PSBJ December 2018

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December 2018

GLORY RESTORED Newcastle University’s £2m King’s Road Boiler House project rehabilitates campus heritage

Revolutionary IoT

Safe and sound

School of thought

Why it's time for health and care establishments to open up to IoT-enabled water controls

Are you offering a safe working at height environment? SIG Roofing offers its advice

The story behind the Welsh Government's model to standardise schools

Welcome Note Editor

Rebecca Kemp rebecca@mixedmediainfo.com

Editorial Assistant Paige Smith

paige@mixedmediainfo.com

Print & Digital Advertising Sam Ball

sam@mixedmediainfo.com

Print Design Manager Jack Witcomb

jack@mixedmediainfo.com

Digital Design Manager David Perry

david@mixedmediainfo.com

Production Assistant Sofia Franchi

sofia@mixedmediainfo.com

Accounts

Jackie Dearman jackie@mixedmediainfo.com

Managing Director Sam Ball

sam@mixedmediainfo.com Publisher

Mixed Media Information

Barham Court, Teston, Maidstone, Kent, ME18 5BZ T: 01622 232725 www.mixedmediainfo.com www.psbj.co.uk

PSBJ is a proud supporter of the Chartered Institute of Architectural Technologists.

Contributions are invited and when not accepted will be returned only if accompanied by a fully stamped and return addressed envelope. No responsibility will be taken for drawings, photographs or literary contributions during transmission or in the editor's hands.

In the absence of an agreement the copyright of all contributions, literary, photographics or artistic belongs to Mixed Media Information Ltd. The Publisher accepts no responsibility in respect of advertisements appearing in the magazine and the opinions expressed in editorial material or otherwise do not necessarily represent the view of the publisher.

The Publisher does not accept any liability of any loss arising from the late appearance or non publication of any advertisement.

Howarth Litchfield's modification of Newcastle University’s historical King’s Road Boiler House offers a state-of-the-art addition while preserving campus heritage. See page 08.

Welcome to the December issue of PSBJ...

As we wind down for the festive celebrations, there's much to reflect on from the year that's passed. From Brexit negotiations, regulation and standard updates – much of which has been redacted for the pages of PBSJ's 2018 issues – to another Autumn Budget, this year's been full of transitions and – the dreaded terms – 'uncertainty' and 'austerity' for much of the nation. As we head into 2019, the term 'uncertainty' closely follows in our course as we drift downstream towards our scheduled EU departure date – 29th March. PSBJ will be talking to an abundance of industry professionals prior to our proposed departure appointment, so do stay tuned to hear the latest from your peers on their forecasts and advice leading up to March. Alternatively, if you're interested in PSBJ publishing your opinion on Brexit-related matters, do not hesitate to get in touch.

Before we get ahead of ourselves and wish the last month of 2018 away, let's travel back to October this year. Delivered slightly earlier than usual due to Brexit preparations, budget day took place on 29th October this year, when Philip Hammond, Chancellor of the Exchequer, explained how the UK Government was planning to spend its budget. Announcements – such as mental health resource backing, an increase in the national living wage and (following on from last year's first-time buyer stamp duty eradication) abolishment of stamp duty for first-time buyers of shared ownership properties – were welcomed by many with open arms. The Chancellor also announced an allocation of £2.2bn for Brexit preparations, with an additional £500m for 'No-Deal' Brexit planning after promising to deliver a budget that "paves the way for a brighter future". To read through a few of the industry's responses to this year's Autumn Budget, flick to PSBJ's news updates on pages 6-7.

On page 22 of this month's issue, The McAvoy Group's Director, Geoff Fawkes, explains how off-site manufacturing methods can assist in the industry's time of need and rectify the lack of skills reverberated throughout the industry with ageing workforces and Brexit on the horizon.

Elsewhere, following the Government's pledge to invest £2bn in social housing, Sentinel explains how landlords and housing authorities can ensure their housing stock is kept in top condition – turn to page 14 for the company's water treatment advice.

Finally, on behalf of the team at PSBJ's publishing house, Mixed Media Information, I'd like to wish all our readers a very merry Christmas; it's been a pleasure working with you all over the course of 2018. Watch out for our first issue of 2019 for the start of another year in the public sector.

Rebecca

Rebecca Kemp | Editor | rebecca@mixedmediainfo.com Follow us on Twitter:

@psbjmagazine

Download the PSBJ app for iPhone, iPad & Android Search 'PSBJ'

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Contents

06 News A round up of the latest industry updates including charity events, awarded contracts, completed projects and much more.

08 Upfront Originally built in 1923 to house Newcastle University’s boilers, the King’s Road Boiler House has been reimagined to include high-quality event spaces for exhibitions, musical performances and receptions.

Here, the architecture firm responsible for its transformation, Howarth Litchfield, talks through the completed works.

14 Housing Profitability and duty of care are two objectives often in conflict, and striking a balance can often be challenging. In this article, Sentinel – a specialist in water treatments for social housing – explains how an investment in ongoing maintenance of heating systems can provide long-term monetary benefits whilst keeping tenants happy.

16 Healthcare Marcus Judge, Director of IT at Kohler, predicts the future of IoT-enabled water controls and explains how new innovations

22 will help push infection control and water sustainability and usage even further within the healthcare sector.

20 Legal & Business Energy efficiency matters, but nowhere more so than the public sector. Here Steven Evans, National Sales Director at Potterton Commercial, guides facilities managers on an energy-efficient route to a cascade boiler system specification.

22 Talking Point Since the House of Lords Committee launched its report into off-site manufacturing techniques – ‘Off-site Manufacture for Construction: Building for Change’ – on July 19th, many in the realm have backed the announcement of an industry overhaul to keep up with UK demands. Here, The McAvoy Group explains how off-site can help in a time of need.

24 Education Following on from last month’s Upfront feature, Architype’s Marketing Manager, Jessica Taylor, talks to PSBJ about the architectural practice’s involvement in the Welsh Patrwm 21 programme and the fruition of the model.

28 Technical Focus Nuaire’s Residential Product Manager, Wendy Thomas, looks at how Positive Input Ventilation (PIV) combined with carbon filtration is tackling the issue of poor indoor air quality within the housing division.

30 Leisure In this article, Suresh Peri, Commercial & Technical Manager for Mul-T-Lock, explains how today’s technology has allowed security to surpass your everyday lock and key and move into new technological territories.

How Alternative Dispute Resolution can speed up the planning process Whether you’re looking for a dispute resolver or want to gain the skills and expertise to act as one, we offer a complete range of methods for resolving disputes in the planning sector and other areas of the built environment.

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Contents

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16

32 Play Equipment

38 RCI

Designed by Chris Blandford Associates, Streatham Common play area was opened just before the festive period in 2017.

Featuring Timberplay equipment, the organic play area blends in with its surroundings and includes play trails and landscape mounds.

Working at height is inevitable for the majority of contractors and providing them with a safe working environment can often prove challenging. Simon Hall, Training Manager at SIG Roofing, ensures you’re offering a safe work setting with working at height tips.

34 Floorcoverings Asphalt may conjure images of bleak, black highways, roads and pavements; however, the development of the material has come on leaps and bounds. Here Victoria Smith, General Manager for Express Asphalt at Aggregate Industries, teaches you how to play with colour.

36 Interiors: Ceilings & Acoustics Rodney Davidson, Head of Specification at Acheson + Glover, talks about the importance of choosing building products that enhance acoustics in school environments and eradicate external noise pollution for an optimum learning environment for all.

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40 Water Management Comprising 348 linear metres of river wall, Battersea Power Station’s regeneration has seen Thomann-Hanry deliver its expertise in the removal of a buddleia infestation along the flood defences of the River Thames. Here, PSBJ looks at the cleaning and restoration expert’s involvement.

42 HVAC/HVP Stuart Doggrell, Water Heating Manager at Fabdec, looks at how housing associations can make the most of water heating developments to drive efficiencies and sustainability of social housing stock.

34 44 Product Showcase A dedicated focus of industry news, products and case studies to help specifiers and local authorities make informed decisions.

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News

INDUSTRY UPDATES

Each month PSBJ rounds up the latest public sector construction updates, from new contracts to industry awards.

will be positioned between the new housing development and the existing settlement of Bestwood, ensuring it is accessible for new and existing families.

Contractor gets work underway for school’s expansion

GM Mayor opens academy to help tackle region’s skills shortage

Work has started on a £3.2m expansion at a Telford school to deliver new classrooms, a nursery extension and other improvements to meet an increased demand for places.

Shrewsbury-based Morris Property won the contract for Ladygrove Primary School in Old Office Road, Dawley, and is expected to complete the work by the end of July 2019.

The project involves building a single-storey block of five classrooms, a nursery extension with entrance area, a hall, toilets and office space. The existing kitchen at the school will also be removed and replaced with a much larger one. Externally, there will be an enclosed soft play area provided at the rear of the nursery. Additional car parking and paved areas will be created within newly-landscaped grounds. The extension will replace two former demountable classrooms and an area of out-of-use grassland.

Greater Manchester’s Mayor Andy Burnham has underlined his commitment to improving opportunities for young people in the region as he opened a new engineering academy in Salford. At the launch of Academy at Thermatic on 15th October, Mayor Burnham said that the importance of creating new training facilities could not be understated because they respond to a very current need and contribute to the growth of the regional economy. The academy has been created by Thermatic, a national provider of bespoke heating, ventilation and airconditioning systems. It has been developed in partnership with the Salford Foundation which supports social and academic development of young people and adults in Greater Manchester.

Its aim is to help address the growing skills shortage in the engineering sector and to make engineering more appealing and accessible for young people, regardless of gender.

BSRIA gives reaction to Autumn Statement Krystyna Dawson, Commercial Director at BSRIA, said: “It is encouraging to see that the Chancellor, Philip Hammond, has delivered a portfolio of policies that decisively aim to boost house-building.

This will support both BSRIA members and the wider construction industry. His announcements go some way to ensure that the UK gets the housing it desperately needs to make Britain 'fit for the future'.

Investment in the Housing Infrastructure Fund and the promise of a further 650,000 homes – in addition to the current Government target of 300,000 homes a year – are positive but again, BSRIA stresses that quantity must not be at the cost of quality. The devil, as always, is in the detail and BSRIA will wait to hear when the Chancellor plans for these houses to be built, where they will be built and, indeed, who will build them."

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​ ork starts on new W Bestwood Village Primary School Construction works are officially underway at a replacement primary school within the new Westhouse Farm housing development in Bestwood, following a £5m investment from Nottinghamshire County Council. The new school will replace the existing Hawthorne Primary and Nursery, originally built in 1878, which is now split over two sites and does not have room for further expansion to meet an increasing demand for places. The school will relocate from its current position in School Walk, in order to meet the growing demand for school spaces, following the announcement of a new housing development for the area. It

Final steel added to Leeds Government hub Developer and asset manager, MEPC, has celebrated the topping out of buildings seven and eight with a steel signing event – marking a major milestone in the build of one of the city’s most anticipated new commercial properties.

Once finished, the modern, fit-for-purpose office space will accommodate HM Revenue and Customs and NHS Digital. The two organisations will share the space as part of the Government Hubs Programme to transform the civil service into a modern employer. Attended by representatives from HMRC and NHS Digital in addition to contractor, Wates Construction, and the team at MEPC Wellington Place, the celebration marks not only the completion of the steel frame construction but also the start of the next phase of the build with the installation of the facade, helping to visually cement its position in the Leeds city skyline.

Pupils’ thumbs up for new Queensferry High School site Excited primary school pupils were given an exclusive tour of the construction work at the new £40m Queensferry High School on 30th August. The P6 pupils from local primary schools will be the first pupils to start S1 at the school which is due to be completed in spring 2020. Initial works on the school, being delivered by Hub South East in partnership with the City of Edinburgh Council, started earlier in the year. The main building works, being delivered by Morrison Construction as the lead contractor, are now underway on the site. The proposals include greatly enhanced sports facilities such as a larger games hall and a six-lane swimming pool (increased in size from four lanes after taking into account community feedback), a new fitness centre, dance studio and floodlit 3G and 4G pitches.

First Choice Housing Association has raised £7m of new loan funding from Triodos Bank to help fund its continued growth and development over the next five years. The funds will be used to develop a number of supported housing schemes across Wales, including the development of 130 new supported housing bed spaces from September 2018 through to April 2020. First Choice, established in 1988, provides accommodation specifically for vulnerable people who require support to enable them to live independently within the local community. Working across Wales and Shropshire in partnership with 19 local authorities, the association provides highquality, bespoke homes tailored to suit the needs of vulnerable individuals with often complex support needs.

Suppliers appointed to Fusion21 framework Fusion21 has announced the suppliers successfully appointed to its Modular Building Framework – following an expansion worth £175m over a four-year period. A total of eight highly skilled firms have secured a place on the framework which is designed to service local authorities, leisure, blue light and healthcare sectors in addition to providing buildings for educational purposes and wider public use.

Providing a full turnkey solution for the design, manufacture and installation of buildings of modular construction, the framework – worth £400m – offers Fusion21 members temporary or permanent quality modular buildings which are compliant with all Building Regulations and present lower carbon emissions than traditional builds. Nick Verburg, Procurement and Supply Chain Manager at Fusion21, said: “Modular off-site construction is an innovative and cost-effective way to deliver buildings for the 21st century, and we are delighted to have expanded this flexible procurement solution in response to market demand and member feedback.”

News

Up to 80 new supported living homes to be developed in Wales

Midlands firms kick off partnership with framework win

Morgan Sindall wins £18.8m school expansion

Gleeds and LK2, along with Couch Perry Wilkes and BSP Consulting, have secured a framework with UK sports charity the Football Foundation, providing services to improve hundreds of community sports facilities in northern England. LK2 partnered with Gleeds to win the coveted five-year framework which will primarily cover the improvement of local football facilities in the north of the country on behalf of the Football Foundation.

Other community sports such as cricket, rugby and hockey are also likely to benefit from the new programme.

The scope of works will vary depending on individual project requirements but will include design, supply and installation of modular buildings to provide new changing room and clubhouse facilities. It is part of a wider Government strategy to by 2021 improve 'grassroots' sporting facilities to encourage more community involvement.

The number of special educational needs and disabilities (SEND) school places in Colchester, Essex, is set to increase as work on the £18.8m expansion to Lexden Springs School gets underway. The major relocation and expansion project on behalf of Essex County Council will increase Lexden Springs’ capacity from 120 to 200 pupils. Essex County Council has appointed construction and infrastructure company Morgan Sindall to deliver the major programme, which is expected to complete in September 2019. Currently located on Halstead Road in Colchester, Lexden Springs School will relocate to a new state-of-the-art campus on the former Heath School site in Winstree Road, Stanway.

Existing buildings on the site will be demolished to make room for the new school. The new building will have two separate entrances, with one specifically designed for use by minibuses and taxis to drop off and collect pupils.

Carter Jonas secures planning for student STRIDE secures outline accommodation planning consent for Carter Jonas, the national property consultancy, has secured planning health village permission on behalf of private residential developer Willco Properties from Epsom and Ewell Borough Council for a new student accommodation development in Surrey. Willco Properties has an ongoing relationship with the University of the Creative Arts (UCA) to provide high-quality student accommodation across Epsom. The six-storey, 99-bedroom development known as Bradford House will also include 2384ft2 (221.5m2) of Grade A office space and basement parking. It will replace the ageing, vacant office building located on East Street.

Architect firm Geoffrey Sloan Associates has designed the new building.

STRIDE, the development joint venture between Health Innovation Partners (HIP) and University Hospitals of Derby and Burton NHS Foundation Trust (UHDB), has received notification from East Staffordshire Borough Council that its outline planning application to develop a healthcare village, Outwoods, on surplus land adjacent to the Queen's Hospital in Burton has been approved. Outwoods is set to provide new accommodation for a local GP practice and supporting community services, a 50-bed step-down facility, a 40-bed care home, a community hub, an 80 extra care residency and 88 doctors' and nurses' accommodation as well as a 100-place nursery. Works are due to commence on site early 2020.

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Upfront

KEY FACTS: Architect: Howarth Litchfield (HL) – in coordination with ESS as expert client Project manager, cost consultant and principal designer: Turner & Townsend (Newcastle) Structural engineer: Maughan Reynolds Partnership M&E consultant: Kyoob Acoustic consultant: APEX Acoustics Project: The King’s Road Boiler House Location: Newcastle University

FINEST BOILER HOUSE IN THE KINGDOM GETS 21STCENTURY MAKEOVER The King’s Road Boiler House, acknowledged as being “the finest in the kingdom” when completed in 1923, is strategically located at the heart of Newcastle University’s historic campus, adjacent to the students’ union, Armstrong Building and the student forum. built to O riginally house the university boilers with enough space to expand as the university developed and the estate grew, the university’s decision to demolish the adjacent Museum of Antiquities to create the student forum in 2012 – an open public square

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at the centre of campus for students and staff – led to a greater focus on the surrounding buildings and landscaping.

This resulted in the redevelopment and reimagining of the Boiler House and its surrounding landscaping into a high-quality events space

for congregations, receptions, musical performance, exhibitions and award ceremonies.

This £2m project has involved the restoration of the building’s exterior and a full internal refurbishment of the eastern half of the building, using high-quality design and materials.

Landscape architect: Southern Green Principal contractor: PF Burridge & Sons

The brief Multi-award-winning architecture practice, Howarth Litchfield (HL), was appointed as the architect in 2016 to work with the university’s Estate Support Service (ESS) to develop the project. Its brief was to convert the redundant half of the Boiler House building into a large multipurpose events space, which, when combined with the recently-completed ground-floor refurbishment works within the adjacent Armstrong Building and its internal courtyard, would form a processional route through the university for ceremonial events.

Howarth Litchfield's appointment involved providing architectural, building surveying as well as conservation services in coordination with the university’s Estate Support Service to develop the proposals further through to developed design and technical design, as well as the preparation and submission of all planning and Building Regulation applications. The Howarth Litchfield team was also involved in the preparation of the tender documents and remained involved throughout the entire duration of the construction works on site, dealing with contractors’ queries on a day-to-day basis  until completion.

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Upfront

This £2m project has involved the restoration of the building’s exterior and a full internal refurbishment of the eastern half of the building

Project challenges Prior to commencement of the contract works, the diversion of an existing high-voltage underground cable had to be accommodated into the building contract which meant that works in the construction programme had to be resequenced to avoid delaying key milestone events in the overall project programme because it was essential the overall completion date remained unchanged.

The relocation of the Emerson Cavitation Tunnel was also challenging. Located in the building since the 1950s and owned by the School of Marine Science and Technology, the tunnel had great historical significance as a unique propeller experimental testing facility which necessitated its removal. This was relocated to its new home in Blyth by Newcastle University prior to the appointment of HL. The other half of the Boiler House remained in use throughout containing fully working modern boilers and calorifiers, while the resulting space in the north-east side of the building became vacant, along with the first-floor offices.

This was a somewhat challenging project due to its location. As a live construction site at the heart of the campus and in full use by students throughout the redevelopment programme, the highest standard of health and safety protocols was required on and around the site, together with the ability to coordinate multiple stakeholders and engage efficiently to design and achieve client and end-user sign-off at each stage.

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Best conservation practice on site From the early concept stages, accessibility into and within the building were strongly considered with the aim to have full level access at all three entrances since each entrance would be likely to have varying degrees of prominence depending on the event being held.

The university strives to go beyond making its estate not just ‘accessible’ but totally inclusive, therefore, the option that some entrances may not be accessible was never an option.

During the summer of 2017, conversion works got underway. The existing offices at first-floor (originally

roof) level were removed and the original castellation was reinstated. These works returned the building to its original proportions and scale.

Existing timber-framed, single-glazed roof lanterns were replaced with new powder-coated aluminiumframed double-glazed roof lanterns. The existing roof

Upfront was recovered with tapered insulation to meet current thermal requirements and a modern single-ply membrane laid over it. The existing windows were retained, overhauled and decorated.

A new full-height structural opening was formed in the gable wall to accommodate a fully-glazed curtain walling

facade with a sliding folding door at ground-floor level to open up the space for events.

Solid ash acoustic timber wall panelling was installed to enhance the acoustic properties of the space. A large drop-down projection screen was installed for events, together with a new floating ceiling.

A mezzanine floor level was constructed, complete with a new staircase, to accommodate male and female WCs along with a new plant room dedicated to serving the events space.

New mechanical and electrical systems were installed with temperature sensors that link to

the university building management system (BMS) to provide set-point adjustment.

From the building layout and inception through to the detailing and reuse, Newcastle University's King’s Road Boiler House is a perfect example of using the International Council on Monuments and Sites (ICOMOS) guidance to the full.

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Upfront Restoration The client was committed to the retention and reuse of an existing structure. Demolition was a possible option but this option would have destroyed a building of character and style.

However, Newcastle University's Estate Support Service had the vision and foresight to see a further reinvention of the building form.

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Its conversion, along with the external works and the adjacent Armstrong Building refurbishment, have given new life to the centre of the campus. Through this scheme, the university has redeveloped the central campus with a series of bold strategic urban interventions to benefit its wider plan.

The whole design concept from Newcastle University's King’s Road Boiler House

was to reuse and enhance an old building form and create something new within the existing shell, which is the perfect definition of sustainable design and architecture.

The client, Clare Rogers, former Director of Estates of Newcastle University, commented: “It’s been wonderful to reinvent this old building, creating a modern

event space in keeping with its surroundings at the heart of our beautiful city centre campus.

“It shows that the university is investing in student experience and its activities by creating state-of-the-art buildings and preserving its heritage.” 

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Housing

£2BN FOR NEW SOCIAL HOUSING – BUT WHAT CAN PROVIDERS DO IN THE MEANTIME? Recent news has revealed that the Government has pledged to invest £2bn in building social housing properties over the next 10 years. Whilst this will certainly help mitigate the shortfall of social housing available within the UK, other steps must be taken to ensure current properties remain in peak condition and don’t become a cost burden on providers. agenda for T opmanyof the social housing providers is value for money.

Recent research Sentinel conducted showed that 61% of providers are under pressure to reduce lifetime costs of heating systems without compromising quality. Maintaining tenant satisfaction is also a key priority.

The National Housing Federation has stated that 23% of social housing residents are unable to keep their living rooms warm – a serious statistic that simply can’t be ignored. Combining this with the fact that 55% of direct maintenance costs are heating system-related, there is clear room for improvement

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here. That said, with further maintenance budget reduction in the pipeline – an estimated 16% in real terms from 2016 to 2020 – providers face an increasingly difficult job managing the balance between being profitable and providing a duty of care.

Here, Craig Mitchell, Sales Director for Social Housing at Sentinel – provider of water treatment solutions and filters for the social housing sector – speaks to PSBJ about how providers can get the best value for money and helping tenants to keep their houses warm by increasing the efficiency of reliable heating provisions.

What impact does not maintaining heating systems have?

Unsatisfied customers, extensive repair costs and potentially dangerous boilers are just some of the outcomes from not properly maintaining a heating system. During research we conducted last year, we discovered that there are over 3.3 million unplanned call-backs every year for heating system failures within the social housing sector, accounting for 55% of maintenance costs.

But it’s not just the call-out costs for repairing boilers that social housing providers need to be worried about. The

boiler is the most expensive component of a heating installation, with a projected lifespan of 14.5 years. Within the social housing sector, a high percentage of boilers are being written off after just seven to nine years, with the housing providers subsequently paying for this shortfall.

With this in mind, social housing providers need to assess how to get maximum efficiency from boilers and extend the lifespan of systems across their property portfolios. What many don’t realise is that there is a very simple solution to this – improved water treatment.

Housing How can this impact my bottom line?

Why is water treatment important and what does the process involve?

Water treatment is important because corrosion is almost inevitable when untreated water comes into contact with metal. It creates an environment in which components, including pumps, radiators and heat exchangers, are likely to fail or breakdown.

Best practice water treatment comprises three basic steps: clean, protect and maintain.

Cleaning removes contaminants such as corrosion debris, residual flux or greases from circulating water and prepares the system for inhibitor protection. Protection with inhibitor prevents corrosion (and limescale deposits in systems in hard water areas), and maintenance is an annual process of checking inhibitor levels and topping up if necessary.

Protecting the system with chemical inhibitors prolongs a boiler’s service life and, by optimising the water chemistry,

maintains the system’s efficiency and overall long-term effectiveness. This minimises corrosion and limescale deposition and prevents all the problems of untreated water such as breakdowns, early repairs, parts replacements and loss of boiler warranty, ticking all the boxes for social housing providers looking to improve heating provisions across their portfolio.

In addition to water treatment, a powerful magnetic filter can also be installed as filters are good insurance against unexpected corrosion or debris problems, capturing residual corrosion particles and removing them from circulating water.

Such issues can arise when a heating system hasn’t been thoroughly flushed after cleaning or where the concentration of inhibitor in a system has been diluted by water top-up, perhaps after a leak or change of radiator, and not replenished to the correct level.

Our research has shown that not using any form of water treatment to adequately protect heating systems was leading to approximately 45% of boilers failing at around the 10-year mark for one provider. If a social housing provider had a portfolio of 1000 properties, each with a boiler with a projected 15-year lifespan, installation costs would total an average of £172 per unit, per year. If 45% of these units were replaced early at 10 years, that left a five-year period where 450 units out of every 1000 would have the £172 cost counted twice on their asset line.

Talking in real cost terms, this sets the true cost for that 15-year period higher than budgeted at £197.80 per unit, per year, across the total portfolio of 1000 properties, which presents a hidden cost of £387,000 per thousand units, to be footed by local authorities and housing associations.

Having spoken to the housing provider, we discovered that it was estimated that 90% of these failures were due to poor water quality, something that can easily be resolved. Added to this, research and testing conducted with major boiler manufacturers show that 87% of call-outs each year are to systems without correct water treatment – which can be easily remedied through effective maintenance of heating systems.

Will this work in real life?

When the theory is put into practice, the results are clear.

A recent study conducted with a council in the South West of

England showed that 28% of systems in social housing had their inhibitor removed or diluted to inadequate levels after just 12 months, exposing them to the risks of poor water quality. This meant that within a year, almost a third of the systems weren’t protected any longer. Given that a simple visual test at each annual service can determine if an inhibitor addition or top-up is necessary to protect the longevity of the system, it’s no longer reasonable for poor water treatment to be the cause of huge overheads as is currently the case for so many.

When comparing the costs of the replacement and maintenance of an unprotected heating system to that of using treatment protection, the financial benefits for social housing providers are clear to see. A full system can be cleaned, protected and maintained for less than £13 a year, creating better value for money for social housing providers and fewer boiler breakdowns for residents, therefore, reducing maintenance costs and complaints.

Government investment in social housing is a positive step forward, both for the sector and the public that need more affordable housing, but there are steps that can be taken to reduce overheads significantly in the meantime. By investing a small amount in the ongoing maintenance of your heating systems, you can not only safeguard the wellbeing of residents within your properties but also experience significant long-term cost benefits. 

 www.sentinelprotects.com/uk

15

Healthcare

IT’S TIME FOR HEALTHCARE TO EMBRACE IOT The Internet of Things (IoT) promises to revolutionise water controls in health and care services. Marcus Judge, Director of IT at Kohler Co EMEA – which includes water controls specialist Rada – says that vision is fast becoming a reality. a future where I magine when you go into hospitals, wards and operating theatres are preset to your specific medical and personal needs.

It’s a future which is incredibly efficient and where patients are receiving the best care, every time. People, devices and

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buildings working in symbiosis to achieve the best possible outcomes for everyone.

As a manufacturer of commercial taps and showers, we are part of delivering this vision. At Rada, our focus is on how we can efficiently improve user outcomes through the implementation of intelligent washroom technologies.

In water controls, the digital technology itself is already there and is being used. We have developed a range of digital taps and showers that offer several benefits over mechanical products. Automated functions, more accurate temperature and flow control and data logging are just some. In recent years, some facilities have networked our digital products via building management systems and are seeing the benefits of the data they derive from that.

It’s our view that connecting devices via IoT technologies and the cloud is the next step.

It will open up a whole new world in terms of accurately monitoring how products and facilities are operating and identifying both efficiencies and improvements.

So, what would this look like in reality?

Water control innovation New devices can improve the operation of health and care premises by providing actionable intelligence on areas such as infection control, water sustainability and water system usage.

Let’s consider infection control measures and the campaign to encourage hand-washing to combat Healthcare-Associated Infections (HCAIs) – a key focus for the NHS – as an example.

Currently, the success of these programmes is measured in very broad terms and over long periods. Compliance is monitored through staff questionnaires or physical observation. Success rates are measured in the reduction in the incidents of healthcarerelated infections and general behavioural metrics.

IoT technologies will make regimes like this significantly more successful, not by just measuring hand-washing but also by actively tracking the success of any control programmes across different medical and care facilities.

This will involve water controls and taps, of course, but also other sensors and smart devices that will monitor best practice. As new technologies are introduced, they will be able to measure adoption and identify areas of success across the health and care estate and suggest areas for improvement.

Automated, autonomous devices will respond to this intelligence by being instructed to undertake cleaning functions, while staff can be given advice on measures to make further improvements.

Maintenance is a further area that can be significantly enhanced through IoT technologies. A key part of operating any facility efficiently is periodic service and maintenance. Water controls are no exception and must be checked regularly to make sure they are never out of action, resources aren’t wasted and they are delivering the experience users expect.

IoT-enabled water controls will deliver live data to facilities teams about their condition, age and frequency of use. Using this data, taps and showers within a building will develop a bespoke service schedule that’s precise and cost-effective for the estates team to action.

At Rada, it’s our view that facilities teams are best placed to capitalise on the power of the IoT technologies. Estates teams are working in this data-rich environment through existing building management systems, so they are in a good position to act upon this new era of ‘smart’ data and create more dynamic and intelligent building  to the benefit of all. It is this

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collaboration and interaction between multiple devices and people that is central to the IoTenabled experience.

Delivering the vision The wholesale adoption of IoT technologies across the health and care estate is at the early stages, but a number of factors are coming together that will see this accelerate.

1) The technology to connect exists and is rapidly developing, enormous investments are being made. Connectivity speeds and reliable connection, the cornerstone for IoT, is improving all the time: 4G is now standard, and the 5G rollout in the UK starts in 2020.

Narrowband-IoT, a technology specifically developed for IoT, is now being rolled out in the UK and will have a strong role to play.

2) The NHS is facing the enormous financial challenges

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of a growing and ageing population. Patient care, resource and cost efficiency are urgent priorities, and anything that can help achieve them is getting welldeserved consideration.

3) The Government has already earmarked IoT technologies as an area of focus across the healthcare environment.

HCAIs are a serious challenge for the health service, and the NHS has set stringent targets for reducing them. IoT undoubtedly has a role to play in this life-affecting area.

At Rada, it is our belief that the conditions for IoT to be embraced in health and care facilities are here. It is only a matter of time before we start to see the wideranging benefits that these technologies will offer. 

î˜ą www.radacontrols.com

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Legal & Business

PUBLIC SECTOR ENERGY EFFICIENCY: WHY YOU SHOULD CONSIDER A CASCADE With energy efficiency high on the agenda for facilities managers of public sector buildings, it’s crucial that heating systems are not only cost-effective but deliver maximum carbon savings too. Steven Evans, National Sales Director at Potterton Commercial, explains how alternative approaches to boiler system design, such as cascades, can deliver important savings. summer, the T his Government reiterated its commitment to reducing greenhouse gas emissions across the UK public sector estate, by publishing ambitious new targets. Business Secretary Greg Clark announced plans to reduce emissions by 43% by 2019/20 against 2009/10 levels – an initiative that is estimated to save the public purse around £340m.

Clark hailed the cost savings already achieved through the public sector emissions reduction drive. Last year, the public sector

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saved £104m after meeting a previous goal to reduce public sector emissions by a third by 2020 three years earlier than planned.

The greenhouse gas target includes emissions from energy, waste, water use, lighting and estate management. The Government said it would also be pushing other public sector bodies to publish guidance on how to drive down bills and cut carbon in their operations.

With the public sector under increasing pressure to set and tackle new energy efficiency targets, one of the first areas that

comes under scrutiny is heating.

And justifiably so, when we consider that many buildings still rely on non-condensing boilers.

These are only 70 to 80% efficient compared to modern, condensing boilers which can achieve more than 90% thermal efficiency.

So, it’s a no-brainer that replacing a non-condensing boiler and updating controls will also save you money on your annual heating bills. In fact, you can save up to 25% of energy costs, depending on consumption.

Steven Evans joined Potterton Commercial as National Sales Manager in December 2016.

Having experienced all areas of the gas industry as a former engineer, merchant and sales representative; Steven has a deep understanding of the specific needs and issues affecting all stages of the supply chain.

However, product replacement is just one part of the solution.

Alternative approaches to boiler system design, such as cascades, should also be considered to provide even greater efficiency and long-term cost savings.

Legal & Business A cascade system is two or more boilers electronically controlled on a common hydraulic header

Cascade design A cascade system is two or more boilers electronically controlled on a common hydraulic header.

The ‘master’ boiler is the primary appliance, sending commands to each of its subsidiary boilers according to the demand for heating and/or hot water.

Boiler cascades offer greater efficiency as they have a high turndown rate, with a substantial difference between the highest and lowest output available. For example, six 90kW Sirius Three boilers on a cascade setup have a maximum output of 540kW, but an individual boiler can also modulate down to 10kW to save energy when demand is not present.

Multiple linked boilers can respond more effectively to varying heat loads, making a cascade the perfect solution for buildings with changeable demand schedules. This is particularly relevant for buildings in the public sector, which might be operational at different times of the day and through the night.

The advantage of having more than one boiler in a system is also that it adds a layer of redundancy whereby the system

will continue to operate in the unlikely event that one breaks down. Critical facilities in the public sector such as healthcare depend on having a backup that ensures continued operation to maintain the safety and comfort of a building’s occupants.

Flexibility and scalability Cascade systems also offer greater choice and flexibility of outputs. This allows the size of the plant to be more closely matched to the exact heat requirements of a building. It has long been recognised that there is often a tendency to oversize boilers and to err on the side of caution to avoid complaints from users about under-performing systems.

The flexible and modular nature of a cascade system helps to negate this issue, with options to add capacity to the heating system according to the changing needs of the building. In the public sector, this flexibility provides planners and managers with more options for assigning different uses to different buildings on their estate.

Cascade solutions also offer a suitable alternative when

space is at a premium, as the system can be broken down into smaller components and easily transported through tight spaces. Cascade frames come in many shapes and sizes, including corners, to meet the requirements of all types of plant room.

When replacing an older boiler, it should never be assumed that like-for-like replacement in terms of boiler capacity offers the best solution. It is always important to size a replacement installation based on the current building requirements, rather than rely on the size of the boiler originally specified.

An additional consideration when installing a cascade system is flue design. Each boiler requires an individual, condensing flue to ensure products of combustion are safely removed from the premises. With the potential for up to 12 boilers in a cascade system, this can be tricky. A common workaround is for each flue to feed into a flue header, through which waste gases are expelled as per requirements.

The political pressure on public sector organisations to hit new targets for energy efficiency is only expected to intensify

over the coming years. What’s more, changes to the regulatory environment is placing heating systems under more scrutiny than ever before.

Building managers need to make sure they not only meet current requirements but put in place solutions that meet future needs. For those looking to upgrade or replace their systems, a cascade solution can provide the answer by delivering both efficient performance and significant cost savings – a modern heating system fit for purpose for years to come. 

 www.pottertoncommercial.co.uk

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Talking Point

HOW OFF-SITE CAN REVIVE THE AILING HOUSE-BUILDING INDUSTRY

There are clear benefits of building new homes in a factory, which have been welldocumented and are demonstrated with the use of off-site solutions in other sectors

In this article, Geoff Fawkes, Director of The McAvoy Group, looks at how off-site construction is helping to address the housing crisis by increasing productivity.

to a report A ccording published by Shelter, 250,000 new homes a year need to be built in the UK to keep up with demand – and yet only 163,000 new homes were delivered in 2017. There are currently 24,000 households in housing stress in Northern Ireland alone. The unprecedented demand for new housing has created a systemic crisis.

There is a severe shortage of affordable homes and homelessness continues to increase year on year. There is a lack of skilled labour in construction, compounded by Brexit and an ageing workforce.

The building industry has a poor delivery record with too many projects still fraught with sub-standard quality, delays and budget overruns. To quote one recent article – “too few homes,

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built at too high a price, for too few people”.

In response, the Government has set a target to build 300,000 new homes annually by the mid2020s and has pledged its support to increase the use of off-site

construction to help address the challenges. This commitment is reinforced by the House of Lords Committee Report into off-site manufacture which calls for a radical overhaul of the construction industry.

The quality of factory construction can far exceed site-based building methods

A surge in interest in modern construction methods There has been a surge in interest in new construction methods in recent years and particularly in off-site solutions as traditional ways of working continue to fall short of the required standards and volumes. The UK construction industry has often been slow to adopt new technologies and processes – which is why it now has one of the lowest productivity rates in Europe.

Off-site construction though is not new – modular building systems have been widely used for decades from schools and healthcare schemes to hotels, commercial buildings and infrastructure projects. But are the skills transferable?

Talking Point There has been a surge in interest in new construction methods in recent years and particularly in off-site solutions as traditional ways of working continue to fall short of the required standards and volumes

Our view is there is far less risk in using an off-site manufacturer with a proven track record, readily available production capacity and who already has expertise as a principal contractor.

How to simplify procurement and improve quality control There are now multiple options in the UK offsite housing sector for manufacturers to produce structures which are installed onto pre-prepared foundations – leaving design, groundworks and other aspects of the project to others.

In our experience, this approach is far less efficient, and quality control issues can arise where there is no single point of contact. Our solution is to give developers and housing providers an entirely seamless turnkey service encompassing design, planning approvals, site preparation and groundworks, building manufacture, off-site fitting-out, landscaping and infrastructure.

This option delivers improved quality control, effective cost management and simplifies procurement and project management for the client.

Understanding the clear benefits There are clear benefits of building new homes in a factory, which have been well-documented and are demonstrated with the use of offsite solutions in other sectors.

Build programmes can be halved for a faster return on investment and earlier handover for occupation.

The quality of factory construction can far exceed sitebased building methods. Off-site is not affected by poor weather or damage to materials on site. It is not reliant on sub-contracted labour, but instead uses a highly trained, permanent and multiskilled workforce, manufacturing

buildings in safe, purposedesigned factory environments.

This has a hugely positive impact on the quality of construction.

There is less disruption to neighbouring properties, fewer vehicle movements to sites and far less material wastage.

With independent accreditations such as BOPAS (the Buildoffsite Property Assurance Scheme), developers, investors and lenders can now have the benefit of stringent assessments to certify that a building system, such as the McAvoy off-site housing solution, will deliver consistent performance for at least 60 years. This significantly reduces risk and ensures longterm mortgageability.

There is a clear lack of knowledge about the quality of buildings manufactured off-site, the whole-life cost performance, the technical ability of manufacturers and new off-site innovations

The need for more enlightened clients There is a clear lack of knowledge about the quality of buildings manufactured off-site, the whole-life cost performance, the technical ability of manufacturers and new off-site innovations. These are restricting the use of off-site manufacture but can change if procurement models, professional bodies and Government actively reflect the benefits and drive its use in construction, particularly for publicly-funded housing schemes.

What we need now are more enlightened clients, such as Clanmil Housing Association, with the passion and commitment to break the mould and apply new techniques to deliver growth.

To help address the challenges around productivity, reliable delivery, quality and the affordability of new housing, developers in both public and private sectors should be willing to adopt more innovative building techniques. We will then be able to revive the ailing house-building sector. 

î˜ą www.mcavoygroup.com

23

Education

con colo our colo ava

Image ©Phil Boorman Photography

HAVING IT ALL – SCHOOLS FIT FOR THE FUTURE In every walk of life, it stands to reason that you get what you pay for. Quality comes at a price and it’s hard to think of a single example where you pay less and get more, writes Architype’s Marketing Manager, Jessica Taylor.

The sad reality of all of this is that the real losers are the enduser, the occupier, the pupils and the taxpayer.

One group of professionals are looking to take a step forward in changing this.

The inspiration came from a call to action by Welsh Government for the private sector to streamline and standardise school delivery, maximising investment under the 21st Century Schools funding programme. To explain in brief, 21st Century Schools is a long-term strategic investment in Welsh educational estates, the largest of its kind since the 1960s, with the first band of funding totalling £1.4bn. The sum is significant, and the programme put a spotlight on Wales, with major players from all over the UK peering over the border at neighbouring opportunities.

In line with maximising investment, a requirement to promote sustainability, reduce running costs, energy consumption and carbon emissions featured highly. The brief from Welsh Government was simple and made sense, but there was a hump in the road. They wanted quality, they wanted sustainability; but not for a premium, they wanted it for less.

Welsh construction company Dawnus were immersed in delivering schools under the programme when the call for a new approach came. They knew that standing apart in this competitive market would require more than just a tickbox exercise. It required new thinking and an evidence-based approach to win the trust of local authority clients, who had grown numb to the parade of  false promise.

an industrial product a

by Wimmersion, coarse spraying,

h. Concentrate dilution is quick an hen it comes to construction, this rule prevails; perhaps to an even greater extent, with industry suppliers grappling at the unpatrolled loopholes of construction stages to claw back profits from tender prices cut to the bone to win contracts.

You don’t have to look far to see the results of the shortfall in quality. It’s in repeat offenders

like your empty community centre that was never fit for purpose; it’s your local school that was only built 10 years ago but needs refurbishing and, most tragically, may have been a driver in the material swaps at Grenfell Tower.

There have been rumbles in the industry for a long time about the need for change, for a different culture, for

integrity and for making better decisions that are for the good of the project, not just for the bottom line.

Denial of this has seen some hard hits and some big losses in the last year; and with the downward trajectory of skilled workforce in the UK, the picture isn’t going to get any rosier unless the industry begins to reevaluate delivery options.

sure no waste and correct solution Image ©Architype

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eatment is required to protect agai Trimsaran Primary School – north elevation

Trimsaran Primary School – east elevation

Trimsaran Primary School – flying start east entrance elevation

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Education

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Dawnus observed that quality and sustainability were essentially one and the same if fully embraced. They knew that they needed a team that could uphold that vision, which is where conversations with architectural practice Architype began.

Architype are well known as UK leaders in sustainable architecture and, in particular, their promotion of Passivhaus, the world’s highest performing environmental standard. Through discussions with Architype a model for Passivhaus standard delivery began to take shape. As experienced practitioners, they knew that the standard held the key to delivering the quality and sustainable credentials that 21st Century Schools demanded and that with the right team this could be realised within a standard school budget.

As Associate Director at Architype, Lee Fordham, explained: “The thing that makes Passivhaus affordable is that, unlike other environmental standards, it doesn’t require additional components (like solar panels, for example) that cost money to install and maintain. It simplifies the building form and fabric to make it efficient, becoming less complex and reducing delivery costs. The building is robust, and the buildings perform exactly as designed.”

Convinced by the Passivhaus approach, Architype and Dawnus recruited international engineers WSP, whose Cardiff office embraced development of a sustainable model. All three companies had extensive experience in delivering quality and innovation in the education sector. This partnership of like-minded, forward-thinking, industry professionals resulted

26

in the development of Patrwm 21, a standardised approach to delivering high-quality Passivhaus schools in Wales. ‘Patrwm’ is Welsh for ‘pattern’, and ‘21’ is a reference to the 21st Century Schools funding programme.

The concept, like all good ones, was simple in its offering; quality assurance at a competitive cost.

The Passivhaus element was a big tick for sustainability, but the Patrwm 21 team realised that convincing others of their vision, the model needed not just to be about metrics, but about people. The inspiration for a people focus came from the Welsh Government’s Well-being of Future Generations Act. The act requires public bodies in Wales to think about the long-term impact of their decisions, to work better with people, communities and each other, and to make a long-lasting, positive change to current and future generations. The Patrwm 21 model aspires to contribute to each of the seven wellbeing goals set by the Future Generations Team. The Future Generations and Wellbeing Act posed the following challenges, which the Patrwm 21 team have interpreted in the following way: A prosperous Wales – the ultralow running costs of a Passivhaus school saves tens of thousands of pounds every year, freeing-up school budgets for the things that really matter A resilient Wales – quality Passivhaus-accredited design and build is quality that is locked into the building. It continues to perform to the same high standard and does not weaken over time.

A healthier Wales – optimised temperatures for learning and low CO2 concentrations guarantee comfortable classrooms in both summer and winter, helping pupils to perform

A more equal Wales – believing that every child has the right to a high-quality learning environment that supports them in their learning is why an affordable, standardised solution stacks-up A Wales of cohesive communities – working with future users to discover their aspiration for the new schools where they live and developing facilities for the whole community within the school plan A Wales of thriving Welsh culture – to date, 80% of Patrwm 21 Schools are Welsh medium schools, with an aim to inspire young people in learning their national language, surrounded by locally sourced Welsh materials A globally responsible Wales – unlike other energy standards that aim to offset carbon, Passivhaus reduces energy usage in the first instance. Responsible construction methods support the core strategy.

“In terms of a pattern, or a standardised approach, there are only really two core things that remain the same,” said Co-Founder of Patrwm 21 and Dawnus Design Manager, Andrew Cross. “It’s the team, and it’s the Passivhaus design and construction methodology.

“We could have gone further with that of course, but by interrogating the model we realised there was no need to do so.”

Andrew explained that because the Passivhaus standard involves such a rigorous approach, that becomes the constant element, the ‘pattern’, and enables the rest of the design to be flexible because every school is different; with different methods of teaching, different geographies and different intake.

The consistency in the team is of equal importance. “Passivhaus isn’t difficult once you know what you are doing,” remarked Cross, “but there is no doubt that it requires a different mindset, and there is a steep learning curve. We knew that to bring the standard in on budget, we couldn’t afford to be losing money through an inefficient design and build process; that is why the team is an integral part of ‘the pattern’.”

This pattern approach allows an efficient bespoke solution.

This not only enables it to easily meet the individual needs of each school but can be applied to other building types. The P21 team are planning to offer Patrwm 21 to different sectors in the future, such as housing and other public use community buildings.

Since the launch of Patrwm 21 back in 2016, the model has gained kudos in the realisation of two new schools in Carmarthenshire, Ysgol Trimsaran, which has now completed its first academic year in occupation; and Ysgol Parc y Tywyn which has recently handed over.

The client, Carmarthenshire County Council, provided the ideal opportunity for the P21 team to put the model into practice. The council has been at the forefront of sustainable design in South West Wales for some years, in particular developing knowledge and testing the water with Passivhaus developments. Following some early success with this, their conviction in the standard has led to a legacy of sustainable design and paved the way for further development. 

 www.architype.co.uk

Technical Focus

AIR POLLUTION AND EXISTING HOMES

Nuaire’s Noxmaster is one such solution that removes up to 99.5% of NO2 and other harmful pollutants

Air pollution is now recognised to be the greatest environmental threat to human health in the UK. Exposure to high concentrations of pollutants is harmful to our health, and the effects are cumulative. Elderly people, children and those with existing health conditions like asthma and heart disease are particularly at risk. Reducing exposure to air pollution is now a major Government initiative, but the challenge is vast, says Wendy Thomas, Residential Product Manager at Nuaire.

Government has a T hestatutory obligation to keep concentrations of some pollutants below a certain level. These are fine particulate

28

matter (PM2.5), nitrogen dioxide (NO2 and NOX), non-methane volatile organic compounds (NMVOCs), ammonia (NH3) and sulphur dioxide (SO2).

These pollutants come from many sources, including road traffic, industrial processes, agriculture and domestic fuel burning.

In a recent report by the World Health Organisation, which has made headline news in the British press, it was highlighted that 37 of 43 air

Technical Focus Now, technology has been developed for existing homes. It combines a trusted technology called Positive Input Ventilation (PIV) with high-efficiency carbon filtration.

quality zones across the UK have failed to meet EU limits on NO2. These regions will have streets or larger areas that are labelled Air Quality Management Areas, or AQMAs, for failing to meet air quality objectives set

by Government. There are currently 725 in England, 45 in Wales, 43 in Scotland and 42 in Northern Ireland, so the problem is sizeable and widespread.

With what is now known about the health effects of air pollution, the focus has turned to mitigation techniques to keep pollutants out of the home. Nuaire’s inline IAQ-BOX system, for example, removes up to 99.5% of NO2 and up to 85% of PM2.5.

Protection for occupants in newly-built homes in high pollution areas already exists and, in many cases, is becoming a planning condition. But when you consider there are 27 million existing homes in the UK, compared with 170,000 new homes built each year, the disparity is clear. The industry has been waiting for a solution for the millions of existing homes that are blighted by poor air quality.

As MVHR systems with carbon filtration require ducting through the property, they are highly intrusive to install in existing homes.

Many existing social housing properties are ventilated using intermittent extractor fans, which are not effective at preventing the ingress of pollutants or their removal.

But now technology has been developed for existing homes. It combines a trusted technology called Positive Input Ventilation (PIV) with high-efficiency carbon filtration. It delivers clean, filtered air into the home, improving the indoor air quality to within safe levels.

Nuaire’s Noxmaster is one such solution that removes up to 99.5% of NO2 and other harmful pollutants generated by traffic emissions and industrial processes.

The secret weapon here is activated carbon. The carbon media held inside a cartridge is microporous and has a much larger surface area than its external dimensions suggest.

A spoonful of activated carbon equates to the surface of a football field. Through a process known as ‘adsorption’, the pollutants are attracted

and held on the surface of the carbon, trapping them before they enter the home.

An additional benefit of combining carbon filtration with PIV is the reduction in humidity levels which prevents condensation dampness, and the ability to flush out pollutants generated inside the home from the use of household products, cooking with gas and burning fuel.

With growing concern over poor indoor air quality and air pollution, some homeowners are taking steps to monitor and control the air in their homes using apps and consumer air purifiers. This can lead to a false sense of security as the removal of gases and particulates from the air is a complex process. It requires mechanical ventilation and carbon filtration to treat the air throughout the home, and control the pollutants generated inside the home. £20bn is the estimated cost of air pollution in the UK. Reducing exposure to pollutants whilst at home can save lives and improve the quality of life. We spend an average of 16 hours a day at home, and often the

Technology for air filtration in new-build developments is making great strides, with highly-effective carbon filter products that work as part of a ducted mechanical ventilation with heat recovery (MVHR) system

most vulnerable members of our society – babies, young children and the elderly – spend substantially more time in the home.

With the right technology, the control of pollutants in existing homes is now achievable. While we wait for a long-term solution to air pollution, the new breed of mechanical ventilation systems featuring carbon filtration should help reduce diseases like asthma, heart disease and cancer, and increase life expectancy for thousands of people. 

 www.nuaire.co.uk

29

Leisure

THE PERFECT FIT FOR LEISURE CENTRE SECURITY

Leisure centres are a hive of activity, with a vast range of visitors and staff requiring different levels of access. Security can be critical and complex at these facilities, so why is it that security specification is often an afterthought? Suresh Peri, Commercial & Technical Manager for Mul-T-Lock UK, looks at the changing face of security, and how today’s solutions can drastically improve the efficiency and reputation of our leisure facilities. day and age, I nwetoday’s strive for more information, more knowledge and more control. The advancement of technology has moved security to a new level, and rightly so. The needs of businesses are constantly changing, so technology needs to offer flexibility and simplicity to reflect this.

Leisure centres, in particular, have very complex access and security requirements, with constant deliveries, 24-hour shift patterns for staff, and contractors needing one-time access. Plus, the management of visitors and their flow around a building needs to be non-intrusive yet secure and reassuring, especially considering the schools, community and charitable groups that may use these premises.

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Even though keys provide physical access to critical assets within gyms and health clubs, including areas that house servers holding customer data, and to offices where customers’ accounts are managed, we often see end-users unsure of how many keys they have in circulation, or where they are at any given time. More worryingly, often when staff leave, there is no system to revoke access or monitor if they return the keys.

Electronic key solutions that feature web-based management can be integrated with existing telemetry systems to help control and manage operations. This offers a high level of both physical and data protection – given they only use accredited software and infrastructure providers.

For example, some systems boast an electronic key system where all the power is retained by the key or locks themselves.

This means no wiring is required, whether the system uses door cylinders, cabinet locks or padlocks, offering an easy-to-install and low-maintenance solution for leisure centre facilities managers.

Users have secure access to an online management application from anywhere in the world and can change key access permissions, profiles, schedules and validity, even revoking their use, virtually at the click of a button. Keys can be validated daily, weekly or monthly keeping them continuously secure.

This enables facilities managers to comprehensively track and audit who has access to which locations, when they had access, and how often.

Access can be granted only at the exact moment it is required, mitigating the risk associated with lost or stolen keys. This is an important benefit to leisure centres where they may need to grant limited or one-time access to external contractors, allowing them to securely manage planned maintenance work or urgent repair work, vital to the ongoing running of the business.

At the same time, leisure centre managers have to guarantee staff are given the right permission levels to access rooms conveniently and provide the best service for customers.

For example, within a 24-hour gym where members of staff are coming and going at various times of the day or where spaces within

Leisure the centre are hired out to thirdparty suppliers, such as specialist trainers or community groups.

Equally important is to make sure administrators (those who manage the security system) can promptly respond to key and card losses, replacing keys and fobs as quickly as possible, and giving all parties involved access to the new credentials.

Mul-T-Lock’s new eCLIQ access control system allows end-users to both grant and remove access permissions remotely. This includes the ability to schedule individual access permissions for each key, as well as to provide time-limited access. If a key is lost, access can be also be revoked using the eCLIQ software, all managed from a cloud-based system.

The safety and security of visitors and staff is paramount for any customerfacing business, but in such a competitive industry the smooth running and ongoing service can be vital to its success and profitability. Security and access systems, such as eCLIQ from Mul-T-Lock, not only improves safety and mitigates risk but also helps with business continuity, which is a valuable asset to the leisure industry. 

î˜ą www.mul-t-lock.co.uk

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Play Equipment

Project: Streatham Common play area Location: Streatham High Road, London Playground equipment supplier: Timberplay

ORGANIC PLAY AREA FOR STREATHAM COMMON The opening of Streatham Common play area marks the end of many years of planning by the passionate Friends of Group and Lambeth Council. This significant investment in play is part of the ongoing regeneration of the area. Play England research shows that play has many benefits for children, families and the wider community, as well as improving health and quality of life. research suggests R ecent that children’s access to good play provision can increase their confidence by developing new skills, improve and maintain their physical and mental health and give them the opportunity to mix with other children.

Designed by Chris Blandford Associates, Streatham Common play area was opened to appreciative crowds just before Christmas 2017. The old play area featured a lot of tiredlooking equipment, and the park stakeholders were keen to redress this, giving the play area a muchneeded makeover. A consultation

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was held for members of the public and stakeholders to have the opportunity to comment on the proposals. This feedback formed the basis of the final design for a natural play area blending in with the surroundings, using Timberplay equipment, play trails and landscape mounds allowing views over the play area and spaces for parental supervision. Considering the proximity to a main road, selfclosing gates were introduced.

Generously proportioned, the play area boasts distinct zones suitable for different abilities, with informal implied markers of

pathways, mounds and planting.

A toddler area includes a small platform house, trampoline and wobble dish. Character and personality have been added with the addition of Timberplay’s trademark snail and the charming springy chicken. Windpipes add a sensory dimension, bringing sound into the play landscape.

Ben Harbottle, Sales Director at Timberplay, comments: “Streatham Common is such a valuable green space in this area of London. It provides a muchneeded community space, bringing together children and adults from the neighbouring areas.

Play is one of the most effective ways for building community cohesion as children naturally work together to get the most out of the equipment. No products and materials are more effective for this than water play as children naturally pull together to pump the water, directing it through the space until it exits the system.

“Chris Blandford Associates have done a great job in selecting a combination of products to

appeal to a wide range of children.

They have not gone for a standard selection and, together with the landscaping, they have created a very distinctive play area that will delight children across the community for many years to come.”

Space has been left between the zones for children to engage in free play, or families and groups to picnic and socialise. A distinct section for older children has been created on the opposite side of the space with a combination of a large climbing structure and timberwood tangle, both designed to offer a graduated challenge, so ideal for children from the age six through to teenage years.

The design included beautiful playful landscaping features; mounds, planting, grasses, all included to boost the play potential of the site. Swings have been perched on higher grounds to make the most of the elevated position. A suspension bridge forms part of an engaging and immersive play trail with a willow tunnel, balance blocks, jumping discs and ending with a slide.

An eco-corner fosters an important engagement with nature for children growing up in an urban environment.

This project serves as a great example of how public consultation is key in fostering community engagement, resulting in a play area that the local children can delight in for many years to come. 

 www.timberplay.com

Floorcoverings

More recently, evolving specification requirements of construction which put aesthetic appeal aligned with functionality has prompted the need for greater colour capabilities

GOING BEYOND BLACK IN ASPHALT SPECIFICATION Typically, when people think of asphalt, they think of the standard black variety. However, as modern construction practices and building design has evolved, so has the choice of asphalt with today’s market offering an explosion of colours and design to meet virtually every conceivable requirement – with the availability of bespoke options. From parks through to roads and prestige schemes, here, Victoria Smith, General Manager for Express Asphalt at Aggregate Industries, advises why and when it comes to modern applications, it’s time to think beyond black.

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sphalt today is not the same product that it was 20 years ago. Where once it may have been limited to the standard construction of roads, highways and pavements, increasingly modern solutions, which have advanced at an unprecedented rate in recent years, now offer more applications than ever before.

For instance, for the UK Government, under its Cycling and Walking Investment Strategy (CWIS), pledging over £1.2bn to expand the nation’s cycling facilities, asphalt has become increasingly recognised as one of the most appropriate surfacing choices for cycleways1.

As a result, there has been a range of different asphalt types released to the market of late, ranging from warm mix asphalt to porous open-graded mixtures; all developed to cater to every application conceivable.

Colour is now increasingly playing an important role in the design of our most valued public spaces, and whether it’s parks and green spaces, or roads and football pitches, black asphalt is no longer sufficient to meet the requirements of modern culture

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A rainbow of asphalts More recently, evolving specification requirements of

construction which put aesthetic appeal aligned with functionality has prompted the need for greater colour capabilities of building materials such as asphalt.

Indeed, colour is now increasingly playing an important role in the design of our most valued public spaces, and whether it’s parks and green spaces, or roads and football pitches, black asphalt is no longer sufficient to meet the requirements of modern culture.

With this in mind, Aggregate Industries is stepping up to the challenge through innovation and product development in a bid to meet this demand for brighter and bolder colour choices.

Paving a more colourful path For contractors and building specifiers, which are already overwhelmed by the abundance of different asphalts now on the market, the task of asphalt specification can be inherently more complex.

However, this needn’t be the case. The advice for incorporating coloured asphalt into construction design is to start early, during the planning stages, where understanding how the surface will be used and the stresses it will need to endure is vital.

Consider playgrounds and sports pitches, for instance, where one of the overriding objectives is water permeability, open-graded (porous) asphalt mixtures are typically used in bold primary colours to ensure a striking result that offers longevity.

Meanwhile, for bus lanes and cycleways, where safety is of paramount importance, choosing a coloured asphalt that uses a translucent binder, can often be the best option.

The special binder, which can be readily pigmented in bold colours including blue, green and red, allows clients to enhance safety and traffic management through colourcoded demarcation areas.

A good example of this is Doncaster County Council, which last year contacted Aggregate Industries to supply a product that would highlight hazardous crossroads on a new housing estate leading on to a retail park and school. Three different red colours were

Floorcoverings The advice for incorporating coloured asphalt into construction design is to start early, during the planning stages, where understanding how the surface will be used and the stresses it will need to endure is vital

considered before Aggregate Industries’ SuperColour red asphalt was chosen for its colour and durability, achieving the necessary safety requirements, which resulted in the local authority extending its use across the town.

Durability is also key, and given the move away from using black asphalt on footways, parks and natural areas, there has been a shift towards materials that give a more natural finish reflective of the surroundings while providing long-wearing properties.

To cater to this rising appetite for natural landscaping, other more specialist or bespoke coloured asphalts have also been developed.

This was certainly the case during recent works at a popular stud farm in Knaresborough, North Yorkshire. Keen to achieve a natural look for the muchloved local stable and farm that would be in keeping with the countryside surroundings, the brief included specifying asphalt to resemble the golden aggregate within the resin bond laid on access roads and the stable complex.

After testing various colour samples, Aggregate Industries eventually settled on the recommendation that resin bond material would not be suitable as the sharp angular aggregate had potential to cause injury to a foal’s hooves. Instead, after successfully

laying asphalt on top of the resin aggregate, we added buff material using chard gold gravel to achieve the desired natural effect. The final result guaranteed a safe and enhanced surface for horseriding while providing a striking look for the facility – leaving one very happy customer.

This includes SuperColour Exposed, which gains its colour by exposing the natural colour of the coursing aggregates used in the mix across a range of colours including red, green and gravel shades. In order to sufficiently expose the colour of the aggregates, a shot-blasting process is used to remove the surface bitumen after application.

Understandingly, then, given how easily coloured asphalts lend themselves to a wide variety of applications – underpinned by clear safety and aesthetic benefits – it’s no surprise that UK demand for such materials is now at an all-time high, particularly in the South East, where it is increasingly used for private drives, bus lanes, cycle lanes, sports landscaping and parks and natural areas.

In fact, the rising popularity of ranges like SuperColour has seen Aggregate Industries invest heavily in expanding supply across the country, having recently upgraded our Hertford Express Asphalt plant to accommodate this innovative SuperColour range.

Technicolour expertise However, achieving the client’s challenging specifications is more than just about innovative materials, not to be overlooked is the importance of using a supplier with the extensive experience, technical expertise and on-site assistance to ensure successful completion.

That said, Aggregate Industries has recently opened a new sampling lab at its Doncaster depot, where our expert technical team meet with clients to understand their specific requirements and produce accurate coloured asphalt samples to show how the product will look in practice.

There's a greater onus being placed on using coloured building materials to meet unique safety and design obligations going forward.

Surely then, for building contractors, local authorities and developers, under mounting pressure to source high-performance products with enhanced colour capabilities, it’s never been a more apt time to look beyond black when it comes to asphalt specification. 

 www.aggregate.com 1

https://www.gov.uk/government/

publications/cycling-and-walkinginvestment-strategy

For contractors and building specifiers, which are already overwhelmed by the abundance of different asphalts now on the market, the task of asphalt specification can be inherently more complex

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Interiors: Ceilings & Acoustics

CREATING INCLUSIVE SCHOOLS THROUGH INNOVATIVE DESIGN

With increasing focus on integrating children with special hearing requirements alongside mainstream pupils, it’s more important than ever that consideration is given to the acoustic environment of schools from the earliest design stages. Here Rodney Davidson, Head of Specifications at specialist concrete products manufacturer, AG, highlights the importance of choosing building products that enhance the acoustic environment in schools so that they are optimal learning spaces for all; integrating mainstream pupils with those with special requirements. the UK, there A cross is a statutory requirement that children with special educational needs are educated in ordinary schools wherever possible. In recognition of this, the current building standard relating to acoustic control in schools (BB93: Acoustic Design of Schools) sets out clear criteria to ensure school buildings are inclusive environments that allow for the integration of

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pupils with special hearing and other communication needs and mainstream students.

With recent surveys of school populations showing that 85% of pupils with a permanent hearing impairment are educated in mainstream schools1, it is vital that appropriate consideration is given to the acoustic environment of schools from the earliest stages of the design process.

Enhanced learning through acoustic control The link between ineffective noise control and poor academic performance is a key consideration when building schools for two reasons. Firstly, careful consideration should be given at the design stages as to whether the correct building products to control external noise pollution and safeguard the health and wellbeing of the school’s community and local residents

have been used. For example, a gymnasium housing a loud basketball game with cheering crowds should not be heard in nearby classrooms where lessons are taking place. Beyond the obvious distraction to students, proven hormonal responses to loud, unpredictable sounds suggests that students exposed to chronic loud noises over time are at risk of damage to their general health and mental wellbeing2, not to mention academic performance3.

Interiors: Ceilings & Acoustics Unwanted noise not only has a detrimental effect on mainstream pupils in an education setting, but it can also prove especially problematic for pupils with special hearing requirements

Without appropriate acoustic control measures in place, large unfurnished areas like sports halls or assembly halls will have extremely long reverberation times

Acoustic control between rooms should be sufficient to prevent sound travelling from one area to another – especially noise-producing rooms that house activities

Secondly, consideration should be given as to whether the correct building products have been specified to instil adequate reverberation time control within each particular room or space.

Without appropriate acoustic control measures in place, large unfurnished areas like sports halls or assembly halls will have extremely long reverberation times; in layman’s terms this means that the room will have a lot of echo and it will be difficult to hear and understand speech or music within that space which is not at all ideal for students in a learning environment.

products are/have been used to ensure the building is adequately insulated against noise inside and out. Acoustic control between rooms should be sufficient to prevent sound travelling from one area to another – especially noise-producing rooms that house activities . For example, sound from plant and equipment in an IT suite should be controlled adequately to ensure that reverberation to other spaces is kept to a minimum.

Creating inclusive spaces Unwanted noise not only has a detrimental effect on mainstream pupils in an education setting4, but it can also prove especially problematic for pupils with special hearing requirements; leading to decreased speech recognition and

understanding and potentially decreased academic performance if left unchecked. Poor acoustics have also been proven to leave pupils with special hearing requirements over-exerted due to the extra effort required to distinguish speech. In this way a poor acoustic environment can be a severe barrier to inclusion, leaving children with special hearing requirements feeling isolated and struggling to keep up with everyday demands.

While schools that meet BB93 effectively will not necessarily be suitable for all special needs pupils, it can generally be assumed that pupils with special hearing and other communication needs should be taught in rooms that meet this criterion. While there is a range of technological devices available to assist pupils on an individual basis, strong consideration also has to be given to whether appropriate building

A ‘whole school’ approach when it comes to design Pupils with special hearing requirements should be included in all school activities according to the Equality Act 2010. That’s why it’s crucial that the focus is not only given to classrooms, but to all areas where hearing-impaired pupils go about their day-to-day activities. While often overlooked

in school design, outside-classroom learning is critical to overall learning and development. As such, attention should be given at the design stages to all areas of the school; from libraries to assembly halls, sports halls, gymnasia, music rooms and even ICT suites.

An effective way to maintain low noise levels throughout a school is careful planning at the design stages and the use of products that have been specifically designed to minimise reverberation times. 

 www.ag.uk.com https://www.ioa.org.uk/sites/default/files/ Acoustics%20of%20Schools%20-%20a%20 design%20guide%20November%202015_1.pdf 2 http://ec.europa.eu/environment/ integration/research/newsalert/pdf/47si.pdf 3 https://www.researchgate.net/ publication/245525976_The_Effects_of_ Noise_on_Children_at_School_A_Review 4 https://pdfs.semanticscholar. org/presentation/a723/ be099ed806c8fabb4cdf64adc76a0fe16daf.pdf 1

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RCI

BE SAFE ON THE ROOF

When employing anyone to undertake building work, it is crucial that safety is of the utmost importance and this is especially true when employing roofing contractors.

Working at height comes with many risks and here Simon Hall, Training Manager at SIG Roofing, looks at what you need to know to ensure you’re offering a safe working at height environment. working with W hen contractors, safety on site should be the biggest concern, especially as falls from height equates to the highest cause of workplace accidents. This is especially prevalent amongst roofers which, according to the Health and Safety Executive (HSE), accounts for 24% of all working at height fatalities within the construction industry.

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These accidents don’t just occur when specialist roofing work is being carried out, it can also happen during routine maintenance work, so it’s key that you employ roofing contractors who have the relevant training and insurances. Accessing a roof can be a major risk if approached in the wrong way; therefore, it is essential that the correct risk

assessments are put into place at the start of a project.

This may seem obvious advice, but year-on-year accidents involving roofers are continuing to rise. This rise is why it is important to only bring in contractors who are competent.

Planning is also key. The law states that you must organise all roof work so that it is carried out safely and an important

factor is ensuring the correct access equipment is used. The use of ladders, especially roof ladders, is usually the first port of call. However, ladders aren’t always suitable for every job. It is recommended that they are only used on a pitch of 25 to 65° which covers the majority of roofs in the UK. For any roofs outside of this range, other types of access equipment should be considered.

RCI This could include mobile or fixed scaffolding towers, platforms or a stair tower.

The type of roof is also an important consideration, and additional access solutions should be considered. When working on materials that cannot bear a person’s weight, such as sheeted roofs including corrugated, polycarbonate or steel, cantilever towers or walkway platforms are an acceptable option.

For flat roofing, falls can be prevented with a secure double guardrail and toeboard around the edge. While sloping roofs have the additional issue of dropped materials, as well as people falling from the edge.

Here, scaffolding is required, along with edge protection to the eaves.

A secure means of entry and exit is also required. Whether it is on a flat or sloping roof, it is essential to understand the different precautions that need to be taken to ensure workers minimise the risk of

injury, and Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) should also be considered as well as the access solutions being used.

When considering PPE requirements, high visibility jackets and steel-toe boots have become the norm, but when working at height, it’s important that further equipment is available for contractors where required.

When working on or near fragile roof surfaces, look at offering a combination of stagings, guardrails, fall restraint, fall arrest and safety nets.

It’s not just equipment that should be considered when undertaking any roofing work; it is also important to assess the environmental factors. Weather conditions are one key issue that could turn what was once a safe job into a potentially dangerous one. Elements such as rain, ice and snow can all turn secure footing into a skating rink, whereas high gusts of wind can lead to loss of balance and falling materials. Roof sheets

and, in some circumstances, roofing membrane should not be fixed in windy weather as people can easily be thrown off-balance while carrying a sheet up to or on the roof, particularly when handling large sheeting materials during work on industrial buildings.

It is impossible for contractors to avoid working at height, but it

is possible to help them plan for every eventuality. By carrying out risk assessments, sourcing the right equipment and taking the time to assess the environment, it can all contribute to offering them a safer working space and can make all the difference when working at height. 

 www.sigroofing.co.uk

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Water Management

After cutting back the foliage, marine ecosafe herbicide will be applied, destroying an extensive dual root network that runs both horizontally and vertically across, through and behind the facing bricks

THOMANN-HANRY TACKLES BUDDLEIA-INFESTED FLOOD DEFENCES AT BATTERSEA POWER STATION Standing since the 1930s as one of the most enduring landmarks on the London skyline, Battersea Power Station is currently undergoing a spectacular mixed-use redevelopment. Set to bring a £20bn economic uplift in its wake, the Battersea project encompasses 1,250,000ft2 of office space, no fewer than 250 shops and restaurants and two new Tube stations, creating 20,000 new jobs in what will be London’s newest, most vibrant neighbourhood.

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key planning condition for this iconic renovation project was the repair of 348 linear metres of river wall. Today, flood defences that date back to the 1850s are showing the ravages not only of tide and time but of an infestation of buddleia, which has overrun a significant stretch of their length.

Aggressive and invasive, this

perennial shrub outcompetes native vegetation, taking a vice-like foothold in walls and causing deep, extensive damage. Producing up to 10 million highly dispersible seeds each winter; once established, buddleia is extremely difficult to eradicate.

The services of Londonbased property restoration expert Thomann-Hanry

were enlisted to tackle the seemingly overwhelming task of eliminating the buddleia and rebuilding the damaged river wall. Undertaken in the past, mere pruning was not an option – cutting the plant back simply results in stronger root regrowth the following spring. Instead, a more robust and complete solution was called for. After cutting back

A key planning condition for the iconic renovation project was the repair of 348 linear metres of river wall

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the foliage, marine eco-safe herbicide will be applied, destroying an extensive dual root network that runs both horizontally and vertically across, through and behind the facing bricks. The entire root system will then be cut out of the wall, before all surfaces are cleaned under pressurised steam to ensure that all seeds (which can lie dormant for up to 10 years before germinating) are totally destroyed. The river wall comprises a one-and-ahalf brick-thick English Bond, clad over the original Roman cement wall installed by the Victorians. The height of the wall has increased at least twice over the years.

Once the buddleia has been removed and the delaminated and damaged bricks carefully cut away, the wall will be sympathetically repaired using imperial size bricks to match the original. For additional strength, Thomann-Hanry has commissioned a small batch of marine grade stainless steel

Water Management ties to retain the bricks and ensure the works will last for the next 150 years or more.

This is no job for an ordinary bricklayer, as Thomann-Hanry is using a specialist mortar which cures skin-hard within 30 minutes. The mortar has been matched to the original, and small batches are prepared each week by Cornish Lime for "just in time" delivery, as the product has a short shelf life compared to massproduced cement. Sourced from a location in the Alps, the lime continues to cure hard underwater as the tide rises without being washed out. No additional chemicals are added to the mix as Thomann-Hanry is obliged to protect the marine ecosystem and avoid doing anything that could affect this delicate balance.

In preparation for the project, staff were trained to commercial operator standard for working on the Thames – this included a professional responsibilities course, a VHF radio course, a rescue course and a boat handling course. The survey and safety boat was purpose-built for the project by Ribcraft in the UK. As the vessel has to be commercially registered as a workboat, safety features were only implemented after lengthy consultation with the Port of London Authority marine surveyors.

Once the buddleia has been removed and the delaminated and damaged bricks carefully cut away, the wall will be sympathetically repaired using imperial size bricks to match the original

The services of London-based property restoration expert Thomann-Hanry were enlisted to tackle the seemingly overwhelming task of eliminating the buddleia and rebuilding the damaged river wall

Thomann-Hanry Managing Director, Mark Styles, commented: “By making it a dual-purpose vessel, we are able not only to take the client and third parties to view the job and discuss the works close-up but also to photograph and survey from a very stable and agile platform.

There has been considerable interest in the boat and, as a result, we expect to carry out future surveys for clients using this as a platform.”

A mammoth undertaking in a site of great historic importance called for a unique blend of equipment, coordination and expertise.

With the entire length of the

river walls to be surveyed by Concept Capture 3D software, augmented by reality mesh CAD, high-end supercomputing hardware capable of processing multiple terabytes of data was essential. The challenging tidal riverside environment ruled out conventional scaffolded solutions, so access could only be by way of agile truckmounted platforms, supported by a licenced floating dock, site safety boat and survey vessel. In order to collaborate effectively with seven key authority stakeholders and coordinate a project of such extraordinary complexity, highly experienced management capabilities were an absolute prerequisite.

Above all, the project demanded extensive and wideranging expertise in sensitively restoring and repairing historic and heritage sites of global importance. Having worked on some of the world’s most famous buildings, from the Louvre and the Kremlin to King’s College, Cambridge, The Ritz and New York’s MetLife skyscraper, Thomann-Hanry brings not only the expertise, but all the hardware, equipment and management skills required for such a key element of the iconic Battersea Power Station redevelopment. 

 www.thomann-hanry.co.uk

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HVAC/HVP

WATER HEATING INNOVATION AND ITS KEY ROLE IN BRITAIN’S NEW SOCIAL HOUSING STOCK Stuart Doggrell, Water Heating General Manager at Fabdec, discusses how developments in water heating can improve efficiency and sustainability for housing associations and improve standards for residents. associations and H ousing local authorities face a range of significant challenges – the most pressing of which being the need to deliver high quantities of new homes while maintaining quality across existing stock.

Following the announcement of the Government’s Social Housing Green Paper, this emphasis on quality has come into sharp focus. Former Housing Minister, Dominic Raab, stated the green paper would aim to strengthen the role of the regulator and empower residents as consumers by giving them the voice and ability to hold landlords to account.

Those comments echo the sentiments contained within the recent Building Homes, Building Trust report into social housing – which called for social landlords to improve their service standards.

This is something that will undoubtedly fall under increasing scrutiny following the Government’s recent announcement that caps on council borrowing for housing will be lifted to stimulate the construction of new homes.

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With these enhanced resources, there is an opportunity for those looking to bring new social housing to the market to enhance its quality. Councils should view this decision as an opportunity to put the spotlight on innovation, and how it can improve social housing for all stakeholders involved.

With political pressure constantly increasing, in line with attempts to tackle Britain’s long-standing housing crisis, there exists an opportunity for housing associations to innovate and bring existing stock up to the high standards set by newbuild developments.

Advancing technology When looking to reinvigorate existing housing stock, or ensure quality in new-build developments, authorities should look to take advantage of the benefits provided by innovations in unvented water heating technology. Doing so can drive energy efficiency and create more sustainable housing, with lower longterm lifecycle costs, that provides tenants with a more reliable service.

HVAC/HVP Stuart Doggrell is Water Heating General Manager at Fabdec VENTURI VALVE

Expansion relief valve (safety valve) set at 6 bar To tundish

To water heater

Drain cock (not supplied)

Technology in the unvented water heater sector has been through three major evolutions, beginning with vessels that require an expansion vessel through to the introduction of internal floating baffles, and finally the use of the Venturi effect to create a solution that takes up less space, while boasting strong efficiency and sustainability credentials well-suited to the needs of social housing.

The process works by using the reduction in pressure that results when a liquid flows through a constricted section of pipe with no restriction to the volume of water flowing through. In the process, a fluid’s velocity increases as it passes through a constriction while its static pressure decreases. Any gain in kinetic energy a fluid may accrue

Pressure-reducing valve set at 3 bar

Compression fitting

due to its increased velocity through a constriction is then balanced by a drop-in pressure.

This results in the mixing of liquid with air – or more specifically the induction of air bubbles into the water. It is this process that makes the system unique and able to maintain an internal air gap as hot water is drawn off further upstream in typical usage.

As it replenishes the internal expansion device permanently, there is no need for recharging or regular servicing.

Reliability at the heart of design It’s this reliability and lower reliance on repair work that makes the unvented heaters ideal for housing associations and residents of their developments, whether that be through retrofitting existing stock or new builds.

Airgap device

Compression fitting

Mains cold water flow

Balanced cold take off

There are a lower number of moving parts in the system, and that means residents and landlords need not worry about disruptive servicing and repair work, as the tank is able to deliver high performance consistently on a long-term basis.

This is key to improving residents’ living standards and reducing pressure on housing associations’ and social landlords’ resources – as it allows them to streamline their maintenance programmes for hot water services.

In addition to delivering the high water pressure required for high-rise blocks, and lower costs and downtime necessitated by repair work, the technology utilised in these systems allows water heaters to be contained in streamlined space-saving housing. This means that in smaller developments installers can safely and reliably install units quickly while allowing

Shut-off valve (not supplied)

for greater living space for those that will eventually occupy the housing.

Looking ahead As we look forward, it’s clear that the focus on the quality of social housing will continue as policymakers and members of the public alike look towards its potential to provide affordable housing across the country.

As housing associations look to respond, the adoption of innovative unvented water heaters can provide the answer to both upgrading existing stock and improving the quality of future homes. Their use is an important consideration for any social landlord looking to improve sustainability and tenant service standards as part of a costeffective strategy to embrace a sustainable future. 

 www.fabdec.com

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Landscaping & Water Management

MARSHALLS REVEALS CITI ELEMENTS COLLECTION Marshalls is pleased to introduce Citi Elements, an exciting new collection of street furniture offered in a choice of materials and finishes providing customisation at affordable prices. The multi-material design means there is a configured solution to suit almost any landscape. is ideal C itiforElements creating sociable spaces where people can enjoy spending time outside. Within shared spaces, people like to feel safe, in frequently used, visible spaces with a choice of seating can support this.

Design inspiration behind the range follows form meets function...meets landscape.

Form meets function seeks to bring alive our love of the landscape and suggests that the shape of buildings or objects should primarily relate to its intended function or purpose.

Marshalls’ versatile ranges, such as Citi Elements, use simple forms of shape and geometry matching multifaceted use across a variety of environments.

Making the right material choice can enhance the visual quality of a space and enrich the design. Carefully considering how appropriate each material is for its function and how it will withstand the rigours of everyday use, as well as evaluating finer details such as colour and finish will ensure visual consistency and cohesion within the landscape.

Citi Elements comprises a seat, bench and table and is available in three slat materials to fit your budget and match your project.

There is also the choice of frame colours and finishes for

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maximum impact. Seats and benches are available with or without armrests.

Slat options FSC-certified softwood European softwood, FSC-certified Responsibly sourced from well-managed forests Helps keep forests alive, including the people and wildlife Suitable for exterior use Occasional heartwood grain formation giving a natural, rustic appearance.

FSC-certified hardwood Tropical hardwood, FSC-certified Responsibly sourced from well-managed forests The material offers medium to high durability Suitable for exterior use Straight grain formation giving a clean, uniform look.

Plastic lumber (100% recycled) Choice of eight colours Long-lasting and eco-friendly Plastic lumber slats will not rot or degrade Produced from 100% recycled content, diverting valuable waste from landfill Fully recyclable at the end of its use to eradicate needless waste and build in reuse where possible.

Frame options 316 grade stainless steel Two finishes available in brushed satin or bead blast finish Frames offer a long lifespan and manufactured to the highest standards The material will withstand the rigours of everyday urban use Will retain optimal appearance with only minimal maintenance.

Mild steel powder coated 10 finishes for visual consistency and cohesion to suit the landscape Mild steel frames hot dip galvanised which helps to protect the steel from corrosion Application of polyester coating provides resistance to chips and abrasions Excellent colour retention in outdoor exposure.

Product key features Affordable design where form meets function Materials and finishes to suit the landscape Seat, bench and table option to vary usage FSC-certified timber 100% recycled plastic Stainless steel for high durability Mild steel in a choice of powder coat finishes.

www.marshalls.co.uk/commercial/product/citi-elements-seat  streetfurniture @marshalls.co.uk  01422 312000

SLAT OPTIONS

TIMBER

FSC-certified softwood

FSC-certified hardwood

PLASTIC LUMBER

Jet Black

Apple Green

Lime

Cranberry Red

Cobalt Blue

Purple

Orange

Earth Brown

Charcon supplies high street redevelopment in Ponders End

Charcon, the hard landscaping division of Aggregate Industries, has successfully supplied a multi-million-pound project to redevelop Ponders End High Street in Enfield.

Work began on improvements in early 2017 after funding was secured from Transport for London to make transformational changes to the way the street looked and worked.

Improvements included providing more space and better crossings for pedestrians, easing

congestion and reducing collisions, giving easier access for those on foot or bike and introducing new trees, seating and attractive paving.

Transport for London appointed Ringway Jacobs and consultant engineer, The Project Centre, to carry out the programme of works.

Landscaping & Water Management

Having worked with Charcon extensively on projects in and around London, including the Mayor’s Super Cycle Highway 2, The Project Centre and Ringway Jacobs specified Charcon for the hard landscaping elements of the redevelopment project.

Initially, a 150mm-deep granite block paver was considered for the main carriageway, to ensure strength and performance. However, this was proving cost prohibitive. Working in partnership with Ringway Jacobs, The Project Centre and Enfield Council, Charcon’s technical team value engineered a concrete solution from Charcon’s Andover range that met both the necessary performance and aesthetic requirements of the project, while significantly reducing the cost.

In total, Charcon supplied 5945m2 of its 80mm Andover Textured block paving and 2995m2 of its 150mm Andover Textured block paving, in a mix of Silver Fleck, Light Grey and Mid Grey shades.

The majority of the block paving products were used to deliver high-quality footway paving, a fresh, attractive block-paved junction with crossing point, and two circular traffic schemes, known as roundels, with five courtesy crossings, to encourage drivers to take more care when driving.

 www.charcon.com  landscaping@aggregate.com  01335 372222

Cistermiser and Keraflo’s new corporate website celebrates ‘Our World Is Water’ Cistermiser and sister company Keraflo are jointly presented in a brand-new corporate website (www.ourworldiswater. co.uk), which reinforces a shared commitment to producing smart, efficient water management solutions that optimise control, deliver savings and help to ensure the safety and preservation of the earth’s most precious resource.

With their headquarters and manufacturing centre in Woodley, Reading, the two companies boast proud histories spanning over 35 years of service to the UK construction industry, with design and development of proven and innovative products. The Keraflo brand is renowned for top-quality Aylesbury delayed-action mechanical float valves and Tanktronic systems for management of cold water storage tanks. The Cistermiser name is synonymous with proven and reliable products that control all water outlets in commercial washroom environments, as well as Combimate limescale prevention devices for domestic applications. The website includes a handy downloads resources section where the very latest Cistermiser- and Keraflo-branded specification catalogues can be accessed.

 www.ourworldiswater.co.uk  info@ourworldiswater.co.uk  0118 969 1611

Safeguard’s Stormdry gets EST ‘verified status’ for energy savings Stormdry Masonry Protection Cream from Safeguard Europe has been granted ‘verified’ status by the Energy Saving Trust (EST) in respect of its contribution to improving the energy performance of buildings. The EST awarded the recognition to Stormdry for its claims to enhance the thermal performance of masonry walls. According to tests conducted on solid wall constructions by the University of Portsmouth, Stormdry treatment of masonry can provide energy savings of up to 29%. It does this by providing a high level of water repellency, preventing rain penetration of brickwork and keeping walls dry. Bricks have twice the thermal resistance when dry than when wet, making them insulate more effectively. The EST arrived at the following conclusions: dry masonry has a lower thermal transmittance than wet; Stormdry Masonry Protection Cream reduces heat loss through masonry while inhibiting the absorption of water into sandstone, concrete, mortar and bricks.

 www.safeguardeurope.com  info@safeguardeurope.com  01403 210204

45

HVAC & Electricals

Swegon ACTIONPAC damper control system is boost for fire safety Swegon has responded to growing demand from building operators and emergency services for more flexible operation and testing of fire and smoke dampers by significantly upgrading its controls packages.

The company has updated its ACTIONPAC LNS5 system and is working directly with consulting engineers and contractors to provide specific fire and smoke control design expertise. There are cheaper solutions available, but they do not offer the flexible and sophisticated operation built into the ACTIONPAC LNS5 system.

More basic approaches simply shut every damper in a building in the event of a fire, but the ACTIONPAC LNS5 offers control of each damper so allowing for a more strategic and targeted approach for fire compartmentalisation, pressurisation and smoke extraction.

“There is growing awareness across the UK building sector of the need to provide a

more flexible and sophisticated approach to fire and smoke control,” said Product Manager, Andrew Collard.

“As a result, there are more people that are looking for expert advice as well as tailor-made solutions that fit their fire safety strategies. These people want a sophisticated approach; however, one that is also easy to use – and one that works quickly and automatically in the event of a fire to support the emergency services.

It never makes sense to cut corners when it comes to fire safety and using a customdesigned product provides peace of mind and can also deliver major cost savings over the lifecycle of the building by cutting maintenance costs.”

Primary school upgrades heating safety and efficiency with Merriott radiators A primary school in Kent has opted for brand-new low surface temperature (LST) radiators from Merriott as part of a complete overhaul of its antiquated, underperforming heating system – improving safety standards, boosting efficiency, cutting bills and maximising comfort for pupils and staff in the process.

Morehall Primary School in Folkestone (part of the Turner Schools Academy Trust) was originally built in the 1930s and still using halfa-century-old, inefficient cast iron radiators to heat its premises.

Turner Schools secured funding to overhaul the school’s entire heating infrastructure to ensure much-needed warmth to an old building, and to ensure compliance with modern health and safety regulations. M&E contractor JT Edwards specified and installed 175 NHS-compliant Merriott Protecta LSTs over a six-month period. These were located primarily in the school’s communal areas, as well as in offices and classrooms. Independently tested in an EN442-accredited laboratory, the Merriott LSTs installed at Morehall Primary School are certified to meet BS EN442 standards.

 www.merriottuk.com  sales@merriottuk.com  01633 657223

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 www.actionair.co.uk  sales@actionair.co.uk  01227 276100

New Vitocrossal 200 commercial boiler offers maximum output Viessmann has introduced the Vitocrossal 200, an 800 to 1000kW gas-condensing boiler with an innovative MatriX pre-mix disc burner which sets new standards for commercial boilers.

The Vitocrossal 200’s numerous improvements over its predecessor include an extended modulation range of 1:6 for greater efficiency at partial load and low NOx emissions of less than 40mg per kWh, a modular design for easier installation, and significantly smaller dimensions which make it perfectly suited to smaller plant rooms. For heating larger premises, there is a cascade function for up to eight boilers with a total output of 8000kW. The Vitocrossal 200’s footprint is 27% more compact than that of a boiler with a conventional burner. This is because the new disc-shaped MatriX premix gas burner is flatter than a conventional cylindrical burner, and because advances in burner materials have allowed a shorter flame and smaller combustion chamber.

 www.viessmann.co.uk  info-uk@viessmann.com  01952 675000

Introducing the MagnaClean DRXÂŽ Innovative. Compact. Versatile.

Wrapped with high performing neodymium magnets for in-line or side stream installation. The all new compact filter from ADEYÂŽ delivers performance, efficiency and reliability for all types of commercial heating systems.

adey.com/DRX

KBB

TBS Fabrications and Amwell Systems join forces to provide unbeatable service

TBS Fabrications and Amwell Systems have announced that they have joined forces as TBS Amwell, a move that will prove to be great news for contractors in the UK washroom market.

TBS Fabrications is currently the UK’s largest washroom provider in the design and build market with an annual turnover of £9m. With TBS’ heritage in the North West and with Amwell’s strong presence in the South, the combined teams are set to become the largest washroom supplier in the contractor market over the coming year.

Greg Wilson, Sales Director, comments: “For us, TBS Amwell is a natural partnership, both companies were leaders in their field, so we are combining their strengths. We know that contractors want good quality, excellent value products which are fit for purpose, from a supplier that they know will deliver. TBS Amwell is that company.”

Sarah Gulliver, Commercial Director, continues: “The core value of TBS Amwell is 'value without compromise'. Ensuring that we provide products, services and support all at a great value. Our new combined product range is competitively priced, but always offers the highest quality product, technical service and support.”

With offices in Irlam in Manchester and Stevenage in Hertfordshire, as well as a team of national sales managers, TBS Amwell will cover the whole of the UK and is proud to remain a UK manufacturer. With over 80 years’ combined experience, TBS Amwell has a strong team of highly experienced people with a positive ‘can-do’ culture that will be reflected in the products and services offered to contractors.

 www.tbs-amwell.co.uk  contact@tbs-amwell.co.uk  01763 276200

Changing Places on the English Riviera

Offsite Solutions wins second manufacturer of the year award Offsite Solutions has reaffirmed its position as a UK-leading bathroom pod manufacturer with its second ‘Manufacturer of the Year’ award. This latest award was presented at the Business Leader Awards and follows the ‘Manufacturer of the Year’ award which Offsite Solutions won at the Made in the South West Awards last year.

Commenting on this latest accolade, Richard Tonkinson, Executive Director of Offsite Solutions, said: “We are all delighted to receive this brilliant accolade for our business. The award is welldeserved recognition for the dedication, hard work and talent of everyone involved in manufacturing our industryleading products and for making our business the success it is today.”

 www.offsitesolutions.com  info@offsitesolutions.com  01278 780807

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Torbay Council is investing in its toilets to enhance its offering to the public. The authority has ensured Paignton seafront is now one of the most accessible tourist destinations in the region, after refurbishing its existing Festival Apollo toilet block to become a dedicated ‘disabled’ toilet facility – including a stateof-the-art Changing Places. It features a Closomat Palma Vita shower (wash and dry) toilet in place of a conventional WC, and height-adjustable washbasin in addition to the necessary equipment of a heightadjustable, adult-sized changing bench, privacy screen and ceiling track hoist. The facility is accessed via a code.

 www.clos-o-mat.com

 info@clos-o-mat.com

 0161 969 1199

Home adaptation good practice

The latest report on the delivery of home adaptation provision maintains “the overarching aim” is for it to be accessible and timely. Service providers can take a simple step to achieve this by using Closomat. The company offers a unique package that ensures the professional execution of a bathroom adaptation, and its ongoing, long-term performance. Closomat manufactures the brand leader in shower (wash and dry toilets). It also supplies a raft of additional bathroom fixtures that enable people to continue to live independently, and more safely, in their home. The company offers a complete project management service, covering survey to install and commissioning.

 www.clos-o-mat.com

 info@clos-o-mat.com

 0161 969 1199

January 2016 Download the fc&a app for iPhone, iPad and Android. Search ‘fc&a’

January 16 Issue 71

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American white oak helps achieve seamless spatial flow

Sustainability in Development Conran and Partners completes 20 hectare regeneration in Tokyo, Japan

Greenhouse An innovative screen solution prevents residential property from overheating

Design & Desire Regional showpiece in Azerbaijan hosts the nation’s cultural programs

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Floors, Walls & Ceilings

ECOPHON STRENGTHENS ITS SOLO OFFER

Ecophon Solo Baffle Wave comprises innovative shapes designed to complement the traditional straight edge baffle

Ecophon has launched the latest extensions to Ecophon Solo, its market-leading family of freehanging acoustic panels. The new additions to the already extensive product portfolio of versatile acoustic absorbers provide architects and designers with even greater choice and creative freedom. as the first L aunched acoustic cloud to the market almost 10 years ago, Ecophon Solo is a design-friendly, free-hanging sound absorber that, due to its versatility, can be installed in virtually any space.

The Solo range features panels in a variety of standard shapes including square, rectangular and circles while Solo Freedom allows designers to express themselves creatively with custom shapes and colours. The latest expansion of the range introduces larger sizes, integrated luminaries and new baffle designs.

The innovative glass wool core used in Ecophon panels provides a lightweight, stable solution that is strong and rigid regardless of the size or shape. This makes it possible for Ecophon to produce uniquely large panels. This is seen in the newly-launched 3000 x 1200mm rectangle – the largest on the market – and the 2400 x 600mm-thin rectangle. Ecophon’s Connect Profile and accessories make installation simple and means that even the largest size panels are quick to fit on site.

The expanded Solo offering now also offers a combined

Following the recent growth in the architectural popularity of baffles, Ecophon has taken its offer to the next level with Ecophon Solo Baffle Wave and Ecophon Solo Baffle ZigZag

50

lighting and sound absorption option. The Ecophon Line luminaire, one of three normally only available in the Ecophon Focus range, has now been integrated into the 2400 x 1200mm Solo panel. Solo Rectangle Line is delivered with the opal integrated into the panel, so installation is as simple as hanging the panel, adding the included luminaire and connecting into the lighting system.

Following the recent growth in the architectural popularity of baffles, Ecophon has taken its offer to the next level with Ecophon Solo Baffle Wave and Ecophon Solo Baffle ZigZag, innovative shapes designed to complement the traditional straight edge baffle.

Furthermore, due to the growing recognition of the importance of adding sound absorbers to walls, Ecophon has also added Solo Baffle on Wall to the product family. This simple change allows an architect to continue the baffle design onto the walls, making an aesthetic statement while creating an even better sound environment.

Ecophon recognises that often, either as part of the design or due to a lack of ceiling height, Solo may need to be installed close to the soffit. To make this simple, Ecophon has developed a new, simple, direct fixing solution which makes it possible to easily install the Solo panels as close as 50mm from the soffit.

Will Jones, Marketing Manager at Ecophon, said: “The design of interior spaces has a huge effect on people’s experience, so architects need the freedom to design with solutions that not only deliver the required acoustic performance but also complement and even enhance the design of a space.

“The new products and updates to the Solo range strengthen our offer and mean we have the widest range of free-hanging absorbers on the market. Since we launched the original system, it has become a favourite among architects, and we are proud to still be building on what we started almost a decade ago.”

 www.ecophon.com/thenewsolo  info@ecophon.co.uk  01256 850977

Floors, Walls & Ceilings

TeknosPro triumphs in colour matching accuracy Developed for professional decorators, TeknosPro is a range of multi-surface coatings based on low-odour, quick-drying, water-based technology. The portfolio includes specialist finishes for internal walls, metal and wood, which boast excellent flow properties and can be applied by spray, brush or roller. Features include high coverage internal wall finishes, wipe-clean paints for kitchens and bathrooms, superior wood and metal finishes suitable for inside or outside use, translucent finishes to maintain the natural look of timber doors, stairs and floors and specialist primers to seal and protect difficult or problem surfaces. The Teknos Group has a 70-year heritage of developing quality paints.

 www.teknos.co.uk

 sales@teknos.co.uk

 01608 688925

Discover the unique benefits of stone wool Studies demonstrate that appropriate design has a desirable impact on clinical outcomes and the cost of healthcare buildings. Optimum acoustics can help patients sleep better and reduce stress, aiding patient recovery. Earn double points with Rockfon’s new ‘Unique Benefits of Stone Wool Ceilings for Healthcare’ CPD. Accredited by RIBA, the learning outcomes include: the importance of appropriate acoustics in a healthcare environment; how to demonstrate compliance with HBN 00-10 Part B and HTM 08-01 Acoustics; the essential use of non-combustible materials; and healthy indoor environments with materials that do not harbour MRSA. Seminars are presented by an expert member of the Rockfon specification team and can be held at your workplace.

 www.rockfon.co.uk

 rockfoncpd@m-spring.com

 0800 389 0314

Ocean Fish and Chip Restaurant dives into the Palettone collection

Opening just off the A6 in Preston, The Flower Bowl, a large, single-storey building (4200m), with a grass roof which undulates to give a natural appearance, is a new mixed leisure destination at Barton Grange. Part of the build was the addition of the Ocean Fish and Chips Restaurant, featuring a maritime-inspired decor. Six designs from the Palettone PUR range were selected to create the bespoke floor in the dining area of the restaurant. Caramel Kick, Buttered Corn and Hay Grain featured to create a sand effect and the blues of Weekend Sky, Superior Sky and Sapphire Star were used in a waved pattern to create the sea.

 www.polyflor.com  info@polyflor.com  0161 767 1111

P B S ARY

LIBR

sustainable-buildingproducts.com

sustainable-buildingproducts.com Your essential new reference for sustainable building product information web | mobile | tablet

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Doors & Windows

More support for Demelza from The Window Company (Contracts)

Just 12 months after it installed windows and doors in a brand-new extension at Demelza Hospice Care for Children’s Eltham hospice, The Window Company (Contracts) has been helping the charity out again by repairing and refurbishing all of the fire doors at its hospice in Sittingbourne, Kent. The company has ensured that all 110 doors in the children’s hospice now meet the most up-to-date requirements and had one of its own experienced carpenters on site at the hospice for two weeks carrying out repairs ranging from packing hinges and re-lipping to fitting new door stops and replacing intumescent strips.

 www.thewinco.co.uk

 thornton@thewinco.co.uk

 01245 268120

LZR triggers ‘initial’ activation A new combined activation and safety sensor for special door and window requirements is being launched by GEZE UK. The GEZE laser scanner LZR can be used in environments which demand a wider range than standard activation and safety sensors. The LZR range can be used to boost their activation using a four-laser light curtain which provides three-dimensional protection of the monitored area. The laser scanner LZR also incorporates a ‘time-of-flight’ measurement system which makes them very reliable as they are not affected by background reflection. They can be used for a range of automatic door and window systems and come in three types.

 www.geze.co.uk

 info.uk@geze.com

TORMAX has been contracted to install a prestigious automatic revolving door with an automatic swing door to a local authority’s civic offices in Surrey.

The entrance system provides clear, easy access for staff and visitors whilst minimising heat loss from the building, making it a sustainable solution too. “The combination of a revolving door with pass door is a perfect solution for busy council offices such as this one,” comments Simon Roberts, MD for TORMAX. “The majority of pedestrians will use the revolving door whilst the swing door allows for the delivery of bulky packages, easy access for less able users and those with buggies and prams.” The impressive three-wing automatic revolving door is driven by the powerful, high-torque 5201 operator. Precisionengineered at the TORMAX HQ in Switzerland, the 5201 is a technologically-advanced drive that delivers exceptional reliability year after year, thanks to impeccable design credentials that minimise maintenance requirements.

 www.tormax.co.uk  sales@tormax.co.uk  01932 238040

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Sidey has again proven its credentials for social housing partners with its place on the Scottish Procurement Alliance (SPA) for all categories of windows and doors. Steve Hardy, MD at Sidey, says: “We understand how vital it is for housing associations and local authorities to show transparency of their decision-making processes, and the SPA framework makes it quicker and easier for them to find partners for timber and PVC-U windows and entrance doors. SPA offers pre-checks for quality and price, and a score for the most economically advantageous tender (MEAT) is given.

Sidey scored as the top company for MEAT in all five geographical areas.”

 www.sidey.co.uk  info@sidey.co.uk  01738 634803

© Richard Kiely

Impressive entrance for council offices

 01543 443000

Housing associations and local authorities get more with Sidey

Much ado about sustainability REHAU’s AGILA doors have been installed in 12 affordable homes in Shropshire to provide a warm welcome to housing association tenants moving into the flagship Passivhaus development in Much Wenlock. The Callaughtons Ash scheme has been built on behalf of South Shropshire Housing Association for tenants. The development comprises 12 one-, two- and three-bed Passivhaus homes, with 10 allocated for affordable rent and two for shared ownership. In total, 24 AGILA Passivhaus doors were manufactured for the Much Wenlock project by REHAU authorised partner GRM. Based on the GENEO system, the doors can achieve a possible Ud-value of 0.7W/m2K, ensuring they meet the exceptionally high efficiency standards demanded by the Passivhaus Trust. Created in partnership with supplier Roedenburg, the AGILA Passivhaus doors come in a range of contemporary and stylish designs and can be customised with GRP overlay skins in a range of colours and finishes using either foils or Acryl II colour coating.

 www.rehau.uk  irene.smith@rehau.com  01989 762650

Doors & Windows

GEZE UK takes centre stage for leisure needs Northern powerhouse in education Gilberts has employed cutting-edge ventilation technology for Kier Construction for Don Valley Academy & Performing Arts College in Scawthorpe, Doncaster. The school is part of the Delta Trust, which aims to establish a Northern Alliance to transform educational outcomes in the region. To meet the requirements of the Facilities Output Specification (FOS) and Department for Education school building guidelines (BB101 and BB93), Gilberts has supplied its stateof-the-art Mistral Fusion System (MFS) standalone, ductless, dynamic hybrid ventilation solution for multi-occupancy rooms. The modular design of MFS has meant one core product has been used to address design configurations of ventilation through the wall or through the roof in all teaching spaces. Thus, 130 MFS 128 units paired with Gilberts’ WMZ glazed in facade louvres have been utilised to deliver appropriate airflow and quality into the classrooms with minimal heat loss throughout the three-storey building.

 www.gilbertsblackpool.com  info@gilbertsblackpool.com  01253 766911

Whether it’s creating a grand entrance or ensuring access for everyone, all leisure venues seeking to attract people through their doors need to strike the perfect balance between aesthetics and functionality. Alongside this can be a long list of specific needs: sustainability, accessibility, security, health and safety, the flow of people around the building, environmental impact or heritage sensitivity. GEZE UK’s new ‘Project Portfolio Leisure’ outlines how some of these considerations have been put into practice within a range of different buildings from a prestigious art gallery, theatres old and modern, to striking landmark visitor attractions. The brochure highlights the flexibility that GEZE UK’s extensive range of solutions provides as a manufacturer of both manual and automatic door and window control systems. It illustrates how the application of solutions must meet demanding and exacting standards that will help ‘sell’ the venue to visitors while meeting practical requirements for building management.

 www.geze.co.uk  info.uk@geze.com  01543 443000

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Focus & Innovation

Sika Sarnafil and partners scoop NFRC awards Market-leading single-ply roofing manufacturer, Sika Sarnafil, and two of its registered contractors, have triumphed at the National Federation of Roofing Contractors (NFRC) Scottish Roofing Contractor of the Year Awards. The awards, which recognise outstanding standards of workmanship and technical expertise in the roofing industry, saw Sika Sarnafil win ‘Supply Chain Partner of the Year’ and Perth-based roofing contractor, Aim Developments, come out top in the ‘Single Ply Roofing’ category. The NFRC announced the winners at a ceremony presented by TV Broadcaster Jackie Bird, on Friday 26th October at The Grand Central Hotel, Glasgow. Judged by an independent expert panel, finalists were chosen for their exceptional work on Scottish roofing projects across 13 categories. Sika Sarnafil received the award for ‘Supply Chain Partner of the Year’ alongside one of its registered contractors, Q9 Cladding Solutions, SFS Group Fastening Technology and Kingspan Insulated Panels UK, for the prestigious Victoria & Albert Museum in Dundee.

Deanestor announces record orders and strong financial performance for 2018 Deanestor, a UK-leading contract furniture and fit-out specialist, has announced a record order book and strong financial performance this year. The business has generated £20m of orders in 2018 from contractors and developers – a record order intake in the history of the company. This is a 40% increase on the same period last year and has secured projects for the business for 2019 through to 2020. Turnover has grown from £2.5m in 2002 when the company was acquired by its current owners to in excess of £16m this year. Its average project size has increased to over £1m.

Deanestor has seen a significant rise in orders and enquiries from developers and contractors for student accommodation schemes and in the build-to-rent sector which is performing strongly in urban centres across the UK. As part of its expansion and to meet increased demand, Deanestor has recently completed a £1m investment programme at its factory in Mansfield.

 www.sarnafil.co.uk  sarnafilroofing@uk.sika.com  01707 394444

 www.deanestor.co.uk  enquiries@deanestor.com  01623 420041

McAvoy awarded £15m contract to build hospital wing Klober Permo air gets public sector performance recognition

Klober has received a boost for its low resistance air-open underlay Permo air with certification by Local Authority Building Control (LABC) for its Registered Details scheme. In the past, variable performance of vapour permeable underlays led to the NHBC and BSI deciding that only air-open membranes could be used without supporting highlevel ventilation. Designed to meet this requirement and prevent condensation forming in the roofspace, Klober Permo air offers an exceptional level of breathability. It has a water vapour transmission sd-value of 0.009m, and a water vapour resistance confirmed to be as low as 0.045 MNs/g. As a result, it has been specified for roofing upgrades of many high-profile and historic buildings.

 www.klober.co.uk  klober@yourresponse.co.uk  01332 813050

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The McAvoy Group has been awarded its largest healthcare project to date – a £15m contract for the offsite construction of a new wing at Northumbria Specialist Emergency Care Hospital in Cramlington. Due for completion in spring 2019, the 6500m2 three-storey building will be linked to the existing hospital. The new wing is being constructed by McAvoy using an advanced off-site solution to reduce the build programme by half to less than 12 months. This will help Northumbria Healthcare Trust to meet the rising demand for patient services in the region and maintain its position as a world leader in emergency medicine.

 www.mcavoygroup.com/healthcare  info@mcavoygroup.com  0288 774 0372

Firestone adds a fourth to Capital Quarter success in Cardiff

A fourth building has been completed using Firestone Building Products’ RubberGard EPDM waterproofing system for flat roofs at the prestigious Capital Quarter development, in the heart of Cardiff’s Commercial Enterprise Zone.

The RubberGard EPDM roofing system has become part of a proven formula for success for developer, JR Smart, with four office buildings designed by architect firm, Morgan2Morgan, using the system as part of a warm roof build-up. As with the previous three office buildings, the RubberGard EPDM roofing system has been installed by Firestone Licensed roofing contractor, Envirotek Specialist Products. A further two office buildings are planned for the scheme, and these are also anticipated to follow the same, proven specification.

 www.firestonebpe.co.uk

 info@fbpl.co.uk

 01606 552026

AKW announces membership of the BHTA

AKW is pleased to announce the company’s acceptance as a member of The British Healthcare Trades Association (BHTA). The BHTA is the UK’s oldest and largest healthcare association, and its members make or sell healthcare and assistive technology products to help people live more independently. Ruth Ingledew, Managing Director, comments: “We are very excited about becoming a member, we have long recognised the invaluable work that the organisation does in influencing healthcare policies. By utilising our 29 years’ expertise in the industry and adding our voice to other member companies, we hope to contribute to as many campaigns as possible.”

 www.akw-ltd.co.uk  sales@akw-ltd.co.uk  01905 823298

The mild, wet autumnal weather can provide the ideal conditions for mould and mildew to thrive but thanks to Crown Trade’s range of Clean Extreme Mould Inhibiting paints, the outlook has just got brighter. Ideally suited for damp-prone areas such as bathrooms and kitchens where condensation can build, as well as for use in void properties that are likely to be unheated and unventilated for long periods, Crown Trade’s Clean Extreme Mould Inhibiting paint range offers long-lasting protection from unsightly and unhygienic mould. By helping walls and ceilings retain a cleaner, fresher appearance for longer, Crown Trade’s Clean Extreme Mould Inhibiting range provides the perfect solution for damp and dirty surfaces.

 www.crownpaintspec.co.uk

 info@crownpaintspec.co.uk

Focus & Innovation

Break the mould with Crown Trade’s Clean Extreme

 0330 024 0310

KI’s MyWay modular education lounge seating now available in the UK

KI’s MyWay adaptive lounge seating was designed specifically for contemporary education environments. Modular and easy to reconfigure, it ergonomically supports a ‘sit-asyou-like’ approach, giving users the freedom to comfortably connect, collaborate, socialise and relax in their preferred seated position. The collection consists of individual chairs that can be specified with any combination of arm styles – conventional arms, arms embedded with a laminate work surface (left- or right-hand) or a low arm. These individual units can then be pushed together to create various combinations such as love seats or sofas, or simply be used separately on their own.

 www.kieurope.com

 education@kieurope.com

 0207 405 7082

THERE CAN ONLY BE ONE! Easy and quick to apply by trowel or spray Extremely fast drying time Universal use: internal or external and new & old buildings Unbeatable flexibility Excellent crack-bridging capability >2mm Strong resistance to hydrostatic pressure Highly adhesive to most common building substrates Overcoat in just over 4 hours UV-resistant Can be over-coated with Remmers coatings Extreme resistance to frost and salts Solvent & bitumen free – low odour

01293 594 010 www.remmers.co.uk

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Express yourself with Ecophon Solo™

Photographer: Left: Bartosz Makowski, Right: Studio-e

Ecophon Solo™ is the original acoustic cloud. Launched over a decade ago, it changed the way we improve acoustics. Flatteringly, Solo is often copied, but its creative freedom and product quality has never been bettered. Until now.

To learn more visit www.ecophon.com/uk/thenewsolo To discuss how Ecophon Solo and Baffle can be used in your project, contact our specification team on 01256 855 280.