PSBJ January 2024

Public Sector Build Journal January 2024

Healthcare

Education

Modular is the key to unlocking small brownfield sites

Leisure

psbjmagazine.com

Issue 137

CONNECTING WITH NATURE Tilbury Douglas successfully completes the UK’s first biophilic primary school

Housing

Designing parks and public areas to make space for girls

Achieving accessible and stylish bathrooms in public sector properties

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WELCOME NOTE

Editor

Hannah Woodger

hannah@redhutmedia.com

Rebecca Kemp

rebecca@redhutmedia.com

Print & Digital Advertising Sam Ball

sam@redhutmedia.com

Jim Moore

jim@redhutmedia.com

Print Design Manager

Simon Butler, Managing Director – Building Central at Tilbury Douglas, discusses the innovations used to successfully complete the greenest primary school in the country. See page 16.

Jack Witcomb

jack@redhutmedia.com

Digital Design Manager Matt Morse

matt@redhutmedia.com

Accounts

Rachel Pike

Welcome to the January issue of PSBJ...

Happy New Year to all. On behalf of the whole team here at PSBJ, I hope you had a wonderful festive break and are now equally as eager as us to see what the next 12 months have in store. It’s always a delight to welcome in the new year with some positive news, and that we have brought in abundance to this month’s issue.

accounts@redhutmedia.com

Publisher Sam Ball

sam@redhutmedia.com

Despite the industry’s ambitious targets casting a shadow over productivity and pace, progress is slowly mounting with some groundbreaking achievements of late. In this edition, we bring you not one but two UK industry firsts, highlighting just exactly what this sector is capable of as we strive to reduce our carbon footprint and form a healthier relationship with our buildings.

Published by

Red Hut Media Ltd.

2, The Old Stable Block, Crescent Road, Faversham, Kent, ME13 7GU psbjmagazine.com 01795 515288 redhutmedia.com

If you head over to our Education focus, you will learn all about the UK’s first biophilic primary school. Replacing a former school that was devastated by an arson attack, St Mary’s Catholic Voluntary Academy in Derby utilises a variety of innovations to become the greenest primary school in the country. Led by a team at Tilbury Douglas, the design of the building focuses on connecting the internal environment with nature for optimum mental and physical health. Turn to page 16 to find out more.

Meanwhile, shifting our focus to the healthcare sector, we showcase the UK’s first carbonneutral community hospital. Through its elimination of fossil fuels, renewable energy supply and the installation of renewable energy systems, Rye, Winchelsea & District Memorial Hospital successfully achieved carbon-neutral status with the help of DMA Group. Turn to page 20 where the group’s Managing Director, Steve McGregor, takes up the story.

Elsewhere in this issue, Promat talks readers through some FAQs when specifying the correct passive fire protection system, Consort Architectural Hardware highlights how to overcome building security challenges with interconnected door hardware systems and Profusion explores the benefits of data science tools to help councils become more efficient.

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

Contributions are invited and when not accepted will be returned only if accompanied by a fully stamped and return addressed envelope. No responsibility will be taken for drawings, photographs or literary contributions during transmission or in the editor's hands. In the absence of an agreement the copyright of all contributions, literary, photographics or artistic belongs to Red Hut Media 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.

I hope you enjoy this issue. Don’t forget, you can also access the magazine’s features, product news and supplier information on PSBJ’s user-friendly and engaging website.

Fully responsive, the website allows you to read all the latest stories on the go either on your smartphone or tablet. Simply visit www.psbjmagazine.com.

Hannah

Hannah Woodger • Editor • hannah@redhutmedia.com Find us on Social Media: 

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@psbjmagazine

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CONTENTS

06 News

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

08 Upfront

The £10.5m fit-out at Nottingham’s new Central Library has been completed, designed with storytelling at its core and forming a major part of the city’s Southside regeneration.

12 Housing

An abandoned industrial site in Eastbourne has been transformed into affordable, sustainable housing by B-Corp construction company, Boutique Modern.

14 Legal & Business

The Building Safety Act 2022 significantly addresses the construction and continuous management of higher-risk buildings (HRBs), but what constitutes an HRB?

16 Education

Simon Butler, Managing Director – Building Central at Tilbury Douglas, discusses the innovations used to successfully complete the greenest primary school in the country.

16 18 Digital & Software

Alistair Dent, Chief Commercial Officer at data company Profusion, discusses how data literacy and data science tools could help make councils more efficient.

20 Healthcare

In September 2021, Rye, Winchelsea & District Memorial Hospital embarked on a journey to become a carbon-neutral community hospital. Here, DMA Group takes up the story.

22 Security & Building Access

The adoption of innovative and interconnected door hardware systems can help overcome the challenges associated with building security, explains Consort Architectural Hardware.

24 Leisure

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CONTENTS

24 34 Technical Focus

Choosing and installing the correct passive fire protection system can be confusing, so, here, Ken Francis, Technical Support Manager at Promat, talks readers through some FAQs.

08 26 RCI

30 Drainage & Landscaping

36 Surface Design Show Preview

28 KBB

32 Talking Point

38 Product Showcase

As overlooked as they may be for residents, roof spaces cannot be forgotten when it comes to maximising efficiency as Nick King, Portfolio Manager at Klober, explains.

Ruth Foster, Interior Designer at Victoria Plum, explores how to achieve functional, safe, accessible and stylish bathrooms in public sector properties.

SuDS are set to become mandatory on developments in England, heralding a far wider use of permeable paving.

Chris Hodson of MPA Precast (Interpave) explains further.

When procuring new buildings, the agility and cost certainty afforded by rental modular solutions is a welcome advantage, says Mark Rooney at Premier Modular.

From 6 to 8th February, Islington’s Business Design Centre will play host to the Surface Design Show, giving interior designers and architects invaluable insight into the latest trends and insights.

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

Specifying a CFA member for your next flooring project could mean the difference between success — or a flooring failure. Most of the UK’s largest Manufacturers, Distributors and Contractors are CFA members, and for good reason.

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NEWS

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

Beard breaks ground at new sports centre for Richmond School Completion of a new teaching Award-winning contractor Beard has commenced work on a new block opens to students at Solihull sports hall development for Richmond upon Thames School. The start of construction works was marked by a groundbreaking event on the site, where representatives from the school, local council and key project partners signed commemorative bricks that will be laid into the substructure work. The £5.9m project, designed by ECE Architecture, will see Beard’s Guildford office build the two-storey, 1357m2 facility.

In addition to the multi-use sports hall on the first floor, construction will include ground-floor changing rooms, toilet and shower facilities, studio spaces and a reception area. The finished building will also include a living roof to support biodiversity, as well as photovoltaic solar panels. Work has already begun on the building’s steel frame, which will feature external cladding to match the existing campus. The project is set to complete this summer, ready for the next intake of students. It will be the first permanent sports facility in the school’s history, replacing the temporary buildings currently used. The building will also be used by Clarendon School and by the local community, with its development helping to meet the necessary conditions for more affordable housing in the area.

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Construction works for a new two-storey teaching block at Alderbrook School in Solihull has been successfully completed by Midlands contractor, G F Tomlinson. Delivered on behalf of Solihull Council, the works have provided the school with an additional seven classrooms, ancillary spaces, toilets, a reception area, school bus parking, cycling storage and increased car parking for staff and visitors. A new security access and egress gate to the school grounds was also incorporated. Built using a structural steelframe system and blockwork, the building features a flat roof, with rendered walls and full-height curtain walling to three of the elevations. As part of the scheme, G F Tomlinson also planted a number of trees and wildflowers on the school grounds – with the help of Alderbrook School pupils – enhancing the existing ecology of the site and attracting insects and animals to thrive within the grounds. G F Tomlinson committed to providing social value-added initiatives throughout the scheme and pledged to deliver 27% ‘social value added’ against the project. The contractor achieved 48% added value, almost doubling its initial target, resulting in a social economic value of over £1.7m.

Alliance Leisure appointed to deliver new-build complex in Lancashire

GRAHAM selected for £28m Blashford Tower project

Following a successful planning application by Hyndburn Borough Council, Alliance Leisure has been appointed to deliver a new-build leisure and sport centre at Wilsons Playing Fields, Clayton-lemoors, Lancashire. The new £12m development, being delivered in partnership with Sport England, will include a four-lane, 25m swimming pool, a fitness suite, sauna and steam room, group exercise studio, cafe, large changing village and dedicated changing facilities that will service teams making use of the various outdoor sports facilities. Funding for the project has been allocated by Hyndburn Borough Council as part of the borough’s leisure transformation plan.

In addition to creating a modern activity and sports hub, designed to meet the specific needs of the community, the new building will be designed to optimise energy efficiencies. Air-source heat pumps, solar panels and the utilisation of the very latest low- and zero-carbon technologies will all support the council’s ambition to achieve net zero by 2030. All works are to be delivered through the UK Leisure Framework, managed by Denbighshire Leisure Ltd (DLL) and led by leisure development specialist, Alliance Leisure, working in close partnership with ISG to deliver the construction works, in full consultation with Hyndburn Borough Council and Hyndburn Leisure.

GRAHAM has been selected to deliver major works at Blashford Tower, a high-rise residential building on the Chalcots Estate in the London Borough of Camden. The project, which is now on site, will encompass a wide range of works designed to achieve fire safety compliance and improve energy performance. Blashford Tower is a 19-storey residential building comprising 73 flats. It occupies a significant position within the Chalcots Estate, which dates to the late 1960s. One of the central aspects of the project is the replacement of the current windows and installing new cladding with solid aluminium panels featuring a natural anodised finish. Rob Joyce, GRAHAM Regional Director, said: “This project will play a crucial role in bringing Blashford Tower up to modern standards and compliance with safety regulations. We look forward to working collaboratively with our project partners and stakeholders to restore the tower for the benefit of its residents and the wider community.” Astrid KjellbergObst, Project Director at Camden Council, said: “We are delighted to be working with GRAHAM to deliver a high-quality building envelope refurbishment for our Blashford residents, ensuring fire safety, improved insulation and ventilation as well as wellbeing for current and future residents.”

NEWS

Stafford Station Gateway secures £20m from Levelling Up Fund Plans for new homes, businesses and a multi-storey car park on disused land in Stafford have taken a step closer after the Government backed the borough council’s £20m funding bid. Stafford Station Gateway is being delivered by a partnership between Stafford Borough Council, Staffordshire County Council, placemaking and regeneration expert LCR and Network Rail. Proposals for the scheme include a hotel, up to 900 new homes, 30,000ft2 of commercial space, a 350-space multi-storey car park and retail and leisure facilities on under-utilised brownfield land around the railway station.

Michael Gove, the Secretary of State for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities, visited the Gateway last week to personally inform the project team it had been successful in its bid for just under £20m.

It comes as the Government announced that 55 projects across the UK were being awarded a share of nearly £1bn from the third round of its flagship Levelling Up Fund, to spread opportunity, create jobs and revitalise local communities. Mr Gove was told that, by 2040, Stafford Station Gateway will be a thriving new community within Stafford where people want to live, work and visit. A new Institute of Technology for Stafford College, supported by £13m of Government funding and backed by Keele University, Siemens and Dell among others, is already being built on part of the Gateway site.

Celebratory event as new primary school comes closer Willow Grove Primary School in Wixams has come a step closer to opening following completion of the school’s foundations. The new school is set to be open in September on a 3.4-hectare site in the future town centre, and will be part of the Kingsbridge Educational Trust. A special celebratory event to mark the landmark was held in November, where Bedford Borough councillors toured the site to see the progress so far. The first cohort will be 25 reception children, 25 Year 1 and 25 Year 2 pupils but, in time, the school will expand to be four-form entry with 120 children admitted each year and 840 pupils across the school. Pupils will be able to enjoy high-spec, purpose-built new classrooms, a large hall, library, specialist rooms, playing fields with a range of sports provision and car parking for staff and visitors. Sean Conneely, Director at Pick Everard, said: “We’re proud of the collaboration that will help fulfil the educational needs of pupils in the area, as well as the significant value the project will deliver to local communities too. Having provided project management, cost management, NEC supervisor, health and safety services, it’s a perfect example of a scheme that underpins our ethos to deliver better together and we look forward to continuing our collaboration with the wider team as the next build phase progresses with completion in August 2024.”

©Reef Group

The Forum bridge, Gloucester, lifts into place A significant milestone in Gloucester city centre’s transformation took place in November, with cranes lifting The Forum’s connecting bridge into position. The Forum is part of the £200m Kings Quarter regeneration being delivered by Gloucester City Council with Reef Group and the University of Gloucestershire at the heart of Gloucester City Centre. Kier Construction is the main construction team on site, with Novum providing engineering and design support to ensure the bridge is built to the highest design and safety standards. The Forum site has developed at pace over recent months, with the installation of the facades last autumn, inspired by Gloucester Cathedral cloisters.

The bridge weighs 44,000kg and measures 18.5m in length. It connects the two Forum buildings – the four-star Indigo Hotel, offices and multistorey car park on Plot 2, with the offices and gym space on Plot 4.

Development Director for Reef Group, Peter Langly-Smith, said: “This is a proud moment and marks a major milestone in the construction to date. Not only does the bridge ensure a seamless experience across The Forum, connecting work and leisure space, it draws the eye to the centre of the site, and Gloucester itself. Now it is lifted into place, we hope it draws passers-by to look up and appreciate the new Gloucester that is rapidly emerging, of which The Forum forms a core part.”

Wates SHDF Wave 2.1 contracts exceed £100m Wates has further cemented its presence as a leader in social housing retrofit having secured £107m of Social Housing Decarbonisation Fund (SHDF) Wave 2.1 contracts on behalf of 17 social landlords. The milestone comes eight months after the Government allocated its latest round of SHDF funding, a total of £778m that is predicted to improve the energy performance of 90,000 homes. Wates’ contracts will include the PAS 2035-compliant retrofit of a range of energyefficiency measures in 4590 properties across the UK, adding to the 2037 social housing properties so far retrofitted by Wates. The new SHDF Wave 2.1 contracts include 600 homes on behalf of Settle, which included early engagement to support Settle’s funding bid as well as work to build a PAS 2030-compliant supply chain for swift mobilisation.

The new contracts also include retrofit work for 434 properties on behalf of Stonewater following a self-funded pilot retrofit programme, which was delivered by Wates last year. All SHDF Wave 2.1 contracts will see Wates take a fabric-first approach to improve property efficiency in line with Government targets for all social housing to achieve Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) C by 2030.

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UPFRONT

COMMUNITY BENEFITS FROM TRANSFORMATIVE NOTTINGHAM LIBRARY COMPLETION Nottingham had been without a central library since the closure of the Angel Row site during the pandemic in 2020. Rather than re-opening it back up, Nottingham City Council decided to invest in a brand-new £10.5m facility in the Broad Marsh area. was a major element of the city’s I tSouthside regeneration, with plans to include a new ‘green heart’ on the former Broad Marsh site and a green infrastructure network linking Nottingham Castle to the Island Quarter regeneration site.

The new library was to be surrounded by transformed streets, creating fullypedestrianised areas with planting and seating and a new plaza that would link through the demolished section of a former shopping centre to the Lister Gate area and the city centre beyond.

A key part of the council’s mission was to put children and young people at the heart of the design and wider community impact. FaulknerBrowns was onboarded as project architect, while contractor Morgan Sindall Construction and its fit-out division, Overbury, multi-disciplinary consultancy Pick Everard and M&E consultancy Chord also formed part of the wider team. The

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project itself was commissioned via Perfect Circle and procured through SCAPE. KPIs were set with Morgan Sindall Construction and SCAPE Consultancy that would ensure there was a sharp focus on building back into the city, with allocated project spend to local Nottinghamshire businesses and the wider Midlands region.

Oliver Hatton, Director at Pick Everard, said: “Our objective with this project was to ensure a close collaboration across the range of management, design and consultative services, to ensure a valued space for the local community, underpinning our ethos of delivering better, together.”

The solution The new Central Library, which spans three levels, delivered an immersive storytelling room and different creative zones for a range of ages. The dynamic space featured an events area that formed part of a foyer

and public cafe, art displays, a gaming area for teenagers, a dedicated children’s library, a teaching area and a bookable 100-person meeting space.

Culture and business were also key pillars of the delivery, with the library acting as a showcase for networking opportunities across the region and beyond.

Ian Bothamely, Contracts Manager at Overbury, said: “Nottingham is ideally located in the UK, sitting at around a two-hour commute from London as well as having close links to the North. With ample exhibition space and meeting rooms that could be used for business presentations and more, it’s a real showcase venue fit for the future, regionally and nationally.

“From a design point of view too, there’s some fantastic creative references including nods to our very own Paul Smith, which helps spark conversations around Nottingham’s culture, and keeps the city’s heritage alive.”

UPFRONT The project prioritised costeffective, modern techniques and the designs – taking inspiration from Nottingham’s lace-making heritage – utilising carefully-selected materials, such as timber for a natural aesthetic and improved sustainability.

Steve Dickson, Associate Partner at FaulknerBrowns Architects, said: “Our design references, and is influenced by, the city and its surroundings; colours, textures and materials are of Nottingham, giving the interior a sense of place and connection to its environment.

The library landscape is also rich in both traditional media and digital media, enabling learning for all.”

Andrew Wood, Managing Director at Overbury, said: “Libraries are an important part of local communities and can be a vital lifeline for many people. This building plays a big part in the future of the city as it undergoes large-scale transformation, and it’s been exciting to see the new library take shape and the interiors have really made the building come alive.

“It was important to ensure the library was a welcoming environment for children and young people to help inspire a love of reading and books in our future generations. The space was designed with them in mind and has been brought to fruition with the help of several local businesses and charitable organisations, delivering real value to the local area.”

The benefits As part of the social value delivered on the project, Overbury engaged with local charities and schools, including Switch Up, which delivers support to young people in communities affected by crime and violence, as well as Waste Wide Kids, an organisation dedicated to teaching children about waste, recycling and sustainability. Several schools were

also invited to tour the library, including Sneinton Primary School.

The organisations were among the first to make use of the 180,000 books available, spanning three levels and suiting a range of curriculums. In total, the project delivered over £2m in social value, with more than 60% of spend achieved with local SMEs, as well as over £62k through nonprofit organisations. 

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UPFRONT Ian added: “One of the initiatives delivered with the library was to support the transition of children from primary school into secondary school. The library is ideally suited in this respect, having been split into different educational zones and activities to suit all ages.

“The facility has also been sustainably designed, so it was fantastic to be able to teach children more about the importance of our environment and making green choices where possible.

“We’re really proud to have helped deliver something that will sit at the heart of the wider Broad Marsh regeneration and make a lasting impact for future generations.”

Client feedback Councillor Pavlos Kotsonis, Portfolio Holder for Leisure and Culture at Nottingham City Council, said: “The library is fantastic, and we have worked hard with our construction partners to create a state-of-the-art facility. It is a library that residents and visitors of all ages will love, but especially children who are now able to enjoy a fantastic collection of books, an immersive audio-visual storytelling room and plenty of spaces to enjoy reading and take part in fun activities.”

Hannah Trevarthen, the Director of Nottingham UNESCO City of Literature, said: “The vision of the city’s new Central Library was a key part of our action plan for the designation as a UNESCO City of Literature. We are delighted that Nottingham’s communities will be welcomed into a world-class, inspirational space open to all ages and participate in a range of activities that reflect the needs of library customers in the 21st century.”

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The future The library will now sit at the heart of the Broad Marsh Green Heart regeneration scheme, which will see the 20-acre site of an old shopping zone converted into a park with trees and ponds.

Pick Everard will act as a multidisciplinary consultant to the project, with the regeneration area serving as the largest development space in any core city in Europe. 

www.pickeverard.co.uk

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HOUSING

MODULAR IS THE KEY TO UNLOCK SMALL BROWNFIELD SITES FOR AFFORDABLE HOUSING An abandoned industrial site in Eastbourne has been transformed into affordable housing by B-Corp construction company Boutique Modern, turning a run-down site into a development that already feels like it belongs in the town. modular housing company, which is based in nearby A challenging site T he Newhaven, worked with Eastbourne Borough Council to deliver The commercial site in Fort Lane, Eastbourne, was partially burned the scheme in Fort Lane, which is now occupied by families overjoyed with their brand-new homes.

The project shows the way forward for social and affordable housing in hard-to-access brownfield sites across the country, where modular housing schemes could have the potential to unlock land for development.

Dick Shone, Managing Director at Boutique Modern, said: “There are thousands of these restricted sites around the county and across the UK, which are difficult to develop with homes using traditional methods of construction, but as modular housing is simply craned into place, this means sites like these that are lying empty can be transformed and become another viable solution to our housing shortage.

“We’re so proud of this development because it looks like it could fit in anywhere in Eastbourne. It was also an efficient use of a restricted space and the project was delivered to schedule.

“It’s without doubt one of our favourite schemes and a fantastic example of low-impact modular housing both architecturally and in its energy performance.”

Councillor Stephen Holt, Leader of Eastbourne Borough Council, said: “It was wonderful to meet some of the new tenants and hear how delighted they are with their new homes.

“Being bordered by the sea, the South Downs National Park and Pevensey Levels, we have limited opportunities in Eastbourne to build the affordable properties that local people need most.

However, we have successfully transformed this site from several disused industrial units into seven superb homes.”

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down and vacant, which was attracting anti-social behaviour in the surrounding residential neighbourhood.

Due to the constraints of the small site, surrounded by homes with limited access to the land, traditional methods of construction were not an option.

However, modular homes, which involve minimal excavation and reduce the need for vehicle access, together with the resulting reductions in noise and dust, were the perfect solution.

A place to call home The development in Fort Lane features seven two-bedroom homes, including two semi-detached homes and five terraced houses, all with a garden, open-plan living room and kitchen, a bathroom and parking.

A state-of-the-art foundation system was used to install the homes, which reduced the amount of ground that Boutique Modern needed to remove.

This pioneering system, which has been rarely used until now in affordable housing, also decreased carbon generated in the construction process and scaled back the use of concrete in the foundations by 80%.

The homes include a brick-slip facade and an aluminium standingseam roof system. Solar panels power electricity during the day to help residents reduce their bills.

Soft landscaping gives residents places they can stop for a coffee or cup of tea together and even indulge an interest in gardening, which will help them to get to know their neighbours and build a community.

HOUSING

Timescale It took two weeks to lay the foundations, three days to deliver the modules from Newhaven to Eastbourne and a total of nine months turnaround, from starting demolition and building the modules to residents moving in.

In total, 90% of work to the module interiors was finished in the factory before they arrived at Fort Lane.

A sustainable approach Founded in 2009, Boutique Modern’s expert approach to modular housing reduces the impact on the environment and build time of developments, ensuring quality and certainty of cost.

Material waste throughout the build was just 5.4% and all timber used in the process was repurposed at the Wood Store in Brighton, a charitable organisation that re-uses waste timber and processes all of Boutique Modern’s timber waste.

Boutique Modern uses a fabric-first approach to sustainable building, creating insulated homes that stay warm in winter but cool in the summer and, consequently, reduce running costs.

A team from Boutique Modern also supports residents after they have moved in to help them to use solar power efficiently to save money. The electric-powered homes have been rated highly for their energy efficiency, with a B86 EPC rating and rated highly for their minimal carbon emissions over the building’s lifecycle.

One of many happy residents Katie Ripley, one of the new residents at the Fort Lane development, says her new house has already improved their quality of life and says it feels like she’s living in her dream home.

Katie said: “Living inside the house is absolutely beautiful! It’s a dream come true and every single detail has been thought about with such care.

“It’s the little details that have been such a nice touch. Our quality of life has skyrocketed and we couldn’t be happier.

“I can’t hear any noise either side of me from any neighbours; it’s really well built. It does feel just like living in a normal house, I completely forgot that it was a modular building.

“It does not feel like I’m renting from the council; it feels like I’ve designed my dream home.

“You can feel the personal touch to this house. You can tell that whoever was in charge of the design treated it like their own home and certainly did not settle for basic features. They went above and beyond.”

A framework for success The scheme was delivered through an established modular housing framework between Lewes District Council (LDC) and modular homes contractor Boutique Modern.

The LDC Modular Housing Framework is accessible to other local authorities across East and West Sussex to speed up the process for appointing a contractor and saves significant costs by doing away with repeatedly embarking on a lengthy tendering process.

Boutique Modern is currently the only certified B Corporation in the UK modular construction industry. B Corporations are businesses that meet the highest standards of verified social and environmental performance. 

www.boutiquemodern.co.uk

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LEGAL & BUSINESS

SECURING OUR SKYLINES: HIGHER-RISK BUILDINGS AND THE BUILDING SAFETY ACT

Colin Blatchford-Brown is a Building Safety Act specialist advisor at Assent and, until recently, was Operational Policy Lead for Gateways & Building Control at the Health and Safety Executive

The construction landscape in Britain was reshaped by the tragic events at Grenfell Tower, prompting the Building Safety Act 2022 (BSA). This has become the most comprehensive legislation the sector has seen in 40 years, significantly addressing the construction and continuous management of higher-risk buildings (HRBs). But what constitutes an HRB? And how must the industry prepare to handle these changes? is an HRB? Defined in legislation, control approval application to the BSR, W hat an HRB must be at least 18m or providing essential details including: seven storeys high, and contain at least two residential units.

Hospitals and care homes meeting the above height criteria are also covered during design and construction stages but not when in occupation.

Mandatory registration All existing HRBs are required to be registered with the regulator and all new HRBs completed after October 1st 2023 must be registered before occupancy.

Failure to register will constitute an offence. Conviction may lead to imprisonment or a fine (or both).

Key dates and regulations As of 1st October 2023, a new set of Building Regulation procedures apply to HRBs. The new regime means that you must submit all applications to the Building Safety Regulator (BSR) and receive approval before construction can commence.

The new gateway points The new regulations include specific checkpoints, referred to as ‘gateways’, requiring approval from the BSR. Gateway two is pre-construction where applicants submit their building

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The competence of appointed parties assessed by the client The approach to meeting the functional requirements of Building Regulations Assumptions on the building’s in-occupation management Building work management through construction The monitoring of change control through the construction process.

Each HRB will undergo onsite inspections and interventions, as agreed as part of gateway two.

Gateway three is the completion stage where applicants submit as-built information to the BSR, effectively evidencing what was built is in line with what was approved at gateway two. Once BSR issues a completion certificate, the registration process can be completed with BSR. Remember that an HRB must be registered before it can be occupied, and a completion certificate is required to register. It is a criminal offence if the HRB is occupied without registration.

Transitional arrangements For all ongoing HRB projects, there are a set of transitional provisions. A valid

application or initial notice must be in place before 1st October 2023 and work must have sufficiently progressed before 6th April 2024. Subject to the transitional provisions, which include some more detailed criteria, a project can continue through the previous regime. If an HRB project does not meet the provisions it will transfer to the BSR.

The golden thread Throughout the construction phase, the principal contractor oversees the golden thread of information within the building, with the aim of guaranteeing adherence to the approved plans and compliance with Building Regulations. This includes: Overseeing the change control process Ensuring agreed documents are amended when required and relevant notifications made to BSR Submitting this evidence at gateway three to BSR. Higher-risk buildings must now abide by a different set of procedural Building Regulations overseen by the BSR. Rather than viewing it as a hurdle, now is the time for the industry to adapt and follow these new requirements to ensure that we can build safer buildings for current and future generations. 

www.assentbc.co.uk

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15

EDUCATION

SUCCESSFUL COMPLETION OF THE UK’S FIRST BIOPHILIC PRIMARY SCHOOL Simon Butler, Managing Director – Building Central at Tilbury Douglas, discusses the innovations used to successfully complete the greenest primary school in the country.

Mary’s Catholic Voluntary (CV) S tAcademy in Derby, which was selected by the Department for Education (DfE) in 2021 as an innovative pilot scheme, following a devastating arson attack that destroyed the previous school, is now complete. The pioneering new eco building, which is part of the St Ralph Sherwin Trust, welcomed pupils and staff in December 2023.

The new school embraces key Construction Playbook themes, being netzero carbon in operation, low embodied carbon and a modern methods of construction (MMC) exemplar, including a fully-embraced digital strategy.

Biophilic – connecting with nature The biophilic design focuses on connecting the internal environment with nature, with the goal of promoting physical and mental health. Slightly sloping, the site is surrounded by mature trees of varying species.

Moving away from the typical, single building accommodation arrangement, St Mary’s CV Academy is distinctive in plan.

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Comprising five single-storey buildings, linked by a large covered central walkway, the plan promotes high levels of natural light and access to the surrounding landscape.

As part of the landscape strategy, the site has been planted with 96 new trees, many of which will be semi-mature to help the school become quickly embedded in the biophilic landscape.

Additional landscape features include rain gardens, season bulb planting and meadow grasses.

Learning from and in nature is an important theme for this academy and will be supported through the built environment. For example, each classroom features doors to courtyards, increasing access to the outside. The natural landscape hopes to capture the imagination of pupils, aiding their exploration of their natural surroundings, boosting creativity and reducing stress.

In this digital age, St Ralph Sherwin Academy Trust is keen to reconnect pupils with the natural world and promote learning in the landscape. This aims to work on a number of sensory levels, be it managing

risk though play and adventure, or appreciating the dependencies of flora and fauna through biodiversity and horticulture.

As a Catholic school, faith areas, such as a chapel and memorial garden, will work harmoniously with the forest school and biophilic principles in a holistic design that unites nature, education and spirituality.

MMC The speed at which the project was delivered was mainly down to the Innovare Structural Insulated Panel (SIP) system; an interlocking, load-bearing system that is manufactured off site and guarantees performance in terms of thermal insulation, fire safety and acoustics. It also uses environmentallyfriendly materials and finishes, alongside efficient processes that concentrate on minimal waste and recycling offcuts.

The floor and ceiling SIPs strategy will not only support the school in its low embodied carbon aspirations, but will also make maintenance easier moving forwards, omitting suspended ceilings and cavity MEP.

Considering the building’s embodied lifecycle has been an important part of the design and preconstruction of this special project, alongside the operational energy strategy, devised by Cundall, which will deliver net-zero carbon in use.

Our engineering team undertook the design and installation of this highly thermally-efficient building. This included significant amounts of full-height glazing to maximise the benefits of natural daylight. Other key mechanical, electoral and plumbing (MEP) strategies included the use of heat pumps, photovoltaics (PV) and intelligent natural ventilations technologies.

Post-occupant support will, together with enhanced metering, play a key role in optimising the future operating performance of this building and provide essential data to help inform future standards.

The roofs of the five blocks are currently being prepared for either PV or wildflower green roof installations that will contribute to the school’s energy loads; albeit the core of the energy strategy is to reduce the need for heat and light in the first instance.

EDUCATION

Low-carbon engineering

Community engagement Alongside the build programme, our social value commitments have been a priority with a complete social value plan being delivered in association with the project and stakeholders.

Amongst local spend, some of the highlights have included several apprenticeship opportunities; work placements from University of Derby, T-Level placements, as well as summer placements for local young people interested in construction careers.

Looking ahead To have completed this project is a great achievement by all those involved with this important scheme.

Amanda Greaves, Executive Headteacher at St Mary’s, said: “This move is a hugely-positive and long-awaited milestone and we know that pupils and staff will be excited to finally return to Broadway, to a brand-new biophilic school.”

Matt Gage, Programme Director at the DfE, added: “We are immensely proud of the role our Risk Protection Arrangement has played in supporting this scheme and building back a better school out of the tragedy of the fire that occurred in 2021. It is a testament to the difference we can make when we work together as a joined-up schools sector.”

As the UK’s greenest primary school, and first biophilic school, this DfE pilot project will play a key role is setting future standards for eco-friendly schools of the future. We know the pupils, teachers and wider community will really benefit from utilising the new facilities.

Moving forwards, the school will be part of a research programme with the University of Derby, who will be monitoring the various innovative elements of the building and reporting pupil health and wellbeing results. This will help provide lessons learned to the DfE and future schools. 

www.tilburydouglas.co.uk

17

DIGITAL & SOFTWARE

CAN BETTER USE OF DATA SAVE COUNCILS FROM BANKRUPTCY? Alistair Dent, Chief Commercial Officer at data company Profusion, discusses how data literacy could help make councils more efficient.

November, Nottingham council I nbecame the seventh local authority to declare itself bankrupt since 2018.

Experts have warned that as many as one in 10 county councils in England are at risk of the same fate. The situation in other parts of the UK is equally dire. While the individual financial circumstances of these councils may vary, the core problem remains the same – they are attempting to maintain services while funding continues to shrink. With the Government essentially freezing future public sector spending, inflation will mean that in practical terms the money available to most councils will fall. As such, cost savings are going to be top of the public sector’s agenda.

The question we have to ask ourselves is, is there a way to save money without making cuts to services? Most would argue that years of austerity means

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that there’s little more that can be done to improve efficiency. However, technology has moved on substantially since the 2010s. This past year has seen an explosion in use cases for generative AI, in particular, and there is widespread excitement (and a lot of fear) about how AI can be leveraged to improve how most organisations operate. It is possible that AI, and better use of data in general, could come to the rescue and provide local authorities with the tools they need to survive – or even thrive?

There are already a number of very powerful data science tools that are in use in the private sector that, if applied correctly, can provide a huge number of benefits to councils across the UK. For example, cohort analysis enables local authorities to group and understand the profiles of their people – far beyond simple demographic

information. Combining this information with predictive analytics opens the door to accurately determining when, where and what services people will need. Put simply, a council can move from reacting to a person’s needs to proactively providing them – creating much better outcomes, not to mention saving money.

However, we’re unfortunately really getting ahead of ourselves. Tools like predictive analytics are the end point of the journey for many organisations, not the start. Local authorities, like most other organisations, often lack basic data skills across their teams. Without the ability to fundamentally understand statistics and ask good questions of data, you cannot begin to effectively use even the most straightforward data analysis techniques or technology platforms.

Team members will be unable to safely apply data insights in their day-to-day

DIGITAL & SOFTWARE working life because they are unable to assess the accuracy of results and fully determine their meaning. Consequently, many organisations find themselves solely reliant on their data experts. This naturally creates bottlenecks and single points of failure, but it also severely inhibits an organisation from becoming truly data driven. That is, basing their decision making on what the numbers tell them combined with the knowledge and expertise of their entire team.

By entire team, we really mean everyone. From the top down. Our own analysis of senior leaders across various industries found that basic data literacy actually gets worse as you go up an organisation – CEOs were the worst performing. This is no small problem.

If your senior decision makers do not understand basic data principles, it will be nearly impossible for them to

effectively create an overarching data strategy. Nor can they be certain the data-led decisions they make are the best possible choices.

This does not mean converting every member of a local authority into a data scientist. Instead, what is needed is a recognition that a fundamental understanding of data is now just as important as, for example, basic IT skills or communication skills. This baseline of knowledge provides councils with the means to develop their data strategy in a number of different ways. Individuals and different departments can be trained on more bespoke data skills that will allow them to use these insights to enhance how they do their jobs.

The benefits are not just confined to enabling a local authority to better leverage technology and data, there are also significant financial benefits.

Services become more efficient, and their impact can be better assessed.

Just imagine a world in which we know exactly which interventions and in which order to provide them to someone in need based on their unique circumstances and characteristics. This would create the optimal outcome for the individual, society. This is especially important now that many local authorities are expected to operate on incredibly-stretched budgets and serve even greater levels of need. The use of data and AI allows both resources to be more effectively deployed, and techniques and approaches to be refined and improved. Hiring data talent is currently very time consuming and expensive – growing your own skilled team helps reduce this issue. Having an organisation equipped with the skills to partner with and execute the insight from their data team means you will get more value from the resources you do invest in.

A more data literate organisation also mitigates risks. There are numerous examples of public sector organisations running into serious problems due to human error-related data breaches and governance problems. As mentioned earlier, AI can, in some cases, produce outputs that discriminate against particular groups. A literate workforce is better equipped to spot these potential problems before they do any harm.

Finally, let’s return to generative AI. It is true that some jobs will be made redundant due to automation – that’s the natural evolution of technology. However, new jobs will be created. If your organisation has a team that is already skilled effectively in leveraging data, they will be much better positioned to transition their skills to use – rather than be replaced – by generative AI applications. 

www.profusion.com

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HEALTHCARE

DELIVERING THE UK’S FIRST CARBONNEUTRAL COMMUNITY HOSPITAL In September 2021, Rye, Winchelsea & District Memorial Hospital embarked on a journey to become a carbonneutral community hospital. The project was commissioned by the Rye Winchelsea & District Memorial Hospital charity with the goal of reducing demand, curbing emissions and limiting global warming. Here, Steve McGregor, Group Managing Director of DMA Group, takes up the story. medical care closer to D elivering home has been the driving mission statement for the hospital, benefitting the local community and doing their bit for the environment along the way.

Through its elimination of fossil fuels (i.e. gas), renewable electricity supply and the installation of new renewable systems, in 2023 the facility became the UK’s first community hospital to achieve carbon neutrality and reducing its carbon footprint by 100%.

This large-scale project also included some important, yet basic, enabling works, which included a full clean of the hospital’s heating system and the replacement of all radiator valves to optimise the heating system efficiency. The hospital also replaced its existing gas boilers with new electric flow boilers and calorifiers, and replaced all its gas-fired kitchen equipment, thereby eliminating the use of gas completely. New automated controls and the installation of internal and external LED lighting reduced and optimised demand ahead of the installation of new

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solar roof panels and storage batteries that generate more than 70,000 kilowatt hours electricity per annum.

The hospital’s in-house facilities management team can now monitor energy usage in real time via a smart new Building Management System (BMS) so that energy utilisation data is available to every stakeholder. This means that through onsite and live remote monitoring, any potential equipment, energy utilisation or building and water temperature issues can be proactively identified before it becomes a problem. This ensures a better environment for patients and staff and minimises any disruption to the vital care and work happening within the facility.

Turning to the data, it is now estimated that by the end of 2024 the overall energy consumption at the hospital will be reduced by approximately 240,000 kilowatt hours – a drop of 40% from previous years.

The outcome being an impressive reduction of approximately 260 tonnes of carbon per annum, that being equivalent to planting around 4300 trees.

Speaking with Barry Nealon, the Chair at Rye, Winchelsea & District Memorial Hospital, it was clear that their overarching goal was always to become a fullyfunctional, net-zero community hospital, but having done it so quickly, and to be the UK’s first, was beyond expectations.

Their mission was always to bring medical services closer to home for the benefit of that local community and to achieve this, they understood the need to reimagine their existing business models and aim for sustainable growth. Bringing DMA Group into that partnership allowed the hospital to help facilitate that by curbing emissions and limiting its impact on global warming.

Former Chief Operating Officer (and now Trustee), Martyn Phillips, led on the project and worked very closely with DMA throughout. Together, we ensured that the best possible decarbonisation plan was implemented alongside the replacement of life-expired plant and equipment that ensured the hospital infrastructure will function efficiently and effectively for at least the next 20 years.

HEALTHCARE Further to the decarbonisation effort, further modernisation and workplace improvements were made for staff and patients alike. Some of these included the installation of solar blinds in the nurses’ station to reduce glare and excess heat to create a more comfortable working environment, new air-conditioning units in the communications and medicine rooms to reduce the risk of equipment failure and the overheating of medicines, new airconditioning systems in the nurses’ station and improvements to the hospital’s coldwater systems. This included the installation of a chemical dosing system and cold-water booster to increase the water pressure and reduce the risk of bacterial infections, such as legionella.

Having been involved at the hospital in some way for over 30 years, we benefitted from a trusting, progressive and transparent relationship with stakeholders throughout the project to determine the right design, right solution and the right cost. This proactive and collaborative approach not only presented a tangible route to net zero, but also a sound business case.

We are incredibly proud to have supported Barry and his team to help them achieve a national first – becoming a fully-functional, net-zero community hospital. As has been the nature of this project in East Sussex, the net-zero journey is one of continuous evolution and refinement and, equally, one that will lead to a more responsible and financially-secure future. 

www.dma-group.co.uk

21

SECURITY & BUILDING ACCESS

SHAPING THE FUTURE WITH INTERCONNECTED DOOR HARDWARE The adoption of innovative and interconnected door hardware systems can help overcome the challenges associated with building security, explains Daniel May of Consort Architectural Hardware. security of our built T he environment and the safety of its people is paramount throughout a building’s lifecycle. While these elements remain a primary focus at each touchpoint of a construction project, today’s design teams are sooner adopting modern access control systems to address this age-old challenge, but why?

Where systems were once rudimentary, modern access control has evolved into a revolutionary factor of building design, unlocking various benefits for its many users in the process. The Internet of Things (IoT) has enhanced building security as we know it and, as technology continues to advance, more options enter the market. Following more than a decade of innovation and integration, the access control market is projected to grow year on year, from £7.8bn in 2023 to £11.8bn by 2028.

Modern user requirements have led to several operational and technological advancements during this period, and decision makers and design teams alike can now

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choose from a versatile selection of options. Some door hardware products now utilise smart locks, cloud control and even biometrics, for example, and, most recently, there’s been a substantial change to the way access control systems operate, with focus moving towards end users and ease of use.

From an operational perspective, interconnected access control systems gift users with an intuitive network that improves building security through the use of real-time status updates, while also providing them with the ability to grant instant access approval and denial at the touch of a button. Often, users can operate their building’s various access points through their mobile phone, which has led to improved flexibility and efficiency in most environments – whether at home or in a public access property.

The security benefits also become clear when compared to the alternative of physical keys. If a traditional key is lost or stolen, the security of a building becomes at risk

until it is found or replaced. Intuitive access control systems are designed to build upon the traditional lock and key methods. By seamlessly integrating smart door hardware into both new and retrofit projects, users can manage access points and improve security across the building – without stifling ease of access, stunting future scalability or unsettling the aesthetics.

As many adopt Wi-Fi infrastructures, NFC technology and cloud services into their buildings, decision makers must also consider the need for better standards. While the introduction of IoT may advance security, performance and functionality, it can also introduce new risks, which must be mitigated by adhering to both localised and international standards, such as ISO 27001, for example.

The Physical Security Interoperability Alliance (PSIA) standard is one of the widely-recognised and respected standards for access control products and provides comprehensive requirements for systems by focusing on interoperability, scalability and functionality. This standard ensures that access control products from different manufacturers can seamlessly integrate and communicate with each other, allowing for greater flexibility and choice when designing a complete access control system. After all, a one-size-fits-all access control solution simply doesn’t exist and decision makers would be remiss in not selecting a product that aligns with their building’s needs while meeting the required standards. 

www.consort-hw.com

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23

LEISURE

DESIGNING PARKS TO MAKE SPACE FOR GIRLS Our public realm is hostile to women. It’s here that 71% of women have experienced sexual harassment, and 40% of sexual assaults against women happen in public spaces, including transport networks. Gender imbalances can equally be found in the people who shape the built environment: less than 24% of highway engineers and only 31% of registered architects are female. Is it any wonder that so many feel unwelcome in our streets and public spaces? Deborah Saunt, Founding Director of DSDHA, explores further. an architecture, urban design, A slandscape and research studio, DSDHA has focused on democratising the built environment for the past 25 years. Within our industry, we make it our mission to support alternative pathways into the profession for young people and challenge how the world of architecture could be shared by helping to found the groundbreaking London School of Architecture (LSA) as well as the Jane Drew Prize, highlighting the work of female architects. At the same time, we’ve been embedding social values, such as community participation and inclusion, across our research and design work, with a focus on insights into spatial justice, and we’re delighted this has finally become a priority for local authorities as well as some private developers.

As authors of the recent RIBA research into co-design, we have a unique

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perspective on what’s working on the ground and what needs to change.

A true participatory process in how our spaces are made and maintained not only gives people a say in their environment but also gives them specific tools and skills.

Upskilling is crucial in ensuring effective participation, enabling people to make sense of architectural drawings and providing them with a better understanding of our complex planning process so that they are more able to engage with architects, planners and local authorities. Together with our public sector partners, we need to be working towards levels of participation that are genuine and citizen led and continue throughout the design and construction process from co-design to co-creation. Architects and urban designers need to talk to people before shaping the brief, but the conversation needs to continue during construction and past completion.

Clients in the public (and also private) sector need to understand that a project is not complete on opening day, but instead provide ways in which local people and stakeholders can continue to influence the day-to-day functioning of their environment so they feel connected and better engaged.

A ‘constitution’ for new public spaces – which sets out a social vision for the project over time – can safeguard intangible values while responding to changing needs. The sense of stewardship can also be fostered by continuous consultation during construction, leading to a programme of meanwhile uses that can help with community cohesion during sometimes disruptive works and build future links.

Especially pertinent is the question of who gets to participate in our public spaces physically. DSDHA recently entered into a dialogue with Make Space for Girls (MSFG), a campaign group co-founded by Imogen Clark and Susannah Walker, dedicated to ensuring public spaces and parks cater to teenage girls and not just the ‘default male’. They work across the board, raising awareness of the issue, campaigning for policy changes, which will create more inclusive public spaces and championing engagement with teenage girls so that their voices are heard throughout the design process. Together, we share a passion for a spatially just environment and believe that if you are a young person and public space rolls out a red carpet for you, and public buildings welcome you, you have a better chance of becoming an engaged, community-minded citizen of the future.

LEISURE DSDHA has been working in this vein alongside Camden Council on the Central Somers Town masterplan, to create new homes, a school and to revitalise a series of green spaces into a single park in one of London’s most disadvantaged areas. The work started in 2014 with a consultation of the park’s users, especially young Muslim women and girls. Now, the children we spoke to are teenagers, or ‘youth’ in policy terms.

Luckily, the client has been able to provide funding throughout the duration of the framework, and we have just finished a three-month afterschool programme, where we invited the community members to look at the space in the light of their needs today and evolve the original design ideas accordingly with their direct input.

During this process, these young people learnt to read drawings and make models, actively engaging in the design process and co-creating the space alongside the architects.

These efforts, though nominally aimed mostly at girls, are, of course, for everyone. In design, when you consider the needs of those on the margins – if you work to the ‘extremes’ – the majority will always benefit. When you make places and routes for those with accessibility needs, others pushing pushchairs, suitcases, shopping trolleys or bicycles will also find their lives improved.

When you design doors for the elderly who cannot grab handles as firmly, the

resulting product will work equally well for nurses in hospitals or even someone carrying their phone in one hand and a coffee in another. Sharing the benefits of design to include the widest diversity of people always yields dividends for all.

As designers and campaigners, we have many tools at our disposal. These include surveys, questionnaires, workshops and walkabouts, but also CCTV footage, which allows us to analyse the existing use of the site and test our interventions. To evaluate and iterate this ‘time-based urbanism’, we asked a group of girls engaged in the co-design of public space to arrange seats in a building just next door, so we could learn the kind of configurations they feel comfortable in and the different activities these accommodate. This primary feedback is invaluable and proved that we need to shift from a one-size-fits-all approach to include more quiet as well as more playful spaces. We had some joyful conversations about how being outside can be fun in a way that is rarely discussed. For example, when we raised the topic of play equipment, we discovered that girls prefer larger swing seats that can hold multiple people in joyous play. Anecdotally, adults and families with small children enjoy them just as much.

As designers and campaigners, we need to insist on a policy shift that involves local people, especially those on the margins, to help analyse, assess, co-design and evaluate our shared proposals. At the

same time, we need to call on enlightened local authorities, such as Camden Council and regional bodies like the Greater London Authority, to provide accessible toolkits for co-designing spatially just and inclusive spaces, to enshrine this in national policy. 

www.dsdha.co.uk

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RCI

AIR IN, AIR OUT: HOW TO BALANCE AIRTIGHTNESS AND VENTILATION Let’s face it, from children’s toys to old camping gear, what goes in our loft spaces often doesn’t see the light of day again. The roof space is frequently seen as an out-of-bounds storage area, where our sentimental keepsakes and unused items go to gather dust. However, as overlooked as they may be for residents, roof spaces cannot be forgotten when it comes to maximising efficiency as Nick King, Portfolio Manager at Klober, explains. a landscape of volatile and increasing Moisture in the roof is not always I nenergy prices, every penny counts. evident from the main body of the Add to this the environmental conversation surrounding domestic heating and it’s clear to see why ensuring airtightness in all areas of the home is increasingly a key consideration for housing providers.

‘Tis the season, condensation season Airtightness is critical when it comes to building thermally-efficient properties, however, if effective roof ventilation is not considered, condensation can easily build up due to a lack of air movement.

And, while walls and floors are given top priority when proposing such measures, roof spaces can often be neglected.

It’s a tricky balance to get right – considering airtightness and ventilation – but condensation season is a timely reminder on why it’s so important. From October to April, when the heating is on and our windows closed, the risk of condensation increases. Plus, due to changes in seasonal weather patterns, properties are susceptible to condensation all year round.

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house, but that doesn’t mean it’s risk free. Condensation can lead to staining, and even mould growth, which has serious health risks. Therefore, those responsible for providing safe housing must ensure that appropriate ventilation is considered for residents.

And breathe…

Navigating the delivery of airtightness is made slightly easier with the introduction of financial incentives such as the Government’s ECO+ Scheme, which was introduced to enhance roof space insulation across the UK’s housing stock.

When tackling ventilation, opting for low-resistance, breathable membranes is an ideal choice as their permeable nature allows water vapour to escape through the roof, reducing condensation levels. Specialist products, such as Klober’s Permo Air 160, the UK’s most breathable, British Board of Agrémentapproved (BBA) membrane, go a step further and can negate the need for additional ventilation entirely.

For retrofit projects, tile vents and eaves ventilation can allow airflow to the roof space to reduce moisture build up. By sourcing effective and compliant roof ventilation solutions to futureproof properties, housing associations can ensure resident wellbeing.

However, selecting the right product for the job is merely the first step.

Getting it right first time After specifying a quality product, it’s all about the execution. Poorly-installed materials may fall short and lead to further remedial work and costs. Manufacturer’s instructions should, therefore, be followed correctly to get it right first time.

An excellent source of guidance for membranes is Klober’s guide to roofing membranes. Filled with tips and tricks, this resource is ideal for those working with the product for the first time or who want to refresh their knowledge. It includes installation guidelines and covers compliance with BS 5534.

Futureproofing the homes of tomorrow, today Undoubtedly, the biggest challenge facing housing providers is balancing net-zero targets with sustainable and practical homes.

Ultimately, homes must work for the families that live within them. In volatile energy markets, efficiency savings are key but without proper ventilation, residents can fall victim to potentially-dangerous side effects.

We don’t want our ways of living to impact the planet, but we must consider how air and moisture tightness can be properly balanced alongside condensation build up. That’s why I’m urging the housing market to work with trusted manufacturers, like Klober, to enhance the performance of their homes through improved roofing considerations. 

www.klober.co.uk

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KBB

DESIGNING ACCESSIBLE AND STYLISH BATHROOMS FOR INDIVIDUAL REQUIREMENTS With a wide range of products and solutions available, accessible bathrooms today can be fit for purpose without compromising on style. From high-contrast design elements for the visually impaired to a variety of adapted products, Ruth Foster, Interior Designer at Victoria Plum, explores how to achieve a functional, safe, accessible and stylish bathroom in public sector properties. that create functional and stylish spaces to to bath and shower seats, adaptations in the bathroom can A daptations cater for individuals with mobility or accessibility needs are significantly improve ease of use and promote independence. crucial for enhancing quality of life whilst ensuring compliance with Building Regulations and guidelines. Yet delivering an accessible bathroom that caters for individual needs without looking like a healthcare setting has proved tricky.

This does not need to be the case now, however, thanks to the continued development of stylish products and solutions that meet every individual need. Whether age, injury, arthritis, sight issues or any other issue, an accessible bathroom can combine form, function and style with the right planning.

Here, I explore key design considerations, product recommendations and trends to inspire and guide designers on how to create accessible, functional and stylish bathrooms in public sector buildings.

Adapted bathroom products The simplest way to make a bathroom more accessible is through the use of adapted products. From walk-in baths and grab rails

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There are also advanced toilets available, with motion sensor lids, comfort height settings and built-in personal hygiene jets and dryers – increasingly without the clinical look that users are inevitably keen to avoid.

Incorporating adjustable elements, like countertops or fixtures with adjustable heights, also allows for easy customisation and can provide an opportunity to add personality through design.

A walk-in shower bath or shower enclosure combined with large, easy-to-use controls may also be ideal because it caters for those with visual impairments and hand mobility restrictions.

Designing the right bathroom space There are many ways to make sure the space is designed to perform how it needs to. Remember, style should never come at the cost of practicality – and nor does it need to, thanks to the continued development of adapted products.

KBB Wetrooms, for example, are especially accessible, including for wheelchair users, because they have no steps or shower trays.

Additionally, they pose fewer trip hazards, which is ideal for those less steady on their feet or have impaired vision.

Wider doorways, level thresholds and slip-resistant flooring also greatly contribute to an accessible bathroom space. For wheelchair or mobility aid users, clear pathways with ample manoeuvring space and minimal obstacles enable them to move around and navigate freely.

It is important to create distinct zones within a space, which aids organisation and helps ensure they are optimised for accessibility requirements. This means having well-defined zones for activities, such as bathing, toileting and grooming.

Adapting bathrooms for users with visual impairments According to the Royal National Institute of Blind People (RNIB), two million people in the UK are living with sight loss, and this number is expected to rise.

Ease of navigation is imperative in an accessible bathroom for someone with sight loss. This is why it is important to consider high-contrast design elements.

Examples include contrasting colours on walls, floors and fixtures that help distinguish different areas within a space. Not only will this brighten each space and make them more visible, but it will also help users adapt their bathroom according to their own personal taste.

A good design tip is to use tactile indicators, such as textured flooring or raised surfaces, as these will provide additional cues for wayfinding. Combining these design elements with the appropriate lighting and tactile materials ensures a sleek, but also safe and visually-stimulating environment.

Ensuring that the space is free of hazards is important too, so users need to consider elements like a level shower access area that minuses steps or height differences.

Stylish accessories and finishes Above else, stylish design is made more possible because modern accessibility features no longer have the ‘clinical’ appearance they once did. There is a wide choice of accessories and finishes that seamlessly integrate into design schemes.

Matte black grab rails, modern chrome handrails, contemporary faucets and trendy finishes elevate the aesthetic appeal while providing the essential support and accessibility needed.

Designing functional yet stylish spaces for individuals with mobility or accessibility requirements should be seen as an opportunity to create environments that inspire and empower users.

By incorporating a growing range of adapted bathroom products and designing the right space to cater for a wide range of needs, bathroom spaces can become highly accessible without sacrificing dignity or style. 

www.victoriaplum.com

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DRAINAGE & LANDSCAPING

Lamb Drove, Cambourne.

Photo: Chris Hodson.

ACCELERATING PERMEABLE PAVING FOR SUDS Wider application of permeable paving to reverse the sealing-up of our towns and cities is heralded by mandatory sustainable drainage (SuDS) requirements on developments, as well as action on renewal of existing impermeable paving, as Chris Hodson of the trade body MPA Precast (Interpave) explains.

course, safe and attractive hard O fsurfaces are needed in any type of development. With proven performance and new opportunities, concrete block permeable paving (CBPP) offers a fullyengineered and predictable alternative to conventional sealed paving for a wide range of applications – whether new build, asset renewal or replacement. CBPP is a ‘naturebased solution’, providing a gradual supply

of clean water near the surface. It replicates natural pervious surfaces and combines selfdraining with rainwater attenuation, storage, pollution treatment and conveyance.

Recognised in The SuDS Manual as the most commonly-used ‘Pervious Pavement’ typology, CBPP has proven to be a robust, resilient and adaptable technology for all types of paving over more than 25 years’ use. This long experience reveals

that its problem-free performance far exceeds that originally anticipated. But, in addition, important innovations and fresh applications have been developed recently, enhancing its natural, multifunctional capabilities. For example, CBPP can provide optimal irrigation and essential air/CO2 exchange for new and existing trees, meeting the NPPF planning requirements for long-term tree maintenance.

Lamb Drove site plan. Courtesy of Robert Bray Associates.

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DRAINAGE & LANDSCAPING

Lamb Drove, Cambourne.

Photo: Chris Hodson.

Adaptive re-use of paving

Mandatory SuDS SuDS are set to become mandatory on developments in England, heralding a far wider use of permeable paving. The Flood and Water Management Act 2010 included provisions for mandatory SuDS on developments, managed by local authority ‘SuDS Approval Bodies’ (SABs). But these provisions were not implemented at the time in England under Schedule 3 of the act – although they were in Wales – relying instead on planning policies for flood protection.

Under mounting pressure and recognising that the planningbased system has not worked, Government is now moving towards implementing Schedule 3 in England – expected this year – to make SuDS mandatory, as announced in a review from Defra last year. National SuDS Standards, and other related changes, will then be applied and SABs will be set up within unitary authorities or county councils. SAB approval will be required before construction of drainage systems on most new and redeveloped sites or connection to public sewers. The SAB may also adopt and maintain approved SuDS that serve more than one property.

Exemplar project To demonstrate the Government’s ‘SuDS approach’, Defra’s report cited one particular project as an exemplar: Lamb Drove in Cambourne, Cambridgeshire. A case study on this innovative scheme is available at www.paving.org.uk.

Completed in 2006, Lamb Drove is a 35-home development on a one-hectare site, with a conventional layout but still delivering SuDS. It was compared with a similar, neighbouring development using piped drainage.

Lamb Drove demonstrates various techniques to collect, clean, convey and infiltrate, or store and release water at greenfield runoff rates (2l/s/hectare) from developments to watercourses or sewers. The design is considered as two discrete sub-catchments, each with a micro-catchment of CBPP roads – all managed by flow control chambers. This enables full storage within landscape features and, in particular, CBPP. This project demonstrates that CBPP is an essential part of any new development in delivering effective SuDS without reliance on tanks, ponds and other non-nature-based storage solutions.

The SuDS approach also needs to be applied to existing paving in order to reverse the sealing-up and flooding of urban areas.

This issue was highlighted in the 2022 National Infrastructure Commission report on reducing flooding from surface water.

Currently, around 325,000 properties in England are in areas at the highest risk (with more than 60% chance of surface water flooding) in the next 30 years and, without action, up to 295,000 more properties could also be put at risk.

Low-intervention techniques with CBPP can transform wornout paving and deliver multifunctional SuDS to address this issue, also providing long-term sustenance for trees and numerous other benefits. There is a compelling case to apply CBPP in place of impermeable surfaces for paving renewal, as well as regeneration and upgrade projects.

Carbon reduction New CBPP techniques offer low-intervention retrofit installation to provide long life with minimal maintenance and low whole-of-life cost, minimising excavation and avoiding statutory services. For example, CBPP overlay is a deceptivelysimple but innovative approach, maximising re-use of an existing road base and its embodied carbon. The CBPP surface zone simply replaces planed-off old asphalt or another road surface, applied onto the original structural road base.

Water is attenuated, treated and conveyed within the CBPP laying course, which is key to this technology, enabling filtration of silt and retention/treatment of pollutants without clogging.

A gradual flow of clean water can then be released near the surface, meeting SuDS requirements and irrigating trees and green infrastructure – for example, in rain gardens where water can also be stored – or passing into sewers. The CBPP surface zone overlay collects, cleans and stores up to 20mm of everyday rainfall, representing up to 95% of rainfall events and the ‘first flush’ of silt and pollution from the surface.

Latest guidance A new Edition 7 of Understanding Permeable Paving has now been published by MPA Precast (Interpave) to help respond to climate change and to demands for far wider application of permeable surfaces, both on new developments and in existing settings. A comprehensive review of all aspects of concrete block permeable paving, Edition 7 enables all those involved with the development process to rediscover this most versatile SuDS technique. 

www.paving.org.uk

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TALKING POINT

RENTAL MODULAR SOLUTIONS – A LIFE JACKET FOR PUBLIC SECTOR BUDGETING The chancellor’s Autumn Statement in November put growth at the top of the UK’s economic agenda. As such, the pressure is on for public sector organisations to expand their facilities in order to accommodate the increasing number of services they aim to deliver. inflation is beginning to W hilst fall from the highs experienced last year, public sector organisations still face the sizeable task of managing their Capital Expenditure (CapEx) and Operating Expenditure (OpEx) budgets if they are to broaden their site infrastructure and drive growth.

When it comes to procuring new buildings, the agility and cost certainty afforded by rental modular solutions is a welcome advantage. Unlike permanent buildings, the production and lease of rental modular facilities can fall under an organisation’s OpEx budget rather than its CapEx budget, allowing the purchasing organisation to pay for rental solutions consistently and within the boundaries of their available funds.

Manufactured at speed and available for lease in a timeframe that suits the organisation, rental modular solutions afford public sector organisations the short- and long-term flexibility to use their CapEx and OpEx budgets effectively for the greatest impact.

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Budget barriers CapEx and OpEx budgets are staples of any public sector organisation’s financial toolkit. Where the CapEx budget is typically dedicated to purchasing, maintaining or repairing fixed assets, such as buildings, the OpEx budget funds the everyday operations of a given organisation. Both involve organisations spending to satisfy the numerous demands and expectations of their many stakeholders but come with a number of barriers that can be difficult for organisations to overcome.

For instance, projects funded by CapEx budgets, such as the expansion of a university estate, often require a larger initial financial investment, more labour and more time than the smaller initiatives funded by OpEx budgets. More ambitious projects often necessitate greater stakeholder engagement and require more resources to undertake – a factor that increases project overheads and makes the simultaneous management of multiple projects on one budget

Mark Rooney is Hire Divisional Director at Premier Modular

incredibly difficult. Projects funded by OpEx budgets equally pose a number of obstacles for public sector organisations to navigate; they can be dependent on uncertain public sector factors, such as the number of monthly users for a particular site or service.

Flexible solutions Modular buildings can support a range of public sector building projects, including the provision of educational facilities and healthcare spaces, such as ward space and assessment units that support the NHS’ growing demand for capacity.

Modular site and welfare facilities, including canteens, offices and changing rooms, can be provided in line with exacting specifications to ensure rental facilities are equivalent to the quality of their permanent counterparts.

Depending on the source of funding available, organisations may be unable to purchase buildings upfront or may choose the benefit of added future flexibility. To help with this,

TALKING POINT rental solutions offer flexibility and cost certainty, enabling public sector businesses to procure buildings for a fixed cost that does not fluctuate throughout the lease period. This is particularly beneficial for organisations navigating periods of increased inflation and interest rates – a perk when utilising CapEx budgets that are sensitive to change during and after a period of economic instability.

To this end, rental modular solutions will remain relatively unaffected by future economic instability and can be leased over a longer timeframe to align with monthly budgets. An additional benefit of this route is the futureproofed flexibility gained; providing both additional options of repurposing a building for an alternative use, or indeed relocating to a more beneficial location. The offsite manufacturing of modular buildings equally helps to reduce costs for the end user too; the short installation time of modular buildings minimises labour costs, maximising the efficient use of resources spent on the project’s delivery.

In some cases, rental modular solutions are a self-funding mechanism that can be utilised for organisations with limited funds. For instance, in the NHS, healthcare services are dependent on the number of monthly users. If healthcare buildings increase their monthly service users, their OpEx budgets will rise accordingly. In turn, this will provide organisations with more funding to rent buildings, providing increased space for more patient throughput and a continuous cycle of increased users and available operational funding.

Flexible funding secured through national procurement frameworks further facilitates the acquisition of rental modular buildings in line with fixed CapEx and OpEx budgets.

Frameworks, such as LHC Modular Buildings Framework, NHS Commercial Solutions and Department for Education Condition Improvement Fund, enable public sector organisations to confidently invest in credible suppliers and ensure the building solutions they obtain are completed to a high standard.

Cost-efficient collaboration As well as providing cost efficiency to support procurement budgets, modular solutions offer bespoke rental collaboration between manufacturers and organisations, from design to

handover. This allows for proactive site visits that will inform specific public sector requirements and optimise project management and logistical planning to minimise overall project time and ensure budgets are respected.

Above all else, rental modular buildings help organisations to create a comfortable and effective environment for working, living and learning, without compromising on quality.

This type of building solution allows organisations to obtain the facilities they need, at a price they can afford, enabling the wider public sector to drive growth and fulfil stakeholder needs in the long term. 

www.premiermodular.co.uk

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TECHNICAL FOCUS

KEY PASSIVE FIRE PROTECTION TECHNICAL QUESTIONS ANSWERED Choosing and installing the correct passive fire protection system can be confusing, with a range of application requirements, legislation and a host of products to choose from. Here, Ken Francis, Technical Support Manager at Promat, talks us through some of the most frequent questions posed to him and the technical team.

1. Do you need to be an approved or accredited installer to work with fire protection boards?

While being approved or accredited is not mandatory, here at Promat, we expect installers to be competent and experienced in all aspects of the installation of passive fire protection systems. Ideally, we would recommend that installers are registered by a third-party certification scheme.

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These schemes typically carry out site inspections and set out training, competency and standards that must be achieved by the installer.

There are a number of these schemes, one of which is FIRAS. The following link will guide you to a list of FIRAS-accredited installers: https://www.warringtoncertification. com/certified-companies/ but other schemes are available.

2. How do I provide compartmentation to a steel structure that sits on a compartment line?

There are various methods of providing fire protection to steel sections. These include boards, special coatings or designing steelwork so no protection is needed. However, if the beams or columns are on compartment lines, then there will be a requirement to provide fire insulation through the steel. This needs to be taken into consideration when the method of fire protecting the steel is chosen.

For boarded protection, the thickness may need to be increased above that required for the protection of the steel, to a defined limiting temperature, so that fire insulation (compartmentation) is achieved. Fire insulation periods of 60 to 240 minutes can be achieved with Promat board products.

It’s important to note that methods such as intumescent paint are unlikely to meet compartmentation requirements.

It’s also important to pay careful attention to any openings or penetrations in the compartment walls, and through the steel fire protection encasement and use appropriate firestopping measures, such as fireresistant seals, penetration collars or intumescent materials, to seal the openings and maintain the compartmentation.

Whatever fire protection method is put in place, it’s vital they are regularly inspected, maintained and tested (if required) to ensure their effectiveness as in the Building Regulations.

TECHNICAL FOCUS

3. How do I upgrade the fire performance of the existing concrete structure of a building I am refurbishing for change of use?

To upgrade the fire performance of concrete structures, there is a requirement to know what thickness of concrete, or cover to reinforcement, is needed to achieve the fire performance without additional treatment. Once this is established, then the correct Promat product and thickness can be selected according to its ‘concrete equivalence’, which has been derived from test data.

Promat can provide thin lightweight board products that can upgrade the fire performance to up to 240 minutes, which can be fixed directly to concrete walls, beams, columns and soffits.

4. Is there a ceiling system that provides fire resistance from both above and below?

Promat have two types of boarded ceiling system available that can provide fire resistance from above and below.

Choosing the correct one depends on the application and location. There are self-supporting systems, which include steel channels that must be fixed to masonry. There is also a system that can be suspended directly from the structure above, which must also meet the desired fire performance. In both cases, there are 60- and 120-minute versions available that provide both integrity and insulation from both above and below.

5. Do Promat have systems for load-bearing steel-joisted mezzanine floors that require 30, 60, 90 or 120 minutes’ protection?

A mezzanine floor system, which is protected using a single layer of 15mmthick PROMATECT-250 to the underside of the steel joists, can provide 30 or 60 minutes’ load-bearing capacity, fire integrity and fire insulation (from below).

Depending on the section factor (or A/V value) of the steel sections, it is likely that the 15mm-thick board will also

provide fire protection to the hot-rolled steel beams and columns supporting the cold-rolled joists.

For 90- and 120-minute systems, the thickness will need to be increased to two layers of 15mm-thick PROMATECT-250 to the underside of the steel joists. Two layers of 15mm will cater for section factors of up to 140m-1 for 120 minutes, or section factors of up to 350m-1 for 90 minutes (both assuming a 550°C limiting temperature). 

www.promat.com/en-gb

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SURFACE DESIGN SHOW PREVIEW

SURFACE DESIGN SHOW 6-8TH FEBRUARY 2024

SURFACE DESIGN SHOW RETURNS FOR 2024 Surface Design Show is back for 2024 with a brand-new theme, the return of new and familiar elements – such as the New Talent showcase, the Stone Knowledge Hub – the expert speaker programme and, of course, the Surface Design Awards. From 6 to 8th February, Islington’s Business Design Centre will play host to the very best in material innovation giving interior designers and architects invaluable insight into the latest trends and insights. theme for the 2024 edition is T he ‘Mindful Living’ and explores the balance between design intuition and analytical thinking to achieve meaningful experiences. The idea of Mindful Living will address what role materials and their properties will play in the multi-sensory space, how the virtual and real worlds continue to merge and what technological advancements and investments in new design approaches mean for the built environment. Among the elements where the theme will feature prominently is Surface Spotlight Live, the material showcase curated by design and trend expert Sally Angharad. This is located at the heart of the show and will, once again, shine a light on cutting-edge surfaces, finishes and processes that embrace the future and harness the vital role materials play in design across all dimensions.

The ever-popular Opening Night Debate will also focus on the Mindful Living theme and be hosted by Journalist and Editor Louis Wustemann. This can be found on the main stage, where, over the rest of the two and a half days, a range of debates, panels, trend

forecasts and insights into the latest material innovations will take place. The Legends Live series of fireside chats with experienced industry professionals also returns.

From well-known names to those just starting out in the industry, Surface Design Show has it all. The New Talent area, curated once again by Jennifer Castoldi, Chief Creative Director at Trendease, will be a must-visit section of the show with the very best in emerging creatives displaying an inspiring range of biomaterials, natural materials, textiles, furniture and wallpaper.

The Surface Design Awards are, of course, a much-anticipated part of the show, receiving global recognition and attracting an impressive number of entries from the UK, Europe and Asia. The awards celebrate and promote excellence in material innovation, and the 2024 edition is judged by an expert panel, co-chaired by Charlotte McCarthy, Head of Interiors at Heatherwick Studio and Nimi Attanayake, Director and Co-Founder of NimTim Architects.

This year’s Surface Design Show will see a presentation by Colour Hive entitled CMF Directions 2025. Colour Hive, which has

www.surfacedesignshow.com

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more than 20 years’ experience forecasting and publishing design, colour and material insight, will host live seminars featuring two diverse stories from its 2025 forecast exploring the macro drivers, colour palettes and material and finish directions in an inspiring and insightful presentation.

New for 2024, Surface Design Show is partnering with an innovative charity called Furnishing Futures. It creates beautifullydesigned, fully-furnished healing homes for women and children who have escaped domestic abuse and been given empty social housing, often even without flooring or white goods. Founded by Interior Stylist, Writer and Social Worker Emily Wheeler, the charity is based in Leyton, East London, and takes referrals from a number of specialist domestic abuse services and grassroots organisations. As part of the partnership, UK-based Street Artist Olivier Roubieu will create three live murals during the show, which will be auctioned with the proceeds going to Furnishing Futures.

Don’t miss the 2024 Surface Design Show for a unique exploration of the latest trends in material innovation.

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TIMBER

The Government believes that increasing the use of timber in construction can deliver a number of benefits, including: Reduced carbon emissions Timber is a renewable resource that can help to reduce the carbon emissions associated with construction Improved air quality Timber can help to improve air quality by absorbing carbon dioxide from the atmosphere Support for the forestry industry Increasing the use of timber will support the forestry industry and create jobs in rural areas Multi-classroom timber frame building – Project of the Year at the 2023 MMC Awards

UNDERSTANDING THE UK GOVERNMENT’S TIMBER IN CONSTRUCTION ROADMAP If we are to achieve the 2050 net-zero target, timber will have a vital role to play in construction. Timber acts as a carbon sink and all trees harvested in schemes, such as FSC or PEFC, are replaced by at least two more trees. Chris Leese, Technical Director at TG Escapes Modular EcoBuildings, explores further.

The UK Government department DEFRA has published a policy document outlining its plans to increase the use of timber in construction in England, setting out a number of ambitious goals, which include:

Improving the timber building skills of the construction workforce via investment in training and apprenticeships

Increasing the supply of sustainable timber with the intent to increase domestic supply by 50% by 2030.

This will involve working with the forestry industry to improve productivity and efficiency, whilst developing new sources of timber.

Addressing fire safety and durability concerns working with industry to develop new fire safety standards for timber buildings that are durable and long lasting.

Sustainable construction Timber is a sustainable material that can be used to build long-lasting and energyefficient buildings.

The Government’s roadmap is a positive step towards increasing the use of timber in construction. However, there are a number of challenges that need to be addressed in order to achieve the roadmap’s goals including: The availability of sustainable timber The UK currently imports most of its timber, and there is a need to develop more sustainable sources The skills of the construction workforce There is a shortage of skilled carpenters and joiners in the UK Fire safety standards There are concerns that timber buildings may not be as fire safe as traditional brick and concrete buildings Durability There are concerns that timber buildings may not be as durable as traditional brick and concrete buildings.

Despite these challenges, the UK Government’s roadmap is a welcome initiative that has the potential to make a significant contribution to the UK’s sustainability goals. By working with the industry to address the challenges, the Government can help to make timber a more common sight on UK building sites in the years to come.

At TG Escapes, we have always been advocates of timber and our modular solutions are able to achieve lifetime net-zero certification partly because of the volume of timber in our buildings. We welcome this roadmap but the speed of travel must be faster if the net-zero targets are to be achieved.

Timber frame net-zero building for SEND Work Skills Centre

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0800 917 7726

www.tgescapes.co.uk info@tgescapes.co.uk

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FLOORS, WALLS & CEILINGS

ZENTIA UNVEILS NEW INNOVATIVE BIOBLOC FAMILY – PREVIOUSLY KNOWN AS BIOGUARD Zentia, one of the UK’s market leaders in complete ceiling solutions, is excited to announce the successful launch of its new Biobloc family, formerly known as Bioguard. The range, launched on 29th November, offers high-quality performance in areas such as infection control and acoustics, making it the ideal solution for healthcare and various commercial settings.

The Biobloc family features the Biobloc Acoustic tile and Biobloc Plain tile. The tiles have been meticulously designed for application in healthcare environments, particularly in areas where the risk of infection varies from moderate to severe.

The Biobloc tiles feature an additional coating that actively inhibits the growth of micro-organisms, contributing to enhanced hygiene and safety. They are also water repellent, allowing for

effective disinfection as well as fogging in alignment with established infection control protocols.

The Biobloc Acoustic tile offers the same robust antibacterial qualities as the Biobloc Plain tile but with additional enhanced acoustic performance. With a Class C sound absorption rating, the Biobloc family make the ideal addition to any healthcare setting that aims to enhance patient wellbeing.

As well as meeting rigorous standards for hygiene with an ISO 5 classification per ISO 14644-1:1999, the ceiling tiles have an aesthetic appeal, designed with sleek, square edges to ensure easy and seamless installation. With a high light reflectance and a uniform surface, the tiles complement the grid structure and seamlessly integrate with their surroundings, achieving a cohesive and polished aesthetic.

Both tiles in the new range contain recycled content, are fully recyclable and can be recycled through Zentia’s recycling scheme for Pinnacle-approved partners.

The successful launch of Zentia’s Biobloc family represents a significant leap forward, combining cutting-edge technology, sustainability and design to meet the ever-evolving demands of healthcare and commercial environments.

With its aesthetic, acoustic and antibacterial features, the range offers a complete solution for organisations looking to prioritise infection control and acoustic performance without compromising on aesthetics and sustainability.

www.zentia.com 0191 497 1000 info@zentia.com

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Fire rated glass

Steel Framed Fire doors and screens

To further compliment our range of fireglass, Firman now offer complete steel framed fire doors and screens. Built to the most demanding specifications for commercial buildings, shop fronts, entrances, interior fire screen walls and virtually any other application.

Each system is designed specifically to suit the requirements of the particular application. Sections can be provided in mild steel, finished to any standard RAL colour, aluminium clad as well as our new range of stainless steel sections available in either a satin or bright polished finished.

Firman offer a full selection of fireglass, on either a supply only or a supply and install basis, providing fire protection from a basic 30 minute integrity only rating through to the highest levels of integrity and insulation.

To find out more about these products visit www.firmanglass.com Firman Glass,19 Bates Road, Harold Wood, Romford, Essex RM3 OJH Tel: 01708 374534 Fax: 01708 340511 Email: sales@firmanglass.com

www.firmanglass.com

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FOCUS & INNOVATION

SIKA’S EWI SYSTEM SPECIALLY COMMENDED AT INCA AWARDS Sika is thrilled to have been awarded the prestigious Judges’ Choice – Special Commendation accolade at this year’s Insulated Render and Cladding Association (INCA) Awards. The Building Finishing team was recognised for the complex external wall insulation (EWI) system designed for the iconic Selfridges building in Birmingham. The Judges’ Choice – Special Commendation award is presented to exceptional projects and it’s clear to see why the Selfridges building, an iconic part of the Birmingham cityscape for two decades, impressed the INCA Award judges. Its unique curved facade, comprising 15,000 individual anodised aluminium discs, and areas where the walls blend seamlessly into flat roof sections, added to the complexity of the facade refurbishment.

Working alongside contractor, Rendserve, Sika created a bespoke EWI system design using a roofing grade insulation board along with highimpact, standard and specialist mesh. The SikaGard 675 liquid coating was colour matched to the building to ensure the facade stayed true to the original design. The INCA judges were impressed with the “quality of design and installation versus the complexity” demonstrated by Sika.

gbr.sika.com/en

ASWS LEADING THE WAY ON LEAD Director of ASWS, Kris Bennell, commented: “There is a temptation for people to think lead paint is very much a problem of the past, but because it is tricky to remove safely – and like asbestos, it presents a far lower risk as long as it remains undisturbed – there has been a tendency in the industry to just apply new coats of paint over the top. Therefore, if lead paint is present, it is likely to be the bottom one or two coats, which means there remains the risk that if the surface is impacted by trolleys or other hard objects, then small fragments or dust can be inhaled and cause serious illness. As we did recently on a large project in London’s Dover Street, you apply a water-based alkaline paste to windows or other surfaces, which must remain for 24 to 72 hours before being scraped off. Not only is the paint retained within the ‘poultice’, but it converts any lead present into a compound that can be safely disposed of without endangering the environment.”

0203 475 8049

www.steel-window-association.co.uk info@steel-window-association.co.uk

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ISO CHEMIE’S WINFRAMER SPECIFIED FOR MK RESIDENTIAL WINDOW UPGRADE

BLANTYRE LIFE CARE FACILITY SPECIFIES GERFLOR FOR ICONIC PROJECT When a brand-new care facility just south of Glasgow, Scotland, required a complete solution for its project interiors, the architect at South Lanarkshire Council turned to international flooring specialist Gerflor to supply a vast range of products that would futureproof the client’s building for many years to come.

This included Gerflor’s world-class Taralay, Tarasafe and Taraflex vinyl floorcoverings, as well as Cityscene carpets and Gradus barrier matting and accessories. Maggie Smith, Scotland Team Leader at Gerflor, commented: “Our initial conversations took place with Thomas Tallan at South Lanarkshire Council back in 2019/2020. He was familiar with Gerflor vinyl products and confident with them, however, with the integration of Gerflor and Gradus, we could offer him the full package all under one roof.”

ISO Chemie’s thermal insulating and load-bearing bracket support system has been specified for a major housing refurbishment programme. Dozens of WINFRAMER units are being retrofitted by Sandy-based Potton Windows on prefabricated residential properties on a Milton Keynes housing estate over the next two years as part of a window upgrade investment project. The use of WINFRAMER will help to provide improved standards of thermal insulation, eventually bringing the properties up to zero-carbon ready standards and delivering energy efficiencies for homeowners together with long-term cost savings. Passivhaus certified and fire rated to up to 30 minutes, WINFRAMER is a prefabricated installation frame, manufactured to accommodate cavities up to 250mm.

www.iso-chemie.eu/en-gb/home

a.swift@iso-chemie.co.uk

F. BALL LAUNCHES RAG 2024 UK manufacturer of flooring installation products, F. Ball and Co., has unveiled the latest edition of its Recommended Adhesives Guide (RAG), which sees new adhesives recommendations for floorcoverings launched by manufacturers over the past 12 months now added to the guide. The RAG enables contractors and specifiers to quickly check the compatibility of F. Ball adhesives with over 6000 branded floorcoverings from over 200 leading international floorcovering manufacturers. In addition to the annually updated A5 printed book, a continuously-updated version of the guide is available on the F. Ball website, and as a mobile app, which is free to download from the Apple App store or Google Play.

www.gerflor.co.uk 01625 428922 contractuk@gerflor.com www.f-ball.com

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