PSBJ July 2020

Public Sector Build Journal July 2020

Healthcare

Education

Leisure

psbjmagazine.com

Issue 95

SHINING A LIGHT ON SOLAR SHADING Why isn’t solar shading prioritised within healthcare settings?

Smartlouvre Technology investigates

Housing

maber architects goes digital for trio of school design projects

How can we future-proof the nation’s housing stock post-COVID-19?

Why timber was the material of choice for a tree houseinspired primary school

Solving water as a ‘Smarter Water Manager’ Transform the efficiency and reliability of your operations with smart water solutions

FACE YOUR

CHALLENGES. BUILD RESILIENCE,

FLEXIBILITY, EFFICIENCY, SAFETY

Learn more in our latest White Paper

www.xylem.com/uk

WELCOME NOTE

Editor

Rebecca Kemp

rebecca@crossplatformmedia.co.uk

Print & Digital Advertising Sam Ball

sam@crossplatformmedia.co.uk

Jim Moore

jim@crossplatformmedia.co.uk

Print Design Manager Jack Witcomb

jack@crossplatformmedia.co.uk

Digital Design Manager Matt Morse

Andrew Cooper, Managing Director of Smartlouvre Technology, asks why solar shading isn’t prioritised within healthcare settings.

See page 14.

matt@crossplatformmedia.co.uk

Accounts

Rachel Pike

rachel@crossplatformmedia.co.uk

Sales Support & Administrator

Klare Porter

klare@crossplatformmedia.co.uk

Publisher Sam Ball

sam@crossplatformmedia.co.uk Published by

Cross Platform Media Ltd.

Barham Court, Teston, Maidstone, Kent, ME18 5BZ psbjmagazine.com 01622 232725 crossplatformmedia.co.uk

Welcome to the July issue of PSBJ...

As the world takes on COVID-19 and the nation strives to take back and grow our booming economy, we’ve noticed a significant increase in digital dependence. Not just within the architectural community, but all over the world in various job roles and different sectors.

Large corporate companies, SMEs and start-ups far and wide have all adopted digital-first approaches to workloads in light of decreased face-to-face human interaction.

Lockdown appears to have paved the way for digital working, and particularly for the construction and architecture sectors. We’ve all heard of BIM, and the majority have opened up to the collaborative, cost-effective and risk-mitigating way of working.

However, while many architectural practices, contractors and building engineers have adopted digital-based methods; there are still a few stuck in their ways, working offline attempting to complete projects on time, on target and within budget.

In this month’s issue, we have talked to a couple of professionals from different areas of the public sector building industry to learn how a digital approach to construction is providing reliable and safe success stories. Firstly, Paddy Murphy, Managing Director of Contracting at Aggregate Industries, takes us to the highway and explains how automated technology and enhanced communications are providing a safe and efficient environment for workers and helping to deliver the UK’s infrastructure in a postcoronavirus world. Turn to page 20 to find out more.

Elsewhere, PSBJ looks at how maber architects tackled the arduous task of designing and constructing three new schools – Reading Girls’ School, Westfield Academy in Watford and Longdean Secondary School in Hemel Hempstead. The trio – identified as part of the Government-led Priority School Building Programme (PSBP2) and all in urgent need of repair – were constructed with a digital focus using Graphisoft’s suite of programmes. For this demanding project, maber used design software to translate space requirements into attractive and functional building designs. Turn to page 08 to read the full article.

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

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

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

Rebecca

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

03

CONTENTS

06 News

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

08 Upfront

Designing and constructing a new school is no mean feat. So, taking on three new schools at the same time may seem a stretch, but for maber architects, this was the challenge it took on. With the help of Graphisoft’s software – such as ARCHICAD – the trio of schools now boast attractive and functional designs. Here, PSBJ looks at the three schools.

12 Housing

Lisa Tomlin, CEO of Carpet & Flooring, discusses how social housing providers can benefit from high-quality, durable and areaspecific floorcoverings in their properties.

14 Healthcare

In this article, Andrew Cooper, Managing Director of Smartlouvre Technology, asks why solar shading isn’t prioritised within healthcare settings and addresses a micro-fine louvre solution that does not hinder natural daylight and ventilation or vision.

08 16 Doors & Windows

The coronavirus pandemic has bestowed many adjustments to our day-to-day lives, and housing design is just one of them. Here, Chris Coxon, Group Head of Marketing at Eurocell, looks at how we can future-proof our housing stock for our new way of life.

18 Education

Alan Macklin, Technical Director at Elta Group and Chairman of the Fan Manufacturer’s Association, explores the importance of optimising a school’s ventilation strategy.

20 Legal & Business

Paddy Murphy, Managing Director of Aggregate Industries’ Contracting Division, looks at the risk-averse initiatives that are designed to make high-risk activities as safe as possible.

22 Talking Point

This month, PSBJ talks to Nick Rutter, Chief Product Officer at FireAngel, about how architects and specifiers can assist social housing providers in achieving full fire safety compliance and minimising running costs by providing intelligent connected solutions that can be easily adapted for the future.

INTRODUCING...

FIRE-SECURE® DOORS ARE THE IDEAL SOLUTION FOR

COMMERCIAL

HOTEL/LEISURE

SOCIAL HOUSING

HEALTHCARE

A BRAND NEW GROUND-BREAKING COMBINED TIMBER FIRE & SECURITY RATED DOOR, WHICH REVOLUTIONISES DOOR SAFETY AND STANDARDS.

For more details, call our specialised team to discuss your particular project on:

01252 645534 04

sales@sunraytimberdoordivision.co.uk www.sunraytimberdoors.co.uk

CONTENTS

24 26 Drainage & Landscape

16 24 Technical Focus

Mellor Primary School – a school on the edge of the Peak District – has been transformed by Sarah Wigglesworth Architects (SWA) in a tree house-inspired, biophilic design, which has provided an inspiring and uplifting space for children, staff and the local community. Here, Wood for Good explains why timber was the dominant material used for this project.

Climate change continues to present challenges in the way we plan, develop or redevelop properties across the UK. Here, Tom Telford – Account Director at Landmark Information – looks at the different types of floods that pose a threat to public sector organisations.

28 Leisure

David Hockley, Area Technical Manager at Sika, looks at systems which have been developed in order to maintain the highest levels of cleanliness, particularly in hygienecritical public spaces.

30 30 Canopies & Shelters

Architectural designer O’DonnellBrown has designed and built a prototype for an outdoor community classroom. PSBJ takes a look at the demountable learning environment that offers heaps of potential for schools and community groups.

32 Product Showcase

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

NEW DESIGN The future of anti-barricade doorstops has arrived • FD30 Fire Rated • Clear Locking Indicator • Adjustable Retractable Hooks • DHF TS001:2013 B4 - For Enhanced Requirements And Test Methods For Anti-ligature Hardware • One Key For Multiple Locks

T: +44 (0)1302 364 666

Clear locking indicator

Offering a quick and safe solution in the event of patient barricade.

E: sales@intastop.com

www.intastop.com

05

NEWS

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

London boroughs to get access to exciting design talent County Durham set for £62.8m leisure regeneration The landscape of leisure in Durham is set to change, following the approval by Durham County Council, of a significant £62.8m investment programme to transform services across the county. Working in close consultation with leisure development specialist, Alliance Leisure through the UK Leisure Framework, proposals were submitted and approved by cabinet, paving the way for an ambitious transformation programme to bring provision in line with the needs of a modern-day community. As part of the plans, outdated facilities in Seaham, Chester-le-Street and Bishop Auckland are proposed to be replaced by new, vibrant multi-facility provisions, with modernisation proposals also approved at several other leisure facilities across the county.

telent plays integral role in completing £1.5bn A14 project telent Technology Services, a leading UK technology and network services company, has played a major role in the successful completion of a billion-pound Highways England A-road project more than half a year ahead of schedule.

Completed during a time of unprecedented challenges and added safety precautions, the £1.5bn A14 Cambridge to Huntingdon improvement scheme is one of the largest road-building projects undertaken by Highways England. Work officially started in November 2016, and the new road opened to traffic on Tuesday 5th May 2020 – a full eight months ahead of schedule. telent’s National Roads Telecommunication Services (NRTS) team and Regional Technology Maintenance Contracts (RTMCs) teams worked alongside the A14 Integrated Delivery Team, playing an integral role in delivering the technology for the programme, including project management, design, installation, commissioning and provisioning, as well as maintenance.

06

An impressive roster of architectural practices and new design talent is now at the fingertips of local authorities and social landlords in Greater London, thanks to a new collaboration between public sector procurements experts LHC and Southwark Council. LHC and Southwark Council have launched the Architect Design Services (ADS) framework, with lots covering a wide range of disciplines from master planning and feasibility work to education, social care and community provision, new homes, commercial and industrial projects, conservation and heritage, public realm and landscaping. In addition, a pioneering new lot in the four-year framework covers ‘new design’, open only to emerging designers with turnover below £2m. This lot can be used to call off smaller practices for projects which fit into any construction category or value, and gives public sector clients in Greater London access to SME and micro-practices not typically found on frameworks.

Plans submitted for 349 new homes in Glasgow Plans have been submitted for the third phase of an award-winning development in the Gorbals area of Glasgow. Regeneration specialist Urban Union – part of the Robertson Group – is seeking planning permission from Glasgow City Council to deliver the homes and commercial space at Laurieston Living. In the first phase at the development, a total of 364 affordable and private homes were delivered in partnership with New Gorbals Housing Association. A further 190 homes are currently being developed as part of phase two, which is due to be completed by autumn 2021. In a more than £140m revitalisation of the Gorbals area, Urban Union plans to deliver four phases over a nine-year period. The site forms part of the wider Transforming Communities: Glasgow programme that aims to regenerate eight key neighbourhoods across the city.

Planning approved for Therme Manchester Plans to build the UK’s first city-based wellbeing resort in Manchester, in Peel L&P’s TraffordCity, have been unanimously approved at a meeting of Trafford Council’s planning committee. Therme Manchester will combine hundreds of water-based activities with wellbeing treatments, art, nature and technology to create a unique experience never before seen in the UK. With an estimated cost in the region of £250m, it is forecast to attract up to two million visitors per year, within five years, making it the most visited water-based attraction in Europe.

Global wellbeing organisation Therme Group plans to open Therme Manchester in 2023.

At 28 acres, the size of 19 football pitches, Therme Manchester will be opposite intu Trafford Centre next to Barton Square, with a Metrolink station directly outside.

Countesswells community spirit continues to grow Residents of Countesswells have been encouraged to get their fingers green this summer after developers behind the town donated almost £900 worth of plants to the growing community. With the community joining the rest of Scotland and the UK in lockdown, unable to do much outside of their own homes, Countesswells Development, the planner behind the new town, has donated 100 potted plants and herbs for residents to grow and nurture at home. Project Director, Martin Dalziel, explained: “Countesswells is unlike any other project of its kind and scale in the country. We have a singular vision to create one of the greenest, most community-oriented and attractive places to live in North-east Scotland. Throughout lockdown, we have been delighted to hear of the fantastic community initiatives that residents have taken upon themselves. This has included offering neighbourly help to pick up shopping or collecting prescriptions, as well as more creative outputs to put a smile on others faces.”

NEWS

Asite helping developer build homes across Borough of Croydon

Walthamstow BTR scheme recognised for digital connectivity LGIM Real Assets (Legal & General) has announced that Blackhorse Mills, its 479home build-to-rent scheme in Walthamstow, has become the first-ever residential building to achieve a WiredScore Gold certification.

Wiredscore awarded L&G’s Blackhorse Mills scheme the highest accolade it has ever given for digital connectivity on a residential building, demonstrating a commitment to reliable, instant connectivity and for providing customers with a seamless digital experience.

Blackhorse Mills, completed earlier this year, is a unique waterside rental destination, providing residents with access to large, communal workspaces; private hire meeting rooms; a yoga studio; games room; gym and swimming pool. Designed in close consultation with Walthamstow Council, the site includes 104 affordable homes, with a dedicated number of these reserved specifically for key workers.

Asite’s Common Data Environment (CDE) solution will be used by Brick By Brick as it works on a number of housing projects across Croydon. Brick

By Brick was established in 2016 by Croydon Council to design and build new homes across the borough, with both private and affordable properties to buy and rent. Asite was awarded the multi-year contract, which will see the platform implemented to streamline document management and workflow processes across its project portfolio. Rob Clifton, Asite SVP for the UK and Europe, said: “We are thrilled to be partnering with Brick By Brick on a number of exciting housing developments across the borough of Croydon. Millions of people in the UK are living in an unaffordable, insecure or unsuitable home and face issues such as overcrowding or financial instability. Our platform will play an instrumental role in helping to bring innovative and necessary housing projects to life, increasing the availability of affordable housing to the residents of Croydon and transforming this area of South London.”

New city-centre primary school given go-ahead Planning permission for an innovative new primary school, Castleward Primary School, in Derby’s city centre has been granted by Derby City Council. Designed by Lungfish Architects, the 315-place school will be delivered by Morgan Sindall Construction through the Scape Regional Construction framework and serve the major £100m housing-led regeneration of the Castleward area. The 12-classroom primary school will also provide 39 nursery places to cater to families living in the new urban village, as well as the wider community. With a development area of only 5200m2, significant creative solutions were required when planning and designing the school. The small brownfield site, which is currently a car park, is half the size of what is usually required for a modern primary school, but the problems posed by the confined site have been answered by Lungfish’s architects with an inventive approach to the design.

Planning submitted for Alliance Leisure Works commence £1bn East London ramps up creativity on £3.9m renovation regeneration with new partnership of King Edward VI Havering Council and Wates Residential have submitted plans for the Waterloo Estate in Leisure development specialist, Alliance Leisure, School, Lichfield Romford, East London. The proposal – which is has formed a strategic partnership with outdoor the largest council estate regeneration planning creative experience company, Theme3 (T3), to inject some of the imagination and excitement of visitor attractions and theme parks into leisure facility design. “Leisure facilities tend to be very generic with design led by functionality and customer flow rather than creativity and imagination. We want to elevate facility design in the sector to deliver truly memorable, immersive customer experiences,” explains Sarah Watts, CEO at Alliance Leisure. The new partnership will allow Alliance Leisure to inject more personality into a facility, potentially reflecting the heritage and individuality of its local area. This will not only help forge a more personal connection with the community but will also add interest for users travelling from outside the area.

Construction has started on the £3.9m renovation of King Edward VI School in Lichfield, with works being led by Midlands contractor G F Tomlinson for Staffordshire County Council under the Staffordshire Construction framework. This is the second contract secured

by G F Tomlinson through the Staffordshire Construction framework for Staffordshire County Council, led by Entrust Property Services – the first being the £5.2m Poppyfields Primary School in Cannock, which was successfully completed last summer within a major housing development in the area. The project involves the design and build of an extension to an existing building and the construction of a new modular building to provide much-needed replacement teaching and auxiliary spaces at King Edward VI School.

application to be submitted this year in London – will see 1380 new high-quality homes developed as part of a significant boost to the borough’s housing stock. Designs include more than 550 new affordable homes, providing a mixture of one-, two-, three- and four-bedroom properties.

Waterloo Estate is one of 12 sites earmarked for development as part of Havering Council and Wates Residential’s ambitious ‘12 Estates’ regeneration programme, which will see around 3500 high-quality new homes delivered in Havering over the next 12 to 15 years. The £1bn scheme seeks to double the amount of councilrented accommodation and more than double the number of affordable homes, in one of the most ambitious local authority home building programmes in the country.

07

UPFRONT

All images ©maber

COLLABORATIVE DESIGN DELIVERS LEARNING SUCCESS Designing and constructing a new school is no mean feat. So taking on three new schools at the same time may seem a stretch, but for architect practice, maber, this was the challenge it took on.

Longdean School, Hemel Hempstead

the schools F ortunately, were all for the same client, the Education & Skills Funding Agency (ESFA), which had received funding to transform three separate campuses in the South East.

The schools: Reading Girls’ School, Westfield Academy in Watford and Longdean Secondary School in Hemel Hempstead, were identified as part of the Governmentled Priority School Building Programme (PSBP2) and all three were in urgent need of repair.

Taking on a challenge

Reading Girls’ School

08

Like many education projects, the brief was specific, and the budget was tight. maber needed to deliver great looking, flexible spaces with extremely highperformance requirements for daylight, natural ventilation and acoustics.

Despite the projects being similar, a one-size-fits-all approach would not suffice, but there were common design elements that could be shared. This helped to keep costs down while developing designs that met the needs of the smallest school catering for 900 students up to the largest school with 1600 students.

UPFRONT Wilsthorpe School

Each building is based around a central fully glazed street that provides an exciting and inspiring heart for the school. A fabric first approach with increased insulation values and airtightness means that the performance of each building is well over that of the standard Building Regulation requirements.

BIM Level 2 was mandated for the project, and maber used architectural design software ARCHICAD’s zone tool to translate the ESFA’s space requirements into an attractive and functional building design. It allowed maber to experiment with different building arrangements quickly but accurately.

Visualisations were used early on in the project, enabling the ESFA to be fully involved in the design process. Models were provided directly in Graphisoft’s BIMx viewer, enabling the client to ‘walk’ around the buildings virtually, and make selections from various choices.

Working together maber acted as lead designer, working with building consultancy Arup, who was responsible for the mechanical, electrical, plumbing (MEP), fire, acoustic and structural performance of the

schools. Throughout the project, it was essential that all parties could share design models easily and maber, Arup and the rest of the design and delivery team opted to use the Industry Foundation Classes (IFC) protocol to share the data.

Federation enabled the architectural model to link directly to the MEP and structural models, and immediately pinpointed any clashes.

The federated IFCs were accessed across the delivery team, allowing collaborators to interrogate the model, instead of drawings.

The result is three new schools that provide a comfortable, flexible and inspiring learning space for children for years to come.

Repeat business Soon after the schools were completed, maber was approached again by the ESFA to work on another school, also identified as part of the priority school building programme.

Seemingly a straightforward project, the timescales were tighter, and the construction site was shared with the local junior and infant school.

With such a tight construction window between school years, maber, along with contractor Kier Construction and other specialist teams,

Westfield Academy, Watford

undertook a six-week client engagement programme, with just half a day per week spent with the client during that time.

This high-intensity design process delivered a full design for the school within just six weeks. maber was able to draw on lessons learnt from the previous three projects. The schools follow a similar specification; classrooms must meet certain size, light and ventilation requirements. maber had a tried and tested method for standard floor and wall constructions which helped to speed up the process. 

09

UPFRONT

Longdean School, Hemel Hempstead

Using ARCHICAD to replicate technical details throughout the design process, especially floor, wall, roof, doors and window details, meant a much more efficient process. Wherever possible, composites, favourites and complex profiles were used to standardise construction elements such as walls and parapet details. When large design changes were requested, the 3D model could be quickly amended and drawings updated.

The school was constructed from steel frame and pre-cast concrete decks, and by creating a design early, the steel fabricator was ready to start manufacture straight away once planning permission was granted.

Collaboration tools

Longdean School, Hemel Hempstead

10

Reading Girls’ School

From the beginning, maber was able to share information with the structural engineers via IFC, providing a collection of zones for them to work the steel frame around.

UPFRONT Westfield Academy, Watford

maber shared IFCs directly with other disciplines too, including the steel manufacturer, fire engineer, furniture designer and mechanical and electrical engineer. Clash detection was carried out by Kier and maber using BIM quality-checking software, Solibri.

The team used Graphisoft’s BIMcloud and Teamwork, which aided collaboration between designers and allowed multiple architects to work on the design at the same time. With this approach, model files could be accessed and revised ‘live’ on site with contractors.

Viewpoint was used for the common data environment (CDE), and the team was able to publish and issue models and drawings to the CDE from any location due to it being a cloud platform.

Creating a flexible and engaging learning environment The design ethos was to provide a robust, sustainable and engaging learning environment for the current and future pupils of the school. Flexible spaces were tailored to suit the school’s individual needs and included a triple-height glazed entrance

atrium; the main hall and drama studio, which are connected via a 5m-high moveable wall to form the stage area; and motorised retractable bleacher seating to allow for flexible assembly, dining and performance modes.

Careful acoustic planning A particular challenge was the impact of environmental noise entering classrooms from the nearby M1 motorway. The passive ventilation strategy required a large amount of natural ventilation to the facades and mixed-mode ventilation units in each classroom. Acoustic cowls were custom designed with an acoustician to ‘deflect’ the incoming noise but to allow for effective ventilation. The cowls have become a key design feature of the principal facade.

Visualisation and sun path analysis A major concern during the project was how overshadowing would affect a neighbouring school. Confidence from ARCHICAD’s sun shading analysis meant the issue could be promptly assessed with the project programme unaffected.

Within four weeks, maber had completed 90% of the developed design and was able to print a full-colour, large-scale 3D model.

Time spent producing the 3D building model to the level of detail required in the BIM Execution Plan (BEP) meant that visualisations were easily produced. The final design was shared with pupils so they could see what their new school would look like using BIMx and Google cardboard.

A rapid construction phase using off-site manufacture A tight construction programme of 14 months on site, from July 2017 to completion in September 2018, was only possible due to the agile and responsive nature of the construction process and companies involved.

As the infant and junior schools are on the same site, the construction timetable was carefully planned around the school summer holidays. All heavily disruptive work – such as diverting electrical, gas and water routes – was completed while there were no pupils on site.

The steel frame and prefabricated concrete slabs were constructed off site, brought in by lorry and craned into place. The school was completed on time and opened to pupils for the start of the school year in September 2018. 

www.graphisoft.com

11

HOUSING

HOW FLOORING CAN REVOLUTIONISE SOCIAL HOUSING PROPERTIES Lisa Tomlin, CEO of Carpet & Flooring – one of the UK’s largest independent flooring distributors – discusses how social housing providers can benefit from the flooring specified in their properties. housing is a crucial S ocial service in our society, and with the recent budget confirming nearly £1.1bn of allocations from the Housing Infrastructure Fund, there will be nearly 70,000 new homes built in high-demand areas across the country. Moreover, a further £400m fund has been allocated to build on brownfield sites, meaning there will be even more properties to manage across the sector.

However, as the quality of social housing properties increases across the country, social housing providers now need to balance an increasing demand for not only safe and functional properties but combine that with interior design that lives up to the show home standard.

Essentially, as the social housing market grows, so do customers’ expectations of the properties they reside in. It is no longer enough to provide a house; it has to be in line with market demand for high-quality, trend-led housing.

12

This creates a dichotomy for social housing providers between building design-led and longlasting, durable properties. One way to do this is with the flooring and associated products that are specified within your properties.

Often an afterthought and a last-minute selection in properties, the floorcovering you choose for your properties can not only leave you with more satisfied customers but can also save you money and time in the long run. So, we’ve listed some considerations below that could potentially benefit your development.

1. Wipe-clean flooring It’s inevitable; accidents will always happen, especially when homes are occupied by families with young children or the elderly.

Spills of drinks, muddy shoes and scuffs are all commonplace and can result in floorcoverings in properties requiring deep cleaning, if not a full replacement.

In rooms where spills are more

likely, such as bathrooms, kitchens and dining rooms, an easy-to-clean floorcovering such as luxury vinyl tile (LVT) or cushion vinyl should be specified to ensure it stays in top condition for longer. Cushion vinyl, which is warm and soft underfoot, and LVT which often comes with a ‘wear layer’ making it particularly hardy, not only make maintenance easier in these rooms as they are water-resistant and easy to clean, but also have health and safety benefits as they are more slip-resistant than most other hard surface floorcoverings.

This makes them an ideal option that fulfils multiple needs.

2. Carpet replacement For rooms that require a carpet, such as bedrooms, consider specifying a carpet tile over broadloom. With no real visible difference once laid, if one carpet tile does become significantly damaged, it is easy to replace that one area, as opposed to the whole floorcovering which would be

necessary if a broadloom carpet had been specified. Not only does this reduce the cost of the product dramatically, but a shorter labour time means reduced labour costs and much less impact on the daily life of the resident.

3. Aesthetics It may seem obvious, but it is advisable to consider the colour of your floorcoverings carefully.

Whilst it isn’t as much of a problem with wipe-clean flooring, like LVT, it is much more difficult to clean carpets, so white and pale beiges are not recommended. Dark greys and browns disguise stains much more easily, making the property look in better condition for longer.

In areas of a property that experience high footfall and will be seen by everyone entering the property, like entrances to apartments and hallways, a highly durable product is ideal. In this instance, we’d recommend installing entrance matting in porches to reduce damage to

HOUSING

flooring further in the property. In hallways, products like LVT can be swept clean, yet maintains an element of luxury. In areas such as bedrooms, where there will be significantly lower footfall, there is an opportunity to introduce a luxury carpet to provide a sense of style and comfort to the property, which will again appeal to many residents.

The considered use of zonal demarcation can also help differentiate areas of a property, especially if an open-plan design is used. Using floorcoverings to separate the kitchen from the dining area and the living spaces from the hallway; for example, can help customers class these as different spaces within the home and adapt their uses and interior design choices accordingly.

4. Underneath your flooring One area in particular that can impact the occupants of social housing is noise pollution.

Whether it’s a loud television from an older neighbour, annoying footsteps from hard floorcoverings or excessive shouting, as many as 25% of adults say they lose sleep due to noise from neighbours which will inevitably cause complaints to social housing providers.

So, if noise complaints are a particular concern to you, the correct specification of underlay can help. As it can’t be seen, people often skimp on underlay specification; however, highquality acoustic underlay creates a barrier to sound, ensuring any noise is minimised by up to 33 dB, which is a perceived volume reduction of 89.85%.

5. External floorcoverings Unkempt gardens and excessive gardening costs can be a problem. Visible by not only residents but anyone that passes by a property, an ill-maintained garden can reflect badly on the property, neighbours and community in general, so care should be taken to avoid this at all costs. One cost-friendly way to do this is with the specification of artificial grass.

Initially, artificial grass was considered a highpriced option for those that wanted a perfectly manicured lawn 24/7, but it has now become much more accessible.

Not only will installing artificial grass ensure your properties remain in peak condition, but by specifying it, you’ll reduce maintenance bills as there’s no need for mowing, weed pulling, fertiliser or pesticides. Plus, they’re often guaranteed for up to 10 years.

By being more considered in the specification of floorcoverings in your properties, you can ensure your customers are satisfied whilst saving time and money – allowing both to be re-invested into properties to ensure the highest quality of homes for residents. And to benefit from the considered specification of floorcoverings, they don’t always need to be specified at the design stage and can easily be retrofitted into existing properties. So, if the flooring in your properties wasn’t a key consideration until now, it’s not too late. 

www.carpetandflooring.co.uk

13

HEALTHCARE

WHEN HOSPITAL BUILDINGS AREN’T HEALTHY Climate change. Can anyone really argue with the volume of research and data that proves that global warming effects are being caused by humans? That industry, infrastructure and the needs of humans are causing changing tides, seasons and generally, rising temperatures across the planet?

We find ourselves needing to take more measures to manage the way we live. To maintain the living standards that we’ve become accustomed to, writes Andrew Cooper, Managing Director of Smartlouvre Technology – a manufacturer of the world’s thinnest and lightest metal louvre fabrics. is a relatively A irnewconditioning invention that is becoming required more and more to manage the temperature in buildings. We all know that we’re spending increasing amounts of time indoors, avoiding the elements, and whilst we do, the fact is, we are damaging those elements.

One question that I’ve asked myself and my peers many a time is why are we not building better, to accommodate the effects of the elements? The answer is always a wide range of justifications to the fact that we are. My argument in response is that in a lot of cases, we’re avoiding the obvious.

To build with the effect of the

14

elements in mind, we’re utilising technology in cooling that does quite the opposite.

Hospitals and hospices are the biggest contradiction. In a healthcare environment, the occupants need daylight more than ever. I don’t need to harp on about the benefits. A connection to the outdoors and having access to natural light helps patients heal faster, making for a shorter hospital stay, and in general, the therapeutic environment that is strived for.

So, whilst one would assume methodology for optimising daylight was applied in the initial phases of the building design, what were the architect’s/client’s

overriding decision factors for the final design? Because there’s always a compromise.

Was it high levels of daylight alone? Energy efficiency?

Or a combination of both?

But what about managing the heat that the daylight also provides?

Mitigating glare? Always a secondary factor in my experience. All too often disregarded, or at least deprioritised and found to be a problem after the

HEALTHCARE

02 01 03

04 05

06

The anatomy of a MicroLouvre screen: 1: Aerospace grade aluminium corner piece 2: Grub screw locking mechanism 3: Lacer wire 4: Anti-vibration wedge 5: MicroLouvre fabric 6: Aerospace grade aluminium frame

building is occupied – by those who most need visual and thermal comfort, and those who are trying to care for them, in uncomfortable temperatures. And so, the facilities manager takes on the burden.

Back in 2018, a UK heatwave saw NHS trusts bulk-buying mobile air-conditioning units, fans and bottled water to help beat the negative effect of temperatures, which climbed to up to 40C inside wards. It’s a widespread problem, only expected to get worse. 2020 is predicted to be the warmest year in UK history when we are also dealing with a global coronavirus pandemic.

The pandemic brings this building cooling issue to the forefront.

CIBSE guidance is clear; we should wherever possible, enable the natural ventilation of buildings by opening windows and not use methods of cooling air by recirculation.

Hospitals are complex builds to deliver; no-one would deny that. So, is that why solar shading isn’t prioritised? Or is it the cost of cooling? Or the effect on the environment that overrides? After all, installation of air conditioning uses large amounts of energy and contributes to climate change.

Ventilation is needed, especially

whilst dealing with the pandemic, but so is heat and light control.

Worse still, healthcare trusts which don’t have imminent budgets for new buildings are seeing their running costs rise, year after year, in order to manage temperatures in buildings built when these levels of temperatures weren’t even a consideration.

The Committee on Climate Change (the Government’s official climate change advisors) stated in a recent report that the types of hospital ward that are vulnerable to overheating currently make up 90% of the total stock (by floorspace).

A recent Cambridge University report found that some £17.5bn of upgrades could be needed to make UK hospitals resilient to the heat through new shading measures and improved ventilation. Overheating in hospitals is a serious issue.

The general design guidance for healthcare premises as defined by the Department of Health isn’t prescriptive when it comes to solar gain and glare. It simply states that it should be controlled and suggests examples of providing control being through louvres and blinds.

Internal or external, it doesn’t say. Furthermore, it suggests that thermal comfort conditions are

‘issues to consider’. Where are the standards? The minimum heat gain and glare, the temperatures acceptable at any given point in the day? Recuperating patients require a lot of sleep, which is interrupted at just 26C, and that’s just the start.

And so, the management of heat and glare is left to shading solutions that at best, remove only some of the problems, or at worst, also remove the benefits of the glazing and/or the daylight.

Internal blind systems remove visibility and a connection with the outside world and only protect the room from a minimal amount of heat gain. External shading systems do work but are expensive to install and maintain as well as reducing the quality of daylight. Even the most recent advances in glazing technology reduce the view out.

So, what is the answer? How do you get optimum daylight distribution, visibility to the outside world, protection from glare and the opportunity for ventilation?

You stop the heat and light before it hits the glass, with a metal fabric, with micro-fine louvres woven in to dissipate the sun’s heat and energy but not block natural daylight, natural ventilation or vision out.

This solution works totally differently from traditional external and internal blinds, which reflect, distort and restrict vision and light, MicroLouvre fabric simply and invisibly neutralises solar heat gain and glare before they even reach the window, working non-stop like a heat exchanger dissipating the sun’s heat and energy into the atmosphere.

It doesn’t diffuse daylight; it provides all the benefits but not the negative impact of excessive heat gain and glare. The louvres are micro-fine, and angled at a level to ensure optimum light in, and visibility out, whilst protecting the building occupants from the heat, glare and even external viewing in. It’s known as angular selective technology.

The performance of this fabric has been tested, time and time again by standards agencies, scientists and researchers, including the BRE. It’s not a fly-by-night product either. It’s been around since the 1940s, but in recent years, it’s been honed, and the production process improved so that it remains the best solution for solar shading I’ve seen in my 45(ish) years in the business. 

www.smartlouvre.com

15

DOORS & WINDOWS

FUTURE-PROOFING HOUSING STOCK FOR A NEW WAY OF LIFE It’s almost unbelievable when you reflect on the scale of change that’s occurred across the world over the space of just a few months, not to mention the lasting impacts it will have on our lives. And with the World Health Organisation recently warning that coronavirus “may never go away”, many of the changes we’ve seen are probably here to stay, says Chris Coxon, Group Head of Marketing at Eurocell. to think I t’sthatnotweimpossible might have forms of social distancing measures in place, on and off, for years to come, meaning we’ll have to reassess so many of our day-to-day functions. In the workplace, it’s likely that a high percentage of the population will continue to work from home much more regularly.

And in our personal lives, an increasing number of us may have vulnerable family members moving in to be cared for.

These factors – amongst hundreds of others – pose clear questions for how housing is developed in future. So, with the likelihood of second spikes and future pandemics highly likely, how can house-builders futureproof their stock moving forward?

And perhaps more pertinently – will COVID-19 change our housing design and communities forever?

16

Re-configuration of homes We’re all aware of the huge impact the design and build of our homes have on our physical and mental wellbeing. Now more than ever, homes are our ultimate safe spaces. So, a major consideration moving forward

will be around the configuration of living spaces. The rise in remote working means that more people will want to live in homes that provide a productive space to work in – away from the kitchen table or temporary set up in the spare bedroom. So, homes

with built-in working spaces and increased digital connectivity to allow for streamlined home working will likely be in increased demand. In addition, carefully placed windows to allow for more natural light, and sound-proofed walls to stop distractions from neighbours and traffic, will become an even more important factor in creating optimal working environments.

Similarly, as more people have vulnerable family members move in to be cared for, homes will need to be considered from a co-living perspective. This might mean that we see less focus on the open-plan design trend that has become so popular over the past decade and more on creating living spaces that have multiple boxed off areas that can be lived in independently and are less conducive to the spread of germs.

DOORS & WINDOWS

"As more people have vulnerable family members move in to be cared for, homes will need to be considered from a coliving perspective" Chris Coxon, Group Head of Marketing at Eurocell

We know that many architects and industry groups will already be thinking about how they can develop communities in line with these changes. The Design Council, for example, are already starting to think about what place design might look at after COVID-19, with considerations including how neighbourhoods can be retrofitted to allow for lowdensity exercise and play.

Affordability

Sustainability first

More emphasis on neighbourhoods

Spending more time at home inevitably means household bills and waste will go up if homes aren’t designed efficiently, meaning sustainability will be more important than ever. While the use of sustainable building products is by no means a new notion, house-builders and property managers will be looking for ways in which they can take this further. Investing in homes which are energyefficient, have water-saving appliances, consider the appropriate placement of windows and doors to maximise natural light levels, and include features such as built-in recycling facilities, are just some sustainability features which will need considering in this new environment. Perhaps further into the future, more people will be looking at ways they can live as self-sufficiently as possible.

Whether that’s having independent water and heating supplies, or space outside the home for a vegetable patch.

The importance of neighbourhoods and communities will become crucial considerations for house-builders, who could look to create neighbourhoods with an increased focus on open spaces and green areas which give residents the space to spread out. Creating spaces that are adaptable to crisis situations and more conducive to social distancing measures will future-proof our future communities.

Not only this, but as public transport use reduces and more people are asked to stay closer to home, away from friends and work colleagues for long periods, increasing numbers of people will be looking to find connection in their more immediate communities. To facilitate this, developers will not only need to look at how they can incorporate more safe community facilities such as green spaces, but also how they start to build communities and a sense of belonging in practice. Whether that’s through specialist placemakers or community engagement schemes. This desire for building communities and not just places to live was reflected in the ‘Future Communities’ research we carried out late last year, where three-quarters of respondents said that new housing developments should actively foster a sense of community.

Falling incomes will lead to even more pressing affordability issues for many residents – including many key workers who need affordable yet comfortable places to live.

This will be something that social and affordable housing providers particularly will need to take into consideration. They’ll need to carefully find the balance between incorporating new design and community features and creating homes that are not only long-term, sustainable places to live, but also still affordable for residents.

A serious contender for being able to create this mix of quality and affordability is off-site construction, where homes can be created in controlled conditions, in a way which can be continued even when social distancing measures are in place. So, it’s likely that we’ll see an increase in this method of construction to facilitate these demands.

The future of housing The house-building industry is on the cusp of huge change. Many are already gathering data on changing consumer behaviours, and how these will impact future living requirements, so they’re able to foresee trends and adapt faster.

Whatever happens, this won’t be the first time in history that our buildings and neighbourhoods have been reimagined completely; it’s those that evolve in line with this changing world that will come out stronger. 

www.eurocell.co.uk

17

EDUCATION

MAKE LEARNING A BREEZE WITH MECHANICAL VENTILATION It should go without saying, but providing a safe and comfortable atmosphere in educational buildings is critical to a student's ability to learn. Alan Macklin, Technical Director at Elta Group and Chairman of the Fan Manufacturer’s Association, explores the importance of optimising a school’s ventilation strategy. has always V entilation been something that is absolutely crucial to get right in schools. The role that good indoor air quality (IAQ) plays in student performance and comfort is significant, and it is important that those tasked with delivering adequate air circulation are aware of why, and how, to optimise air quality within a school.

Boosting concentration Perhaps the most obvious function of a school building is to provide an atmosphere that is conducive to learning. This encompasses a raft of factors, from lighting through to the layout of classrooms, all in the name of improving concentration.

One factor that cannot be overlooked, and yet all too often is, is the link between IAQ and academic performance.

18

Evidence suggests that when levels of CO2 are higher, there is a noticeable drop in concentration.

This has immediate consequences for occupants of a school, where students spend most of their time

learning, developing and expanding their field of knowledge. There are also long-term health issues associated with bad IAQ, including headaches, coughs and irritation of the eyes, nose, throat and skin.

Schools must be a safe environment for students, and with regards to both immediate and long-term concerns, ventilation is pivotal to ensuring this is the case.

Mechanical ventilation, such as Elta Fans’ PREMA range, is the most effective way to provide fresh, filtered air into classrooms. CO2 sensors detect changes in pollution levels, automatically adjusting fan speed to ensure that air quality is reliably controlled, and drowsiness doesn’t set in.

Get in control Managing the comfort levels within a school can be challenging, and many opt for natural ventilation as a way to improve IAQ. However, this can become an issue in colder months, when cool air flows from outside, into the building, placing a huge amount of strain on a school’s heating system.

EDUCATION It is also reliant upon the quality of the surrounding outdoor air, with very little control over the flow of air coming into the building. Mechanical ventilation avoids these issues by providing schools with much greater control over the temperature and quality of air flowing into classrooms, thus increasing the comfort and wellbeing of occupants.

Minding the energy bills Schools are required to ensure the safety of students and staff, but it is also true that they must consider the financial implications of providing good IAQ. One of the biggest economic challenges is the intrinsic link between air quality and thermal comfort because as we’ve touched upon already, cooler outdoor air is often used as part of the air circulation process.

Once again, mechanical ventilation presents a solution, as it can combine thermal energy recovery with added thermal treatment to help reduce energy expenditure. Thermal energy recovery units are able to recover heat from warm air inside the school and use it to raise the temperature of incoming air.

Adopting an intelligent ventilation

strategy that uses indoor air quality and energy recovery management devices can help to maximise energy savings without sacrificing on performance.

Ensuring compliance Away from the direct impact that ventilation has on occupants of a building, there are certain regulatory requirements that schools must adhere to. Recent updates to the Building Bulletin 101 (BB101) bring stricter guidelines to air management in schools, especially when it comes to overheating in summer months and CO2 levels in teaching spaces.

Between 1st May and 30th September, there should be no more than 40 hours when the temperature is 10ºC above the allowable maximum. For CO2, the daily concentration in an occupied space must be less than 1500ppm for natural ventilation, and for mechanical ventilation it should be under 1000ppm.

Straightforward installation To avoid disruption, schools will usually undertake building and refurbishment works outside of term-time, and given the extensive disruption to the standard timetable 2020 has witnessed, this

is even more pertinent. Therefore, any mechanical ventilation must be installed quickly and efficiently in order to be ready in time for students returning.

Elta Fans’ PREMA range of energy recovery units are among the lightest on the market, which makes them easier to install than many other mechanical ventilation models. With quick set-up times and intuitive controls for when they are up and running, mechanical ventilation units are a crucial asset for schools in the provision of clean air and thermal comfort. 

www.eltafans.com

19

LEGAL & BUSINESS

TAKING A STEER ON HEALTH AND SAFETY Amid the coronavirus pandemic and following the Government’s recent £27.4bn pledge as part of the Road Investment Strategy, the highways sector is under ever-greater pressure to step up health and safety standards and practices. utilising the latest F rom communications technology, through to the adoption of automated technology, the industry is responding with a whole range of new risk-averse initiatives that are designed to make highrisk activities; including road surfacing process, as safe as possible. Here, Paddy Murphy, Managing Director of Aggregate Industries’ Contracting Division, tells you all you need to know.

One of the most fundamental ways to improve health and safety within the highways sector has been through investment in new technology to reduce the exposure of our people on the network – namely the most important pieces of kit in the road surfacing armoury – rollers and pavers.

20

Aggregate Industries’ Contracting Division is continuously working with manufacturers to develop revolutionary and state-of-theart plant to make traditional processes much safer, more reliable and efficient.

Based on the principle of incorporating health and safety into the design of all new equipment coming to market, in recent years, we have seen everything from improved chip spreading operation with the KS12-16 Extendachip Spreader, through to smart plant such as the BW 154 pivot-steered tandem rollers to ensure operative visibility, stability and safety.

Another great example of investment in technological innovation is Aggregate Industries’ collaboration with CRH, Bomag and Vision Techniques’ to pilot

its auto-braking radar system – previously used in the waste management industry. The system is linked into our roller-mounted forward- and rear-facing cameras; to automatically applying the vehicle’s brakes if it detects an object or person within a defined exclusion zone.

Aggregate Industries is now working with all of its supply chain partners to bring industry change by demonstrating that investing and trialling R&D in this area can have a really positive impact on safety.

Improving site communication Whilst investing in new paving machinery is key to upholding the highest processes of site safety, there are also much simpler changes that can have a significant impact. For example, after introducing two-way radio

Paddy Murphy is the Managing Director of Contracting at Aggregate Industries, one of the UK’s leading national surfacing contractors, with over 85 years of experience delivering asphalt and hydraulically bound pavement solutions UKwide. Paddy has more than 20 years of experience in the highways industry, and has spent the past decade at Aggregate Industries making health and safety his number one priority.

headsets across all our sites nationwide, background noise was reduced by over 82 dB, supporting the protection of hearing.

The headsets have helped to facilitate clear communications over 10km, removing the need to walk around site or shout within closer proximities, as well as enabling for an immediate safer response as and when required.

This contributes to the overall smooth running of construction projects, because the two-way radio headsets allow interaction with site HGVs as required, improving efficiency and safety of workers across the board.

LEGAL & BUSINESS

Data is king Improvements in automated data capture are also helping to raise health and safety standards across our operations. While it’s no secret that road construction projects create a mountain of data (no matter the size), traditionally, the road surfacing process has required at least one or two technicians manually working alongside each surfacing gang to gather and record data on everything from material temperatures to ride profile. This not only exposes them to the dangers of working in close proximity to live traffic, other workers and construction vehicles, but they face a myriad of other risks, including lone working and hot material interface.

However, we’re increasingly seeing this 30-year-old method overhauled by using automation in machinery.

For instance, Aggregate Industries have recently incorporated state-ofthe-art Automated Intelligent Testing (AIT) equipment to our pavers, rollers and survey vehicles are being fitted with GPS, infrared sensors and a data recording unit to record data throughout laying practices and post-completion. By using the AIT system, pavers and rollers can be linked together to manage pavement compaction, by recording the rolling

temperature and the number of passes to create an even and consistent compacted surface across the whole paved area.

Naturally, this system has provided additional benefits: a rise in productivity, improved working practices and increased road worker safety by effectively removing the need for technicians in the data capture process altogether.

A safer sector In spite of this current period of disruption and uncertainty faced by the highways industry, once work on the UK’s most ambitious road construction programmes resumes in earnest, health and safety will be more important than it has ever been in the sector. Taking the time now to embed strong health and safety behaviours and best practice at the core of everything we do as an industry – whether that’s through implementing new working practices, better communications processes, or investing in new safer, smart technology – will ensure that we’re well-positioned to deliver the infrastructure needed to kick-start the economy in a post-coronavirus world. 

www.aggregate.com

Footnotes: http://assets.highwaysengland.co.uk/about-us/

21

TALKING POINT

TRANSFORMING THE FUTURE OF FIRE SAFETY FOR SOCIAL HOUSING As social housing providers across the UK look to maximise asset protection whilst simultaneously providing the highest standard of safety for tenants, connective technologies are presenting a new proactive approach that offers unlimited opportunities for data access across multiple property portfolios.

Nick Rutter, Chief H ere Product Officer at FireAngel, explores the latest innovations available to architects and specifiers to not only help social housing providers achieve full compliance while minimising running costs, but provide intelligent connected solutions that can be easily adapted for the future.

From struggling to gain access to properties to overcoming issues regarding the adequate measurement and management of property risk, social housing providers across the UK are facing increasing pressures, specifically regarding fire safety.

There are a number of complications associated with missed tenant appointments and the difficulty engineers experience when trying to gain access to properties to conduct necessary maintenance and repairs. This is resulting in not only a reduction of the level of protection potentially provided, but ultimately costly consequences, particularly with regard to the expensive cost of repair following a fire.

22

However, architects and specifiers can work closely with clients from the initial design concepts to implement preventative fire safety measures that utilise connected technologies to remove the physical barriers many providers traditionally face.

This will enable housing providers

to ensure full compliance across their entire housing stock, whilst understanding and meeting fire safety requirements of the future.

Following the Hackitt Review, architects and specifiers are proactively adopting its principles to ensure the long-term efficiency of properties with regard to fire

Nick Rutter is Chief Product Officer at FireAngel. He is passionate about utilising FireAngel IoT and data analytics innovations to achieve FireAngel’s vision of making society safer through the application of leading technology, connectivity and partnerships.

safety. While specifying smoke and heat alarms that quickly and effectively respond to all types of fires is essential, professionals can go above and beyond legal requirements by choosing advanced solutions that react in real-time to potential or actual fire events.

While ionisation sensing technology was traditionally a popular choice due to its low price point and outstanding ability to detect fast-flaming fires, the concerns regarding its potential radioactivity and sensitivity quickly began to outweigh its benefits.

To ensure the quickest response times are ensured for all types of fires and maintain compliance with current standards and regulations, including the 2019 revisions to the British Standard 5839-6, multi-sensing or optical alarms should be specified throughout circulation areas, including landings and hallways.

This provides a basis for ensuring all minimum requirements with regard to fire safety are met, whilst also following the guidance of the UK Fire and Rescue Services.

TALKING POINT However, there are a wide range of connected technologies currently available to aid professionals in taking this compliance one step further, supporting them in adopting a proactive approach that ensures the long-term safety and suitability of their properties, whilst complying to an LD1 specification.

While Scotland takes significant strides in improving the energy efficiency of its social housing stock through EESSH2, providers across other areas of the UK are also looking to supply solutions that not only offer the highest levels of protection, but actively improve the long-term sustainability of their operations.

Typically, a smoke alarm spends 99.9% of its time in standby, dissipating the unused energy through heat, which is extremely inefficient. Once the alarm is activated, a significant increase in power is utilised, which is commonly provided by ‘dropping’ the voltage from the mains power supply.

However, latest developments have led to the creation of mainspowered, low-carbon-footprint ranges that are Smart RF compatible and feature an intelligent ‘step down’ circuit that monitors the active state of the alarm to adequately manage the power available. This ensures the alarm uses just 10% of the energy when compared to the average AC alarm, significantly improving the long-term efficiency of the alarm throughout its 10-year lifespan.

For social housing providers with all sizes of housing stock, the potential to have a running cost as little as 60p per alarm over 10 years can lead to significant reductions in energy output and subsequent savings with regard to operating costs.

As the range is Smart RF compatible, it also provides professionals with the adaptability to future-proof their properties to meet the specific needs of future residents and comply with future legislations.

Offering the benefits of both Thermoptek and Thermistek sensing technology to adequately respond to all fire types, it supports the adoption of a flexible mixed system that interlinks hardwired mains and battery-powered alarms.

A mixed system (also known as a hybrid system) not only provides the opportunity to adopt both 230V mains AC 50Hz and DC battery alarms, but also offers the ability to include Smart RF-ready alarms. This provides enhanced flexibility as additional smoke, heat, CO and specialised assisted living products (such as a wireless alarm control unit and strobe and pad), can be wirelessly added or removed to a network, dependent on the specific needs of a tenant and their level of risk.

This enables architects and specifiers to support social housing providers in achieving a higher standard of fire protection throughout an entire property, where previously a hardwire interlink may not have been possible. Smoke, heat and CO alarms can be wirelessly meshed together on a private network, so when one alarm sounds, they all sound to immediately notify individuals of a potential fire or CO event, aiding a safer and quicker exit. A faster response can also minimise the potential fire damage to the property.

As the alarms are Smart RF compatible, professionals have the flexibility to upgrade the system by fitting a Smart RF radio module into the alarm. This allows wireless interlinking of up to 50 alarms within one network, enabling the opportunity to also access vital information including current status, alarm history, replacement dates and network health through the activation of a cloud-based connect gateway.

By utilising a connect gateway, which uses a unique algorithm and features patented Predict technology to identify and highlight high-risk patterns of behaviour with regard to fire

safety, it bridges the gap in communication by instantly notifying necessary individuals in the event of an alarm activation. For example, high-risk or vulnerable individuals, such as those living alone, anyone hard of hearing or living with dementia, who may leave the hob on after cooking a meal, can be remotely overseen in real-time as the connect gateway sends live updates to designated individuals regarding the status of the smoke, heat and CO alarms installed throughout the property.

By adopting a proactive and connected approach to the fire and CO protection systems being specified across an entire housing portfolio, architects and specifiers can not only ensure social housing providers will be compliant with all current legislations, but sufficiently safeguard their tenants and properties for years to come, and future-proof against any upcoming changes to relevant Building Regulations or changes to an individual’s needs.

The adaptable technology also offers the opportunity for professionals to easily upgrade the fire protection systems installed throughout their entire housing stock at a later date, subsequently reducing the potential asset management challenges and associated costs they may have previously experienced. The remote monitoring capability that connected technologies offer also provide a revolutionary approach to preventative fire safety that delivers the highest standards of protection in the most costeffective way. 

www.fireangel.co.uk/connect

23

TECHNICAL FOCUS

MELLOR PRIMARY SCHOOL: THE ‘TREE-TOP’ CLASSROOM Educational spaces should inspire creativity and a thirst for knowledge and learning.

Unfortunately, tight budgets often stymie the opportunity to create something that meets these aspirations. That was not the case, however, for a primary school on the edge of the Peak District. inspired ‘tree house’ A nextension transformed Mellor Primary School into a stimulating and uplifting space for children, staff and the local community.

The school governors approached Sarah Wigglesworth Architects (SWA) with a detailed brief and a limited budget. The brief included creating something unique that used natural and ecologically-friendly materials, embraced the forest school ethos and connected the school with its woodland surroundings. The headteacher and governors of the school were also keen for the children and local community to be involved with the new creation.

Building the habitat wall One of the most striking elements of the project is the habitat wall. Designed and constructed together with the children and the local community, one gable end of the building is covered with a series of timber-framed compartments which are infilled with locally salvaged timber offcuts, clay tiles and glass bottles

24

to accommodate a variety of habitats for birds, bats, insects, small animals and plants.

The school’s pupils created their designs for the habitat wall, and SWA developed them into a buildable form. Using models and 3D sketches, the architect communicated the designs with the headteacher and governors who shared them with the wider community of stakeholders.

The final design of the habitat wall is made up of a series of separate compartments. This means that each compartment can offer a different feature or activity, and the contents can be changed over time to keep it interactive.

The contractor, MPS Construction, raised some initial concerns with using potentially unpredictable components that did not offer the security of standard building products.

SWA took this issue into account and consequently the compartments were built in sections with the back of each coated in a liquid waterproof membrane.

Embracing biodiversity, space was also left in the wall for additional planting and for the installation of bird and bat boxes.

The boxes were designed based on recommendations by the Royal Society for the Protection of Birds (RSPB) and the Bat Conservation Trust.

Using natural materials Timber is the dominant material used for this project. Chosen for its sustainable, robust properties, it was used for both the structure and the cladding. All timber used is either reclaimed or FSC-/PEFC-certified.

The external walls and roofs of the extension are lined with pre-fabricated timber cassettes, insulated with mineral wool insulation and clad with a combination of vertical cedar boards and British Columbian western red cedar shingles. The pitched roofs of the main buildings are also clad this way, with the architects choosing composite GRP (glass-reinforced plastic) rooflight panels for the canopy roofs.

TECHNICAL FOCUS European larch glulam portal frames were used to support a lightweight canopy on the timber deck, creating productive, open spaces for students to learn about the environment with the local landscape providing the perfect backdrop. Internal joinery includes FSC-certified birch-faced plywood.

For the contractor, the build was a step into new territory in terms of building materials and required a substantial amount of research and support from trade industry bodies, including a specialist who visited the site to show the contractor how to correctly apply the shingles.

An inside out approach The landscape is incorporated into the building through the use of timber. As the extension is situated on a slope, it is built on a timber deck which extends out into the woodland, so that the classroom appears to be a ‘tree house.’ In addition, the glulam portal frames are left exposed, further giving the impression of a tree.

The covered external deck areas can be used either for play or as outdoor classrooms.

Teachers at the school have described the new building as a success that enhances learning by taking the classroom outdoors, a sentiment backed up by the children.

The headteacher says it meets all of the aspirations they hoped to achieve.

Timber and education Health and wellbeing is a topical issue in construction. With numerous studies examining the achievable health and wellbeing benefits for building occupiers, it should extend to education buildings too.

An Austrian study conducted by Human Research compared the health of children in two different classrooms; one constructed with timber and the other with standard materials. The results of the study were substantial and showed children in the timber classroom were less stressed, had significantly lower heart rates and were generally happier. Other studies have highlighted the positive response people have had in buildings made from or containing wood because of the warm and calming effect it has.

The calm and peaceful feeling people experience in a timber building is linked to biophilic design.

Biophilia means a love of nature and is essentially about bringing the outdoors in, with increased daylight, use of timber and plants.

Buildings using biophilic design, particularly timber, have shown the same benefits as the Austrian classroom study. Biophilia also helps increase productivity and creativity – essential elements for a learning environment.

Oliver Heath Design, a sustainable architecture and interior design practice, cites research that

education spaces built with biophilic design principles increase the rate of learning by 20-25% and can improve test results, concentration levels and attendance. Biophilia can also reduce the impacts of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD).

Timber in educational buildings helps to create learning spaces which inspire learning, foster creativity and improve productivity for children and young adults. 

www.woodforgood.com

25

DRAINAGE & LANDSCAPING

DO YOU KNOW YOUR FLOOD RISK? Climate change continues to present challenges in the way we plan, develop or redevelop properties across the UK. The effects created by extreme weather conditions, such as increased levels of rainfall in the winter months, is something that cannot be underestimated and, with experts suggesting that we will witness hotter, drier summers, and wetter winters in the future, the issue of flooding is only going to become more prominent in years to come, says Tom Telford, Account Director at Landmark Information.

O

ne of the challenges comes from the fact that flooding can occur at any time and in almost any location. Common misconceptions suggest that flooding only happens in the winter months, or if the site is near to a tidal or flowing water source or is located on low-laying ground. This isn’t the case, and it’s important that flood mitigation and resilience measures are factored into all future projects as a matter of course.

If you think back to the start of the year, we saw storms Ciara, Dennis and Jorge creating damage that amounted to a clean-up bill of around £360m according to the ABI1. In fact, February was confirmed as the wettest ever recorded in the UK. Having access to data insights that provide a clear picture of potential flood risks – both now and in the future – is essential to proactively protect property assets and the communities that live there, from the threat of flooding. There are various different types of flood risk that can occur – these include:

Fluvial flooding Floods that take place when a river, stream or watercourse is unable to cope with water levels from surrounding land, and fluvial flooding typically occurs following a period of prolonged rain, which has resulted in the land becoming waterlogged.

26

Pluvial flooding Surface water flooding that results from heavy rain whereby it overwhelms drainage and creates flash floods in localised areas.

Coastal flooding Typically results from wet and stormy conditions, high tides or, in the longer term, rising sea levels.

Sewer flooding When sewage escapes from the pipe through a manhole, drain, or by backing up through toilets, baths and sinks; this is known as sewer flooding. Sewer flooding can be caused by blockages in sewer pipes, equipment failure when water inundates the sewers from storm run-off, or the sewer is too small to deal with the amount of sewage entering it.

Groundwater flooding Results from an accumulation of water sources, which leads to water levels rising above the natural ‘water table’ levels.

When considering the different risks, surface water flooding is currently said to be a risk for three million properties2. This has the potential to increase in the future as new property developments continue to come to fruition, which creates additional demands on existing drainage with potentially less ‘green space’ where water can naturally drain to. On top of this, we need to also consider the impact climate change may have in relation to such risks.

DRAINAGE & LANDSCAPING When analysing pluvial risk data from the FloodFutures National Climate Change Flood Map, which models future flood risk scenarios based on the changing climate, it shows that this number has the potential to increase to over 6.4m residential and 1.45m commercial properties in the 2080s, based on a high emission scenario3.

It is; therefore, important to undertake appropriate surface water drainage assessments and flood risk assessments to fully understand if environmental risks of this nature have the potential to impact build projects in the future.

A good starting point is to access the Environment

Agency’s data – or the Scottish Environment Protection Agency for those in Scotland – as it provides a view on current risks relating to many flood risk types for a given area.

For a more specific, addressbased analysis, flood risk reports provide more targeted analysis and allow you to ‘zoom in’ on highlighted risks to determine the type, scale and probabilities.

They also provide an indication of whether further on-site investigations may be needed.

If this is the case, a physical flood risk assessment by an environmental consultant will provide practical solutions on what actions should be taken to

either make existing properties resilient or factor in mitigation measures when designing plans for new developments, if flooding cannot be ruled out in the future.

As data analysis and modelling becomes more sophisticated, the ability to assess future risks is also becoming more dependable.

For example, at Landmark, in partnership with Ambiental Risk Analytics and Wales & West Utilities, we have introduced a national GB dataset that incorporates UKCP09 climate projections to identify the potential impacts of climate change from a flooding perspective.

The dataset includes baseline and future scenario flood maps for the 2020s, 2050s and 2080s, giving developers, urban planners, local authorities and other property professionals the opportunity to effectively glimpse into the future and plan ahead for long-term flood risks with far greater clarity and understanding of how risk profiles will change over time.

Flood risk continues to be one of the most volatile environmental threats that faces Great Britain.

It; therefore, is advisable to undertake as much due diligence into what risks may be present today to ensure the appropriate resilience measures are factored in and sustainable drainage systems installed to ensure addresses are not blighted from the impacts of flood waters in the future.

1https://www.independent.co.uk/news/ business/news/flooding-storm-ciaradennis-insurance-claims-associationbritish-insurers-a9383111.html | 2https://www.gov.uk/government/ news/surface-water-the-biggest-floodrisk-of-all | 3Based on the comparison of a 2017 adjusted baseline 1:100 undefended flooding event and the equivalent under a high emissions UKCP09 scenario. ©2020 Landmark Information Group Ltd & ©2020 Ambiental All rights reserved.



www.landmark.co.uk

27

LEISURE

RESIN FLOORING’S A SEAMLESS FIT FOR OPTIMISING HYGIENE IN COVID CLIMATE Hygiene standards in public spaces will be subject to unprecedented levels of scrutiny as the world emerges from the COVID-19 crisis. The retail and leisure sector was perhaps the hardest hit during the period of lockdown, with shops, cafes and showrooms remaining closed and vital revenues being lost. In order to comply with Government safety rules in relation to social distancing, retail outlets are having to reconfigure how they operate and in some cases, redesign their premises.

Flooring is a crucial part of any refurbishment. Therefore, David Hockley, Area Technical Manager at Sika, looks at systems which have been developed in order to maintain the highest levels of cleanliness, particularly in hygiene-critical public spaces.

C

OVID-19 has forced an abrupt and fundamental change in our domestic, working and social lives. Adapting to a ‘new normal’ will be vital for the country’s post-lockdown economic recovery, particularly as we return in number to high streets and shopping centres.

Confidence is key to the fiscal bounce back. Shoppers obeying new queuing and distancing rules need assurance that the riskaverse strategy is supplemented by retail outlets being emphatic in enforcing strict hygiene control.

For some business owners, it could mean reconfiguring their premises to prevent crowding, while others

28

might choose refurbishment as a way of optimising cleanliness in line with Government directives.

If the latter option is abided by, then it should be worth noting that smooth, easy-to-clean flooring helps create a sanitised environment.

Joint freedom Joint and crack-free walls and flooring are a must in hygienecritical spaces, which no longer only include hospitals and health facilities. Therefore; resin, rather than traditional floorcoverings such as linoleum or tile, represents a more hygienic option in these areas.

Resin-based flooring solutions, such as those within Sika’s ComfortFloor range, are completely free from joints and seams – even at colour changes in the design or at floor-to-wall transitions – that offer a hiding place for dirt and other microscopic bacteria to develop. The system’s smooth and hard-wearing finish is quick and easy to clean, as well as being able to withstand aggressive sanitary regimes without damaging the flooring itself.

ComfortFloor’s rapid-curing property is another benefit, minimising downtime for shops and workspaces where it is installed. This cost-effectiveness

extends to the way in which ComfortFloor systems can be efficiently and easily regenerated, to; therefore, offset significant revenue loss for the store or property owner. Extending the service life of an existing flooring system through the resurfacing of a topcoat compatible with the original floor provides a brand-new surface and the option of changing the colour.

Regenerating a thicker floor is possible with diamond grinding pads which remove any existing surface damage and restore a ComfortFloor to the same glossy surface of a new system.

LEISURE With its ComfortFloor range, Sika provides a system with the environmental credentials to match its superb performance. It is the only resin flooring solution in the market to be classified in the BRE Green Guide with an A+ rating, setting a benchmark for sustainability in the industry. No emissions are released during application of Sika ComfortFloor systems, which are installed without adhesive or underlay.

This contributes to a lower carbon footprint compared to traditional flooring systems and creates a healthier indoor environment.

Style and substance Style needn’t be obscured in the desire for hygienic flooring. For shops and other retail spaces, creating an environment that is welcoming and attractive could be the difference between making a sale or a customer choosing to walk on by. ComfortFloor Marble FX, a new addition to the ComfortFloor range, is a unique decorative system. It has almost limitless design possibilities and can be tailored to incorporate colours, patterns and imagery to

suit a particular need. It means as well as helping uphold the highest hygiene standards, ComfortFloor Marble FX can be used as a promotional tool by carrying a company’s logo or an inspirational message. Who said flooring had to be boring?

Staff and public safety, however, ought to remain the prime consideration when it comes to floor specification.

This includes reducing accidents, as well as preventing microbe and infection spread. Sika ComfortFloor systems exhibit

superb levels of slip-resistance, a vital property in public spaces, which attract visitors of all ages and physical ability. Its adeptness at withstanding invasive, corrosive substances also makes it ideal flooring for outlets involved in food and drink preparation, for example, where spillages are a regular occurrence in a busy, productive environment.

With the world a far more hygiene-critical place than it was just six months ago, the retail sector will be looking to meet the much higher sanitary standards

being demanded of them. Social distancing is a major part of the solution to stemming the deadly virus’ spread, whilst stores installing the right materials throughout a building’s most heavily-trafficked areas – and ensuring robust cleaning regimes are regularly adhered to – also has as a crucial role in keeping interiors healthy and infection-free. It’s an enormously responsible task that can be made all the easier with the specification of Sika’s ComfortFloor. 

www.sika.co.uk

29

CANOPIES & SHELTERS

FACT FILE: Location: Glasgow Completion: September 2019 Gross internal area: 24m2 Construction cost: £10,000 (£416/m2) Architect: O’DonnellBrown Structural engineer: Design Engineering Workshop Collaborators and sponsors: Three Four Five Joinery, RIAS, Saint-Gobain Photography: Ross Campbell

A COMMUNITY CLASSROOM FOR GLASGOW Architectural designer O’DonnellBrown has designed and built a prototype for an outdoor community classroom; an adaptable, demountable learning environment for schools and community groups, which employs a functional, rhythmic geometry and design. The entirely self-initiated project has been developed in parallel with the practice’s ongoing community and educational projects, as a resource to explore connections between people, places and learning. classroom is intended T heto promote and support creative and independent learning in a healthy, versatile and fun environment. It has been designed in line with the Curriculum for Excellence and the National Improvement Framework to facilitate inclusive learning and mental wellbeing.

The design approach was driven by an aspiration to produce an accessible, simple and demountable kit of parts which at its core was architecturally engaging, yet distilled to its purest functional form. Standard structural timber section sizes provide a skeletal frame, forming the basis for plywood modules to be placed

and reconfigured to suit a diverse variety of activities and inhabitants.

The kit comes complete with an easy-to-follow manual and modules may provide seating, shelving, worktops or even presentation surfaces, all while engaging and empowering its hosts in the creative process of constructing and defining their own environment.

Driven by a shared commitment to community engagement and learner-led activity, O’DonnellBrown worked closely with the national children’s charity Barnardo’s Works to identify young people to build the prototype with.

Other sponsors and stakeholders, including the RIAS and SaintGobain, have also been integral to the project, sharing the architects’ vision and aspirations. Support has been provided in the form of materials, such as the timber for the structural framework, and structural engineering input.

The community classroom has hosted a number of communitybased workshops and events, including a craft workshop programmed by Nan McKay Hall, a local community hall.

O’DonnellBrown is working proactively to encourage future take-up of the system by a diverse range of users, increasing its reach throughout schools and communities, to improve provision for sectors integral to our collective wellbeing.

Tommy McDade from Barnardo’s Works said: “We were delighted to be part of the community classroom – one of our project workers and a small team of young people volunteered to help build the classroom. The experience helped the young people understand more about the value of teamwork and effective communications, while also gaining insight into working in this sector. This has helped them to further develop their job prospects and career ambitions.”

Jennifer O’Donnell, Director at O’DonnellBrown, said: “Using our self-initiated projects to pursue societal issues is important to us and we believe that the community classroom can help raise expectations for what an outdoor learning environment can be.” 

www.odonnellbrown.com

30

FBLS FIRE BLOCK LOUVRE SYSTEM COMPLETE KITS COMPRISING INTUMESCENT FIRE BLOCK GRILLE AND STEEL LOUVRES FOR DOORS AND PANELS  TIMBER FIRE DOORS UP TO 60 MINUTES INTEGRITY  STEEL FIRE DOORS UP TO 240 MINUTES INTEGRITY  27 STANDARD SIZES FROM STOCK  MILD STEEL OR STAINLESS STEEL LOUVRES AVAILABLE  TO SUIT DOORS MINIMUM 44MM THICK  NO MAXIMUM DOOR THICKNESS

THE FBLS CONSISTS OF AN INTUMESCENT FIRE BLOCK GRILLE ONLY 14MM THICK WHICH FITS WITHIN THE DOOR LEAF IN THE APERTURE, AND A STEEL TWO-PART LOUVRE SET WHICH FASTENS TO BOTH SIDES OF THE DOOR AND SANDWICHES THE INTUMESCENT BLOCK. IN THE EVENT OF FIRE THE INTUMESCENT EXPANDS 80 TIMES ITS OWN VOLUME TO FILL THE DOOR VOID PREVENTING THE SPREAD OF FLAMES.

Zero Seal Systems Ltd Units 43 - 45 Ladford Covert, Seighford, Stafford, ST18 9QG, United Kingdom Tel : +44 (0)1785 282910 E-mail : sales@zeroplus.co.uk

WWW.ZEROPLUS.CO.UK

31

FOCUS & INNOVATION

“THIS IS YOUR CAPTAIN SPEAKING” – CAN YOU HEAR ME? Stanstead Airport College, was a few years in the making and opened its doors in September 2018. A relationship was developed with Manchester Airport Group over a period of five years to secure the acre of land at the end of the runway and get their buy-in for the proposed college. www.selectaglaze.co.uk

01727 837271

enquiries@selectaglaze.co.uk

MEDITE TRICOYA EXTREME INSECT HOTELS MEDITE SMARTPLY has partnered with the All Ireland Pollinator Plan and created a set of six insect hotels using MEDITE TRICOYA EXTREME (MTX), weatherresistant MDF, to help encourage biodiversity across Ireland. Used as nest sites by insects such as solitary bees, insect hotels have come to play an important role in helping local wildlife to thrive. In city or town environments that lack enough natural space to allow wildlife to prosper, insect hotels can make all the difference.

“Being part of the All Ireland Pollinator Plan is another step for raising support for the environment and awareness of how much we can influence it,” said MEDITE SMARTPLY Environmental Officer, Federico Mento.

www.mdfosb.com

32

London Stansted Airport has one runway serving all take-off and landings, so noise was a big concern. Typically, a Boeing 737 (one nautical mile high) before landing, can generate sounds levels in the region of 90 to 100 dB. The WHO (World Health Organisation) recommends classroom noise levels to be: 35 to 40 dB, so a significant reduction needed to be made. Highperformance primary double glazing was installed but did not meet the acoustic requirements on its own.

Selectaglaze provided a solution with secondary glazing; the most effective method of acoustic insulation. Tests have shown that Selectaglaze secondary glazing can provide a 45 dB reduction if set 200mm from a single glazed primary window with 6mm glass.

32 units were installed across the site including; Series 10 two- and three-pane horizontal sliders and a Series 41 casement door. All were installed with a cavity of 200mm and tightly sealed.

The roar of the overhead planes has been silenced, creating a quiet and conducive space for concentration required for teaching and studying.

Founded in 1966, Royal Warrant Holder Selectaglaze has a wealth of experience producing discreet secondary glazing treatments. It boasts a range of products to suit all projects from listed properties to new builds.

P C HENDERSON DONATES HARDWARE TO ASSIST SCHOOL REBUILD IN NEPAL P C Henderson has donated materials to help with the rebuild of a primary school in Nepal after it was left devastated by an earthquake in 2015. The village of San Bhorle was left in ruins when the 7.8Mw earthquake hit, levelling every one of its 43 houses and primary school. All but one resident survived, but the community was left to rebuild their lives with no materials, tools or machinery. As the only communal building in the village – and the only one which would have permanent power and internet access – the local community required a school building which could also be used for other events such as village meetings and celebrations. P C Henderson’s Securefold system was identified as the best solution for the project. Carrying 10 solid hardwood doors measuring 225 high x 50cm wide, it was important the system could cope with a heavy load whilst allowing www.pchenderson.com for effortless and safe opening 0191 377 7345 by adults and children. sales@pchenderson.com

POLYX®-OIL ORIGINAL POLYX®-OIL EFFECT 3032 Clear, Satin Enhances the colour

3044 Raw, Matt Preserves the untreated effect

Especially suitable for wooden floors!

• Extremely durable and hardwearing • Very water and dirt resistant • No sanding necessary for spot repairs or future applications • Microporous, breathable finish which does not crack, peel or flake

www.osmouk.com

THE WIDEST RANGE OF INNOVATIVE AND STYLISH BALUSTRADE & HANDRAIL. WHATEVER THE APPLICATION, WE HAVE A COST EFFECTIVE SOLUTION.

THE WIDEST RANGE OF INNOVATIVE AND STYLISH BALUSTRADE & HANDRAIL. WHATEVER THE PROJECT, WE HAVE A COST EFFECTIVE SOLUTION.

Stand-Offs

Frameless Glass

Stainless Handrail

Wire Rope Pro-Railing stainless steel handrail component system, requires no welding. Simply cut, screw and glue on site to create stunning handrail and balustrades that will look great for years to come.

Spigots For a quote, request a catalogue or to get more information:

Glass Clamps

01708 39 80 22 sales@brundle.com www.fhbrundle.co.uk

33

FOCUS & INNOVATION

SCOTTISH WATER HORIZONS AND XYLEM WATER SOLUTIONS UK ANNOUNCE EXCITING NEW PARTNERSHIP Scottish developers gain exclusive access to a turnkey solution, including the Flygt Concertor pump – a state-of-the-art wastewater pump with energy savings of up to 70%.

Water Horizons, S cottish a commercial subsidiary of Scottish Water, and Xylem Water Solutions, a world-leading water technology company, have announced an exciting new partnership that will help developers improve efficiency and reduce their carbon footprint.

The two organisations have teamed up to provide the Scottish developer market with exclusive access to the world’s first wastewater pump system with

34

integrated intelligence, Xylem’s Flygt Concertor system.

The Flygt Concertor system offers a host of significant benefits. The system’s smart technology can sense environmental operating conditions and adapt the pump’s performance to ensure they always operate at the optimum level, whilst providing intelligent feedback to station operators.

Compared to traditional pumps, the Flygt Concertor system offers

up to a 70% saving on energy consumption, drastically reducing carbon and running costs.

All of these benefits have a positive impact on Scottish Water vesting the asset, making the process easier for developers.

Previous installations of the Xylem technology have proven to be a huge success for Scottish Water. With the pumps working significantly more efficiently and with increased resilience compared to other technologies, Scottish Water saw both cost and carbon savings at two sites in Ayrshire.

David Thompson, Capital Liaison Engineer for Scottish Water, said: “With the installation of Xylem pumps at two of our pumping stations, we saw reduced energy bills combined with savings made through fewer call outs, repairs, pump replacements and maintenance time, which amounted to Scottish Water making collective cost savings of just over £42,000 per annum. The increased efficiency of the pumps also meant that we saw energy savings of around 30 to 40 kilowatts per year.”

Scottish Water Horizons’ Operations Manager, Colin Lindsay, said: “Our new partnership will offer developers peace of mind whilst contributing to a greener future for Scotland.

“In the midst of climate change, we’re committed to supporting Scotland’s journey to net-zero emissions. Scottish Water have pledged to net-zero five years before the Scottish Government targets, so we want to do everything we can to drive efficiency and protect precious resources. The developer community is constantly looking for innovative systems that will help them reduce their carbon footprint whilst driving down costs. This partnership means they can choose the Flygt Concertor system, safe in the knowledge that installation will be managed and carried out by our team.

“This agreement is exactly what Scottish Water Horizons is all about – bringing fresh thinking and innovative ideas together to help our customers, our environment and our economy thrive.”

Scottish Water Horizons has years of experience in the developer market, providing a range of water and wastewater services throughout Scotland.

Their pumping station service starts at the initial design and carries right through to vesting with Scottish Water.

Chris Stewart, Xylem’s Regional Sales and Operations Manager for Scotland, said: “Xylem are delighted that Scottish Water Horizons have embraced the opportunity to drive innovation and efficiencies into this market. This collaboration will offer significant reductions in capital and operational costs to the housing developer, while contributing significant carbon reductions in line with the Scottish Government’s carbonneutral strategy.”

“Historically, pump stations can be inefficient, expensive to install and maintain, with significant operational costs. Many of the problems that developers experience with pump stations, such as clogging and breakdowns, can be alleviated through the use of innovative Xylem technology that has a proven track record within the utilities market.”

www.xylem.com/uk

Latest Schöck BBA Certification raises the bar.

Thermal break technology you can trust.

No need to compromise on performance, quality or service. Schöck products meet full compliance with relevant UK building regulations, are approved by the BBA, LABC registered and classified as fire resistance class REI 120.

Schöck Ltd | Staniford House | 4 Wedgwood Road | Bicester | Oxfordshire | OX26 4UL | Tel: 0845 241 3390 | www.schoeck.co.uk

180019_Anz_IK_KXT_185x129_GB_rz.indd 1

01.02.18 11:04

Riserdeck® A modern high specification composite alternative to traditional galvanised steel and M&E service riser flooring.

Riserdeck® is easy to install.

Simply cast into fresh concrete, as the building is constructed, or retrofit at a later stage.”

BENEFITS: Exceptional strength-to-weight ratio.

Quick and easy to install.

Excellent load bearing capabilities.

Lightweight and easy to handle.

Bi-directional spanning.

Corrosion and weather resistant.

Non-conductive.

Multi-purpose.

Cost effective.

Fire resistant (BS 476.)

Anti-slip- surface

riserdeck@steponsafety.co.uk

01206 396446

          

www.steponsafety.co.uk

35

FOCUS & INNOVATION

INTASTOP LAUNCHES SECURA MULTI-LOCK REMOVABLE DOORSTOP As part of its specifically designed SECURA range for the anti-ligature market, leading manufacturer Intastop, has launched the new multi-lock removable doorstop. With patient safety and security the ultimate priority in mental health facilities, Intastop designed the original SECURA multi-lock removable doorstop in conjunction with a leading mental health trust, to address barricade, ligature and self-harm issues. This new product now benefits from enhanced features such as increased functionality with staff safety at its core, as well as clear locking indicator and Lifeline compatibility, meaning there is just one key operation to simultaneously open both locks. The full length, stop mounted doorstop is FD30 fire rated and tested to European standard EN 1634-2000 and is also anti-ligature tested to DHF TS 001:2013 B4 (0.5mm wire test) giving all trusts, staff and patients complete confidence and reassurance.

www.intastop.com

01302 364666

SIG ANNOUNCES UK LEADERSHIP TEAM Following the appointment of Philip Johns as SIG UK Managing Director in March, SIG has announced the new board of directors.

There is a return to SIG for David Hope and Richard Burnley as Divisional Managing Directors North and South respectively for the distribution business. To drive the roofing part of SIG, additional appointments have been made to the UK leadership team with George King taking up the position of Divisional Managing Director South (Exteriors) and John Magee taking up the position of UK Operations Director. Further to these appointments, Andy Williamson has joined SIG as part of the UK Leadership team in the position of Commercial Director, with over 25 years’ experience in the construction industry, including 11 years with the IKO Group where he held the position of Group Managing Director for six years. Andy has strong relationships with customers and suppliers and is recognised for his work with the BMF and CPA.

sales@intastop.com

www.sigplc.com

DESIGNER CONTRACTS MOVES TO NEW HQ

BMI SEALOFLEX IS JUST THE TICKET AT HEATHROW Close collaboration between the technical team at BMI and IMA member Itech Roofworks produced a uniquely effective answer to the challenge of refurbishing Pier 6 at Heathrow’s Terminal 3. The BMI technical team were tasked with supplying a roofing system with improved fire performance characteristics. BMI met this challenge and developed a bespoke solution for this specialist application; by incorporating BMI Icopal’s innovative FireSmart technology to the specific bituminous and liquid elements of the system. Use of the Pyrobar Carrier layer permitted a swift removal and replacement of the existing single-ply, constantly maintaining the waterproofing integrity of Pier 6.

Designer Contracts has moved into new headquarters, four times the size of its former premises. The impressive space, located in Chesterfield, boasts 8000ft2, with room to accommodate 50 people plus meeting and conference facilities. The company has moved 25 members of the team over to the new site while retaining the existing offices at the original Holmewood Chesterfield site which will now house its central region’s administration and warehouse teams. Said Designer Contracts MD, Peter Kelsey: “We are thrilled to have finally moved into our new HQ. We were due to move at the end of March, but like many, had to put our plans on hold until it was safe to make the transition.”

www.designercontracts.com

ELIMINATING SNAGGING WITH INVESTMENTS IN SURVEYING The Window Company (Contracts) made further investments in its surveying team before lockdown, an acknowledgement, it says, that it is the quality of the survey which is ultimately key to the satisfaction of residents who are having their windows and doors replaced. The company says that accurate data from surveys eliminates errors and mismeasures and means that snagging visits can be significantly reduced. Chair, David Thornton, says: “Reducing or even eliminating snagging has huge benefits for the resident, the client and; of course, us; the contractor.

As well as improving satisfaction levels, it makes us more efficient and; in turn, more competitive. There are now three surveyors on The Window Company (Contracts) team.

www.bmigroup.com/uk marketingukandi@bmigroup.com www.thewinco.co.uk

36

01245 268120

thornton@thewinco.co.uk

DEANESTOR SUPPLIES CLINICAL FURNITURE FOR THREE NHS FIELD HOSPITALS Deanestor has provided clinical equipment to three of the new NHS field hospitals – Harrogate, Glasgow and Birmingham.

Two projects were completed for principal contractor BAM Construct UK and with architect firm BDP, supplying a total of 12 lorry loads of specialist equipment to the Harrogate Convention Centre which was converted into an NHS Nightingale Hospital. Clinical workbenches and modular storage units totalling 500 items were offloaded, unpacked and delivered just 48 hours after receiving each instruction. This project has delivered a 500-bed level-three critical care field hospital for COVID-19 patients for the Leeds Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust.

www.deanestor.co.uk 01623 420041 enquiries@deanestor.com

F. Ball and Co. has helped create a professional flooring finish over wood and metal raised access panels as part of a refurbishment to create office space for a Government service in Liverpool. HB Flooring used F. Ball’s dual-purpose Stopgap Fill and Prime and Stopgap 1200 Pro smoothing underlayment to prepare subfloors before installing luxury vinyl tiles (LVTs) and carpet tiles over one floor of the building, totalling 2500m². It was first necessary to prime the wooden raised access panels, in the office’s entranceway and walkways, where the LVTs would be installed, and fill joints between panels. Contractors; therefore, applied F. Ball’s Stopgap Fill and Prime over 400m² of the total floor area.

www.f-ball.co.uk

01538 361633

Premier Modular, one of the UK’s leading offsite specialists, has delivered a new, purpose-designed modular PET-CT scanning facility for Alliance Medical at Norfolk and Norwich University Hospital. The new building was built offsite and is now operational and serving the local community.

The new facility was fully fitted-out at Premier’s offsite factory in East Yorkshire and craned into position complete with the PET-CT scanner, doors, windows, partitions, glazed screens and all mechanical and electrical services to reduce work on site to just four weeks. This approach significantly reduced the overall build programme. Installation was completed on a Sunday to minimise disruption to the hospital.

OSMO EXCELS AT OXFORD When Brasenose College extended its student library into the old cloisters and required a hardwearing wood finish for the tops of the new desks, it turned to Osmo UK to provide a product that would protect and preserve the wooden surfaces. The college contracted professional cabinet maker David Haddock to create an extended library and stipulated that the new desktops be protected with Osmo UK Polyx-Oil, a premium wood finish that is guaranteed to keep wooden surfaces in top condition. “The Osmo UK finish was extremely easy to apply” explains David.

“Polyx-Oil is specially designed to maintain and protect wooden surfaces against everyday wear-and-tear – something that was of key importance on this project.” Ideal for solid, engineered or laminate wood, Polyx-Oil is a high-quality, water-repellent and tread-resistant wood finish based on natural ingredients.

Available in glossy, satin, semi-matt and matt finishes, the PolyxOil range offers the highest coverage of any oil on the market – a 2.5 litre can cover approximately 30m² with two coats.

01296 481220

mail@f-ball.co.uk

PREMIER MODULAR DELIVERS PET-CT DIAGNOSTIC FACILITY

www.premiermodular.co.uk

www.osmouk.com

FOCUS & INNOVATION

F. BALL DELIVERS EFFICIENCY AT GOVERNMENT SERVICE OFFICES

sales@osmouk.com

0800 316 0888

info@premiermodular.co.uk

SENIOR’S ‘HANDS-FREE’ COMMERCIAL DOOR SOLUTIONS Senior Architectural Systems is anticipating an increase in demand for its automatic aluminium door solutions as more business and facilities look for cost-effective ways to help reduce the spread of COVID-19. High-traffic touchpoints like door handles can become a breeding ground for bacteria and viruses and as a result, require regular cleaning. Automatic doors can provide a safe and secure solution, and Senior Architectural Systems is on hand to advise both specifiers and fabricators on choosing the most appropriate system for their needs. In partnership with supply chain partner Autodoor Projects UK, Senior’s aluminium doors systems can be fabricated to utilise innovative hardware such as wave-activated touchless entry and exit pads. Other entrance system options that can be offered to help building owners navigate the new COVID-19 regulations include the use of facial and thermal recognition cameras and people-counting monitors to help manage occupancy levels.

01709 772600

www.seniorarchitectural.co.uk info@sasmail.co.uk

37

FOCUS & INNOVATION

OFFSITE SOLUTIONS LAUNCHES NEW BATHROOM POD RANGE Offsite Solutions, the UK’s leading pod manufacturer, has launched a new range of bathroom pods specifically designed for the build-to-rent residential sector. A UK industry-first, the floorless GRP pods have been estimated to reduce operating costs by over 50% compared to traditionally built bathrooms. These enhanced GRP pods have two key features. A floorless option allows the pods to be installed directly onto the floor slab to achieve continuous level floors throughout. Also, with strong aesthetics, the pods provide an attractive porcelain tile-effect finish which is integral to the pod carcase. This avoids the need for grout and tiles in wet areas, significantly reducing ongoing maintenance.

www.offsitesolutions.com/floorlessgrp 01278 780807 info@offsitesolutions.com

SUNRAY TIMBER DOOR DIVISION LAUNCH FIRE-SECURE FIRE-SECURE is a brand-new ground-breaking combined timber fire and security rated door revolutionising door safety and standards.

FIRE-SECURE is a timber door which offers two unique benefits; timed protection from fire and timed protection from physical attack. Having invested a six-figure sum in the development of this range, Sunray has achieved the ability to provide a 30-minute fire rating on either face of the door – interior or exterior – as well as it having the accredited LPCB SR – security levels 1 and 2 – certification. The timber door provides aesthetics with a range of colour or veneer finishes, vision panels and locking options.

NEW DEAL FOR PORT OF GARSTON AND AGGREGATES SPECIALIST TO SUPPORT UK SUPPLY CHAIN Associated British Ports (ABP) has celebrated the start of a new long-term contract with decorative aggregates importer Long Rake Spar in support of the UK supply chain. Long Rake Spar will import around 60,000 tonnes of decorative stone per annum via the Port of Garston.

This product will be used to supply construction industry businesses, including landscapers, contractors and builder’s merchants. The Port of Garston has already completed two successful cargo discharge operations for Long Rake Spar. ABP will be investing £2.6m to enhance facilities at the port and tailor them to meet the needs of its new customer, including installing 16 external concrete storage bays and building a new 20,000ft2 warehouse.

www.longrakespar.co.uk 01629 636210 sales@longrakespar.co.uk

www.sunraytimberdoors.co.uk 01252 645534 sales@sunraytimberdoordivision.co.uk

TATA STEEL LAUNCHES NEW A1 FIRE RATED FACADE SYSTEM

A NEW FASTER, SAFER, STRONGER AND LIGHTER METAL TILE SOLUTION FROM BMI Drawing on its extensive experience in lightweight metal tiles, BMI is setting new standards with the introduction of AeroDek. AeroDek is faster, safer, stronger and lighter than traditional roof coverings; while replicating the high aesthetic of clay, concrete or slate in a tile guaranteed to last for 40 years. Made from a recyclable, galvanised steel core protected by a resilient, multi-layer stone-coated finish; the interlocking tiles are quick to install, lightweight and resistant to damage by vandalism or extreme weather. These properties make AeroDek particularly suited to buildings that demand a robust and secure roof solution; and projects that are subject to extreme weather conditions in coastal or aggressive climate environments.

www.bmigroup.com/uk marketingukandi@bmigroup.com

Tata Steel has launched Urban Seam Façade, a new A1 fire rated steel standing seam cladding system that delivers a modern aesthetic and importantly, exceeds the fire safety standards set by the updated Building Regulations. As a development of the Colorcoat Urban range of products, the facade system has been engineered with the needs of residential developers and contractors in mind. Urban Seam Façade is suitable for use on buildings over 18m high with a residential purpose where all external cladding elements must have a reaction to fire rating of A2 or better to meet the requirements of Building Regulations.

www.tatasteelconstruction.com 01244 892434 colorcoat.connection@tatasteeleurope.com

TG ESCAPES SUPPORTS FESTIVAL OF LEARNING SPACES Running from 1st June to 10th July, the festival features over 40 webinars over six weeks as well as a whole host of engaging and thought-provoking on-demand content to view at your leisure. James Lee, Managing Director at Step Connect, said: “We’re delighted to announce TG Escapes as a festival headline sponsor. Since I launched Education Estates eight years ago, TG Escapes has been a valued exhibitor, and we’re delighted that they are supporting us in this ambitious and exciting festival.” Included in the programme will be practical advice and guidance, addressing the current situation; industry resilience; examples of how projects are being progressed and how to do stakeholder engagement in these current times.

www.tgescapes.co.uk

38

0800 917 7726

info@tgescapes.co.uk

WE HAVE NEVER OFFERED FELT...

WE HAVE NOW. INTRODUCING SIKABIT® RETHINKING FELT Previously, Sika didn’t do felt. But then we thought, if we did, it should be backed by the industry leading expertise you’d expect from Sika.

So, we developed SikaBit® - the fully compliant, Safe2Torch reinforced bituminous membrane. Now what do you think about that?

THINK YOU’D LIKE TO KNOW MORE? Visit sikabit.co.uk, email sikabit.roofing@uk.sika.com or call 0800 112 3837

Discover Nordic Copper for Architecture Copper: Nordic Brown Light, Project: Beecroft Building, University of Oxford Physics Department Architects: Hawkins\Brown, Photo: Jim Stephenson

Architectural Copper Surfaces and Alloys Copper is a constantly evolving, natural and durable material with an indefinite design-life. With an ‘A1 (non-combustible material)’ fire classification to EN 13501-1 and melting point of 1083˚C, copper is also suitable for cladding tall buildings, using appropriate constructions. It is fully recyclable, safe to use, and requires no maintenance.

Nordic Copper offers an impressive portfolio of surfaces and alloys for architecture, including Nordic Standard ‘mill finish’ and Nordic Brown pre-oxidised copper. The Nordic Blue, Nordic Green and Nordic Turquoise pre-patinated ranges share properties and colours based on the same brochantite mineralogy found in natural patinas.

Alongside traditional Nordic Bronze and Nordic Brass alloys, the innovative Nordic Royal retains its rich golden colour over time. An extensive choice of Nordic Décor mechanically applied surface treatments is also available. Nordic Copper offers limitless possibilities for innovative contemporary architectural and interior design.

NordicCopper.com g.bell@aurubis.com