PSBJ January 2020

Public Sector Build Journal January 2020

Healthcare

Education

Leisure

psbjmagazine.com

Issue 89

WORLD-CLASS BUILDING FOR WORLD-CLASS RESEARCH Teesside University’s £22m bioscience facility is set to play a key role in addressing the challenges of the bioscience industry

Housing

How designers can help improve the lives of those living with dementia

Key materials for drainage pipes that meet acoustic requirements

Building homes versus building communities – where does responsibility lie?

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WELCOME NOTE

Editor

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A new, £22m state-of-the-art bioscience facility offering research, education and collaboration for the bioscience industry, led and operated by Teesside University, has just been formally opened.

See page 08.

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Welcome to the January issue of PSBJ...

Publisher Sam Ball

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As we enter a new year, there’s much to reflect on – a new Prime Minister, another General Election and still no progression with Brexit. Yet, as we flick to January on our desk calendars; there’s always a sense of optimism in the air. A new year poses new prospects and a fresh start – hopefully, one that delivers certainty and abolishes the Brexit horrors that have been hitting the headlines over the past few years. Nevertheless, there’s still much to plan and discuss regarding our departure. In this issue, we’ve talked to Jason Betteridge, Managing Director of Circyl, about businesses reviewing their existing technology in preparation of our EU divorce. Turn to page 22 to find out more.

Meanwhile, on page 30 of this month’s issue, Greg Austin, Assistant Product Manager at Geberit, explores the benefits of acoustically optimised pipework; investigating the various materials on the marketplace that offer acoustically-sound advantages for public sector buildings. Elsewhere, Simon Boocock, Managing Director of CRL Europe, takes a look at the reasons behind the architectural glass trend, and PSBJ takes you on a guided tour of Teesside University’s National Horizons Centre (NHC). Turn to page 08 to read more about Teesside’s new addition, and flick to page 20 to discover the popularity of glass in educational buildings.

I hope you enjoy this issue. Don’t forget, you can also access all of the magazine’s features, product news and supplier information on PSBJ’s user-friendly and engaging website. Fully responsive, the website allows you to read all the latest stories on-the-go either on your phone or tablet. Simply visit www.psbjmagazine.com.

Rebecca

Rebecca Kemp • Editor • rebecca@crossplatformmedia.co.uk Find us on Social Media:      @psbjmagazine

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CONTENTS

06 News

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

08 Upfront

A new, £22m state-of-the-art bioscience facility offering research, education and collaboration for the bioscience industry, led and operated by Teesside University, has just been formally opened.

12 Housing

Glass is one of the most practical materials used in public buildings, providing plenty of possible solutions in housing applications for the 21st century, as Scott Sinden, Managing Director of leading glass processor ESG Group, explains.

20 20 Education

24 Building Forum: Public Realm

The Box is the largest multi-disciplinary arts and heritage space opening anywhere in the UK this year and the biggest in the South West of England.

Ever popular within school designs – primarily to open up spaces and increase daylight – glass has an abundance of benefits for such environments. Simon Boocock, Managing Director at CRL Europe, explores the trend.

16 Healthcare

22 Legal & Business

26 HVAC

14 Leisure

Here, Donna Taylor, Principal Colour Consultant at PPG, explores what designers can do to help improve the lives of those living with dementia.

In the face of Brexit, Jason Betteridge, Managing Director of Circyl, explains how businesses can mitigate risks associated with data operations.

A round-up of the latest updates from the public realm, and top tips from some of the industry’s leading suppliers for architects and construction professionals working within the sector.

John Gittens, Business Development Director of Maincor, looks at the benefits of pressfitting and why it is quickly becoming the go-to connecting solution for public sector buildings.

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04

CONTENTS

12

28 32 Technical Focus

Here, Mark Williams, Lead Marketing Manager for cable management at Legrand, talks through some simple top tips during specification.

34 Washrooms

32 28 Canopies & Shelters

Jason Eastwood, Managing Director of Canopies UK, discusses the versatility of canopies within educational establishments and takes a look at the most popular designs for schools and colleges.

30 Acoustics & Sound

Greg Austin, Assistant Product Manager at Geberit, discusses the five key materials used for drainage pipes and fittings, and how they can help installers specifying for projects with acoustic requirements.

Chrissie Rowlinson, Marketing Manager at Dudley Industries, takes a look at what to consider when providing washroom facilities in multi-cultural environments.

36 Glass & Glazing

Following the launch of Eurocell’s whitepaper, Future Communities, Chris Coxon, Head of Marketing, looks at the lack of community spirit as we aim to tackle the housing crisis.

38 ARCHITECT@WORK Preview

The 2020 edition of ARCHITECT@WORK (running from 29 to 30th January at the Old Truman Brewery, London) focuses on ways design and architecture intersect with nature.

14 39 SPATEX Preview

Held at Coventry’s Ricoh Arena from Tuesday 28th to Thursday 30th January, SPATEX is free to attend, and provides developers, architects, specifiers, builders with all they need to know about water features, spas, hot tubs, saunas, steam rooms, swimming pools and enclosures.

40 Product Showcase

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

SETTING THE STANDARD FOR SCAFFOLDING SETTING THE STANDARD FORinSCAFFOLDING The NASC is the national trade body for access and scaffolding the UK and has been setting the industry benchmark for nearly 80 years. Our full contracting members are among the best The NASC is the national trade body for access and scaffolding in the UK and has been setting in the business, accounting for the vast majority of the UK’s scaffolding spend – with a total the industry benchmark for nearly 80 years. Our full contracting members are among the best annual turnover in excess of £2 billion – and are independently audited every year. in the business, accounting for the vast majority of the UK’s scaffolding spend – with a total annual turnover in excess of £2 billion – and are independently audited every year.

For demonstrably safe, skilled and compliant contractors it has to be NASC. For demonstrably safe, skilled and compliant contractors it has to be NASC.

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05

NEWS

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

“Long-term plan for Wales must be bolder” 15 homes to be created Acting on behalf of East Dunbartonshire Council, DM Hall, one of Scotland’s largest independent firms of chartered surveyors, has completed the sale of the former St Agatha’s Primary School in Kirkintilloch. The property, on a one-acre site at the corner of Gartshore Road and Waterside Road, has been sold for an undisclosed sum to developer, Panacea Property, which aims to convert the original sandstone buildings into six flats and nine new-build houses comprising a mix of detached, semi-detached and terrace houses, each with car parking and landscaping.

Bruce Lindsay of Panacea said: “Construction will be starting at once and completion is programmed for early 2021, although advance marketing will get underway during the course of next year.”

Work underway at Norfolk leisure centre The start of construction of the new stateof-the-art Sheringham Leisure Centre, in Norfolk, has been marked with a ceremonious ground-breaking event. The new centre, which will replace the existing ‘Splash’ facility, was designed by Cambridge-based architecture practice, Saunders Boston Architects. The project will include a six-lane, 25m pool; a 13m learner pool with a moving floor to cater for different activities and user groups; a fitness suite; community spaces; multi-purpose studios; a spin studio and a cafe. Following planning permission being granted in late 2018, construction contractor, Metnor, has now started work on-site, with the new facility expected to be ready for use in the summer of 2021. The design incorporates a combination of water-saving measures, air source heat pumps and solar hot water.

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The Welsh Government’s draft National Development Framework (NDF) is a ‘welcome start’ to efforts to combat climate change but must be supported by stronger evidence, detail and clarity to guide decisions, says Royal Town Planning Institute (RTPI) Cymru. The planning body says that it recognises the challenge of having to achieve a sustainable pattern of development for the longer-term while taking into account the climate change agenda.

However, it believes that the Welsh Government has missed an opportunity to ‘push boundaries’, pointing out that the NDF must provide the context and evidence for taking difficult national decisions and informing long-term investment goals. Director of RTPI Cymru, Dr Roisin Willmott OBE FRTPI, said: “In order to start to address the issues surrounding climate change, RTPI Cymru believes that we need a framework that can guide a behavioural change across the industry in the way that we approach planning and developing the places we live, work and enjoy.”

CPMG delivers state-of-the-art high school facility CPMG Architects has provided transformative designs for Eden Park High School, a brandnew £16m teaching facility in Bromley, South London, which will offer state-of-the-art learning areas and a large selection of outdoor zones. The 12,300m2 build, which is part of the ‘Education for the 21st Century MultiAcademy Trust’, transforms previously disused public parkland on Balmoral Avenue, Bromley, between Elmers End and Beckenham. Working with main contractor Bowmer + Kirkland, the team has delivered the facilities needed to accommodate for the 1200 secondary and 480 sixth form pupils welcomed in the school’s first full intake this academic year.

Construction begins on Clarice Pears Building Construction has started on the Clarice Pears Building, the third major new building delivered through the University of Glasgow’s Campus Development Programme. The £50m facility will be a new home for the university’s institute of health and wellbeing, bringing together staff working in 10 different sites across the city. Designed by Atkins, construction is due to complete in summer 2021. It will help the institute prevent illhealth and reduce health inequalities. It will facilitate more opportunities for networking and collaboration, foster closer links with partner organisations and stakeholders, and be a forum for public engagement.

The ground floor will be publicly accessible and dedicated to knowledge exchange and widening participation.

New Director for Balfour Beatty Ground Engineering Balfour Beatty Ground Engineering has announced the appointment of Jane TowseLaval as Director, responsible for providing strategic leadership to the company’s portfolio of geotechnical projects across the UK. Having joined Balfour Beatty as a Graduate Engineer in 1988, Jane has spent over 30 years with the company playing a key role in the successful delivery of diaphragm walls, plunge columns and piling works across a number of prestigious projects including Heathrow’s Terminal 2B – one of the largest regeneration projects in Europe – the One Nine Elms development and Marble Arch Place. Most recently, Jane held the position of Director of VolkerGround Engineering since 2018, leading its transformation from an internal support capability to a successful business in its own right.

NEWS

Big Innovation Pitch returns for Futurebuild 2020

£15m Alfred Barrow Health Centre opens A state-of-the-art £15m health centre offering GP and primary healthcare services in Barrowin-Furness, Cumbria, has opened. The site was chosen for its central location and has successfully blended the refurbishment of the former Alfred Barrow School with a modern addition, meaning that a key local landmark has been preserved at the same time as facilitating integrated service provision for the town. The 5000m2 facility brings together a range of primary and community health services on one site, supporting a more integrated health system for local people with the Victorian school building being sensitively preserved, retaining original features and housing much of the office accommodation and staff welfare facilities. It is linked with a modern new-build extension housing patientfacing services and all clinical spaces.

The Big Innovation Pitch is back with a bang for Futurebuild 2020. With innovation running through the veins of the event, which takes place from 3rd to 5th March at ExCeL, London, the timing of the competition’s return is perfect. The 2020 edition will up the ante, with innovative product manufacturers putting forward radical solutions to Futurebuild’s six key challenges, before one is crowned champion. Hosted across Futurebuild in conjunction with BRE as technical partner, the competition will be the industry’s largest call-out for innovation to date and will identify and celebrate novel new approaches to some of the biggest challenges facing us all.

Latest phase of East Lothian 990-home Community regeneration Hospital completes joint venture NHS Lothian and East Lothian Health and gets green light Social Care Partnership have been given the keys for the remainder of the newly completed East Lothian Community Hospital building.

A significant milestone for the project, the team are now finalising migration plans and hope to move patients in over the next couple of months. This marks the completion of the penultimate phase of construction and follows the successful handover of the outpatients department, which has been benefiting patients since March 2018. The final phase will focus on the car park and landscaping, with the entire development being complete in spring 2020. The completion of the new three-storey, 22,000m2 hospital building in Haddington means that patients and staff will have access to mental health services, IV treatment and an increase of inpatient beds as well as other new and existing services already provided in East Lothian.

Catalyst and Mount Anvil’s 990-home scheme in Acton has received a resolution to grant planning from Ealing Council’s planning committee. The scheme is planned to deliver 45% genuinely affordable housing, including 237 social rent homes and 28 London Affordable rent homes. Housing association Catalyst and developer Mount Anvil are drawing on their combined experience of building high-quality mixed-tenure homes to regenerate the estate. The partnership has worked closely with Friary Park’s current residents to develop the proposals, ensuring they have been at the heart of decisions. A few minutes’ walk from the new Acton Central Crossrail station, the estate which currently comprises 225 homes, will be regenerated to offer current residents living on the estate larger better quality new homes.

Morgan Sindall Construction appointed to deliver academy Morgan Sindall Construction has won a £18m contract to build a single-gender school for Birmingham City Council in Small Heath, which will provide 600 school places for both secondary and sixth form pupils. Eden Girls Leadership Academy is the company’s fifth education contract won through the Constructing West Midlands (CWM) framework this year. Designs for the new development use Morgan Sindall Construction’s MySchool model, which provides a high-quality standardised solution for education projects. MySchool offers considerable time savings both pre-construction and on-site, alongside added cost-efficiency through DfE funding. The new 48,000ft2 campus is located on Hob Moor Road, and will comprise 15 modern, general teaching classrooms in addition to three ICT-rich classrooms, five science laboratories and one science preparatory room, spread over three storeys.

We Made That selected for masterplan trio We Made That has been selected for a trio of masterplans, secured through the GLA/TfL ADUP Framework, including Battersea’s new Design & Tech Quarter, expanding the creative economy in Kensal Canalside Opportunity Area and reimagining Basildon town centre.

Across the three masterplans, the practice will lead multidisciplinary teams in supporting the growth of local economies, creative communities and bring about thousands of new jobs and homes. Battersea Design & Tech Quarter is part of Nine Elms on the South Bank opportunity area which aims to build on a strong existing creative economy which is forecast to develop further with future investment in the Nine Elms area, including the arrival of the UK headquarters of Apple and Penguin Random House. The team – We Made That, Hatch Regeneris, Urban Movement, Graham Harrington Planning Advice and Stockdale – has been commissioned by London Borough of Wandsworth to produce an employment-led development framework for the strategic industrial location and industrial business park at the western end of the opportunity area.

07

UPFRONT

Project: Teesside University Location: Central Park, Darlington

National Horizons T heCentre (NHC), located in

TEESSIDE UNIVERSITY’S PIVOTAL ROLE IN INDUSTRY DEVELOPMENT A new, £22m state-of-the-art bioscience facility offering research, education and collaboration for the bioscience industry, led and operated by Teesside University, has just been formally opened on Teesside.

Central Park in Darlington, will have a pivotal role in addressing the challenges of the bioscience industry by both investing and attracting investment in the sector.

Made possible by financial support from the Tees Valley Combined Authority (TVCA) and the European Regional Development Fund, the NHC is an exciting new initiative designed to provide the full range of skills for the biosciences and foster breakthrough ideas through collaborative research and innovation. It reflects a strong bond between academia, the public sector and private enterprise in terms of the bioscience industry.

The brief The project operated under a single-stage design and build procurement route and was administered under a JCT2016 contract with a brief to provide a “stunning, iconic facility of national importance”. Its objectives were: To provide a building that would support world-class research through a terraced, airy and naturally lit interior, with good sightlines to maximise intellectual and social connections between researchers To promote spin-off companies in the advanced research and development sector To achieve a BREEAM ‘Excellent’ rating, without additional cost To closely involve key users in the design development process To achieve a high-quality facility within budget and on time To require minimal maintenance.

A far from a straightforward construction project Ian Campbell, Director of Summers-Inman – the construction and property consultancy responsible for delivering full quantity surveying services from conception to completion – has worked on all the university’s recent key masterplan projects.

He was aware of the significant investment this project represented for the university and was able to ensure that corporate standards, 

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UPFRONT specifications and processes were incorporated from cost planning through into procurement and selection of the main contractor, which on this occasion, was Wates Construction. As a project, however, it presented quite a few challenges, as he explains: “The construction of this building required extensive land remediation. The NHC formed one of the first development plots at the head of a newly constructed access road as part of the Central Park regeneration project. Attached to the planning conditions was a requirement to extend this access road, drainage and services in compliance with a request from Darlington Borough Council, who have since adopted this section of highway.

“We recommended de-risking the site through the procurement of an advanced enabling works contract to remove two historical spoil heaps and areas of invasive plant species. To mitigate the cost implication associated with the removal of contaminated material off site, significant work was undertaken to optimise the finished levels and to agree on segregation of materials to limit tipping charges.

“There were other site complexities to consider too.

Whilst occupying a relatively

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substantial site, the surrounding land uses created additional constraints. For example, immediately to the west of the site, runs the East Coast Main Line, which necessitated the need to consult Network Rail and gain the approval of method statements and risk assessments in advance of all works.

“To the north of the site was a fully-operational day nursery for pre-school children and running north to south through the centre was a public footpath, so we had to carefully phase construction because the footpath had to remain open throughout, it being the main pedestrian route from Darlington railway station to both Darlington College and Teesside University campuses.”

Design excellence The concept design had to address various site features – the most significant being how to overcome the isolation of the NHC from the university’s sister property, the Centre for Professional and Executive Development (CPED), and how to avoid overpowering the adjacent nursery and sports centre.

The design approach embraced the fact that NHC would have neighbours on all sides, so a design that used multiple frontages to influence

the aesthetic of the external envelope was developed.

The square form and positioning of the building at an angle to the highway provides glimpses of the frontages and showcases the NHC as a landmark building, befitting its prime location. Made with blue brick to reflect the CPED building, the vertical emphasis of the external facade creates additional height and gravitas, while the chamfer detail and cantilever roof have been used to add interest and indicate routes into the property.

Internally, the full-height atrium is key to connecting each of the three floors and creating a sense of one team and one facility. It allows natural light in, but more importantly, it provides visual links between rooms and floors, which removes the sense of disconnection so often experienced in science facilities.

Sustainable design minimised environmental impacts Science buildings have long had a reputation for their negative impact on the environment, and it was the aim of both the client and the design team to ensure that the NHC was developed in a way that reduced its impact through the purposeful

reduction of energy, waste and water usage as well as introducing biodiversity.

Ian Campbell continues: “With sustainability a key focus of the client brief, the scheme was required to achieve a BREEAM ‘Excellent’ rating as part of the funding requirements. This included targeting of credits for installation of low- and zerocarbon technologies in the form of photovoltaic panels.

“Summers-Inman prepared elemental and component level lifecycle cost plans to ensure the most suitable design solutions were taken forward into the final design. This meant that sustainability was embedded into the design from day one, rather than being an afterthought. The development team was able to ring-fence costs relating to sustainability from an early stage and pre-emptive cost provisions allocated for each aspect of the BREEAM ‘Excellent’ judging criteria. For example, 40% glazing was allocated in the cost plan from the outset to secure some of the more difficult BREEAM credits for daylight and views.”

Lessons learned In Ian Campbell’s opinion, there is scarcely a project Summers-Inman undertakes, notwithstanding its

Project commenced: January 2018

UPFRONT

KEY FACTS: Project completed: February 2019 (build phase) Formal opening: October 2019 Final construction value: £11.5m Final cost including specialist equipment: c. £22m

PROJECT TEAM: Project manager: Faithful+Gould Quantity surveyor: Summers-Inman Architect: The Fairhursts Design Group Mechanical and electrical: WYG Civils and structures: WYG BREEAM consultant: Buro Happold Contractor: Wates Construction

100 years of experience, when, post-completion, the project team cannot identify a couple of pointers for the future. While he believes the success of this project is probably best demonstrated by the satisfaction of the client, Teesside University, because it was delivered on time, within budget and to a high quality, the co-ordination of specialist equipment into the building infrastructure was probably the biggest challenge experienced on the project. He explains: “There was a six-week fit-out period for specialist laboratory equipment post-practical completion, but all equipment needed to be suitably accounted for in the building infrastructure in terms of power, data and other supplies.

The challenges were primarily ensuring correct loadings and infrastructure soon enough in the build sequence to allow installation, but there were a couple of instances where manufacturers had released updated equipment when the final order was placed, and this required slightly different infrastructure design.

“Our biggest lesson learned on this project, therefore, is to ensure that coordination between the building fabric, the laboratory benching and

the specialist equipment installations takes place at the earliest possible opportunity to avoid untimely retrofitting of infrastructure requirements.”

An outstanding project, expertly delivered The project has received very positive feedback from all quarters, which is great news for Mark Adey, Director at The Fairhursts Design Group. He said: “We have achieved the brief by delivering a building which punches way above its weight.

The attractive, high-quality, flexible learning and research environments are exceptional and unique in their ability to provide a visual connection between laboratories and adjacent facilities – something of paramount importance to the university. The central atrium, the heart of the building, is acoustically designed to host informal student workshops, formal presentations for larger audiences or some quiet time with a coffee.”

Chris Robinson, Assistant Director Major Projects at Teesside University, added: “We now have a world-class resource for training and research here on Teesside. The centre’s imaginative design

includes an exciting blend of teaching, learning and collaboration spaces, together with hi-tech laboratories and a state-of-the-art computing suite. Open innovation spaces provide businesses with a raft of innovation and collaboration opportunities, including tools for project development and using data analytics, modelling and simulation, visualisation and process improvement and control.”

Tees Valley Mayor, Ben Houchen, sets the seal of approval on the project. He says: “It is a beacon of all we are good at here in the Tees Valley.

Our rich history of innovation, research and development is set to continue thanks to this stateof-the-art facility in Darlington.

The new economy will be built on biologics and digital – key sectors we need to support.” 

www.summers-inman.co.uk

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HOUSING

Image ŠSapphire Balustrades

GLAZING FOR THE FUTURE Glass is one of the most practical materials used in public buildings, providing plenty of practical solutions in housing applications for the 21st century, as Scott Sinden, Managing Director of leading glass processor ESG Group, explains. is little doubt that the T here use of glass in a building envelope adds aesthetic value to building design and has some very practical benefits too. In terms of the building lifecycle, glass is one of the most hard-wearing and long-lasting materials, so it helps to ensure the long-term vision of the architect and planner. Obviously, the use of glass provides more natural light, which is why we increasingly see its use in the construction of common areas such as entry halls and stairwells.

Traditionally, multiple dwelling housing properties have had stairwells which were either exposed to the elements or enclosed, dark and gloomy.

Now, with the use of toughened laminated glass, such as ESG Tufflam, we can both enclose these areas securely and flood them with natural light, adding to a sense of security and wellbeing for those living in the property.

Toughened laminated glass is manufactured by taking two panels of toughened glass, which is four to five times stronger than untreated annealed glass of the same thickness, and laminating

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them together with an interlayer of PVB (PolyVinyl Butyrall) or EVA (Ethylene and Vinyl Acetate copolymer.) The most commonly used is the PVB interlayer. Should either of the toughened glass panels shatter for any reason, the interlayer holds the majority of glass fragments firmly together, so that although the glass is broken, the panel will stay in place, preserving the safety barrier which safeguards residents and preventing falls. The risk of falling glass is also greatly reduced. Any fragments which do fall from a damaged panel will be small granular particles rather than potentially harmful shards of glass.

Toughened laminated glass is stronger and lighter than a thicker monolithic sheet of glass and is more structural, being able to withstand greater loads. This allows us to produce panels up to 3m in height, making floor-toceiling glazing in an exterior wall of a public stairwell a safe choice. The introduction of natural light also helps to reduce the energy bill for the property, with a significantly reduced need for artificial light in these common areas.

Glazed stairwells and lift shafts are increasingly popular in retail and leisure applications, but they also have real potential for residential settings, as the more transparent indoor landscape adds to personal safety and discourages anti-social behaviour.

We can also introduce fire resistance, so interior fireresistant safety doors can be equipped with vision panels which allow residents a clear view of the far side of the door. These

panels also provide a firefighter with the means to assess the situation before tackling any blaze. Toughened safety glass can be provided in compliance with either the 30-minute or 60-minute tests for fire resistance. This in-built resistance naturally also helps to buy valuable time for evacuating residents to safety.

Using a sound attenuation interlayer, we can produce glass panels which help to insulate residents from street noise and from the potential nuisance sounds from other residents.

Where apartments have balconies, toughened laminated glass doors provide a practical, secure opening which can be combined with fire safety and sound attenuation.

HOUSING High security can also be achieved using a technical interlayer, producing security glass which is ideal for use in the ground-floor units of multiple occupancy buildings. These may be ground-floor dwellings, but may often house retail or fast food outlets. High-security glass deters intruders, as the strength of the panel is such that repeated blows will only damage one or both glass sheets, but not breach the actual panel. By the time that an opening large enough to pass through might be achieved, the prospective intruder is likely to have been apprehended by law enforcement.

Toughened laminated glass stands up to a great deal of wear and tear; in housing applications, it can withstand being impacted by bags, shoes, footballs and even bicycles and infants’ buggies. Unlike a lot of surfacepainted materials, it does not show most scuffs, so the building stays in pristine condition for longer. However, colour can be introduced by back-painting the glass panel.

If block colour is not desired, housing association logos can easily be back-painted onto a glass panel to provide a scratch-free, long-lasting community brand identity.

As glass processors, our imagination has kept pace with the creativity of the architect, so that we now have the products to help interpret even the most innovative, as well as the most practical of the architect’s concepts.

Glass, as a sustainable material, has a great role to play in public buildings in the 21st century, not least because, thanks to modern glass processing technology, it can also fulfil important functions which meet some of the demands of modern housing.

We have long recognised the excellent properties of glass in construction, in terms of providing natural light and a feeling of spaciousness, but we are only now appreciating the full scope of its versatility as a building material. 

www.esg.glass

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LEISURE

Project: The Box Location: Plymouth Architect: Atkins

THINK OUTSIDE THE BOX The Box is the largest multi-disciplinary arts and heritage space opening anywhere in the UK next year and the biggest in the South West of England. Originally three separate buildings, its ground-breaking design has completely transformed, extended and combined Plymouth’s former City Museum and Art Gallery and Central Library buildings and restored St Luke’s Church to create a cutting-edge, interactive cultural centre with seven new galleries, six changing exhibition spaces, a striking elevated archive, a new glass atrium, learning and research facilities and the first public square to be built in Plymouth since 2004. project T hehas£40m created a visitor destination for the region and beyond of nearly 8000m2 – more than three times the size of the original museum. With a design approach that seamlessly combines the contemporary and the historical, The Box provides a new infrastructure to revolutionise the way Plymouth’s permanent collections and visiting exhibitions are managed and displayed.

A fundamental part of The Box’s innovative architecture is its elevated ‘archive in the sky’ which will be home to the majority of its collections. Atkins (one of the world’s leading architectural firms; having worked with Heathrow Airport, Rolls-Royce and TfL) has designed a contemporary extension of 900m2 which features Europe’s largest unsupported cantilever, measuring 8m deep and 10m high. This impressive ‘floating box’ above the building’s centre is clad externally in four finishes

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of panels – white, grey, black and mirrored stainless steel – subtly mixed and graded over the elevations to represent pages telling the many stories the collections hold. Designed

by Architect Ben Aston as a modern-day take on a cabinet of curiosities, it’s a daring and dramatic structure.

Visitors will instantly be drawn in by the glazed facade of The Box, made up of 149 panes of glass, as they see a dramatic suspended ‘flotilla’ of 14 newly restored monumental ships figureheads on loan from the National Museum of the Royal Navy, appearing to sail through the double-height atrium in an iconic installation. This space will be day-lit as light floods in through the glass facade and dramatically lit at night, visible from a new 800m2 outside piazza at all times.

Beyond the figureheads at the upper level is the Active Archive gallery. The gallery runs as a bridge linking the old

The fit-out of The Box is led by specialist contractor The Hub, which has worked with globallyimportant museums such as the Victoria and Albert Museum for its David Bowie exhibition – the V&A’s most successful exhibition ever.

In the heart of this transformation on the wall of St Luke’s, overlooking Tavistock Place, is a distinctive outdoor pulpit, in memory of Caroline Louisa Courtney (wife of Reverend Frederick Courtney, who became Rector of the significant St James Church in NYC). Installed in 1913, it was once used by clergymen to take their sermons to the street, preaching to the passers-by and the passengers on the trams that rattled along what was then the arterial route to the north.

Responding to the unique architectural qualities of the building and history of St Luke’s, its renovation includes a new ceiling with strengthened trusses, concrete floor and beautifully restored stained-glass windows.

The original classical facade set over tetrastyle Tuscan pilasters with entablature will remain. The church’s rectangular two-storey interior retains its 1828 gallery with panelled front and moulded plaster ceiling cornice above and original panelled box pews – a good example of a large urban chapel in the classical style.

In the connecting outdoor space between St Luke’s and The Box’s main building, a new public space will be created where visitors can experience a rich and varied programme of music, performance, dance and public art throughout the year.

Connecting people with their world-class heritage, The Box is more than a building and serves as an important cultural and historical hub for education and learning, enabling children and communities in Plymouth and beyond to develop the skills and knowledge needed for a successful future. The vibrant new centre will attract visitors to Plymouth, furthering local economic vitality. This worldclass visitor attraction will breathe life into the city’s rich history while providing a home for its most precious collections, brought together under one roof. The Box is a symbol for Plymouth’s current regeneration and a museum, art gallery and archive for the future. 

LEISURE

buildings with the new – part exhibition, part social space, part workspace. The front of the bridge overlooks the main entrance and figurehead installation. The other side is more contained, overlooking a void and the back walls of the historical museum and library buildings. Visitors can browse the local studies collection in comfortable seating and engage with maps from the last 500 years via an interactive digital ‘map table’. In the centre of the space, there are a series of display archways, each focusing on a different object from the archive and a different story evidenced by archival material.

The central archways lead to a dedicated research room which features highlights from The Box’s historically significant Cottonian Collection. Amassed during the 18th century, the Designated Collection is protected by an Act of Parliament and consists of 2000 volumes, 100 Old Master drawings and 3000 of the finest prints from England and Western Europe. In this space, visitors to The Box will be able to request access to any of the collections stored in the ‘archive in the sky’.

Other prominent architectural features in The Box include the historical double-height atrium of the original Edwardian museum with its beautiful terrazzo marble floor and from which all galleries and exhibition spaces can be accessed.

Art, history, science, education and so much more can be found inside The Box, all different, all connected and all under one incredible new roof.

A modern, fresh approach has been taken by Plymouth City Council and Atkins to reflect the relevance of these collections today and to complement the contemporary style of the cantilevered extension.

Building works have been led by construction and regeneration specialist Willmott Dixon, one of the largest contracting companies in the UK. While, leading exhibition designer Event Communications has assisted in converting the existing buildings into 3500m2 of interactive exhibition spaces and largescale permanent galleries. The Box will also be equipped with a teaching room for the University of Plymouth as well as meeting rooms, a shop and cafe.

www.theboxplymouth.com

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HEALTHCARE

A HEALTHY DOSE OF COLOUR In healthcare environments, the wellbeing and comfort of patients are paramount, and the power of design in achieving this should not be underestimated. In particular, when it comes to managing the side effects of dementia, appropriate colour and pattern selection can have a profound effect on easing distress. Here, Donna Taylor, Principal Colour Consultant at PPG, explores what designers can do to help improve the lives of those living with dementia.

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recent times, there have I nbeen increasing efforts to protect vulnerable people in the UK. One of the earlier and most influential developments was the Equalities Act 2010, which was created to offer protection against discrimination across all areas of society. Consideration of how the design of public buildings can impact various disabilities and conditions, including dementia, was a large part of this legislation.

Dementia is a term used to encompass various diseases that affect the neurological function of the brain and goes beyond difficulties with memory recollection. These degenerative diseases often lead to symptoms such as aggression, anxiety and confusion, as well as problems with depth perception and other vision-related conditions – all of which can be exacerbated through poorly chosen design schemes. This makes colour selection particularly important in environments occupied by those living with dementia.

Over 850,000 people suffer from dementia in the UK alone, according to the Alzheimer’s Society – a figure that is expected to rise to one million by 2025.

Given these statistics, it has never been more pertinent to consider the impact interior design can have in care homes and healthcare facilities. 

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HEALTHCARE

A harmonious scheme These design techniques are incredibly important as we naturally associate colour with feelings and emotions on a subconscious level. And when it comes to more sensitive environments where a person’s health is at risk, such as hospitals or care homes, the impact of colour can be accentuated.

Holding the potential to impact a patient’s recovery or prolong their treatment through increased stress, colour selection within the entirety of a building is of vital importance.

However, it’s important to emphasise that as colour perception is subjective, there really are no catch-all solutions.

Instead, the importance lies in creating a harmonious environment by combining colour alongside other design elements.

Everything needs to work together, from the flooring to the furniture and the wallpaper to the soft furnishings.

Finding your way with colour

Creating a contrast One of the most common symptoms of dementia is difficulties with perception.

Using a strong enough contrast in colour hue and tone goes a long way to help with individuals’ ability to understand the size and shape of a room and, therefore, helps them successfully navigate objects within it and avoid any unnecessary distress.

Determined by a Light Reflectance Value (LRV), colour contrasting is the most

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fundamental part of dementia design. Each colour is measured by its LRV and given a number between 0 and 100. Different surface elements within the design scheme will need to have an LRV difference of at least 30 points to help patients distinguish between items such as furniture, flooring, doors and walls. Striking a perfect balance will create a visual perspective, while achieving a 3D appearance to prevent the room from feeling flat.

Similar colour hues and irregular patterns can increase confusion and disorientation.

To avoid this, designers should use simplistic, delicate patterns on all interior design elements, rather than geometric patterns, for example, which may trigger optical illusions. Lifelike floral patterns also present a particular problem as their similarity may lead to patients picking at the design, aggravating their anxieties further.

Colour cannot only help with depth perception and impact how we visualise a space, but it is also useful when it comes to direction.

Wayfinding techniques are often used throughout healthcare spaces to help patients navigate their way around buildings, therefore, helping to prevent disorientation. For example, a consistent colour scheme should be used on accent walls, doors, exits and help desks to help patients identify these focal points.

Wayfinding design also helps to prevent patients from accessing dangerous areas, such as medical cabinets and storerooms. In these scenarios, blending the door colour into the surrounding walls will help to disguise these areas and, therefore, avoid potentially harmful situations.

Of course, it’s true that even the best design and colour selection cannot cure dementia patients of their symptoms, but it is still a crucial part of easing any discomfort and enabling more independent living. By taking the above into consideration, you’re placing the end-user at the centre of the design process and, in doing so, ensuring that their comfort and wellbeing are maximised in what can otherwise be a confusing and troubling time. 

www.johnstonestrade.com

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EDUCATION

LESSONS IN GLASS How can glass be used in public buildings such as schools to create modern, inspiring atmospheres and an inclusive, sociable space? Simon Boocock, Managing Director of CRL Europe, takes a look at the reasons behind the trend.

Dry-glazed systems, such as the one used for the ESSA Academy, are particularly effective for modern school interior designs

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is increasingly G lass being chosen for use in schools and brings a number of positive benefits to an education environment. From an important practical perspective, safety and protective glazing helps improve school security, but the advantages actually go far further than this alone.

Research suggests that students learn best in bright school spaces and morale among staff and children is improved.

To capture, pass on and share daylight and artificial lighting, glass has become the material of choice, allowing light to filter from one space to the next. Glazing has the added benefit of providing clear vision between spaces, offering a sense of openness, connectivity and security.

The cost-effectiveness of glass is another huge advantage in public sector buildings – this very durable material will last a long time and creates a timeless impression, so won’t need to be frequently replaced with any modernisation of a school’s interior. Letting natural light through will also save on energy bills, making glass a very costeffective resource.

However, noise levels can be difficult to control in open-plan school buildings, and distractions can affect work levels, while another potential pitfall of the overuse of glass for school

The staircase is located within the ‘insideoutside’ space at the academy, which boasts stylish interior design features together with the spaciousness and open-air feeling of an outside area

buildings is the effect of solar heat gain. Warming a building with the flow of natural sunlight certainly increases energy efficiency and makes for sustainable construction, but too much uncontrollable heat will make the interior uncomfortable and lead to what is commonly known as the greenhouse effect.

Designers need to, therefore, find a happy medium; a light-filled, open-plan-inspired space with good acoustics where everyone can work in harmony. Keeping the look and feel of an open-plan environment that is so important, the use of glass enables natural light to flow and a high-end look to be achieved, while acoustics and privacy levels can also be managed more effectively.

One of the biggest challenges is getting natural light into parts of the school interior. To overcome this, toughened safety glass and impact-resistant glazing is now quite commonly used in light wells, stairwells, corridors, wall partitions, lobbies and interior courtyards. These transparent fire-protection barriers allow light to pass from one area to another, blending natural and artificial lighting into spaces deep inside the school building.

EDUCATION Significantly faster to install than traditional alternatives, TAPER-LOC is a dry-glazed system that uses a horizontal design enabling it to be adjusted, dismantled and re-set easily and efficiently

Glass was the solution for architects working on the ESSA Academy in Bolton, creating a striking staircase within an ‘inside-outside’ space. Built within the hall of the building, a co-educational secondary school located in the Great Lever area of Bolton in Greater Manchester, with its stylish interior combined with a spacious, open-air feel of an outside area, the staircase is located in one of the busiest areas of the building. User safety was naturally of paramount importance, with architects keen to create an inspiring sociable space in what is a circulation hub. The addition of the glass staircase creates a social meeting space where pupils are stimulated to learn and develop their relationships.

Steven Gill, of Webber Engineering, the steelwork specialist who constructed the staircase, commented: “The CRL TAPER-LOC System enabled a fast and efficient installation, which not only makes our job easier but keeps costs to a minimum. It is a totally dryglazed system, so there is no need for wet cement, and it can be adjusted, dismantled and re-set easily and efficiently. This also makes the system ideal for replacing scratched and broken panels, which can happen from time to time in busy locations such as schools.”

CRL’s Cap Rails were used throughout the staircase and balcony area, in a 51mm diameter, along with its aluminium base shoe, which is designed to be used with the 13.52mm laminated toughened glass.

From a practical viewpoint for specifiers and installers, toughened glass, wherever it is used in a building, needn’t be difficult to install or maintain, as

is evident in this example. With the right systems chosen, glass systems can be straightforward to fit, even retrospectively, enabling the open-plan space to be easily adapted to suit changing requirements. Dry-glazed systems, such as the one used for the ESSA Academy, are particularly effective for modern school interior designs as they are quick and easy to install, ultimately providing

maximum transparency and an elegant appearance.

Whether used in corridors, enclosed stairways or interior courtyard, toughened safety glass is able to withstand general wear and tear of school environments and can help schools save energy, create a sense of opennessw and enhance personal safety. 

www.crlaurence.co.uk

The CRL TAPER-LOC system was recently used to create a striking staircase at ESSA Academy, Bolton

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LEGAL & BUSINESS

ENHANCE OPERATIONAL EFFICIENCY AND MITIGATE BREXIT-RELATED RISKS There is still no indication as to whether the UK will leave with a deal, and this growing uncertainty means businesses must work quickly to review their existing technology. it’s moving W hether operations to the cloud or investing in technology capable of transforming information into insights, there are plenty of opportunities for businesses to explore.

Regardless of what Brexit does or doesn’t bring, any organisation that successfully exploits new technology and the data moving around their business activities will be in better shape to take advantage of the opportunities presented.

Understanding the opportunities There is often a misconception that solutions are overly technical, complicated to use and require significant financial investment to implement.

However, by leveraging the power of various Microsoft applications, businesses can unlock a wealth of exciting opportunities, whether it’s streamlining sales management processes or improving customer service and profitability.

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Integration is the key to success – instead of relying solely on one specific offering, organisations should look to combine a selection of services in order to deliver maximum value.

For example, if there is a demand for data analytics, but an understanding that app development is a complicated and time-consuming process, then a solution that utilises Microsoft’s Power BI and PowerApps would offer much greater value to clients.

dynamic components as one masterful service.

Not just aimed at tech-savvy developers, the solution gives people with very basic technical knowledge the opportunity to perform important tasks.

Instead of spending significant time and resources developing apps, users can create them with ease, using Microsoft Flow to transfer important data between systems, while utilising Power BI’s data analytics to display important insights.

Integration is key

New CRM solutions

Microsoft’s Power Platform understands the importance of integration, effectively combining Power BI, PowerApps and Microsoft Flow to provide services for business intelligence, app development and app connectivity.

Giving businesses the opportunity to customise cloud products, Power Platform helps customers extract greater value out of their existing investment in technology, accessing multiple

Before a solution can be delivered, it is crucial that time is taken to understand your unique business needs – every action needs to have a purpose.

CRM solutions can be tailored with these in mind. For example, PowerStart for sales CRM integrates multi-service offerings, like Power Platform, with tried-andtested products like Dynamics 365.

By integrating different services, they enable the end-toend management of company

Jason Betteridge is the Managing Director of Circyl, with over 27 years’ industry experience and broader market knowledge.

Coming from a technical background, he uses a strategy and sales-focused approach to assist business users, business owners and wider technical audiences.

data, with various features working together to enhance key aspects, such as pipeline management, proactive sales, stage notifications, proposals and commission tracking.

Instead of collecting and storing masses of data without a strategy, you can transform information into important insights, improving overall business growth.

The strategy for success…

Finding the right CRM solution can be a difficult task for businesses, with uncertainty surrounding which apps and features are needed to deliver the best results.

There are a range of customisable solutions, including PowerStart for Sales CRM, that understand this and have been designed to offer new users a well-rounded starting experience.

Don’t let data get away from you – contact a team of technology specialists for advice and guidance on how to mitigate potential risks. 

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BUILDING FORUM: PUBLIC REALM

BUILDING FORUM: PUBLIC REALM PSBJ rounds up the latest case studies, advice and stories from the industry’s leading professionals.

This month’s Building Forum shines a light on the Public Realm; with top tips on aesthetics, security and building materials.

A BREATH OF FRESH AIR As research into the impact of indoor air pollution continues, reducing Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs) is fast becoming a top priority for building designers.

Tony Walker, Technical Specification Controller at PPG Architectural Coatings, explains the effect of VOCs and what this means for product specification.

City centre regeneration is becoming more prevalent than ever in the UK. As such, in 2020 we expect more local authorities across the country will be investing in improving existing buildings as opposed to demolishing and building new, as a more cost-effective and environmentally-friendly option, writes Simon Gregory, Sales Director at Proteus Facades.

wellbeing of occupants T heis vital when it comes to

rainscreen L ow-maintenance cladding that retains

21st-century building design.

We now spend about 90% of our time indoors, where the air quality can be up to 10 times more polluted than the air outside. In light of this, it’s becoming ever more pertinent for architects and designers to provide safer environments by minimising the presence of VOCs. As awareness of the issue has grown, environmental bodies such as BREEAM, LEED and the WELL Building Institute have made indoor air quality a principal component of their rating systems. For instance, the BREEAM New Construction manual considers an Indoor Air Quality Plan a pre-requisite that must be completed at RIBA

Stage 2. As a result, developers are now making a concerted effort to specify not only materials that are low in VOCs themselves – such as untreated wood – but also those that actively help to reduce VOCs in the surrounding environment.

For example, you can now get carpet tiles that capture particles from the air above.

With the noise around indoor air quality only expected to grow as research uncovers more unsavoury truths about what lurks in the air around us – especially with it beginning to attract the attention of the Government – it’s never been more important for designers to put low-VOC and VOC-reducing solutions at the top of their agenda.

www.johnstonestrade.com/airpure

24

PREVAILING FACADE TRENDS

its aesthetic appeal will be a compelling choice when it comes to upgrading the exterior of these buildings. This is because the use of rainscreen over-cladding not only modernises the look of the structure but provides an opportunity to incorporate insulation without imposing on the interior, effectively cutting the heat loss and carbon footprint.

(Occupied buildings above 18m require a minimum of an A2 rated system under new Building Regulations; however, we would recommend a minimum of A2 for buildings of all categories).

Copper and copper alloys, stainless steel and aluminium will continue to trend with specifiers and designers. Stainless steel, in

particular, will remain as popular as ever because of its combined benefits of corrosion resistance and appealing aesthetics, which will stay looking as good as the day it was installed, without the need for ongoing maintenance.

Furthermore, we expect an increase in the demand of mirror-polished stainless steel which provides designers with a once-unimaginable ability to make a building invisible. This is particularly useful for larger structures that need to blend in with their surroundings.

The UK is entering an exciting new era in terms of the aesthetics of our cities, and cladding is enabling architects and specifiers to meet their vision for transforming existing Brutalist structures into sustainable and visually pleasing buildings.

www.proteusfacades.com

BUILDING FORUM: PUBLIC REALM Simon Roberts is Managing Director at TORMAX

HERITAGE VS ACCESS When faced with improving accessibility to public buildings that are of historic importance, such as churches, many Government and county council properties and even some school buildings; for example, architects must consider both the need to maintain heritage aesthetics whilst delivering a solution that ensures everyone can utilise the facility, says TORMAX MD, Simon Roberts. option may T hebe simplest to fully automate an existing manual swing door entrance, maintaining a feature that is of architectural merit whilst improving access into the building. Obviously, an operator located above the door lintel is one option, and they are certainly slimmer and more discreet than ever before, but there is no doubt that even the most elegant metal casing can be slightly incongruous in a period setting.

Ensuring the heritage facade is maintained, a more acceptable solution is to automate the existing swing door by hiding the operator out of sight within the floor space. As design and technology have advanced, this has become an entirely practicable option as reliability has significantly improved, ensuring minimum disruption for ongoing maintenance and repairs.

An underfloor operator can be useful for automating both internal and external doors, creating a prestigious entrance that actually enhances the heritage setting. It is certainly impressive to see a beautifully crafted, traditional oak door swing open as if by magic.

Alternatively, it may be appropriate to retrofit with a more modern interpretation of an original door. Often, full-glass doors provide much-needed light into historic interiors, opening with whisper-quiet precision as pedestrians approach.

Finally, apart from improving accessibility, providing an automatic entrance system will also help reduce heat loss from a building. This may be of particular importance for historic buildings which can be notoriously difficult to maintain at an ambient internal temperature.

www.tormax.co.uk

Chris Plimley is Sales and Marketing Director at Zaun

SPECIFIER EDUCATION IS KEY TO PUBLIC SECURITY Architects, specifiers and security consultants all need continuing professional development (CPD) in the latest technologies available to design into buildings, venues and public spaces to protect our citizens, says Chris Plimley. security industry T herequires greater conformity, rigour and collaboration among independent testing and accreditation bodies – and that any penetration tests accurately vet systems in real-life scenarios. That’s why I favour the Loss Prevention Certification Board Red Book and its security ratings to LPS 1175, which many specifiers rightly now insist upon.

Street humps, ad-hoc concrete blocks and metal barriers have sprung up from Birmingham to Brisbane and York to New York as Government, security services and retail and venue operators react to the VAW threat. Many cities are employing bollard-style street furniture and more discrete hostile

vehicle mitigation (HVM) seating and planters. Street furniture that doesn’t obviously appear to be a HVM product is desirable, breaking up ‘raceways’ and providing ‘safe zones’ to which the public can flee for sanctuary. Rising bollards, for example, can be made to have a more sympathetic aesthetic quality when compared to road blockers, which give a more empathic message on access restriction.

Evidently, it will take collaboration among a plethora of industries to combat one of the scourges of this age. But first responsibility falls to the architects of our built realm to design future-conscious security into our environment from foundations upwards.

www.zaun.co.uk

25

HVAC

A PRESSING PIPEWORK SOLUTION John Gittens, Business Development Director of Maincor, looks at the benefits of press-fitting and why it is quickly becoming the go-to connecting solution for public sector buildings. traditional methods W hile for fitting pipework still have their place, press-fitting systems are increasingly being used by installers due to a variety of benefits.

When working on public sector projects, including social housing fit-outs, press-fitting can save time and reduce maintenance call-outs quite significantly. In fact, depending on the system used, press-fitting can more than half the installation time and make the entire install a lot more efficient.

Press-fitting systems are increasingly being used by installers due to a variety of benefits

26

With no naked flame required as when soldering, press-fitting is a lot safer, less of a risk and very suitable for retrofit projects.

However, the biggest selling point of press-fitting over and above other methods is the peace of mind it provides. The finished project will be leakfree and completely sealed, making the whole thing safe – something that cannot always be said of traditional or push-fit connecting methods and can

often lead to expensive and time-consuming maintenance issues further down the line.

Maincor press fittings, for example, will leak if the fitting is not pressed, leaving less room for errors. Offering less chance of errors, a viewing window enables the installer to check if the pipe is inserted into the connection fully which means that there is less chance of work being covered over before the leak is discovered, reducing warranty costs for the installer.

The fitting also has one large O ring, which is much more substantial than an ordinary O ring as it is much harder to dislodge or damage as the pipe goes into the fitting, smoothly and quickly. Other benefits of this option include a larger internal bore which allows for significantly increased flow and

HVAC MLCP can be formed around corners and obstructions without having to add fittings or connections

Another big advantage of MLCP when compared to alternatives such as copper is the need for fewer connections

When considering transportation, manufacturing and disposal, MLCP is a lighter product than copper, which significantly reduces environmental impact

viewing windows that allow the installer to check the pipe is inserted correctly, reducing the chance of joint assembly errors occurring.

Cost is another big factor in pipework specification, and as the price of raw materials such as copper continues to rise and public sector budgets always being scrutinised, there is a substantial shift towards pressfitting systems and multi-layer composite pipes (MLCP), due to the considerable savings that can be made on installation times.

Use of multi-layer barrier pipes, which include a metal layer to protect against degradation, has grown most significantly in the water supply sector, due in some part to the increasing

health and safety legislation in the public sector and in the building industry as a whole.

Another big advantage of MLCP when compared to alternatives such as copper is the need for fewer connections, as pipes are available in a range of straight lengths and various flexible coil lengths. Keeping installation costs down; this also reduces the potential for leaks, which can cause tenants and maintenance teams a real headache. MLCP can be formed around corners and obstructions without having to add fittings or connections, ideal when pipework needs to be installed within a wall, ceiling or under a floor and for all types of retrofitting.

Hygiene is another important consideration for specifiers, particularly in regard to water supply systems in public sector buildings. MLCP pipes are capped during manufacture, so they are hygienically clean on arrival on site and are resistant to limescale build-up, making it an ideal material for carrying drinking water. Copper pipes, on the other hand, are most often open-ended and left unprotected so can harbour dirt and bacteria even prior to installation and can be very difficult to remove once present.

Environmental issues are also taken into consideration with MLCP, adding to the rise in use of this material due to its

sustainability credentials.

When considering transportation, manufacturing and disposal, MLCP is a lighter product than copper, which significantly reduces the environmental impact of the product, something that will have a bearing on its suitability for public sector projects where sustainability is high on the agenda.

Flexible, fast, safe, sustainable and durable – with such advantages stacking up there is little wonder why installers are increasingly making the switch to pressfitting and MLCP for public sector projects. 

www.maincor.co.uk

27

CANOPIES & SHELTERS

CANOPY DESIGNS TRENDING WITHIN THE EDUCATION SECTOR According to the latest figures released by the Department for Education, average secondary school class sizes have risen four years in a row as the number of pupils continues to grow. space continues to A sbecome more of a precious commodity within the education sector alongside ongoing financial challenges, many schools and colleges are being more creative with their space. For many, this has involved generating extra room for study, dining and play and using their outdoor space allyear-round – all of which they’ve achieved, simply by installing one or more outdoor canopies.

Here, Jason Eastwood, Managing Director of Canopies UK, leading installer, designer and manufacturer of outdoor canopies, who’s installed more

than 5000 canopies at UK schools and colleges, discusses the most popular education canopy designs.

Modular systems have always been a popular choice among schools and colleges because they can be as long or as short as you need them to be. There are freestanding canopies that don’t need to be attached to or supported by other structures.

They can also be designed so that the supporting posts are at the back, minimising the risk of obstruction. Alternatively, there are wall-mounted canopies, that can be installed without supporting posts, making them

the ideal solution for playgrounds and areas that attract a lot of passing footfall.

Outdoor canopies can be as versatile as you want them to be and 100% tailored to a school’s/ college’s individual needs, space requirements and budget. The modular structure can also be adapted to create all different types of canopy solutions, ranging from walkways, entrances, outdoor and parent waiting canopies, to car parks, outdoor play, outdoor learning and sport spectator canopies.

Meanwhile, while many of our education sector customers want

to install canopies to protect their parents, pupils and staff from the bad weather, many of them don’t realise outdoor canopies are just as effective at providing muchneeded protection in the summer.

For instance, those with a Melinex gel-coated roof can block out 90% of the sun’s harmful UV rays.

The beauty of these state-ofthe-art canopies is that, contrary to popular belief, they can be used in both the summer and the winter. For instance, one of our canopies features a retractable roof that can be opened and closed at the touch of a button.

Schools and colleges can choose whether they want fixed, folding, sliding, balustrade or internal glass sides and, once fully closed, the frame, guttering, roof and glass screens create a UV-protected environment. It can withstand wind speeds of up to 60km/h when fully closed and is fitted with LED lighting and heating, creating a self-contained space that’s still warm enough to use in the winter.

Outdoor canopy design has evolved to continuously meet the needs of the education sector, providing schools and colleges with the extra space they need while also enabling them to get more use from their outdoor areas for more than just a few months of the year. 

www.canopiesuk.co.uk

28

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De Leeuw Ltd., incorporating Reflex-Rol U.K. and Mermet U.K. are associate members of ES-SO

www.es-so.com

Reflex-Rol is a division of De Leeuw Ltd

Reflex-Rol (UK) Insulating Solar & Glare Control Systems

Reflex-Rol (UK), Ryeford Hall, Ryeford, Ross-on-Wye, Herefordshire HR9 7PU Tel: 01989 750704 Email: info@reflex-rol.co.uk Online: www.reflex-rol.co.uk

ACOUSTICS & SOUND

ACOUSTICALLY OPTIMISED PIPEWORK – A SOUND CHOICE? Faced with the challenge of balancing busy work schedules and tightly squeezed budgets, installers, specifiers and building engineers can often find themselves sticking with the products and materials they have known for years and have come to trust. what if there is a B utbetter solution? What if a reluctance to change products and materials is preventing enhanced acoustic performance, cost savings and installation efficiencies from being achieved?

Greg Austin, Assistant Product Manager at Geberit, discusses the five key materials used for drainage pipes and fittings, and how they can help installers specifying for projects with acoustic requirements.

Effective drainage specification Each material comes with its advantages and disadvantages, especially when considered for specific applications, but before the merits of five specific materials are explored, it is important for the merchant to consider the demands of drainage pipes – and how this will impact an installer’s purchase.

There are the obvious considerations, like acoustic performance (i.e. how well the pipe can dampen the noise of flushing water or waste as it passes through), lifespan of the pipe and cost, which encompasses both the material cost and installation cost. We must also consider the smoothness of the pipe bore and how well it allows water to flow and, therefore, avoids blockages.

For metallic pipes, we must factor in susceptibility to corrosion, including whether any coatings are required.

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Installation technique is also a critical deciding factor for installers. Depending on the material choice, piping systems can be installed in several ways.

Mechanical clamps, push fitting, solvent welding, butt welding or electrofusion welding, are all ways in which pipes can be connected.

Notably, each system incorporates different costs and labour requirements.

Now let us examine five material options for soil and waste drainage systems; enhanced polypropylene composite, mineralreinforced polyethylene, cast-iron, HDPE (high-density polyethylene) and PVC (polyvinyl chloride).

Enhanced polypropylene composite Enhanced polypropylene composite is relatively new to the UK market, but is the latest demonstration of the UK building products market taking the lead from European product development. Enhanced polypropylene composite is a proven material, used for many years on the continent and now finally delivering benefits to UK specifiers, engineers and installers too.

Geberit Silent-PP is made from mineral reinforced polypropylene, improving the physical properties of the material and achieving first-class acoustics optimisation, effectively reducing the natural vibrations and noise.

Another important factor is the installation itself. Enhanced polypropylene composite can be installed using the push-fit installation system – installers are simply required to push the components together and rotate to realign them, reducing downtime and minimising costs.

Crucially, it is comparative over a project in price to a PVC installation, which makes it a fantastic choice for acoustically sensitive applications.

In fact, enhanced polypropylene may even provide an opportunity to deliver overall project cost savings compared to lagged PVC by reducing or removing the need for lagging on some projects.

ACOUSTICS & SOUND

Cast-iron credentials In comparison, cast-iron is an alloy of iron and carbon that provides intrinsic acoustic properties, as the material is both dense and thick, preventing air transmission. However, cast-iron is more expensive to purchase and install when compared with plastic alternatives.

As an iron-based material, it is susceptible to corrosion; whilst modern cast-iron pipes have more advanced coatings, many older buildings are inevitably facing corrosion issues after 40 or 50 years of service from their original drainage systems.

Most significantly, cast-iron pipes are also more likely to build-up depositions than a plastic pipe due to a higher chance of roughness of the pipe bore. Through decades of constant use, the depositions will gradually worsen, leading to serious blockages and clogging, which will eventually cause leaks if left untreated.

A shift towards HDPE Offering a viable alternative to cast-iron, HDPE is becoming an increasingly popular material for drainage pipes and fittings in commercial buildings.

Although standard HDPE isn’t as dense as other piping materials and lacks enhanced acoustic properties, it does possess lightweight flexibility and installation benefits.

The initial investment in HDPE can

often be outweighed by reduced maintenance costs and extended system life cycle – not to mention the peace of mind that comes with a strong and reliable welded solution.

HDPE pipes have a smooth bore which is maintained throughout their lifetime, helping to smooth the transition of any waste. Also, the interior of an HDPE pipe can often be cleaned thoroughly simply by flushing the toilet or running the tap.

These pipes and fittings, optimised as they are with respect to sound insulation and hydraulics, are suitable for both discharge stacks and floor connections and ensure quiet and effective drainage in every kind of building. The mineral-reinforced plastic is much denser than its HDPE and PVC counterparts, reducing vibrations and noise.

Be open to innovation Ultimately, the choice of material for waste drainage pipes and fittings will come down to a number of considerations, but the key takeaway is not to rule out different or new materials when speaking with installers about their project’s drainage requirements. 

www.geberit.co.uk

PVC – the old favourite Currently, around 75% of soil and waste pipes and fittings sold in the UK are made from PVC, which is incredibly lightweight, cost-effective and easy to install.

However, PVC is a relatively thin material and does not possess enhanced sound performance like other plastic alternatives.

PVC is also one of the most environmentally hazardous polymer materials for the content of chlorine which releases hydrogen chloride during thermal recycling – chlorine is chemically bound to carbon in the polymer, but when the structure is broken up during incineration the strongly acidic gas is produced.

Mineral-reinforced HDPE Wherever it may occur, noisy discharge pipes are irritating – a problem that is easily eliminated with a waste and drainage system comprising mineral-reinforced HDPE.

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TECHNICAL FOCUS

TOP TIPS FOR CABLE MANAGEMENT SPECIFICATION Cable management is an integral part of the specification process. When it comes to specifying cable management systems, there are a number of key areas to consider in addition to cost per unit and installation time.

Mark Williams, Lead H ere, Marketing Manager for cable management at Legrand, talks through some simple top tips during specification.

1. Location Consider what elements the cable management system will be exposed to. If the system is to be located in a corrosive environment or a marine location; for example, the requirements will be very different to that of an internal commercial building installation.

Legrand’s industry experts and cable management technical product guides can offer in-depth advice on what to consider when selecting your material.

2. Consider the cable used It’s important to consider what type of cable will be used throughout the installation and if support or protection is needed.

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Single insulated (non-sheathed) cables require additional mechanical protection (as per BS 7671), as well as support, and, therefore, an IP4X or IPXXD distribution trunking system is generally the solution of choice as it fully encases the cables.

If using armoured cables, an open cable management system, such as a steel wire cable tray, perforated tray or cable ladder, is considered more suitable.

3. Weight Calculate the total weight to be supported by the cable management system, taking into consideration current requirements and potential needs in the future.

Remember that the total loading should be calculated based on not only the weight of the cables, but also any ancillary items that are subsequently fitted to the cable management system, such as light fittings, as well as external forces such as weather and the surrounding environment.

4. Regulations and standards Wiring regulations can differ depending on the installation or location of the project you’re working on, so it’s imperative to monitor and review the guidelines, prior to an installation.

Amendments to the wiring regulations BS 7671, for example, have to be monitored and respected. This can influence the selection of cable management systems as you may need to opt for a solution that ensures avoidance of premature collapse of the cabling system. In this instance, metallic solutions may be the preferred option.

5. Scalability It can be tempting to build in redundant capacity during the design and specification stages of a project rather than designing a system that can be easily adapted in the future. Planning ahead has the potential to save businesses

time and money in the longer term, so it’s worth considering in the design stages.

Remember, when considering scalability, retrofitting can be expensive and not all systems can be easily integrated with one another. Consider this at the design stage by specifying a system that can easily interface with others.

6. Full range of accessories Take the time to specify a system that offers a full range of accessories including brackets, fixings and couplers, from one source. Work with your supplier to ensure you specify the correct amount of fittings, brackets and fixings in order to prevent delays on site.

Effective cable management can help to enhance cable performance, longevity and future flexibility in terms of business growth if implemented effectively. There isn’t a ‘one solution fits all,’ so it is vitally important that the correct system is chosen from the outset.

By selecting a cable management system that excels in each of these areas, you will not only have a system that reduces installation time, and, therefore, total installed cost, but you will also have a system that can meet your needs today and tomorrow. 

www.legrand.co.uk

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SPECIALIST

Building Products

DI SCOVER Access. Acoustics. Atria. Balustrades. Bathrooms.

Canopies. Ceilings. Cladding. Conservatories. Doors. Drainage.

Facades. Fencing. Flooring. Glass and Glazing. Green Roofing.

Guttering. Heating. Hinges. HVAC. Insulation. Kitchens.

Landscaping. Lighting. Paints. Paving Tiles. Rainwater Harvesting.

Resin Surfaces. Roofing. Security. Solar. Stairs. Storage.

Timber. Tools. Walls. Windows... and much much more.

w w w. s bps e a r ch. com

WASHROOMS

Colleges and universities are more likely to have larger numbers of different religions on campus... demonstrating how you provide for different religions can actually be a strong marketing tool that can be used to recruit overseas students.

provision of a multi T hefaith/reading room has been widely adopted across education. This is relatively easy to do as it usually has limited impact on existing facilities.

Existing religious spaces can be easily adapted, or spaces that are currently unused can be given over as prayer rooms.

This can be achieved with just some careful thought given to the decor and furniture and without having a huge impact on budgets and expenditure.

But when it comes to washroom facilities, the impact can be more acute, requiring careful planning and budgeting.

Whilst some primary and junior schools may not have the requirement to provide specific faith washing facilities for pupils due to their age; schools should still be mindful of the staff and other support personnel on site who may wish to use such facilities. Colleges and universities are more likely to have larger numbers of different religions on campus due to attracting students from a wider local geographic area as well as overseas. Many students will come from countries where their religion is much more visible and more widely observed. For this reason, demonstrating how you provide for different religions can actually be a strong marketing tool that can be used to recruit overseas students.

Specifying for multi-faith washrooms

DESIGNING WASHROOMS FOR MULTI-FAITH EDUCATIONAL ESTABLISHMENTS As many educational establishments embrace the positivity provided by a diverse student and a staff population, the wide variety of needs and different requirements this presents can place new pressures on existing washroom facilities. Chrissie Rowlinson, Marketing Manager at Dudley Industries, takes a look at what to consider when providing washroom facilities in multi-cultural environments.

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In terms of sanitaryware requirements Wudu wash stations, squat pans and handheld cleansing facilities should all be considered.

A Wudu wash station provides for the washing of hands, face and feet during the ablutions before Islamic prayer and the design will usually minimise the potential for splash-back; the accidental splashing of this ‘grey’ water can invalidate Wudu, and the process will need to be repeated. The Wudu ablution takes on average around three

Awareness is key All members of staff need to be briefed on where washing facilities are available in order to guide students when asked.

A large multi-cultural school in Blackburn, Lancashire, have allocated the showers and wetroom areas within the PE Department for ablutions and they make sure this is made clear to all students during their year seven inductions and they regularly place reminders in the school bulletins.

WASHROOMS

minutes to complete and whilst waiting is fully acceptable, thought should be given to the number of staff and students performing Wudu and an adequate number of facilities should be provided so as to not hold users up for too long.

Whilst it might not be possible to provide specific wash stations, larger basins could be considered to enable easier washing of forearms and face etc. In this situation, thought should be given to the floor surface as the washing of feet may cause water splashes on the floor, which in turn can cause a slip hazard.

Wudu facilities don’t have to be located within traditional washrooms they can be located near to prayer rooms requiring just mains feed water and drainage.

A squat pan (latrine) may be more familiar to some students and whilst this might be considered unusual to others, there are, in fact, many reported health benefits for using this type of unit. Squat pan installations require more consideration as they need to be positioned at floor level and connected to sewers and have the associated plumbing facilities for washing down.

Other adaptations such as electric dryers positioned low on walls can provide a comfortable and quick-drying solution following foot washing.

Give thought to the colour palette chosen within washrooms.

Whilst bright and bold colour schemes may be the obvious choice for schools, a neutral colour palette may be more acceptable to different faiths.

Be mindful when planning a washroom as a design mishap can unintentionally cause offence. For example, toilet facilities facing Mecca can cause offence to some members of the Muslim faith.

Existing religious spaces can be easily adapted, or spaces that are currently unused can be given over as prayer rooms

Provide guidance Clear signage will help to direct students to the different facilities available, but graphics within the washroom can also be used to help explain some cultural differences. A western-style toilet bowl may not be familiar to all overseas students and, therefore, pictorial guidance on how to use the facilities will help to overcome misunderstanding, misuse and hopefully prevent accidental damage.

There is a much wider debate on the appropriateness and future of multi-faith facilities.

Their compatibility with different single faiths is being debated across the educational network as they work on the assumption of successfully bringing together different faiths into one neutral space. But no matter how multi-faith facilities will change and adapt in future years, washrooms so too need to adapt to the changing demands and requirements of our vibrant multi-cultural nations. 

www.dudleyindustries.com

In terms of sanitaryware requirements Wudu wash stations, squat pans and hand-held cleansing facilities should all be considered

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GLASS & GLAZING

SOLVING THE HOUSING CRISIS: MORE THAN JUST BUILDING HOMES The UK is currently in the grip of a major housing shortage, to the tune of 3.91million homes. It is estimated that, to address this deficit – the largest on record – 340,000 new homes must be built every year until 2031. This means that the residential construction sector is under increasing pressure to deliver the homes the country so desperately needs, says Chris Coxon, Head of Marketing at Eurocell. it’s vitally H owever, important that homes are not simply built in volume, without any consideration of the type of homes required. The National Housing Federation, for example, has said that the shortage will only be solved with the right mix of private properties, social rent, intermediate affordable rent and shared ownership properties, so that UK residents have access to affordable homes.

It is also critical that the homes of the future are created with supporting infrastructure to meet the needs and demands of occupants. For example, one issue that is often associated with modern developments is a lack of community spirit. We hear of neighbours co-existing but never getting to know each other, or elderly residents feeling isolated due to a lack of services in close proximity to their homes.

The sense of ‘togetherness’ – or the glue that holds communities together – is increasingly lacking.

And it’s highly detrimental to society as a whole.

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GLASS & GLAZING This was backed up by our recent research which revealed that 66% of people feel that too much focus is placed on solely building homes, as opposed to rounded communities. Let’s look at the findings in more depth.

Building communities, not just homes In our Future Communities report, we examined how the UK feels about the provision of services when it comes to building homes, alongside how they hope the communities of the future will develop. We drew on a survey of 1000 respondents, comprising an even split of social housing occupants, homeowners and private renters.

Over half of those polled stated that they feel that quickly building a high volume of homes negatively impacts community spirit. Clearly, this absence of a cohesive neighbourhood is an issue that impacts occupants across the board, including a third of respondents in social housing who said that the developments of the future need to be built in a way that encourages community spirit.

So, with the Government’s current pledge to build 300,000 new homes now needing to be exceeded to ensure that the housing deficit is erased, it is clear that there needs to be just as much focus on building communities as there is on building homes.

rely on in their day-to-day lives are also developed.

Indeed, in our report, 69% of people said they feel that not enough consideration is given to services and infrastructure during the planning process for homes.

This led to 31% of respondents saying that greater consideration needed to be given to the design and build of multi-use buildings during the planning of new developments.

Clearly, more needs to be done to ensure that there are an adequate number of facilities, such as schools and doctors’ surgeries, available.

Again, social housing is significantly impacted, with 39% of people saying that building social housing developments with more facilities around them would make them more appealing.

Looking at the types of services and facilities that need to be developed, 32% of people believe

that not enough has been done to support the development of doctors, dentists and hospitals, with a further 31% saying they want to see more done to develop schools and nurseries.

Respondents also said that more should be done to provide parks (28%), leisure facilities such as sports and craft centres (26%) and amenities such as cafes (21%), highlighting further that communities cannot simply be created by building a high volume of houses with the surrounding area and facilities playing a major role in social cohesion. As a result, there needs to be greater collaboration between planners and service providers to develop the facilities that ensure fully functioning communities.

Gaining valuable insight With such a shortage of available housing, there is a risk that the homes and

developments of the future will be built too quickly and without proper consideration for the neighbourhood, they will either help to create – or hinder.

Where does responsibility lie? Naturally, with the developers, construction firms and architects; those that will be at the coalface of modern infrastructure and residential construction in the coming years.

But we cannot forget the key role that Government must play in ensuring current and future regulation is fit for purpose. Nor should we underestimate the value of community residents themselves, whose views must be incorporated into the design of our built environment from the outset. Only when the sector takes a fully collaborative approach will the communities of the future be a success. 

www.eurocell.co.uk

Developing services and infrastructure Access to services such as schools and GP surgeries has a significant impact on social cohesion and helps communities to form. As the UK builds the number of homes it requires in the coming years, it is crucial to ensure that the services and infrastructures that people

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ARCHITECT@WORK PREVIEW

ARCHITECT@WORK RETURNS FOR 2020 The 2020 edition of ARCHITECT@WORK (running from 29 to 30th January at the Old Truman Brewery, London) focuses on ways design and architecture intersect with nature. theme is illustrated T his throughout the exciting talks program, which is always one of this trade fair’s hotlyanticipated features. Timber revolutionary Waugh Thistleton Architects is confirmed in the lineup, as are architectural practices Invisible Studio, Palladian London, Sarah Wigglesworth Architects and Tate Harmer. Talks touching on how natural materials are

being brought into our spaces, the importance of natural learning environments and a hot debate on the pros and cons of designing for countryside vs city.

There is no clearer example of the relationship between urbanism and nature than along the green belt, which was created to protect against the sprawl of London. However, some believe it has become a stranglehold on

development. Peter Murray, of New London Architecture who has played a key role in promoting the green belt concept, will use his talk at ARCHITECT@WORK as a platform detailing why he is calling for a review of the idea to ensure it is still fit for purpose.

Landscape Designer and personality Dan Pearson will be ‘inconversation’ with Journalist Helen Parton as the final talks event.

Also on site, RIBA will present its pop-up bookshop, and the Material Driven exhibition is a must-see for all material-o-philes. As a design agency and materials library, Material Driven curates exhibitions by working with both established and emerging materials manufacturers, supporting and promoting their journey from prototype to product.

Visitors should allow plenty of time to explore the wide variety of manufacturers exhibiting their latest wares at the show.

Architects, specifiers and interior/landscape designers can explore the latest product innovations from dozens of exhibitors from all over the world. Leading international architectural product suppliers are showing over 200 innovative products and offering the latest innovations in surface solutions, lighting technology as well as interior and exterior fixtures and fittings. All exhibitors go through a rigorous selection process, with an external judging panel overseeing the product selection, to ensure that this is one of the UK’s most highly respected trade shows of its kind. This two-day event allows visitors to get a deeper understanding of how particular new products can add value within both large- and small-scale projects.

Product categories: Carcass/building envelope Exterior joinery, facade and exterior cladding, insulation, air- and watertightness, roof construction, load-bearing structures, roof covering, drainage and rainwater systems.

Building systems Fixed lighting, sanitaryware, heating, air conditioning, electricity and controls, plumbing and renewable energy.

Interior finishing Interior layout/design, interior joinery, floor coverings, wall coverings, partition walls and ceilings, paints and adhesives and door fittings. 

www.architect-at-work.co.uk

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SPATEX PREVIEW

BUILD YOUR BUSINESS WITH A VISIT TO SPATEX Now in its 24th year, SPATEX is the UK’s only dedicated water leisure exhibition and is bursting with the very latest products and innovations. It offers you the potential to meet over a thousand people from the water leisure industry in one day. Held at Coventry’s Ricoh Arena, from Tuesday 28th to Thursday 30th January, it is free to attend and provides developers, architects, specifiers, builders with all they need to know about water features, spas, hot tubs, saunas, steam rooms, swimming pools, enclosures and much more besides.

Why SPATEX is the expo for you Help to develop your ideas There’s few projects that can’t be enhanced with the addition of water. Whether for artistic effect or leisure, water adds another dimension, both in sound and vision. It literally brings a design to life. SPATEX 2020 promises to show you how it can best be achieved.

Stay abreast of the industry’s latest innovations With 100 plus exhibitors, from home and abroad, all of the industry’s major manufacturers and suppliers will be showcasing their very latest products. SPATEX covers every conceivable element of wet leisure for both the domestic and commercial sectors.

Arena 1 Tuesday 28th Jan, 14.30-14.50: design and construct professional indemnity insurance Arena 2 Thursday 30th Jan, 14.30-15.00: swimming pools and European standards post-Brexit.

low-carbon footprint. Talks and demonstrations in the show’s seminar and workshop programme will, amongst many other subjects, focus on how we can all play our part in becoming more eco-aware:

Get the green bug Conscious of climate change, the depletion of the world’s natural resources and the need to reduce the industry’s dependence on plastic, SPATEX 2020 aims to promote an awareness of the environment. With over a hundred international and domestic exhibitors, there will be lots of new products, including those that support a low-energy,

Arena 1 Wednesday 29th Jan, 11.00- 11.30: energy savings for your pool Arena 1 Wednesday 29th Jan, 13.30 – 13.20: energy savings via the use of automatic valves.

its supporting partners. There’s no better place to seek advice from an expert, and all for free.

Visit the below website to see SPATEX’s impressive list of exhibitors, details of the free double seminar and workshop programme and register for the show’s regular e-newslines. 

www.spatex.co.uk

Tap into a unique pool of free expertise for your projects SPATEX 2020 is fortunate to count the industry’s many esteemed associations amongst

Learn new skills SPATEX hosts a double programme of free seminars and workshops on all three days. These offer vital information such as new standards and guidance that affect all providers of wet leisure facilities.

In Arena 1, the esteemed Institute of Swimming Pool Engineers (ISPE) is hosting a series of technical workshops and CPD points and a certificate of attendance is available for all attendees. Topics such as the following will be discussed:

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KITCHENS, BEDROOMS & BATHROOMS

Samsung’s new category of refrigerators that allows users to set up the kitchen in a customised style

Dansani produces and supplies modular bathroom furniture as well as shower enclosures and towel warmers

KBB BIRMINGHAM 2020 TO OFFER LAYERS OF INSPIRATION: EXHIBITOR FOCUS kbb Birmingham – Europe’s largest dedicated kitchens, bedrooms and bathrooms exhibition – returns for 2020 from 1-4 March, offering a wide range of interior design inspiration from KBB suppliers and manufacturers. taking place at T hetheshow, NEC, will feature over 400 exhibitors showcasing the latest products and innovations.

This year’s theme is Individuality. The show will feature a range of exhibitors ready to inspire visitors with many layers of design inspiration for kitchen, bathroom and bedroom spaces. Some examples of the brands reflecting this theme and highlighting innovative new products at kbb 2020 include:

Kitchen inspiration BLANCO UK, which specialises in manufacturing innovative kitchen sinks and taps will be launching its new Smart Tap Collection, this includes a filter tap, a sensor tap, a volume measurement tap and a hot tap, making it perfect for consumers wanting a convenient yet sustainable choice.

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Samsung’s BESPOKE line up is a new category of refrigerators that allows users to set up the kitchen in a customised style. They are designed to be either freestanding or recess fit, meaning they can have cabinetry fitted around the fridge, to maintain the built-in look which is a whole new category option in the market.

Cambria, producer of natural stone surfaces, offers a diverse palette of trendforward, sophisticated designs, colours and tones ranging from traditional to contemporary and bold to eclectic, showcasing timeless beauty inspired by nature and innovated for real life. At kbb, the brand will be displaying innovative designs from its most recent launch: Golden Dragon and Islington.

Bathroom inspiration Danish design brand Dansani will be displaying its new YOU bathroom furniture collections as well as its new towel warmers.

Dansani produces and supplies modular bathroom furniture as well as shower enclosures and towel warmers. The brand creates solutions that allow consumers to make life – with all aspects involved – easier and more beautiful, also more meaningful.

Tilelook is an online marketplace where you can create 3D photo realistic designs with product lists, quantities and pricing. On Tilelook, you will find over 250k tiles from a range of international brands. A must-see for this year, Tilelook will be hosting live demos throughout the show.

QA Flooring Solutions is a leading manufacturer of luxury vinyl tiles and other flooring

Blum manufactures and distributes lift, hinge and pull-out systems for furniture in all living spaces

accessories. Its award-winning Luvanto Design Flooring range adds style to any room and the brand will be exhibiting its latest ranges at this year’s event.

Bedroom inspiration Blum specialises in Moving Ideas; manufacturing and distributing lift, hinge and pull-out systems for furniture in all living spaces.

At this year’s event, Blum will be showing its new SPACE STEP, a plinth solution which takes storage to new levels, AVENTOS HK top, a lift system, though small in size, which inspires with many integrated features, and a pull-out shelf lock, which offers a discreet space-saving mechanism which securely holds an open pull-out shelf in place.

Don’t miss out, register now by visiting the kbb website.

www.kbb.com

KITCHENS, BEDROOMS & BATHROOMS

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FOCUS & INNOVATION

HAURATON HIGH CAPACITY CHANNEL SYSTEM DRAINS EXTENSIVE CAR PARK AT SKYPARK, EXETER The Skypark Business Park is located just North of Exeter International Airport, Devon and East of the M5 off Junction 29.

The Park is a Joint Venture Partnership between St.Moden, the UK’s leading regeneration specialist and Devon County Council.

When complete, the development will cover 130,200m2 and comprise office, industrial

and manufacturing premises.

Ancillary retail development and a hotel are also planned as part of the scheme. Set in landscaped grounds, it includes numerous car parks requiring effective surface water drainage.

In this phased development, three sizes of the Hauraton RECYFIX MONOTEC high capacity surface drainage system have so far been installed in the extensive asphalt car parks: 145m of MONOTEC 100/230mm,

ALTRO NOW A RECOMMENDED SUPPLIER OF FLOORS AND WALLS FOR PROCURE22 Altro has been appointed as a recommended supplier of vinyl and resin floors and floor accessories on the Department of Health’s ProCure22 Framework for NHS and social care construction schemes in England.

Altro floor systems, including Altro Orchestra, Altro Aquarius and Altro Wood Safety, are recommended for use throughout healthcare environments. This

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follows Altro’s appointment in 2018 as a recommended supplier of wall and door systems, including the Altro Whiterock and Altro Fortis systems.

The ProCure22 (P22) process is designed to achieve improved value for money and reduce exposure to risk through a simplified capital procurement procedure.

136m of 100/280mm and 45m of 100/380mm. Each channel grating has a width and internal dimension of 100mm, while the latter measurement refers to the overall height of the channel model. The 326m of channel supplied provided a total hydraulic capacity of just over 7717 litres.

The MONOTEC 1m-long channel component is of a sturdy monolithic design where the HEELSAFE grating, and the tongue and groove linking system, are integral to the channel moulding. The channels have a loading category of up to Class D400, and the whole unit is made of tough, virtually unbreakable polypropylene (PP).

This is formulated to be very resistant to daily temperature fluctuations and the ultraviolet (UV) spectrum.

Hauraton is proud to say that all of its surface water drainage systems comply with European Standards (hENs) and carries the CE Mark.

www.hauraton.co.uk ts-uk@hauraton.com 01582 501380

With up to 20-year product guarantees, Altro can ensure healthcare environments provide an impervious, hygienic and durable environment, meeting the stringent requirements in critical hygiene areas.

With a vast array of colours, including wood-look designs, a warm and welcoming environment can be created to reduce stress and improve patient and staff wellbeing, without compromising on hygiene standards.

Altro provides a wide selection of floor solutions that can be used in all areas of health and care environments, including specialist safety solutions for areas with a high slip risk such as bathrooms and kitchens.

Altro has also been awarded DSDC accreditation, and is the only manufacturer to have HACCP approval for both floor and wall products.

For a full list of products that are included in the P22 standard components list, please visit the Altro website.

www.altro.co.uk enquiries@altro.com 01462 489516

FOCUS & INNOVATION

MAKE 2020 THE YEAR YOU GO SINGLE-USE PLASTICFREE WITH ZIP WATER 2019 has been something of a pivotal year for climate change. We saw weather extremes around the world, Greta Thunberg caused a media storm by challenging world leaders on their inaction and notably in June, the UK legally bound itself to be net-zero by 2050. certainly been a T here’s renewed commitment to tackling climate change due to mounting media attention on the devastating impact our wasteful society has caused on natural habitats. And, just as businesses are incorporating sustainability into their CSR programmes, local authorities, hospitals and universities – in fact, all public buildings – are under pressure to ensure they operate with the environment in mind.

Individually and at work, it’s vital that sustainability targets are taken seriously. Take schools, for example; they are a huge contributor to the country’s carbon emissions. In fact, they account for around 2% of UK greenhouse gas emissions, roughly the same as all the energy and transport emissions of Manchester, Newcastle and Bristol combined. This is equivalent to 15% of the country’s public sector emissions.

Any public building that has a high number of users has an obligation to provide certain safe, accessible facilities. But, of course, marrying safe and accessible – not to mention cost-effective – with sustainable, can often be a challenge.

One small area that can have a big impact is a building’s drinking water facilities. Far more than just a box to tick, having access to safe, filtered drinking water ensures users remain hydrated, ultimately improving wellbeing. Estates and facilities managers want a solution that is flexible and reliable, but most importantly, environmentallyfriendly. The good news is that there are so many options available now that remove any need for something that has been pinpointed as the scourge of the environment: single-use plastic.

As a creator of the world’s most advanced drinking water systems, Zip Water knows the importance

of encouraging employees, guests and students to stay hydrated and provides the best mains-fed solutions available for the public sector.

Our range of industry-leading mains-fed filtered drinking water solutions provide users a choice of pure-tasting boiling, chilled, sparkling and ambient water at the touch of a button thanks to its high-level filtration technology and high-performing, energyefficient systems. Having cleantasting water on-tap not only encourages users to drink more, but discourages them from buying unsustainable single-use plastic water bottles and instead refilling their own reusable water bottles.

In addition, the use of plastic containers that come with the majority of traditional water coolers is incredibly damaging.

With a regular plastic bottle taking 450 years to decompose, a quick

Wiltshire Council chose Zip for sustainable filtered boiling and chilled water.

Wiltshire Council has been hosting a countywide initiative for the last few years to encourage sustainable activity across its workforce and facilities.

This includes a commitment to reduce their carbon footprint, save energy and manage water use. The energy-saving credentials that come with choosing a Zip HydroTap help to achieve this goal.

decision to purchase a water cooler will continue to affect our planet for centuries.

With a range of products and services on offer, Zip can provide tailored solutions to meet any requirement and budget. Selected models can also help comply with equality requirements, with features such as accessibility levers and braille covers as well as infection control, thanks to a UV Out sterilisation feature.

If 2020 is the year you aim to make your building single-use plastic-free, contact Zip to discuss a competitive and bespoke package before 31st March 2020.

www.zipwater.co.uk 01362 852247

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FOCUS & INNOVATION

GET RELIABLE AND CONSISTENT ACCESS TO OVER 33,000 PRODUCTS WITH SCREWFIX In both the public and private sectors, accountability is a key focus, as are issues such as sustainability, energy efficiency and reducing cost. So how can Screwfix help?

As part of Kingfisher PLC, the international home improvement company, Screwfix is able to leverage business scale to offer a unified approach, where the customer always comes first. It

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delivers convenient, straightforward and affordable products to meet a wide range of building and maintenance needs, whilst recognising the need for sustainable and energy-efficient solutions.

Alongside an expanding store network of over 650 stores and strong digital offering, Screwfix is also able to offer a bespoke service to its B2B customers, with a unique set of features which

benefit large limited companies, PLCs, public and private sector organisations, managed by a dedicated account team. By providing reliable and consistent access to over 33,000 products, project managers can be confident that the appropriate materials are available, on time and on budget to get the job done.

In addition, management information is provided, which is indispensable to successfully deliver procurement strategies and calculate project or site budgets.

But Screwfix doesn’t stop at providing dependable supply chain solutions. It is continually looking at new ways to support customers in building a more sustainable supply of materials, without compromising on quality, convenience or price.

As a key account customer, you will have access to a number of key benefits, including management analysis and fast and accurate quotation systems, credit facilities, discounts for large-scale projects and many more.

www.screwfix.com online@screwfix.com 03330 112112

STATELY HOME SECURED WITH ADVANCED PROTECTION

CONSORT CLAUDGEN INTRODUCES NEW LST FAN

Hertfordshire-based Amida Fire undertook the phased upgrade of Badgeworth Court.

The country house is now being protected by benchmark multiprotocol panels from fire systems company, Advanced. The nature of the building made parts of the upgrade tricky, and wireless devices needed to be installed in some of the less accessible areas of the home. The MxPro 4’s timeclocks were used to configure multi sensors in kitchen and laundry areas so that at night, when fewer staff are on duty, the devices only detect smoke. During the day, when these areas are more actively in use, detection has been setup for a combination of heat and smoke. The MxPro multi-protocol fire system range has two panel ranges, four detector protocols and a completely open installer network – backed by free training and support. The panels can be used in single-loop, single-panel format or easily configured into high-speed, multiloop panels in 200 node networks covering huge areas.

Consort Claudgen has expanded its Electronic 7-day Timer range to include three new low surface temperature fan heaters; two of which are 500W and 750W heaters in the PLSTiE Slimline range and a new 2kW CN2MLSTiE heater. All heaters offer six heating periods per day, seven days a week, and have an optional open/ close window detection feature. They’re also enhanced with safety monitoring features and one of the latest low energy consumption EC motors. This allows the heaters to operate quietly, whilst still providing the best possible levels of comfort. Visit the Consort Claudgen website for more information and technical advice.

www.advancedco.com jmountain@advancedco.com 0345 894 7000

www.consortepl.com sales@consortepl.com 01646 692172

Helifix exhibited at London Build on 27-28 November 2019, displaying a vast range of products and repair techniques, illustrating the variety of faults that Helifix products can repair.

The in-house technical sales team and external technical business managers were on-hand to discuss specific projects and explain to visitors why Helifix repairs are often a more sustainable option.

Helifix products and its concealed, non-disruptive, installation techniques play an important role in preserving the built environment, from housing and offices to bridges and listed buildings. The sales and technical teams have considerable experience and technical expertise to discuss your projectspecific requirements and answer any questions you may have on your current or future building projects.

www.helifix.co.uk sales@helifix.co.uk 0208 735 5200

ASSA ABLOY DOOR GROUP OFFERS OPENINGS STUDIO BIM SOFTWARE

FOCUS & INNOVATION

HELIFIX SHOWCASE VAST RANGE OF REPAIR TECHNIQUES AT LONDON BUILD 2019

BIM is changing the building landscape, bringing with it improvements in design, specification, delivery and asset management. According to NBS’ National BIM Report 2019, 96% of contractors plan to use BIM in the next five years, but there is frustration over the lack of adoption from other stakeholders in the supply chain. When it comes to doorsets and ironmongery, in particular, using tools such as Openings Studio from ASSA ABLOY Opening Solutions UK & Ireland Door Group, can truly unlock the potential of BIM. The software, suitable for all building projects and applications, provides product information and performance data to comply with budgets and ensure Building Regulations are adhered to, while 3D views guarantee full design integration. Openings Studio can drive efficiencies in creating door schedules by linking to fire certifications and energy performance documents. Contractors can then view this information to assess precise quantities, pricing, compliance, links to supplier websites and installation instructions.

www.assaabloy.com/en/com/solutions/openings-studio aasdsales@assaabloy.com 028 9266 2200

NASC AND SIMIAN SKILL ANSWER FORMER SOLDIER’S APPEAL

PHOENIX CONTINUOUS HINGE BY COOKE BROTHERS The Phoenix Continuous Hinge, produced and supplied by Cooke Brothers for over 100 years, is often referred to as a piano hinge following its use securing the lids of piano keyboards.

Continuous hinges provide a visually neat and high-quality hinging solution for any lid, door, cupboard or hatch, compared to the use of several shorter individual butt hinges. Rebating is not required, with the hinges being surface fitted to both door and frame. Able to be cut down to match the full length of the door, continuous hinges provide accurate alignment, a strong and secure installation, and even load distribution over the full length of a door.

The NASC and Simian Skill have joined forces to help a former soldier take the next step in his career in the scaffolding industry. The organisations teamed up after scaffolder Liam Gibbons reached out for assistance via the NASC’s Facebook account. Liam’s appeal struck a chord with incoming NASC President Lynn Way, who has made greater engagement with the Armed Forces and creating more career opportunities for former military personnel, core objectives of her presidency. As such, the NASC and Simian Skill have agreed to co-fund Liam’s Part 2 and VQ training. He will now complete his Part 2 training at Simian Skill’s Waltham Forest training centre in January 2020.

www.nasc.org.uk

simon.robinson@nasc.org.uk

0207 822 7400

MOAT TEAM GETS HANDS ON AT THE WINDOW COMPANY (CONTRACTS) Award-winning commercial installer The Window Company (Contracts) proudly boasts that it has the best trained workforce in the industry, with a comprehensive individual training plan in place for every member of its team. The company has put together a CPD for its clients to now help them learn about the latest regulations and best practice guidelines governing window and door installation. Moat was first up, teaching and testing its project managers with 10 typical window and door installation challenges. Moat considered the CPD a great success and is repeating the workshop for additional staff in early 2020.

www.cookebrothers.co.uk sales@cookebrothers.co.uk 01922 740001 www.thewinco.co.uk

thornton@thewinco.co.uk

01245 268120

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FOCUS & INNOVATION

STANDALONE ENERGY-SAVING CONTROLS FOR HEATING AND COOLING

TAILORED UFH AND AIR SOURCE SOLUTION FOR SOCIAL HOUSING DEVELOPMENT Carlisle-based heating sector specialist, Tailored Heat, has delivered an inscreed underfloor heating system and air source heat pump package for the redevelopment of old, hard-to-heat social housing properties in an off-gas area on the North East coast. Bernicia, a leading affordable housing provider in the region, is building nine new energyefficient dwellings at Seahouses. Sharon Lake, Bernicia Programme Manager, said: “The air source heat pump system with the underfloor heating was specified to take advantage of the opportunities new technologies offer to provide tenants with high-quality new homes which are economic to run with low fuel bills.”

www.tailoredheat.co.uk info@tailoredheat.co.uk 01228 210444

DANLERS manufactures a range of quality controls for switching a variety of HVAC loads – the switches are wall-mounted, hard-wired and easy to install. The Heater Boost Switches range automatically turns the load off after a selected time period has elapsed, and is designed for use with immersion heaters and heated towel rails etc. The PIR Thermostat Controls combines an adjustable room thermostat with a passive infrared person detector. If somebody is present in the room, the heating unit is switched on to achieve the selected thermostat temperature.

If nobody is present, the room temperature is allowed to fall to a set-back temperature.

www.danlers.co.uk

01249 443377

COUNCIL HEADS TO THE TOILET TO IMPROVE TOWN APPEAL AND ACCESSIBILITY Tamworth Borough Council is utilising the latest toilet technology to deliver enhanced facilities in the Tamworth Castle grounds, which are no longer limited by seasonal opening hours.

Alongside, an assisted accessible toilet – also known as a Changing Places toilet – features a Closomat Palma Vita wash and dry smart toilet. Automatically operated, the Closomat effectively washes and dries the user with no need to wipe with toilet paper, giving greater cleanliness and hygiene and – for those who need help – greater dignity and independence.

Under British Standards (BS8300:2018), it’s best practice to provide a Changing Places toilet in addition to conventional accessible facilities in buildings where the public spend time.

www.closomat.co.uk

VOICE ALARM SYSTEM BIM OBJECTS ANNOUNCED BY UK MANUFACTURER Baldwin Boxall has announced the availability of BIM objects for its VIGIL3 and VIGIL2 voice alarm systems. These new files add to the company’s readily available library of BIM Objects. BIM (Building Information Modelling) increases efficiency, reduces costs and saves time for building and infrastructure projects. There are many benefits to this type of approach for the construction industry and because of this, companies worldwide are increasingly adopting it. The company’s BIM Object files are now downloadable both from its own website and also via the NBS National BIM Library, without charge. Baldwin Boxall is a renowned, well-respected UK designer and manufacturer of voice alarm and emergency voice communication systems. It has a wide-ranging project portfolio and customer survey responses to be proud of. The company strives to always understand the needs of the industry and its customers as well as end-users.

www.baldwinboxall.co.uk mail@baldwinboxall.co.uk 01892 664422

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sales@danlers.co.uk

info@clos-o-mat.com

0161 969 1199

HYGROMATIK REACHES NEW HEIGHTS WITH ENVIRONMENTAL CHAMBER The School of Science and Technology at Nottingham Trent University wanted a facility that could study how the human body would react to different climates. To this end, it decided to invest in an environmental chamber that could simulate different conditions in order to aid its Sports Science program.

Environmental control specialists TIS Services undertook the project to faithfully imitate the humidity of any location in the world. This required precision control, which led them to specify HygroMatik’s FlexLine Plus steam humidifier to control variables such as temperature, humidity and altitude. The FlexLine units are available as electrode or heater element humidifiers, depending on water quality and the desired level of control.

www.hygromatik.com info@hygromatik.co.uk 02380 443127

FOCUS & INNOVATION The loadbearing system range comprises:

INTRODUCING THE NEW AND REVOLUTIONARY THRUBUILD® SYSTEM The EOS Thrubuild® loadbearing system uses offsite manufacture and the latest testing to deliver structures faster, with assured performance built in. Developed in collaboration with Etex Building Performance brands – EOS, Siniat and Promat – the system makes use of the latest products, technical know-how and manufacturing excellence of the Etex Building Performance team. loadbearing, light steel, T he‘through the wall’ system, has been developed to form the structure of low- to medium-rise buildings, up to nine-storeys, and fully tested with boarding and insulation for confidence of design performance. The light steel framework is panelised in the factory and delivered to site for assembly.

Partial boarding of these frames can also take place offsite depending on the system and build process.

‘One stop’ specification By working in collaboration with Etex Building Performance, the loadbearing system allows a one stop specification process. Product, structure and performance are integrated into one package of design information.

Certification The EOS loadbearing system is Stage 1 NHBC certified by SCI, certificate number 20180325.

EOS and Siniat manufacturing facilities are certified to ISO 9001 and ISO 14001.

EOS operates to stringent Health & Safety standards and are certified to ISO45001:2018.

Products are CE Marked to the requirements of products and steel structures standards.

A different structural approach Designing with light steel structural systems is not complex but requires a different approach. It is based on transferring loads throughout the building and through as many walls as are practical.

Internal and external walls become fundamental parts of the primary structure, rather than just infill pieces that only carry their own weight and directly applied loads. As a result, fire resistance requirements often increase compared to non-loadbearing steel as each element must be protected for the structure’s period of resistance, rather than solely as fire compartments.

System overview The EOS Thrubuild® loadbearing system has been developed as an integrated solution, using our range of light steel framing, Siniat Weather Defence external sheathing board, and Siniat Frameboard, an internal plasterboard exclusively developed

Internal separating walls, between units, using twin 65mm studs or deeper Internal dividing walls, within a unit, using 100mm studs or deeper External walls, using 100mm studs or deeper Internal dividing floors, within a unit, using 150mm steel joists or deeper Internal separating floors, between units, using 150mm steel joists or deeper.

for EOS loadbearing systems

by Siniat, a world leader in plasterboard materials. These integrated systems have been tested and assessed for compliance with the latest regulations and standards to ensure robust and reliable design performance.

By considering all components, systems can be relied upon to offer excellent fire, acoustic and thermal capabilities to suit the needs of UK single and multi-residential construction.

All systems have also been engineered for structural performance to the latest Eurocodes.

www.eosframing.co.uk enquiries@eosuk.org 01325 303030

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Mediation Training Programme A facilitative and evaluative approach to mediation in the built environment Highly practical and intensive, the RICS Mediation Training Programme will prepare you to mediate the most complex disputes to the highest standards across land, property, construction and infrastructure.

This face-to-face course embraces the facilitative and evaluative approaches to mediation. Our expert trainers will provide you with in-depth, practical coaching and you will receive feedback from both your trainer and your peers.

To enrol today visit: w rics.org/mediation

t 02476 868 584