PSBJ January 2014

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January 2014

Revitalising the high street New approach to retail creates a distinct market plaza

Call for support CE marking roundtable brings concerns to the fore

Premium floorspace Treat surfaces with a costeffective heating solution

A bright outlook New campus enhanced by modern glazing systems

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Cover image

The new publically-funded market building at The Moor in Sheffield demonstrates a fresh approach to high street regeneration, one that is successfully revitalising the city centre and unlocking the future development pipeline for Sheffield. See page 8.

Welcome. . .

Welcome to the January issue of Public Sector Build Journal

Editor Hannah Frackiewicz hannah@mixedmediainfo.com Managing Director Sam Ball sam@mixedmediainfo.com Advertising Sales Steve Gull steve@mixedmediainfo.com Tom Murray-Scott tom@mixedmediainfo.com Bobby Stoneman bobby@mixedmediainfo.com Studio Manager Chris Lilly chris@mixedmediainfo.com Artworker/Sub-editor Ben Bridgeman ben@mixedmediainfo.com Accounts Simone Jones simone@mixedmediainfo.com Publisher Mixed Media Information Barham Court Teston Maidstone Kent ME18 5BZ T: 01622 232702 F: 01622 320020 www.mixedmediainfo.com www.psbj.co.uk

As I write, Chancellor George Osborne yesterday updated MPs on the state of the economy and the Government’s future plans in his Autumn Statement. In a bid to improve the housing market, the Chancellor unveiled proposed measures including: £1bn of loans to unlock large housing developments outside London; Capital Gains Tax to be paid by foreign sellers of UK homes from April 2015; councils to sell off the most expensive social housing; rundown urban housing estates to be regenerated; and workers who live in council houses to be given priority on housing lists if they need to move home to find a job.

The sector has, on the whole, welcomed these efforts, yet others feel these measures are simply not enough. Commenting on the Autumn Statement, London Councils’ Executive member for housing, Mayor Sir Steve Bullock, said: “By 2021, over 800,000 new homes will need to be built in London, but the Government’s latest attempt to address this crisis through increasing council borrowing capacity does not go far enough and has too many strings attached.”

Meanwhile, Liz Peace, Chief Executive of the British Property Federation, said: “While it is right that communities can see the benefits of accepting new development in their area, we would urge Government to be cautious. Either this bribe for households will be paid from existing developer contributions, and so divert funds away from badly needed infrastructure or this will represent an extra contribution that developers must pay – on top of their alreadyonerous Community Infrastructure Levy and section-106 payments.”

PSBJ welcomes any further comments relating to December’s Autumn Statement.

Responses can be forwarded to the usual address hannah@mixedmediainfo.com. In the meantime I hope you enjoy this issue, which features the latest high profile case studies and talking points covering KBB, Disability, Balustrades, HVAC and Landscaping – as well as our regular four key public sector areas.

Hannah Frackiewicz

Hannah Frackiewicz | Editor | hannah@mixedmediainfo.com

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

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Contents

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Using a patented design

06 News A round-up of the latest industry news including new contracts, awards, framework placements and much more.

shredded bonded recycled r resin bonded stone along w steel subframe and tray sys Furniture in collaboration wi able to offer the only true 10 compliant tree grille available

08 Upfront By working with the existing fabric of the city centre, the completion of the £22.5m first phase redevelopment of The Moor in Water Sheffield demonstrates a fresh approach to the regeneration of the UK’s high streets.

Resin bonded stone

14 Education An innovative £18m education facility has achieved a BREEAM ‘Excellent’ rating thanks, in part, to the use of Senior Architectural Systems’ solutions.

18 Talking Point

Resin bonded shredded Shamir Jiwa, Managing Director at MAXIM Eyes, rubber

the energy connections and supply specialist, looks at the benefits of taking a broader Aggregate ground fill 360-degree approach to the energy strategy.

22 Paints & Coatings A prestigious Somerset school has selected Dulux Trade Diamond Matt and Dulux Trade Diamond Eggshell as part of the redecoration of its restaurant.

16 Disability

20 KBB

24 Balustrades

Danish mobility company Ergolet has installed its Luna overhead hoisting system, featuring the unique wall-mounted E-track, at Kingfisher Community Special School in Oldham.

PSBJ Editor Hannah Frackiewicz reports on an exclusive roundtable discussion on why more support is needed over policing of CE marking.

Sapphire’s systems strike the perfect balance between durability and visual appeal for residential balconies in four new London tower blocks.

Flexi-Bol

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26 Landscaping

34 HVAC

The Library of Birmingham has captured the imagination of the British public since it opened in September 2013. Here, Wienerberger discusses the specification of the intricate paving.

In contrast to the common misconception that underfloor heating is a luxury system, underfloor heating systems can deliver significant whole-life cost savings, as Warmafloor explains.

28 Healthcare

38 Leisure

Paul Campbell, Commercial Sector Manager at British Gypsum, explores how the use of robust materials in healthcare construction projects can help keep costs in check.

Graham Buckham, Commercial Specification Manager at Rada, gives an insight into some of the benefits commercial washrooms can offer to leisure projects.

32 Housing

40 Product Showcase

Over the course of 2013, the village of Jaywick was transformed thanks to a ÂŁ1.6m CESP, which funded a large scale window replacement programme in REHAU profile.

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

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News

xsite makes its mark at Blyth Estuary site Award-winning xsite architecture, the design team behind some of the region’s foremost regeneration schemes, will soon embark upon its transformation of the longterm vacant Commissioner’s Quay site in Blyth.

Arch, The Northumberland Development Company has appointed xsite as lead design consultant and architect to develop a masterplan and designs for three phases of building after a competitive tender earlier this year.

Located in the Blyth Estuary Enterprise Zone, the first phase in the regeneration of this exciting mixed-use landmark scheme, Blyth Workspace, will form the centrepiece of the development.

Blyth Workspace will sit within a landscaped setting and its serviced office accommodation of some 30,000ft2 will offer occupiers a range of office sizes together with informal meeting and social areas as well as conference room facilities. Its location within the LEP’s Enterprise Zone confers additional benefits to investors as well as its proximity to NaRec and the Port of Blyth, which combine to make it a highly significant and attractive proposition.

Sinclair Meadows wins national award Not-for-profit housing provider, Four Housing, is celebrating success after its flagship carbon negative development – built by Galliford Try – won a national construction award. Sinclair Meadows, the UK’s first carbon negative social housing development won the ‘Innovation’ category at the Constructing Excellence Awards, during a ceremony held at The Tower, London.

The scheme, located in South Shields

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Public Sector Build Journal

in the North East of England, meets the local community’s need for 100% affordable housing while leading the way in creating truly sustainable homes. It comprises 21 affordable homes including nine threebedroom houses and 12 two-bedroom apartments.

Catriona Lingwood, Chief Executive of Constructing Excellence in the North East, said: “Sinclair Meadows was chosen as the winner of the Innovation award because of its truly innovative design principles. The judges were very impressed with the culture change the residence had achieved and the impressive data being produced which is being tracked and analysed by a local university. It was great to see a North East project honoured on a national scale and rightly so, the project has achieved some phenomenal things!”

London Councils responds to GLA Housing Strategy In response to the launch of the Mayor of London’s Housing Strategy, Sir Steve Bullock, Executive member for housing at London Councils, said: “The announcement of funding for housing in London is welcome; I am interested to see what proportion of this is new money. It sounds like a lot, but represents a fraction of the homes London needs. London Councils is calling for over 800,000 homes to be built by 2021 to safeguard London’s future prosperity and Londoners’ jobs: councils must be allowed to borrow and build for the remainder of the decade to have any hope of dealing with this housing crisis.”

Student architect's project wows local council

Balfour Beatty awarded Framework placements Balfour Beatty, the international infrastructure group, has been awarded a place on two Frameworks totalling £4bn in value, to construct and refurbish educational buildings across England for the Education Funding Agency (EFA).

The frameworks cover the North and South, and each has an anticipated spend of £2bn over four years. They are designed to ensure that new and refurbished buildings supplied to the EFA are of a standardised, high quality design and meet energy consumption, day lighting and security targets.

One aspect of delivery will be the use of BIM (Building Information Modelling) during design and construction. This will optimise value for money and provide design solutions with the lowest whole life cost; an area in which Balfour Beatty excels and has been used in a number of its school projects to date.

An award-winning student architect whose final project looked at transforming the seaside town of Whitby, has been invited to present his idea to its council members.

Suki Sehmbi, 21, who has just graduated with a first-class honours degree in architecture and environmental design from Sheffield Hallam University, will be visiting Whitby Town Council in January where he will talk through his design to improve the economy, environment and architecture in Whitby.

His project, for which he was awarded the Gold Prize in the undergraduate category in this summer’s Royal Institute of British Architects (RIBA) Yorkshire Student Awards, looked at generating business and economic growth through the design of a regenerated site around the marina close to the mouth of the River Esk. Suki hopes his design, which features morning markets, afternoon beer halls and new community meeting spaces, will encourage more business in the area with predicted profits making room for further developments in the town.

School gets set for new sports hall One of Lancashire’s oldest schools is about to end its long wait for a new sports hall.

At the end of October work was started on a new £2m project at Clitheroe Royal

News Grammar School. Designed by leading North West architects, Cassidy + Ashton, the 1030m2 sports hall will be constructed

by Preston-based contractor, Warden Construction, in a 36-week programme due to complete in July 2014.

The scheme is designed to enhance indoor and all-weather sporting facilities at the mixed, selective 11-18 grammar school, which dates back to 1554.

Creating an environment for a wide range of sports, including badminton, five-aside football, tennis, mini-tennis, netball, basketball and cricket, the new sports hall will feature retractable seating for up to 270 spectators and will also be suitable for use as a meeting space. The main, doubleheight gymnasium will be served by an entrance foyer, a small office, student and staff changing areas and an associated plant room, with two storage rooms located to the rear of the building.

Mansell builds new technical free school in Corby

Mansell, a Balfour Beatty company, has completed the design and build of the new Corby Technical School for the Brooke Weston Trust under the Government’s Academies Framework.

The £6.2m free school is designed to facilitate an education with a strong technical bias. It offers a curriculum that particularly suits young people who have shown a strong aptitude for technical subjects including engineering, electronics and computer programming.

The new two-storey building houses faculties situated in the wings, together

with a sports hall, technology area, library and theatre. Designed for 475 pupils, the building features glass-fronted classrooms that cater for smaller class sizes.

Construction of the project took place within a live environment and required pupils to be temporarily relocated into an existing onsite teaching block that was refurbished as part of the contract.

framework for new build and refurbishment of NHS facilities to £50m this year.

The latest contract award for The Royal National Orthopaedic Hospital [RNOH], Stanmore, is to provide two new residential blocks, clinical refurbishment works to a number of wards, pharmacy and outpatients unit alongside a range of statutory compliance works and small works projects, with a value of £10m.

Miller is currently working at the RNOH, the UK’s leading orthopaedic hospital, delivering a number of enabling works projects. Works have been completed to underground services and a range of infrastructure projects, including construction of new car parks, access roads and an estates compound.

Landmark market opens in Sheffield Designed using both contemporary and traditional elements, the purpose built market is setting a high quality standard for future retail and market developments across Europe.

The Moor Market provides 73,000ft2 of new space for local traders and was designed by leading architects, Leslie Jones, on behalf of Sheffield City Council.

The firm drew inspiration from traditional market halls and used innovative modern construction techniques and high quality materials to create this exciting building.

Brian Tracey, Director at Leslie Jones Architecture said: “Traditional markets possess great theatre and character, although many of the buildings themselves tend to be rather run down. At The Moor Market we wanted to capture the energy in the architecture itself, whilst still enabling the theatre of markets to unfold inside.

As retail specialists, we also understand the need for the building to meet the demands of modern businesses and so The Moor Market meets all the functional requirements owners, management and tenants can expect from a 21st century market.”

Miller secures new ProCure 21+ framework contract Miller has won another major health project on the ProCure 21+ framework, taking the value of contracts secured on the national

GB Building Solutions selected for housing scheme GB Building Solutions has started work in Knotty Ash, Liverpool on a £6.3m affordable housing scheme for Riverside, a leading provider of social housing in the UK. The land has been gifted to Riverside

by Liverpool City Council as part of the mayoral pledge to deliver 2078 new homes in Liverpool city by 2015. The pledge is being delivered by Liverpool Housing Consortium (LHC), made up of housing associations Riverside, Plus Dane Group, SLH Group and Symphony Housing Group.

The consortium has submitted a proposal to support Liverpool City Council in the delivery of 1000 new homes over three years on sites identified within the council’s Strategic Land Disposal Programme.

The development comprises 50 twobedroom houses, two one-bedroom bungalows, three two-bedroom bungalows, four one-bedroom apartments and 16 twobedroom apartments, all of which will be available for affordable rent.

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Upfront What we need is a vibrant and distinct shopping experience in our town centres – something that will entertain and excite the consumer.

The Moor offer

Moor than just retail

A prime example of this type of approach can be seen at the £22.5m redevelopment of The Moor in Sheffield. This includes a new market building designed by Leslie Jones for Sheffield City Council and the creation of 60,000ft2 of adjacent retail space for Scottish Widows Investment Property Partnership Trust (SWIPPT). This combination of different retail offerings is the start of an exciting new destination for consumers, where local businesses and the high street can serve and excite a wide demographic.

As retail specialists, we knew the success of this new offering would, in part, be down to the building’s design. The retail units and market would be required to meet the needs of the council, SWIPPT, tenants and management alike – whilst still being delivered on time and in budget.

We therefore used modern construction techniques and high quality materials to create a practical and vibrant space that adds to the shopping experience.

As a result the scheme has already been successful with an increase in footfall in the area since The Moor Market opened on 25 November last year. In addition, further regeneration has been unlocked through additional investment from SWIPPT, as the

The design of the new retail units complements the surrounding infrastructure and history of Sheffield

The new publically-funded market building at The Moor in Sheffield demonstrates a fresh approach to high street regeneration, one that is successfully revitalising the city centre and unlocking the future development pipeline for Sheffield. Brian Tracey, Director at Leslie Jones Architecture, the firm behind the design for the new landmark building, explains more.

T

he future of our high streets has been a major concern at both a local and national level for years now. From Mary Portas to the Distressed Retail Property Taskforce, there has been an explosion of individuals and bodies setting out their agenda for positive change and regeneration. Many of these ideas have merit and will help to shape the high street of the future.

The Chancellor’s eagerly anticipated

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announcement in the Autumn Statement of a two per cent cap on business rate rises, amongst other changes to support small businesses, is another recent example of a measure that will support our high streets. However, while this provides a lifeline to small scale shopkeepers and retailers, it does little to drive people offline and onto the pavement. Nor does it help businesses of any size to compete with the convenience of out-of-town shopping.

Internally, Leslie Jones has worked with the stallholders and the council to ensure it created a suitably contemporary setting

Upfront

Modern construction techniques and high quality materials were used to create a practical and vibrant space

The new, purpose-built 73,000ft2 market includes 200 three metre square stalls, many of which are combined to form larger units for around 90 traders – making it the

grabbing marketing tactics used by stallholders have always attracted people to markets. However, at The Moor this theatre and traditional character is combined with the existing high street to create an excitingly modern retail mix. This is in direct contrast to what was happening at the market’s former location in Castlegate,

t

The theatre of markets

largest concentration of small businesses in the city centre. However, what is really unique about the approach taken to regeneration at The Moor is the fact the scheme is anchored by a new market hall that can provide a diverse shopping experience as well as entertainment.

The colourful produce and attention

Leslie Jones has drawn inspiration from contemporary European markets including an innovative timber-weave cladding

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sole owner of the remaining 600,000ft2 of retail space on The Moor.

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Upfront where footfall has been falling for many years due to the site’s relative isolation on the edge of the city centre. Combining the market with the existing fabric of the high street in the heart of the city can benefit both types of retail.

The market also brings a rich and vibrant new culinary experience to the area, which is attracting even more shoppers. 60 per cent of stalls are dedicated to food, many of which offer local produce. There are 12 cafe stalls serving a variety of cuisines and a central demonstration kitchen to bring this produce to life. This provides the consumer with an enriched experience and ensures a visit to the market is about more than just shopping.

By implementing this type of improved shopping and leisure offer throughout our towns and cities we can put an end to the ‘nipping down the shops’ mentality of the British public. This will increase dwell time and ultimately lead to more pounds being spent in our town centres and high streets.

Leading by design

A dramatic brass-clad entrance arch on The Moor, contrasts with the more restrained rectangular frames of the retail units

The new, purpose built 73,000ft2 market includes 200 three metre square stalls

10 Public Sector Build Journal

rectangular frames of the retail units.

Flow between The Moor and the market has been further encouraged by a row of large, glazed sliding doors to the side of the entrance arch. This ensures the market can spill out into the street as a clear extension of the high street, blurring the lines between the interior and exterior space.

For the remaining external envelope, we have drawn inspiration from contemporary European markets including an innovative timber-weave cladding. This alternates with projecting courses of 490mm long roman bricks that echo the Victorian red-brick architecture of Sheffield. The brickwork corners on the rear sides to the high street also echo the new fire station opposite.

Internally, we have worked with the

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This project presented a number of challenges: the majority of the frontage on The Moor is made up of the new retail units and therefore the market needed to be a landmark building in its own right in order to draw footfall off the street and add a new dimension to The Moor. Our approach as designers was therefore to capture the energy of the market in the architecture itself, whilst still enabling the market to come to life inside. We achieved this through the creation of a dramatic brass-clad entrance arch on The Moor, contrasting with the more restrained

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Upfront

The market brings a rich and vibrant new culinary experience to the area, which is attracting even more shoppers

The retail mix The design of the new retail units also complements the surrounding infrastructure and history of Sheffield. For example, the existing Portland stone cladding of the 1950s buildings on The Moor is echoed in the crisp white cladding, which has been formed using dolomite aggregate.

Meanwhile, the design of the stainless steel parapet panels on the tops of the units and the perforated metal gates is based on silverware on display at Sheffield Museum Galleries.

The 60,000ft2 of new retail space for SWIPPT has also already been successful in attracting retailers not previously in the

12 Public Sector Build Journal

area, such as TJ Hughes. This success can in part be put down to combination of types of retail space – the flexible, modern units required for nationwide brands alongside a new city centre home for existing, local traders. This mix of different and yet complimentary retail offer presents the shopper with a new experience and multiple options in one destination, a diversity which will benefit both new and existing tenants.

This new retail offer will be further enhanced by the next phase of the redevelopment. Commencing in early 2014, phase two will provide additional retail units, seven new restaurants and a nine screen cinema. This additional leisure space will complete the transformation of The Moor into a bustling day and night time economy, while encouraging more complementary office and residential use accommodation to be built.

The result of the first phase of the project is a design which emphases the mix of retail and leisure offerings on The Moor by placing a dramatic new market building alongside modern, functional retail units. This offer is already ensuring The Moor remains relevant as a city centre destination. This can – and should – be replicated on other high streets across the UK. By combining national retailers in properly configured, modern space alongside more local niche operators and

leisure facilities, we can create destinations within town centres that are safe, attractive, distinctive and successful.

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stallholders and the council to ensure we continue to create a suitably contemporary setting for the theatre of the market to unfold ensuring the maximum internal area has been made available for the display of goods. Traders also benefit from the geometry of the building which draws footfall along the longest axis via a large central space to aid orientation.

In addition, the market interior provides a robust low maintenance, loose fit aesthetic that can respond to the changing needs of stallholders. While the use of exposed timber and expressed yellow ductwork provides an added feeling of warmth and excitement to the interior.

www.lesliejones.co.uk

Projecting courses of 490mm long roman bricks echo the Victorian red-brick architecture of Sheffield

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Education

Systems unite for building excellence An innovative £18m education facility has achieved a BREEAM 'Excellent' rating thanks, in part, to the use of Senior Architectural Systems' groundbreaking Hybrid curtain walling, door and window systems.

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unded by Haringey Council as part of its Capital Funding Programme and believed to be the first of its kind in the UK, the 6,000m2 Broadwater Inclusive Learning Campus, designed by architects Gollifer Langston, amalgamates three schools. These include the mainstream Broadwater Farm Primary School and two special needs schools – William C Harvey School and the Moselle School – all at Broadwater Farm in Tottenham.

The Broadwater Farm estate, consisting of 1063 properties, was constructed in 1967 and by 1973 the estate was fully occupied. Design faults and lack of amenities saw queues of tenants requesting transfers elsewhere and more than 50% of potential tenants refusing offers of accommodation there. By 1985, tensions between young residents and police in the area had grown, giving rise to civil disturbances.

Following the clashes, Haringey Council took measures to improve the area, including the completion of urban regeneration; opening community centres, a health centre and transforming a nearby recreation ground. These improvements are continuing today and in 2009 it was announced that the three schools on the site, along with a children’s centre, would all become part of the Inclusive Learning Campus, bringing young people with varying educational needs together. Senior’s assistance with the fenestration on the project has helped to deliver a modern, state-of-the-art campus which is certainly beneficial to the regeneration of the area.

The two-storey school was programmed for delivery over three phases to enable the existing schools to remain open during the construction process. Phase one included the construction of around 50% of the new concrete frame building, which consisted

Louvres incorporated across the full span of the south facing main elevation have been colour matched to the Senior Hybrid curtain wall, powder-coated at Senior’s in-house coating facility

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The soft coat low-e glass units by Senior provide exceptional acoustic and thermal performance whilst reducing solar gain

of classrooms for reception and years one and two, together with a hydrotherapy pool and main hall which benefit from copious amounts of natural light and ventilation through the incorporation of Senior’s Hybrid Series 3 curtain wall system and Series 2 windows.

Ideal contrast Fabricated and installed by Cardiff-based Denval Co Ltd, the Senior Hybrid curtain wall system offers an aluminium external profile providing exceptional performance, long-life and low maintenance with contrasting engineered timber internally to provide an ideal combination of aesthetics, high insulation properties and strong environmental benefits.

Powder-coated externally in dust grey and internally in pine with a clear lacquer for added protection, Senior’s Hybrid composite timber and aluminium system incorporates double glazed units comprising a laminated pane and a toughened pane for security and safety of the children.

Senior’s glass systems were specified by architects Gollifer Langston for the whole project, ensuring a complete Senior system was used throughout the building. This ensured the campus had a consistent, uniformed look, while specifying Senior’s glass system in conjunction with its Hybrid and aluminium systems ensured the smooth logistical running of the project, not to mention a host of cost and time savings due to the specification of a complete system.

The soft coat low-e glass units by Senior

Education

Senior’s glass systems were specified by architects Gollifer Langston for the whole project, ensuring a complete Senior system was used throughout the building

classrooms for years 3-6. The campus also boasts an amphitheatre, library, art space and dedicated food technology and life skills suite. In addition, there is a sensory garden, multi-use games area, wildlife pond, horticultural area and external teaching zones, along with hard and soft play areas.

The implementation of these facilities shows how far Broadwater Farm has come since its conception in 1967.

Built-in automation To help meet its ‘Excellent’ BREEAM rating, the building incorporates a sophisticated building management system, including manually operated Hybrid Series 2 top

opening vents within the Senior curtain wall system together with a high level of automated vent control. Actuators are built in to the Hybrid frames to enable automatic operation of the top light windows without the use of handles for added safety.

Finished in RAL 7037, louvres incorporated across the full span of the south facing main elevation have been colour matched to the Senior Hybrid curtain wall, powder coated at Senior’s sophisticated in-house coating facility. Glazed feature panels in warm pastel shades incorporated into the Hybrid Series 3 curtain wall to the entrance and common areas, pool and gym, add visual contrast both internally and externally.

Senior’s SCW aluminium curtain wall, meanwhile, provides an elegant treatment for the two-storey stairwell areas with the robust SMR 800 aluminium curtain wall detailed for the entrance areas. Senior SD automatic and manual doors, designed to integrate fully with both the Hybrid and aluminium curtain wall systems have been incorporated throughout the building.

Phase three of the project included the demolition of the remaining sections of the original buildings and the creation of extensive external play and community areas.

Through this project, Haringey Council has moved away from the idea of Broadwater Farm as a place of rioting, seen 28 years ago. The council has successfully created a new legacy for the area through the provision of modern facilities accessible to all.

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provide exceptional acoustic and thermal performance whilst reducing solar gain, achieving an overall U-value of 1.5 W/2K. Senior is the only systems manufacturer in the UK to manufacture both aluminium and timber composite systems and glass units to deliver a complete solution to the architect.

Senior’s glass systems are manufactured at a site in Scarborough while other manufacturing sites are located in Doncaster, Newport and Livingston.

Phase two of the project included the demolition of William C Harvey and Broadwater Farm schools and the construction of the remaining areas including kitchens, offices, gym, music facilities and

The building achieves a vast amount of natural light and ventilation thanks to Senior’s Hybrid Series 3 curtain wall system and Series 2 windows

www.seniorarchitectural.co.uk

Public Sector Build Journal 15

Healthcare Disability The installation in the hydrotherapy pool suite is discreet and ideal for disabled access in public swimming pool complexes.

The portability of the Luna lifting unit and wall-mounted tracking means unsightly and space intensive mobility equipment does not have to be a permanent feature poolside.

Fitted just below ceiling height, the E-Wall track is discreet and the entire mobility system blends into the room. Unlike fixed ceiling tracks, the layout of furniture can be altered with the changing needs of the user, which was of paramount importance in a learning environment.

Mobility boosts special school Danish mobility company Ergolet has installed its Luna overhead hoisting system, featuring the unique wall-mounted E-track, at Kingfisher Community Special School in Oldham to significantly improve pupils' access to facilities throughout the building.

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Fitted just below ceiling height, the E-Wall track is discreet and the entire mobility system blends into the room

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he installation – the first of its kind at a UK special school – was part of a multi-million pound refurbishment programme at the school, designed to ensure that children with complex and severe mobility needs have the best access to specialist learning environments.

A total of 18 rooms at the school, including classrooms, toilets and a hydrotherapy pool and changing areas, were fitted with the system. The E-track and Luna system covers the full length and breadth of each room allowing the most severely disabled, who are usually reliant on floor hoists or fixed-track overhead systems, to reach all corners of the room.

The E-tracks are fitted on opposite walls along the length of each room, a traverse track is fitted to the E-track to span the width of the room, and the Luna lifting unit is connected to the traverse rail. The flexibility of the system allows the Luna ‘pod’ to be transferred simply, easily and quickly from one room, or system, to another.

A hand-held remote control device controls lifting and lowering, while carers at the school can assist with movement around the room.

Cost-effective and functional Ergolet’s David Lomas said his company won the contract based on the ease of installation, use and cost effectiveness of the system. He said: “We were contacted by the school at a late stage because the planned traditional installation of overhead hoists was proving to be more difficult and costly than anticipated.

“The original buildings date back to the 70s so to make the use of overhead hoists work together with the old building and the new build project, it would have been necessary to install additional cumbersome and costly steel beams. By using E-track, installation time can be reduced by 70%, giving a real cost saving.”

The installation of the wall-mounted E-track and Luna lifting systems was the first of its kind at a special school in the UK. In the hydrotherapy pool building, for example, the versatility of the wall-mounted E-track means the pupils can be transferred directly from changing room to poolside and, when not in use, the Luna pods can be removed completely.

This capability can have additional benefits when being used in a public swimming pool environment, where lifting hoists and equipment permanently situated at poolside can be unsightly and cumbersome.

Cath Croke, Moving and Handling Manager at the school said the installation had made a significant difference to both pupils and staff. She said: “It has certainly made the quality of life so much better for those pupils with more severe mobility issues. Floor mounted mobile hoists aren’t suitable in soft play areas, for example, so this system literally means that all pupils, whatever their mobility issues, have the opportunity to access all the learning environments throughout the school.”

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It was important for the school to source a heating system which offered a truly effective way of keeping emissions and fuel costs to a minimum The versatility of the wall-mounted E-track means the pupils can be transferred directly from changing room to poolside

www.ergolet.com

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Public Sector Build Journal 17

Talking Point

Delivering a 360° strategy A major ongoing cost for any public sector building is the price of the energy needed to run it and this continues to spiral ever upwards. Here Shamir Jiwa, Managing Director at MAXIM Eyes, the energy connections and supply specialist, looks at the benefits of taking a broader 360-degree approach to the energy strategy from the outset of a construction project in order to achieve 'greener' more energy efficient solutions as well as achieve long term financial savings.

U

ntil now the emphasis has been on demonstrating and implementing sound designs that ensure that projects are the most efficient and carbon friendly that they can possibly be. This includes using innovative design solutions like incorporating energy efficient construction materials, installing heat exchangers, opting for solar panels or looking to wind power to generate energy, and these are now all quite common practices when it comes to designing and constructing any public sector building.

But the expectation is for buildings, both new and existing, to continue to get ever greener, so we collectively need to look at energy procurement and usage on an all encompassing level and take a

broader 360° approach. This will enable everyone to become more cost effective and move closer towards being carbon neutral. So the 10 tips to be part of this energy revolution and to implement a 360° approach are: 1. Energy should be at the top of the list: During the build phase we consider utility connections and a sustainable design, however what happens after the site is built and handed over to the customer is questionable. A long term, well structured energy strategy should be handed over with the keys as each project completes.

This should also include a guideline and structure to continue to manage the building in a more efficient manner.

Shamir Jiwa is founder and Managing Director of MAXIM Eyes (UK) Ltd – Energy Consultants & Connections Specialists. The MAXIM Eyes concept is to take a 360 degree view of any company’s energy strategy, identify where the gaps may be and create solutions to collectively fill the gaps.

2. Consider how and when the energy will be used: It is crucial that the right supplier for your particular requirement is identified as is the appropriate tariff to match the building’s consumption patterns. For example, evening rates may apply for a theatre or nursing home, which may benefit from both fixed and flexible contract options. Likewise residential student accommodation will have very different usage patterns to those of classrooms etc.

3. Look across the market: Ensure that the project specification is presented to as many energy and service providers as possible to not only gain best price for the connection, but ensure the most appropriate partner is engaged. Be confident to challenge the network designs, asking questions like: Do we really need a substation? Are we paying for the DNO to reinforce their own network?

Are we really getting best value? Are the lead times realistic and reliable? Will we have power on site when we need it?

Ensure that the project specification is presented to as many energy and service providers as possible

18 Public Sector Build Journal

4. Awareness and flexibility: Regulatory pressure and consumer awareness will help drive technological developments but we also all need to take a more active stance to ensure we have a robust and scalable energy strategy in place. Ask: Is this the best, most sustainable and most economic energy strategy for this building? Also, is it adaptable to meet future requirements?

Talking Point 5. Adopt clean energy & sustainability solutions: Clean energy, also called renewable or green energy, should be considered pretty much from the outset of every public sector project to allow appropriate site and utilities design. The strategy should cover the source of energy for the particular development, making considerations such as what clean energy and sustainable technology is built into the development and how does it match the profile and intended consumption pattern of the building.

6. Advanced metering leads to better monitoring: With advances in technology, it is now possible to provide a metered solution specifically for each building or even down to specific zones, leading to the most appropriate monitoring of consumption. This in turn enables us to manage and analyse future energy patterns. We need to ensure that this is integrated into all projects.

7. Integrate different solutions: Every building is unique and requires its own mix of technology to achieve its optimum level of efficiency. There are many technologies available now and each project should at least consider if not implement a broad mix of them so that they successfully complement each other whilst giving the best value for money. Choosing the most appropriate energy source or sources for a development is equally important.

Verification of technology performance is also critical in the ability to evolve a successful energy strategy.

It is vital that the appropriate tariff matches the building’s consumption patterns

8. Negotiating the supply contract: On the surface this may seem an entirely straightforward process, however there are drawbacks that need to be addressed to ensure this part of the strategy is right.

Buying trends are important and energy users should take advantage of the right time to purchase. Becoming a member of a purchasing group will also significantly increase your bargaining position. Simply joining a basket purchasing scheme can give advantage of an additional 5-15% saving when compared to individual pricing.

9. Continue to reapply the process: Having taken a 360° approach on the first project this overall strategy needs to be applied to all future projects in a similar way.

Monitoring consumption patterns will alert users to any anomalies in consumption and help design and implement even stronger energy strategies for future projects and so help them to perform better.

10. Finally – set targets: All businesses are capable of setting simple targets for three, five and 10 year strategies which will help you monitor what is to be achieved over this period. Identify what are the energy targets for these periods and decide how much consumption should ideally reduce by.

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Adopting the MAXIM Eyes concept of a 360° energy strategy means you will approach energy connection and usage in the most cost effective and efficient way. You’ll identify where gaps may exist in any current policy and also be able to show whoever has overall responsibility for the building where to be proactive in filling those gaps. In trying to explain the importance of this 360° energy cycle, it may be best to look at the journey of the construction project from the moment the requirement is needed on site, as everything starts with a connection.

A long term, well structured energy strategy should be handed over with the keys as each project completes

www.maximeyes.net

Public Sector Build Journal 19

Kitchens, Bedrooms & Bathrooms

Inefficiencies from poor quality products can result in added overheads, which could be better spent on resources

Policing enforced standards When CE marking was made a legal requirement back in July 2013, manufacturers across the KBB sector welcomed this measure in the hope it would provide a level playing field in the market. Here, PSBJ Editor Hannah Frackiewicz reports on an exclusive roundtable discussion between the industry's leading suppliers, who revealed why this isn't the case, just yet.

P

roduct specification is arguably governed by three fundamental factors – cost, quality and performance, and safety. In a bid to ensure specifiers’ demands are met fairly and accurately, standards are implemented to control what is traded in the market. Yet whilst legislation is enforced to protect the consumer, it seems manufacturers and suppliers are not getting the support they need, especially when it comes to CE marking compliance.

Implementing legislation The government for example is a major buying power, yet the BMA has identified that their departments are not asking for this compliance, as Yvonne Orgill, Chief Executive, Bathroom Manufacturers Association points out: “The government is asking for bona fide companies to go to the expense of complying with all the variety of legislations and regulations but

20 Public Sector Build Journal

then they go and buy a product that is not compliant, at a better rate.

“They’re buying on unit price, not on the quality of the product, and that’s damaging not just to UK PLC in terms of business and employment within the UK but in terms of substandard product that’s been put into a variety of different projects right across the UK, so much so that you then start to question why should we go to all this expense?”

“It’s a catch 22,” as Andy Dukelow, Managing Director, Franke Washroom Systems highlights. “As a manufacturer, if you sell through the merchant chains at a corporate level, the merchant chains will demand all the certifications just so they can demonstrate they’ve complied, but once it filters down there is absolutely no implementation of it. A good example of this is Twickenham rugby stadium where we’ve recently refurbished all the washrooms. Not once did we get asked

for a certificate of compliance for any of our products and that was worrying.”

The primary issue for all manufactures who are complying is the standard and consistency of policing. In the event of non-compliant products trading in the market, the repercussions are damaging for both the manufacturer and end-user as Yvonne explains: “If there is a harmonised standard, and your product has to comply with the CE marking, then it is illegal to put your product on the market without this declaration of compliance.

“Of course we have to accept that CE marking didn’t come into force until July 2013, so there has to be a flushing through the system, but if the procedures are not being adhered to at the government level in their buying guides then how is that going to filter down into smaller projects.

This is damaging the credibility of bona fide companies that are trading in the UK and I would imagine that there are similar problems right across Europe.”

However by implementing a stronger inspection regime, Toby Perkins, MP, Chesterfield asks would that put UK manufacturers at a disadvantage? To this Yvonne responds: “Companies like Franke and Ideal Standard purchase product from all over the world to the quality and standard of today, so it’s not the imports that would be disadvantaged at their level.

You’ve got to have legislation and create

Kitchens, Bedrooms & Bathrooms

Customer confidence “What is new is the mandatory need to mark your product. The second fundamental change is that you have to produce a Declaration of Performance and

Wudu Washing Station at Al Madinah school in Derby, Franke Washroom Systems

in theory you’re obliged to supply that with each and every batch or product.

“The DoP identifies to the specifier or end-user the traceability of the performance of the product all the way through the supply chain, from manufacturing, supply to end use. This gives confidence within the entire supply chain that the product does what it claims to do.”

Pressure to police In a bid to raise the profile of the BMA’s concerns and those of other manufacturers, Toby poses a number of suggestions, firstly by addressing the subject of deregulation.

He also recommends hosting a briefing reception in parliament – this will put pressure on the government to assess the procedures they put in place to specify compliant products, while also inviting key representatives from DEFRA, BIS, CLG and Trading Standards.

Although in agreement, Andy Dukelow responds: “My ultimate goal would be to make CE marking part of building regulations. I know that’s a huge step but if you made CE Marking part of building regulations then it would self police itself.”

Policing and implementing are integral not only to the performance of future public buildings, but also to the safety of users, as Yvonne outlines: “Over 20 people in the UK die every year because of scalding in the eldery care or younger care. Further still, the national health has to spend several billions of pounds a year with life scarring.

If we have these products coming into the market which have CE marks but aren’t supported by DoP with no traceability, we will see an increase. This will severely damage an already underfunded national health, and at the same time will put the consumer at risk.”

“What we need is good regulations consistently applied,” Toby concurs “or this will disadvantage British business or endanger the public.”

So in what ways is non-compliance to CE marking illegal? Christian comments: “There are a couple of different ways. In terms of UK law with water regulations, you can put anything on the market, but when you install it or use it, if it’s not compliant you break the law. With regard to CPR and CE marking, if your product is covered by a harmonised standard then your legal obligation is to have a correctly CE marked product backed up by a DoP before you’re able to place that on the market – that’s

Chesterfield FC new washroom facilities from Franke Washroom Systems

a different legal framework to UK water regulations.”

The accessibility of these non-compliant products is considered far too great.

Andy argues that the internet as an influential tool has encouraged a new generation of architects selecting budget alternatives and he implications are costly.

Inefficiencies from poor quality products can result in added overheads which could be better spent on resources for schools and other public sector services. The discussion concludes on reiterating this valuable point: compliant product can be accessible at a competitive rate, yet specifiers including government procurement departments need to consistently police and implement the legislation they have put in place. In doing so, UK businesses will be operating in a healthier marketplace, and the end user is guaranteed a safer facility.

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that level playing field for everyone to adhere to or get rid of it and let everybody fight for the marketplace accordingly… and then the consumer will be at a disadvantage.”

The government’s perspective is finding that happy medium, says Toby. “The government’s position would be there’s too many regulations and we need to deregulate, but then it becomes almost a cowboy’s paradise. It’s important to provide regulations that are relevant and that we adhere to them.”

Shortly to lead the progression of the Deregulation Bill, Toby is keen to refine the existing regulations in operation and seeks clarity on the fundamental changes this new CE marking legislation has brought.

Christian Taylor-Hamlin, Technical Director, Bathroom Manufacturers Association comments: “Previous to CE marking there was Construction Product Regulations, however the law did not demand these products were CE marked – that was optional. So we’ve had the need to demonstrate compliance of these KBB products since 2004 – the requirement to demonstrate compliance is not new.

www.altecnic.co.uk www.bathroom-association.org www.franke.com www.ideal-standard.co.uk

Public Sector Build Journal 21

Paints & Coatings that incorporated neutral, blue and green shades from the Dulux Trade Heritage range.”

Diamond Matt was used on the walls due to its robustness and stain resistance.

Holli continued: “The durability of products was as important in this project as the high quality finish, as the space will be frequently used by large numbers of people.”

Reflection of excellence

Millfield School makeover with Dulux Trade Dulux Trade Diamond Matt and Dulux Trade Diamond Eggshell have been used in the redecoration of the restaurant at Millfield School in Somerset.

T

he prestigious school, which has a rigorous maintenance scheme to ensure that all areas are kept to a high standard and painted regularly, selected shades from the Dulux Trade Heritage collection to give a calmer look than the existing bright green and orange tones.

Holli Doherty, Colour Designer at Dulux Trade, explained: “The aim was to bring the space in line with the decor of the rest of the school, which is very fresh and clean, and we also wanted to create an area where students could unwind and take time out between lessons. With this in mind, we used a carefully selected palette of colours

The paint was applied in a variety of shades, including Green Oxide for the upper wall panels

22 Public Sector Build Journal

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The durability of products was as important in this project as the high quality finish

Diamond Eggshell was selected for the walls nearer the kitchen, due to its durability in areas of high humidity and condensation, as well as for its hardwearing finish and low odour. The water-based paint helps to extend maintenance cycles and means reapplication is needed less frequently.

The paint was applied in a variety of shades, including Ash White for the main walls, DH Indigo on the feature walls, Green Oxide for the upper wall panels and Dark Stone on the pillars and frames.

Reflecting on the finished result, Holli said: “Millfield School is one of the best in Britain and we wanted the finished result to reflect that. By using a combination of high quality products and timeless shades, we were able to create an area that echoed the school’s position as a centre of excellence.

The school was so pleased with the final result that it has since specified the recently launched, extra tough, Dulux Trade High Performance Eggshell to be used for one of its dormitories.”

8 www.duluxtrade.co.uk * duluxtraderesponse@tangerinepr.com  enq 007 ( 0870 242 1100

Diamond Eggshell was selected for the walls nearer the kitchen, due to its durability in areas of high humidity

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Public Sector Build Journal 23

Balustrades

Sapphire gives regeneration the edge Aluminium balustrades from Sapphire's innovative Aluma system are part of the regeneration of two housing estates in Lewisham, south London. Aluma, which features Sapphire's semi-frameless fixing for glass infill panels, strikes the perfect balance between durability and visual appeal for residential balconies in four new tower blocks on the Heathside and Lethbridge estates.

I

n addition to aluminium and glass balcony balustrades, Sapphire also supplied polished stainless steel handrails with coated steel uprights and vertical bar infills to give function and style to internal communal stairways.

As part of its total support package for this prestigious residential project, Sapphire developed two time-saving concepts. Deliveries were made in Sapphire’s stackable crates, preloaded with components required for each floor before leaving for site, so all items can be craned up to the relevant floor in one lift. Sapphire also supplied complex drilling templates, which helped reduce installation time on site, whilst ensuring better accuracy.

Phased regeneration by Family Mosaic, one of the largest housing associations in London and the south east, will transform the two south London estates into a mixed tenure development of over 1200 private and affordable homes, designed and built to Code Level 4. Architects for the multimillion pound project were London-based

24 Public Sector Build Journal

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Stylish, low maintenance balcony balustrades were a key design requirement for the regeneration project

which assisted smooth completion. Sapphire ticked all the boxes in terms of service and the finished balustrades look great.”

Aluma handrails and baluster uprights for balcony balustrades in the new high-rise homes have an attractive Graphite Grey powder coated matt finish to complement contemporary facades. Balusters are fixed with chemical anchors into concrete integrated balconies. The use of aluminium provides an excellent balance between a cost effective solution and providing ultimate rust protection. Infill panels were manufactured from 10mm clear toughened glass with polished edges. In addition, balustrades by Sapphire for core stairways inside the new tower blocks combine handrails in 304 grade satin polished stainless steel with mild steel uprights, fixed into concrete stairs.

In addition to meeting the prestigious project’s aesthetic specification, all internal and external balustrades were designed by Sapphire to comply with relevant standards for structural performance and design loads. Additionally, balustrades had to satisfy specific safety regulations relating to residential applications, such as suitability for children, which ensures that balustrades are not easily climbable and have no gaps of more than 100mm, to prevent a small child falling through.

www.sapphirebalustrades.com

practice bptw partnership. Main contractor was Ardmore, which has a proven track record in delivering large residential and mixed used developments.

Stylish, low maintenance balcony balustrades were a key design requirement for the regeneration project. Sapphire’s innovative semi-frameless Aluma system provided the ideal solution, integrating the style of a structural glass balustrade with the superior corrosion resistance of highgrade aluminium extrusions. Glass infills simply slot into the Aluma baluster uprights and/or handrail profiles, removing the “clutter” of traditional patch lugs.

Service satisfaction The project architects worked closely with Sapphire on the Lewisham project and were impressed with the company’s through-the-project support. A member of bptw’s architectural team comments: “Sapphire supplied excellent drawings to our design specification and coordinated on site installation with other contractors,

Aluma handrails and baluster uprights have an attractive Graphite Grey powder coated matt finish to complement contemporary facades

Public Sector Build Journal 25 Online Enquiry 010

Landscaping

A reflection of history From the moment that it was unveiled in September 2013, the unique architectural design of The Library of Birmingham has captured the imagination of the British public. Wienerberger, a leading supplier of wall, roof and landscaping innovations, was chosen to provide clay pavers to the project, which has transformed Centenary Square, the largest public square in the heart of Birmingham.

S

uch a task was not as straightforward as it might initially sound. It wasn’t simply a matter of choosing paving to suit the practical needs of the area, but a process that had to carefully consider a whole gamut of geographic, architectural and historical requirements.

For example, there was a very clear requirement for the paving to provide Centenary square with a sense of coherence; to provide a physical and symbolic link between the bold, unapologetically modernist external appearance of the library itself and the proud architectural heritage of the region; the Victorian red clay brick and terracotta building stock that quickly became synonymous with the inner-city Birmingham of centuries past.

Of course, despite its shiny modern appearance, the Library itself, in both material and structure, has been cleverly designed to offer subtle references to the past – albeit in a way that is ostentatiously futuristic. The founder of the Dutch architectural practice Mecanoo, Francine Houben, commented that the £189 million project that she helped create, wears its filigree skin of metal loops as a ‘motif’ of the city: “The facade recalls the

26 Public Sector Build Journal

industrial gasometres as well as the history of the jewellery trade here”.

That said, these striking rings also give the building a significant dose of something less traditional on major public buildings, and more common behind the fortified glass of the city’s specialised retail quarter: bling.

As such, the sense that the project creates, perhaps more than anything else, is a deeply satisfying feeling of juxtaposition as familiar materials are expressed in unfamiliar ways.

With this in mind it was crucial that the paving in Centenary Square was able to maintain this delicate aesthetic balance.

In order to do so, the style of pavers chosen needed to mesh with the design of the square into three distinct realms: monumental, cultural and entertainment.

Like the material choices on the library, these palazzos illustrate important periods in the history of the city, and accentuate an artisan tradition within a famously industrial region.

Wienerberger’s Dragfaced Chamfered Blue and Multi Brindled pavers were selected along with the Essen Red and the Hannover Buff Brindled paver to create what Mecanoo calls the ‘red line’ to lead pedestrians into Centenary Square.

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The Essen Red and the Hannover Buff Brindled are traditional rectangular clay pavers, which are both practical and versatile

The Penter range of chamfered pavers is renowned for its durability and distinctive colour selection, making it ideal for creating designs that harmonise and accentuate the landscape. The Dragfaced Chamfered Blue and Multi Brindled pavers are produced from Wienerberger’s clay reserves at its renowned Kingsbury factory, while Baggeridge pavers are well known for their vibrant colours and unique deep blues, as well as being able to withstand demanding application. The Essen Red and the Hannover Buff Brindled are traditional rectangular clay pavers, which are both practical and versatile.

Aside from the practicality and durability of these particular pavers, the colours have also been carefully selected to match, contrast and cohere with the building (and indeed the surrounding area). Combined with the different paver surface finishes, and the variation of bond including stretcher and herringbone, the intention was to maintain a vivid sense of textural depth.

Ultimately, with the project completed and firmly established as a major architectural landmark in the city (and indeed the UK), the paving project can be objectively judged for what it is, and what it has achieved in its specific geographic context. Indeed perhaps its greatest strength is that, despite the many important considerations of old and new, past and present, future and heritage, the paving has played the delicate supporting role that it needed to.

www.wienerberger.co.uk

The colours of the pavers have been carefully selected to match, contrast and cohere with the building

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Public Sector Build Journal 27

Healthcare

The practice required a hard-wearing, robust plaster solution suitable for use in a busy environment

Prescribed durable solutions

Thistle Hardwall is quick drying, which allowed GHT Plastering Services to get the job completed within tight timescales

but crucially, it also reduces disruption to the services patients receive down the line.

A recent example of a project where durability was a key driver for the choice of construction materials is the newlybuilt Frome Medical Centre in Somerset.

Paul Campbell, Commercial Sector Manager at British Gypsum, explores how the use of robust materials in healthcare construction projects can help keep costs in check.

D

espite the recent reports of economic recovery, budgets for public sector projects remain tight, with often little money to spare not just for new building developments, but for the upkeep of those properties as well. This is a particular challenge for those looking after spaces that see high traffic from members of the public.

When budgets are limited, costs are often cut to ensure new building projects stay on track, which can sometimes mean the use of lower grade, construction materials throughout the structure.

However, there is a risk that such cost-cutting can lead to greater repair and maintenance costs in the long-run.

This is especially true in hospitals and GP

28 Public Sector Build Journal

surgeries, which are used by a large number of people every day. Materials used in the walls in medical environments must be able to withstand daily scuffs and bumps from members of the public and knocks from heavy furniture or medical equipment, without the need for regular and expensive upkeep.

Therefore, when specifying products such as plaster or plasterboard for medical facilities, it is becoming increasingly common to consider the durability of a solution. More robust wall materials that are capable of looking as good as they did when they were first installed and offer optimal performance for longer will require less maintenance in the long-term. This not only lowers the overall cost of the building

Durability was a key driver for the choice of construction materials in the newly-built Frome Medical Centre in Somerset

Healthcare

A cure for maintenance woes The practice required a hard-wearing, robust plaster solution suitable for use in a busy environment where walls are subjected to impact from patients or medical equipment. The firm in charge of the project, international support services and construction group, Interserve, specified British Gypsum’s Thistle Hardwall for use on the block work in the ground floor disabled toilets and communal areas to satisfy this requirement.

An ideal durable solution for most masonry backgrounds, Thistle Hardwall is also quick drying, which allowed plaster contractors, GHT Plastering Services, to get the job completed within tight timescales.

To smooth out uneven areas of the block work, an additional coat of Thistle Hardwall was used to dub out the masonry.

Commenting on the project, Richard Jones, Managing Director of GHT Plastering Services said: “Thistle Hardwall made the job so easy. Usually, to counteract uneven surfaces we would need to use multiple

products, but with Thistle Hardwall it is simply a matter of applying another coat.

This was a great help, as it allowed us to get the work done without spending extra time or budget on unnecessary products and additional drying times between coats.”

Achieving a smooth finish was another top requirement for the centre, as the overall aesthetics were a priority for the client. A final 2mm plaster coat of Thistle Multi-Finish was used to provide this, creating a seamless surface ready for decoration.

Richard Jones added: “Both products were a joy to work with as they are so versatile. The system was ideal in straightforward areas of the practice such as the consultation rooms, but they were also great in the communal spaces which had a more design orientated focus. In these areas we needed to create a sense of space and light, and the smooth finish achieved by Multi-Finish created a perfect canvas for interior design. The client is really pleased with the result and the building looks very impressive.”

Dr Tina Merry, Senior Partner at Frome Medical Practice, said: “It was a huge project to undertake, we had to ensure that the product we chose was aesthetically pleasing and practical for heavy footfall areas. The communal areas look

Materials used in the walls in medical environments must be able to withstand daily scuffs and bumps

t

Significant work was undertaken to create a stylish, multi-functional healthcare hub which includes two medical practices, a pharmacy, an optician, mental health services, extensive training facilities, a private clinician’s suite and a cafe.

A clean, well-kept building will put patients at ease, and assure them that they are in a safe and professional setting

Public Sector Build Journal 29

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ROOFING CLADDING & INSULATION

Healthcare

Putting patients at ease As this example shows, maintaining a high quality appearance in a healthcare setting is of great importance because how a medical centre looks can play a huge role in how patients feel about visiting their doctor and the treatment they receive. A study by Bryan Lawson, Michael Phiri and John Wells-Thorpe – The Architectural Healthcare Environment and its effect on Patient Health Outcomes (2003) – confirmed that patients are sensitive to their architectural environment in hospital and that cleanliness and tidiness are at the top of a patient’s priority list. The study also found considerable evidence that better environments led to an overall improved atmosphere and a better quality of life.

With this in mind, it is unsurprising that visiting or staying in a healthcare environment that appears unkempt, with marks and dents in the walls, could give a negative first impression, and consequently add to any discomfort a patient may be

experiencing. On the other hand, a clean, well-kept building will put them at ease, and assure them that they are in a safe and professional setting.

In light of this, specifiers should carefully consider whether their preferred construction materials are capable of withstanding the rigours of daily use in a medical setting. Selecting products for their durability, rather than just searching for the cheapest option, can help specifiers ensure that their buildings stay looking new and fresh for longer with little maintenance.

For example, when it comes to plaster solutions, choosing a hard wearing twocoat plaster system will help the high quality finish to last longer.

A long-term solution With budgets for new medical and other public sector facilities looking set to remain constrained for the foreseeable future, it is important that specifiers continue to be cost savvy and plan ahead. Considering the maintenance spend required for a building’s entire lifetime, rather than focussing on restricting the outlay for the initial construction, could be the most costeffective option long-term.

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so bright and airy, and the building has become a place people enjoy visiting.

Thistle Hardwall was an ideal solution for extending maintenance cycles, and I have no doubt that the building will look as good as new for a very long time.”

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The smooth finish achieved by Multi-Finish created a perfect canvas for interior design

Choosing a hard wearing two-coat plaster system will help the high quality finish to last longer

Public Sector Build Journal 31

Housing

Unique specification for CESP-funded scheme According to the 2010 English Indices of Deprivation, the village of Jaywick, near Clacton in Essex was officially England's most deprived council ward. Over the course of 2013, however, much of the village was transformed thanks to a £1.6m CESP (Community Energy Saving Programme) which funded a large scale window replacement programme in REHAU profile.

The houses were self built during the 1930s plotlands boom by East London factory workers for use as weekend or holiday chalets

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he project, managed by Ice Energy in conjunction with Tendring Council, was carried out by specialist commercial window installer The Window Company (Contracts) based in Chelmsford.

In total, The Window Company (Contracts) installed PVC-U windows in 630 properties in the village alongside the installation of external insulation and heat pumps. The transformation was striking, with average energy ratings for the properties increasing from F to C and average energy usage for tenants falling from 14,000 kWh to 7,500 kWh per annum.

With CESP funding from energy suppliers and electricity generators quite specifically targeted at reducing energy costs for bill payers in selected low income areas, the scheme definitely achieved its objective in Jaywick.

Almost 44% of the eligible housing stock in the village was included in the project,

32 Public Sector Build Journal

much of it owned by private landlords but occupied by DSS tenants.

What made the project particularly complex and unusual for The Window Company (Contracts) was that almost all of the houses were of a unique design, having been originally self built during the 1930s plotlands boom by East London factory workers for use as weekend or holiday chalets.

Demonstrating flexibility There was no such thing as a standard design or specification and, because they were never really intended for year round occupation, little attention had been paid to energy performance or year round comfort.

This meant that each of the 630 properties had to be surveyed individually and a huge range of different window sizes, shapes and configurations were required.

It was this complexity which deterred

many bigger name contractors from quoting for the project but in fact it was what enabled The Window Company (Contracts) to demonstrate its key strengths and expertise.

The company is rapidly establishing itself in the south east of England as one of the leading window installation companies. Highly efficient and committed to implementing best practice at every level within its operation, it is delivering large scale commercial contracts for clients across the private and social housing sectors.

During 2013 for example, in addition to the Jaywick installation project, The Window Company (Contracts) also completed £1m+ window replacement contracts for Camden Council and Moat Housing using windows in both aluminium and PVC-U. At Jaywick, the company’s surveying team were on site within three weeks of the initial enquiry being received from Ice Energy and completed the entire project on time and on budget.

At its peak, The Window Company (Contracts) were fitting windows in 60 houses per week and had 12 fitting teams

Housing

operating in the village. These were all managed from the head office in Chelmsford but, in line with the company’s standard procedures, a single project manager had overall responsibility for the whole installation.

The company offered a fixed price for the project but its costing and estimating skills meant that it was still able to give tenants flexibility in choosing different window configurations and a choice of openers

The Window Company invested £10,000 in a bespoke database which enabled it to track every detail of every individual installation

All windows were replaced using thermally efficient PVC-U frames predominantly fabricated in the REHAU TOTAL70 profile system

to suit their individual requirements. A mix of timber, steel and aluminium windows were removed and all were replaced using thermally efficient PVC-U frames predominantly fabricated in the REHAU TOTAL70 profile system.

Coordinated installations The Window Company (Contracts) even worked with the PVC-U system supplier REHAU to develop an innovative installation solution which enabled the sill used in the majority of the properties to accommodate both the 70mm windows being installed and the depth of the insulation cladding for the first time.

A key benefit for tenants was that both the surveys for the windows and the cladding and the subsequent installations were coordinated wherever possible to reduce disruption. From a technical standpoint, this meant that the cladding was fitted after the windows had been installed so that the additional wall depth could be easily accommodated by the specially developed sill/frame combination which created the correct drip detail.

To optimise the efficiency of the installation programme, The Window Company invested £10,000 in a bespoke database which enabled it to track every detail of every individual installation. This database proved so successful that it has been expanded and is now routinely used at The Window Company for all of its

commercial installation projects.

The project manager at the Jaywick installation was Martin Thornton, who had overall responsibility and complete authority on every aspect. He implemented standard Window Company procedures such as ensuring every snagging list was completed by the end of each week and providing every tenant with a feedback form which was monitored and analysed weekly so that any snagging issues could be scheduled immediately.

However, he also went way beyond what might be expected from a contractor with true dedication to the project. For example, he even bought a temporary market stall and erected it in the village centre every week for four weeks to show samples of the windows and insulating cladding and help inform landlords and tenants about how they could access the CESP funding for their properties.

Martin said of the project: “Jaywick was a real labour of love for us. We knew we could manage the project efficiently and deliver what was required in the timescale but we also wanted to make sure that the potential benefits reached the whole of the community.

“We monitor feedback from every tenant via job sheets and it was universally positive with the vast majority giving us top marks in every category.”

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At its peak, The Window Company (Contracts) were fitting windows in 60 houses per week and had 12 fitting teams operating in the village

www.rehau.co.uk

Public Sector Build Journal 33

HVAC

The East Village buildings have been recognised for their sustainability credentials, achieving the BREEAM 'Excellent' rating

Saving floor space Residential developers in the UK are operating in an era where three Cs continue to shape and influence their business practices: carbon, costs and customers.

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irstly, driven by the government’s stringent carbon emissions targets, energy efficiency is well established as a key priority for residential property developers across the UK. However, with the recent introduction of the new Level 6 Code for Sustainable Homes, developers are once again under renewed pressure to lower the carbon footprint of their buildings.

Secondly, cost efficiency remains an important commercial imperative for developers across all sectors. This is particularly true for social housing developers, who are responsible for the provision of high quality and sustainable homes within relatively tight budgets.

Finally, in recent months prospective homebuyers have become increasingly energy-conscious. With energy bills rising at up to eight times the rate of earnings and several of the ‘Big Six’ energy providers having announced significant price hikes this winter, the pressure is on developers and building managers to create buildings in which more efficient energy use can be achieved.

The way in which we heat our homes represents an area where all three of these tensions overlaps. Heating accounts for

34 Public Sector Build Journal

almost half of the average household’s total energy spending and a recent survey has reported that up to 80% of consumers believe that household energy in the UK has become unaffordable. It makes good business sense, therefore, for developers to identify solutions that can enable them to heat buildings more effectively. Surface heating and cooling can help, providing long-term energy and cost savings for a more sustainable residential landscape.

system’s low maintenance requirements.

The continual circuit layout of the pipes eliminates joints and minimises the likelihood of scale build up or corrosion. As found in steel and copper pipes and radiators, joints

Long-term savings In contrast to the common misconception that underfloor heating is a luxury system, underfloor heating systems can deliver significant whole-life cost savings. Already recognised in Europe as the most effective means of heating a building, the technology is becoming increasingly popular in the UK, and particularly the high-rise residential and social housing markets, where energy waste is a common problem.

For developers, the primary benefit of a surface heating system is its underfloor location, which facilitates a shorter installation time and, therefore, lower overall project cost. More long-term cost savings can also be achieved through the

Long-term energy efficiency was a key requirement of the former Athletes' Village apartments

HVAC

Warmafloor was commissioned to develop a bespoke system to provide comfort and energy efficiency in each apartment

room where it is needed most, this more efficient heating technique can also result in impressive reductions in energy waste and, therefore, expenditure. Surface heating systems are also able to operate at air temperatures approximately 1-2C lower than radiators whilst providing the same level of comfort, again saving energy.

Intelligent partnership In addition to the energy saving results that surface heating systems can provide, this technology is also a natural partner for renewable or efficient low-energy sources, which can enhance carbon emissions reduction. Sources include photovoltaic panels, solar thermal heating and ground source heat pumps. The connection with the latter is particularly effective. Surface heating systems require a 35C flow temperature in heating mode and 14C in cooling mode.

A ground source heat pump utilises stable ground temperatures of around 1012C so can operate at its most efficient with a Coefficient of Performance (CoP) of 5.4.

Such a system provides ideal temperatures in heating mode and almost ‘free cooling’

in cooling mode; significantly reducing energy consumption and enabling a more sustainable building performance.

Another way to enhance the energy and cost savings achieved through the use of surface heating is to use this technology in conjunction with an intelligent control platform. These controls, which take the form of an intuitive touchscreen device, allow the user to co-ordinate all of the building’s energy sources, including boilers, solar panels, heat pumps, air conditioning units and even garden sprinklers and lights.

Using Proportional-Integral Device logic (PID), the system is able to judge which combination of heat sources is best suited to the energy requirement and use the least expensive ones first, keeping residents’ energy costs to a minimum.

Ideal for residential buildings, control strategies can provide individual time and temperature control to suit each resident’s needs, programmable summer and winter settings to facilitate maximum energy savings all year round, and energy saver scheduling to enable the optimisation of energy usage. An example of this is providing super heat during the night

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can leak, attract scale and cause serious inconvenience and cost to the developer and owner alike. The best pipework to be used in underfloor heating is Polybutylene pipe, the highest quality of which offers a 100-year guarantee, ten times longer than radiators and air conditioning counterparts, and requires minimal manual operations such as bleeding or painting. An underfloor system’s beneath-the-floorboards installation also enables floor space to be saved; a great advantage for social housing developments, where floor space is often at a premium.

Surface heating technology can also deliver significant energy saving benefits, to help developers meet industry building regulations and ensure lower energy bills for residents. With the average annual dual-fuel bill now estimated to be £1340 per household, energy consumption is not something that can be taken lightly.

As surface heating systems can be built around separate zones that offer heating and cooling at different times, they are particularly effective in high-rise residential buildings which need to accommodate the differing lifestyles and schedules of the residents living there.

In contrast to radiators, which use convection currents to push hot air upwards and often result in heat stratification in the uppermost corners of the room, surface heating systems radiate warm air across large surface areas. As well as delivering comfort in the bottom two metres of the

Public Sector Build Journal 35

HVAC when electricity costs are lowest and utilising stop/disable functions in rooms that are unoccupied. The control system accurate to within 0.5C in comparison to the 4C of usual thermostats, facilitating lower energy usage and reduced running costs. As it has been estimated that every degree Celsius overshoot equates to energy waste of 10%, this 3.5C temperature reduction equates to significant energy savings.

Practical heating solution Long-term energy efficiency was a key requirement of the former Athletes’ Village apartments, which, following the London 2012 Olympic and Paralympic Games, were handed to social housing group Triathlon Homes to provide long-term social housing in the area. Now named East Village, the 1379 apartments at the

development, in Stratford, east London, were designed to form part of the area’s Olympic legacy and thus required an innovative and practical heating system to deliver sustainability across the site.

Warmafloor was commissioned to develop a bespoke system to provide comfort and energy efficiency in each apartment.

Warmafloor’s system comprises of approximately 550,000m of Polybutylene pipework. FSC certified acoustic timber floors were designed to meet various floor depths of 90-360mm and eliminate wet trades during construction. Warmafloor also custom-designed pump kit manifolds to meet the stringent space allowance in the utility cupboards within each apartment.

Innovative construction practices were used to ensure optimum efficiency and local Combined Cooling Heat and Power Plants (CCHP) produced energy for the site; a

Cost efficiency remains an important commercial imperative for developers across all sectors

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process which reduces carbon emissions by 68% compared to similar residential developments.

The surface heating system at East Village also uses a sophisticated controls package to provide enhanced energy and cost savings. The Warmafloor controls platform has had further development to create an even more advanced controls platform which now helps to deliver energy efficiency in housing developments across the UK. The East Village buildings have been recognised for their sustainability credentials, achieving the BREEAM ‘Excellent’ rating and the required Level 4 Code for Sustainable Homes; the first large scale, high density, high rise scheme to be granted this.

Commenting on Warmafloor’s involvement in the East Village development, Mike Lamb, Managing Director of Warmafloor, says: “With the rise in popularity of high-rise residential buildings, developers are under increasing pressure to deliver energy and cost management solutions. Surface heating systems such as that installed at East Village can deliver on both fronts and help create a more sustainable residential environment.

Warmafloor is delighted to have played a part in what is a beacon project of the Olympics legacy in the east London area, and we are proud that our surface heating solutions will be providing the new residents with comfortable and sustainable accommodation long into the future” The surface heating system at East Village uses a sophisticated controls package to provide enhanced energy and cost savings

36 Public Sector Build Journal

www.warmafloor.co.uk

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Leisure

Washroom endurance Timed flow features are ideally suited to high usage washroom facilities

In a busy leisure environment where washroom fittings can be running for 17 hours a day, it's vital to specify products which are up to the challenge. Graham Buckham, Commercial Specification Manager at Rada, gives an insight into some of the latest advancements in commercial washroom technology and the benefits they can offer to new build and refurbishment leisure projects.

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he leisure industry has a significant presence in public life and represents 9% of UK employment, according to a 2012 BISL report. In this competitive sector providers are tasked with meeting customers’ expectations for high quality aesthetically pleasing leisure facilities, complying with all of the necessary legislative and safety requirements, and keeping longterm costs low.

When you consider that commercial shower valves have to put up with some of the heaviest use of any washroom fixture, with an estimated running time of 17 hours per day in busy leisure centres, it’s easy to see how excess water usage, energy bills and ongoing maintenance costs add up over time.

Thankfully advancements in technology enable facilities managers to exercise greater control over usage. One way they can do this is by installing timed flow taps

38 Public Sector Build Journal

and shower controls. These products are specifically designed for high usage and offer adjustable flow duration with the style and performance users expect, with easy maintenance and maximum water and energy savings.

showering facilities are not areas of a building where you can adopt a ‘fit and forget’ approach. When specifying products, those tasked with maintaining washrooms are likely to focus on the practicalities, such as easy access for servicing. Conversely, those responsible for maintaining multiple buildings and sites may be concerned with how much personnel time is spent walking around manually flushing these systems and updating records, and how much water and energy is wasted by products left running.

There are now digitally controlled valves available offering precise control of showering and tap configurations which actually eliminate the need for manual flushing.

Through this technology, which can be linked to a Building Management System, facilities managers can digitally control automatic duty flushes, supervised thermal disinfection and even data downloads for L8 compliance, freeing a significant amount of their time to focus on other maintenance issues.

While design and efficiency are at the core of washroom specification, safety is also a key concern, particularly in facilities which cater to customers with wide age and ability levels. If children or vulnerable people are using the facility where individual shower valves are required, it would be advisable to consider using valves with safe to touch technology such as Insutech, which ensures that the surface temperature on the hot side of the valve is kept at a safe level, eliminating the risk of accidental contact scalding.

Regardless of the size and scale of the project, it is key to specify the most effective products for their intended uses, taking into account the makeup and volume of users of

Fit and forget Leisure facilities which are open for extended periods of time, or have lower supervision levels, can also become a target for vandals.

The costs of repairing or replacing damaged fixtures can result in lost revenue, reduced washroom stations for customers and at worst, the closure of a facility. It may be worth considering products with special vandal resistant features. Here at Rada, for example, we have a VR shower head range which is designed to be vandal resistant and can if required also be fitted within the property’s wall structure for extra security.

Washrooms, changing rooms and

Showers with push button timed flow controls help save water in leisure facilities

Leisure

Rada Outlook digital mixing valves have been installed across the new sports facilities at Dumfries College

Leisure in focus A new Sport & Fitness Facility at Dumfries and Galloway College, providing first class sports facilities for both students, staff and the community, has benefitted from the installation of a range of Rada’s market leading washroom products as part of a major investment into the site.

The college appointed consultants SC Collective to undertake the planning and development work, ensuring the sports and fitness facility would be “fit for purpose” for 2013 and beyond.

This initial planning identified that the washroom areas of the centre would need to accommodate periods of high volume usage, requiring showering and hand washing controls, which can not only cope with such demands, but can also offer a solution to reducing water consumption and energy bills amongst other factors – such as user safety, system maintenance and compliance.

As such, a robust system with the ability to provide time and labour savings for facilities management staff was therefore required – making Rada Outlook an obvious choice.

Rada Outlook digital mixing valves were specified for a number of reasons, including

their duty flush and thermal disinfection functions, with hygienic non-touch sensors for On/Off control and the system’s data logging capabilities which can be linked to PC management systems for monitoring usage and compliance effectively.

Given that commercial showering facilities in leisure settings tend to face heavier use than in any other sector, with some busier sites having showers in use for up to 17 hours a day, Outlook systems are rigorously tested to be as resilient as they are intelligent.

The Project Director John McGee from SC Collective UK Ltd, comments: “The new sports facility has been a fantastic project which will enhance the sports curriculum delivery for the Dumfries and Galloway

community. We chose Outlook for the washroom areas as it provides a flexible water management system, ease of access for cleaning and service and reduced whole life costs for the college moving forward. We found the Rada team to be very supportive, providing assistance throughout the project, both pre and post installation.”

The Dumfries Campus’ original sports facilities and adjoining office space have been transformed into state-of-the art sports and fitness suites with two new changing facilities incorporating showers, lockers, toilets, vanity, grooming and shaving facilities, with disability changing facilities between the two.

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these washroom stations. Remember that manufacturers’ advice is free so it makes perfect sense to seek their advice early in the project. Their specification teams can offer far more than just product knowledge, they can impart valuable knowledge gained from working on previous similar projects, which could save you precious time and money during the project and longer term.

www.radacontrols.com

The new sports facilities at Dumfries and Galloway College

Public Sector Build Journal 39

Access Panels

Secure access for maintenance A combination of Pipe Boxing profiles from Pendock and bespoke access panels from sister company Timloc, has helped minimise the risk of vandalism at a social housing project, whilst increasing the scheme's aesthetic appeal.

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outhampton City Council’s recent project involved the refurbishment of five 13 storey blocks each containing 104 flats, next to Southampton Water in International Way, Weston.

Prior to the refurbishment, all of the flats had exposed pipework in the communal areas which was unsightly and subject to potential vandalism. Potential pipe damage could threaten to disrupt the heating of the blocks and also presented a significant health and safety risk to the residents and vandals themselves.

Keen to address the issue, Southampton City Council specified Pendock for the supply of 4742m of MX Pipe Boxing profile in a white laminate finish to conceal and protect the pipework.

The MX range is highly flexible in its manufacturing capacity, highlighted by

40 Public Sector Build Journal

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All of the flats had exposed pipework in the communal areas which was unsightly and subject to potential vandalism

Council, to include a fitted key lock – a feature which is not standard for the range.

These panels were installed into the pipe boxing to allow maintenance access to the pipes inside.

Steve Pearce, Southern Sales Manager at Pendock, comments: “The solution for International Way had to look good, be straightforward to install and meet the Council’s allocated budget.

“Not only are MX channels 65% quicker to install than site-made alternatives, but our competitive pricing meant we were able to supply a bespoke and quality product which remained in line with budgets.

“In addition, the MX profiles designed and manufactured for this specific project have the benefit of no joints – this creates clean lines and also provides additional assurance against vandalism by reducing the opportunity of the channels being accessed to conceal anything inside them.”

Neil Douglas, Contract Project Manager for Housing Operations at Southampton City Council, added: “Both the pipe boxing and access panels were quick and easy to install and have received great feedback from the Council’s project staff and residents.

“The customer service we received throughout the project from both Pendock and Timloc was excellent, particularly when arranging the staggered delivery of what was a significant amount of bespoke product.”

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the bespoke production of non-standard 400mm profiles to meet the Council’s requirements for aesthetics, security and strength.

In addition to the communal areas, the flats were also supplied with white melamine finish MX channels to conceal and protect heating and plumbing pipes in the hallways and bathrooms.

Bespoke solution During the works it was identified that a secure and attractive access solution was also required to enable regular essential maintenance along the run of pipework. As a result, the council specified and installed 520 AP150 access panels manufactured by Timloc.

These access panels were specially manufactured for Southampton City

The council specified and installed 520 AP150 access panels manufactured by Timloc

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Public Sector Build Journal 41

Roofing, Cladding & Insulation

Some 600m² of Sparkling White panels were used as a rainscreen system at the landmark Myplace youth centre

Arguing the case for cladding

Myplace youth centre is Havering’s first operational zero-carbon building and one of the first of its kind in the UK

42 Public Sector Build Journal

While render has been used as a weathering and aesthetic finish to a building since time immemorial, even technological developments have failed to qualify it as a Modern Method of Construction.

climate can throw at it, including airborne salt water.

“While most building materials have a limited life, rainscreen cladding systems are designed to last more than 60 years without loss of functional effectiveness and our panels also have a 40 year warranty,” he said.

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Minimal waste

hat’s the opinion of Ian Anderson, Managing Director of specialist cladding manufacturer Steni UK, who says: “In fact, in the current climate of risk minimalisation, any specifier choosing to go down the render route is actually increasing the risk element on several levels.”

He explains that maintenance-wise, render degrades over time, and particularly quickly in aggressive environments such as coastal regions, then requires patching or complete replacement – a messy job.

It even suffers from being cleaned. This is not the case however, with a rainscreen system that is resistant to anything the UK

Environment-wise, disposing of waste render can be difficult. Specifying a lightweight rainscreen system for new-build or refurbishment/over-cladding projects removes this challenge as the panels are produced in the factory for minimal wastage on site.

Ian added: “This unique capability not only minimises waste and time on site but ensures quality fabrication.”

Weather-wise, render is subject to the vagaries of the British climate and cannot be applied if the weather is inclement, leading to costly delays on site and increased disruption to residents if they

Roofing, Cladding & Insulation are already in situ. Rainscreen cladding systems are resistant to water, moisture, fire, UV rays and temperature extremes, are a modern, dry trade application and can be installed whatever the weather.

Aesthetics-wise, a render finish is fairly standard while rainscreen cladding systems are available in render-like aggregate finishes that include ultra-fine stone, a variety of standard colours and almost any special colour from the NCS-, RAL- or BScolour system. In addition to an aggregate finish, Steni also manufactures colour panels with a smooth surface of electron beam cured acrylic (100% acrylic without the use of solvents) and Imago panels with a surface of ceramic-coloured fine natural stone.

Safety-wise, even in good weather, render creates mess on site, making it more difficult to comply with Health and Safety Executive regulations that every part of a construction site should be kept in good order. Rainscreen cladding panels are manufactured to both standard, and in Steni’s case, bespoke sizes to minimise

Bristol City Council invested £15m in an eight-year programme to refurbish more than 2000 precast reinforced concrete (PRC) houses

The generally uninsulated homes are being made more energy efficient, more maintenance-free and more comfortable for the tenants

both waste and mess on site – making it much easier to protect the workforce.

Then there are whole-life costs. Ian says: “Render may be more cost-effective than cladding to initially install but over the life of a building that temporary saving is going to come back to haunt the specifier and the client.”

Over-cladding existing homes to improve their energy efficiency as well as aesthetics is proving the solution of choice for local authorities in their bid to meet Decent Homes standards and the former Community Energy Saving Programme (CESP).

Steni’s Nature panels have been used by many councils as a rainscreen system combined with insulation to refurbish properties ranging from apartment blocks to individual houses, and improved their thermal performance by up to seven times.

Improving a building’s thermal efficiency from the outside is proving an ideal solution for properties without cavity walls and where internal measures would impact on living space – already a premium in many “modern” homes.

Bristol City Council invested £15m in an eight-year programme to refurbish more than 2000 precast reinforced concrete (PRC) houses, including Cornish, Wates and Reema houses, in line with the Decent Homes Act.

Long-term investment All built between the wars to alleviate a chronic housing shortage but then considered defective under the Housing Defects Act 1985, the generally uninsulated homes are being made more energy efficient, more maintenance-free and more comfortable for the tenants.

Public Sector Build Journal 43

Roofing, Cladding & Insulation

Rainscreen cladding systems are resistant to water, moisture, fire, UV rays and temperature extremes

The programme started with Airey homes where the original concrete panels were tied into the main concrete support posts of the properties, giving them their rigidity and

Steni’s Nature panels were specified for their racking strength which in effect made the concrete posts redundant

44 Public Sector Build Journal

structural strength. Steni’s Nature panels were specified for their racking strength which in effect made the concrete posts redundant.

More recently, over-cladding the Cornish, Wates and Reema houses with Steni panels has been coupled with mineral wool insulation between the fixing system of a grid of timber battens. This has helped to improve their U-values seven times over, from 2.0W/m²K to 0.3W/m²K. The latest solution was designed inhouse by the council’s building surveying department and some 70,000m2 of Steni Nature panels in a total of four colours – Nordic Spar, Ivory, Pink and Grey – were fitted on almost all of the affected units.

A spokesman for Bristol City Council’s surveying department said: “There are many other products that could be used but some of the locations call for a stronger system so Steni was used. They are the most reasonably priced rainscreen panel and are easily worked and fitted.”

At North Lanarkshire Council in Scotland, Steni’s Nature panels were used on a £3.5m refurbishment of two apartment blocks in Motherwell, identified by the Department of Energy and Climate Change (DECC) as an area of low income.

Here, some 5000m2 of the Nature panels were fixed on the 17-storey Airbles and Whamond towers in a total of five colours – Sienna, Ivory, Sea Green, Salmon Pink and Brick Red. They were specified by the council’s project architect for four primary reasons.

“Their robustness, proven performance,

weather resistance and lack of maintenance,” said Ian Gillespie. This was to meet the design team’s objectives.

“The main priorities were to eliminate water ingress, improve the thermal efficiency of the blocks, and enhance the physical appearance of the external envelope,” he said.

The original prefabricated concrete panel constructions, while structurally sound and considered perfectly adequate when originally erected, did not meet today’s thermal requirements. Part L of the Building Regulations further reduces the thermal conductivity of wall constructions so improving their thermal performance was a major focus of the project for the council.

And since most of the residents were happy in their homes and the cost of demolition and reconstruction was

Roofing, Cladding & Insulation

Rainscreen cladding systems are resistant to water, moisture, fire, UV rays and temperature extremes

prohibitive, the decision to refurbish – and more specifically over-clad – was not a difficult one.

Upgrading thermal performance “The main element of the refurbishment is undoubtedly the rainscreen over-cladding system which incorporates the Steni panels. This system incorporates mineral fibre insulation to upgrade the thermal performance of the external walls to current standards,” said Mr Gillespie.

To achieve the thermal efficiency requirements demanded by the specification, the Steni panels were installed on an extruded aluminium sub-frame which was fixed to the original outer skin of the buildings. The cavity created was then filled with mineral wool insulation between 125mm and 200mm in thickness,

Two types of Steni’s cladding panels helped give a new Sea Cadets headquarters a face and membership lift

“The old one always felt colder inside than out. The finish on the new one is much better and it will prove a lot easier to maintain.”

The brick-effect cladding was believed to be a requirement of planning permission as the new site is adjacent to a housing estate where brick is the predominant fascia.

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depending on the level of insulation required.

Steni’s Nature panels were also specified for one of the UK’s first operational zerocarbon buildings for a range of reasons ranging from aesthetics to practicality.

Some 600m² of Sparkling White panels were used as a rainscreen system at the landmark Myplace youth centre in the London borough of Havering.

The £4m project is the town’s first operational zero-carbon building and one of the first of its kind in the UK. It has delivered a BREEAM Excellent rating with energy efficient features such as natural ventilation and daylighting, high insulation levels and solar panels.

The Steni Nature panels, which were face-fixed with colour-coded screws and the lower levels finished with an anti-graffiti coating, were specified by architects Jacobs for a trio of main reasons.

Project architect Shelley Smith said: “We specified the Steni panels due to their speed of installation, ability to be easily replaced and the fact they are more aesthetic than render. We also needed a panel that was tough and durable for the environment.”

Designed in the form of a caterpillar, to represent change and development, the 2000m² building comprises a dance and music performance hall, a recording studio, bike workshop, computer suite, juice bar, cafe, creche and information service.

Facility receives sparkle Two types of Steni’s cladding panels helped give a new Sea Cadets headquarters a face and membership lift.

Sparkling White Nature panels have again been used alongside Steni Nature Brick Effect panels, which are large-format but lightweight, on the new TS Diadem in Frimley, Surrey. Designed and project managed by architects Stephens Cox Associates it was built on site in just 10 weeks by modular building specialists Elite Systems (GB).

Sea Cadets Chairman Peter Stapleton said: “Our new home has not only given us a building which is warmer and easier to maintain than its predecessor but also given us a membership lift.”

The Steni Nature panels were installed on the main 10 x 21m, part two-storey building and a 7 x 11m single-storey boat/ bus house.

“We have ended up with a much improved building,” said Peter Stapleton.

Ian Anderson, Managing Director of specialist cladding manufacturer Steni UK

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8 www.steni.co.uk * maurice@steni.co.uk ( 01978 812111

Floors, Walls & Ceilings

Ultracrete can help council spend go further The Local Government Association (LGA) has warned that further reductions on funding for local services, such as pothole repair and highways maintenance, will see councils in many areas struggling to fulfil their statutory responsibilities over the next couple of years.

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the price significantly and with an average of one road defect for every 110 metres of road in the UK (fillthathole.org.co.uk) the maintenance cost far exceeds the budget.

Ultracrete, part of the Instarmac family and the home to highway maintenance solutions, has long advocated the importance of investing in right first time solutions when it comes to repairing potholes and other similar defects found in bitumous surfaces. It offers a range of HAPAS approved cold-lay surfacing materials for reactive and planned maintenance schemes, which can be rapidly applied with minimal traffic management.

Maintenance scheme Ultracrete Permanent Pothole repair contains a 3mm graded granite aggregate and is ideal for use in minor routine or reactive repairs of potholes in low risk sites on type 2, 3 and 4 roads and in driveways and car parks. The repair is durable enough

Ultracrete Instant Road Repair is a permanent cold lay surfacing material for first time reinstatements

to stay in-situ until a planned maintenance scheme can be implemented.

Permanent solution Ultracrete Instant Road Repair is a permanent cold lay surfacing material for first time reinstatements available in 6mm for footways, footpaths and cycle tracks and 10mm for type 3 & 4 roads. It should be applied as per the Specification for the Reinstatement of Openings in Highways (SROH) to provide a long lasting repair.

These materials offer a high level of flexibility thanks to the interlocking nature of the stone during compaction and the quality of binder used. This allows the product to move with the vibrations transmitted through the road structure from the vehicles. This is not the case with more rigid repair materials, which contain setting agents resulting in a concrete hard repair which is not as adaptable. The failure mode of such products is higher and can result in large pieces being released onto the highway.

The benefits of Ultracrete’s right first time solutions are many and include a reduction in repetitive maintenance and associated costs, which goes a long way in helping to relieve some of the financial burden. In addition, Ultracrete provides free product training sessions, where contractors can gain hands-on experience of using the products correctly, further reducing risk of failure on site.

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ccording to the LGA, councils are already half way through a scheduled 43% cut in funding from central government and are expected to have to find the same savings again over the next two years. These reductions, coupled with an increasing demand for social care, will mean that even less money will be invested in maintaining the road infrastructure, despite it being one of the country’s most important economic assets.

One of the major issues councils face with road maintenance is the reappearance of failures within a few months of the repair being carried out. This can be caused by a number of factors, including the use of inadequate reinstatement materials, which all add to the financial burden, as sections are repaired over and over again.

Potholes are a particular strain on the budget, typically costing between £50 and £75 per repair (westsussexhighways. org). This price does not include traffic management costs which can increase

Potholes are a particular strain on the budget, typically costing between £50 and £75 per repair

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8 www.ultracrete.co.uk * ultracrete@instarmac.co.uk ( 01827 871871

Floors, Walls & Ceilings

Knauf AMF Ceilings taking care of hygiene

Stopgap 1200 Pro provides a professional finish F. Ball and Co’s new high performance smoothing underlayment, Stopgap 1200 Pro, has been used to create a professional, hygienic floor in the Ainsley Ward of Longton Cottage Hospital, Stoke-on-Trent. The low odour smoothing underlayment was specified to provide a fast, professional finish in order to bring the refurbished hospital ward back into use as quickly as possible. The latex free Stopgap 1200 Pro has excellent self smoothing properties. With a working time of 20 minutes, and a walk on time of just 60 minutes, a new vinyl floovering could be installed in the Longton Cottage Hospital ward within just four hours. ( *

01583 361633 mail@f-ball.co.uk

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Hygiene was a key requirement in the selection of Knauf AMF ceilings for several building projects at Whipps Cross University Hospital in East London. Knauf AMF Ceilings solutions were specified for the new maternity wing – comprising obstetrics theatre suite with recovery room.

Ceilings from Knauf AMF were also installed in the emergency gynaecology unit and bereavement suites – along with the new-build accident and emergency unit and acute assessment unit. Freeman Ankerman Partnership led the design project and selected ceilings which could offer hygiene control as well as acoustic qualities and moisture resistance and help create the desired look for the new build.

8 www.amfceilings.co.uk

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info@knaufamf.co.uk

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020 8892 3216

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Sika launches new heavy-duty flooring screed Sika has added a new rapid coatable levelling flooring screed to its market leading range of industrial building products and systems.

SikaScreed HardTop-80 combines high strength mortar, exceptional load bearing capability and a unique rapid-curing process that repairs and returns floors to full service in less than 24 hours.

Ideal for industrial and commercial applications, SikaScreed HardTop-80 offers a fast, reliable and versatile solution for both large surface areas and minor repairs. Nick Grounds, National Flooring Manager at Sika says: “Comprising just a single component, contractors just have to add water to complete the fast, simple and high quality application.”

8 www.sikaconstruction.co.uk

sales@uk.sika.com

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(

0800 1123863

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Osmo offers a long-lasting premium finish Polyx Oil from Osmo UK is a premium wood finish guaranteed to keep wooden surfaces in top condition. Ideal for solid engineered or laminate wood floors, it is a high quality, waterrepellent and tread-resistant wood finish based on natural ingredients. Available in a matt, clear and satin-matt finishes, the Polyx Oil range offers the highest coverage of any oil on the market – a 2.5 litre can cover approximately 30m² with two coats. Polyx Oil is also extremely easy to apply. Simply brush on to the wood surface to achieve deep, long-lasting penetration. Polyx Oil also has a reduced solvent content, therefore it is virtually odourless.

8 www.osmouk.com

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info@osmouk.com

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01296 481220

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Bradite offers high performance floor paint Available in a large range of colours Bradite’s Floor Paint is a high performance polyurethane alkyd resin based semi-gloss finish paint with excellent wash and wear resistance. It is ideal for concrete, wooden floors and prepared steel floors subject to light and medium traffic, Bradite’s Floor Paint is resistant to spillage of mild chemicals, detergents and oils and can be used with low slip additive and is touch dry in just two hours. Floor paints can only adhere to correctly prepared surfaces, so Bradite provides complete guides to preparation. In addition, the staff and the merchants stocking these products have been trained to give advice on choice and application.

8 www.bradite.com

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info@bradite.com

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01248 600315

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Tarkett to utilise phthalate-free technology Tarkett – a leader in innovative flooring and sports surface solutions – has announced it is to use phthalate-free plasticizers in its vinyl flooring production in Europe in 2014. As part of Tarkett’s commitment to greater sustainability and eco-innovation, these new phthalate-free products have been designed to improve indoor environment and air quality. The phthalatefree plasticizers selected by Tarkett are approved for food contact containers and can be used for toys intended to be placed in the mouth by children. Tarkett is committed to re-thinking its products, manufacturing processes and business models according to the ‘Cradle to Cradle’ and circular economy principles. ( *

8 www.tarkett.co.uk 01622 854040  enq 025 uksales@tarkett.com

Public Sector Build Journal 47

Floors, Walls & Ceilings

Forbo enhances Coral entrance flooring

Coral Classic is the ultimate moisture absorber, now available in 50 x 50cm tiles for an easier fit

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oral is now effective at stopping up to 94% of all tracked in dirt, making it 40% more effective. This not only reduces the potential for slips and trips, it also delivers a substantial saving of up to 65% in cleaning costs.

Ideal for all types of entrance areas, Coral is the perfect solution where a textile entrance system is required to simultaneously absorb moisture and remove dry soiling.

There are many ranges to choose from.

Coral Classic is the ultimate moisture absorber, now available in 50 x 50cm tiles for an easier fit, whilst Coral Brush Pure is the great all rounder for moisture and dirt removal, Coral Brush Blend offers a contemporary linear design, Coral Duo is ideal for all entrances but especially small areas, and Coral Welcome boasts unrivalled environmental credentials.

Janet Lowe UK Market Manager at Forbo explains: “We are pleased to announce that the Coral collection now has 100% Econyl fibre across Coral Welcome, Brush Pure, Brush Blend and 75% in Duo. This regenerated solution dyed polyamide is made using reprocessed industrial waste and post consumer waste. Coral Welcome also has a primary backing made from recycled PET bottles.”

All Forbo’s Coral textile and Nuway rigid entrance flooring systems are designed to integrate, allowing specifiers to offer clients fully ‘zoned’ design concepts from exterior to interior, ensuring optimum performance throughout.

Forbo’s Coral entrance systems have been the international market leader for more than 40 years. Constantly evolving, the collection also complies with the highest fire class standard Bfl-S1, as many entrances and access points are also fire exits.

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The award-winning Coral entrance flooring collection from Forbo is the ultimate moisture absorber - now boasting even better performance in the removal of dirt. A supreme all-rounder, the enhanced range also offers superior environmental credentials, improved fire rating and is even easier to install.

8 www.forbo-flooring.co.uk *

Coral Brush Blend offers a contemporary linear design

48 Public Sector Build Journal

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

Kitchens, Bedrooms & Bathrooms Search ‘inex-online’

in + ex ex in + The in+ex app

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swipe to see more! for or iPhone, iPad and Android Free download available now BROWSE | SPECIFY | SOURCE | DIGEST Inex is the comprehensive online specification portal for interior and exterior design professionals.

To support the fast-paced lifestyles of our audience, all Inex content is pushed via the stylish and easy-to-navigate app for smart phone and tablet users. The Inex app is a vital portal for accessing information on the move.

Public Sector Build Journal 49 55

Roofing, Cladding & Insulation

Kemperol takes centre stage As the National Theatre prepares to raise the curtain on its 50th anniversary season, Kemper System has ensured that its Grade II listed building continues to perform by providing the waterproofing membrane for a major refurbishment project.

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amously described by Prince Charles as a ‘clever way of building a nuclear power station in the middle of London without anyone objecting’, the National Theatre is almost as famous for its architecture as it is for the quality of the productions it stages.

One of the architectural features that make the National Theatre such an unconventional design are the distinctive terraced balconies that form its rectangular concrete silhouette.

These provide both public walkways and roofs for offices below so when their original asphalt surfaces started failing, resulting in leaks, a solution needed to be found quickly.

The re-waterproofing was carried out as part of the National Theatre’s £80m refurbishment programme but one of the main specification criteria was finding a way to complete the works without any business interruption implications and specialist contractor Cobsen-Davies was brought in to advise on the best approach.

Explains Tony Ward from Cobsen-Davies London: “While the existing substrate was asphalt, the use of hot works to replace the roof/walkway surface was out of the question as the building had to remain operational.

Stripping out the existing substrate was also something we wanted to avoid as this would

50 Public Sector Build Journal

prolong the programme and generate waste, which adds to costs and creates logistical problems in such a central London location.

“A cold liquid-applied waterproofing membrane was clearly the most appropriate solution as this could be applied to the existing roof substrate on a section by section basis, ensuring that only small sections of the surface needed to be inaccessible at any given time.”

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A cold liquid-applied waterproofing membrane was the most appropriate solution for the National Theatre

single process without any nuisance odours, while providing a high level of performance and a BBA certified service life in excess of 25 years.”

The resurfacing work took place on the 4th and 5th floor terraces and inner quadrangle at the National Theatre, with Cobsen-Davies working on small sections of the affected area at a time so that access to all office and workshops could be maintained throughout the works. The installation team carried out minor repairs and preparation of the existing substrate to ensure a clean and even surface before beginning application of the Kemperol 2K-PUR system with Kemper System’s Kempertec primer.

Once the primer had been allowed to cure, the Kemperol 2K-PUR solvent-free resin was applied to each surface. The Kemperol resin saturates a non-woven reinforcement fleece that is extremely tough and tear resistant. It cures to form a totally seamless monolithic membrane that is UV stable and permanently elastic with a direct bond to the substrate.

For some sections of the walkways, Cobsen-Davies London Ltd applied Kemper System’s Kemperdur Quartz Coating, a light-stable and slip-resistant protective coating that provides both an anti-slip surface and a coloured area to demarcate the designated walkway.

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8 www.kemper-system.com enquiries@kempersystem.co.uk ( 01925 445532

Business as usual To enhance the ‘business as usual’ specification still further, Tony Ward recommended Kemperol 2K-PUR from Kemper System, a solvent-free cold liquidapplied waterproofing membrane that is often specified for occupied buildings thanks to its odour-free characteristics.

Stuart Hicks from Kemper System comments: “While a roof refurbishment does not always impact on staff even in an occupied building, the design of the National Theatre building meant that the re-surfacing work was taking place both above and below the office and workshop windows and near public access areas. A solventfree product like Kemperol 2K-PUR was, therefore, a big advantage as this could be installed on top of the existing substrate in a

The resurfacing work took place on the 4th and 5th floor terraces and inner quadrangle at the National Theatre

Roofing, Cladding & Insulation

Sika Liquid Plastics crowns historic Blackpool venue Blackpool’s notorious climate and the seafront location of the historic Winter Gardens venue has resulted in the specification of a Sika Liquid Plastics Decaflex roofing system. A total of 400m2 of Decaflex 10 is now keeping the iconic building safe from the prevailing coastal winds and rain that goes with its exposed position.

The system’s fast curing nature and its ability to rapidly become resistant to rain damage proved fundamental during the installation process in this coastal location. Installed in Dark Grey, the system provided a similar look to the previous coating, helping to maintain the original look of the iconic building.

8 www.sika.com

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liquidplastics@uk.sika.com

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01772 25978

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School 'delighted' with Yeoman Rainguard Applefields School in York, has transformed its appearance by replacing old and damaged plastic rainwater goods with Yeoman Rainguard Aluminium gutters and pipes. With an attractive black textured finish, the 150 x 100 MOG gutters and 100 x 75mm downpipes have created a smart, professional appearance. “We are absolutely delighted with the way it looks,” enthused Tony. The XL Aluminium range allows it to be successfully incorporated on both traditional and modern buildings. Strong aesthetic qualities, ease of installation and value for money make it equally popular for many different applications such as schools, churches, supermarkets, offices and retail outlets.

8 www.rainguard.co.uk

*

sallyann@rainguard.co.uk

Klober offers high performance lead substitute Easy-Form Plus is a reinforced flashing designed specifically as an alternative to lead and for bridging gaps of up to 5cm.

Its metal mesh provides flexibility and rigidity while enabling the material to be stretched by up to 30% without using a forming tool or damaging the surface.

A butyl adhesive backing is suitable for most dry surfaces without priming, so Easy-Form Plus is ideal for heavily profiled tiles. The release paper is cut along the length for added convenience.

5 metre rolls are available in terracotta, brown, anthracite and lead grey and widths of 250, 300 and 450mm. (

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0113 279 5854

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8 www.klober.co.uk 01332 813050  enq 031 klober@yourresponse.co.uk

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

• • • • • • • • • • • •

Ideal for roof terraces, balconies and walkways Floating floor – installation over single ply membranes Eternal finish – massive over life savings Zero maintenance Completely non-porous; stain resistant Slip resistance; BS pendulum test up to +65 wet Lightweight – 45kgs per m2 Timber & stone effects – 30+ finishes available High load bearing- static load up to 1 tonne per paver Fire and frost-proof Height adjustable pedestal support system Hidden services with easy access

www.thedecktileco.co.uk

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T: 0845 2700 696 E: info@thedecktileco.co.uk

Online Enquiry 033

Public Sector Build Journal 51 55

Kitchens, Bedrooms & Bathrooms

Washroom upgrade for Howick Place Within London's sought-after area of Victoria is situated the architecturally cutting-edge commercial and residential development, Howick Place. Responsible for the impressive design were Rolfe Judd Architects. Not only did they want to create an exterior that was visually stunning but also an interior that showcased modern design at its best.

This inspirational working environment of Howick Place had to make an immediate impact with potential occupants right from the moment they step in to the expansive reception area to rinsing their hands in the

washrooms. To help achieve this Rolfe Judd appointed Amwell Systems to supply and install their modern and luxurious washroom products so the building represented the highest quality craftsmanship no matter

where you are in the building.

Amwell’s real wood veneer Sylan cubicles were specified for the washroom cubicles.

With 44mm real wood veneer doors and totally invisible fixings Sylan was the perfect choice for this project given that quality was such an important factor.

To further enhance this cutting-edge design glass duct panels were also installed in the washrooms. Being fully aware that accuracy and precision was critical to the build, Amwell Systems ensured due care and attention was paid when installing all products but particularly when dealing with this delicate and intricate design element.

Glass was also used in the shower and changing area.

Amwell’s Minima cubicles in Alpine glass were specified for the 12 shower cubicles and look stunning against Minima’s sleek stainless steel aluminium frame. These modern, angular cubicles coupled with the welcoming warmth of the real wood veneer lockers certainly ensured that Rolfe Judd were able to meet their design brief set by the client to go above and beyond.

8 www.amwell-systems.com * sales@amwell-systems.com  enq 034 ( 01763 276200

Complete solution to accessible toileting

Saniflo strengthens training service During September, leading manufacturer of pumps and macerators, Saniflo, held specialist training seminars in Perth and Knutsford for its exclusive network of Saniflo Approved Engineers. This is part of its ongoing programme designed to keep the engineers at the forefront of product knowledge enabling them to provide an outstanding service to Saniflo customers.

As part of these seminars, representatives of the Technical and Development team at Saniflo’s global headquarters in France came to share their latest information on product testing and improvements and to collect in depth feedback from the engineers own experience in the field. ( *

020 8842 0033 sales@saniflo.co.uk

8 www.saniflo.co.uk

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Clos-o-Mat has devised a solution that encompasses options from a basic Building Regulations Approved Document M toilet, through to an all-encompassing hygiene room. Clos-o-Mat Marketing Manager Robin Tuffley comments: “Our in-house expertise and breadth of offering means we can work in partnership with the venue to deliver a ‘best value’ solution that meets legal requirements, and budgetary, space and ethical considerations, whilst still giving as many users as possible appropriate toilet facilities. Under the package, Clos-o-Mat can provide design advice, supply, install, commissioning and maintenance of fixtures and fittings required to create a Document M toilet through to a fully-equipped hygiene room or Changing Places toilet.”

8 www.clos-o-mat.com

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info@clos-o-mat.com

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0161 969 1199

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Maxwood Washrooms assists exploration of colour therapy Combining HTM-compliance with ease of installation and ongoing maintenance, Maxwood’s Maxwall HTM selfcontained duct panelling system was the clear choice for new patient washrooms at Leicester’s Bradgate Mental Health Unit and Bennion Centre, on the Glenfield Hospital site. Maxwood manufactured around 180 Maxwall HTM ducting units and complementary cubicles from its Marin range for the hospital’s new acute ward and two existing wards. Comments Pat Cassily, Project Manager for main contractor Interserve Construction: “Maxwood provided a high quality, competitive washroom package and worked closely with our team to schedule design, delivery and installation to enable successful completion against tight deadlines.”

8 www.maxwoodwashrooms.com * sales@maxwoodwashrooms.com

(

024 7662 1122

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HVAC/HVP

SBP ARY

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sustainable-buildingproducts.com

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BROWSE | SPECIFY | SOURCE | DIGEST The smarter way to access news and products for the sustainable building market.

With its easy-to-navigate format, users can benefit from a variety of useful tools, such as the magazine’s latest issue, digital archive, suppliers and newsbank. The App is also synced with SBP Library (www.sustainable-buildingproducts.com) providing an essential specification portal. | Bespoke, reader-friendly features tailored to professionals on the move | | Timely industry news delivered at the touch of a button | | Manage print & digital subscriptions | Public Sector Build Journal 53 55

Doors & Windows

Senior's systems combine at Worthing Hospital A new Clinical Block at Worthing Hospital has benefited from innovative Hybrid casement window systems and aluminium entrance doors from manufacturer Senior Architectural Systems and also incorporates Senior's own glass, ensuring the use of a complete system.

The £8m building, which provides a new outpatients department, 24 consultation rooms and three treatment rooms on the ground floor, also has two 19-bed wards on the first floor and room for offices in its roof space. Specifying Senior’s glass system, with ClimaGuard A+ coating, in conjunction with the company’s Hybrid system ensured the smooth logistical running of the project, not to mention a host of cost and time savings due to the specification of a complete system.

Senior’s Hybrid Series 2 top swing system, specified by HLM Architects for the new building, ensures the new wards are flooded

with natural daylight, creating a tranquil, peaceful environment which suits the needs of patients and staff. The top swing system allows those working, staying in or visiting the wards to let the fresh sea air of Worthing into the building to improve air circulation and offer improved ventilation in a closed environment.

The Hybrid system, which incorporates Senior’s unique timber and aluminium composite, offers all the aesthetic, thermal and environmental benefits of timber internally, combined with the high weather performance and durability associated with

aluminium externally. Fabricated by Hepworth Framework, the system was also used to update Worthing Hospital’s older, main building.

The outside of the building, including its newly landscaped areas, can be fully appreciated by those inside the main building due to Senior’s high-quality window systems, while the pick-up and drop-off point at the main entrance is fully visible to those inside.

8 www.seniorarchitectural.co.uk *

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info@seniorarchitectural.co.uk ( 01709 772600

Project win for ASSA ABLOY Security Doors ASSA ABLOY Security Doors has secured a contract to supply and install products for a £54m state-of-the-art building at the University of Bristol.

The Life Sciences Building will include teaching and research laboratories, as well as offices and lecture theatres, and is set to become one of the UK’s leading facilities. ASSA ABLOY Security Doors has scheduled Powershield steel doors and ironmongery throughout the flagship project, which will regenerate 13,500m2 of space in the heart of Bristol.

Solar sponsors MAD's Local Hero Award Solar Windows, one of the UK’s leading commercial fabricators in REHAU profile, was one of the sponsors at Wales and West Housing’s recent Making a Difference (MAD) Awards held at Mercure Holland House in Cardiff. Since 2008, the MAD Awards have been hosted annually to celebrate courage, kindness, enterprise and community spirit amongst Wales and West Housing’s tenants and local communities. This year, Solar Windows sponsored the Local Hero category which recognises unsung heroes who have stood out from the crowd by making a real difference. (

028 9266 2200

8 www.rehau.com

* enquiries@rehau.com

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8 www.assaabloy.co.uk/securitydoors

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Comar supports The Little Miracles Charity Comar Architectural Aluminium, Page Group (Peterborough) Ltd and Vertikal were delighted to have been part of the re-building of The Spinney Centre, Peterborough on behalf of The ‘Little Miracles’ charity. £10K was donated to cover materials, design work, project management, fabrication and labour onsite to erect the striking feature rainbow wall which forms part of a life changing transformation to the centre for disabled children in Peterborough. The Little Miracles Project, part of the BBC’s charity ‘Children in Need’ was featured in the BBC1 special programme ‘DIY SOS: Million Pound Build for Children in Need’ which aired on Wednesday 13th November 2013.

8 www.comar-alu.co.uk

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projects@parksidegroup.co.uk

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020 8685 9685

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Doors & Windows

Opening the doors for education High Pressure Laminate with a textured finish is opening doors throughout the newly-refurbished Faculty of Health & Medicine and the student and careers centres at Lancaster University.

Manufactured by Abet Laminati and supplied by Brent Plastics, the Grana 2 ‘fabric effect’ matt texture makes the laminate warm to the touch while providing all the benefits of durability, impact and mark resistance. The close parallel lines create a subtle and unexpected rippling texture which is very tactile and creates an attractive surface.

Grana 2 finish is part of Abet’s Colours and Textures collection of 84 colours which have special textures applied. Five different colour groups are available in eight different evocative finishes which include wood, horizontal and vertical ribbed, mottled and concrete effects and sheens.

As with all the finishes from Abet Laminati, the laminates meet or exceed all European and British performance standards for resistance to wear, heat, moisture, impact and scratching. They are widely used in situations where high quality performance and design are carefully crafted together to create a very practical solution and aesthetically pleasing appearance.

8 www.abetuk.com *

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evo

flat

conservation

sales@abet.ltd.uk 020 7473 6915

(

bespoke

Meet the family...

With its Conservation, EVO, Planus and Bespoke product range, Lumen Rooflights have a family to be proud of! Check out our new 3D product viewers online at www.lumenrooflight.co.uk Contact Lumen on: 0330 300 1090 email: info@lumenrooflight.co.uk The bright choice for architects Online Enquiry 044

Public Sector Build Journal 55

Focus & Innovation

ed ed! lifi is ua gn t q co Ge et re g &

Online Enquiry 045

The MCIAT Professional Assessment

– a new qualifying route What is the MCIAT Professional Assessment?

The MCIAT Professional Assessment is a flexible, rigorous, robust and quality assured qualifying process, based on performance and designed to recognise the diversity of Architectural Technology.

Candidates must provide an in-depth critical analysis clearly summarising their professional experience. This should be a reflective report and should refer to challenges and successes encountered whilst working on projects and how any issues were resolved.

Applicants should also undertake a self-evaluation highlighting their strengths and weaknesses in relation to their area(s) of practice.

The Professional Assessment process is based on four core competencies: • Designing • Managing • Practising • Developing (self)

Who can apply for the MCIAT Professional Assessment?

Any applicant working in or on, for example, academia, general practice, component design, refurbishment, small residential projects, large commercial projects etc within Architectural Technology, should be able to apply their own experience to the Professional Assessment process, but they must hold one of the following membership grades: ACIAT, TCIAT or profile candidate.

Each application will be assessed on its merit. However, each applicant will need to demonstrate a sufficient level of knowledge and understanding and professional competence/experience in relation to their sphere/s of practice and demonstrate to the Institute they can meet the expectations of a Chartered Architectural Technologist, MCIAT.

How much does it cost?

To apply for the Professional Assessment, applicants are required to pay £300 for the assessment of the application and the Professional Assessment Interview.

For further information email our Membership Director, James Banks via james@ciat.org.uk or call us on +44(0)20 7278 2206 56 Public Sector Build Journal

Focus & Innovation

Foremans helps to extend teaching facilities Foremans Relocatable Building Systems, the UK’s largest supplier of refurbished Portakabin buildings, has handed over its second project on time and on budget at The Piggott School, a high-performing academy in Reading. The new facilities were built

by Foremans from 44 recycled steel modules which were fully refurbished and reconfigured to create eight maths classrooms, a science laboratory, office accommodation, beverage point, disabled access lift, PE changing rooms, and a fitness suite which the community can use outside of school hours. The modules were delivered to site around 70% complete with wall linings, partitions, M&E services, doors, and windows already in place.

CIS introduces Treescape grilles Using a patented design of aggregate, shredded bonded rubber and resin bonded stone along with a galvanised steel subframe and tray system, CIS Street Furniture, in collaboration with Sudscape, is able to offer the only true 100% porous SUDs compliant tree grille available to the UK market. Traditional tree grilles do not maximise their surface area for water run off and instead often rely on complex watering systems to carry water direct to their root systems. Treescape pavior grilles allow 100% of water to flow directly through to the tree roots. ( 01483 203388 8 www.cis-streetfurniture.co.uk

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sales@cis-streetfurniture.co.uk

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8 www.foremansbuildings.co.uk

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info@foremansbuildings.co.uk

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01964 544344

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Sotech gives another good performance Specialising in performing arts and sports, Outwood Academy, Acklam is the second of Middlesbrough’s new generation of schools completed under the BSF programme to feature Sotech’s Optima secret-fix, aluminium extruded IPC X plank rainscreen system.

Manufactured to 200mm width and fixed vertically, Sotech’s IPC aluminium extruded X plank provided an optimum weather performance for Outwood and by fixing at 1 metre centres rather than 600mm, the reduction in substructure requirements contributed to cost savings and installation efficiencies. Installed by roofing and cladding specialist Indbuild, over 2500m2 of full-height engineered Sotech Optima IPC aluminium X plank rainscreen were incorporated into the building envelope.

8 www.sotech-optima.co.uk

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mail@sotech-optima.co.uk

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0191 587 2287

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Fila to showcase new solvent-free treatments Fila is set to showcase a series of new solvent-free surface treatments at the Surface Design Show 2014 (Business Design Centre, London – 4-6th February).

They will include LEED-approved FILAMP90 ECO PLUS – a high performance sealant developed for internal and external polished and unpolished natural stone, as well as polished porcelain surfaces.

Other new treatments on show will include FILAPW10 – a solvent-free contaminateblocker designed for professional treatment of absorbent materials, including stone and terracotta. Both new products join Fila’s Green Line – a range of water-based, biodegradable products that have a very low VOC content.

8 www.filasolutions.com

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filauk@filasolutions.com

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01584 877286

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Scorpion offers permanent peace of mind With Scorpion, all smoke detectors in a building can now be safely and efficiently tested every year.

Testing of hard to access smoke detectors and ASD systems has historically been a challenging task; often attracting high costs and significant disruption, or even leaving the detector untested. Scorpion solves this problem with a permanently installed smoke generator adjacent to the point detector or ASD sampling hole, and conducting the test from the control panel mounted at ground level in an easily accessible location. Installations to date have included lift shafts, ceiling and other voids, IT server rooms, archives and other secure areas.

8 www.detectortesters.com

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sales@detectortesters.com

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01707 282760

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University endorses PHS Wastemanagement PHS Wastemanagement has reinforced its reputation for service excellence with an endorsement from the University of Central Lancashire for the provision of hazardous waste services to the highest professional standards. PHS Wastemanagement’s specialist hazardous waste team has worked with the University since 2006, collecting waste generated from the establishment’s photographic studios and pharmaceutical and research laboratories.

Up to one tonne of hazardous material requires disposal four times a year. PHS Wastemanagement also makes an annual collection of the University’s chemical waste. ( 029 2080 9090 8 www.phswastemanagement.co.uk

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productinfo@phs.co.uk

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Public Sector Build Journal 57

Focus & Innovation

Green energy for Lancashire community complex A neighbourhood centre and new GP practice in Oldham, have both chosen bio-fuel technology by Atlantic Boilers for their heating and hot water needs. Selected by consulting engineers, Blue Sky Inspired of Stockport, each building has a 90kW R Series Atlantic year-round condensing boiler having an efficiency of between 92% GCV and 97% GCV – (98% NCV and 103% NCV). The neighbourhood centre boiler burns B100 bio-liquid transformed from waste vegetable oil and rape seed oil, and the GP Surgery boiler burns natural gas with an option to burn B100 bio-fuel in the future.

Both boilers are served by carefully selected B100 storage & circulating circuits.

8 www.atlanticboilers.com

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nabeela@atlanticboilers.com

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0161 621 5960

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Ex-Or Warranty assures reliable lighting solutions For 30 years Ex-Or has provided products of the highest standard for its customers, supported by their expertise in innovation and manufacturing reliable lighting control solutions. To demonstrate the confidence in its products, Ex-Or now offers a 5 year warranty on its product ranges which include LightSpot and MLS Sensors, Connect and Connect Digital Lighting Control Modules, as well as MLS Lighting Control Systems. This further underscores Ex-Or’s commitment to provide products that customers can literally fit and forget. In addition to 100% manufacturing line testing, Ex-Or also subjects products to various tests to ensure dependability.

8 www.ex-or.com

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technicalsales.ex-or@honeywell.com

Helifix launches kit for repairing cracked concrete New from structural repair specialists Helifix, the Concrete Crack Injection Repair Kit is a low viscosity, fast curing epoxy sealing system for repairing cracks in concrete. Easy to use, the kit contains the necessary components, materials and instructions for an efficient and reliable crack repair that will cure in around 12 hours to be as strong as the concrete. The kit is suitable for repairing cracks from 0.2mm to 6mm wide. The main components are CapSeal, a rapid cure thixotropic injection port adhesive and crack surface sealer, and CrackFix, a low viscosity, 100% solids epoxy. (

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01942 719229

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020 8735 5200 info@helifix.co.uk

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Vimpex launches wireless acoustic door holder

New Magnum spreader is ready for winter DMMP Limited has announced a new Magnum spreader which has joined the Leicestershire-based company’s stable of expert winter tools and machinery. The new spreader is simple to use, maintain and store so will have a positive impact on the way many organisations deal with ice and snow this winter. The Magnum Poly Insert Spreader sits neatly on the back of a three-quarter or one ton pickup and effortlessly deals with the issue of spreading salt when ice and snow is expected. It will be available in various sizes and models and will appeal to contractors who need to respond quickly and efficiently to changes in the weather. ( *

0845 643 9776 info@dmmp.co.uk

8 www.dmmp.co.uk

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Vimpex, the specialist supplier of fire detection, alarm and evacuation solutions, has introduced an innovative wireless magnetic door holder to its range of products. The battery-powered unit is triggered acoustically when the fire alarm sounders are activated. No external wiring is required and a pair of standard ‘C’ cell batteries provides power for more than a year. Battery life indication and low battery warning allows batteries to be changed during normal maintenance. Advanced, intelligent, digital technology learns the sound of the building’s fire alarm, meaning false activations are all but eliminated.

8 www.vimpex.co.uk

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sales@vimpex.co.uk

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01702 216999

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Portakabin Sales launches new Customer Charter Portakabin Sales has launched a Customer Charter which provides a firm commitment that it will complete every building on time as part of its market-leading approach to service excellence and for even greater peace of mind for all its customers. If this is not achieved, one per cent of the contract value will be refunded for every week a project is delayed, up to £25,000. Simon Ambler, Director of Portakabin Sales comments: “We have developed this unique Charter and commitment for customers purchasing either our modular or single modular buildings, to highlight the outstanding service levels that we promise to achieve on every project.”

8 www.portakabin.co.uk

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information@portakabin.co.uk

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0845 401 0020

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Building homes for the future?

Better build in Sky±HD

Talk to Sky about the digital entertainment buyers want Whoever your new builds are aimed at, your buyers will be looking for digital entertainment that keeps pace with technology. Increasingly, that means Sky±HD.

Our Specialist Installation Team can work directly with you, or your chosen contractors, to fit this future-proof solution. So arrange a free survey today.

By integrating a ‘5 cable IRS’ system and having 2 signal feeds to each satellite point, your residents will have more ways to enjoy the TV they want to watch. And that makes your properties even more attractive to potential buyers.

Go to sky.com/newbuild or call 08442 410 389 Sky TV: Sky box and Sky TV subscription required for customers to receive Sky digital programming. Two satellite feeds required for full Sky±HD functionality. Installation of an IRS system is subject to survey. General: Calls cost up to 5.1p per minute and up to 15p connection fee for BT customers. Calls from other providers may vary. Correct at 3 July 2013.

Online Enquiry 059