23 minute read
Product Showcase
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.
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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.
©Christian Richters
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.
Exceptional performance naturally
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 layer determines the colour of the surface finish, with darker or lighter (Nordic Brown Light) shades of brown.
Living Copper Surfaces
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.
©dapple photography
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 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.
©dapple photography 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.
©dapple photography
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 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.
PROTEUS CREATES ELECTRIFYING FACADE ON NEW UNIVERSITY BUILDING 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.rockwool.com/uk/high-rise 01656 868400 customersupportcentre@rockwool.co.uk
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.
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 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.
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
MAGPLY PARTNERS WITH PROKOL TO GIVE FIREPROOF ROOFING BUILD-UP
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
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Why does this building system particularly suit your needs?
This style of building helps us to create autism-friendly spaces with wide corridors as well as sensitive heating, 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.
How would you describe the customer service?
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.
