PSBJ January 2022 by Red Hut Media Ltd

Public Sector Build Journal January 2022

Healthcare

Education

Public and private sectors can together create world-class schemes

Leisure

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Issue 113

MIDDLESBROUGH COLLEGE AHEAD OF THE CURVE Constructed by Surgo, college’s STEM centre investment delivers high-quality education facilities

Housing

How to specify hospital storage solutions by Deanestor

Utilise technology to carry out your building surveys and inspections

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WELCOME NOTE

Editor

Hannah Woodger

hannah@redhutmedia.com

Rebecca Kemp

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Print & Digital Advertising Sam Ball

sam@redhutmedia.com Key regional strategy benefits from £3.1m STEM project in Middlesbrough. See page 08.

Jim Moore

jim@redhutmedia.com

Print Design Manager Jack Witcomb

Welcome to the January issue of PSBJ...

Digital Design Manager

As we welcome in a new year, it seems our once optimistic thoughts that the worst of the pandemic was behind us have done a U-turn, with the Omicron variant sweeping the nation throughout the festive period and beyond.

jack@redhutmedia.com

Matt Morse

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Accounts

Rachel Pike

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Sales Support & Statistics

Klare Ball

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Publisher Sam Ball

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Looking ahead to the coming months, it seems hospitals will once again be feeling the pressure to accommodate an influx of COVID-19 patients, all whilst maintaining a sterile, well-ventilated environment. To meet the increased demand for healthcare facilities throughout the pandemic, healthcare providers have looked to modular buildings for the swift delivery of these muchneeded spaces, however many are supplied with no mechanical ventilation or air-handling system. When it comes to the airborne transmission of COVID, ventilation is a critical tool to inhibit the spread of infection.

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In this month’s edition, MTX Contracts, a leading specialist in fast-track healthcare construction projects, explores why designers and contractors in the modular healthcare sector should go above and beyond the minimum standards of ventilation and what is deemed ‘adequate’. Turn to page 14 to find out more.

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Elsewhere in this issue, Lightmain discusses how we can plan and change our outdoor spaces to create accessible amenities for the youth of today, Biotecture takes a look at the role of living walls in overcladding housing projects and Xylem’s Paul Winnett addresses the importance of prioritising water management in buildings.

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

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Hannah Woodger • Editor • hannah@redhutmedia.com Find us on Social Media:      @psbjmagazine

CONTENTS

06 News

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

08 Upfront

Work has recently completed on a new STEM building for Middlesbrough College, extending the college’s existing STEM centre at its Middlehaven campus by 11,800ft2.

12 Leisure

How can we plan and change our spaces to create accessible amenities for the youth of today? Abbey Kirwin, Marketing Manager at Lightmain, explores further.

14 Healthcare

16 18 Roofing, Cladding & Insulation

MTX Contracts explains why designers and contractors in the modular healthcare sector should go above and beyond the minimum standards of ventilation.

Facade inspection is an integral part of a building survey as it helps to verify the integrity of the building structure and ensures safety. Paul McDevitt of TÜV SÜD explains more.

16 Housing

20 Refurb & Retrofit

Incorporating biophilic design principles in landscape architecture, such as living walls on overcladding projects, is essential if our cities are to become more climate resilient.

Toby Buckley, Managing Director of REL Building Services, discusses the challenges of refurbishing historic buildings and how to achieve the most effective solution.

22 Legal & Business

Ian Atkinson, Partner at law firm Womble Bond Dickinson (WBD), discusses the nowurgent journey to secure industry-wide MMC standards.

24 Education

ISG’s Jane O’Leary believes that if the public and private sectors truly work together, we can deliver outstanding education facilities that support and inspire children.

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CONTENTS

12 26 Talking Point

With severe weather-related events on the increase, there is a growing need for our buildings to rise to the challenge and protect both lives and livelihoods.

28 Interiors

Peter Waring, Director of healthcare furniture and fit-out specialist Deanestor, provides some practical advice for specifiers of hospital storage solutions.

PORTHOLES

20 30 Technical Focus

Armacell’s Tom Merton examines the ways in which the careful selection of HVAC-R insulation can help facilities managers in healthcare premises improve fuel efficiency.

32 Energy Management

Alastair Morris, Chief Commercial Officer of Powerstar, highlights the benefits of a holistic approach to power resilience across public sector organisations.

34 The Surface Design Show Preview

The design industry will once again be able to meet in person and be updated on the latest surface materials and designs when the Surface Design Show returns next month.

36 Product Showcase

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

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NEWS

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

Regional construction firm to create music recording facility at Durham University Sendrig is delivering a new, innovative music recording facility at Durham University’s Collingwood College site. The iconic singlestorey, new-build project, which started on site in June 2021, will further enhance the campus at Durham University, part of a series of regeneration projects to improve student experience and encourage a return to collegiate life post-pandemic. The project, which was won through the NEUPC (North East University Procurement Framework), is due to complete in July 2022, ready for the 2022-23 cohort to start in September. Constructed on an existing car park, the building will create more space and flexibility for music performance, consisting of a new, custom music recording studio, complete with a live room, drum booth, vocal studio, circulation/breakout space and practice rooms. Divided into three sections – recording, social and practice – the layout has been designed to eradicate disruption to the recording studio from the practice rooms and will also include photovoltaic panels to the roof. Sendrig, which is headquartered in Jesmond and has a satellite unit in Team Valley, will operate as the main contractor in a team that also includes GSS architects, Link MEP Consulting Engineers and Jasper Kerr Structural Engineers.

Wates and Rother District Council to build 200 affordable eco EarthSheltered Homes Just days after being named as the best in the UK, a housing development in Rother has announced the contractor who will build the housing scheme. Blackfriars in Battle, an initiative led by Rother District Council’s housing company, Alliance Homes, to provide 200 new homes, has named Wates Residential – part of the Wates Group – as the partner contractor to build the development. The construction project – which includes the provision of 42 affordable, rented homes and 28 homes for shared ownership – is due to begin in early 2022. The contractor announcement is the second major boost for the project in just a matter of days. Earlier this month, Blackfriars was named best housing development in the UK (suburban and rural category) at the Inside Housing Development Awards. All new homes have been designed to significantly reduce energy consumption and carbon emissions, whilst minimising energy costs for residents. The site will see the unique use of Earth-Sheltered Homes and inclusion of principles taken from Passivhaus – a building standard that is energy efficient, comfortable, affordable and ecological at the same time.

Developers secure green light to deliver new landmark for Leeds’ international pool site A £270m development proposal to transform the former International Swimming Pool site at Lisbon Street in Leeds city centre has been granted full planning consent by Leeds City Council. The 2.8-acre strategic site, which has been used as a car park since the pool’s demolition in 2009, has been the subject of much scrutiny around its development potential due to its gateway location. DLA Architecture has designed the much-anticipated landmark development on behalf of Lisbon Street Developments, a joint-venture partnership between Marrico Asset Management and Helios Real Estate. Plans for Lisbon Street include two BTR residential towers of 33 and 22 storeys, offering 629 apartments, a 24-storey student accommodation building with 548 bed spaces, a 15-storey, 120 key aparthotel with 22,000ft2 of co-working office space and 131,000ft2 of Grade A office accommodation, along with further retail and leisure provisions. Construction is ear-marked to commence in spring this year.

Tetra Tech wins all six lots on £1.7bn CCS framework Tetra Tech has been named as a supplier on Crown Commercial Service’s (CCS) Construction Professional Services framework (RM6165). CCS supports the public sector to achieve maximum commercial value when procuring common goods and services. The framework, which has a potential spend of £1.7bn, will cover multi-discipline, project management, architectural, cost management, civil and structural engineering, building services engineering and environmental services. Tetra Tech has won a place on all six lots of the new four-year agreement – the only consultancy to do so. The lots, divided by project type and worth between £75m and £577.5m respectively, include: Lot 1 – Built Environment & General Infrastructure; Lot 2 – Urban Regeneration; Lot 3 – International; Lot 4 – High Rise; Lot 5 – Defence; and Lot 6 – Environment & Sustainability technical services. It replaces CCS’s previous Project Management and Full Design Team Services framework (RM3741), which Tetra Tech was a named supplier for three of its six lots – multidisciplinary services, civil and structural engineering services, and building services engineering.

NEWS

Multi-million-pound leisure complex receives RIBA Suffolk award

MTX awarded latest expansion project at Queen Elizabeth Hospital

Riverside Leisure Centre, a cutting-edge and energy-efficient complex in Chelmsford, has received a RIBA Suffolk award in the Sport and Leisure category. The awards aim to celebrate the best architecture in the East of England. Independent property, construction and infrastructure consultancy Pick Everard delivered all design and cost services for the flagship scheme, which was completed in June 2019. The original building, built in the 1960s, was completely redeveloped and is now both costand energy-efficient having been awarded a BREEAM ‘Very Good’ sustainability rating. Keith Prendergast, National Director at Pick Everard, said: “We’re absolutely thrilled to have received this RIBA award, and to have designed a building that provides an impressive gateway to the city centre and delivers a greener legacy for the entire community to enjoy for years to come.” The 25m facility provides a 10-lane swimming pool with a moveable floor, a toddler-friendly sensory splash zone and fun pool with flume, a 130-station gym, health and fitness studios, an Ofstedregistered creche, soft play facility, fully accessible changing rooms, a spacious reception foyer and an airy cafe with terrace overlooking the River Chelmer. It also has space for 80 bicycles, in a bid to encourage greener methods of travel to the centre.

MMC healthcare specialist, MTX, is celebrating having been awarded its latest project win at the Queen Elizabeth Hospital King’s Lynn NHS Foundation Trust. The brand-new, two-storey 1958ft 2 building will house the hospital’s endoscopy facility. Preparatory groundwork is underway and it is due to open to patients in spring 2022, subject to planning permission. This is MTX’s second project with the Queen Elizabeth Hospital, having previously delivered an A&E extension and additional office space. Through modern methods of construction, the project will support the trust’s requirements for limited disruption and speed of delivery, allowing the hospital to operate throughout the works taking place. Nichola Hunter, Associate Director of Estates and Facilities at the Queen Elizabeth Hospital King’s Lynn NHS Foundation Trust, said: “We’re pleased to be working with MTX on a new state-of-the-art endoscopy unit. It is one of a number of important projects underway as we invest in modernising our hospital to further improve the experience of our patients, their families and staff.”

Super Novus scores again with £9m Bromford contract win National contractor Novus Property Solutions has extended its winning streak with a £9m contract to provide cyclical decorations and pre-decoration repairs to thousands of homes owned by regional housing association Bromford. The contract covers Bromford’s homes in the West Midlands, Shropshire, Oxfordshire, Buckinghamshire and Northamptonshire. In total, Novus will undertake repairs and redecorations for up to 21,000 social and affordable properties. Novus secured the contract through its flagship ‘Maintain’ service following a competitive bid process, during which the Stoke-on-Trent-based business scored particularly highly on its customer care and communication proposition, and its social value and corporate social responsibility – two areas Novus prizes very highly and has placed great importance on both internally and externally for a number of years. The repair and decoration services commenced on Bromford’s housing stock in November, with the contract in place for the next six years with the option to extend for a further two years.

Morgan Sindall Construction marks major milestone at London’s Evelina Children’s Hospital Morgan Sindall Construction has celebrated a major milestone in the construction of a new day treatment centre at Evelina London Children’s Hospital with an official ‘topping out’ ceremony. The event, which was attended by Florence Eshalomi MP, was held on the roof of the new, building, where the MP for Vauxhall and staff working on the project signed the steel frame. The construction tradition signifies the completion of the structure of a new building. The new five-storey multi-use building will house a family-friendly space with everything required for children’s day surgery. There will be two new operating theatres to treat an additional 2300 children per year. This will also free up space in existing operating theatres for more complex cases requiring specialist care and overnight stays on a ward. The centre will boast the latest equipment and child-focused technology to help families with all aspects of their care. Families will wait less time on the day of surgery as pre-surgery checks, operation, recovery and preparation for going home can all be done in one place, in one day.

UPFRONT

KEY REGIONAL STRATEGY BENEFITS FROM £3.1M STEM PROJECT IN MIDDLESBROUGH When Middlesbrough College was selected by the Department for Education (DfE) to be a partner in the North East Institute of Technology (IoT) in 2019, this brought with it sole responsibility for delivering IoT-accredited courses in the Tees Valley area.

the massive potential offered W ith by emerging sectors such as digital, biologics and healthcare, significant opportunities continue to emerge for the area and, with these, come the need for a suitablyqualified and skilled workforce. The existing state-of-the-art STEM centre at Middlesbrough College, opened in 2015, was, therefore, ideally placed to facilitate the learning of significant numbers of students with higher level technical skills, crucial to national, regional and local productivity growth. As a result, an extension to the existing building was needed to enable the delivery of further courses.

Location The college is located at the heart of the Tees Valley conurbation. Here, the region’s expertise has been built around its traditional strengths in shipbuilding, engineering, process industries and offshore oil and gas. Increasingly, low-carbon enterprises are flourishing here – an area which has the largest concentration of engineering businesses and employers in the North East.

The college campus lies within the Middlehaven regeneration area of the town. It is positioned over an infilled dock and the extension sits on a fully-suspended, ground-floor slab supported on piles.

The design brief Designed by further education building design specialist, Bond Bryan Architects of Sheffield, several aspects arose from the consultation process which have influenced the final design. These included: Placement of the new extension and its massing to ensure the entrances of the existing STEM building would be unaffected and the height of the new building continued with the same profile Ensuring that the existing facilities within STEM could be utilised for the new extension yet, at the same time, meet curriculum needs Ensuring that the existing industrial palette established for STEM would reflect continuity.

UPFRONT Mike Pitchford, Surgo Contracts Manager, Andy Laidler, Surgo Site Manager, Prof Brian Cox and Peter Bland, Assistant Principal – Estates (L to R)

Andrea Ashley, an Associate at Bond Bryan Architects, said: “The sustainability aim for the project was mainly focused on passive design measures, including maximising use of natural daylighting and ventilation, with due consideration given to ensure the building services design was both low carbon and energy efficient. “To this end, a range of passive design methodologies were used, such as room depths adjusted to allow singlesided natural ventilation, and additional investment in the building fabric to increase airtightness and insulation levels. “We decided to co-locate the IoT STEM extension alongside the highly-specialist, industry-standard equipment of the existing STEM centre because it would enable higher skilled learners to apply their knowledge and learning in state-ofthe-art facilities, in a ‘higher education’ corporate setting, befitting the delivery of IoT-accredited courses.” The spaces had to accommodate a total of 318 students and staff; the gross internal floor area had to be 1100m 2 in line with funding provision and include IT

facilities, teaching and self-study zones, a Higher Education Learning Resource Centre, construction innovation suites and general teaching spaces, plus additional staff offices and work areas.

The resulting new building Sits comfortably within the existing Middlehaven masterplan and buildings Provides a higher education corporate environment – distinctive from other spaces within the college Reflects the college’s aspirations, helping staff and students to achieve their goals Creates a ‘seamless’ extension of the existing building – as though planned to be there from the outset Is designed and constructed with best practice in mind so as not to affect the BREEAM rating of the original building.

Appointment of the building contractor Newcastle-based Surgo Construction (Surgo) was selected on a design and build contract basis following a competitive

tender after due consideration of the firm’s experience, track record and financial stability. Surgo was well placed to take on the scheme for a number of reason. Firstly, prior experience at the site – Surgo constructed MC6 in 2015 (Middlesbrough College’s sixth form centre); also, Surgo can lay claim to many other successful, high-quality education and public sector projects completed on programme and to budget; and thirdly, it is a local SME contractor, with access to a strong, preexisting supply chain, minimising travel and carbon footprint for its team. Work began in September 2020. The project formed part of the campus masterplan to relocate several remote buildings to a central site where the additional classrooms and training spaces would be able to offer increased numbers of higher education opportunities in courses like engineering and manufacturing technologies, construction planning and the built environment as well as information and communication technology and business management. 

UPFRONT

Challenges When construction work began, there was still a lockdown in operation, the earlier stages of which had taken their toll on supplies and staffing. To this end, the contract was partially affected by resource availability and material delivery lead times, however, practical completion still took place in time for the start of the new term in September 2021 with external landscaping works following on and turf laid at the end of November.

Support for the STEM centre Staff and students welcomed the famous physicist, Professor Brian Cox, to the college in June 2021 where he had the chance to speak with young aspiring scientists and engineers. Professor Cox had opened the original STEM centre in 2015. He said: “Middlesbrough College is well ahead of the curve when it comes to delivering technical training and there’s a real understanding here of what the industry needs. “We need more apprentices and STEM graduates and facilities like this, and the people here will be the driving force behind that – everyone will benefit from this investment.” Commenting on the impact of the STEM centre overall in terms of its ability to provide exceptional teaching and learning facilities for its students, Peter Bland, Middlesbrough College’s Assistant Principal – Estates, said: “The college has helped transform this region’s economic competitiveness and this new investment will enhance the learning opportunities

UPFRONT available to our students and equip them with the technical skills needed to secure high-value jobs.” In summing up the project, Martin Blight, Surgo’s Pre-Construction Director, said: “The STEM centre extension has not only increased the college’s original STEM centre space to enable the delivery of various new courses, it has also significantly enhanced the learning environment for the 3000 students (one fifth of the college’s overall student population) who will pass through the STEM centre each year.

“We were delighted to be appointed to this scheme and ideally qualified to handle it, given our prior experience at the site. It has allowed us to strengthen our professional relationship with Middlesbrough College and build on our extensive experience of delivering high-quality education facilities, whilst at the same time, play our part in supporting two key growth strands of the regional economy – science and technology.” 

Project team: Project manager/cost consultant – Arcadis Architect/landscape architect – Bond Bryan Architects Principal designer – CK21 Consultants Civil, structural, building services and fire engineer – Cundall Building contractor/ construction manager/QS/planning – Surgo

www.surgo.co.uk

LEISURE

HOW CAN MULTI-USE GAMES AREAS IMPACT HEALTH AND WELLBEING? We are now living in a world where the outdoor public realm is at the heart of everything we do. We are recognising more and more the benefits of access to outdoor amenities for all ages. But how can we plan and change our spaces to create accessible amenities for the youth of today? asks Abbey Kirwin, Marketing Manager at Lightmain. often discuss creating W echild-friendly cities and focusing our designs on our ever-ageing society, but sometimes the youth of today can become the ‘forgotten’ ones when we plan for the public realm. Making spaces accessible can be seen from different viewpoints and there are numerous points to consider when we discuss this such as: Location – outdoor amenities that are targeted to youths should be located within the parameters of their local community, close to schools or their homes to make them reasonably accessible Age range – the term youth is often reflective of people aged 11 to 19, and there is a huge diversity of needs within this as their development paths vary Gender – often we forget the different needs of youths depending on their gender

generations of youths and makes maintenance easier should there be any vandalism.

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and we design for ‘all’ when personality traits and physical ability can hugely differ Inclusivity – youths of all ages and abilities need to be included to ensure the success of outdoor amenities. Whether they have a disability, physically, mentally, temporarily or permanently,

there are many ways to view how inclusivity can be planned for within these spaces. Material – using the correct materials makes sure we are providing spaces that are longlasting, durable and resistant, for heavy use. It means that outdoor provision can be used by

Although there are many more points to consider, gender is without a doubt a theme that should be made part of our discussions. ‘Make Space for Girls’ is a charity that is currently promoting the movement for consideration of teenage girls in outdoor provision. They point out that most outdoor areas for teenagers are often in the form of skate parks and multi-use games areas (MUGAs) and that these are regularly dominated by boys. Their research suggests that providing better lighting, pathways and wider entrances could help create better spaces for girls. One area in which we could also plan better would be by providing opportunities for sport for girls – for example, rather than just providing for

LEISURE basketball within MUGAs, we could also provide for netball. A recent Lightmain installation, for example, created a rotating pole that allowed for basketball on one side and, when turned, also had a netball net – creating spaces for all genders/abilities and offering different options for people of all heights at the same time.

Youths require a place to take ownership Beyond this, we must remember that teenagers are developing adults and, within this, they require spaces that they feel they can be independent in. This could be a MUGA, skate park or other hangout spots, such as youth shelters – spaces that provide them with a sense of ownership and community, a place to go and meet friends, socialise and feel safe. These spaces help us keep youths healthy, both mentally and physically. Providing space for socialisation helps eradicate loneliness and gives teenagers a place away from their home in their own community, whilst skate parks and MUGAs also promote this socialisation to be active, to endorse sport and exercise in their social life. Local authorities’ use of MUGAs shows evidence that

when they are placed within communities, they can reduce anti-social behaviour and increase participation in sport within early teens. This also correlates to helping with mental health as sports participation reduces stress and anxiety. In order to keep young adults returning to these areas, we must invest correctly by ensuring that high-quality provision is provided. For example, using high-quality MUGAs will drastically improve the playing experience for participants and, therefore, encourage them to return on a regular basis ensuring they are part of the community, but also increasing the likelihood of them partaking in physical activity.

How can we continue to create these valued spaces? We must ensure that these spaces are created now and in the future. One way to make sure these amenities are successful would be to actually consult with teenagers on developments. As the prime users of these spaces, consultations should be youth-led and we should make use of their opinions and ensure they are at the forefront of planning.

One size does not fit all – we should recognise that everybody is different and that creating long-lasting, inclusive spaces for teenagers is the best way to promote healthy societies and encourage mixuse and integration. Essentially, we are moving towards an environment already where communities take pride and value outdoor amenities more than they may have in the past, from young to old. We must remember

that creating enduring, well-designed facilities for youths can make a positive local area and provide safety and comfort for the whole community, as well as having benefits past the point of physicality for users. It also works on improving health and wellbeing mentally, socially, emotionally and, at times, economically for local communities. 

www.lightmain.co.uk

HEALTHCARE

THE IMPORTANCE OF EXCEEDING VENTILATION STANDARDS IN MODULAR HEALTHCARE BUILDINGS MTX Contracts explores why designers and contractors in the modular healthcare sector should go above and beyond the minimum standards of ventilation and what is deemed ‘adequate’.

entilation is a critical tool to protect both patients and healthcare staff from the spread of potentially harmful airborne pathogens. Infection prevention and control is vital in healthcare settings at any time, but this has been a key focus during the course of the COVID-19 pandemic. One primary area of concern is ensuring the appropriate ventilation of modular buildings. Many buildings are supplied with no mechanical ventilation or air-handling system, and whilst that may be considered adequate in meeting minimum standards, it shouldn’t be deemed appropriate, as the world has changed following the pandemic.

Increasing insights and scientific evidence collected over the course of the COVID-19 pandemic indicates that the highest risk of virus transmission is often over short ranges and within enclosed environments. In addition to airborne transmission of COVID-19 and the virus transmitting directly between people during physical contact, there is also evidence that people situated in poorly ventilated spaces have a greater risk of infection. Additionally, people are at their most contagious when they are largely asymptomatic, so it becomes increasingly important to consider ventilation of not

only clinical spaces which are housing patients, but the accommodation of hospital staff also. However, there is concern in the modular sector that the drive to get the best value can result in a lack of consideration for patient comfort, infection control and, most importantly, patient care. This is particularly the case of recent times with high levels of demand and pressure to reduce the NHS backlog. Professor Cath Noakes from the School of Civil Engineering at the University of Leeds is leading research into ventilation, indoor air quality and infection control in the built environment.

Noakes addressed the virtual Healthcare Estates Conference in October 2020 on the issue of ventilation. She suggested that airborne aerosol particles need drag force to keep them up and gravity to bring them down. But air velocity in a room is known to impact on this and varioussized particles can remain in the air for a significant amount of time, often travelling far from their original source. This is where ventilation of clean air can have a significant impact. If a space is well ventilated, it is more difficult to completely contain the virus, however the ventilation will mitigate the virus significantly and reduce the risk of infection. This is echoed in the Federation of European Heating, Ventilation and Air Conditioning Association’s REHVA COVID-19 Guidance Document, which describes ventilation as the principal engineering control to help regulate infection, therefore highlighting the key role ventilation plays in the COVID-19 response effort. Although, the standard specification of modular buildings does not include mechanical ventilation, compliance with HTM 03-01

HEALTHCARE simply means that the contractor has met the minimum standards required. In addition, as with any natural ventilation method, the airflow and air change rates cannot be guaranteed as they are subject to external factors such as wind speed, direction and pressure. The HTM 03-01 standards, originally released in 2007, have since been updated this year, however these standards still fail to acknowledge the latest development and innovation of MMC and the necessity of clean air design within modular buildings. The HTM 03-01 standards do not mention the requirements for ventilation design to be discussed with the trust’s ventilation safety group, which further puts the wellbeing of patients and staff at risk. When the standards were initially published, the use of modular buildings was very limited, but now they are seen as an essential tool for increasing healthcare facilities. Reflective of the pandemic, the newest HTM 03-01 standard sees an increase in minimum requirements for ventilation systems to address the importance of clean airflow paths in healthcare environments.

David Hartley, Managing Director of MTX, a leading healthcare MMC specialist, shares his thoughts on how he thinks the COVID-19 pandemic will affect the future of modular building design in this sector. “At MTX, we recognise the importance of engineering air movement and clean airflow pathways within modular buildings – particularly those housing patients. Those factors are a vital consideration for our engineers when assessing the performance of the buildings we provide for health trusts and hospitals. We have the technical

expertise and experience to work with clinicians and facilities teams to ensure the building is fit for purpose in every case. “Optimum airflow is accepted as an important factor in the health, wellbeing and comfort of patients and staff. It is much more difficult and expensive to retrofit air-handling systems to modular units, which is why it is so important to give it full consideration at the design and build stages. “It is not ‘one-size-fits-all’. For example, people who deliver a building in

just a few short weeks may be working hard to fulfil a need – but the building they produce may be a basic shell, which could as easily be a schoolroom or an office. Modular buildings used for patient care should be specifically designed and engineered for healthcare use. “Taking into account the threat from COVID-19, it is apparent that more attention needs to be paid to ensuring mechanical ventilation is considered in every case when designing and creating modular buildings.” 

www.mtxcontracts.co.uk

HOUSING

LIVING WALLS LEAD URBAN UPRISING Incorporating biophilic design principles in landscape architecture is essential if our cities are to become more climate resilient. Here, Richard Sabin, Managing Director of Biotecture, looks at why that and other benefits make living walls the stand-out choice for overcladding projects.

ver the last few years, the UK has faced a number of pressing urban challenges including poor air quality, loss of biodiversity and urban heat island effect. There is a growing understanding that living walls provide an effective way to help tackle these issues, particularly when space is at a premium. That brings us appropriately enough to the questions that we are commonly asked by architects and designers about adding living walls to existing buildings.

Can living walls be fitted as a rainscreen cladding system on an existing building? Yes, living wall systems are available that are designed and validated to ‘work’ as the rainscreen cladding element of buildings, whether fitted to a new or existing building. That makes a living wall system integral to the building design and in terms of value should be considered against other cladding systems rather than being seen as an additional cost. They comprise a supporting framework that is anchored back to the structure, along with CP board, waterproof membrane, ventilated cavity and vegetative panels.

The total overall outward projection of a living wall from the structure can be as little as 80mm, which is again comparable with other rainscreen systems.

Do living walls impose weight loadings on existing facades? As with any rainscreen cladding system that is used to overclad an existing building, it is necessary to carry out a structural survey to verify that the structure can withstand additional loading. A structural survey will inform you of the most appropriate living wall system to use. Where the survey identifies that the facade is capable of accepting additional weight loading, it is possible to use a living wall product, such as BioPanel, which is similar to any rainscreen cladding system. If the existing masonry facade won’t accept additional weight loading, we guide specifiers as to the best way forward.

Where else can I specify living walls? Living wall systems can be used in a wide range of other locations, such as low-level walls, balconies, boundary walls, perimeter

fences for industrial plants, site hoardings, railings, roof gardens or terraces.

How do living walls help us tackle the climate emergency? Living walls help address the climate emergency in a number of ways. They help mitigate the heat island effect – proliferation of concrete, steel and tarmac in our cities absorb huge amounts of heat, creating their own microclimate. These elevated temperatures drive the need for energy-intensive air conditioning and cooling systems in what becomes a vicious circle. Living walls tackle this by creating building bio membranes, which involves choosing plant species that filter out sunlight, keeping the underlying surface of the building cooler and so minimising solar gain. That

HOUSING means that the inside of the building is cooler in summer and, with the effect reversed, warmer in winter. This can reduce the amount of heating ventilation and air conditioning that is needed. Living walls also increase biodiversity at a time of alarming decline in pollinators and other species. Growing plants also result in the sequestration of carbon, whilst photosynthesis captures carbon dioxide from the atmosphere and converts it into oxygen.

What other benefits do living walls offer? Living walls help us address the climate emergency as well as bringing specific benefits to the people living and working in cities. Principally, they bring biodiversity to our cities and that is important because it supports pollinators, ensures natural sustainability and creates healthier systems. They also help to mitigate the effects of air pollution whilst enriching our urban spaces, which has been shown to have a positive impact on mental wellbeing and allowing people to reconnect with nature. Being close to nature is good for us and has been shown to reduce heart rate and blood pressure as well as improving mental health, according to the British Heart Foundation. Living walls also create a building bio membrane, which filters out sunlight,

keeping the underlying surface of the building cooler and so minimising solar gain in summer. The effect is reversed in winter, so keeping the building warmer.

Do living walls help with the planning process? The new Environment Bill, which passed into law in November, will require new developments to protect and improve the biodiversity of the plot by at least 10%. Living walls are a space-efficient method of introducing Biodiversity Net Gain and so can contribute to the planning process.

How do I ensure my living wall continues to flourish? Living walls have a service life equivalent to many other cladding systems. That means, with a regular maintenance programme in place, they will flourish indefinitely. The technology we use to maintain living walls has improved beyond recognition in recent years. For example, we use remote sensing irrigation systems, and water is delivered directly to the root zone. This enables precision watering that uses a quarter of the water required on equivalent horizontal landscapes. Grodan is the growing medium we use for our hydroponic living walls, a 100% natural material that is based on spun rock. It acts as a water-retentive

sponge and results in healthier and longer-lasting plants. It is ideally suited to living walls because it allows plants to be grown in relatively thin bases, minimising outward projection from the structure to as little as 80mm. Three of our living walls have just celebrated their 10th anniversary, looking as good as the day they were installed, and continuing to flourish.

Conclusion Climate change and demand from urban planners for greater biodiversity means that more architects are incorporating living walls into their designs. That bodes well for the future because plants should be an integral element of urban landscapes not least because they improve welfare of people and tackle the challenges of our time. We all want our urban spaces to be places where people can thrive and so it is a win-win when we can say that living walls do this whilst delivering these important benefits. The move to net zero, demand from developers that see the long-term value in living walls and the Environment Bill will continue to drive the agenda. We can see there are challenges but also with it, immense opportunities to revolutionise the design of our urban spaces. 

www.biotecture.uk.com

ROOFING, CLADDING & INSULATION

NEXT-GENERATION FACADE INSPECTION Under UK law, building owners and occupiers have a legal duty to ensure their building is safe to mitigate injury or damage being caused to people or property. Since 1994, all new and refurbished buildings are also required to have a maintenance manual, which must be kept up to date and any necessary maintenance work carried out. Paul McDevitt, Managing Director of TÜV SÜD Building Advisory Service, explains more.

to maintain a F ailure building facade properly may result in increased insurance premiums, difficulty in obtaining insurance renewals, or the termination of insurance cover. It is, therefore, vital that those responsible for a building’s maintenance and upkeep can demonstrate to insurers that all reasonable steps have been taken by implementing appropriate risk management procedures. This should include periodic facade inspection. The degree of facade inspection and maintenance that is required will depend on the materials used and its intended life. In the UK, BRE divides the necessary frequency of inspection into three categories:

1. Routine – continuous regular observations that should be undertaken by the user as part of the occupancy of the building

2. General – visual inspections of main elements

3. Detailed – a full inspection of the facade by a suitablyqualified person at times not exceeding a five-year period.

Facade inspection is, therefore, an integral part of a building survey as it helps to verify the integrity of the building structure and ensures safety. However, conventional facade inspection usually requires roof access and involves the use of gondolas, all of which is time, labour and cost intensive. It is also highly disruptive for occupants and dangerous for inspectors due

to the difficulty of accessing high-rise buildings.

Optimising resource Many building owners will already have access to, or will have invested in, a facade access system for cleaning and other maintenance needs, such as checking lighting, photovoltaics, louvres and vents. A good facade maintenance solution should already optimise the

access equipment against the complexity of the building’s facade. Such systems include suspended platforms, roof trolleys and dedicated platforms, and mobile-elevated work platform. So, the question is, why can’t these systems also be used to provide detailed building surveys? For the outside of a building to maintain its aesthetic appeal, it must be regularly cleaned and maintained. Also, insurance warranties for facades usually mandate that cleaning and maintenance cycles remain unaffected. Economical and effective facade maintenance is, therefore, now a prime consideration within the overall building design process. So, existing facade maintenance systems cannot be diverted to dedicate time to more detailed survey work that could be easily completed by drones. Likewise, the Health and Safety at Work Act 1974 requires “employers to ensure, so far as is reasonably practicable, the health, safety and welfare of their employees and to ensure that those affected by their activities are not exposed to risk”.

ROOFING, CLADDING & INSULATION Falling from height is likely to happen when operatives are getting into and out of the manned platform, usually because safe access points are not provided. They can also sometimes become trapped in the manned platforms due to a mechanical or operational failure, and it has been known for equipment to accidentally tip when it snags on something protruding from the building. Using drones takes away this additional risk for the detailed surveying of facades. For buildings that are 30 years or older, it is highly unlikely that any digital information about a building is available. Also, buildings of historical interest will not be able to use permanently-mounted facade access systems for maintenance and cleaning. So, drones make sense in terms of reducing any complexities and costs when detailed surveys of the building are required.

Becoming smarter Smart facade inspection using digital twin technology can automate and improve facade inspection quality, as well as save costs and minimise safety risks. This innovative approach to facade inspection uses automated drones and artificial intelligence (AI) to check for deteriorating materials and underlying problems with building facades. As it is equipped with a smart piloting system, the drone ensures both operational safety and high-quality inspection. Highresolution visual and thermal cameras can accurately scan the exterior of buildings,

with thermal cameras being particularly effective for the detection of any hidden defects, capturing potential facade failure points. An advanced AI model will also ensure that compliant inspection reports, which meet the highest industry standards, are delivered. This is achieved by using a drone to capture images along the facade of the building. AI can then be used to assist human inspectors with data analysis. Raw data, collected by the drone, is fed into the AI platform, so that the algorithms can be used to maintain privacy by detecting and masking people that have inadvertently been photographed by the drone. At the same time, they identify facade defects, classifying them by type (cracks, decolouration, corrosion, sealant deterioration etc.) and severity, as well as give recommendations for repair. As AI is not infallible, it is vital that a human inspector reviews the results and uses engineering judgement, giving feedback that can be used to continually improve the AI algorithm. This means that facade inspection can be conducted in a fraction of the time and cost, as compared to the traditional methods of inspection. The resulting 3D model of the building facade is also helpful in better understanding the building’s structure and will also automatically update any detected defects. Inspection reports are also able to make use of an intuitive 3D model, so that the state of the facade can be

visualised, and any necessary repairs tracked and managed. This is because the facade inspection software constructs a 3D model of the building facade, which helps to better understand the building structure and automatically locate the defects on the building. As repairs and follow-ups can be seamlessly managed through the drone platform, along the lifecycle of a building, efficiency is improved, and costs saved. As with all building elements, facades will age and be subject to soiling and structural deterioration, which poses safety risks. It is, therefore, vital that any risks are mitigated as early as possible in order to keep buildings safe for occupants and other members of the public. 

www.tuvsud.com/en-gb/buildings

REFURB & RETROFIT

Bespoke solutions

OLD MEETS NEW Refurbishing historic buildings requires specialist mechanical and electrical (M&E) services. Toby Buckley, Managing Director of REL Building Services, discusses the challenges and how to achieve the most effective solution.

nstalling modern services into an historic building, especially one that is listed, is challenging both in terms of design and installation. Each project will present its own set of hurdles depending on the type of building and its future use, so there is a wide range of factors to consider.

Stakeholder engagement Heritage schemes involve a number of different stakeholders who all have a vested interest in any redevelopment, including the local authority, public bodies, such as Historic England, as well as the local community. It is vital that M&E contractors engage with the relevant parties at the earliest opportunity to understand their requirements. The building services solution must be designed in line with their criteria and full approval gained before work begins. This approach was fundamental to the success of

The nature of heritage projects means they often present unique challenges requiring bespoke and creative solutions to meet different stakeholders’ requirements. For example, we were appointed to help refurbish a Grade II Listed building for a secondary school. The brief included the installation of electrical services around a sweeping staircase, including new fire alarms and a lighting scheme required by the Department for Education. The surrounding walls were listed and featured areas of architectural and historical interest which meant we were not permitted to integrate the cabling into the surface. With concealment not possible, the wiring had to be installed on the outside of the wall and mechanically protected. We sourced a metal conduit and were then faced with a complex circular installation around the stairwell. The only way this could be achieved was by sourcing a specialist tube roller which grips the metal conduit in three places and features a handwheel which, when turned, creates the bend.

Improving efficiency an M&E project we delivered for Willmott Dixon involving the restoration and extension of a Grade II Listed town hall in St Albans. Located in a conservation area, the historic building was constructed in 1831 and has been transformed into a new museum and art gallery spread over three floors. Designed by architect practice John McAslan + Partners, the refurbishment had to retain and enhance the building’s historic and listed features while significantly improving energy efficiency and reducing the need for future maintenance. Our role evolved from consultant to designer as we could offer the specialist skills and experience required to deliver the brief. This saw us work with various stakeholders, including the local authority, Historic England and architectural, planning and heritage consultants to develop the design over an eight-month period. Each space was individually modelled, and

all elements approved including the lighting schemes, heating layout and ventilation. This early engagement ensured the solution met all requirements and could be delivered within the required budget. We continued to work with Historic England throughout the project to ensure its requirements were met during installation.

Concealing services In St Albans, no penetrations were permitted on the ground floor or throughout the building. This presented a particular challenge when installing services into the subterranean basement, which was handexcavated under the building, so it could be converted into a gallery space with toilets. This area was also the location for the new plant room. To overcome this issue, we used the existing chimney stacks to install the ductwork and created new riser positions with buried ventilation ducts within the basement area.

Energy efficiency is another important consideration, which in many cases, requires older buildings to be significantly upgraded with new mechanical equipment, including ventilation. To establish the most appropriate measures, careful planning is needed to assess all factors affecting energy use and the property’s future requirements. The solution will not only have to improve performance and deliver cost savings but ensure there is no harm to the building.

A successful outcome Heritage building refurbishments can be complex, but M&E contractors with the right knowledge, experience and skills will play a key role in overcoming any hurdles. Partnership working, early engagement and tailored solutions are all fundamental to a project’s success and protecting historic assets for future generations. 

www.relbuildingservices.co.uk

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LEGAL & BUSINESS

MMC: WHY IT’S TIME TO SET THE STANDARD As the Government’s own 2025 deadline approaches for new-build homes to be ‘zero-carbon ready’, and with mandates for 25% of new homes to be built using modern methods of construction (MMC), Ian Atkinson, Partner at law firm Womble Bond Dickinson (WBD), discusses the now-urgent journey to secure industry-wide MMC standards.

he Government is determined to make the shift to MMC happen: to steer the construction industry, by hook or by crook, towards more flexible, more sustainable and more consistent construction methods. “Modernise or Die” as Mark Farmer bluntly stated back in 2016. While the construction industry isn’t widely known for readily adopting change, in this case there is plenty of enthusiasm for MMC. The efficiencies of modern processes bring immediate speed and cost advantages to both clients and contractors, whilst the labour shortages commentators have been warning of for years become a real industry concern in our post-Brexit, ‘pingdemic’ world. However, there remain concerns about its adoption and whether the sector can meet the deadlines the Government has set. Chief among them is the lack of standards to which MMC must be graded and assessed. It’s something of a catch-22. Standards can’t be set until sufficient work has been done to establish what is and isn’t achievable. But because

standards haven’t been set, there remains a barrier to investing in greater volumes of MMC work. The onus (and risk) has so far fallen on pioneering independents, as well as on the social housing sector, to lead the way, while the volume/private builders watch with interest.

What do we need to see? The BSI is currently looking at offsite construction, saying “well-defined standards can help to maximise the benefits of offsite construction, and BSI is working with the industry to identify the necessary measures to ensure the correct standards are in place” – and it is working on a number of standards, like BS 5606 Accuracy and tolerance in design and construction and on prefabricated buildings. However, these and other standards will take some time to be finalised, and it may be that in the meantime we need some best practice industry guidance – even perhaps a voluntary standard – or at least more collaborative working and risk sharing between MMC providers and the industry to fill the gap.

MMC warranties and insurances One of the core tenets of MMC is that defects will be ironed out at the factory stage and never reach the site, but even so, we need consistent, industry-wide warranties that will protect the eventual buyers from the costs of possible defects. Indeed, most lenders and mortgage providers will insist upon them. Warranty providers currently use different standards for their assessment of homes, making it difficult to know what these homes have been tested for. An industry-wide standard warranty would go a long way to providing reassurance to those buying these properties that there is no greater risk in purchasing a house with MMC elements than purchasing one built using only traditional methods of construction. Progress is being made here, with a number of leading industry bodies, including the National House Building Council (NHBC), having recently signed a Memorandum of Understanding agreeing to work towards a shared standard for assessing homes built using MMC, but this needs to move forward as quickly as possible.

Ian Atkinson is in WBD’s construction team, specialising in transactional matters. He has a wide range of experience including real estate development, site remediation, social housing, energy and infrastructure, but his primary focus is on education, health and local Government regeneration projects.

Mortgages and lending for MMC-built properties There is no industry standard between lenders as to whether (and if so, on what terms) they are prepared to offer a mortgage on a home built using ‘non-traditional’ MMC/offsite construction methods. While perceptions of MMC homes are improving, many lenders still have concerns over long-term build quality. Most residential lenders will lend only if properties have the benefit of one of a prescribed list of warranties, or latent defects cover. Through a combination of bringing MMC within longstanding accreditations/ certifications, and the adoption of some of the newer forms of cover by the lenders, real progress will be made. MMC is still on course to be the “future of construction”, but it is up to the Government, the construction industry and the funders to accelerate the outputs of their collaboration to bring that future forward. 

www.womblebonddickinson.com

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EDUCATION

IT’S NEVER A QUESTION OF SIDES Jane O’Leary, ISG’s Strategic Advisor for Education, believes that if the public and private sectors truly work together, we can deliver outstanding education facilities that support and inspire.

oacher turned gamekeeper – I’ve heard that phrase a number of times since joining ISG from the Vale of Glamorgan Council, where I was responsible for driving the authority’s 21st Century Schools Programme over the past 12 years. The vocabulary, of course, is somewhat antiquated, but more importantly, so is the concept behind those words. I may have switched from the public to the private sector, but I see this as a completely seamless transition between complementary organisations that share the same core goals – to deliver outstanding education facilities that support and inspire our children, enhance our communities, and all without negatively impacting the environment. The thought that you might be on one side or another of the proverbial fence is becoming increasingly redundant, as we embrace a move away from competition towards collaboration. Just look at the Alliance form of contract that the Ministry of Justice (MoJ) is pioneering

to deliver its £1bn New Prisons Programme. Here, four of our most innovative main contractors, including ISG, are working together to prioritise a modern methods of construction (MMC)first approach, that drives innovation, maximises social value outcomes and delivers on the Government’s net-zero commitments. In South Wales, we can rightly claim to have been ahead of the curve – especially when it comes to our strategic policy on education planning, and there is great synergy between our approach in the Vale of Glamorgan and the latest MoJ framework. Building a school is not a transactional activity, it should be rooted in ownership and full engagement across the entire construction lifecycle and beyond. Whether it’s the design and functionality of the spaces, usability, operational efficiency, its environmental credentials and social value legacy – as a council, we fully understood that the more you put in, the better the outcome for our pupils and the community at large.

This engaged approach led the Vale of Glamorgan to develop its own standard component design school. Llancarfan Primary School in Barry will open its doors this month and become the first net-zero school in Wales. The innovation doesn’t stop there – it extends to the forward-looking relationship and commitment between contractor and client. We have pioneered a five-year carbon soft landings period, where ISG will closely monitor Llancarfan Primary School and use this data to ensure the building delivers on its net-zero operational performance specification. Analysis will directly inform and improve the council’s model school, but also enable contractor and supply chain to optimise efficiencies and innovation. As an exemplar carbon project, the school provided the perfect backdrop for a major Welsh Government announcement – made at the start of COP26. Standing outside Llancarfan Primary School, Education and Welsh Language Minister, Jeremy Miles, announced that all new school and college buildings,

major refurbishments and extension projects in Wales will be required to meet netzero carbon targets from 1st January 2022. There’s strong interest from local authorities across the UK on what’s being achieved within the Vale of Glamorgan for new-build school assets, but we’re acutely aware that there is a significant challenge with our existing education estate. When our built asset decisions are informed by carbon reduction, we cannot simply demolish and start again without considering the impact of embodied carbon. Upgrading and revitalising our current school estate to become modern and operationally high-performing learning environments is key to our 2050 net-zero commitments. There’s groundbreaking work being done with our exemplar project for Cambridge Institute for Sustainability Leadership (CISL) on deep and ethical retrofit. This is a fabric-first approach to transform a former 1930s telephone exchange building into a world-class headquarters

EDUCATION building for CISL and draws many parallels with our existing education estate. Encompassing a building that has been altered and extended over many years, this project set out to prove the efficacy of an affordable and high-performance retrofit solution delivered across a building with complex material interfaces and limited scope for external fabric enhancements. Showcasing some of the most ambitious sustainability standards that have ever been set for a built environment project, the Entopia building will achieve the Passivhaus EnerPHit and BREEAM ‘Outstanding’ standards, the WELL standard for healthy buildings, stretching carbon targets and the scheme is an exemplar for circular economy principles. It’s exciting to think that the learnings from these two world-class schemes will not simply inform client and contractor – but will become an open-source knowledge base for everyone to benefit from. And that’s really the point – by working together in the built environment we get better buildings that enhance our lives and communities, without harming the environment. You see, we’re all on the same side! 

www.isgltd.com

TALKING POINT

PRIORITISING WATER MANAGEMENT IN DESIGN SAFETY FOR BUILDINGS With severe weather-related events on the increase, there is a growing need for our buildings to rise to the challenge and protect both lives and livelihoods. In this article, Paul Winnett, Sales Director, Building Services & OEM at Xylem Water Solutions UK & Ireland, discusses how to alleviate safety concerns. rain and flash H eavy flooding are becoming more and more common. Experts estimate that flood damage costs the UK around £1.3bn each year. And with extreme weather set to become a more common occurrence as the climate crisis worsens, scientists have warned the British Government, businesses and householders must take steps to protect against future harm. Keeping people safe and preventing flood damage is becoming an increasing priority for our public buildings, most notably for hospitals and care homes where occupants are most vulnerable. Buildings need to be designed to cope with today’s demands, but also to be

futureproofed and ready to handle the additional capacity needed in years to come. Technology is helping to drive prioritisation of safety in building systems of all scales, both to protect occupants and the structure from damage in the face of extreme weather events. A range of measures deploying intelligent equipment and advanced analytics can alleviate safety concerns, from improving management of wastewater and stormwater to boosting the safety of drinking water. With this article, consultants and architects, as well as building owners and users, can gain insights into the steps that can be taken to protect and prepare our public buildings for whatever the future holds.

Safety from the ground up In-built safety starts with design, to forecast issues before they happen and to create buildings that can adapt accordingly. This applies both externally – to cope with extreme weather events like storms – and internally, by boosting intake water quality for example, or by ensuring the supply and flow of heat and clean air within buildings is not interrupted. Building Information Modelling (BIM) allows planners and consultants to build a digital simulation of how the system will act to anticipate the needs of a resilient building. Information from pump assets is collected, managed and exchanged

Paul Winnett is Sales Director, Building Services & OEM at Xylem Water Solutions UK & Ireland. Having worked at Xylem for over 30 years, Paul brings a wealth of experience and knowledge in the customisation of solutions for applications and designs to be on the latest trends in the building services and industrial markets.

to ensure safety at every stage around the building, for maximum reliability and adaptability in both new-build and renovation projects.

Three steps to safer buildings Creating the most effective and reliable public buildings depends on the technology provided by its building systems: Intelligent equipment capable of sensing environmental conditions to adjust its operation accordingly, to bring significant energy savings of up to 70% Smart network and services enable collection of data from connected equipment, the central control of system operation and pro-active

Say farewell to flooding Preventing site flooding is a key challenge in construction. Pumping systems for managing waste, stormwater and drainage can be tailored for each individual facility, allowing for a futureproofed design to meet both current and predicted demands with a consistentlyreliable performance. Easy installation and serviceability is a must for an environment where downtime is not an option. The Flygt Concertor, for example, is capable of sensing the operating conditions of its environment, adapting its performance in real time and providing feedback; selfcleaning technology can bring peace of mind while reducing operational costs by saving energy. In addition, smart monitoring options mean building systems can be operated and supervised remotely if necessary, allowing potential failures to be predicted and rectified before they occur.

Safer handling of wastewater For any public building, handling wastewater safely and efficiently is a major pain point – particularly with the added hazards that come from a medical environment. Intelligent equipment, like the Concertor, can manage solids, fat, paper and other objects thanks to its innovative self-cleaning impeller that can lower energy use, deliver optimal functioning and reduce unplanned service call-outs to avoid any interruptions in service. By sensing its environment and adjusting its processes accordingly, it drastically reduces unplanned downtime, making it a vital tool for hospitals at a time of unprecedented demand.

TALKING POINT

optimisation of each building system for maximum safety and energy efficiency Advanced data analytics convert useful data into information for the relevant building system to allow for preemptive optimisation; this datadriven decision-making allows systems to use water and energy in the most effective way.

Cutting out micropollutants Decreasing the discharge of pharmaceutical residues from hospitals into the environment has been the focus of extensive research and investment throughout Europe. With hospitals identified as local sources for such pollution, one district hospital in Germany partnered with Xylem to trial an ozone system for the advanced removal of micropollutants from its wastewater. The Wedeco system, used as a second stage of treatment after an ultrafiltration membrane bioreactor, successfully eliminated more than 90% of pharmaceutical residues. The solution was capable of handling a flow rate of up to 32m³ per hour and included an onsite oxygen generation system to ensure reliable use.

Protecting the water supply The latest developments in UV and ozone treatment have a growing role to play in tackling chlorine-resistant pathogens, such as cryptosporidium, ideal when providing safe drinking water to protect vulnerable patients and care home residents. UV systems are among the most effective method for disinfecting bacteria from the water: the ultraviolet rays penetrate harmful pathogens and kill them, rendering them inactive. A regional clinic in Germany harnessed the power of UV with the installation of a Spektron 10e system to treat the water entering the building at a flow rate of 10m3 per hour. This has ensured all water being distributed in the building is bacteria-free to offer an additional layer of protection for patients.

Security of water supplies As we look to the future, as well as flooding, droughts are also increasingly likely: by 2050, it’s projected that more than five billion people could suffer water shortages. As water resources become scarcer, more must be done to ensure security of our water – beginning with improved legislation to make the most of what is available.

In 2019, to celebrate Manchester City Football Club retaining the Premier League title, Xylem teamed up with the club and the Heineken Manchester brewery to produce Raining Champions, a limitededition beer made with purified rainwater collected from the rooftop of Manchester City’s Etihad Stadium. The rainwater was purified to the highest drinking water standards using Xylem’s advanced treatment technologies, including filtration, ultraviolet light and powerful oxidation. The brew was part of a broader partnership between Xylem and Manchester City to engage and educate football fans globally about water challenges and the actions the public can take to make a difference. The same year, Xylem partnered with a water utility in Berlin, Berliner Wasserbetriebe and the Berlin Centre of Competence for Water to produce Reuse Brew – a beer made from purified and treated wastewater to

demonstrate that the technical possibilities of turning wastewater into drinking water are almost limitless.

Preparing for the future Alleviating safety concerns in our buildings means working to protect occupants and structures now – as well as protecting resources for the future. Designing with this protection in mind brings the power to create buildings able to withstand whatever the future brings. Whether preparing for flooding or drought, public buildings have to become even more adaptable and flexible with an emphasis on selfsufficiency to ensure they can cope with the changing needs of the populations using them. From better wastewater management to water disinfection that put safety first, installing the most reliable and effective systems can safeguard the future. 

www.xylem.com/uk

INTERIORS

controlled drugs cabinets, which are more secure with a two-stage locking system, and patient cabinets to allow self-administration of drugs or to store individual drug supplies. Storage rooms can be located adjacent to inpatient wards, which contain racked timber or metal shelving systems for bedding, sheets and other larger supplies of consumables.

Key drivers for specification

HOW TO SPECIFY HOSPITAL STORAGE SOLUTIONS In this article, Peter Waring, Director of healthcare furniture and fit-out specialist Deanestor, provides some practical advice for specifiers of hospital storage solutions.

There are typically four types of storage solutions for inpatient wards: Base and wall cabinets with fixed or adjustable shelves manufactured to HTM63 Modular hospital storage systems to HTM71 have baskets, liners and trays for organising storage of medical consumables and equipment such as syringes, dressings and catheters. This furniture can be configured from base and wall cabinets and full-height storage units to maximise storage capacity. They are designed to be interchangeable and labelled, and allow a greater degree of flexibility to store different and changing products.

Bespoke cabinetry can be manufactured to address project-specific storage requirements, such as non-standard sizes or to meet an architect’s specification, finish and layout. These can be wardrobes, bedside lockers or bedhead units for the storage of personal items in wards for acute or mental healthcare. This furniture can be designed to create a more welcoming patient environment similar to a hotel. Drugs cabinets – these should meet the Misuse of Drugs Safe Custody regulations 1973 and fit into three categories. All are lockable and typically metal units. There are general drugs cabinets,

The key drivers are compliance with the relevant HTMs and manufacture in the material selected by the trust or design team. The HTMs are very prescriptive and stringent with fixed furniture typically being melamine-faced MDF with laminated doors and edgings to provide stability and impact resistance. These can be supplied in a range of colours.

How to procure bespoke hospital furniture

A UK furniture manufacturer will work to shorter lead times, which are important for replacement doors or components. A glue and dowelled construction is more robust. The manufacturer should have a high degree of quality control and if they offer both bespoke and standard products, there is more flexibility to maximise storage space – for example, by manufacturing nonstandard cabinet sizes where needed. The supplier should have a clear understanding of the relevant HTMs – both how to meet these NHS requirements and where you can be more flexible. A good manufacturer will be able to provide guidance and advice. Logistics and planning are also important. We work to a just-in-time model to avoid having to store large amounts of furniture on a hospital site – whether a new-build site or in a live hospital environment. This requires careful logistics planning and project management. Experienced project managers and fitters who have worked on live hospital projects will also add value to any refurbishment or ward upgrading projects and minimise disruption to patient care.

A look to the future There has been little change to HTM principles in the last 30 years. However, demand for more modular furniture continues to increase. These storage solutions are much more flexible and can easily be changed to meet new uses or equipment. Over the last five years, we have seen an increase in individual patient rooms rather than multi-bay wards, and more of a hotel feel for the patient experience. This means bespoke storage solutions in wood grain finishes are often specified, which are much less clinical. 

www.deanestor.co.uk/healthcare

Keep inspiration flowing Expert ventilation solutions for the education sector

A hybrid ventilation system for better indoor air quality, thermal comfort and improved wellbeing. The Hybrid Plus2 Aircool®: a quiet, multi-mode system with boost function to maximise fresh air supply, making it ideal for educational and commercial settings. Easy to install within a wall or window construction, it can also be ceiling-mounted or ducted. For further information, technical support or to request a CPD, contact Passivent today.

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TECHNICAL FOCUS

ENERGY EFFICIENCY AND THE WIDER BENEFITS OF THE RIGHT HVAC-R INSULATION Tom Merton, Technical Specialist at flexible equipment insulation material and engineered foam manufacturer, Armacell, examines the ways in which the careful selection of heating, ventilation, air conditioning and refrigeration (HVAC-R) insulation can help facilities managers in healthcare and the wider public sector to improve the fuel efficiency of their premises. the cost of fuel A sescalates, achieving energy efficiency is one of the main challenges currently facing public sector facilities managers. In October, the research firm Cornwall Insight predicted that UK energy bills could rise by as much as 30% in 2022 if the cost of gas and electricity continue to soar. Meanwhile, organisations throughout the UK unite to help honour the pledges made by the Government at the recent COP26 United Nations Climate Change Conference by working hard to reduce their carbon emissions. The World Bank Group estimates that healthcare facilities alone generate around 5% of global CO 2 emissions annually. Hospitals’ energy use is particularly significant, due to their large-scale, continuous operation, high quantity of equipment and the built-in redundancies required to ensure operational stability. Furthermore, as the pandemic has illustrated, hospital facilities need to be able to

quickly adapt to accommodate changing requirements, such as a sudden surge in demand for beds and isolation rooms. Minimum indoor environmental quality (IEQ) standards are now considered for all spaces to enable swift flexibility. Insulation of HVAC-R systems is one of the simplest and most effective means of saving energy in buildings of all types. The average European hospital consumes 100kWh of electrical energy per square metre, per year, and air conditioning and ventilation systems alone account for up to 40% of this consumption. We estimate that, with the right thermal insulation, operators throughout the public sector can save up to 32% of their buildings’ total heating costs. But not all forms of HVAC-R insulation are equal when it comes to providing a reliably low level of thermal conductivity. In recent company research, conducted by the Fraunhofer Institute for Building Physics in Stuttgart,

it was found that over a period of 10 years, the thermal conductivity of a closed-cell flexible elastomeric foam (FEF) insulation rose by only around 15%; over the same period, that of open-cell mineral wool rose by 77% and polyurethane (PUR) by 150%. As a result of the poor performance of mineral wool in particular, its use on refrigeration pipes is restricted in some European countries including Germany and Belgium. Closed-cell insulation comprises millions of tightlypacked, closed air-filled cells. Each cell is bonded to those around it, creating an impenetrable barrier for air and moisture. By precluding the percolation of moisture, while maintaining its thermal performance, the material also mitigates against the corrosion of the insulated equipment. The most efficient thermal insulation solutions comprise both closed-cell pipe insulation and pipe supports, with individual components fitting together to form an integrated system.

In the public sector, the role of effective HVAC-R insulation goes further than ensuring thermal efficiency. The right insulation can help to ensure the safety of a building’s inhabitants, and nowhere is this more important than in hospitals. A safe and comfortable environment is essential for patient recovery and wellbeing, but World Health Organisation (WHO) figures show that 35% of patients develop at least one infection during their stay in hospital. Poor indoor air quality is the cause of many of these infections, with excess moisture providing an ideal breeding ground for microbial growth. By the first week of November 2021, the Chief Executive of NHS Providers reported bed occupancy of around 95% in English hospitals, driven largely by COVID-19 admissions. As the winter advanced, this level continued to rise, as the colder weather drove up respiratory infections, exacerbated heart problems and caused an

TECHNICAL FOCUS increase in accidents. As hospital wards reach full capacity, the risk of patients acquiring new infections grows. Elsewhere in the public sector, COVID absences continue to put pressure on the workforce; it is more important than ever to take every step available to protect their health to ensure that absence is kept to a minimum and organisations may continue to function. Within this context, facilities managers can help to protect patients and employees by ensuring that every aspect of their operations are hygienic, including their HVAC-R systems. This they can achieve by selecting HVAC-R insulation that incorporates built-in antimicrobial protection to guard against the development of the bacteria, mould and mildew that promote the spread of germs. Once winter – and eventually too, the pandemic – is behind us, HVAC-R insulation can continue to help managers deal with year-round facilities challenges, including fire safety. In hospital and nursing facilities where many patients have restricted mobility, the threat to life in the event of fire is especially high. Managers can help to protect their buildings’ inhabitants by selecting HVAC-R insulation with the highest fire safety rating of B/BL-s1, d0 which generates only a fraction of the level of smoke created by standard elastomeric

products, allowing patients and employees longer to evacuate. Fire-proof thermal insulation for HVAC-R systems can be integrated with combined thermal insulation and fire protection barriers to seal off pipe penetrations in fire-resistant walls, ceilings and floors, to help prevent fire spreading from one room to another. Reliable acoustic insulation is also necessary, to ensure the comfort of a building’s inhabitants, whether they be employees who need to be able to concentrate on their work, or patients, for

whom a quiet, stress-free environment is vital for the healing process. Acoustic insulation enables facilities managers to minimise the amount of sound emanating from HVAC-R systems and water pipes, and pipe supports prevent the transmission of noise created within the HVAC-R systems into the building by decoupling them from its structure. 

www.armacell.com

ENERGY MANAGEMENT

IMPLEMENTING A POWER RESILIENCE STRATEGY As with most public sector organisations, councils hold and maintain significant personal information, necessitating a secure and stable power supply to protect and preserve data and servers in the event of energy supply issues and to avoid disruption to vital services. South Staffordshire W hen Council wanted to implement a UPS (uninterruptible power supply) system, it called on Powerstar, a leading energy storage and power resilience specialist, to advise on how best to futureproof its energy demands, while working towards net zero. Here, Alastair Morris, Chief Commercial Officer of Powerstar, outlines the South Staffordshire project requirements and highlights the benefits of a holistic approach to power resilience across public sector organisations.

Alastair explains: “South Staffordshire Council approached us looking to implement UPS to protect their site, critical data and equipment, from the risk of power disruptions. Traditionally, a UPS system has proved an effective solution, so long as the system is properly maintained. However, the council wanted to implement a power resilience strategy that also supported their net-zero goals, including the ability to store power generated from their existing 100kW solar array. As part of their onsite

power generation, the council also wanted to bolster their income by introducing a new revenue stream via exporting excess energy to the grid.” Powerstar’s recommendation was to install a battery energy storage system (BESS), instead of a traditional UPS system, to provide critical power supply during outages while additionally offering significant energy management benefits not available from a traditional UPS. While, as noted, traditional UPS functions well in many scenarios, to protect IT and data services and equipment

in the event of disruption to power supply, it is an option that looks increasingly untenable in a world moving to net zero. Most of the time, a UPS will be sitting idle, but it is still using power and costing money as it switches constantly back and forth from AC to DC – a loss of capacity estimated at between 10 and 15%. For a BESS, the capacity loss is significantly lower, at around 1%. At the heart of a smart microgrid, a BESS provides the security to protect the entire site during power disruptions while bringing significant additional benefits, including those sought by South Staffordshire Council. Powerstar installed a 250kW BESS, into an existing room on site at the premises, and this now provides full, site-wide UPS, but also enables the council to store excess power from its solar array and to export power to the grid for additional

ENERGY MANAGEMENT revenue. The ability to store the energy generated from solar enables the council to manage its export – which is critical to avoid exceeding its agreed export capacity, so eliminating the risk of penalties from National Grid. As well as facilitating the export and sale of excess power, the new BESS solution is helping the council to futureproof through implementing an energy management strategy focused on resilience. As we move to net zero, this is becoming a higher priority for companies and organisations across the UK, as Alastair notes: “A fundamental aspect of a net-zero policy is, as we all know, a move away from fossil fuels and last year nearly 40% of the UK’s power came from renewables. While this is positive, it brings with it a range of questions organisations should be mindful of, both to preempt supply issues as well

as to harness the potential opportunities that a shift to renewables can offer. “Fossil fuels have generally been a reliable source of energy but as we move closer to fully renewable energy, power generation becomes more inflexible and potentially unstable which, in turn, impacts on the grid. Electricity demands are looking set to double, with electric vehicle charging being a significant aspect. In this instance, the capability to store energy on site may become a vital element for undisrupted workflow and for the protection of digital assets and information,” explains Alastair. As the UK shifts towards net zero – and non-electric vehicle (EV) car sales are already set to be phased out by 2035 – this move to EVs is a pressing issue, particularly for public sector organisations needing to support their employees and manage their fleets.

Alastair comments: “The need for EV charging is likely to create a major increase in onsite power demands, especially for larger organisations. The required capacity may require an approach to the Distribution Network Operator if the demand takes the organisation over their authorised capacity. Such a request may prove prohibitively expensive or even be blocked altogether. A BESS, as well as providing a vital uninterruptible power supply, can support EV charging through storing renewable energy generated on site and freeing it up for charging when required.” For South Staffordshire Council, the switch to a BESS and a resilient energy management strategy has been proving beneficial since installation. The system has already protected the council’s site from five blackouts, providing site-wide resilience for 2.5 hours at peak load. This

has also allowed the council to remove its carbon-intensive backup generator, while maintaining energy resilience. In one such outage, a drop in voltage to 0 occurred, a transient power cut at 5:40am on 11th March 2021, for a duration of roughly three minutes. The full load for the site was supported by the new BESS system during this time, preventing any loss of power, keeping all electrical equipment, including IT systems and servers, up and running as normal. Alastair concludes: “A secure and stable power supply is critical for organisations throughout the UK and, in the current climate, it makes sense more than ever to consider uninterrupted power demands as a part of an overarching energy management strategy, one which ensures resilience while working towards netzero targets.” 

www.powerstar.com

SURFACE DESIGN SHOW PREVIEW

SURFACE DESIGN SHOW 8-10TH FEBRUARY 2022

Surface Matter, Sweet Material

Coral dapple detail

THE SURFACE DESIGN SHOW RETURNS FOR 2022 The design industry will once again be able to meet in person and be updated on the latest surface materials and designs when the Surface Design Show returns to the Business Design Centre from 8 to 10th February 2022. 120 exhibitors will O ver be exhibiting, including 35 new talents at one of the UK’s leading events for architects and designers. Many of the exhibitors will bring a range of new product launches, inspired by the show’s theme ‘Sense of Place’ to put humanity and the planet’s wellbeing at the heart of all decision making. Surface Matter will be displaying its Sweet Material pop-up shop stand. The stand is inspired by Surface Matter’s material studio in London Fields, which architects and designers describe as a “sweet shop for materials”. Visitors to the stand will find anything from LED lights sprinkled like hundreds and thousands to chocolate bars made of compressed paper composite Richlite and circular Plasiciet lollipops.

Hosting debates, panels, trend forecasts and insights into the latest surface design innovations, the main stage is at the heart of the show. There will be 16 presentations on the main stage during the show’s two and a half days. The opening-night debate highlights a younger generation of architects and designers and is entitled ‘Climate Change and Future Proofing’. New to the Surface Design Show is a series of Legends Live interviews, where an industry personality meets and chats with their ‘legend’. Highlighting again at the Surface Design Show will be the Light School and its content partner, Light Talks. Together, they are the home of architectural lighting. Surfaces and lighting are natural friends – to bring out the best in the surfaces, they need good lighting. This

year’s Light Talks theatre will be organised in partnership with the Institution of Lighting Professionals and iGuzzini. One of the highly-anticipated and unique parts of the show is the New Talent section. Supporting new talent is a key focus for the Surface Design Show. Over 30 participants will display a range of sophisticated and innovative designs this year, from textile designs featuring augmented reality to 3D tiles of eco-resin and waste materials. Many participants will also show a recurring focus on using natural materials and dyes. New Talent is curated by Trendease International and held in partnership with Canon UK. Each year, visitors also look forward to Surface Spotlight Live, a focal point of inspiration for designers to touch and compare the very latest material prototypes. Surface

www.surfacedesignshow.com

Spotlight Live will highlight the show’s ‘Sense of Place’ theme and is curated again by trend and colour expert Sally Angharad and held in partnership with CD (UK). 2022 will be the 10th anniversary of the Surface Design Awards, which is, therefore, fitting that it received a record number of entries. The awards were created to highlight the importance of surface design and surface materials in the creation of buildings and to acknowledge excellence. The judges have selected 48 finalists from nine different countries, and on the last day of the Surface Design Show, the winners will be announced at a breakfast ceremony. All the finalists, including the new Architectural Photography Award, will be featured on a display stand with Surface Design Show. 

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THE DURABLE CHOICE CELCURISED TIMBER, THE TRUSTED TIMBER PROTECTION FOR LONG STANDING PRESERVATIVE PERFORMANCE FOR MORE INFORMATION Visit: www.kopperspc.eu Email: kpc@koppers.eu Call: +44 (0)1628 486644 Fax: +44 (0)1628 476757 Protim Solignum Limited, Fieldhouse Lane Marlow, Buckinghamshire SL7 1LS ™ Protim Solignum Limited trading as Koppers Performance Chemicals. Koppers is a registered Trademark of Koppers Delaware, Inc. Whilst every attempt has been made to ensure the accuracy and reliability of the information contained in this document, Protim Solignum Limited gives no undertaking to that effect and no responsibility can be accepted for reliance on this information. Information will be updated when the need arises. Please ensure you have an up to date copy. All products are produced by independently owned and operated wood processing facilities. All other trademarks are trademarks of their respective owners. Koppers Performance Chemicals, Protim Solignum Limited, Fieldhouse Lane, Marlow, Buckinghamshire, SL7 1LS. Visit: www.kopperspc.eu, Email: kpc@koppers.eu, Call: +44 (0)1628 486644, Fax: +44 (0)1628 476757. Registered in England 3037845. © Copyright 2018.

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ROOFING, CLADDING FLOORS, FOCUS WALLS & INNOVATION & CEILINGS & INSULATION

DR. SCHUTZ PU SEALER – MAKING LONGER-LASTING FLOORING Dr. Schutz, the German floor care company, offers PU Sealer, an innovative solution that quickly and easily transforms tired, damaged or old floors at a fraction of the time and cost of an entire floor replacement. As well as renovating any floor with a fresh and lasting finish, PU Sealer offers added protection for flooring areas prone to high traffic. Such zones with a heavy foot volume tend to wear very quickly when they don’t have a hard-wearing product applied. Not only can this cost money, but it can be a timeconsuming issue to fix. By using the PU Sealer, you can keep flooring in excellent condition for many years. The water-based, eco-friendly PU Sealer can be applied to most types of flooring, including vinyl, tiled and epoxy resin styles. Adding 40 microns of protective thickness to floors, PU Sealer extends the lifespan by up to six times and provides a lasting, clear matt finish. Thanks to permanent sealing, it protects against friction and discolouration from chemical spillages. Due to the product’s unique water-based substance, the PU Sealer also reduces dirt adhesion and the time needed for dayto-day maintenance.

www.drschutz.co.uk 01296 437827

EXEMPLARY NORDIC COPPER Two important public buildings, defined by Nordic Copper cladding, have recently received accolades following previous awards.

Stirling Prize shortlisted The Windermere Jetty Museum (pictured above) was recently shortlisted for the 2021 RIBA Stirling Prize, having already won an RIBA National Award and the RIBA North West Building of the Year Award. The museum is unified and defined by facades and oversailing roofs clad in Nordic Brown pre-oxidised copper, further developing naturally over time and responding to the unique lakeside context. It is seen and approached from all sides, from land and water, and from a number of points of elevation. Roofs and walls, therefore, assume equally important status in the formal composition. Nordic Brown pre-oxidised copper is used as the determining material to give architectural consistency to these elements and the museum buildings working together as a cohesive whole. The copper is folded and

pinned with a regular pattern of brass fixings to give the elevations a unique texture, which is further reinforced by the patina gained by weathering over time.

layer determines the colour of the surface finish, with darker or lighter (Nordic Brown Light) shades of brown.

Exceptional performance naturally

Nordic Blue, Nordic Green and Nordic Turquoise pre-patinated surfaces have been developed with properties and colours based on the same brochantite mineralogy found in natural patinas all over the world. As well as the solid patina colours, ‘Living’ surfaces are available for each colour with other intensities of patina flecks revealing some of the dark oxidised background material. Copper alloys are growing in popularity as well, including Nordic Bronze and Nordic Brass – which can also be supplied pre-weathered. The innovative Nordic Royal is an alloy of copper with aluminium and zinc, giving it a rich golden throughcolour and making it very stable.

Nordic Brown is part of an extensive range of architectural copper surfaces and alloys with an unrivalled lifespan, no maintenance and full recyclability. With a melting point of 1083°C and ‘A1 (non-combustible material)’ fire classification to EN 135011, copper is suitable for cladding tall buildings, using appropriate constructions. As well as Nordic Standard ‘mill finish’ copper, the extensive Nordic Copper range also includes Nordic Brown with the same oxidised brown surface that otherwise develops over time in the environment. The thickness of the oxide

Living Copper Surfaces

Best Building in Scotland Finally, the award-winning Aberdeen Art Gallery has just been named winner of the 2021 Andrew Doolan ‘Best Building in Scotland’ Award. The rejuvenated, listed complex is crowned by a striking contemporary rooftop extension that is clad in Nordic Brown Light. The Nordic Brown Light copper rooftop extension contains a suite of environmentally-controlled temporary galleries, as well as much-needed learning and event spaces, providing bold new ©dapple photography

interiors. The extension was designed as a sculptural element, responding to the proportions and colours of the existing granite frontages. It is defined by vertical, scalloped panels of Nordic Brown Light pre-oxidised copper, including some perforated for transparency. It is a thoroughly contemporary design but shares materiality with the building’s classical copper dome. Repairs to the dome itself were carried out using Nordic Green pre-patinated copper, complementing the existing historic patination.

Inspirational copper stories A growing series of online ‘copper stories’ exemplify the best in contemporary architecture and showcase the diversity of surfaces, forms and applications available with Nordic Copper today. For more information, please visit the website below.

ROOFING, CLADDING FOCUS & INNOVATION & INSULATION

BRETT MARTIN ENHANCES BUILDING SECURITY WITH MARDOME TRADE Demonstrating the company’s commitment to ongoing testing for safety and security and providing homeowners with extra security and peace of mind, Brett Martin’s Mardome Trade rooflights have achieved Secured by Design accreditation. Proven to reduce burglary and crime rates by up to 87% on new-build developments, Secured by Design (SBD) is part of Police Crime Prevention Initiatives (PCPI), a policeowned organisation that works on behalf of the Police Service to deliver a wide range of crime prevention and demand reduction initiatives across the UK.

Products must be subject to rigorous testing and, additionally, be fully certificated by an independent, thirdparty certification body, accredited by the United Kingdom Accreditation Service (UKAS) before being allowed to carry the SBD logo. This is the only way for companies to obtain police

PROTEUS CREATES ELECTRIFYING FACADE ON NEW UNIVERSITY BUILDING

www.brettmartin.com 0247 660 2022 daylight@brettmartin.com

ROCKWOOL LAUNCHES HIGH RISE HUB TO SUPPORT RESIDENTIAL DEVELOPMENTS

Innovative use of Corten steel rainscreen cladding panels and architectural fins from Proteus Facades has helped to create a powerful aesthetic on the University of Sheffield’s new state-of-theart energy facility. The new Energy Centre Transformer Building, created by HLM Architects and built by main contractor Vital Energi, forms a key part of the university’s long-term masterplan. According to HLM, the main concept behind the building’s design is heavily influenced by the mechanical and electrical equipment that the building houses. This is one of the reasons why the architects specified Corten steel rainscreen cladding panels and fins from Proteus Facades for use on the development. Proteus HR is a modular rainscreen system that offers a smooth facade with recessed joints. The panels have a lightweight, aluminium honeycomb core structurally-bonded between two thin gauges of metal. The lightweight nature of this rainscreen system minimises weight loadings on the underlying structure, whilst achieving strength and rigidity. The solid Corten Proteus HR cladding panels feature in vertical and horizontal sections of the facade, while the fins wrap vertically over the building.

www.proteusfacades.com

accreditation for security-related products in the UK. The design of the Mardome Trade rooflight is such that individual fixings are concealed inside security caps. Removal of these caps to gain access to the fixings is extremely difficult. In addition, polycarbonate rooflights have good resistance to impact, making breakage very difficult. SBD accreditation is only available with specific variants of Mardome Trade rooflights, with these additions to the Brett Martin range designed to have an impact on crime deterrence. Mardome Trade (SBD option) has been independently tested and assessed generally in accordance with PAS24:2016:Annex C by BBA, which confirms that it can contribute to satisfying the regulatory requirements for unauthorised access in new and existing dwellings. With the safety and security of homes and crime prevention an important consideration, Brett Martin’s Mardome Trade SBD variants form part of a range of rooflight solutions that will ensure a high level of rooflight security on a diverse range of projects.

0151 545 5075

Predictions suggest that an additional 9.3 million people will move to the UK’s cities by 2022, driving the trend for vertical construction to create more space for homes. In response, ROCKWOOL has developed a new high rise hub designed to support the specification of non-combustible stone-wool insulation solutions for residential projects – ultimately helping specifiers to meet stringent fire safety, thermal and acoustic requirements while constructing high-rise properties. A central feature of the new hub is ROCKWOOL for High Rise Residential Projects, a comprehensive guide which explores the role of tall buildings in our society and focuses on key high rise topics including fire safety, thermal comfort, energy efficiency, acoustic performance and sustainability. Containing specific building regulations guidance as well as stonewool insulation case studies, advice and best practice, ROCKWOOL for High Rise Residential Projects is the go-to resource for high rise developers and specifiers. Through the high rise hub, specifiers can also access the ROCKWOOL Interactive City which features a virtual model of a multi-storey residential building with stone-wool insulation solutions displayed in-situ.

www.rockwool.com/uk/high-rise 01656 868400 customersupportcentre@rockwool.co.uk

TN INTERNATIONAL UK & IRELAND ACQUIRES CHESTERFELT IN MULTI-MILLION DEAL TN International (TNi), owner of Scottish insulation manufacturer Superglass, has acquired Chesterfelt Ltd, one of the UK’s best-known bitumen roofing manufacturers in a multi-million-pound deal. With its regional headquarters for Western Europe and North America in Stirling, TN International is one of the world’s leading producers of roofing, waterproofing and

insulating materials. The deal to acquire Chesterfelt adds production capacity to TNi’s building product portfolio, complementing the company’s ability to provide

FOCUS & INNOVATION

customers in the construction industry – particularly those based in the UK – with an integrated solution for the protection of buildings. The addition of a UK-based production facility in the roofing sector will earn the environmental benefits of reduced transport miles and will also offer welcome service and logistics advantages to UK customers. TN International supplies customers and end users across residential, commercial and infrastructure sectors, including schools, hospitals, and other public facilities. Established in 1978, Chesterfelt has over 40 years’ experience manufacturing and distributing bituminous waterproofing products from a manufacturing and warehousing facility in Chesterfield, Derbyshire. The company employs 30 staff and supplies a wide variety of roofing projects from domestic properties to large industrial buildings. There will be no job losses as a result of the acquisition. TN International’s Superglass facility in Stirling has an annual production capacity of 60,000 tons of glasswool insulation, following a £37m redevelopment in 2019. In line with TNi’s focus on minimising its environmental impact and supporting the development of more sustainable built environments, the product is manufactured using over 80% recycled glass and, once installed, can save hundreds of times the energy used to manufacture it.

www.tnroofingsystems.com 01786 451170 info@tnroofingsystems.com

MAGPLY PARTNERS WITH PROKOL TO GIVE FIREPROOF ROOFING BUILD-UP

FIRE-STOPPING SOLUTIONS START WITH SIKA Navigating the often-complex process of choosing the correct passive fire protection system for a project can be a challenge, but thanks to the speciality chemical manufacturer Sika, specifiers can take advantage of a range of in-house support services including product guidance and technical support. Sika’s comprehensive range of passive fire protection solutions can restore the fire resistance of walls and floors disrupted by linear seals, cavity barriers or penetration services, helping to contain and control the spread of fire. Sika’s experienced and qualified technical team are also on-hand to help specifiers and specialist installers identify a clear and compliant passive fire-stopping strategy, including offering detailed technical evaluations for more complicated joint specifications.

www.sika.co.uk/passivefire 01707 394444

A Dutch manufacturer of fireproof flat-roof coatings is recommending IPP’s Magply boards as the ideal substrate on which to install its liquid-applied treatments. A major installation is currently underway in Basildon, Essex, on an industrial building, where a long-established local building company Davis Bros is overlaying the old ‘northlight’ roof over its own premises and that of its neighbours with a Prokol specification that includes 6mm Magply. Magply MOS boards present a fire-safe and environmentally-friendly alternative to conventional plywood or OSB products. The different thicknesses of Magply panels are also widely used for flooring and pitched roof installations; as well as being approved by many different manufacturers of render finishes.

www.magply.co.uk

01621 776252

philip@magply.co.uk

VENT-AXIA WELCOMES PART F OF THE BUILDING REGULATIONS Ventilation manufacturer Vent-Axia has welcomed the publication of new Approved Document Part F of the Building Regulations, as a “vital step to improve indoor air quality” as we move toward the Future Homes Standard on the road to net zero. Published on 15th December 2021, Part F (Means of Ventilation) goes hand-in-hand with the new amended Part L (Conservation of Fuel and Power), which is set to help the UK deliver net zero with a reduction of almost a third less carbon for new homes. However, as buildings become more airtight to improve efficiency, it is essential to consider indoor air quality too to protect the wellbeing of inhabitants. The new Part F, therefore, sets out significant changes, which will drive adoption of low-carbon ventilation as an industry standard.

www.vent-axia.com

0344 856 0590

info@vent-axia.com

FOCUS & INNOVATION

TIO FIRE SAFETY DELIVERS UK FIRST WITH REVOLUTIONARY DIGITAL LOGBOOK The fire logbook, a legal requirement and critical link in the safety of millions of UK buildings that is often overlooked, abused or left incomplete, has been updated and made fit for the modern age with the launch of the revolutionary Digital Fire Logbook from Tio Fire Systems, offering a number of benefits to public sector property professionals. Cloud-based and permitted under BS5839-1, Tio’s true Digital Fire Logbook is priced and designed to replace a range of paper logbooks, and is pre-configured to bring together a huge number of fire, safety and security topics in one place. It is quick to set up and as easy to use as paper, solves a multitude of issues and radically improves safety, relationships and compliance for all parties, including public sector property professionals faced with increased responsibilities under the Fire Safety Act 2021 and associated regulations. Full of unique features, Tio’s logbook includes: a compliance task manager that automatically schedules and tracks tasks for service providers, building occupiers and risk assessors; a customisable guidance module that helps staff complete jobs, linked asset registers and maintenance, variances, false alarm and activation tracker, custom tasks creator; fire visitor logbook; and digital documents storage. All users get a performance and compliance dashboard, permitting oversight and management from a single site to vast portfolios of properties, making life simpler for estate managers and anyone overseeing property management in the public sector.

Instead of a paper document in a cabinet at the building entrance, a QR code is displayed, giving either open access to the cloud-based records or, where security is a concern, access to all permitted individuals and organisations. Tio is a fast-growing fire and safety software provider, created and staffed by UK fire and safety industry experts from estates managers and OEMs to service and maintenance engineers, ensuring its products are fast, efficient and solve customer problems while improving building safety.

www.tiofiresafety.com 0117 435 0130 sales@tiofiresafety.com

IDS’S NEW LUVIH LAMINATE COMBINES LUXURIOUS LOOKS WITH HIGH PERFORMANCE Reflecting the trend for tactile ultra-matt surfaces, International Decorative Surfaces has launched the exclusive UK stock collection of Luvih super-matt, anti-fingerprint laminate, designed to create luxurious satin-smooth surfaces in commercial and residential interiors. Part of an exclusive partnership between IDS and decorative laminate manufacturer Merino, Luvih combines premium aesthetics with superior performance across eight contemporary decors selected specifically for the UK market. The innovative Luvih range features an electron beam-cured film to create its satin-smooth, matt surface that is highly resistant to superficial micro scratches, impact, moisture and stains.

www.merinolaminates.com

0845 729 8298

info@merinolam.co.uk

CLASS PERFORMANCE FOR WATERLOO AT THE NEWLYREFURBISHED WARWICK ARTS CENTRE Coventry’s redeveloped Warwick Arts Centre has opened its doors as one of the region’s key venues for the city’s tenure as the 2021 UK City of Culture, with low noise level air distribution products supplied by Waterloo. Mechanical and electrical services subcontractor Dodd Group, working in association with engineering consultant Hoare Lea and supported by the Waterloo team, selected Waterloo’s thermally-actuated swirl diffusers (SDACH) for the three auditoria to ensure the lowest possible noise levels. In contrast, the exhibition galleries presented a different requirement. To ensure that the regularly changing exhibits would not be disturbed by air flow, Waterloo’s adjustable hi-flo jet diffusers (RWH) were chosen because of their ability to provide long throws and 360˚ rotation.

www.waterloo.co.uk

01622 711500

sales@waterloo.co.uk

SETTING A NEW STANDARD FOR HEALTHCARE VENTILATION Research into the most effective, healthy way to ventilate in operating theatres is published by independent air movement specialist, Gilberts Blackpool. The findings follow in-depth testing by the company. The research validates the most effective way to ventilate within operating theatres is to use laminar flow directly above the operating table. The optimal design is to position the panels in a line, to discharge clean, filtered air directly down over the patient, washing down over the operating table for extraction by low level grilles. This optimises removal of airborne contaminants from the patient, thus reducing the risk of infection. It also avoids the potential risk of contamination from air coming into contact with the theatre personnel, and transferring pollutants back onto the patients.

www.gilbertsblackpool.com 01253 766911 info@gilbertsblackpool.com

Introducing Pilkington SaniTise™, a world-first in glazing. Coated with a layer of titanium dioxide, the glass provides antimicrobial properties. Tested by leading universities it helps protect against enveloped viruses. Pilkington SaniTise™. For a healthier, cleaner, safer world. For further information visit pilkington.co.uk/sanitise

ROOFING, CLADDING FOCUS & INNOVATION & INSULATION

JAMES SQUARED CREATES RUSTIC DINING TABLE Brothers Sam and Josh James are the faces behind bespoke furniture business James Squared. The company specialises in creating real wood furniture with a rustic, industrial look.

A recent commission for a client was a large, bespoke dining table, measuring an impressive 3.5m long by 1m wide. Sam says: “We were amazed by the proportions of this table, but when we saw the property, it all made sense! It was to be used in a large, contemporary, open-plan kitchen/dining space, with wide bi-fold doors to the garden, which enable lots of natural light to flood into their property. The room gave us the perfect spot to show off our first-ever table of this size.” For this table, Sam and Josh used reclaimed scaffold boards for an industrial yet rustic look. The client wanted to keep the natural colour and enhance the grain of the wood. Having used Osmo products before, Sam and Josh tried some samples and recommended Osmo Polyx-Oil Clear 3032. The product worked perfectly, and the client was pleased with the look obtained from the sample – and couldn’t wait to see the finished table. Osmo Polyx-Oil delivers a highly-durable and hard-wearing finish that is very water and dirt resistant. It is also resistant to common liquid spillages, making it ideal for a dining table. The product enhances the wood’s natural character and delivers a microporous, breathable finish that does not crack, peel or flake. The team applied two coats of the clear Osmo Polyx-Oil with a brush. After the first coat, they lightly re-sanded (by hand), cleaned and then applied the second and final coat. They sanded in between as the wood grain raises after the first coat, so this process really helped to get that perfectly-smooth surface. Each scaffold board used in the table is a slightly different wood colour. The clear Osmo Polyx-Oil really emphasised this unique feature, helping to enhance the natural wood to give it the rustic, reclaimed look they were looking for. The team faced several challenges with the project, given the ambitious size of the table. They had to create large steel frames, which were needed as extra supports under the tabletop, to support the entire length of the wood. Despite this, the end result was worth it. Josh says: “We are very pleased with the final outcome of this table. We learned a lot by making something this large! It will certainly help us going forward. The customer was delighted with the table’s finish and ordered a shelf to match, which we also finished using Osmo Polyx-Oil. They love the natural colours and features of the wood and, whilst it’s ‘clear’, it still gives that great protection from stains, wear and tear. We are huge fans of Osmo products as they are great quality, easy to apply and really do enhance the beauty of the wooden furniture we make.”

www.osmouk.com 01296 481220 info@osmouk.com

ROBUST ANTI-LIGATURE TV CABINET OFFERS PROTECTION AND PEACE OF MIND Tough Furniture’s anti-ligature TV cabinet was introduced in 2014 to fulfil a need for secure TV cabinets in mental health settings. Standard television cabinets aren’t designed to withstand the demands of a mental health facility, particularly when it comes to ligature reduction, and the use of specially-designed equipment is highly recommended in such settings.

FOCUS & INNOVATION

Historically, many secure TV cabinets are manufactured in metal, plastic or compact-grade laminate to increase durability – however, in modern mental healthcare settings that emphasise recovery over restraint, products made from these materials are often seen as being overly institutional and intimidating. Given these constraints, Tough Furniture’s natural woodgrains and curved lines are designed to make for a more welcoming aesthetic, contributing to a more pleasant environment all round. Safety has not been forgotten however, and the high-specification build quality of the unit not only allows for a robust lifespan, but also allows for further reduction in ligature risk by encapsulating all plugs, sockets and wires in the body of the cabinet. Anti-ligature TV cabinets can be fitted neatly to the wall, allowing for the most efficient use of space, aiding a clutter-free, calming environment. An anti-ligature TV cabinet is the ideal solution for mental health care settings that want to maintain the safety of the individuals who call them home, without developing an overly restrictive, institutional feel to the environment. As one of the UK’s longest-established specialist manufacturers of furniture for challenging environments, Tough Furniture offers a wide range of sizes and colours, and is also able to offer bespoke sizing on request.

www.toughfurniture.com/ furniture-type/tv-protection 01588 674340 sales@toughfurniture.com

MILLIKEN & COMPANY ANNOUNCES CARBON-NEUTRAL FLOORING PORTFOLIO

M-AR LENDS A HELPING HAND TO CHILDREN IN NEED IN HULL Offsite contractor M-AR has supported BBC’s Children in Need DIY SOS Big Build programme with a bespoke modular building for a youth charity, St Michael’s, in its home city of Hull. M-AR was quick to lend its support to the project, enlisting the help of its supply chain to design, build, deliver and install the new modular facility for the site. With only around six weeks from the first conversations about the project to practical completion and the big reveal day, offsite construction proved an ideal solution for a quick and efficient turnaround. The single-storey building, which houses the toilets and showers as well as a modern kitchen and small dining area, was finished with attractive wooden cladding to blend within the outdoor areas plus an overhanging roof to offer cover from the elements.

www.m-ar.co.uk 01482 635081 buildingrelationships@m-ar.co.uk

Global manufacturer Milliken & Company announces a new milestone in its ongoing sustainability journey. All Milliken carpet, luxury vinyl tile and entryway tile products around the globe are now carbon neutral, offsetting carbon emissions in raw materials and manufacturing carbon footprint using Verified Carbon Standard credits. This announcement, which anchors Milliken’s Flooring Business’s M/PACT initiative, is yet another part of the global manufacturer’s overarching commitment to sustainability, and specifically addresses carbon reduction to continue to support the fight against climate change.

www.millikencarpet.com

01942 612777

carpetenquiries@milliken.com

SHOWERWALL CREATES FIRST-CLASS BATHROOMS FOR STUDENTS As part of the redevelopment of the University of Salford’s Waterside student residential village, accommodation provider Student Cribs has specified Showerwall bathroom panels to help create a stylish and modern living environment. Student Cribs specified Showerwall’s Emerald Subway design, which offers a stylish alternative to tiling, to add character and colour, creating modern bathrooms for the students. Part of Showerwall’s Custom Acrylic collection, the panels were specified for their ease of installation and hygiene benefits, with the grout-free design reducing installation times and eliminating hiding places for mould, dirt and germs, making them ideal for shared bathroom facilities.

www.showerwall.co.uk

0845 604 7334

ROOFING, CLADDING FOCUS & INNOVATION & INSULATION

SPECIALIST SCHOOL COMMISSIONS THIRD ECO-BUILDING FROM TG ESCAPES Swalcliffe Park School’s first eco-building was a performing arts studio in 2016 followed by a suite of autismfriendly quiet spaces for individuals or small groups of students. Its new 470m2 building will provide a science lab and prep room, IT room, changing rooms, toilets and a large staff room. Swalcliffe is a non-maintained specialist residential and day school for boys on the autism spectrum (10 to 19 years). The school is a Charitable Incorporated Organisation (CIO), working with over 20 local authorities. The focus of its work is improving ‘quality of life’ outcomes for the students and their families. Staffing has increased by 30% over the last two years due to increasing numbers of students, so the school needed additional professional space to enable staff to meet and collaborate. Principal, Rob Piner, and Vice Principal, Rob Leigh, explain their thinking in selecting TG Escapes’ modular timber frame system.

How are your existing two buildings working for you? Really well as they are very spacious and light buildings. The spaces feel as good as when they were first made and we haven’t encountered any issues in terms of ongoing maintenance, despite significant usage over the years.

What were your considerations when choosing this solution? What we like about the TG Escapes offering is the complete design and build package. They are very straightforward and transparent about

discussing costs and how this relates directly to the purpose of the building. We also think the ‘green’ credentials are very important, as it is for all schools and public buildings. In addition to this, the speed of building is much quicker than a traditional construction method and will enable us to have our new building this academic year, rather than a year down the line.

lighting and acoustics. Our experience tells us that it works well with our students who have sensory challenges. The end result is an extremely solid building which also has total DDA compliance, enabling us to futureproof our facilities to enhance quality of life outcomes for our students and their families.

Why does this building system particularly suit your needs?

The service has been really first class. When you have a separate architect and builder, there can be issues relating to communication, differences of opinion as well as coordination. TG Escapes offers an outstanding service and all those involved in the process have been very responsive and receptive to our requirements and timelines. The construction team are very polite, you can tell they want to be here and want to do a good job. We are really excited about getting the keys for our new building, possibly sooner than we thought, so that we can improve the quality of our provision for all who are part of our school community.

This style of building helps us to create autism-friendly spaces with wide corridors as well as sensitive heating,

How would you describe the customer service?

www.tgescapes.co.uk 0800 917 7726 info@tgescapes.co.uk

Creating safe spaces to live, work & learn

Call 01588 674 340 www.toughfurniture.com | sales@toughfurniture.com Tough Furniture Ltd

Designed & Manufacture in the UK

PSBJ January 2022

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