new cascade frame kits. The Potterton Commercial Sirius two WH wall hung stainless steel condensing commercial boiler range that comes with a five year warranty, can now be installed in multiple configurations, thanks to the flexible cascade frame options. These allow up to six boilers, each delivering an industry-leading modulation range of 9:1, in one installation with outputs from 100kW up to 660kW. Cascade frame kit options include in-line and corner group configurations. This means that solutions to suit almost every situation are available.

Jackpad’s summer of education Modular building foundations supplier Jackpad has just completed a summer of education projects for Manchester City Council and Cambridge City Council.

The projects, for 12 schools in total, were undertaken for three modular building companies including Springfield Buildings. The non-invasive nature of the Jackpad system makes it particularly well suited in situations where portable buildings may need to be moved at a later stage as they negate the need for standard concrete foundations. They are also ideal for situations where there is a fall in the ground level on part of the location as they are fully adjustable.

 www.baxicommercial.co.uk  baxicomm@bright-consultancy.co.uk  0845 070 1055

Holistic approach to toilet needs eases transition A young boy who was born with upper limb deficiency is finding his transition from home to school as easy as possible – in part due to the school’s attitude towards his toileting needs. Daniel Tennant, aged 5, already has a Clos-o-Mat Palma Vita automatic (wash and dry) toilet, with a Rifton paediatric support over, at his home in Bathgate, West Lothian. His local primary school, Windyknowe, took the approach that, to feel like all his fellow pupils when he started school this term, and be as independent as possible, he needed similar there too. Now, the same equipment has been installed at Windyknowe Primary School by Clos-o-Mat.  www.clos-o-mat.com



info@clos-o-mat.com

 www.jackpad.co.uk   0161



969 1199

kriscartwright@jackpad.co.uk 0116 2866966

Derby Velodrome gets a high quality finish

New Polysafe Verona PUR makes a splash Polyflor’s latest advancement in safety flooring is already making waves at Cardiff’s International Pool, Wales’ highly acclaimed swimming venue. As part of a recent interior refurbishment, 240m2 of Polysafe Verona PUR sheet vinyl has been installed into customer and staff areas to provide an attractive, fresh and safe surface that is ideally suited to this leisure environment. It is vital for a safety floor to perform in this type of leisure environment as well as other commercial and residential areas and Polysafe Verona is fully certified to achieve the same tried and tested slip resistant credentials as all Polysafe ranges.  www.polyflor.com 

info@polyflor.com  0161 767 1111

Flooring expert Schlüter-Systems has provided the perfect finishing touch to the new Derby Velodrome.

Schlüter-Systems’ finishing profiles, Schlüter-TREP-B, have been used in the arena’s foyer. Suitable for use in areas subjected to heavy pedestrian traffic, the stair nosing profiles are designed to protect tiled stair edges and offer a visible, slip-resistant surface which is durable, safe and visually appealing. Nigel Tye, of Faulkner Browns Architects’, comments: “I chose this type of profile for its robust edge detailing which offers ideal protection for ceramic stairs. I also opted for yellow inserts to coordinate with the arena’s attractive colour scheme, which is based on the Olympic colours.”  www.schluter.co.uk



sales@schluter.co.uk



01530 813396

New car park brochure from Stirling Lloyd Stirling Lloyd has introduced a new 12-page brochure outlining its comprehensive range of car park waterproofing and surfacing solutions, including some of its very latest application developments.

Fully illustrated and with comprehensive descriptions of the company’s various waterproofing and wearing course, line marking, colour demarcation and anti-skid systems, the new brochure underlines Stirling Lloyd’s extensive experience in the provision of specialist car park protection and repair solutions. The brochure includes a major focus on the features and benefits of the Decseal dual function waterproofing and wearing course system, specifically designed to meet the demands of multi-storey car park decks, ramps, walkways and footbridges.  www.stirlinglloyd.com



janet.toon@stirlinglloyd.com



01565 682150

Public Sector Build Journal 57

Focus & Innovation

Homelift installer integrates Aico RadioLINK

Ready reference to achieve hygiene standards

Wessex Lifts is installing Aico mains powered smoke alarms with RadioLINK wireless interconnection technology to work with its domestic lift, VM Homelift, to meet The British Standard BS 5900:2012. BS 5900:2012 covers the behaviour of homelifts in the event of fire and requires the lift to be connected to a smoke alarm system.

Wessex Lifts decided to use Aico 160 alarms exclusively because, according to Wayne Parker, Product Manager, “they are very good, reliable alarms with excellent technical literature and product support”. Wessex Lifts currently fits around 800 homelifts every year in both social and private housing, all are integrated with Aico 160RC alarms.  www.aico.co.uk  

enquiries@aico.co.uk 01691 664100

Achieving optimum accessibility – especially for students’ personal hygiene – in new educational building and upgrade/refurbishment projects is being simplified through a ‘ready reference’ just published.

‘Considerations & Specification of Hygiene Rooms in Educational Establishments’ is an innovative white paper, produced by leading disabled toileting solutions provider.

Clos-o-Mat. The paper covers all new legislative and ‘good practice’ guidelines for design and specification of the ‘bigger and better’ accessible toilets in schools, colleges and universities, simplifying the compliance process. The white paper can be downloaded free of charge from Clos-o-Mat’s website, along with the company’s other sector- specific white papers.  www.clos-o-mat.com

 info@clos-o-mat.com

 0161

969 1199

England hockey selects first official facilities partner Leading synthetic surfacing supplier Notts Sport has taken its support for grassroots hockey to a whole new level – after being chosen as England Hockey’s Official Facilities Partner. The new partnership will see Notts Sport work closely with England Hockey to ensure that clubs, schools and local authorities can deliver the best new and refurbished hockey facilities to help grow the game in communities up and down the country. The announcement comes just two years after Notts Sport became Approved Supplier to England Hockey for Facility Design, Advice & Supply, and provides an emphatic endorsement of the quality of service the company provides.  www.nottssport.com

 info@nottssport.com



01455 883730

Timberplay makes waves The new park at Drapers Field, Leyton, serves the Olympic Village projects. Formerly a service facility for the 2012 Olympics, Drapers Field was redesigned by Kinnear Landscape Architects (KLA) as a vibrant community space, improving sport and play provision and encouraging more children into activity both play and sport. KLA selected a number of Timberplay pieces to add to the site, including a see saw pump, and mushroom pump, spray heads, ball valve and conference tubes (speaking tubes located in different areas of the site). The water equipment is situated within the concrete waves, adding a further dimension to this innovative and inspirational play feature.  www.timberplay.com



info@timberplay.com



0114 282 1298

Wilo GIGA – saving energy in hospital project Wilo’s new GIGA energy saving pump has been incorporated in a major new hospital development in the North East. When the development was originally devised, it included pumps featuring IE3 motors, but Wilo offered consultants Crown House Technologies, part of Laing O’Rourke, a response using the new GIGA – the first ever high efficiency glanded pump and a pump series that offers efficiency in excess of IE4. The pump assemblies were put together off site, dropped onto skids that were then transported into site and slotted together simply, without necessitating hot works, ensuring that tip top quality control was maintained and maximum health and safety was in place.  www.wilo.co.uk

58 Public Sector Build Journal

 sales@wilo.co.uk



01283 523000

Martindale Electric sets the standard Martindale Electric, a leader in voltage detectors and safe isolation announces the arrival of two new voltage testers which combine enhanced safety and functionality with ease of use. The new two pole testers auto detect and measure AC/DC voltages from 12V to 690V and include continuity testing with audible and visual indication plus phase rotation measurement capability. Both VT25 and VT28 use LED indicators for voltage steps and have a white light torch function making it easy to work in low light environments. The VT28 also includes a high contrast LCD display for digital readings.  www.martindale-electric.co.uk 

sales@martindale-electric.co.uk 441717

 01923

Compared to other products...

...ours are highly decorated!

The Evac+Chair has been independently proven to be the best form of building evacuation in an emergency.* Evac+Chair provide a universal solution for smooth stairway descent in an emergency evacuation, suitable for dual and multiple level buildings of any height.

DESIGNED AND MANUFACTURED IN THE UK

Can you evacuate safely?

Evac+Chair International are the world’s No.1 supplier of evacuation chairs. www.evacchair.co.uk

Emergency Solutions

INTERNATIONAL

*Independent study conducted at Ghent University Hospital by trained staff to evacuate people with mobility issues down 11 floors. The Evac+Chair was the fastest in horizontal evacuation at 1.5m/s and in vertical movement the evacuation chair was also fastest averaging 0.83m/s. The study highlighted the Evac+Chair as the only device that required no stopping by the operator as fatigue did not affect the operator. The Evac+Chair also performed best in the area of not blocking the stair as it only covers one lane and the fact it only requires one person to operate, with very minimal difference in speed of evacuation when using the Evac+Chair if the operator is male or female. The study concluded the Evac+Chair is the best and only option to evacuate people down stairs with mobility issues, it is the fastest, easiest, least blocking, any gender can operate and only requires a single person to operate unlike any other evacuation method.

Patio Life For large sliding doors up to 400 kg

Patio Life makes life easier

Well thought control and safety concept With the Roto Patio Life system, lifting heavy doors, witch required a lot of strength, belongs to the past. Heavy tilt & Slide elements of up to 400 kg can now be operated very easily.

Patio Life makes large window elements of up to 6,5 m possible. Thanks to the generous window dimensions, plenty of light can enter the room which, together with the refined design, gives a special feeling of wellbeing.

www.roto-frank.com

Window and door technology

Patio Life means noble design which meets the taste of demanding customers.